Abstract:
A technique decouples a MEMS device from sources of strain by forming a MEMS structure with suspended electrodes that are mechanically anchored in a manner that reduces or eliminates transfer of strain from the substrate into the structure, or transfers strain to electrodes and body so that a transducer is strain-tolerant. The technique includes using an electrically insulating material embedded in a conductive structural material for mechanical coupling and electrical isolation.
Abstract:
Methods and structures that may be implemented in one example to co-integrate processes for thin-film encapsulation and formation of microelectronic devices and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) such as sensors and actuators. For example, structures having varying characteristics may be fabricated using the same basic process flow by selecting among different process options or modules for use with the basic process flow in order to create the desired structure/s. Various process flow sequences as well as a variety of device design structures may be advantageously enabled by the various disclosed process flow sequences.
Abstract:
Trapped sacrificial structures and thin-film encapsulation methods that may be implemented to manufacture trapped sacrificial structures such as relative humidity sensor structures, and spacer structures that protect adjacent semiconductor structures extending above a semiconductor die substrate from being contacted by a molding tool or other semiconductor processing tool in an area of a die substrate adjacent the spacer structures.
Abstract:
Methods and structures that may be implemented in one example to co-integrate processes for thin-film encapsulation and formation of microelectronic devices and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) such as sensors and actuators. For example, structures having varying characteristics may be fabricated using the same basic process flow by selecting among different process options or modules for use with the basic process flow in order to create the desired structure/s. Various process flow sequences as well as a variety of device design structures may be advantageously enabled by the various disclosed process flow sequences.
Abstract:
A technique decouples a MEMS device from sources of strain by forming a MEMS structure with suspended electrodes that are mechanically anchored in a manner that reduces or eliminates transfer of strain from the substrate into the structure, or transfers strain to electrodes and body so that a transducer is strain-tolerant. The technique includes using an electrically insulating material embedded in a conductive structural material for mechanical coupling and electrical isolation. An apparatus includes a MEMS device including a first electrode and a second electrode, and a body suspended from a substrate of the MEMS device. The body and the first electrode form a first electrostatic transducer. The body and the second electrode form a second electrostatic transducer. The apparatus includes a suspended passive element mechanically coupled to the body and electrically isolated from the body.
Abstract:
An apparatus is formed on a substrate including at least one semiconductor device. The apparatus includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device comprising at least one of a portion of a first structural layer and a portion of a second structural layer formed above the first structural layer. The second structural layer has a thickness substantially greater than a thickness of the first structural layer. In at least one embodiment, the MEMS device includes a first portion of the second structural layer and a second portion of the second structural layer. In at least one embodiment, the MEMS device further comprises a gap between the first portion of the second structural layer and the second portion of the second structural layer. In at least one embodiment, the gap has a width at least one order of magnitude less than the thickness of the second structural layer.
Abstract:
Membrane transducer structures and thin-film encapsulation methods for manufacturing the same are provided. In one example, the thin film encapsulation methods may be implemented to co-integrate processes for thin-film encapsulation and formation of microelectronic devices and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) that include the membrane transducers.
Abstract:
A technique decouples a MEMS device from sources of strain by forming a MEMS structure with suspended electrodes that are mechanically anchored in a manner that reduces or eliminates transfer of strain from the substrate into the structure, or transfers strain to electrodes and body so that a transducer is strain-tolerant. The technique includes using an electrically insulating material embedded in a conductive structural material for mechanical coupling and electrical isolation.
Abstract:
An apparatus is formed on a substrate including at least one semiconductor device. The apparatus includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device comprising at least one of a portion of a first structural layer and a portion of a second structural layer formed above the first structural layer. The second structural layer has a thickness substantially greater than a thickness of the first structural layer. In at least one embodiment, the MEMS device includes a first portion of the second structural layer and a second portion of the second structural layer. In at least one embodiment, the MEMS device further comprises a gap between the first portion of the second structural layer and the second portion of the second structural layer. In at least one embodiment, the gap has a width at least one order of magnitude less than the thickness of the second structural layer.
Abstract:
A method for compensating for strain on a MEMS device includes generating a signal indicative of a strain on the MEMS device in a first mode of operating a system including the MEMS device. The method includes compensating for the strain in a second mode of operating the system based on the signal. Generating the signal may include comparing an indicator of a resonant frequency of the MEMS device to a predetermined resonant frequency of the MEMS device. Generating the signal may include comparing a first output of a strain-sensitive device to a second output of a strain-insensitive device and generating an indicator thereof. Generating the signal may include sensing a first capacitive transduction of strain-sensitive electrodes of the MEMS device in the first mode and generating the signal based thereon. The strain-sensitive electrodes of the MEMS device may be disabled in the second mode.