Abstract:
A sensor for detecting electromagnetic radiation, having a detection element; and at least one electrode; the detection element and the at least one electrode forming a variable capacitor, and a change in the capacitance of the capacitor being caused by the detected electromagnetic radiation.
Abstract:
A MEMS device includes a P-N device formed on a silicon pin, which is connected to a silicon sub-assembly, and where the P-N device is formed on a silicon substrate that is used to make the silicon pin before it is embedded into a first glass wafer. In one embodiment, forming the P-N device includes selectively diffusing an impurity into the silicon pin and configuring the P-N device to operate as a temperature sensor.
Abstract:
A package including an electrical circuit may be produced in a more efficient manner when on a substrate including a plurality of electrical circuits the circuits are tested for their functionality and when the functional circuits are connected, by means of a frame enclosing the circuit on the surface of the substrate, to a second substrate whose surface area is smaller than that of the first substrate. The substrates are connected, by means of a second frame, which is adapted to the first frame and is located on the surface of the second substrate, such that the first and second frames lie one on top of the other. Subsequently, the functional packaged circuits may be singulated in a technologically simple manner.
Abstract:
A micromechanical component having a silicon substrate; a cavity provided in the substrate; and a diaphragm, provided on the surface of the substrate, which closes the cavity; the diaphragm featuring a silicon-oxide layer having an opening that is formed by silicon-oxide wedges pointing to each other; and the diaphragm having at least one closing layer which closes the opening. Also, a suitable manufacturing method.
Abstract:
The MEMS Sensor Suite on a Chip provides the capability, monolithically integrated onto one MEMS chip, to sense temperature, humidity, and two axes of acceleration. The device incorporates a MEMS accelerometer, a MEMS humidity sensor, and a MEMS temperature sensor on one chip. These individual devices incorporate proof masses, suspensions, humidity sensitive capacitors, and temperature sensitive resistors (thermistors) all fabricated in a common fabrication process that allows them to be integrated onto one micromachined chip. The device can be fabricated in a simple micromachining process that allows its size to be miniaturized for embedded and portable applications. During operation, the sensor suite chip monitors temperature levels, humidity levels, and acceleration levels in two axes. External circuitry allows sensor readout, range selection, and signal processing.
Abstract:
A process using integrated sensor technology in which a micromachined sensing element and signal processing circuit are combined on a single semiconductor substrate to form, for example, an infrared sensor. The process is based on modifying a CMOS process to produce an improved layered micromachined member, such as a diaphragm, after the circuit fabrication process is completed. The process generally entails forming a circuit device on a substrate by processing steps that include forming multiple dielectric layers and at least one conductive layer on the substrate. The dielectric layers comprise an oxide layer on a surface of the substrate and at least two dielectric layers that are in tension, with the conductive layer being located between the two dielectric layers. The surface of the substrate is then dry etched to form a cavity and delineate the diaphragm and a frame surrounding the diaphragm. The dry etching step terminates at the oxide layer, such that the diaphragm comprises the dielectric layers and conductive layer. A special absorber is preferably fabricated on the diaphragm to promote efficient absorption of incoming infrared radiation.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor component (100; . . . ; 700), a multilayer semiconductor component in particular, preferably a micromechanical component, such as a heat transfer sensor in particular having a semiconductor substrate (101), in particular made of silicon, and a sensor region (404). For inexpensive manufacture of a thermal insulation between the semiconductor substrate (101) and the sensor region (404) a porous layer (104; 501) is provided in the semiconductor component (100; . . . ; 700).
Abstract:
A process using integrated sensor technology in which a micromachined sensing element and signal processing circuit are combined on a single semiconductor substrate to form, for example, an infrared sensor. The process is based on modifying a CMOS process to produce an improved layered micromachined member, such as a diaphragm, after the circuit fabrication process is completed. The process generally entails forming a circuit device on a substrate by processing steps that include forming multiple dielectric layers and at least one conductive layer on the substrate. The dielectric layers comprise an oxide layer on a surface of the substrate and at least two dielectric layers that are in tension, with the conductive layer being located between the two dielectric layers. The surface of the substrate is then dry etched to form a cavity and delineate the diaphragm and a frame surrounding the diaphragm. The dry etching step terminates at the oxide layer, such that the diaphragm comprises the dielectric layers and conductive layer. A special absorber is preferably fabricated on the diaphragm to promote efficient absorption of incoming infrared radiation.
Abstract:
This invention relates to the construction of microfabricated devices and, in particular, to types of microfabricated devices requiring thermal isolation from the substrates upon which they are built. This invention discloses vertical thermal isolators and methods of fabricating the vertical thermal isolators. Vertical thermal isolators offer an advantage over thermal isolators of the prior art, which were substantially horizontal in nature, in that less wafer real estate is required for the use of the vertical thermal isolators, thereby allowing a greater density per unit area of the microfabricated devices.
Abstract:
A sensor element provided with a silicon substrate having a semiconductor circuit, a sensing-element portion formed on the silicon substrate and connected to the semiconductor circuit, and a cavity portion formed by removing a silicon substrate portion below the sensing-element portion, in which a removal resistance region having resistance against substrate removal is provided in the silicon substrate between the semiconductor circuit and the cavity portion.