Abstract:
A micro electromechanical (MEMS) switch suitable for use in medical devices is provided, along with methods of producing and using MEMS switches. In one aspect, a micro electromechanical switch including a moveable member configured to electrically cooperate with a receiving terminal is formed on a substrate. The moveable member and the receiving terminal each include an insulating layer proximate to the substrate and a conducting layer proximate to the insulating layer opposite the substrate. In various embodiments, the conducting layers of the moveable member and/or receiving terminal include a protruding region that extends outward from the substrate to switchably couple the conducting layers of the moveable member and the receiving terminal to thereby form a switch. The switch may be actuated using, for example, electrostatic energy.
Abstract:
Curved out of plane metal components are formed on PCB substrates (11) by electroplating two layers (13, 14) of the same metal such that each layer has a different internal stress. This produces as curvature of the layer (13, 14) which enables coils, curved cantilever beams and springs to be fabricated. The amplitude and direction of curvature can be controlled by controlling the stress and thickness of each layer. The stress is controlled by controlling the composition of the electroplating bath.
Abstract:
Procédé de fabrication de microcomposants électroniques, du type capacité variable ou microswitch, comprenant une armature fixe (1) et une membrane (20) déformable situées en regard l'une de l'autre, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte les étapes suivantes, consistant :
◆ à déposer une première couche métallique sur une couche d'oxyde (2), ladite première couche métallique étant destinée à former l'armature fixe ; ◆ à déposer un ruban métallique (10, 11) sur au moins une partie de la périphérie et de part et d'autre de l'armature fixe (1), ledit ruban étant destiné à servir d'espaceur entre l'armature fixe (1) et la membrane déformable (20) ; ◆ à déposer une couche de résine sacrificielle (15) sur au moins la superficie de ladite armature fixe (1) ; ◆ à générer par lithographie une pluralité de caissons, sur la surface de ladite couche de résine sacrificielle ; ◆ à déposer par électrolyse, à l'intérieur des caissons formés sur la résine sacrificielle (15), au moins une zone métallique destinée à former la membrane déformable (20), cette zone métallique s'étendant entre des sections du ruban métallique (10, 11) situées de part et d'autre de ladite armature fixe (1) ; ◆ à éliminer la couche de résine sacrificielle (15).
Abstract:
The MEMS device has a suspended mass (31) supported via a pair of articulation arms (32) by a supporting region (33). An electrostatic driving system (36), coupled to the articulation arms (32), has mobile electrodes (38) and fixed electrodes (39) that are coupled to each other. The electrostatic driving system is formed by two pairs of actuation assemblies (36), arranged on opposite sides of a respective articulation arm (32) and connected to the articulation arm through connection elements (30). Each actuation assembly (36) extends laterally to the suspended mass (31) and has an auxiliary arm (37) carrying a respective plurality of mobile electrodes (38). Each auxiliary arm is parallel to the articulation arms (32). The connection elements (30) may be rigid or formed by linkages.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to thin membranes (such as graphene windows) and methods of aligned transfer of such thin membranes to substrates. The present invention further relates to devices that include such thin membranes.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a structure for a signal line (21) wherein a lower insulating layer (23) is formed on the upper surface of a base (22); a semiconductor layer (24) is provided on the upper surface of the lower insulating layer (23) such that at least one part thereof follows a pathway intended for signal transmission; an upper insulating layer (25) is provided on the upper surface of the semiconductor layer (24) such that at least one part thereof follows the semiconductor layer (24); and a strip conductor (26) is wired on the upper surface of the insulating layer (25) such that at least one part thereof follows the upper insulating layer (25). The signal line (21) is formed as an island, and the semiconductor layer (24) and upper insulating layer (25) are of roughly the same width as the strip conductor (26).
Abstract:
A multi-stable electromechanical switch having an open state and a closed state, the electromechanical switch comprising: a moveable member, at least one pair of receiving terminals biased to a bias position corresponding to the open state, wherein each terminal of the at least one pair of receiving terminals is configured to interface with the moveable member in the closed state; and an actuating circuit configured to provide electrostatic energy and to thereby displace the at least one pair of receiving terminals from the bias position, and to displace the moveable member toward the bias position; wherein the receiving terminals are further configured to return towards the bias position when the electrostatic energy is removed, and to thereby create an electrical connection with the moveable member, thereby retaining the electromechanical switch in the closed state.