Abstract:
Method of forming a diaphragm (11) supported in a cavity (22), comprising the steps of:
a. implant in a substrate (8) a p-type layer (50); b. deposit an n-type epitaxial layer (18) on the substrate (8); c. implant spaced sinkers (58) through the epitaxial layer (18) and into electrical connection with the layer (50); d. anodize the substrate (8) to form porous silicon of the sinkers (58) and said layer (50); e. oxidize the porous silicon to form silicon dioxide ; and f. etch the silicon dioxide to form the cavity (22) and diaphragm (11). A direct etching of porous silicon is also proposed.
Abstract:
A sensor for determining the rotational speed of a rotating element. The sensor includes a giant magnetoresistive ratio sensing device which is magnetically coupled to the rotating element and includes an output terminal. The sensing device generates an output signal at the output terminal having a frequency corresponding to the rotational speed of the rotating element. A wave-shaping circuit is connected to the output terminal for receiving the output signal and for generating a digital switching signal having a frequency equal to the frequency of the output signal. A frequency divider has an input connected to the wave shaping circuit for receiving the digital switching signal. The frequency divider generates, in response to the digital switching signal, a square wave output having a 50% duty cycle and a frequency equal to the frequency of the digital switching signal divided by a predetermined divisor.
Abstract:
A gas concentration sensor for use in a closed container having a constant volume and gas within the container, wherein the gas has a known pressure at a given temperature. The sensor includes a pressure sensing device disposed within the container, wherein the pressure sensing device generates a first electrical signal functionally related to the gas pressure within the container. The sensor also includes an electronic circuit connected to the pressure sensing device which amplifies the first electrical signal and produces a second electrical signal functionally related to the gas concentration within the volume at any temperature.
Abstract:
A bearing assembly for a vehicle including a fixed element, a rotating element rotating relative to the fixed element about an axis, and an annular sensor connected to one of the fixed element and the rotating element. The sensor includes a pick-up coil and an annular magnet connected to the pick-up coil. The magnet has a plurality of magnetic regions which alternate in polarity around the magnet. The magnet generates a magnetic flux path magnetically coupling the magnet to the coil and resulting in the generation of an electrical signal in the coil. The rotating bearing element includes a plurality of gear teeth. The gear teeth generate a change in the reluctance of the magnetic flux path to vary the electrical signal in response to the angular speed of the fixed element relative to the rotating element.
Abstract:
A force transducer having a semiconductor substrate including a surface defining a recess, such that the recess has a peripheral boundary and a flexible diaphragm connected to the surface along the peripheral boundary to enclose the recess so that the diaphragm moves in response to changes in a force applied thereto. The force transducer also includes a resonant beam connected to the surface adjacent the peripheral boundary. The resonant beam has a frequency of resonation. Movement of the diaphragm in response to changes in the force applied to the diaphragm changes the frequency of resonation of the resonant beam.
Abstract:
A bearing assembly for a vehicle including a fixed element, a rotating element rotating relative to the fixed element about an axis, and an annular sensor connected to one of the fixed element and the rotating element. The sensor includes a pick-up coil and an annular magnet connected to the pick-up coil. The magnet has a plurality of magnetic regions which alternate in polarity around the magnet. The magnet generates a magnetic flux path magnetically coupling the magnet to the coil and resulting in the generation of an electrical signal in the coil. The rotating bearing element includes a plurality of gear teeth. The gear teeth generate a change in the reluctance of the magnetic flux path to vary the electrical signal in response to the angular speed of the fixed element relative to the rotating element.
Abstract:
A force transducer (10) having a semiconductor substrate (14) including a surface (18) defining a recess (22), such that the recess (22) has a peripheral boundary and a flexible diaphragm (86,90) connected to the surface along the peripheral boundary to enclose the recess so that the diaphragm (86,90) moves in response to changes in a force applied thereto. The force transducer also includes a resonant beam (62) connected to the surface adjacent the peripheral boundary. The resonant beam has a frequency of resonation. Movement of the diaphragm in response to changes in the force applied to the diaphragm changes the frequency of resonation of the resonant beam (62).
Abstract:
A gas concentration sensor for use in a closed container having a constant volume and gas within the container, wherein the gas has a known pressure at a given temperature. The sensor includes a pressure sensing device disposed within the container, wherein the pressure sensing device generates a first electrical signal functionally related to the gas pressure within the container. The sensor also includes an electronic circuit connected to the pressure sensing device which amplifies the first electrical signal and produces a second electrical signal functionally related to the gas concentration within the volume at any temperature.