MEMS PN-Junction Sensor Eliminates Abnormal Voltage Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Micro-electro mechanical sensors face challenges in decoupling sensing signals for magnetic force and acceleration when using a common proof mass, leading to increased complexity in signal processing and accuracy issues.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a micro-electro mechanical apparatus with a PN-junction, comprising a movable mass with P-type and N-type semiconductor layers, and a conductive layer, which prevents abnormal voltage variations in the readout circuit by maintaining a reverse bias, allowing for simultaneous detection of magnetic force and acceleration without signal coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a common proof mass is used to sense both magnetic force and acceleration, then the device size is reduced, but the sensing signals become coupled and signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable mass is divided into distinct functional regions: a first movable structure for magnetic force sensing and a second movable structure for acceleration sensing. This segmentation allows each structure to be optimized for its specific sensing function while sharing the same physical mass, thereby reducing overall device size while avoiding signal coupling complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the movable mass are赋予 different properties: the first movable structure is configured with specific geometric characteristics for magnetic force detection, while the second movable structure has different geometric characteristics optimized for acceleration detection. This local differentiation enables simultaneous sensing of both physical quantities without signal interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If a common proof mass is used to sense both magnetic force and acceleration, then the device size is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal coupling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsensing signal precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The movable mass is divided into distinct functional regions: a first movable structure for magnetic force sensing and a second movable structure for acceleration sensing. This segmentation allows each structure to be optimized for its specific sensing function while sharing the same physical mass, thereby reducing overall device size while avoiding signal coupling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second movable structures are designed with asymmetric geometric configurations optimized for their respective sensing functions. The first movable structure has geometry optimized for magnetic force detection, while the second movable structure has different geometry optimized for acceleration detection, enabling precise simultaneous measurement without interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Power

If alternating current is inputted into the coil, then magnetic force sensing is enabled, but abnormal voltage variations occur in the readout circuit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic force detection capabilityVSAvoidvoltage signal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful induced current effect is extracted and eliminated by using a direct current source instead of alternating current. The coil is driven by DC current, which produces a stable magnetic field for force sensing without causing charge accumulation and induced current artifacts in the readout circuit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical parameter of the coil drive is changed from alternating current to direct current. This parameter change eliminates the time-varying nature of the drive signal, preventing induced current generation while maintaining the magnetic field generation capability needed for magnetic force sensing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances the accuracy of measuring magnetic force and acceleration by eliminating abnormal sensing signals and improving the sensitivity of the micro-electro mechanical apparatus, enabling more precise signal processing and reduced complexity.

Implementation Method 1

Lorentz Force F is induced by the coil 13 and the magnetic field B, which drives the movable mass 11 to rotate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz Force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

The movable mass comprises a first P-type semiconductor layer 121, a first N-type semiconductor layer 122 and a first PN-junction 123

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPN-junction reverse bias: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9227840B2Micro-electro mechanical apparatus with PN-junction
Publication Date: 2016.01.05 IND TECH RES INST
  • US9227840B2 patent drawing
  • US9227840B2 patent drawing
  • US9227840B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A micro-electro mechanical apparatus having a PN-junction is provided. The micro-electro mechanical apparatus includes a movable mass, a conductive layer, and an electrode. The movable mass includes a P-type semiconductor layer and an N-type semiconductor layer. The PN-junction is formed between the P-type semiconductor layer and the N-type semiconductor layer. The micro-electro mechanical apparatus is capable of eliminating abnormal voltage signal when an alternating current passes through the conductive layer. The micro-electro mechanical apparatus is adapted to measure acceleration and magnetic field. The micro-electro mechanical apparatus can be other types of micro-electro mechanical apparatus such as micro-electro mechanical scanning micro-mirror.