AU744743B2 - Micromechanical memory sensor - Google Patents

Description

S F Ref: 361310D1

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Case Western Reserve University 2040 Adelbert Road Cleveland Ohio 44106 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Mehran Mehregany, Kenneth G Goldman and Vljayakumar R Dhuler Spruson Ferguson, Patent Attorneys Level 33 St Martins Tower, 31 Market Street Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia Micromechanical Memory Sensor The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5845 MICROMECHANICAL MEMORY SENSOR Background of the Invention This invention relates to a micromechanical memory sensor. More particularly, the invention is directed to a micromechanical device which serves as a mechanical memory latch or sensor, the activation of which is triggered by a change of conditions, e.g., temperature, acceleration and/or pressure. Contents of the memory latch can be conveniently detected at any time after latching. The device is electronically resettable so that it can be conveniently reused.

While the invention is particularly directed to the art of micromechanical memory sensors, and will be thus described with specific reference thereto, it will be appreciated that the invention may have usefulness in other fields and applications.

Micromechanical memory sensors are used or have S. potential use in sensing a variety of different variables Sor conditions. These variables or conditions include temperature, acceleration, pressure, force...etc.

For example, a micromechanical memory sensor adaptable for use in sensing temperature extremes purely mechanically and being electronically resettable would be advantageous for applications wherein field testing is conducted on products and no power supplies are available -2in the field. However, there are no known micromechanical temperature sensors of this type.

Conventional electronic temperature sensors require a power supply when monitoring temperatures.

However, in most instances where the temperature extreme to which a product has been exposed is the desired information, the field monitoring of temperature is-not possible with conventional techniques since a power supply may oftentimes be unavailable.

A bistable snapping microactuator having a power supply, or battery, has also been disclosed.

H.

Matobo, T. Ishikawa, C. Kim, R. Muller, A Bistable Snapping Microactivator, January 1994, pp. The microactuator includes a flexible cantilever which buckles when a temperature extreme, induced by a current, is detected. While this device is ultimately triggered by a temperature change, resistive dissipation, acceptable operation is only achieved through the use of driving voltages and current pulses 20 applied in a particular timing sequence. This microactuator is not triggered purely mechanically.

As a further example, certain micromechanical memory sensors adapted for use as latch accelerometers are known and provide an inexpensive way of sensing moderate and high-g accelerations by using a micromechanical memory sensor. A latch accelerometer is a switch which latches if accelerated by a predetermined acceleration in a particular direction and remains closed after the acceleration ceases. The primary advantage of latch accelerometers over the conventional acceleration sensing devices is that latch acceleration sensing devices is that latch accelerometers do not require complicated sensing electronics. The sensed acceleration can be read out long after the accelerating event. Acceleration latches operate without a power supply and can be made to operate at g levels ranging from only a few g's to several thousand g's and to sense the duration for which the acceleration lasts.

U.S. Patent No. 4,891,255 to Ciarlo discloses an acceleration latch which uses bulk micromachining of (110) oriented silicon wafers to make two cantilever beams having proof masses, or plates, attached thereto that interlock at a set threshold acceleration. FIGURES 21(a) and 21(b) herein representatively show such a latching accelerometer similar to that shown in FIGURES 3-4 of the Ciarlo patent. The cantilever beams C are typically several millimeters in length. The fabrication of the cantilever beams C and the proof masses P is fairly complicated since corner compensation and silicon bulk michromachining of (110) wafers are used. (110) bulk micromachining is not readily compatible with IC processing.

oooo The cantilever beams C of the Ciarlo patent must undergo large deflections S. before latching at their proof masses C. Further, since the horizontal cantilever libel 361310D1.JJP -4beam C must force deflection of the vertical cantilever C, which involves the sliding of the two large surfaces, the frictional forc6 between the two proof masses P can be significant and can result in uncertainties in the acceleration sensed. Moreover, the cantilever beams c are not delatchable, thus not resettable.

Another main disadvantage of the latch of the Ciarlo patent is the complicated readout schemes that must be used. Since the cantilever beams C are made by etching through a silicon wafer, the two cantilever beams C cannbt be electrically isolated, making a simple continuity test between the two cantilever beams C impossible. The readout schemes of the Ciarlo patent use either capacitive or optical techniques. In either of these schemes the accelerometer wafer must be sandwiched between two other wafers containing capacitive plates or light emitting diodes to sense the position of the cantilevers. This makes the fabrication process much more complicated and expensive. Also, bulk 20 micromachining results in large sized devices.

A direct implementation of the latching mechanism of the Ciarlo patent using surface micromachining is possible and may solve the problem of sensing the latch. However, the device would still suffer from other noted problems related to excessive *oe• length of beams C with the proof masses P attached at ends thereto and would still not be resettable.

A need thus exists to provide a micromechanical memory sensor comprising a latch which senses a change in a variable or condition.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a micromechanical memory sensor for determining if a predetermined value of a physical variable has been exceeded, the sensor comprising a first mechanism and a second mechanism, each mechanism being subject to displacement when a force, proportional to the value of the physical variable is exerted upon it, the first mechanism having an end supported by a first structure, the second mechanism have an end supported by a second structure, the second mechanism further having a member extending toward the first mechanism, wherein: e 5 i the first mechanism and the second mechanism being formed on a silicon substrate, the first mechanism being formed by a least one beamed member having the oe, supported end and a free end, the free end having a first surface and a second surface, the second mechanism having at least one beam, the extending member of the second mechanism being positioned in opposed relation to the first surface of the free end of the S" 20 first mechanism, the second mechanism being more flexible than the first mechanism, this 000 greater flexibility allowing greater displacement of the second mechanism that the first mechanism when both mechanisms are exposed to the physical variable, the extending member of the second mechanism being positioned in opposed relation to the second surface of the free end of the first mechanism after the predetermined value of the physical variable has been exceeded, the extending member being prevented, by the first mechanism, from returning to its position in opposed relation to the first surface of the free end of the first mechanism when the value of the physical variable decreases below the predetermined value.

