Method and system for packaging a device

Abstract

A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate can contain electronic circuitry for controlling the array of interferometric modulators. The backplate can provide physical support for device components, such as electronic components which can be used to control the state of the display. The backplate can also be utilized as a primary structural support for the device.

1 . A device, comprising:
 a substrate having a first surface;   an array of display elements formed on the first surface of the substrate;   a backplate, wherein the array of display elements is located between the backplate and the substrate; and   a seal between the substrate and the backplate, wherein the seal includes glass.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the seal includes a glass-frit. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the seal is formed via a spin-on process. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the seal is a hermetic seal. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , additionally comprising electronic circuitry located on the backplane and in electrical communication with the array of display elements. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the electronic circuitry is configured to control the state of the array of display elements. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate is light-transmissive. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate includes glass. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the backplate includes glass. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the display elements include an array of interferometric modulators configured to reflect light through the substrate. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the seal includes a mechanical extension of the backplate. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the seal includes a mechanical extension of the substrate. 
     
     
         13 . A device, comprising:
 a substrate having a first surface;   an array of display elements formed on the first surface of the substrate;   a backplate sealed to the first surface of the substrate via a seal extending around the array of interferometric modulators, wherein the seal includes a glass frit.   
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , additionally comprising electronic circuitry located on the backplane and in electrical communication with the array of interferometric modulators. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the electronic circuitry is configured to control the state of the array of interferometric modulators. 
     
     
         16 . A method of fabricating a device, comprising:
 providing a substrate having an array of display elements formed on a first surface of the substrate; and   sealing a backplate to the first surface of the substrate via a seal extending around the array of display elements, wherein the seal includes glass.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the seal includes a glass frit. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the array of display elements includes an array of interferometric modulators. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the backplate includes electronic circuitry located thereon, the method additionally comprising placing the electronic circuitry in electrical communication with the array of interferometric modulators.