Segmented Backplate MEMS Vibration Sensor for 3D Low-Frequency Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MEMS vibration sensors lack sensitivity to low-frequency sound waves and vibrations, and there is a need for improved methods to accurately detect three-dimensional acceleration without orientation dependence.

Innovation Solution

A MEMS vibration sensor design featuring a segmented backplate and an inertial mass attached to a membrane, which generates multiple output signals processed by an ASIC to determine X, Y, and Z-axis accelerations and vibrations, allowing for enhanced sensitivity and orientation-independent detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional MEMS vibration sensor uses a single backplate design, then the device structure remains simple, but the sensitivity to low-frequency sound waves and vibrations is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensitivity to low-frequency sound waves and vibrationsVSAvoidbackplate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backplate is divided into multiple independent segments that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows different portions of the backplate to respond to different frequency ranges and vibration directions, thereby enhancing sensitivity to low-frequency sound waves and vibrations while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If a MEMS vibration sensor lacks orientation-independent detection capability, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to accurately detect three-dimensional acceleration is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional acceleration detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backplate is segmented into multiple sections with different orientations and mass distributions. Each segment is designed to respond to acceleration along specific axes, enabling the sensor to detect three-dimensional acceleration vectors accurately regardless of the sensor's orientation in space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor design incorporates elements that respond to acceleration in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously. By arranging backplate segments and mass elements in three-dimensional configurations, the sensor achieves orientation-independent detection capability, allowing accurate measurement of acceleration vectors from any direction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a MEMS vibration sensor uses a segmented backplate with multiple output signals, then the signal processing capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidoverall device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backplate is divided into multiple independently controllable segments, each capable of generating distinct output signals in response to different vibration modes and frequencies. This segmentation provides rich signal processing capabilities for analyzing complex vibration patterns while maintaining modular architecture that simplifies overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 sensor achieves improved sensitivity to low-frequency sound waves and vibrations, and can accurately detect three-dimensional accelerations regardless of its orientation, reducing distortion and enhancing signal processing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Such membranes of microelectromechanical transducers can be formed at least in sections from a piezoelectric material, in which, in the case of a passive displacement of the membrane, a voltage is induced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

A MEMS accelerometer uses capacitive sensing between two electrode layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4105616B1Mictroelectromechanical system (MEMS) vibration sensor having a segmented backplate
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4105616B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4105616B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4105616B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A MEMS vibration sensor includes a membrane having an inertial mass, the membrane being affixed to a holder of the MEMS vibration sensor; and a segmented backplate spaced apart from the membrane, the segmented backplate being affixed to the holder.