PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11134325-B2
Application Number: US-201916450808-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Lids with a patterned conductor for microphone transducer packages, and associated modules and devices

Abstract:
A microphone assembly has an interconnect substrate and a microphone transducer coupled with the substrate. A lid overlies the microphone transducer. At least a portion of the lid is spaced from the substrate, defining an acoustic chamber for the microphone transducer. The lid can have a layer of discretized metal or other patterned conductor. The discretized layer of metal or other patterned conductor is configured to inhibit formation of eddy currents, as when exposed to electromagnetic radiation. The lid can be grounded. Microphone modules and electronic devices also are described.

Claims:
We currently claim: 
     
       1. A microphone package comprising:
 an interconnect substrate; 
 a microphone transducer coupled with the substrate; and 
 a lid overlying the microphone transducer, wherein at least a portion of the lid is spaced from the substrate, defining an acoustic chamber for the microphone transducer, wherein the lid comprises a stratum of conductive material having anisotropic conductivity, wherein the stratum of conductive material comprises a plurality of discrete members, wherein each respective member is electrically coupled with at least one corresponding electrical connection, and wherein each discrete member is electrically isolated from each other discrete member. 
 
     
     
       2. The microphone package according to  claim 1 , wherein the lid comprises a non-conductive substrate and wherein the stratum of conductive material comprises a conformal coating overlying the non-conductive substrate. 
     
     
       3. The microphone package according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one corresponding electrical connection comprises a common ground pad, wherein each discrete member is electrically coupled with the common ground pad. 
     
     
       4. The microphone package according to  claim 1 , wherein the stratum of conductive material comprises a unitary construct defining a plurality of apertures. 
     
     
       5. The microphone package according to  claim 4 , wherein the lid comprises a non-conductive substrate defining a protrusion extending through at least one of the apertures. 
     
     
       6. The microphone package according to  claim 1 , wherein the interconnect substrate defines a ground plane, wherein the stratum of conductive material is electrically coupled with the ground plane, defining a Faraday cage around the acoustic chamber. 
     
     
       7. A microphone module, comprising:
 an interconnect substrate having a plurality of electrical conductors; and 
 a microphone package having a package substrate, a microphone transducer and a processing device coupled with the package substrate, and a lid defining a chamber at least partially enclosing the microphone transducer and the processing device, 
 wherein the chamber is bounded in part by the package substrate, 
 wherein the package substrate electrically couples the microphone transducer, the processing device, or both, with at least one of the plurality of electrical conductors of the interconnect substrate, 
 wherein the lid comprises a patterned conductor, wherein the patterned conductor is non-continuous in at least one direction, and wherein the lid further comprises a molded and electrically insulative member defining a boss, and wherein the patterned conductor defines an aperture positioned in correspondence to the boss. 
 
     
     
       8. The microphone module according to  claim 7 , wherein the molded and electrically insulative member is coupled with the patterned conductor. 
     
     
       9. The microphone module according to  claim 8 , wherein the patterned conductor comprises one or more of a metal mesh, a stamped metal plate and a metal plating. 
     
     
       10. The microphone module according to  claim 7 , wherein the patterned conductor comprises a plurality of electrically conductive members. 
     
     
       11. The microphone module according to  claim 7 , wherein the aperture is so positioned in the patterned conductor as to inhibit formation of eddy currents within the patterned conductor when the patterned conductor is exposed to electromagnetic radiation. 
     
     
       12. The microphone module according to  claim 7 , wherein the patterned conductor comprises an electrically conductive member defining a plurality of apertures so arranged as to inhibit formation of eddy currents within the electrically conductive member when the electrically conductive member is exposed to electromagnetic radiation. 
     
     
       13. The microphone module according to  claim 7 , wherein the package substrate comprises a ground plane and the patterned conductor is electrically coupled with the ground plane. 
     
     
       14. A microphone module, comprising:
 an interconnect substrate having a plurality of electrical conductors; and 
 a microphone package having a package substrate, a microphone transducer and a processing device coupled with the package substrate, and a lid defining a chamber at least partially enclosing the microphone transducer and the processing device, wherein the chamber is bounded in part by the package substrate, wherein the package substrate electrically couples the microphone transducer, the processing device, or both, with at least one of the plurality of electrical conductors of the interconnect substrate, 
 wherein the lid comprises a patterned conductor, wherein the patterned conductor is non-continuous in at least one direction, wherein the package substrate comprises a ground plane and the patterned conductor is electrically coupled with the ground plane, wherein the patterned conductor comprises a plurality of electrically conductive members, and wherein each electrically conductive member is electrically coupled with the ground plane independently of each other electrically conductive member. 
 
     
     
       15. An electronic device, comprising:
 a processor, a memory, and an interconnect bus; and 
 a microphone package having a package substrate, a microphone transducer, a processing device coupled with microphone transducer and the package substrate, and a lid defining a chamber at least partially enclosing the microphone transducer and the processing device, wherein the interconnect bus operatively couples the processing device with the processor and the memory; 
 wherein the lid comprises a patterned conductor having anisotropic conductivity, wherein the patterned conductor comprises a plurality of discrete members, wherein each respective member is electrically coupled with at least one corresponding electrical connection, and wherein each discrete member is electrically isolated from each other discrete member. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device according to  claim 15 , wherein the lid further comprises a molded and electrically non-conductive member coupled with the patterned conductor. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device according to  claim 15 , wherein the interconnect bus comprises a ground connection, wherein the package substrate comprises a ground plane electrically coupled with the ground connection, and wherein the patterned conductor is electrically coupled with the ground plane, electrically coupling the patterned conductor with the ground connection of the interconnect bus.

