Abstract:
A method of forming a MEMS device (10) includes forming a sacrificial layer (34) over a substrate (12). The method further includes forming a metal layer (42) over the sacrificial layer (34) and forming a protection layer (44) overlying the metal layer (42). The method further includes etching the protection layer (44) and the metal layer (42) to form a structure (56) having a remaining portion of the protection layer formed over a remaining portion of the metal layer. The method further includes etching the sacrificial layer (34) to form a movable portion of the MEMS device, wherein the remaining portion of the protection layer protects the remaining portion of the metal layer during the etching of the sacrificial layer (34) to form the movable portion of the MEMS device (10).
Abstract:
Systems and methods that protect CMOS layers from exposure to a release chemical are provided. The release chemical is utilized to release a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) device integrated with the CMOS wafer. Sidewalls of passivation openings created in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) wafer expose a dielectric layer of the CMOS wafer that can be damaged on contact with the release chemical. In one aspect, to protect the CMOS wafer and prevent exposure of the dielectric layer, the sidewalls of the passivation openings can be covered with a metal barrier layer that is resistant to the release chemical. Additionally or optionally, an insulating barrier layer can be deposited on the surface of the CMOS wafer to protect a passivation layer from exposure to the release chemical.
Abstract:
An electromechanical device may include a first substrate, a second substrate, a connector, and a protector. The connector may be formed of a first dielectric material and may be positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. A first side of the connector may directly contact the first substrate. The protector may be formed of a second dielectric material and may directly contact a second side of the connector.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to a method for forming a MEMS device and a MEMS device formed by the method. When forming the MEMS device, sacrificial material is deposited around the switching element within the cavity body. The sacrificial material is eventually removed to free the switching element in the cavity. The switching element has a thin dielectric layer thereover to prevent etchant interaction with the conductive material of the switching element. During fabrication, the dielectric layer is deposited over the sacrificial material. To ensure good adhesion between the dielectric layer and the sacrificial material, a silicon rich silicon oxide layer is deposited onto the sacrificial material before depositing the dielectric layer thereon.
Abstract:
This invention aims to protect an outer peripheral part of an upper surface of a silicon substrate with a protective film using a back plate. A conductive diaphragm (33) is arranged on an upper side of a silicon substrate (32) including a back chamber (35), and the diaphragm (33) is supported with an anchor (37). An insulating plate portion (39) is fixed to an upper surface of the silicon substrate (32) so as to cover the diaphragm (33) with a gap. A conductive fixed electrode film (40) is arranged on a lower surface of the plate portion (39) to configure a back plate (34). The change in electrostatic capacitance between the fixed electrode film (40) and the diaphragm (33) is outputted to outside from a fixed side electrode pad (45) and a movable side electrode pad (46) as an electric signal. A protective film (53) is arranged in continuation to the plate portion (39) at an outer periphery of the plate portion (39), which protective film (53) covers the outer peripheral part of the upper surface of the silicon substrate (32) and the outer periphery of the protective film (53) coincides with the outer periphery of the upper surface of the silicon substrate (32).
Abstract:
Des premier et second matériaux sacrificiels sont déposés sur un substrat (1). Des premier et second motifs (2a, 6a) sont formés respectivement dans les premier et second matériaux sacrificiels. Le premier motif (2a) en premier matériau sacrificiel est disposé sur le second motif (6a) en un second matériau sacrificiel. Le premier motif laisse libre une zone de largeur prédéfinie sur la périphérie d'une face supérieure du second motif (6a). La couche active (3) recouvre au moins l'ensemble des parois latérales des premier et second motifs (2a, 6a) et ladite zone prédéfinie du second motif (6a). La zone active (3) est structurée pour permettre l'accès au premier matériau sacrificiel. Les premier et second matériaux sacrificiel sont éliminés sélectivement formant d'une structure mobile comportant une zone libre solidaire du substrat (1) par une zone d'accroche