Q 66.doc:e d [R:\LIBQ]0I 166.doc:edg -6- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a micromechanical sensor comprising: a mechanical latch being latched upon detection of a threshold value of a variable temperature condition, latching occurring by movement of components of the latch induced by the variable temperature condition; a readout mechanism operatively connected to the latch for detecting whether the latch is latched; and a resetting mechanism operatively connected to the latch electrically unlatching the latch by inducing movement of the components electrically whereby the sensor latched purely mechanically is electrically reset for repeat use.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a micromechanical memory sensor comprising: a latch member having a sensing mechanism and a resetting mechanism V mechanically latching upon detection of a predetermined temperature extreme; ooo 15 a readout mechanism operatively connected to the latch member for detecting o whether the latch member is latched, and, o h a mechanism operatively connected to the latch member for electrically resetting the latch member.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a 20o micromechanical memory sensor comprising: ~a first beam supported at a first end thereof by a first support and having a second end; o secon a second beam supported at a first end thereof by a second support and having a second end having flexibility greater than the first beam, the first and second beam being disposed in a first arrangement so that the second end of the second beam engages a first surface of the first beam at the second end of the first beam, an increase in ambient temperature facilitating a first deflection in the first beam and a second deflection in the second beam in accordance with the difference in the flexibility of the first and second beams, and, a decrease in the ambient temperature facilitating movement of the first and second beams to a second arrangement, the second beam engaging a second surface of the first beam in the second arrangement so that the second beam is latched on the first beam; a readout mechanism positioned on the sensor to detect whether the second beam ,iA is latched on the first beam; and, [R:\LIBQ]Ol 166.docedg 6aa means for electrically resetting the first and second beams to the first arrangement.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a microchemical memory sensor comprising: a first beam formed of a first material having a first thermal coefficient of expansion and a second material having a second thermal coefficient of expansion, the second coefficient being different than the first coefficient, the first and second materials being disposed in layers having a terminal end and formed on a substrate, the substrate extending beyond the terminal end; and, a second beam having flexibility greater than the first beam disposed in a first arrangement such that the second beam opposes a first surface of the substrate, the second beam being formed of the first material and the second material, an increase in ambient temperature facilitating a first deflection in the first beam V and a second deflection in the second beam in accordance with the difference in the first and second coefficients and the flexibility of the first and second beams, and, a decrease in the ambient temperature facilitating movement of the first and second beams to a second arrangement, the second beam engaging a second surface of the substrate in the second arrangement so that the second beam is latched on the first beam; and, 20 a means for electrically resetting the first and second beams to the first oto• arrangement.

Further advantages and scope of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood, •however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred o* embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Description of the Drawings A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [R:\LIBQ]O I 166.doc:edg -7- FIGURES are a diagrammatic representation of the latching process of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIGURES are a diagrammatic representation of the resetting process of the embodiment of FIGURES FIGURE 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a micromechanical memory sensor.

FIGURES 4 show the fabrication steps for the sensor of FIGURE 3; FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the sensor of FIGURE 3; FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the sensor of FIGURE 3; FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alterative embodiment of the sensor of the present Sinvention; 20 FIGURES 8(g) show the fabrication steps of the sensor of FIGURE 7; FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the sensor of FIGURE 7; FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the sensor of FIGURE 7; -8- FIGURES 11(a)-11(c) are top views of a further embodiment of the nicromechanical memory sensor of the present invention for sensing acceleration; FIGURES 12(a)-12(c)show the fabrication steps of the sensor of FIGURES ll(a)-1(c)using polysilicon surface micromachining; FIGURES 13(a)-13(c)show the fabrication steps of the sensor of FIGURES 11(a)-11(c)using nickel surface micromachining; FIGURE 14 is a top view of a further embodiment of the micronechanical memory sensor of the present invention for sensing acceleration in one direction; FIGURE 15 is a top view of a further embodiment of the micromechanical memory sensor of the present invention for sensing acceleration in two directions; FIGURE 16 is a top view of a further embodiment of the micromechanical memory sensor of the present invention for sensing acceleration; FIGURE 17 is a top view of a further embodiment of the micromechanical memory sensor of the present invention for sensing acceleration; •FIGURE 18(a)-18(b) are stylized representations S* of in-plane latch direction and out-of-plane latch direction, respectively; oeoeee e -9- FIGURE 19 is a top view of a further embodiment of the micromechanical memory sensor of the present invention for sensing out of plane acceleration; FIGURE 20 is a top view of the microrechanical memory sensor of FIGURE 19 incorporating a resetting mechanism; and, FIGURES 2 1(a)-21(b)show an acceleration latch of the prior art in an unlatched state and latched state, respectively.

D'tailed Descrition of the Preferred Embodiments The present invention is directed to a micromechanical memory sensor having a variety of potential uses including, in one aspect of the invention, sensing temperature extremes to which the sensor is exposed, in a further aspect of the invention, sensing acceleration extremes to which the sensor is subjected and, in a still further aspect of the invention,-sensing pressure extremes to which the sensor is subjected. The sensor- comprises a latch which is triggered by the detection of a predetermined threshold, or extreme, in a selected condition, temperature, acceleration, pressure...etc.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the S 25 preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting same, FIGURES illustrate a principal concept.

