摘要:
An apparatus and method of operation for a self-testable accelerometer having a housing, a diaphragm for detecting movement in response to an applied force, a mass on the diaphragm, at least one capacitive plate attached to the housing and disposed such that a potential difference between the capacitive plate and the mass causes a movement of the mass, means for producing a potential difference between the mass and the capacitive plate, and at least one piezoresistive element attached to the housing and the diaphragm for sensing movement of the mass. The accelerometer's housing comprises a frame, a base and a cap with air gaps providing squeeze film damping and mechanical stops for inhibiting movements of the mass. The combination of the capability to electrostatically produce a movement of the mass and the piezoresistive sensing of that movement allows testing and calibration of the accelerometer at any stage in its manufacture or deployment without the need for external equipment such as shakers.
摘要:
An apparatus and method of operation for a self-testable accelerometer having a housing, a diaphragm for detecting movement in response to an applied force, a mass on the diaphragm, at least one capacitive plate attached to the housing and disposed such that a potential difference between the capacitive plate and the mass causes a movement of the mass, electrodes for applying a potential difference between the mass and the capacitive plate, and at least one piezoresistive element attached to the housing and the diaphragm for sensing movement of the mass. The accelerometer's housing comprises a frame, a base and a cap with air gaps providing squeeze film damping and mechanical stops for inhibiting movements of the mass. The combination of the capability to electrostatically produce a movement of the mass and the piezoresistive sensing of that movement allows testing and calibration of the accelerometer at any stage in its manufacture or deployment without the need for external equipment such as shakers.
摘要:
An apparatus and method of operation for a self-testable accelerometer having a housing, a diaphragm for detecting movement in response to an applied force, a mass on the diaphragm, at least one capacitive plate attached to the housing and disposed such that a potential difference between the capacitive plate and the mass causes a movement of the mass, electrodes for applying a potential difference between the mass and the capacitive plate, and at least one piezoresistive element attached to the housing and the diaphragm for sensing movement of the mass. The accelerometer's housing comprises a frame, a base and a cap with air gaps providing squeeze film damping and mechanical stops for inhibiting movements of the mass. The combination of the capability to electrostatically produce a movement of the mass and the piezoresistive sensing of that movement allows testing and calibration of the accelerometer at any stage in its manufacture or deployment without the need for external equipment such as shakers.
摘要:
Methods and apparatus for an absolute or gauge pressure sensor having a backside cavity with a substantially vertical interior sidewall. The backside cavity is formed using a DRIE etch or other MEMS micro-machining technique. One embodiment provides for a diaphragm having a boss manufactured using a two step process that results in a boss thickness that is independent of the thickness of the starting material. Another provides for various shapes to the backside cavity that reduces the likelihood of crystalline fractures while focusing stress on piezoresistive sensing elements. Another provides for a sensitivity adjustment by thinning the insulating and silicon layers that form the sensor diaphragm. A pressure sensor according to the present invention may incorporate one or more of these, or may incorporate other elements discussed herein.
摘要:
A trimmable microminiature force-sensitive switching device for detecting the state of external conditions, such as pressure, acceleration and temperature, is disclosed. The device includes a silicon substrate having a reduced-thickness, deflectable member adapted to change its deflection in response to changes in the external condition to be detected. Increasing deflection of the member establishes electrical contact between a common contact and first one, then progressively more, spaced electrical contacts of a plurality of switches. Each of the spaced electrical contacts is connected to a common terminal. Trimming of the switching device is accomplished by application of a preselected external force, such as pressure, that causes the deflection of the deflectable member and the closing of one or more of the switches. Electrical energy is then applied to the external terminal of the common contact and the external terminal of the common terminal of the fusible links, such that current flows through the switches that have closed and through their associated fusible links, causing those fusible links to open circuit, thereby precluding the subsequent detection of external conditions whose level is at or below the preselected level applied during trimming of the device.
摘要:
A dynamic force measurement system for taking a series of force measurements of a force applied against a sensor device whereby to determine, record, display and store the sequence of force measurements. The sensor device is adapted to respond to said force and provide an electronic force signal which is representative thereof. The dynamic force measurement system includes a central processing unit for operating a computer program, having data and program instruction storage means, graphic display and user interface means. A sensor interface device provides for the connecting of the sensor device to the central processing unit. The sensor interface device includes means for monitoring the force signal generated by the sensor device, converting the signal to a numerical binary format for recording in intermediate storage means within the sensor interface device for ultimate transfer to the central processing unit for display, statistical analysis and storage.
摘要:
A semiconductor transducer (10) including a substrate having a well (18) formed in one surface thereof and a semiconductor layer (14) having a first surface (26) bonded to the substrate about the periphery of the well to form a diaphragm (30) and a second surface (28) which is substantially parallel to the first surface and has a pedestal (16) projecting therefrom which is disposed above the well. The side walls (32) of the pedestal are substantially orthogonal to the second surface of the semiconductor layer and are formed by sawing edge portions of said semiconductor layer. The substrate includes structures (38) which extend upward from the bottom of the well to limit the deflection of the diaphragm.
摘要:
Methods and apparatus for an absolute or gauge pressure sensor having a backside cavity with a substantially vertical interior sidewall. The backside cavity is formed using a DRIE etch or other MEMS micro-machining technique. The backside cavity has an opening that is cross shaped, where the dimensions of the cross may be varied to adjust pressure sensor sensitivity. The cross may have one or more rounded corners to reduce peak stress, for example, the interior corners may be rounded. A sensing conductor may be routed over one or more corners including the interior corners to detect breakage.
摘要:
An improved method for forming a metal contact for a silicon sensor. First, platinum is deposited over a contact area. Then the platinum is sintered to form platinum silicide. Subsequently, titanium/tungsten (TiW) is deposited over the platinum silicide. Finally, gold is deposited over the TiW.
摘要:
A microminiature switch for digitizing different-valued external conditions, such as pressure, temperature of acceleration, is disclosed. The switch includes a silicon wafer having a deflectable, reduced-thickness membrane adapted to move from a relaxed position toward increasingly flexed or bulged positions in response to greater-value changes in such external condition. Movement of the membrane from its relaxed position to more strained positions establishes electrical contact between a common terminal and first one and then progressively more switch-state terminals in the switch, wherein the number of switch states which are closed corresponds to the external condition acting on the switch.