摘要 |
<p>A micromachined pressure sensor is formed with a minimum number of masking and processing steps. The structure measures changes in pressure by deflection of structures having capacitive plates external to a sealed cavity so that electrical leads can be readily connected to the plates formed on the structures. The pressure sensor includes a substrate, a base secured to the substrate and a diaphragm secured to the base to define a sealed cavity. A skirt may extend outwardly from the base above the substrate to form one of the plates of the capacitor with another plate formed on the base. Changes in ambient pressure deflect the skirt toward or away from the electrode on the substrate, changing the effective capacitance between the electrodes. Electrical connections may be made to the electrode on the skirt and the electrode on the substrate utilizing electrical connectors which are external to the base and thus external to the sealed cavity.</p> |