Description:
FIELD 
     This application and related subject matter (collectively referred to as the “disclosure”) generally concern packaged microphone transducers, as well as modules and electronic devices, and other systems, incorporating such microphone transducers. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     In general, sound (sometimes also referred to as an acoustic signal) constitutes a vibration that propagates through a carrier medium, such as, for example, a gas, a liquid, or a solid. An electro-acoustic transducer, in turn, is a device configured to convert an incoming acoustic signal to an electrical signal, or vice-versa. Thus, an acoustic transducer in the form of a microphone can be configured to convert an incoming acoustic signal to an electrical (or other) signal. 
     An acoustic diaphragm of a microphone transducer, e.g., a MEMs microphone transducer, can vibrate, move, or otherwise respond to a pressure variation induced by a vibration and received through a surrounding or adjacent carrier medium. Movement of the diaphragm can induce a corresponding response in an electrical component. For example, movement of a diaphragm in a capacitive MEMs microphone can alter a capacitance of the device, inducing an observable, time-varying voltage signal in an electrical circuit. As another example, movement of a piezoelectric MEMS diaphragm can generate a time-varying electrical signal by virtue of a piezoelectric response to the movement. A time-varying electrical response generated with either type of microphone transducer can be converted to a machine-readable form (e.g., digitized) for subsequent processing. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes a variety of packages, e.g., for microphone transducers (or other components). Some disclosed packages have a lid that incorporates a patterned conductor configured to restrict, reduce, or otherwise inhibit formation of eddy currents within or on the lid when the lid is exposed to an electromagnetic field. Such packages can be combined into an electronic device, and the lid can be electrically coupled with a device ground, providing shielding to components encased by the lid against electromagnetic interference. 
     According to a first aspect, a microphone assembly has an interconnect substrate, and a microphone transducer coupled with the substrate. A lid overlies the microphone transducer. At least a portion of the lid is spaced from the substrate, defining an acoustic chamber for the microphone transducer. The lid includes a stratum of conductive material configured to inhibit formation of eddy currents within the stratum of conductive material when the lid is exposed to electromagnetic radiation. 
     The lid can have a non-conductive substrate, and the stratum of conductive material can be a conformal coating overlying the non-conductive substrate. 
     The stratum of conductive material can include a plurality of discrete members, and each respective member can be electrically coupled with at least one corresponding electrical connection, e.g., in the package. In some embodiments, each discrete member is electrically isolated from each other discrete member. In some embodiments, the at least one corresponding electrical connection is a common ground pad, and each discrete member is electrically coupled with the common ground pad. 
     The stratum of conductive material can be a unitary construct defining a plurality of apertures. And, the lid can include a non-conductive substrate defining a protrusion extending through at least one of the apertures. In some embodiments, the protrusion extends through each respective aperture. 
     The interconnect substrate can define a ground plane, and the stratum of conductive material can be electrically coupled with the ground plane, defining a Faraday cage around the acoustic chamber. 
     According to another aspect, a microphone module includes an interconnect substrate having a plurality of electrical conductors. A microphone package has a package substrate, a microphone transducer and a processing device coupled with the package substrate. A lid defines a chamber at least partially enclosing the microphone transducer and the processing device. The chamber is bounded in part by the package substrate. The package substrate electrically couples the microphone transducer, the processing device, or both, with at least one of the interconnect substrate&#39;s electrical conductors. The lid includes a patterned conductor configured to inhibit formation of eddy currents within the patterned conductor when the patterned conductor is exposed to electromagnetic radiation. 
     The lid can include a molded and electrically insulative member coupled with the patterned conductor. The patterned conductor can include one or more of a metal mesh, a stamped metal plate and a metal plating. In some embodiments, the patterned conductor includes a plurality of electrically conductive members. 
     In an embodiment, the lid also includes a molded and electrically insulative member defining a boss. The patterned conductor can define an aperture positioned in correspondence to the boss. In some embodiments, the patterned conductor can include an electrically conductive member defining an aperture so arranged as to inhibit formation of eddy currents within the electrically conductive member when the electrically conductive member is exposed to an electromagnetic field. The aperture can be so positioned in the patterned conductor as to inhibit formation of eddy currents within the patterned conductor when the patterned conductor is exposed to an electromagnetic field. The patterned conductor can include an electrically conductive member defining a plurality of apertures so arranged as to inhibit formation of eddy currents within the electrically conductive member when the electrically conductive member is exposed to an electromagnetic field. 
     In some embodiments, the package substrate has a ground plane and the patterned conductor can be electrically coupled with the ground plane. The patterned conductor can include a plurality of electrically conductive members. Each electrically conductive member can be electrically coupled with the ground plane independently of each other electrically conductive member. 
     According to another aspect, an electronic device includes a processor, a memory, and an interconnect bus. The device also includes a microphone package having a package substrate, a microphone transducer, a processing device coupled with microphone transducer and the package substrate. A lid defines a chamber at least partially enclosing the microphone transducer and the processing device. The interconnect bus operatively couples the processing device with the processor and the memory. The lid includes a patterned conductor configured to inhibit formation of eddy currents within the patterned conductor when the patterned conductor is exposed to electromagnetic radiation. 
     In some embodiments, the lid also includes a molded and electrically non-conductive member coupled with the patterned conductor. 
     The interconnect bus can include a ground connection. The package substrate can include a ground plane electrically coupled with the ground connection. The patterned conductor can be electrically coupled with the ground plane, electrically coupling the patterned conductor with the ground connection of the interconnect bus. 
     The foregoing and other features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and this specification, aspects of presently disclosed principles are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a plan view from above a microphone assembly. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates an end-elevation view of the assembly in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates a side-elevation view of the assembly in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembly in  FIG. 1A  taken along section line  2 - 2 . 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a patterned core of a lid for microphone package as in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an intermediate construct for a lid of a microphone package. The intermediate construct has patterned core shown in  FIG. 3A  with an over-molded substrate. 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a lid of a microphone package. The lid includes a conductive pad at the base of the intermediate construct shown in  FIG. 3B . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment for a package lid having a patterned conductor. 
         FIGS. 5A through 5D  illustrate respective plan views from above alternative embodiments of a package lid having a patterned conductor.  FIG. 5E  shows an isometric view of a sectioned microphone lid having a patterned conductor. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment for a package lid having a patterned conductor. In  FIG. 6A , the patterned conductor has a plurality of conductors, each having a corresponding ground contact, as shown in the section view in  FIG. 6B . 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 B- 6 B through a sidewall of the lid shown in  FIG. 6A , revealing a plurality of ground paths within the lid. 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates a plan view from above a lid having a plurality of discrete conductors, each being electrically coupled with a corresponding ground pad within the lid, defining a plurality of corresponding ground paths within the lid. 
