Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to a MEMS device having a plurality of cantilevers that are coupled together in an anchor region and/or by legs that are coupled in a center area of the cantilever. The legs ensure that each cantilever can move/release from above the RF electrode at the same voltage. The anchor region coupling matches the mechanical stiffness in all sections of the cantilever so that all of the cantilevers move together.
Abstract:
A MEMS device, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope, fabricated in interconnect metallization compatible with a CMOS microelectronic device. In embodiments, a proof mass has a first body region utilizing a thick metal layer that is separated from a thin metal layer. The thick metal layer has a film thickness that is significantly greater than that of the thin metal layer for increased mass. The proof mass further includes a first sensing structure comprising the thin metal layer, but lacking the thick metal layer for small feature sizes and increased capacitive coupling to a surrounding frame that includes a second sensing structure comprising the thin metal layer, but also lacking the thick metal layer. In further embodiments, the frame is released and includes regions with the thick metal layer to better match film stress-induced static deflection of the proof mass.
Abstract:
Methods and systems may provide for a system having a flexible substrate, an ultrasonic transducer array coupled to the flexible substrate and a processor coupled to the ultrasonic transducer array. The processor may identify a fingerprint based on a signal from the ultrasonic transducer array. The system may also include an external component having a curved profile, wherein the ultrasonic transducer array is embedded in the external component and includes a read surface that conforms to the curved profile. In one example, the external component includes a button having a function that is separate from identification of the fingerprint.
Abstract:
Methods and systems may provide for a hybrid RF MEMS component design including an electrostatic actuation and a piezoelectric actuation. In one example, the method may include applying a first voltage to generate a first piezoelectric force to reduce a first gap between a cantilever and an actuation electrode, and applying a second voltage to generate an electrostatic force to create contact between the cantilever and a transmission electrode.
Abstract:
Methods and systems may provide for a system having a flexible substrate, an ultrasonic transducer array coupled to the flexible substrate and a processor coupled to the ultrasonic transducer array. The processor may identify a fingerprint based on a signal from the ultrasonic transducer array. The system may also include an external component having a curved profile, wherein the ultrasonic transducer array is embedded in the external component and includes a read surface that conforms to the curved profile. In one example, the external component includes a button having a function that is separate from identification of the fingerprint.
Abstract:
Piezoelectric switches and methods of forming piezoelectric switches. The piezoelectric switch includes first and second cantilever beam actuators. The second cantilever beam actuator has a projection that overlaps the first cantilever beam actuator in a contact region. The projection is mechanically separated from the first cantilever beam actuator by a nanogap such that the first and second cantilever beam actuators are electrically isolated from each other. Each of the first and second cantilever beam actuators includes a piezoelectric actuation layer.
Abstract:
A thermoelastically actuated microresonator device comprising: a main body (14) having a cantilevered beam (12); a heating element (20) located adjacent a surface of the cantilevered beam and adjacent the main body, that may be periodically actuated to generate a periodic heat gradient across a height of the beam, thereby facilitating periodic deflection of the beam.
Abstract:
A thermoelastically actuated microresonator device comprising: a main body (14) having a cantilevered beam (12); a heating element (20) located adjacent a surface of the cantilevered beam and adjacent the main body, that may be periodically actuated to generate a periodic heat gradient across a height of the beam, thereby facilitating periodic deflection of the beam.