Specifically, a sensor latch L includes a sensing mechanism S which senses an external force, or variable F and mechanically latches under a resetting mechanism

R

when the force F exceeds a predetermined extreme value for which the latch L is calibrated. While the mechanisms S and R are generally shown as beams longitudinally disposed in the same axis, it is appreciated that other suitable types of mechanisms and arrangements therefor, preferred ones of which will-be described hereafter, may be used. Further, the force

F

imposed on the mechanism S may be the result of a temperature change, accelerator change, pressure change, or the like. Likewise, the actual movement of mechanism S may result from utilization of principles involving the bimetallic effect, mass movement, diaphragm characteristics, or the like.

Notably, the latching is accomplished entirely .20 mechanically. That is, no power supply is needed in order to sense the extremes. This feature is Particularly useful where it is desired to gather information respecting extreme conditions to which products, prototypes, or other devices are exposed during field use or testing. Typically, power supplies are not readily.available during field use or testing. For

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-11example, when tires are tested and it is important to detect a temperature extreme to which the tested tires are exposed, placement of a power supply on the tire to do so-during use is impractical. Accordingly senso of the present teaching is useful.

Once an extreme condition has been detected and the sensor has latched, as shown in FIGURE the sensor remains latched. This feature provides a memory of the extreme condition sensed.

Additionally, there is provided readout mechanisms, or test ports, by which it is determined whether the sensor is latched. A convenient reading scheme, conductivity test or the like, obviates the need for visual inspection and complicated reading electronics. If a plurality of sensors are fabricated on one substrate, simple multiplexing circuitry is used to selectively determine whether sensors are latched. An illustration of the advantages 20 of a simple reading scheme resides in field testing o products wherein the sensor can be conveniently read either in the field or in a test laboratory subsequent to esting or use.

As shown in FIGURES the present 25 micromechanical memory sensor is resettable. The resetting mechanism R is preferably microactuated to e -12induce the sensing mechanism S to unlatch. In the illustrated method, the mechanism R is induced to bend to the extent that the mechanism S tends to slip off mechanism R to return to its original position.

Mechanism R may be microactuated thermally (bimetallically), piezoelectrically, or electrostatically.

Resettability allows the sensor to be reused.

However, the structure of the sensor according to the present invention is simple and economical. Accordingly, it is recognized that the sensor may also be disposable with or without the resetting feature included.

In FIGURES a general embodiment and concept of the invention are illustrated. The description hereafter sets forth specific examples of the present invention. First, various embodiments predominantly bulk micromachined will be described (FIGURES 3-10). Next, predominantly surface micromachined embodiments will be treated (FIGURES 11(a)- S 20 Referring now to FIGURE 3, one preferred embodiment for sensing temperature, the micromechanical memory sensor 10 is comprised of a resetting beam test ports 21, a sensing beam 30, and support structures 40 and 50. The beams 20 and 30 are both disposed along the same longitudinal axis. However, beam 30 is more -13flexible than beam 20. Further, the beams 20 and overlap in that the sensing beam 30 is disposed in opposed relation to a first surface 25 of p silicon portion 26 of the resetting beam Resetting beam 20 includes a metal layer 22.

The metal layer 22 is preferably gold. However, any metal compatible with the fabrication process is recognized as being suitable. The resetting beam further includes a polysilicon heating resistor 24 and the p silicon portion 26. The metal layer 22, the heating resistor 24, and the p silicon portion 26 are respectively divided by two silicon nitride (Si 3

N,)

layers 28 and 29.

In beam 20, the p silicon portion 26 extends beyond the terminal end of the metal layer 22, heating resistor 24, and silicon nitride (Si 3

N

4 layers 28 and 29.

The extension of the p silicon portion 26 has a first surface 25, as noted above, and a second surface 27.

Sensing beam 30 includes a metal layer 32. As 20 with the metal layer 22, metal layer 32 is preferably gold but could be of any suitable substance compatible with the fabrication process. Sensing beam 30 further

S:

includes an n-type polysilicon layer 34 and silicon nitride (Si 3

N

4 dividing layers 38 and 39.

Test ports 21 are connected to portion 26 on beam 20. and layer 32 on the beam 30. These test ports -14are of any known type which are compatible with conductivity tests, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The support structures 40 and 50 are fnmed of silicon substrate and have portions 60 comprising layers of silicon nitride 62, 66 and polysilicon 64. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, while silicon substrate is preferred for convenience, alternative materials having similar properties may be used without avoiding the scope of the invention.

Moreover, in operation, the sensor 10, of FIGURE 3, utilizes the bimetallic effect which results from metal layers 22 and 32 and silicon layers 24 and 34 respectively having different thermal coefficients of expansion. As illustrated in FIGURE 3, both of the beams and 30 are bimetallic. Therefore, both beams 20 and bend when a change in temperature occurs.

More specifically, referring generally to i FIGURES wherein mechanism R corresponds to beam S 20. 20 and mechanism S corresponds to beam 30, when. the ambient temperature increases, both of the beams 20, begin to bend. Since the sensing beam 30 is more flexible than the resetting beam 20, as a result of differing geometric dimensions such as length, thickness 25 and width, it bends a greater amount than the beam In the process, the sensing beam 30 contacts the resetting beam 20. Consequently, an additional bending moment is induced in the resetting beam 20 due to the force supplied by the contacting sensing beam 30 as shown in FIGURE l(b).

5 As the ambient temperature increases above a preset temperature, the horizontal deflections of the beams 20, 30 surpass their initial overlap. This causes the sensing beam 30 to slip off the resetting beam 20, as shown in FIGURE Since the sensing beam 30 is more flexible than the resetting beam 20, it will have a larger vertical deflection than beam 20 after the slip occurs, also shown in FIGURE 1(c).