         FIG. 6D  illustrates a schematic diagram of a plurality of discrete ground paths within a lid, e.g., a lid as shown in  FIG. 6C . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a microphone-transducer package assembled as part of a microphone module in an electronic device. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a block diagram of a general purpose electronic device that can incorporate a packaged microphone as described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following describes various principles related to packages for MEMs components, e.g., for microphone transducers, as well as modules and electronic devices incorporating such components. For example, some disclosed principles pertain to inhibiting electrical currents (e.g., so-called eddy currents) that can arise in a component package exposed to an electromagnetic field. Further, some disclosed principles pertain to component packages that incorporate features configured to inhibit eddy currents. 
     To illustrate disclosed principles, several embodiments of microphone packages are described. That said, descriptions herein of specific package, component, electronic device, or system configurations, and specific combinations of method acts, are just particular examples of contemplated package, component, electronic device, and system configurations, and method combinations, chosen as being convenient to illustrate disclosed principles. One or more of the disclosed principles can be incorporated in various other configurations and combinations to achieve any of a variety of corresponding, desired characteristics. Thus, a person of ordinary skill in the art, following a review of this disclosure, will appreciate that configurations and combinations having attributes that are different from those specific examples discussed herein can embody one or more presently disclosed principles, and can be used in applications not described herein in detail. Such alternative embodiments also fall within the scope of this disclosure. 
     I. Overview 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A through 1C , a package  100  for a MEMs component, e.g., a microphone transducer, can have a substrate  102  defining a first major surface  104  and an opposed second major surface  106 . The illustrated substrate  102  defines at least one aperture  101   a  extending through the substrate from the first major surface  104  to the second major surface  106 , defining a sound-entry region  150  of the substrate  102  through which sound from outside the package  100  can enter. 
     As the cross-sectional view in  FIG. 2  shows, a microphone transducer  105  can be mountably coupled with the interconnect substrate  102  (also referred to as substrate  102  and package substrate  102 ) on the first major surface  104 . The microphone transducer  105  has a sound-responsive diaphragm (not shown) acoustically coupled with the sound-entry region  150  defined by the substrate  102 , permitting sound to enter a front volume of the microphone transducer. In  FIG. 2 , the microphone package  100  houses a processing device  115  (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit, or ASIC) mounted to the package substrate  102 . A bond wire  113  electrically couples the integrated circuit device with the acoustic transducer element  105 . 
     In  FIG. 2 , a lid  110  overlies the microphone transducer  105  and the processing device  115 . The lid  110  can be mounted to the substrate  102 . At least a portion of the lid  110  can be spaced apart from the substrate, defining an acoustic chamber  112  for the microphone  105 . As described below, the lid  110  can be grounded as to inhibit electromagnetic interference, a potential source of noise in observed sound by the microphone. For example, although not shown in  FIG. 2 , the substrate  102  can have a connection to ground and the lid  110  can be electrically coupled with the substrate&#39;s connection to ground. 
     As fluid, e.g., air, in the acoustic chamber  112  changes temperature (e.g., is heated), pressure in the chamber can correspondingly change. A sensitive region of the microphone transducer  105  can deform as pressure in the chamber  112  changes. Such deflection can induce the transducer  105  to emit a signal, e.g., noise, corresponding to the temperature of the chamber  112 , rather than, for example, incoming sound. Consequently, temperature variations in the acoustic chamber can introduce further noise into observed sound. 
     An alternating or other time-varying electromagnetic field can heat the lid  110 . Although many sources of such electro-magnetic fields exist, one possible source can be a cellular or wireless multiplexing signal. Generally speaking, an alternating or other time-varying electromagnetic field can induce eddy currents on a surface of a metal object or other electrical conductor as a result of Faraday&#39;s law of induction. Such currents tend to heat the electrical conductor via the so-called Joule heating effect. Accordingly, eddy currents induced on a lid  110  will tend to heat the lid, which in turn can heat the acoustic chamber  112 . As noted above, a change in temperature of a gas in the acoustic chamber  112  can introduce noise into sound observations by the microphone  105 . 
     Some lid and package embodiments described herein can inhibit the formation of eddy currents, their heating effects, or both. For example, the magnitude of an eddy current in a given loop can correspond to an area of the loop. Some lid embodiments restrict an area over which eddy currents can flow, reducing the magnitude of the eddy current and thus reducing Joule heating of the lid. For example, an electrically conductive region of the lid  110  can be discontinuous in a plane (e.g., as seen in  FIG. 1A  from above), which can restrict an area available for eddy currents to form. 
     In some embodiments, a lid can include a patterned conductor configured to inhibit formation of eddy currents. A configuration of the patterned conductor can be selected to inhibit or eliminate heating of the acoustic chamber, reducing so-called thermal noise. In some lids, the patterned conductor can include one or more of a metal mesh, a stamped metal plate and a metal plating (e.g., a conformal metal coating applied to a substrate), providing a conductive structure that is non-continuous in at least one direction. Such discontinuous structures can have anisotropic conductivity, e.g., to interrupt eddy current formation in the patterned conductor. 
     Some patterned conductors incorporate non-metallic conductors. For example, a patterned conductor may be a composite mixture of conductive portions (e.g., Cu, Ag, Au) and non-conductive portions (e.g., SiO2). The non-conductive portions may also or alternatively include one or more iron oxides having high magnetic permeability. Nonetheless, the net result of such a mixture can still result in an electrically conductive member that can be patterned. In some embodiments, the patterned conductor can be segmented, defining a plurality of discrete conductors. For example, a lid can include a plurality of electrically conductive members, each of which can be configured to inhibit or prevent formation of eddy currents. 
     As also described more fully below, some lid embodiments include a material having a relatively high heat capacity. Lids having a high heat capacity can damp temperature fluctuations that otherwise could arise from transient heating of the lid. Such transient heating can occur from time-varying eddy currents. 
     II. Microphone Packages 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the microphone transducer  105  can be mounted on or otherwise be operatively coupled with a package-level substrate  102 . The substrate can include electrical conductors to interconnect power, ground, and/or signal connections between the processing device  115  and another device external to the package  100 . The microphone package  100  can also include a lid  107  overlying the acoustic transducer  105 . The lid  107  can be recessed, defining a chamber, or back volume  112 , for the transducer  105 . 
     The illustrated package substrate  102  defines a sound entry region  150 . The sound-entry region  150  may be defined by a single aperture or may be defined by a plurality of apertures  101   a  defining a perforated region of the substrate  102 . In either arrangement, the sound entry region  150  is acoustically, and in many instances fluidly, coupled with a sound-responsive element (not shown) of the microphone transducer  105 . An unoccupied, open chamber bounded by the substrate  102  and the sensitive region of the microphone transducer  105  is sometimes referred to in the art as a “front volume.” 
     Each aperture  101   a  defining a sound-entry region  150  through the substrate  102  can be a non-plated through via having a diameter measuring between about 50 μm and about 200 μm, such as, for example, between about 75 μm and about 150 μm, e.g., between about 90 μm and about 110 μm. The sound-entry region  150  can have a characteristic dimension, e.g., a hydraulic diameter in selected embodiments, measuring between about 1.000 mm and about 3.000 mm, such as, for example, between about 1.200 mm and about 2.400 mm, e.g., between about 1.4 mm and about 2.2 mm. Naturally, other configurations and dimensions for a sound-entry region  150  are possible. The dimensions listed above have been chosen as being representative of one particular configuration of the many configurations contemplated by this disclosure. 
