Patent ID: 8575710
Filing Date: 2013-11-05
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
1. A capacitive semiconductor pressure sensor, comprising: a bulk region of semiconductor material; a buried cavity overlying a first part of the bulk region; and a membrane suspended above said buried cavity, wherein, said bulk region and said membrane are formed in a monolithic substrate, and in that said monolithic substrate carries structures for transducing the deflection of said membrane into electrical signals, wherein said bulk region and said membrane form electrodes of a capacitive sensing element, and said transducer structures comprise contact structures in electrical contact with said membrane and with said bulk region, and wherein said bulk region has a first conductivity type, and said membrane has a second conductivity type, wherein said monolithic substrate accommodates a capacitive reference element arranged adjacent to said capacitive sensing element, and wherein said capacitive reference element comprises: an insulating region overlying a second part of the bulk region, said second part of the bulk region being adjacent to said buried cavity overlying the first part of the bulk region; and an electrode region overlying said insulating region and adjacent to said membrane.