Finally, as the ambient temperature returns to room temperature, the beams 20, 30 will move back to their original places without any vertical deflection.

However, the sensing beam 30 will become latched underneath the resetting beam 20 in a latched arrangement, as depicted in FIGURE and engage the resetting beam 20. Therefore, the sensor 10 has recorded 20 the fact that the temperature extreme it was designed to S"sense has been exceeded. The temperature extreme is actually the point at which the sensing beam 30 slips off the resetting beam It is recognized that while a change in temperature creates a bending moment in the respective beams 20, 30, resulting in a vertical deflection, the coo -16vertical deflection likewise results in a horizontal deflection since the beam length will essentially remain constant during a temperature increase. The effects of thermal expansion on beam length is minimal in comparison to the horizontal deflection caused by the vertical deflection.

A simple conductivity test can be done to determine if the beams 20, 30 are latched. Test ports, or readout mechanisms, 21 shown in FIGURE 3, are placed on the sensor at a convenient location. As noted above, if a plurality of sensors are fabricated on a single substrate, then simple multiplexing circuitry is used to selectively detect whether sensors are latched.

Specifically, if the sensing beam 30 is latched underneath the resetting beam 20, the metal, layer 32 of sensing beam 30 is in contact with the p silicon portion 26 of resetting beam 20 resulting in a closed circuit. This contact is ohmic, and, therefore, will result in a potential difference proportional to the amount of current flowing therethrough. The ohmic contact is detected through manipulation of the test ports 21 or related multiplexed circuitry.

However, if the sensing beam 30 is not latched underneath the resetting beam 20, but is just touching it, as would occur for a slight temperature increase from room temperature which is less then the preset value, an -17open circuit results. Polysilicon layer 34 of beam touches the surface 25 of p silicon portion 26. The respective test ports 21 are consequently separated by a nonconductive path. As a result, a user easily distinguishes between the two different types of contacts through manipulation of the test portions, or related circuitry, and, consequently, whether latching has occurred.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, if the sensor 10 of FIGURE 3 is in the state as shown in FIGURE a conductivity test will similarly indicate that an open circuit is present. Detection of such an open circuit represents the fact that no temperature extreme was sensed and that the sensor 10 is not latched.

o• 20 e• As described above, the sensor 10 latches (FIGURE when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined value. It is recognized that the ability to reset the sensor 10 is advantageous. However, it is also readily appreciated that the micromechanical memory sensor 10 may be designed to be disposable and, thus, not resettable.

The resetting scheme will now be explained with general reference to FIGURES 2(d) wherein mechanism

R

25 corresponds to beam 20 and mechanism S corresponds to beam 30. As noted above, a heating resistor 24 is ee* e -18disposed on the resetting beam 20. When an electrical current is induced in and passed through the heating resistor 24, the heat generated is dissipated onto the resetting beam 20. The heat generated by the heating resistor 24 has little affect on the sensing beam since thermal conductivity between the resetting beam and the sensing beam 30 is minimal. In any event, however, thermal conductivity will not cause a malfunction in the resetting scheme as mentioned below.

Therefore, the resetting beam 20 will begin to bend vertically and will therefore create a bending moment in the sensing beam 30, as shown in FIGURE 2(b).

Eventually, the power dissipated by the heating resistor 24 will be large enough such that the horizontal deflection of the two beams 20, 30 will be greater than their initial overlap. This will cause the resetting beam 20 to slip off the sensing beam 30 as shown in FIGURE The sensing beam 30 will consequently spring to its original position as no heat is dissipated 20 onto-it. Once the current in the heating resistor 24 is open circuited as a result of losing contact with the sensing beam 30, the resetting beam 20 will no longer experience a temperature rise. Accordingly, the resetting beam 20 will bend to its original position, as shown in FIGURE returning the sensor 10 as a whole to its original position.

-19- Resetting has been described utilizing the bimetallic effect. However, an alternative thermal arrangement or an arrangement using piezoelectric material and electrodes could also be used. MOreover, electrostatic resetting may be accomplished using an arrangement adaptable fron that described in connection with FIGURE While the memory sensor has been described to sense high extremes, it is recognized that low extremes may be detected as well. aore particularly, in an alternative embodiment, the sensor is prelatched so that the sensing beam 30 is latched under the resetting beam is shown in FIGURE As the value of the temperature decreases, the beam 30 will deflect upwards and will tend to slip off beam 20. Once a low extreme is reached, the beams will become completely unlathed.

A

simple conductivity test can then be performed to detect whether the sensor is unlatched.

Referring now to FIGURES 4 wherein reference numerals are increased by two hundred and designate like elements, the fabrication of the device of FIGURE 3 begins with a double-side polished (100) Soriented silicon wafer having a thin film 262 of silicon nitride on top and bottom surfaces (FIGURE The silicon nitride 262 is then patterned using photolithography techniques and reactive ion etching (FIGURE A silicon dioxide layer 211 is then grown, patterned, and used as a mask for p diffusion 226 (FIGURES After the p diffusion, the silicon dioxide is removed (FIGURE and silicon nitride 219 is then deposited and patterned lico po-tio-:s 229 and 239 (FIGURES A silicon dioxide layer 217 is then grown where the silicon nitride was removed (FIGURE Polysilicon 244 is then deposited and doped (FIGURE Next a layer of silicon nitride 248 is deposited (FIGURE Both the silicon nitride and polysilicon are patterned to form portions 224, 228, 234, and 238 and an oxidation is performed for insulation purposes (FIGURES Next the metallic layer Cr/Au) is sputtered on and patterned into portions 222 and 232 (FIGURE Bulk etching from the backside and release of the sacrificial silicon dioxide layer are then performed (FIGURES Note that portions 260 comprising layers of silicon nitride and silicon are formed as a result of the process.

