Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reducing temperature dependency within Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) switches. The two typical designs for such MEMS switches are fixed-fixed and fixed-free designs. Springs are used in the fixed-fixed design to account for dimensional changes as a result of thermal expansion. The fixed-free designs utilize a tether to prevent a cantilever arm from deforming as a result of thermal expansions, as well as reducing tight controls in the manufacture of fixed-free MEMS switches. Additionally, to prevent stiction in MEMS switches, a variegated electrode design is provided to utilize internal stresses of a suspended beam to increase the restoring force while not increasing the actuation force.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method to provide a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) radio frequency (RF) switch module with a vertical via. The MEMS RF switch module includes a MEMS die coupled to a cap section. The vertical via passes through the cap section to electrically couple an RF switch array of the MEMS die to a printed circuit board (PCB). In one embodiment, the MEMS die includes a trace ring surrounding at least a portion of the RF switch array so that a signal may enter or exit the MEMS RF switch module using the vertical via without crossing the trace ring.
Abstract:
A method for depositing material on a channel plate such that the material is registered to one or more channels formed in the channel plate includes filling at least one of the channels with a resist that is not wetted by the material; depositing the material on at least a region of the channel plate that includes at least part of the resist; and then removing the resist. The method may be used, in one embodiment, to apply an adhesive or gasket material that is used in assembling a switch.
Abstract:
A method for depositing material on a channel plate such that the material is registered to one or more channels formed in the channel plate includes filling at least one of the channels with a resist that is not wetted by the material; depositing the material on at least a region of the channel plate that includes at least part of the resist; and then removing the resist. The method may be used, in one embodiment, to apply an adhesive or gasket material that is used in assembling a switch.
Abstract:
MEMS Device having Electrothermal Actuation and Release and Method for Fabricating. According to one embodiment, a microscale switch is provided and can include a substrate and a stationary electrode and stationary contact formed on the substrate. The switch can further include a movable microcomponent suspended above the substrate. The microcomponent can include a structural layer including at least one end fixed with respect to the substrate. The microcomponent can further include a movable electrode spaced from the stationary electrode and a movable contact spaced from the stationary electrode. The microcomponent can include an electrothermal component attached to the structural layer and operable to produce heating for generating force for moving the structural layer.
Abstract:
This invention provides a solution to increase the yield strength and fatigue strength of miniaturized springs, which can be fabricated in arrays with ultra-small pitches. It also discloses a solution to minimize adhesion of the contact pad materials to the spring tips upon repeated contacts without affecting the reliability of the miniaturized springs. In addition, the invention also presents a method to fabricate the springs that allow passage of relatively higher current without significantly degrading their lifetime.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating micro-electromechanical switches (MEMS) integrated with conventional semiconductor interconnect levels, using compatible processes and materials is described. The method is based upon fabricating a capacitive switch that is easily modified to produce various configurations for contact switching and any number of metal-dielectric-metal switches. The process starts with a copper damascene interconnect layer, made of metal conductors inlaid in a dielectric. All or portions of the copper interconnects are recessed to a degree sufficient to provide a capacitive air gap when the switch is in the closed state, as well as provide space for a protective layer of, e.g., Ta/TaN. The metal structures defined within the area specified for the switch act as actuator electrodes to pull down the movable beam and provide one or more paths for the switched signal to traverse. The advantage of an air gap is that air is not subject to charge storage or trapping that can cause reliability and voltage drift problems. Instead of recessing the electrodes to provide a gap, one may just add dielectric on or around the electrode. The next layer is another dielectric layer which is deposited to the desired thickness of the gap formed between the lower electrodes and the moveable beam that forms the switching device. Vias are fabricated through this dielectric to provide connections between the metal interconnect layer and the next metal layer which will also contain the switchable beam. The via layer is then patterned and etched to provide a cavity area which contains the lower activation electrodes as well as the signal paths. The cavity is then back-filled with a sacrificial release material. This release material is then planarized with the top of the dielectric, thereby providing a planar surface upon which the beam layer is constructed.
Abstract:
A microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) switch includes a vane formed over a substrate for electrically coupling an input line to an output line formed on the substrate. The vane includes flexible hinges, which support the vane from the input line and allow the vane to rotate about a pivot axis. The substrate includes pull-down and pull-back electrodes to actuate the MEMS switch. The pull-back electrode allows the present invention to overcome stiction effects.
Abstract:
Process for fabricating electronic components, of the variable capacitor or microswitch type, comprising a fixed plate (1) and a deformable membrane (20) which are located opposite each other, which comprises the following steps, consisting in: depositing a first metal layer on an oxide layer (2), said first metal layer being intended to form the fixed plate; depositing a metal ribbon (10, 11) on at least part of the periphery and on each side of the fixed plate (1), said ribbon being intended to serve as a spacer between the fixed plate (1) and the deformable membrane (20); depositing a sacrificial resin layer (15) over at least the area of said fixed plate (1); generating, by lithography, a plurality of wells in the surface of said sacrificial resin layer; depositing, by electrolysis, inside the wells formed in the sacrificial resin (15), at least one metal region intended to form the deformable membrane (20), this metal region extending between sections of the metal ribbon (10, 11) which are located on each side of said fixed plate (1); removing the sacrificial resin layer (15).
Abstract:
Process for fabricating electronic components, of the variable capacitor or microswitch type, comprising a fixed plate (1) and a deformable membrane (20) which are located opposite each other, which comprises the following steps, consisting in: depositing a first metal layer on an oxide layer (2), said first metal layer being intended to form the fixed plate; depositing a metal ribbon (10, 11) on at least part of the periphery and on each side of the fixed plate (1), said ribbon being intended to serve as a spacer between the fixed plate (1) and the deformable membrane (20); depositing a sacrificial resin layer (15) over at least the area of said fixed plate (1); generating, by lithography, a plurality of wells in the surface of said sacrificial resin layer; depositing, by electrolysis, inside the wells formed in the sacrificial resin (15), at least one metal region intended to form the deformable membrane (20), this metal region extending between sections of the metal ribbon (10, 11) which are located on each side of said fixed plate (1); removing the sacrificial resin layer (15).