Patent · US Expired

Method of adding mass to MEMS structures

US7005193B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
6References
37Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 29, 2003
Grant dateFeb 28, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 16, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/24917
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A proof mass (11) for a MEMS device is provided herein. The proof mass comprises a base (13) comprising a semiconductor material, and at least one appendage (15) adjoined to said base by way of a stem (21). The appendage (15) comprises a metal (17) or other such material that may be disposed on a semiconductor material (19). The metal increases the total mass of the proof mass (11) as compared to a proof mass of similar dimensions made solely from semiconductor materials, without increasing the size of the proof mass. At the same time, the attachment of the appendage (15) by way of a stem (21) prevents stresses arising from CTE differentials in the appendage from being transmitted to the base, where they could contribute to temperature errors.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.