Patent ID: 6598475
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
A micromechanical inertial sensor adapted to sense rotation about a first axis, the micromechanical inertial sensor comprising:a substrate; first and second proof masses spaced apart from and mechanically connected to said substrate, said proof masses adapted to vibrate along a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis, said proof masses also being movable along a third axis substantially orthogonal to the first and second axes; a plurality of pickoff plates in at least partial alignment with respective proof masses, said pickoff plates spaced from said proof masses by a gap that varies in response to movement of said proof masses along the third axis; at least one voltage source electrically connected to said pickoff plates; and a plurality of resistive elements disposed in series between the at least one voltage source and respective pickoff plates to reduce pickoff resonance of the micromechanical inertial sensor.