Patent ID: 6022756
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
A method of forming a sensor, the method comprising the steps of:producing a metal body to have a metal diaphragm;printing a plurality of successive layers of insulator ink on the metal diaphragm, the last such layer being formed of a material having a lower glass transition temperature than the other such layers;firing the layers of insulator ink to form an insulting layer having a thickness in the range of one to ten micrometers, and then annealing said insulating layer at a temperature sufficient to reflow said last insulating layer and yield a insulative surface with increased smoothness than prior to said annealing;forming polysilicon resistive elements on the insulating layer;printing a layer of conductor ink on the insulating layer, in contact with the polysilicon resistive elements, and firing said conductor ink to form conductors electrically coupled to said resistive elements, the conductive ink including a metal powder from the group consisting of silicon powder and silicide powder, thereby to inhibit diffusion of silicon from the resistive elements into the conductors; anddepositing a passivation layer over the polysilicon resistive elements and the conductors.