Abstract:
Systems and methods for detecting the presence of biomolecules in a sample using biosensors that incorporate resonators which have functionalized surfaces for reacting with target biomolecules. In one embodiment, a device includes a piezoelectric resonator having a functionalized surface configured to react with target molecules, thereby changing the mass and/or charge of the resonator which consequently changes the frequency response of the resonator. The resonator’s frequency response after exposure to a sample is compared to a reference, such as the frequency response before exposure to the sample, a stored baseline frequency response or a control resonator’s frequency response.
Abstract:
Coplanar waveguides have a center signal line and a pair of ground lines on either side formed of a sputtered material such as gold (Au). Such waveguides are subject to what is known as the edge effect at high frequency operation causing currents to concentrate and flow along adjacent edges of the lines. Providing a thicker plated layer only on adjacent edges of the lines provide substantial performance improvements over sputtered lines alone while saving significant amount of Au, thus reducing costs.
Abstract:
A MEMS device (14) may be formed in a hermetic cavity (42) by sealing a pair of semiconductor structures (22, 32) to one another, enclosing the MEMS device (12). The two structures (22, 32) may be coupled using surface mount techniques as one example, so that the temperatures utilized may be compatible with many MEMS applications. Electrical interconnection layers (40) in one or the other of these structures may be utilized to allow electrical interconnections from the exterior world to the MEMS components (14) within the cavity (42).
Abstract:
A microelectronic package including a microelectronic die having an active surface and at least one side. An encapsulation material is disposed adjacent the microelectronic die side(s), wherein the encapsulation material includes at least one surface substantially planar to the microelectronic die active surface. A first dielectric material layer may be disposed on at least a portion of the microelectronic die active surface and the encapsulation material surface. At least one conductive trace is then disposed on the first dielectric material layer. The conductive trace(s) is in electrical contact with the microelectronic die active surface. At least one conductive trace extends adjacent the microelectronic die active surface and adjacent the encapsulation material surface.
Abstract:
This invention relates to inductive inertial sensors employing a magnetic drive and/or sense architecture. In embodiments, translational gyroscopes utilize a conductive coil made to vibrate in a first dimension as a function of a time varying current driven through the coil in the presence of a magnetic field. Sense coils register an inductance that varies as a function of an angular velocity in a second dimension. In embodiments, the vibrating coil causes first and second mutual inductances in the sense coils to deviate from each other as a function of the angular velocity. In embodiments, self-inductances associated with a pair of meandering coils vary as a function of an angular velocity in a second dimension. In embodiments, package build-up layers are utilized to fabricate the inductive inertial sensors, enabling package-level integrated inertial sensing advantageous in small form factor computing platforms, such as mobile devices.
Abstract:
A semiconductor package having an air pressure sensor and methods to form a semiconductor package having an air pressure sensor are described. For example, a semiconductor package includes a plurality of build-up layers. A cavity is disposed in one or more of the build-up layers. An air pressure sensor is disposed in the plurality of build-up layers and includes the cavity and an electrode disposed above the cavity. Also described are various approaches to fabricating a semiconductor package having a hermetically sealed region.
Abstract:
An apparatus comprising a substrate, a heater formed on the substrate, and a phase-change layer formed on the heater. The heater comprises a heater layer and first and second electrodes electrically coupled to the heater layer. A process comprising forming a heater on a substrate and forming a phase-change layer on the heater. The heater comprises a heater layer and first and second electrodes electrically coupled to the heater layer.
Abstract:
An FBAR device may be chemically functionalized by depositing an interactive layer so that targeted chemicals are preferentially adsorbed. Such miniaturized chemical sensors may be combined with wireless network technology. For example, a chemical sensor may be integrated in a cell phone, PDA, a watch, or a car with wireless connection and GPS. Since such devices are widely populated, a national sensor network may be established. Consequently, a national toxicity map can be generated in real time. Detailed chemical information may be obtained, such as if a chemical is released by a source fixed on ground or by a moving object, or if is spread by explosives or by wind and so on.
Abstract:
An apparatus comprising a substrate and an array of vibration sensors formed on the substrate, the array comprising two or more vibration sensors, wherein each vibration sensor in the array has a different noise floor and a different operational frequency range than any of the other vibration sensors in the array. A process comprising forming an array of vibration sensors on a substrate, the array comprising two or more vibration sensors, wherein each of the two or more vibration sensors in the array has a different noise floor and a different operational frequency range than any of the other vibration sensors in the array. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
Abstract:
Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) apparatus and methods for surface acoustic wave (SAW) switching are disclosed. The apparatus includes a piezoelectric substrate having spaced apart input and output SAW transducers. A MEMS switch is arranged between the input and output SAW transducers The MEMS switch has a deformable member in electromagnetic communication with one or more actuation electrodes formed on or above the substrate. The deformable member is deformable to mechanically contact the substrate to deflect or absorb a SAW generated by the input SAW transducer.