Patent ID: 7709795

Claim:
An infrared sensor unit comprising: a semiconductor substrate which is configured to be formed in its top surface with a semiconductor device and to be covered by a dielectric top layer concealing said semiconductor device; a thermal infrared sensor; a sensor mount carrying said thermal infrared sensor; a thermal insulation support which is configured to floatingly support said sensor mount above said semiconductor device; wherein both of said sensor mount and said thermal insulation support are made of a porous material which is superimposed on top of said dielectric top layer, wherein said thermal insulation support comprises a pair of posts projecting on said dielectric top layer and a pair of horizontal beam each extending from each of said posts and joining to said sensor mount in a parallel relation with said dielectric top layer so as to support said sensor mount in a spaced relation from said semiconductor device, and wherein said thermal infrared sensor includes a patterned strip or wiring made of a metal which is deposited on said sensor mount and said horizontal beams and into respective via-holes in said posts to extend over said sensor mount, said horizontal beams, and said posts for electrical connection to terminal pads on said dielectric top layer.