     For a capacitive MEMS microphone, the processing device  115  ( FIG. 2 ) can include circuitry to impose a charge on a sound-responsive element (not shown) of the microphone  105 , and as a diaphragm (not shown) deforms, the processing device can observe changes in voltage arising from the deformation (e.g., changes in capacitance). For a piezoelectric MEMS microphone, the processing device  115  can observe voltage or electrical currents arising from deflection of a piezoelectric member due to impinging sound waves. In either type of MEMS transducer, the voltage or current variations can correspond to sound waves that induce the deflections in the diaphragm. 
     The package substrate  102  can have an electrical output connection (not shown) coupled with the integrated circuit device  115 . As well, the package substrate  102  can have an electrical trace or other electrical coupler that extends from the contact to another region defined by the substrate (e.g., a second, external electrical contact). For example, the package substrate can have a plurality of conductive layers juxtaposed with a plurality of non-conductive layers. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the substrate  102  can have opposed outer non-conductive layers  103   a ,  103   c , and first and second conductive layers  107 ,  109 , which can define power, ground and signal paths, separated from each other by an inner non-conductive layer  103   b . One or more conductive vias (not shown) can extend through one or more of the non-conductive layers  103   a ,  103   b ,  103   c , defining an electrical connection that can electrically couple the processing device  115  with the layer  107 , the layer  109 , or both. Similarly, the substrate  102  can define another electrical connection that is electrically coupled with the layer  107 , the layer  109 , or both, and configured to electrically couple with an external circuit. Consequently, the package substrate  102  can electrically couple an external portion of an electrical circuit or device with the processing device  115 , the microphone transducer  105 , or both. 
     Microphone packages as described herein can be mounted on or otherwise be operatively coupled with another substrate, e.g., an interconnect substrate of a microphone module or an electronic device. For example, the package  100  can be mounted to and electrically coupled with an interconnect substrate. Such assemblies are described further below in relation to, for example,  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
     III. Lid with Patterned Core 
     A lid for a MEMS component package  100  can incorporate a patterned conductor configured to inhibit or to prevent formation of eddy currents in the lid. For example,  FIG. 3A  illustrates a patterned core  200  formed using an electrically conductive mesh  202 . In  FIG. 3A , a wire mesh  202  is formed into a structure having a generally planar top region  204  and downwardly extending side walls  206 . 
     An electrically conductive mesh  202  can be constructed, for example, by weaving or knitting strands of electrically conductive material with each other to define a mesh panel, or other unitary construct. The mesh panel, in turn, can be formed or otherwise processed into a recessed configuration as depicted in  FIG. 3A . 
     As an example, strands of metal wire (e.g., an alloy of stainless steel, such as, for example, SS316) can be woven or knit into a mesh panel (not shown). Each strand of metal wire can have a diameter of between about 15 μm and about 75 μm, for example, between about 10 μm and about 90 μm. 
     Additionally, a spacing between, for example, warp strands and weft strands used to construct the mesh  202  can be selected to provide a desired wire pitch or aperture size through the mesh. For example, warp strands and weft strands, each having a diameter of 50 μm and a pitch of 150 μm, can provide roughly square mesh apertures through the mesh  202  measuring about 100 μm on each side. Such a mesh defines a conductive structure that is non-continuous in at least one direction. For example, the apertures defined between the warp and weft strands provide the mesh with anisotropic conductivity, which can interrupt eddy current formation. 
     The size of the apertures, and thus the strand diameter and pitch, can be selected according to a frequency range of electromagnetic radiation anticipated to impinge on the microphone package  100 . For example, the mesh can be grounded to define a Faraday cage around the processing device  115  and microphone transducer  105 , and a permissible size of aperture through the mesh can correspond to a desired range of frequencies that the Faraday cage is intended to shield against. 
     Optionally, the strands of conductive material can be plated by a metal alloy, such as, for example, a copper, silver, or gold alloy. The plating can have a thickness between about 1 μm and about 10 μm, e.g., between about 0.8 μm and about 8 μm. The plating can be applied to the strands before or during a weaving or a knitting process used to construct the mesh panel. Alternatively, the plating can be applied to the mesh  202  before, during, or after processing into the arrangement depicted in  FIG. 3A . If a mesh as described above (e.g., 50-μm-diameter warp strands and weft strands, each having a 150 μm pitch) is plated evenly with a 10-μm-thick layer of copper (or other material), a finished wire diameter could be about 90 μm, and the apertures through the mesh could measure about 80 μm per side. 
     A patterned core  200  as shown in  FIG. 3A  can be over-molded by an electrically non-conductive material. For example, the mesh  202  can be part of an insert in an insert-molded part. Stated differently, a plastic or other non-conductive material can be molded over or otherwise made to cover the mesh  202 . 
       FIG. 3B , for example, shows an intermediate construct  250  having a patterned core  200  as just described embedded within an over-molded, electrically insulative material  210 . The downwardly extending side walls  206  in  FIG. 3B  can define a recessed interior region  220  that can receive, for example, a microphone transducer  105  and processing device  115 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     A variety of polymeric materials can have a suitably low electrical conductance to electrically insulate the mesh  202 . Material properties that could be considered in addition to electrical resistivity or conductance can include mechanical stiffness, ductility, and heat capacity. Material properties of polymers can be selectively manipulated by dispersing particles of a filler material throughout the polymer matrix. Such particles can have a characteristic dimension on an order of one nanometer to an order of tens of micrometers. Examples of filler materials include silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, barium titanate and aluminum nitride, though other filler materials can be used to attain desired properties of the over-molded material. 
       FIG. 3C  schematically illustrates a metal plating or other conductive pad  302  applied to a lower surface of the lid  300  and electrically coupled with the patterned core  202 . The conductive pad can be a metal layer deposited on a lower edge of a side wall  212 . The conductive pad  302  provides the patterned core  202  with an electrical connection suitable to electrically couple the core  202  with an external electrical conductor. 
     For example, the conductive pad  302  can electrically couple with an electrical contact defined by the substrate  102 . The pad  302  can be soldered to a corresponding electrical contact defined by the substrate  102 . In another embodiment, the pad  302  can be electrically coupled with the substrate through an electrically conductive adhesive or an electrically conductive epoxy. In an embodiment, the conductive pad  302  electrically couples the patterned core  202  with a ground connection could with a ground plane in the substrate  102 . 
     Patterned cores as described in relation to  FIGS. 3A through 3C  can reduce an area available to eddy currents, inhibiting their formation and thus reducing the Joule heating effect caused by eddy currents within the lid  300 . In addition, any heating that may occur can be absorbed by the over-molded material, which can serve as a transient heat sink and can damp transient temperature changes. 
     Further, a patterned core  202  can define a continuous structure, e.g., a mesh panel, or the patterned core can be segmented or otherwise discretized, further reducing area available for formation of eddy currents. In an embodiment, the patterned core  202  can include a plurality of discrete, electrically conductive members (e.g., mesh segments) that are electrically isolated from each other within the lid  300 , as by an intervening, non-conductive compound. For example, a plurality of mesh members can be insert molded within a polymer. The mesh members can be physically spaced apart from each other to prevent contact with each other. The polymer can be injection molded and can fill a gap between adjacent mesh members, electrically isolating the members from each other within the lid  300 . 
     Discrete members of a patterned conductor are described by way of example in relation to  FIGS. 6A through 6D , below. Further, a mesh member can define one or more enlarged apertures, as by removing (e.g., by cutting or etching away) an interior region of a mesh panel, generally as described below in relation to  FIGS. 5A through 5E . Principles described with reference to those drawings can be applied to the patterned core in the lid  300  shown in  FIG. 3C . 
     As above, a non-conductive material can fill the enlarged apertures or regions between discrete members, defining protrusions extending therethrough and ensuring that the mesh core  202  is segmented, restricting, reducing, or otherwise inhibiting formation of eddy currents when exposed to electromagnetic fields. 
