Microphone and Pressure Sensor Package Mechanical Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microphone and pressure sensor packages face challenges in mechanical decoupling from external forces, which can affect the accuracy and reliability of pressure and sound wave detection.

Innovation Solution

A compact package design featuring a carrier with an opening, a microphone device with a diaphragm and perforated back plate, an ASIC device with integrated pressure sensors, and a bottom device for mechanical decoupling, using an adhesive silicone layer and electric connections to enhance mechanical isolation and signal read-out.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the pressure sensor is integrated directly into the package substrate, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensor becomes sensitive to external forces and mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration complexityVSAvoidsensor accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A decoupling structure (intermediary layer) is introduced between the pressure sensor and the package substrate. This intermediary component mechanically isolates the sensor from external forces while maintaining the integrated package design, thereby resolving the contradiction between integration complexity and sensor accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the package size is reduced for compactness, then the volume is minimized, but the mechanical decoupling of the sensor becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage volumeVSAvoidsensor isolation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The decoupling structure is nested within the compact package architecture, with the pressure sensor, decoupling layer, and package substrate arranged in a nested configuration. This allows mechanical isolation to be achieved within a minimized volume by efficiently utilizing the three-dimensional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Length of moving object

If the diaphragm is positioned closer to the back plate to reduce package height, then the package height is minimized, but the detection sensitivity may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage heightVSAvoidpressure detection sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The optimal distance between the diaphragm and back plate is determined as a critical parameter. By carefully controlling this parameter within a specific range, the package achieves compact height while maintaining sufficient detection sensitivity, resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and measurement precision.

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

The design achieves improved mechanical decoupling and reduced sensitivity to external forces, allowing for accurate detection of ambient pressure and sound waves while maintaining compact dimensions.

Implementation Method 1

An adhesive layer comprises silicone between the bottom device and the ASIC device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a microphone device including a diaphragm and a perforated back plate arranged above the opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-induced deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

an sensor element provided for a pressure sensor is integrated in the ASIC device. The pressure that is present outside the cavity is transferred to the sensor element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance measurement: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3261366B1Microphone and pressure sensor package and method of producing the microphone and pressure sensor package
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 SCIOSENSE BV
  • EP3261366B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3261366B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3261366B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The microphone and pressure sensor package comprises a carrier (1) with an opening (16), a microphone device (20) including a diaphragm (21) and a perforated back plate (22) arranged above the opening (16), an ASIC device (6), and a cover (9) forming a cavity (17) between the carrier (1) and the cover (9). The ASIC device (6) and the microphone device (20) are arranged in the cavity (17). A sensor element (7) provided for a pressure sensor is integrated in the ASIC device (6). The pressure outside the cavity (17) is transferred to the sensor element (7) through the opening (16), the diaphragm (21), and the back plate (22).