Twin-mass accelerometer optimization to reduce the package stresses

The geometry optimization of a piezoresistive Twin-mass accelerometer is presented. The Twin-mass design is the most sensitive design to the stresses of the package compared to the Cantilever beam and the Quad-beam designs. Finite element simulations are carried out to improve the geometry of the Twin-mass design. Substitution of the perpendicular external beams by lateral external beams reduces the effects of the stresses of the package by a factor of more than 40. Moreover, the sensitivity and the figure of merit of the device can be easily increased.