     IV. Stratified Lid with Conductive and Non-Conductive Strata 
     As noted above, a lid for a MEMS component package  100  can incorporate a patterned conductor configured to inhibit or to prevent formation of eddy currents in the lid. In some embodiments, a lid can incorporate one or more strata having a patterned conductor juxtaposed with one or more strata of non-conductive material. Lid embodiments having an embedded patterned core, as described above, are specific examples of lids having a stratum of a patterned conductor. Other embodiments of stratified lids also are possible. 
     For example,  FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-section of another embodiment of a stratified lid having an exposed stratum of a patterned conductor juxtaposed with a partially exposed and partially covered non-conductive stratum. More specifically, the lid  400  shown in  FIG. 4  has a stratum of molded plastic  404  and a stratum of patterned conductor  402  overlying the stratum of molded plastic. In  FIG. 4 , the stratum of molded plastic  404  generally defines an interior recess  406  similar in configuration to the recess  220  in  FIG. 3C  that can define an acoustic chamber, e.g., acoustic chamber  112  shown in  FIG. 2 . The molded plastic  404  in  FIG. 4  defines one or more protrusions  408  or bosses extending outwardly in a direction away from the recess  406 . As  FIG. 4  shows, the outwardly extending protrusions  408  can interrupt the overlying stratum of metal  402 , defining a conductive structure that is non-continuous in at least one direction and providing the stratum with a desired configuration, e.g., as to restrict formation of eddy currents, similarly to the internal protrusions of non-conductive material described above as filling enlarged apertures in a patterned core. As with the apertures defined between the warp and weft strands in  FIG. 3A , the protrusions that interrupt the stratum  402  can provide the stratum with anisotropic conductivity, which can interrupt eddy current formation. Although metal is indicated in relation to  FIG. 4 , other conductive, non-metallic materials are contemplated. 
     In an embodiment, a stratum of a patterned conductor can include a conformal coating or plating of electrically conductive material applied to a substrate, frame, or other carrier constructed, for example, from an electrically non-conductive material. In some embodiments, a stratum of a patterned conductor can include, for example, an electrically conductive plate insert molded into or onto an electrically non-conductive material. Further, such coatings, platings, inserts, and plates can be segmented, discretized or otherwise patterned through a subsequent subtractive, formative, or additive manufacturing process. For example, a coating, a plating, an insert, and a plate can be machined, laser etched, chemically etched to segment, to discretize, or otherwise to pattern the coating, plating, insert or plate. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 4 , the stratum of patterned conductor  402  can be produced using any of a variety of manufacturing techniques (e.g., one or more of a forming process, an additive process, and a subtractive process). A forming process, such as, for example, an insert-molding process, can be used to provide one or more regions  403 ,  405 ,  407 ,  409  of the stratum of patterned conductor  402 . In an insert-molding process, one or more pieces of a conductive material (such as, for example, a metal plate) is inserted into a mold cavity before an injected material hardens or cures. The conductive material can be inserted in the mold before the non-conductive material is injected into the mold or after the non-conductive material is injected but before it hardens or cures. As noted above, e.g., in relation to  FIG. 3B , the conductive material forming the stratum of conductive material can be segmented or otherwise discretized, defining the one or more regions  403 ,  405 ,  407 ,  409  of the stratum of patterned conductor  402 . 
     The stratum of patterned conductor  402  can be produced using an additive manufacturing process. For example, a stratum of non-conductive material  404  can be produced using any suitable process (e.g., one or more of a forming process, an additive process, and a subtractive process). A plating- or other additive-process can selectively deposit a conductive material on one or more regions of an outer surface of the non-conductive material  404 . The outwardly extending protrusions  408  can aid in the plating- or other additive-process by defining a physical boundary, or stop, that limits or restricts an extent to which the conductive material overlies or flows over the non-conductive material, e.g., until the conductive material hardens or cures. The additively produced stratum of conductive material can undergo one or more subsequent processes to achieve a desired final pattern. For example, the non-conductive material can undergo a mechanical, a chemical, an optical, or a combination process. 
     Further, the stratum of patterned conductor  402  can be produced using a subtractive manufacturing process. For example, a desired configuration of the conductive stratum  402  can be achieved by direct laser etching, micromachining and/or chemical etching to selectively remove conductive material from desired regions. The resulting workpiece can be assembled (e.g., adhered, insert molded, snap-fit, or otherwise joined) with the non-conductive substrate  404  to produce a finished lid  400 , as shown for example in  FIG. 4 . 
     In general, a stratum of patterned conductor  402  as described above can have any configuration that suitably restricts, reduces or otherwise inhibits formation of eddy currents. In some embodiments, the patterned conductor  402  can be configured to direct an eddy current away from an interior region  410  of the lid, e.g., as to reduce heating of the interior region of the lid and by extension an acoustic chamber (or microphone back volume). In some embodiments, the patterned conductor  402  can be configured to direct heat away from the interior volume  406  of the lid, again to reduce heating of the interior region of the lid and by extension an acoustic chamber (for microphone back volume). 
       FIGS. 5A through 5E  schematically illustrate several examples of a configuration for a patterned conductor overlying a partially exposed and partially covered non-conductive stratum. In each configuration shown in  FIGS. 5A through 5E , the corresponding patterned conductor has at least one discontinuity, providing the patterned conductor, and thus the corresponding lid, with anisotropic conductivity. Such anisotropic conductivity can inhibit formation of eddy currents within the conductor. 
     In  FIG. 5A , a plan view from above a lid  510  having protrusions  512  (similar to protrusions  408  in  FIG. 4 ) of non-conductive material shows a plurality of cross-like structures. Each cross-like structure has a plurality of discrete, intersecting and transversely arranged arms  513 ,  515  of non-conductive material extending laterally outward of a central region  514 . The discrete arms  513 ,  515  interrupt the stratum of conductive material  516 , defining a corresponding plurality of regions  517  “flooded” with conductive material. In  FIG. 5A , none of the arms intersect with a peripheral edge  518  of the lid. However, as with the ribs  522  shown in  FIG. 5B , some embodiments of cross-like structures can have one or more arms  513 ,  515  reach and intersect with a peripheral edge. As shown, each region  517  can have a substantially smaller area compared to an overall area of the lid  510 . By defining the several regions  517 , the protrusions  512  restrict, reduce or otherwise inhibit formation of eddy currents within the stratum of conductive material. As well, by providing a direct path along the conductive stratum from an interior region to an outer periphery  518  of the lid  510 , the patterned conductor  516  is configured to direct an eddy current away from the interior region and to direct heat away from the interior region. As shown in  FIG. 5A , the finished stratum of conductive material can be a unitary construct defining a plurality of apertures through which the non-conductive material extends. 
     In  FIG. 5B , a plan view from above a lid  520  having protrusions (similar to protrusions  408  in  FIG. 4 ) of non-conductive material configured as a plurality of linear ribs  522 . In this example, each rib  522  of non-conductive material extends across the lid  520  from one peripheral edge  523  to an opposed peripheral edge  524 . In other embodiments, such ribs can extend partially across the lid, e.g., without intersecting a peripheral edge, just as the cross-like structures in  FIG. 5A  do not intersect the peripheral edge. The ribs  522  interrupt the stratum of conductive material, defining a corresponding plurality of regions  526   a ,  526   b ,  526   c ,  526   d  “flooded” with conductive material. As shown, each region  526   a ,  526   b ,  526   c ,  526   d  can have a substantially smaller area compared to an overall area of the lid  520 . By defining the several regions of conductive material  526   a ,  526   b ,  526   c ,  526   d , the ribs  522  restrict, reduce or otherwise inhibit formation of eddy currents within the stratum of conductive material. As well, by providing a direct path along the conductive stratum from an interior region to an outer periphery  523 ,  524  of the lid  520 , the patterned conductor  525  is configured to direct an eddy current away from the interior region and to direct heat away from the interior region. As shown in  FIG. 5B , the finished stratum of conductive material can include a plurality of discrete members, or at least discrete regions. As described more fully below, each respective region or member can be electrically coupled with at least one corresponding electrical connection (e.g., a ground pad). In some embodiments having discrete members, each discrete member can be electrically isolated from each other discrete member. 