""20 20 Referring now to FIGURE 5, a still further alternative embodiment of the memory sensor for detecting acceleration extremes is shown. The sensor is virtually identical to the sensor 10 of FIGURE 3, in both construction and fabrication, except that a proof mass 52 is fabricated on the botton of sensing beam 30, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Acceleration ego* -21extremes in the vertical direction are detected, not by manipulatioh of the bimetallic effect as in the embodiment described in connection with FIGURE 3, but by manip.ulational of mass movement and inertia. When acceleration increases, movement of the proof mass 52 in a predetermined direction causes the beam 30 to bend and, consequently, latch under beam 20 upon detection of an extreme.

Similar-to that of the embodiment of FIGURE 3, a simple conductivity test is conducted using test ports 21 to determine whether the sensor is latched and heating resistor 24 (or, alternatively, other thermal piezoelectric or electrostatic techniques) is used to reset the device.

FIGURE 6 illustrates micromechanical sensor similar in construction and fabrication to those of FIGURES 3 and 5, except that such sensor detects pressure. Specifically, a sensing beam 30 and a Sresetting beam 20 are disposed on a diaphragm 54 S 20 constructed of p+ silicon similar to portion 26 in FIGURE 3. As pressure in the vertical direction causes the diaphragm to buckle, or depress, downwardly, the beam latches beneath the beam 20 upon detection of a predetermined pressure extreme.

25 S 25 As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a-simple conductivity test may be accomplished using -22test ports 21 to determine latching and the device may be reset thermally, bimetallically, piezoelectrically, or electrostatically. Further, pressure in an opposite vertical direction may be sensed if the sensor is initially latched.

FIGURE 7 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention. As with all figures, like numbers correspond to like structural elements although specific compositions of like layers may vary. As shown, the sensor 10 of FIGURE 7 is similar to that of FIGURE 3 except that p silicon portion 26 is not included and does not extend beyond the remaining layers of beam Instead, overlap is created between beams 20 and 30 in the sensor 10 by the metal extension 36 of the beam Additionally, portions 60 vary in composition compared to the embodiment of FIGURE 3, SiO 2 layer 37 is disposed between supports 40, 50 and beams 20, 30, respectively, and portion 23 is disposed on the lower terminal surface of beam 20. Portion 23 is useful for readout as will be hereafter described.

It is appreciated that the sensors 10 of FIGURES 3 and 7 have only subtle distinctions in operation from one another due to differences in configurations. For example, the FIGURE 3 sensor includes first surface 25, which is contacted by the beam 30 upon an increase in temperature, and a second surface -23- 27 Under which the beam 30 is ultimately latched. On the Other hand, the FIGURE 7 sensor 10 includes an extension 36 which latches under the beam 20 and contacts Portion 23 upon detection of a threshold temperature.

To determine latching, test ports 21 are Utilized to conduct a simple conductivity test. In this embodiment, test ports 21 are connected to metal layers 22 and 32. If latched, extension 36 contacts portion 23 and a closed circuit results, a conductive path running through layer 24. If not latched, an open circuit results.

The sensor is reset on the device of FIGURE 3 as described in connection with FIGURE 2, using heating resistor 24 (or, alternatively, other thermal, piezoelectric or electrostatic techniques) Additionally, low temperature extremes are sensed if the' sensor is initially latched.

Now referring to FIGURES 8 wherein the S..reference numerals have been increased by four hundred 2: 0 and designate like elements, the fabrication of the device in FIGURE 7 begins with a double-side polished (100) oriented silicon wafer with thin films of silicon dioxide 437 and silicon nitride 449 (FIGURE The first step consists of patterning the silicon nitride on 25 the frontside to form portions 429 and 439 using Photolithography and reactive ion etching techniques -24- (FIGURE Next Polysilicon 424, 423, 434 and silicon nitride 428, 438 are deposited and patterned on the frontside and backside (FIGURE 8

A

Phtoitogapystep is then performed to leave a photoresist sacrificial layer 417 (FIGURE The metallic layers 422, 432, and 436 are then sputtered on and patterned (FIGURE 8 Note that after the metal is patterned all of the photoresist 417 is removed. Blulk etching and release by removal of the silicon dioxide layer are then performed (FIGURES Note that -portions 460 are formed in the fabrication process.

-FIGURES 9 and 10 represent alternative embodiments of the sensor 10 of FIGURE 7 and illustrate an accelerator latch and pressure latch similar to those of FIGURES 5 and 6, respectively. Their operation is likewise substantially similar to that described in connection with those FIGURES. The fabrication process associated with the embodiments of FIGURE 9 and 10 is similar. to the process described in connection with 0 FIGURES 8()8gas will be appreciated by those skilled xin the art. In fact, to obtain the sensor of FIGURE 9, 9. .the same process is used with the exception of the 99:9 formation of mass 52.

99 CDuring the fabrication' of the device in FIGURES 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10, residual stresses are induced in .9 9 the thin films. These stresses relieve themselves after the release step. As a result, the beams will bend up if the residual'stress is tensile and down if it is compressive. This residual stress is utilized to tailor the sensitivity of the device. For example, if the beams exhibit an initial deflection in the downward direction, for an equal small temperature (or, accelerator or pressure) increase it would exhibit a greater horizontal tip deflection then if the beams were flat. That is, higher stress on the beam results in increased initial deflection. Therefore, the stress can be used to increase sensitivity.

