Abstract:
A self-test method by rotating the proof mass at a high frequency enables testing the functionality of both the drive and sense systems at the same time. In this method, the proof mass is rotated at a drive frequency. An input force which is substantially two times the drive frequency is applied to the actuation structures to rotate the proof mass of the gyroscope around the sensitive axis orthogonal to the drive axis. An output response of the gyroscope at the drive frequency is detected by a circuitry and a self-test response is obtained.
Abstract:
A self-test method by rotating the proof mass at a high frequency enables testing the functionality of both the drive and sense systems at the same time. In this method, the proof mass is rotated at a drive frequency. An input force which is substantially two times the drive frequency is applied to the actuation structures to rotate the proof mass of the gyroscope around the sensitive axis orthogonal to the drive axis. An output response of the gyroscope at the drive frequency is detected by a circuitry and a self-test response is obtained.
Abstract:
A MEMS device and method for providing a MEMS device are disclosed. In a first aspect, the MEMS device comprises a first substrate and a second substrate coupled to the first substrate forming a sealed enclosure. A moveable structure is located within the sealed enclosure. An outgassing layer is formed on the first or second substrates and within the sealed enclosure. A first conductive layer is disposed between the moveable structure and the outgassing layer, wherein the first conductive layer allows outgassing species to pass therethrough.
Abstract:
A MEMS capacitive sensing interface includes a sense capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal, and having associated therewith a first electrostatic force. Further included in the MEMS capacitive sensing interface is a feedback capacitor having a third terminal and a fourth terminal, the feedback capacitor having associated therewith a second electrostatic force. The second and the fourth terminals are coupled to a common mass, and a net electrostatic force includes the first and second electrostatic forces acting on the common mass. Further, a capacitance measurement circuit measures the sense capacitance and couples the first terminal and the third terminal. The capacitance measurement circuit, the sense capacitor, and the feedback capacitor define a feedback loop that substantially eliminates dependence of the net electrostatic force on a position of the common mass.
Abstract:
Semiconductor manufacturing processes include providing a first substrate having a first passivation layer disposed above a patterned top-level metal layer, and further having a second passivation layer disposed over the first passivation layer; the second passivation layer has a top surface. The processes further include forming an opening in a first portion of the second passivation layer, and the opening exposes a portion of a surface of the first passivation layer. The processes further include patterning the second and first passivation layers to expose portions of the patterned top-level metal layer and bonding a second substrate and the first substrate to each other. The bonding occurs within a temperature range in which at least the exposed portion of the first passivation layer undergoes outgassing.
Abstract:
An angular velocity sensor including a drive extension mode. In one aspect, an angular rate sensor includes a base and at least three masses disposed substantially in a plane parallel to the base, the masses having a center of mass. At least one actuator drives the masses in an extension mode, such that in the extension mode the masses move in the plane simultaneously away or simultaneously towards the center of mass. At least one transducer senses at least one Coriolis force resulting from motion of the masses and angular velocity about at least one input axis of the sensor. Additional embodiments can include a linkage that constrains the masses to move in the extension mode.
Abstract:
A dynamically balanced 3-axis gyroscope architecture is provided. Various embodiments described herein can facilitate providing linear and angular momentum balanced 3-axis gyroscope architectures for better offset stability, vibration rejection, and lower part-to-part coupling. In addition, exemplary gyroscope architectures could yield more compact but non-balanced drive and sense gyroscopes with fewer than 3 axes by omitting components of exemplary gyroscope architectures.
Abstract:
A dynamically balanced 3-axis gyroscope architecture is provided. Various embodiments described herein can facilitate providing linear and angular momentum balanced 3-axis gyroscope architectures for better offset stability, vibration rejection, and lower part-to-part coupling.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a fixed-fixed membrane for a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone. In one embodiment,
a MEMS acoustic sensor includes a substrate; a membrane situated parallel to the substrate; and at least one vent formed into the membrane, wherein the at least one vent is a curved opening in the membrane, and wherein the at least one vent is disposed substantially along a length of the membrane.
Abstract:
In a first aspect, the angular rate sensor comprises a substrate and a rotating structure anchored to the substrate. The angular rate sensor also includes a drive mass anchored to the substrate and an element coupling the drive mass and the rotating structure. The angular rate sensor further includes an actuator for driving the drive mass into oscillation along a first axis in plane to the substrate and for driving the rotating structure into rotational oscillation around a second axis normal to the substrate; a first transducer to sense the motion of the rotating structure in response to a Coriolis force in a sense mode; and a second transducer to sense the motion of the sensor during a drive mode. In a second aspect the angular rate sensor comprises a substrate and two shear masses which are parallel to the substrate and anchored to the substrate via flexible elements. In further embodiments, a dynamically balanced 3-axis gyroscope architecture is provided. Various embodiments described herein can facilitate providing linear and angular momentum balanced 3-axis gyroscope architectures for better offset stability, vibration rejection, and lower part-to-part coupling.