     In  FIG. 5C , a plan view from above a lid  530  shows a plurality of “interlocking” ribs  532  of non-conductive material interrupting the stratum  534  of conductive material. In this example, each rib  532  of non-conductive material extends longitudinally along a crooked path having a plurality of individual segments, e.g., segments  533   a ,  533   b ,  533   c ,  533   d ,  533   e  joined together end-to-end. Each segment can be straight or curved along a longitudinal axis of a given rib  522 . In some embodiments, a non-linear rib can extend longitudinally from a first end  534  to a second end  535  and have a continuous curvature, as opposed to the non-continuous curvature depicted in  FIG. 5C  that lends each rib a “crooked” configuration. As well, a width dimension of a given rib (i.e., measured transverse relative to the longitudinal axis of a given rib or segment thereof) can vary with longitudinal position along the respective rib. As in embodiments above, a non-linear rib can extend partially across the lid, e.g., without intersecting a peripheral edge, or a non-linear rib can intersect one or more peripheral edges. The ribs  532  in  FIG. 5C  interrupt the stratum of conductive material, defining a corresponding plurality of regions  534  “flooded” with conductive material. As shown, each region  536  can have a substantially smaller area compared to an overall area of the lid  530 . By defining the several regions of conductive material, the ribs  522  restrict, reduce or otherwise inhibit formation of eddy currents within the stratum of conductive material. As well, by providing a direct path along the conductive stratum from an interior region to an outer periphery  537  of the lid  530 , the patterned conductor  534  is configured to direct an eddy current away from the interior region and to direct heat away from the interior region. 
     Generally, any configuration of a protrusion  408  ( FIG. 4 ) that interrupts a stratum of conductive material  402  sufficiently to restrict, reduce or otherwise inhibit formation of eddy currents within the stratum of conductive material can be used in a microphone lid.  FIG. 5D  illustrates other representative examples such protrusions. As  FIG. 5D  shows, the protrusions can be convoluted  542 , sinuous  544 , or have any selected number of branches defined by intersecting, transverse arms extending laterally outward within a plane of the lid, as with the protrusion  546 . 
       FIG. 5E  illustrates an isometric view of a cross-section through a microphone lid  550  having a stratum  552  of conductive material overlying a stratum  554  of non-conductive material. In  FIG. 5E , a plurality of regions  551 ,  553 ,  555  of the conductive stratum have been removed (e.g., by laser or chemical etching, or micromachining), revealing the underlying stratum of non-condcutive material, e.g., without having any protrusions as in  FIG. 4 . As with the protrusions shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5A through 5D  that interrupt the respective strata of conductive material, the regions  551 ,  553 ,  555  (e.g., slots, channels, etc.) devoid of conductive material in  FIG. 5E  can restrict, reduce or otherwise inhibit formation of eddy currents within the stratum  552  of conductive material. As well, by providing a direct path along the conductive stratum from an interior region to an outer periphery  556  of the lid  550 , the patterned conductor  552  is configured to direct an eddy current away from the interior region and to direct heat away from the interior region. Although the regions  551 ,  553 ,  555  shown in  FIG. 5E  are bounded within the stratum  552  by conductive material, other regions of material can be removed from the stratum  552  adjacent to or intersecting with a periphery  556  of the lid  550 . In some embodiments, the stratum  552  can be segmented to define discrete regions of conductive material that are electrically isolated from each other. As described more fully below, each respective region can be electrically coupled with at least one corresponding electrical connection (e.g., a ground pad). In some embodiments having discrete regions, each discrete member can be electrically isolated from each other discrete member. 
     A variety of polymeric materials can be suitable for the non-conductive strata shown among  FIGS. 4 and 5A through 5E . Material properties that could be considered during selection of the non-conductive material, in addition to electrical resistivity or conductance, can include mechanical stiffness, ductility, and heat capacity. Material properties of polymers can be selectively manipulated by dispersing particles of a filler material throughout the polymer matrix. Such particles can have a characteristic dimension on an order of one nanometer to an order of tens of micrometers. Examples of filler materials include silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, barium titanate and aluminum nitride, though other filler materials can be used to attain desired properties of the over-molded material. 
     Patterned, conductive strata as described in relation to  FIGS. 4 and 5A through 5E  can reduce an area available to eddy currents, inhibiting their formation and thus reducing the Joule heating effect caused by eddy currents within the corresponding lid. In addition, any heating that may occur can be absorbed by the corresponding non-conductive strata, which can serve as a transient heat sink and can damp transient temperature changes. 
     V. Lids Providing Ground Contact 
     Lids incorporating patterned, conductive strata, as described in relation to  FIGS. 4 and 5A through 5E , can include a metal plating or other conductive pad applied to a lower surface, e.g., a lower edge, of the lid.  FIG. 6A  illustrates a portion of a lid  600  in cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 6B  shows a cross-sectional view of a side-wall  602  of the lid  600  taken along section line  6 B- 6 B, revealing juxtaposed portions of the lid&#39;s conductive stratum  604  and non-conductive stratum  606 . In  FIG. 6B , the lid&#39;s conductive stratum  604  is shown as being segmented. In each configuration shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the corresponding patterned conductor has at least one discontinuity, providing the patterned conductor, and thus the corresponding lid, with anisotropic conductivity. As noted above, such anisotropic conductivity can inhibit formation of eddy currents within the conductor. A common ground connection can span across the discrete segments  601 ,  603 ,  605 , and the common ground pad can electrically couple with a corresponding electrical connection defined by a package substrate  102  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     In other embodiments, each respective segment  601 ,  603 ,  605  has a corresponding conductive pad  607   a ,  607   b ,  607   c , electrically coupling the pad with the stratum  604  of conductive material, and more particularly, with each respective segment  601 ,  603 ,  605  thereof. Each conductive pad  607   a ,  607   b ,  607   c  can be a metal layer selectively deposited along a lower edge  608  of the side wall  602 . Each conductive pad  607   a ,  607   b ,  607   c  can provide each corresponding segment of the conductive stratum  604  with an electrical connection suitable to electrically couple the stratum with an external electrical conductor.  FIG. 6C  illustrates a top-plan view of the lid  600  showing the segmented stratum  604  of conductive material, e.g., segments  601 ,  603 ,  605 . 
     In  FIG. 6C , each segment  601 ,  603 ,  605  is patterned as to restrict, reduce, or otherwise inhibit eddy currents within the respective segment. For example, each segment defines opposed first and second edges, one or both of which (or neither of which) may be fluted. Such flutings can further inhibit formation of eddy currents within a respective one of the segments. As shown by the segment  605 , one of the edges can be fluted and the opposed edge can have a different, e.g., straight, contour. Segment  603  and segment  601  define fluted opposed edges. However, the adjacent segments  601  and  603  define flutings that are offset from the flutings of the adjacent segment. In another embodiment, flutings of one edge of a given segment can be offset from flutings of the opposed edge of that given segment. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6B , each conductive pad  607   a ,  607   b ,  607   c  can electrically couple with an electrical contact defined by the substrate  102  ( FIG. 2 ). For example, a given pad  607   a ,  607   b ,  607   c  can be soldered to a corresponding electrical contact defined by the substrate  102 . In another embodiment, the given pad  607   a ,  607   b ,  607   c  can be electrically coupled with the substrate through an electrically conductive adhesive or an electrically conductive epoxy. In an embodiment, each conductive pad  607   a ,  607   b ,  607   c  electrically couples the corresponding segment of the conductive stratum  601 ,  603 ,  605  with a ground plane in the substrate  102  independently of each other segment&#39;s connection to the ground plane. Accordingly, when the conductive stratum  604  is segmented and each segment is electrically isolated from each other segment, the conductive pads can allow each segment to be grounded independently of each other segment.  FIG. 6D  schematically illustrates the independent grounding of each segment of the conductive stratum shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6C , defining a Faraday cage around the acoustic chamber. Such independent grounding, in turn, can restrict, reduce, or otherwise can inhibit formation of eddy current loops within the segmented stratum and among the segments thereof. 
