Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to a mechanism for testing a MEMS hysteresis. A power management circuit may be coupled to the electrodes that cause the movable plate that is disposed between the electrodes in a MEMS device to move. The power management circuit may utilize a charge pump, a comparator and a resistor ladder.
Abstract:
The invention relates to the general field of methods for producing electronic modules including electronic power components (3) made on a gallium nitride (GaN) substrate (1), as well as electrostatically activated MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical System) microswitches (10). The electronic components and the microswitches according to the invention are produced on a single gallium nitride substrate and the production method comprises at least the following steps: Step 1: Making power components (3) on the gallium nitride substrate; Step 2: Depositing a first common passivation layer (4) on said components and on the substrate; and Step 3: Making microswitches (10) on said substrate.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for producing micromechanical components, wherein a substrate (1) having at least one metal layer (3, 6, 7, 7') and a sacrificial layer (5, 5') comprising SiGe are structured and the sacrificial layer (5, 5') is at least partially removed by etching with a fluorine-containing compound such as ClF 3 , the substrate (1) which carries the sacrificial layer (5, 5') and the metal layer (3, 6, 7, 7') being tempered at a temperature of ≥ 100 °C to ≤ 400 °C prior to the sacrificial layer (5, 5') being etched. The material of the metal layer (3, 6, 7, 7') can comprise aluminum. The invention further relates to a micromechanical component which comprises a metal layer (3, 6, 7, 7'), the material of the metal layer having a polycrystalline structure and ≥ 90% of the crystallites having a size of ≥ 1 μm to ≤ 100 μm. The invention also relates to the use of said micromechanical components as pressure sensors, high-frequency switches or as varactor.
Abstract:
A MEMS device is electrically actuated with a voltage placed across a first electrode (702) and a moveable material (714). The device may be maintained in an actuated state by latch electrodes (730a, 730b) that are separate from the first electrode
Abstract:
Electro-mechanical switches and memory cells using vertically-disposed nanofabric articles and methods of making the same are described. An electro-mechanical device, includes a structure having a major horizontal surface and a channel formed therein. A conductive trace is in the channel; and a nanotube article vertically suspended in the channel, in spaced relation to a vertical wall of the channel. The article is electro-mechanically deflectable in a horizontal direction toward the conductive trace. Under certain embodiments, the vertically suspended extent of the nanotube article is defined by a thin film process. Under certain embodiments, the vertically suspended extent of the nanotube article is about 50 nanometers or less. Under certain embodiments, the nanotube article is clamped with a conducting material disposed in porous spaces between some nanotubes of the nanotube article. Under certain embodiments, the nanotube article is formed from a porous nanofabric. Under certain embodiments, the nanotube article is electromechanically deflectable into contact with the conductive trace and the contact is either a volatile state or non-volatile state depending on the device construction. Under certain embodiments, the vertically oriented device is arranged into various forms of three-trace devices. Under certain embodiments, the channel may be used for multiple independent devices, or for devices that share a common electrode.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an electrostatic microswitch which is intended to connect electrically two strip conductors which are disposed on an insulating support (21). According to the invention, the two strip conductors are connected electrically by conducting means (38) which are provided in the central part of deformable means (28) which can be deformed in relation to the support under the effect of an electrostatic force generated by control electrodes (25, 48; 26, 58). The control electrodes are distributed facing one another on the deformable means and the support, such as to form capacitive means around the aforementioned conducting means. Moreover, the control electrodes are associated with insulating stop elements (35, 36) which are provided in order to prevent a short circuit between electrodes of the capacitive means during the deformation of the deformable means. The distance between the deformable means and the ends of the strip conductors is less than or equal to the distance between the insulating stop elements associated with the control electrodes and the control electrodes located opposite.
Abstract:
A micromachine switch comprises a support member having a predetermined height from the surface of a base, a flexible cantilevered arm projecting from the support member parallel to the surface of the base and facing the gap between two signal lines, a contact electrode provided to the cantilevered arm and facing the gap, a lower electrode provided on the base and facing a part of the cantilevered arm, and an intermediate electrode provided to the cantilevered arm and facing the lower electrode. The micromachine switch operates with a driving voltage lower than that of prior art. The breakdown voltage characteristic of the insulating film is improved.
Abstract:
A discrete electro-mechanical device includes a structure (182) having an electrically-conductive trace. A defined patch of nanotube fabric (154) is disposed in spaced relation to the trace; and the defined patch of nanotube fabric (154) is electromechanically deflectable between a first and second state. In the first state, the nanotube article is in contact with the trace. A low resistance signal path is in electrical communication with the defined patch of nanofabric (154). Under certain embodiments, the structure (182) includes a defined gap (180) into which the electrically conductive trace is disposed.
Abstract:
A thin plate-shaped substrate 21 comprised of a monocrystal is provided with a piezoelectric element 24, and both ends of a movable piece 20 whose one surface is provided with a movable contact 25 are fixed and supported to a base 11. Then, by curving the movable piece 20 via the piezoelectric element 24, the movable contact 25 is brought in and out of contact with a pair of fixed contacts 38 and 39 that face the movable contact. With this arrangement, a subminiature micro-relay having a mechanical contact mechanism that has a small resistance in turning on the contact and the desired vibration resistance, frequency characteristic and insulating property can be obtained.