Two-element semiconductor capacitive acceleration sensor

摘要

This invention concerns a capacitive acceleration sensor complete with planar build-up, in particular for use as a component part of a vehicle occupant protection system within a motor vehicle. A self-supporting structure will be movably located within a hollow space between two semiconductor elements which are electrically insulated from each other but mechanically bonded, where an acceleration force acting on the inert mass of the self-supporting structure will cause a change in the distance between this self-supporting structure and the semiconductor element. This produces a change in capacity which can be evaluated by means of suitable circuitry.