Patent ID: 8227876
Filing Date: 2012-07-24
Classification: G01P

Abstract:
1. A MEMS inertial sensor comprising: a single crystal silicon layer having a top surface, the single crystal silicon layer also having sensing structure and a second component, the second component being within the single crystal silicon layer and including circuitry; and a deposited additional layer adjacent to the top surface of the single crystal silicon layer, the deposited additional layer having a portion that is spaced from the top surface and having a face that faces the top surface and the sensing structure, the deposited additional layer being conductive to serve as an interconnect for the sensing structure on the single crystal silicon layer, the deposited additional layer electrically connecting the sensing structure with the circuitry and forming an electrode capable of capacitively coupling with at least a portion of the single crystal silicon layer and measuring a change of capacitance between the sensing structure and the deposited additional layer, the change of capacitance being based, at least in part, upon a change in distance between the sensing structure and the face of the deposited additional layer.