Arrangement for protection against mechanical overload of a piezoresistive electromechanical transducer

摘要

1,045,846. Semi-conductor devices. SIEMENS & HALSKE A.G. Sept. 28, 1965 [Sept. 29, 1964], No. 41103/65. Heading H1K. [Also in Divisions G1 and H4] An overload protection device is provided for a transducer suitable for use in a microphone and which is of the type having a pressure-transmitting stylus bearing on a semiconductor member such as a PN junctioncontaining piezo-resistive body. This body is mounted on an electrode plate which in the non-loaded transducer is held against an adjustable limit stop by a spring opposing pressure applied by the stylus. When the load on the stylus exceeds the rest pressure in the spring the latter yields to reduce the stress on the semi-conductor. The region of contact between the stylus and semi-conductor may be surrounded by a viscous medium to lessen the rebound impact if the stylus should lift momentarily from the semi-conductor. The mass of the semi-conductor and electrodes is made small so that the inertia forces on acceleration are preferably less than 10% of the rest force in the spring.