FIGURE 11(a) shows an overall view of another preferred embodiment of the micromechanical memory sensor, an accelerator latch 100, fabricated using surface micromachining. While the structural configuration of the latch 100 visually differs from that of FIGURES 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10, the basic concepts described in connection with FIGURES l(a) apply equally. That is, the sensor is mechanically latched 20 upon detection of an extreme of some external force, *conveniently tested for latching using a simple conductivity test, and electrically reset.

As shown, the acceleration latch 100 comprises a rectangular plate, or proof mass, 101 formed of silicon or nickel supported by four folded beams 102. The folded beams 102 help to relieve the stress in the latch 100.

-26- When the plate 101 is subject to an acceleration, the extended portion 103, or male latching member, of the plate 101 pushes against the two fan shaped structures 104a and 104b and hence respectively push the two cantilevers 105a and 105b away from one another as illustrated in FIGURE 11(b). The combination of the structures 104a-b and 105a-b act as a female latching member corresponding to the male latching member 103.

The fan shaped ends 104a and 104b are contoured to provide only a line contact with the extended portion 103 to minimize sliding friction. If the acceleration exceeds a certain threshold value, the extended portion 103 and hence the plate 101 latch on to the fan shaped ends 104a and 104b of the cantilever beams 105a and 105b and stay latched, as shown in FIGURE 11(c).

The acceleration latch 100 senses accelerations in the range of several hundred g's to several thousand S. g's and has folded beams 102 of length 200 to 400 gm, a S* 20 plate-101 of 200 to 400 Mm side and cantilevers 105a and 105b of 100 to 200 pm long. These dimensions result in an acceleration latch 100 of less than one millimeter square in size.

For smaller g's, the lengths of the cantilevers 105a and 105b can be increased and also the mass of the plate 101 can be increased by electroless plating of -27metals, nickel on top of the polysilicon plate. To sense larger g's (several thousand) the stiffness of the cantilevers 105a and 105b can be increased.

The duration of contact required for .atching between extended portion 103 and fan-shaped structures S 104 can be increased to make the device 100 insensitive to shocks of smaller durations. The same can also be achieved by making the extended portion 103 of the plate 101 move a greater distance before it starts pushing the fan shaped structures 104a and 104b near the end of the cantilevers 105a and 105b. Controlling these different features, accelerations ranging from few g's to several thousands of g can be sensed.

The latch can be verified by testing for electrical continuity between the pads 106 and 107a-d which serve as test ports or readout mechanisms. This is possible since the cantilevers 105a-b and the plate 101 are initially electrically isolated. This is a simple procedure as compared to capacitive or optical sensing.

20 The latch 100 of FIGURE 11(a)-11(c)(and

FIGURES

14-20 described hereafter) is constructed of silicon based material. Those skilled in the art will recognize the convenience of using such material in the preferred micromachining techniques.

The device in FIGURE 11(a) (and FIGURES 14-20 hereafter described) is constructed using surface .o *o *oo* o oo *o -28microachining of (00) silicon wafers, a process compatible with Ic Processing techniques. The mechanica components of the sensor 100 are made by Patterning a polyslicon layer of desired thickness (typically microns). The olysilicon layer is deposited on a layer of sacrificial oxide of desired thickness which is deposited on the silicon wafer. 'Only one patterning step is sufficient. Other materials, such as nickel, can also be used in place of polysilicon.

1- 12 Specifically, with reference to FIGURES 12(a)- 12 (c)and 13(a) the surface micromachined acceleration latches can be fabricated using either polysilicon or nickel surface micromachining processes. As regarding FIGURES the polysilicon surface micromachining technique begins with a silicon wafer with thin films of silicon dioxide 810 and polysilicon 820 (FIGURE 12(a)) o The polysilicon is then patterned using photolithography .and reactive ion etching techniques (FIGURE 12 The S acceleration latch 100 including proof mass 101 is then 0" released in hydrofluoric acid, leaving suspended plates 101 and associated beams (FIGURE 12(c)).

Now, referring to FIGURES 1 3 the nickel surface i) tho" e nickel :c micromachining technique begins with a silicon wafer with films of silicon dioxide and Plsilicon (FIGURE 13 Next, a photolithography step, depositing photoresist 930 is performed and nickel is -29plated (FIGURE The photoresist is then removed and the sacrificial polysilicon layer is removed in a silicon etchant potassium hydroxide), leavjng Suspended plates 101 and associated beams (FIGIRE 13(c)).

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIGURE 14, the sensor 100 is rendered immune to accelerations in directions other than a selected direction of interest.

Stops 10.a-d prevent the motion of the plate in directions other than the sense direction. The silicon substrate and stop 109 prevent the motion of the plate 101 perpendicular to the plane, or surface, of the plate 101. Stop 109 requires 2 -polysilicon surface micromachining for fabrication thereof.

Moreover, the sensor 100 is modified in a still further embodiment to sense accelerations in two directions, as shown in FIGURE 15. The sensor 100 in FIGURE 15 is of an identical configuration of the sensor 100 of FIGURE ll(a-ll1(c)but for the inclusion of an additional latching mechanism comprising components 103'- 106' to allow bi-directional latching. It is-appreciated that the components 103'-106' operate in an identical manner to previously illustrate components 103-106.

The latching arrangement illustrated in FIGURE 16 represents a further embodiment of the invention. As shown, the plate 101 deflects the resilient cantilever 111 until the cantilever 111 passes over protrusion 110 to latch upon the detection of a predetermined acceleration.

