A solid-state transducer is disclosed. The transducer comprises a semi-conductor
substrate forming a support structure and having an opening. A thin-film structure
forming a diaphragm responsive to fluid-transmitted acoustic pressure is disposed
over the opening. The transducer further includes a plurality of semi-conductor
supports and tangential arms extending from the diaphragm edge for connecting the
periphery of the diaphragm to the supports. The tangential arms permit the diaphragm
to rotate relative to the supports to relieve film stress in the diaphragm. The
transducer still further includes a plurality of stop bumps disposed between the
substrate and the diaphragm. The stop bumps determine the separation of the diaphragm
from the substrate when the transducer is biased.