Bernhard Boser

Title: Bernhard Boser: Co-founder of Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center (BSAC)

Introduction:

Bernhard Boser is a renowned inventor who has played a pivotal role in the development and advancement of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. As a co-founder of the Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center (BSAC), he has made significant contributions to the field of ultrasonic transducers and gyroscopes. With an impressive portfolio of patents and collaborations with industry-leading companies, Boser has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of innovation and technology.

Latest Patents:

Boser's latest patents demonstrate his expertise in developing novel solutions in the realm of MEMS technology. One of his notable inventions is the "Variable thickness diaphragm for a wideband robust piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT)." This diaphragm design enables decoupling of resonance frequency and bandwidth characteristics, allowing for enhanced performance in ultrasonic applications. Boser achieved this by selectively removing portions of the piezoelectric material and backside electrode layers to create structure, reducing mass while retaining stiffness.

Another significant patent is the "Bandwidth extension for continuous mode reversal gyroscope." This innovation focuses on improving the angular rate sensing capability of vibratory gyroscopes. Boser's methodology exploits the orthogonality between frequency modulation (FM) and amplitude modulation (AM) to remove bandwidth limitations. By utilizing both the FM and AM information, this gyroscope can accurately detect rates beyond the modulation frequency, mitigating aliasing issues and expanding its range of applications.

Career Highlights:

Boser's career started at the University of California, Berkeley, where he became a founding member of the Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center (BSAC) in 1986. BSAC has since become a leading research institution in microsystems and MEMS technology. Boser's integral role in the establishment of BSAC allowed for collaborative efforts with industry partners and facilitated breakthroughs in various fields.

In addition to his academic involvement, Boser has also made significant contributions to the industry through his collaborations with companies such as SiTime Corporation. These partnerships have led to the development of innovative microsensors and timing solutions, impacting industries such as telecommunications, consumer electronics, and automotive applications.

Collaborations:

Throughout his career, Boser has worked alongside exceptional colleagues, including researchers David Horsley and Richard J Przybyla. These collaborations have resulted in remarkable advancements in MEMS technology and solidified Boser's position as a respected authority in the field.

Conclusion:

Bernhard Boser's impact on the world of innovations and patents is indisputable. As the co-founder of the Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center (BSAC), his expertise in MEMS technology has led to groundbreaking inventions, with his recent patents focusing on ultrasonic transducer diaphragms and gyroscopes. Boser's collaborative efforts and partnerships with companies like SiTime Corporation have expanded the reach of his innovations beyond academia. His work continues to shape and inspire advancements in microelectromechanical systems, furthering the progress of various industries worldwide.