Patent ID: 6012336
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: B81B,B81C,G01L

Abstract:
A microelectromechanical (MEM) capacitance pressure sensor, comprising:(a) a silicon substrate having an upper surface;(b) a cavity formed below the upper surface of the silicon substrate;(c) a first capacitor plate formed in the substrate below the cavity with a dopant type opposite that of the substrate, and forming in combination with the substrate a reverse-biased semiconductor p-n junction;(d) a substantially planar diaphragm covering the cavity;(e) a second capacitor plate formed on a surface of the diaphragm; and(f) electronic circuitry, comprising a plurality of transistors, formed on the substrate proximate to the cavity and connected to the first and second capacitor plates for sensing a change in pressure from a deflection in the diaphragm.