     VI. Microphone Modules 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a microphone assembly  100  of the type described herein can be incorporated in a microphone module  250 . For instance, the microphone module  250  can include a microphone transducer  105  ( FIG. 2 ) having a sound-responsive sensitive region. The sound-responsive sensitive region of the microphone transducer  105  can be acoustically coupled with an external ambient environment through the substrate  102 , and more particularly through the sound-entry region  150 . The microphone transducer  105  may include, for example, a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphone. It is contemplated, however, that microphone transducer can be any type of electro-acoustic transducer operable to convert sound into an electrical output signal, such as, for example, a piezoelectric microphone, a dynamic microphone or an electret microphone. The microphone transducer  105  can be enclosed under a lid  110  having a patterned conductor configured to restrict, reduce, or otherwise inhibit formation of eddy currents within the lid. The lid  110  (e.g., a segment of a patterned conductor) can be grounded with a ground plane within the package substrate  102 . 
     A microphone module  250 , in turn, can include an interconnect substrate  200 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the package  100  can be electrically coupled with a complementarily arranged interconnect substrate  200 . In general, an interconnect substrate  200  can include a plurality of electrical conductors configured to convey an electrical signal, or a power or a ground signal, from one interconnection location (e.g., a solder pad)  205  to another interconnection location (e.g., another solder pad). For example, a packaged component, e.g., the microphone package  100 , can be soldered or otherwise electrically coupled with one or more interconnection locations defined by an interconnect substrate  200 . 
     The interconnect substrate can electrically couple the packaged component  100  ( FIG. 2 ) with one or more other components (e.g., a memory device, a processing unit, a power supply) physically separate from the packaged component. In addition to the microphone transducer, one or more other components can be operatively coupled with the interconnect substrate  200 . For example, the interconnect substrate can have a region  210  extending away from the microphone package in one or more directions. Within that region  210 , the electrical conductors to which the microphone package is electrically coupled can also extend away from the microphone package. Another component (not shown) can electrically couple with the electrical conductors, electrically coupling the microphone package with such other component. Examples of the other component can include a processing unit, a sensor of various types, and/or other functional and/or computational units of a computing environment or other electronic device. 
     In an embodiment, the interconnect substrate  200  can be a laminated substrate having one or more layers of electrical conductors juxtaposed with alternating layers of dielectric or electrically insulative material, e.g., FR4 or a polyimide substrate. Some interconnect substrates are flexible, e.g., pliable or bendable within certain limits without damage to the electrical conductors or delamination of the juxtaposed layers. The electrical conductors of a flexible circuit board may be formed of an alloy of copper, and the intervening layers separating conductive layers may be formed, for example, from polyimide or another suitable material. Such a flexible circuit board is sometimes referred to in the art as “flex circuit” or “flex.” As well, the flex can be perforated or otherwise define one or more through-hole apertures. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7  the microphone package  100  can define a plurality of exposed electrical contacts  108  configured to be soldered or otherwise electrically connected with a corresponding interconnection location  205  defined by the interconnect substrate  200 . In an embodiment, the electrical contacts  205  are exposed on a same side of the transducer package  100  as the sound-entry opening  150 . In such an embodiment, the interconnect substrate  200  defines an aperture or other gas-permeable region (not shown) configured to permit an acoustic signal to pass therethrough in an acoustically transparent manner, or with a selected measure of damping, acoustically coupling an ambient environment with the sensitive region of the microphone transducer  105  through the interconnect substrate. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 7 , the interconnect substrate  200  can define a first major surface  214 , an opposed second major surface  217 , and an aperture  206  extending through the interconnect substrate from the first major surface to the second major surface. In this embodiment, the package substrate  102  defines a plurality of electrical contacts  108  on a same side of the transducer substrate as the lid  110 . Stated differently, the electrical contacts  108  are positioned on a side of the transducer package  100  opposite the sound-entry opening  150 . The microphone package  100  can be “inverted” and mounted to the second major surface  217  of the interconnect substrate  200  with the lid  110  of the package extending through the aperture  206  in the electrical substrate. In the arrangement shown in  FIG. 7 , the interconnect substrate  200  is spaced apart from the sound-entry opening  150  to the sensitive region of the microphone. 
     VII. Electronic Devices 
     An electronic device (e.g., a media appliance, a wearable electronic device, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, etc.) can incorporate a microphone assembly  100  or a microphone module  250  described herein. For example, an electronic device can have a chassis having a chassis wall  301 , as in  FIG. 7 . The chassis wall  301  can define an aperture, e.g., a port  302 , extending through the wall and acoustically coupling with the sound entry opening  150  into the microphone package  100 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a generalized example of a suitable computing environment  90  in which described methods, embodiments, techniques, and technologies relating, for example, to maintaining a temperature of a logic component and/or a power unit below a threshold temperature can be implemented. The computing environment  1700  is not intended to suggest any limitation as to scope of use or functionality of the technologies disclosed herein, as each technology may be implemented in diverse general-purpose or special-purpose computing environments. For example, each disclosed technology may be implemented with other computer system configurations, including wearable and/or handheld devices (e.g., a mobile-communications device, and more particularly but not exclusively, IPHONE®/IPAD®/HomePod™ devices, available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.), multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, embedded platforms, network computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, smartphones, tablet computers, data centers, audio appliances, and the like. Each disclosed technology may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications connection or network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. 
     The computing environment  90  includes at least one central processing unit  91  and a memory  92 . In  FIG. 8 , this most basic configuration  93  is included within a dashed line. The central processing unit  91  executes computer-executable instructions and may be a real or a virtual processor. In a multi-processing system, or in a multi-core central processing unit, multiple processing units execute computer-executable instructions (e.g., threads) to increase processing speed and as such, multiple processors can run simultaneously, despite the processing unit  91  being represented by a single functional block. A processing unit can include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general purpose microprocessor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal controller, or a set of hardware logic structures arranged to process instructions. 
     The memory  92  may be volatile memory (e.g., registers, cache, RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. The memory  92  stores software  98   a  that can, for example, implement one or more of the technologies described herein, when executed by a processor. 
     A computing environment may have additional features. For example, the computing environment  90  includes storage  94 , one or more input devices  95 , one or more output devices  96 , and one or more communication connections  97 . An interconnection mechanism (not shown) such as a bus, a controller, or a network, interconnects the components of the computing environment  90 . Typically, operating system software (not shown) provides an operating environment for other software executing in the computing environment  90 , and coordinates activities of the components of the computing environment  90 . 
