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:
Disclosed is a micro-electro-mechanical switch, including a substrate having a gate connection, a source connection, a drain connection and a switch structure, coupled to the substrate. The switch structure includes a beam member, an anchor and a hinge. The beam member having a length sufficient to overhang both the gate connection and the drain connection. The anchor coupling the switch structure to the substrate, the anchor having a width. The hinge coupling the beam member to the anchor at a respective position along the anchor's length, the hinge to flex in response to a charge differential established between the gate and the beam member. The switch structure having gaps between the substrate and the anchor in regions proximate to the hinges.
Abstract:
Pilot switch circuitry grounds a hot node (an injection node) of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch to reduce or eliminate arcing between a cantilever contact and a terminal contact when the MEMS switch is opened or closed. The pilot switch circuitry grounds the hot node prior to, during, and after the cantilever contact and terminal contact of the MEMS come into contact with one another (when the MEMS switch is closed). Additionally, the pilot switch circuitry grounds the hot node prior to, during, and after the cantilever contact and terminal contact of the MEMS disengage from one another (when the MEMS switch is opened).
Abstract:
Embodiments discussed herein generally disclose novel alternative methods that can be employed to overcome the gradient stress formed in refractory materials to be used for thin film MEMS cantilever switches. The use of a ‘split layer’ cantilever fabrication method, as described herein enables thin film MEMS cantilever switches to be fabricated resulting in low operating voltage devices while maintaining the mechanical rigidity of the landing portion of the final fabricated cantilever switch.
Abstract:
A method of forming at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a lower wiring layer on a substrate. The method further includes forming a plurality of discrete wires from the lower wiring layer. The method further includes forming an electrode beam over the plurality of discrete wires. The at least one of the forming of the electrode beam and the plurality of discrete wires are formed with a layout which minimizes hillocks and triple points in subsequent silicon deposition.
Abstract:
MEMS switches and methods of fabricating MEMS switches. The switch has a vertically oriented deflection electrode having a conductive layer supported by a supporting layer, at least one drive electrode, and a stationary electrode. An actuation voltage applied to the drive electrode causes the deflection electrode to deflect laterally and contact the stationary electrode, which closes the switch. The deflection electrode is restored to a vertical position when the actuation voltage is removed, thereby opening the switch. The method of fabricating the MEMS switch includes depositing a conductive layer on mandrels to define vertical electrodes and then releasing the deflection electrode by removing the mandrel and layer end sections.
Abstract:
An electronic device includes a substrate; an element configured to be formed on the substrate; a sidewall member configured to enclose the element on the substrate; a cover member configured to be disposed on the sidewall member, and to partition a space around the element along with the sidewall member on the substrate; and a seal member configured to be disposed outside of the sidewall member, to bond the sidewall member and the cover member to a surface of the substrate, and to seal the space.
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:
The integrated circuit comprises a support substrate having opposite first and second main surfaces. A cavity passes through the support substrate and connects the first and second main surfaces. The integrated circuit comprises a device with a mobile element, the mobile element and a pair of associated electrodes of which are included in a cavity. An anchoring node of the mobile element is located at the level of the first main surface. The integrated circuit comprises a first elementary chip arranged at the level of the first main surface and electrically connected to the device with a mobile element.
Abstract:
Normally closed (shut) micro-electro-mechanical switches (MEMS), methods of manufacture and design structures are provided. A structure includes a beam structure that includes a first end hinged on a first electrode and in electrical contact with a second electrode, in its natural state when not actuated.