MEMS proof mass with split z-axis portions
First Claim
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1. A proof-mass for an accelerometer, the proof mass comprising:
- a center portion configured to anchor the proof-mass to an adjacent layer;
a first z-axis portion of the proof mass configured to rotate about a first axis using a first hinge, the first axis parallel to an x-y plane orthogonal to a z-axis;
a second z-axis portion of the proof mass configured to rotate about a second axis using a second hinge, the second axis parallel to the x-y plane;
wherein the first z-axis portion is configured to rotate independent of the second z-axis portion; and
wherein the central portion includes an anchor portion and an x-axis proof mass portion, the x-axis proof mass portion configured to deflect, with respect to the anchor portion, in response to an acceleration of the proof mass along the x-axis.
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Abstract
This document discusses among other things apparatus and methods for a proof mass including split z-axis portions. An example proof mass can include a center portion configured to anchor the proof-mass to an adjacent layer, a first z-axis portion configure to rotate about a first axis using a first hinge, the first axis parallel to an x-y plane orthogonal to a z-axis, a second z-axis portion configure to rotate about a second axis using a second hinge, the second axis parallel to the x-y plane, wherein the first z-axis portion is configured to rotate independent of the second z-axis portion.
211 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A proof-mass for an accelerometer, the proof mass comprising:
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a center portion configured to anchor the proof-mass to an adjacent layer; a first z-axis portion of the proof mass configured to rotate about a first axis using a first hinge, the first axis parallel to an x-y plane orthogonal to a z-axis; a second z-axis portion of the proof mass configured to rotate about a second axis using a second hinge, the second axis parallel to the x-y plane; wherein the first z-axis portion is configured to rotate independent of the second z-axis portion; and wherein the central portion includes an anchor portion and an x-axis proof mass portion, the x-axis proof mass portion configured to deflect, with respect to the anchor portion, in response to an acceleration of the proof mass along the x-axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An apparatus comprising:
a single proof mass accelerometer, the single proof mass accelerometer including; a proof mass structure formed in the x-y plane of a device layer, the proof mass structure including; a central portion including; a single, central anchor, configured to suspend the proof mass structure ; and separate x and y, flexure bearings, wherein the x and y-axis flexure bearings are symmetrical about the single, central anchor; a first z-axis portion configured to rotate about a first axis in the x-y plane using a first hinge, the first hinge coupled to the central portion; a second z-axis portion configure to rotate about a second axis in the x-y plane using a second hinge, the second hinge coupled to the central portion; wherein the first z-axis portion is configured to rotate independent of the second z-axis portion. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
Specification