FIGURE 17 shows still a further embodiment of a latching accelerometer according to the present invention. As shown, two plates, or proof masses, 120 and 140 are used to avoid any frictional contact between the extended portion, or male latching member, 125 of plate 120 and the fan shaped end 130 of the cantilever 135. Plate 140 is used to pull the fan shaped end 130 away when both plate 120 and 140 are subjected to the preset acceleration. The natural frequencies of the two suspended plates 120 and 140 are chosen such that latching takes place without the extended portion 125 of plate 120 pushing against the fan shaped end 130.

The acceleration latches described in FIGURES ll(a)-17 are in-plane latching devices. That is, the latching takes place in the plane of the silicon wafer and the proof mass 101, as shown in FIGURE 18(a). Outof-plane acceleration latches latch in the direction S 20 perpedicular to the silicon wafer and the proof mass 101, as shown in FIGURE 18(b). Several devices, including both in-plane and out-of-plane types, can be included on the same chip to sense acceleration in X, Y, and Z directions. However, (110) bulk micromachined devices, such as the Ciarlo device noted above, can incorporate only in-plane acceleration sensing (in X and -31- Y direction) on the same chip. An out-of-plane latch oo00 similar to the in-plane latches is shown in FIGURE 19.

More particularly, the latching cantilever 150 overlaps the proof mass 101, which consists of the first polysilicon layer and/or a metallic layer, as shown.

When the proof mass 101 is subjected to an acceleration in the out-of plane direction, perpendicular to the surface of the proof mass 101, a force is generated on the latching cantilever 150, which is anchored to the substrate, causing it to deflect in the out-of-plane direction. This vertical cantilever tip 155 deflection will also result in a horizontal/in-plane deflection.

Once the in-plane deflection is greater than the overlap, the cantilever beam 150 slips off the proof mass 101 and latches underneath.

The out-of-plane latch is conveniently fabricated using 2 -polysilicon surface micromachining techniques. Moreover, while the existing (110) bulk icromachined latch of FIGURE 21 is not resettable, 20 meaning that it cannot be delatched and reused, a resetting mechanism, as will be described with reference S: to FIGURE 20 is further conveniently microfabricated on the surface micromachined acceleration latches of the :present invention. It is appreciated that a similar resetting mechanism can be likewise incorporated into the in-plane latching devices. It is further appreciated -32that alternative resetting schemes incorporating thermal, bimetallic and piezoelectric principles will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading hereof.

FIGURE 20 shows a top view of an out-of-plane latch acceleration sensor according to the present invention which incorporates a resetting mechanism 170.

The resetting mechanism 170 is comprised of an electrostatic comb-drive 175 as shown in FIGURE 20. To reset the device 100, the electrostatic comb-drive 175 is implemented. A potential difference is placed on the electrostatic comb-drive 175 to enable the proof mass 101 to be pulled away from the latched cantilever 150. This pulling away is accomplished with relative ease. When the proof mass 101 is pulled away from the cantilever 150 a distance greater than that of the overlap, the latched cantilever 150 can be delatched and thus restored back to its original position so that the sensor can be reused.

Additionally, g-second devices may be S 20 fabricated using the surface micromachined accelerometers described herein. A g-second device is different from a conventional accelerometer as it responds to a combination of the acceleration magnitude and the time duration over which the acceleration is sustained. An alternate way of considering this device is as a velocity latch since the device effectively responds to the area -33under the acceleration/time curve. Viscous damping is used to achieve this feature. By proper selection of the device dimensions through modeling and effective use of viscous damping, it is possible to achieve g-second requirements for time durations of up to several tens of seconds.

Any of the sensors described in accordance with this invention in FIGURES 1-20 are useful as a single micromechanical sensor and, when used in conjunction with a plurality of other sensors, may be used as a sensing system. More particularly, two modes of operation may be accomplished according to the present invention: boolean and quasicontinuous. The boolean operational mode, using one sensor 10, answers the true/false question: Was the preset extreme exceeded? On the other hand, the quasicontinuous operational mode, which utilizes a plurality of sensors, indicates the range of extremes to which the sensing system was exposed, not just whether a Ssingle extreme has been exceeded. A system used in the S 20 quasicontinuous mode indicates the actual extremes that the system was exposed to by using an array of sensors that accomplish the boolean function individually, as described above. Each device in the array detects a different extreme in specific increments.

For example, four boolean type sensors 10 that sense extremes in increments of 10 0 C: 100oC, 110 0 -34- 1200C, and 1300C can be used. If the maximum temperature extreme that this array was exposed to was 1250C, then the 1000C, 11000, and 120 0 C sensors will indicate that their designed temperature extreme has been exceeded.

However, the 1300C sensor will not indicate the 1250C temperature extreme. Therefore, the quasicontinuous micromechanical memory sensor system will indicate that an exposed temperature extreme between 120 0 C and 1300C has occurred. Further examples respecting acceleration and pressure will not be specifically described.

However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that corresponding quasicontinuous systems for acceleration and pressure are readily apparent upon a reading hereof.

A further significant advantage of the present invention is that not only can a plurality of sensors be fabricated on a single substrate, but a plurality of types of sensors can be fabricated on a single substrate.

So, for example, a temperature sensor, acceleration S sensor, and pressure sensor may be fabricated on the same 20 substrate to produce a multi-purpose device.

Practical application of the present invention extends beyond sensing technology as described. The invention may also find use as an electrical switch in certain applications.

The above description merely provides a disclosure of particular embodiments of the invention and is not intended for the purpose of limiting the same thereto. As such, the invention is not limited to only the above described embodiments. Rather, it is recognized that one skilled in the art could conceive alternative embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention.

o a.

