Abstract:
A method for fabricating packaged semiconductor devices (100) with an open cavity (110a) in panel format; placing (process 201) on an adhesive carrier tape a panel-sized grid of metallic pieces having a flat pad (230) and symmetrically placed vertical pillars (231); attaching (process 202) semiconductor chips (101) with sensor systems face-down onto the tape; laminating (process 203) and thinning (process 204) low CTE insulating material (234) to fill gaps between chips and grid; turning over (process 205) assembly to remove tape; plasma-cleaning assembly front side, sputtering and patterning (process 206) uniform metal layer across assembly and optionally plating (process 209) metal layer to form rerouting traces and extended contact pads for assembly; laminating (process 212) insulating stiffener across panel; opening (process 213) cavities in stiffener to access the sensor system; and singulating (process 214) packaged devices by cutting metallic pieces.
Abstract:
Microstructure plating systems and methods are described herein. One method includes depositing a plating-resistant material between a microstructure and a bonding layer, wherein the microstructure comprises a plating process base material and immersing the microstructure in a plating solution.
Abstract:
In a method of gyroscope operation, at an input of a gyroscope, a synchronization signal provided by an image sensor is received. The synchronization signal is associated with the capture of a portion of an image frame by the image sensor. Responsive to receipt of the synchronization signal by the gyroscope, the gyroscope generates gyroscope data that is substantially synchronized in time with the synchronization signal. The gyroscope outputs the gyroscope data for use in stabilization of the portion of the image frame.
Abstract:
Described herein is a miniaturized and ruggedized wafer level MEMS force sensor composed of a base and a cap. The sensor employs multiple flexible membranes, a mechanical overload stop, a retaining wall, and piezoresistive strain gauges.
Abstract:
A method of forming an IC (integrated circuit) device is provided. The method includes receiving a first wafer including a first substrate and including a plasma-reflecting layer disposed on an upper surface thereof. The plasma-reflecting layer is configured to reflect a plasma therefrom. A dielectric protection layer is formed on a lower surface of a second wafer, wherein the second wafer includes a second substrate. The second wafer is bonded to the first wafer, such that a cavity is formed between the plasma-reflecting layer and the dielectric protection layer. An etch process is performed with the plasma to form an opening extending from an upper surface of the second wafer and through the dielectric protection layer into the cavity. A resulting structure of the above method is also provided.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a miniaturized sensor having a heating element, and to an associated production method. The sensor includes a substrate, a cavity and a heat-insulating structure suspended above the cavity by areas connecting to the substrate. The heat-insulating structure includes at least two bridges extending above the cavity, the heating element being supported by said bridges, extending transversely thereto.
Abstract:
An actuator includes: an electrostatic actuation mechanism including a stationary electrode and a movable electrode; a first movable part driven by the electrostatic actuation mechanism; a first elastic support part that elastically supports the first movable part; an electret formed in at least one of the stationary electrode and the movable electrode; and a drive control unit that controls application of voltage to the electrostatic actuation mechanism. In the actuator a plurality of stable states are set in which the first movable part is positioned at a stable position at which an electrostatic force generated by the electret matches with an elastic force exerted by the first elastic support part or at a stable position near such stable position. By applying a voltage to the electrostatic actuation mechanism, the first movable part may be displaced from any stable position to another stable position.
Abstract:
Microstructure plating systems and methods are described herein. One method includes depositing a plating-resistant material between a microstructure and a bonding layer, wherein the microstructure comprises a plating process base material and immersing the microstructure in a plating solution.
Abstract:
A small area semiconductor device package containing two or more MEMS sensor device die and a controller die for the sensor devices is provided. The controller die is mounted on top of the largest MEMS sensor device die (e.g., a gyroscope) and over a second MEMS sensor device die (e.g., an accelerometer). In one embodiment, the controller die is also mounted on the top of the second MEMS sensor device die. In another embodiment, the controller die overhangs the second MEMS sensor device die, which is of a lesser thickness than the first MEMS sensor device die.
Abstract:
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer (2) and a dielectric stack (3) on the semiconductor layer. A plurality of etchant openings (24-1,2 . . . ) are formed through the dielectric stack (3) for passage of etchant for etching a plurality of overlapping sub-cavities (4-1,2 . . . ), respectively. The etchant is introduced through the etchant openings to etch a composite cavity (4) in the semiconductor layer by simultaneously etching the plurality of overlapping sub-cavities into the semiconductor layer.