     The store  94  may be removable or non-removable, and can include selected forms of machine-readable media. In general machine-readable media includes magnetic disks, magnetic tapes or cassettes, non-volatile solid-state memory, CD-ROMs, CD-RWs, DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves, or any other machine-readable medium which can be used to store information and which can be accessed within the computing environment  90 . The storage  94  can store instructions for the software  98   b , which can implement technologies described herein. 
     The store  94  can also be distributed over a network so that software instructions are stored and executed in a distributed fashion. In other embodiments, some of these operations might be performed by specific hardware components that contain hardwired logic. Those operations might alternatively be performed by any combination of programmed data processing components and fixed hardwired circuit components. 
     The input device(s)  95  may be any one or more of the following: a touch input device, such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, pen, touchscreen, touch pad, or trackball; a voice input device, such as a microphone transducer, speech-recognition software and processors; a scanning device; or another device, that provides input to the computing environment  90 . For audio, the input device(s)  95  may include a microphone or other transducer (e.g., a sound card or similar device that accepts audio input in analog or digital form), or a computer-readable media reader that provides audio samples to the computing environment  90 . 
     The output device(s)  96  may be any one or more of a display, printer, loudspeaker transducer, DVD-writer, or another device that provides output from the computing environment  90 . 
     The communication connection(s)  97  enable communication over or through a communication medium (e.g., a connecting network) to another computing entity. A communication connection can include a transmitter and a receiver suitable for communicating over a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) connection, or both. LAN and WAN connections can be facilitated by a wired connection or a wireless connection. If a LAN or a WAN connection is wireless, the communication connection can include one or more antennas or antenna arrays. The communication medium conveys information such as computer-executable instructions, compressed graphics information, processed signal information (including processed audio signals), or other data in a modulated data signal. Examples of communication media for so-called wired connections include fiber-optic cables and copper wires. Communication media for wireless communications can include electromagnetic radiation within one or more selected frequency bands. 
     As noted above, the input device(s)  95  may include a microphone packaged as described herein. In an embodiment, the microphone package has a package substrate, a microphone transducer, and a processing device coupled with the microphone transducer and the package substrate. A lid defines a chamber at least partially enclosing the microphone transducer and the processing device. An interconnect bus can operatively couple the processing device with the processor and the memory of the electronic device. The lid of the microphone package can include a patterned conductor configured to inhibit formation of eddy currents within the patterned conductor when the patterned conductor is exposed to electromagnetic radiation. The lid can include a molded and electrically insulative member coupled with the patterned conductor. The interconnect bus can have a ground connection. The package substrate can include a ground plane electrically coupled with the ground connection. The patterned conductor can be electrically coupled with the ground plane, electrically coupling the patterned conductor with the ground connection of the interconnect bus. 
     Machine-readable media are any available media that can be accessed within a computing environment  90 . By way of example, and not limitation, with the computing environment  90 , machine-readable media include memory  92 , storage  94 , communication media (not shown), and combinations of any of the above. Tangible machine-readable (or computer-readable) media exclude transitory signals. 
     As explained above, some disclosed principles can be embodied in a tangible, non-transitory machine-readable medium (such as microelectronic memory) having stored thereon instructions. The instructions can program one or more data processing components (generically referred to here as a “processor”) to perform a processing operations described above, including estimating, computing, calculating, measuring, adjusting, sensing, measuring, filtering, addition, subtraction, inversion, comparisons, and decision making (such as by the control unit  52 ). In other embodiments, some of these operations (of a machine process) might be performed by specific electronic hardware components that contain hardwired logic (e.g., dedicated digital filter blocks). Those operations might alternatively be performed by any combination of programmed data processing components and fixed hardwired circuit components. 
     VIII. Other Embodiments 
     The previous description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosed principles. Embodiments other than those described above in detail are contemplated based on the principles disclosed herein, together with any attendant changes in configurations of the respective apparatus or changes in order of method acts described herein, without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Various modifications to the examples described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     Directions and other relative references (e.g., up, down, top, bottom, left, right, rearward, forward, etc.) may be used to facilitate discussion of the drawings and principles herein, but are not intended to be limiting. For example, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,”, “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” and the like. Such terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships, particularly with respect to the illustrated embodiments. Such terms are not, however, intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same surface and the object remains the same. As used herein, “and/or” means “and” or “or”, as well as “and” and “or.” Moreover, all patent and non-patent literature cited herein is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     And, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can be adapted to various configurations and/or uses without departing from the disclosed principles. Applying the principles disclosed herein, it is possible to provide a wide variety of arrangements for high-aspect ratio, barometric vents to reduce leakage noise. For example, the principles described above in connection with any particular example can be combined with the principles described in connection with another example described herein. Thus, all structural and functional equivalents to the features and method acts of the various embodiments described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the principles described and the features and acts claimed herein. Accordingly, neither the claims nor this detailed description shall be construed in a limiting sense, and following a review of this disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the wide variety of acoustic vents that can be devised using the various concepts described herein. 
     Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim feature is to be construed under the provisions of 35 USC 112(f), unless the feature is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for”. 
     The appended claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to a feature in the singular, such as by use of the article “a” or “an” is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more”. Further, in view of the many possible embodiments to which the disclosed principles can be applied, we reserve the right to claim any and all combinations of features and technologies described herein as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, including the right to claim, for example, all that comes within the scope and spirit of the foregoing description, as well as the combinations recited, literally and equivalently, in any claims presented anytime throughout prosecution of this application or any application claiming benefit of or priority from this application, and more particularly but not exclusively in the claims appended hereto.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190624
Publication Date: 20210928
Grant Date: 20210928
Priority Date: 20190624
Inventors: HRUDEY, PETER C.
MINERVINI, ANTHONY D.
MAURER, JOSEPH R.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R31/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/025", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/083", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/083", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R31/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R19/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/025", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/083", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 73850518