Patent ID: 7849742
Filing Date: 2010-12-14
Classification: G01P

Abstract:
1. An out-of-plane sensing device, comprising: a first substrate; a proof mass movable perpendicular to the first substrate; a first frame positioned on the first substrate and enclosing the proof mass; at least one first spring connecting the proof mass to the first frame; a first electrode extending from a first side of the proof mass toward the first frame; a first counter electrode extending from the first frame toward the proof mass, wherein a projection of the first electrode onto the first substrate overlaps with a projection of the first counter electrode onto the first substrate; a second electrode extending from a second side of the proof mass toward the first frame; and a second counter electrode extending from the first frame toward the proof mass, wherein a projection of the second electrode onto the first substrate overlaps with a projection of the second counter electrode onto the first substrate; wherein a distance from the second electrode to the second counter electrode will increase when the proof mass moves to decrease a distance from the first electrode to the first counter electrode.