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Claims (4)

1. A micromechanical memory sensor for determining if a predetermined value of a physical variable has been exceeded, the sensor comprising a first mechanism and a second mechanism, each mechanism being subject to displacement when a force, proportional to the value of the physical variable is exerted upon it, the first mechanism having an end supported by a first structure, the second mechanism have an end supported by a second structure, the second mechanism further having a member extending toward the first mechanism, wherein: the first mechanism and the second mechanism being formed on a silicon substrate, the first mechanism being formed by a least one beamed member having the *o supported end and a free end, the free end having a first surface and a second surface, the second mechanism having at least one beam, the extending member of the second mechanism being positioned in opposed relation to the first surface of the free end of the o 15 first mechanism, the second mechanism being more flexible than the first mechanism, this greater flexibility allowing greater displacement of the second mechanism that the first o mechanism when both mechanisms are exposed to the physical variable, the extending S•member of the second mechanism being positioned in opposed relation to the second r surface of the free end of the first mechanism after the predetermined value of the 20 physical variable has been exceeded, the extending member being prevented, by the first o9 mechanism, from returning to its position in opposed relation to the first surface of the free end of the first mechanism when the value of the physical variable decreases below the predetermined value.

2. A micromechanical memory sensor as claimed in claim 1, the first mechanism having an electrical element capable of inducing displacement of the first mechanism, the displacement of the mechanism causing displacement of the second mechanism, the extending member of the second mechanism being returned to its OR:\LIBQOI 166.doc:edg

37- position in opposed relation to the first surface of the free end of the first mechanism after the displacement of the first mechanism has exceeded that of the second mechanism. 3. A micromechanical memory sensor as claimed in claim 1, one of the surfaces of the free end of the first mechanism being a conductive surface, the other surface of the free end of the first mechanism being non-conductive, the extending member of the second mechanism having a conductive surface, a readout mechanism for detecting whether the predetermined value of the physical variable has been exceeded being formed by the conductive surfaces, the conductive surfaces being in electrical contact with one another when the extending member is in opposed relation to the conductive surface of the free end of the first mechanism and not in electrical contact when the extending member is in opposed relation to the non-conductive surface of the free end of the first mechanism. 4. A micromechanical memory sensor as claimed in claim 1, the second mechanism being disposed on a diaphragm which is supported by the first and second structures, the diaphragm being displaced in response to the physical variable. 20 5. A micromechanical memory sensor as claimed in claim 1, the first mechanism and the second mechanism each comprising at least two metallic layers with o different coefficients of thermal expansion, the physical variable being temperature acting upon the metal layers of each mechanism. 6. A micromechanical memory sensor as claimed in claim 1, the second .mechanisim having a proof mass, the physical variable being acceleration of the proof mass. [N:\libe] 361310 D1.JJP -38- 7. A micromechanical memory sensor as claimed in claim 2, the first mechanism and the second mechanism each comprising at least two metallic layers with different coefficients of thermal expansion, the electrical element being a heating resistor acting upon the metal layers of the first mechanism, but not those of the second mechanism, s when an electrical current is present in the heating resistor. 8. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the variable condition is ambient temperature. 9. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the variable condition is acceleration. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the variable condition is pressure. 11. A micromechanical sensor comprising: S i5 a mechanical latch being latched upon detection of a threshold value of a variable temperature condition, latching occurring by movement of components of the latch induced by the variable temperature condition; ~a readout mechanism operatively connected to the latch for detecting whether the latch is latched; and 20 a resetting mechanism operatively connected to the latch electrically unlatching the latch by inducing movement of the components electrically whereby the sensor latched purely mechanically is electrically reset for repeat use. 12. A micromechanical memory sensor comprising: a latch member having a sensing mechanism and a resetting mechanism mechanically latching upon detection of a predetermined temperature extreme; a readout mechanism operatively connected to the latch member for detecting whether the latch member is latched, and, a mechanism operatively connected to the latch member for electrically resetting the latch member. V/ A micromechanical memory sensor comprising: [R:\LIBIO 1166.doc:edg

39- a first beam supported at a first end thereof by a first support and having a second end; a second beam supported at a first end thereof by a second support and having a second end having flexibility greater than the first beam, the first and second beam being disposed in a first arrangement so that the second end of the second beam engages a first surface of the first beam at the second end of the first beam, an increase in ambient temperature facilitating a first deflection in the first beam and a second deflection in the second beam in accordance with the difference in the flexibility of the first and second beams, and, a decrease in the ambient temperature facilitating movement of the first and second beams to a second arrangement, the second beam engaging a second surface of the first beam in the second arrangement so that the second beam is latched on the first beam; a readout mechanism positioned on the sensor to detect whether the second beam S• is latched on the first beam; and, 15 a means for electrically resetting the first and second beams to the first arrangement. 14. A micromechanical memory sensor comprising: a first beam formed of a first material having a first thermal coefficient of expansion and a second material having a second thermal coefficient of expansion, the second coefficient being different than the first coefficient, the first and second materials being disposed in layers having a terminal end and formed on a substrate, the substrate Sextending beyond the termninal end; and, a second beam having flexibility greater than the first beam disposed in a first arrangement such that the second beam opposes a first surface of the substrate, the second beam being formed of the first material and the second material, an increase in ambient temperature facilitating a first deflection in the first beam and a second deflection in the second beam in accordance with the difference in the first and second coefficients and the flexibility of the first and second beams, and, a decrease in the ambient temperature facilitating movement of the first and second beams to a second arrangement, the second beam engaging a second surface of the substrate in the second arrangement so that the second beam is latched on the first beam; and, [RALIBQ]01 166.doc:cdg a means for electrically resetting the first and second beams to the first arrangement. DATED this twenty-sixth Day of November, 2001 Case Western Reserve University Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON a a. a a a a a a a a a. a [R:\LIBQ]Ol 166.doc:cdg