Patent · US Expired

Miniature condenser microphone and fabrication method therefor

US7146016B2 · kind B2 · utility

71Cited by
17References
27Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 25, 2002
Grant dateDec 5, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 23, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/4908
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

An acoustic pressure type sensor fabricated on a supporting substrate is disclosed. The acoustic sensor is fabricated by depositing and etching a number of thin films on the supporting substrate and by machining the supporting substrate. The resulting structure contains a pressure sensitive, electrically conductive diaphragm positioned at a distance from an electrically conductive fixed electrode. In operation, the diaphragm deflects in response to an acoustic pressure and the corresponding change of electrical capacitance between the diaphragm and the fixed electrode is detected using an electrical circuit. Two or more such acoustic sensors are combined on the same supporting substrate with an interaural flexible mechanical connection, to form a directional sensor with a small surface area.

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