Patent ID: 6105427
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: G01P

Abstract:
A semiconductor accelerometer of the differential capacitor type comprising, in combination:a) top and bottom cover wafer elements, each cover wafer element comprising an associated oxide layer having opposed interior and exterior semiconductor layers integral therewith;b) a first dielectric layer of predetermined thickness adjacent each said interior semiconductor layer;c) an aperture within each of said interior semiconductor and first dielectric layers defining an electrode and a peripheral guard ring;d) a semiconductor proofmass wafer element having opposed sides, said proofmass wafer element having an aperture therethrough defining a central proofmass, a peripheral frame and at least one flexible hinge adjoining said proofmass to said frame, said central proofmass and said peripheral frame being of like thickness; ande) a second dielectric layer of predetermined thickness overlying said frame on each of said sides of said proofmass wafer element whereby the thicknesses of each of said second dielectric layers define gaps between facing surfaces of said central proofmass and said interior semiconductor layers.