Abstract:
The invention relates to a microbeam oscillator. Tuning of the oscillator is carried out by addition or subtraction of material to an oscillator member in order to change the mass of the oscillator member.
Abstract:
A method comprising over an area of a substrate, forming a plurality of three dimensional first structures; following forming the first structures, conformally introducing a sacrificial material over the area of the substrate; introducing a second structural material over the sacrificial material; and removing the sacrificial material. An apparatus comprising a first structure on a substrate; and a second structure on the substrate and separated from the first structure by an unfilled gap defined by the thickness of a removed film.
Abstract:
A microelectromechanical (MEMS) resonator with a vacuum-cavity is fabricated using polysilicon-enabled release methods. A vacuum-cavity surrounding the MEMS beam is formed by removing release material that surrounds the beam and sealing the resulting cavity under vacuum by depositing a layer of nitride over the structure. The vacuum-cavity MEMS resonators have cantilever beams, bridge beams or breathing-bar beams.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a microbeam oscillator. Tuning of the oscillator is carried out by addition or subtraction of material to an oscillator member in order to change the mass of the oscillator member.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a variable capacitor and method of making it. The variable capacitor comprises a fixed charge plate disposed in a substrate, a movable charge plate disposed above the fixed charge plate, and a stiffener affixed to the movable charge plate. The movable charge plate may be patterned to form a movable actuator plate where the fixed charge plate is elevated above a fixed actuator plate.
Abstract:
A micro-electromechanical (MEM) resonator is described that includes a substrate, a microbridge beam structure coupled to the substrate and at least one electrode disposed adjacent to the microbridge beam structure to induce vibration of the beam. The microbridge beam structure includes support sections and a beam formed between the support sections. The center region of the beam has a mass that is less than the mass of regions of the beam adjacent to the support sections.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a stepped micro electromechanical structure (MEMS) capacitor that is actuated by a plurality of MEMS switches. The MEMS switches may be within the stepped capacitor circuit, or they may be actuated by an independent circuit. The stepped capacitor may also be varied with intermediate steps of capacitance by providing at least one variable capacitor in the stepped MEMS capacitor structure.
Abstract:
A method comprising over an area of a substrate, forming a plurality of three dimensional first structures; following forming the first structures, conformally introducing a sacrificial material over the area of the substrate; introducing a second structural material over the sacrificial material; and removing the sacrificial material. An apparatus comprising a first structure on a substrate; and a second structure on the substrate and separated from the first structure by an unfilled gap defined by the thickness of a removed film.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a chip package that includes a semiconductor device and at least one micro electromechanical structure (MEMS) such that the semiconductor device and the MEMS form an integrated package. One embodiment of the present invention includes a semiconductor device, a first MEMS device disposed in a conveyance such as a film, and a second MEMS device disposed upon the semiconductor device through a via in the conveyance.The present invention also relates to a process of forming a chip package that includes providing a conveyance such as a tape automated bonding (TAB) structure, that may hold at least one MEMS device. The method is further carried out by disposing the conveyance over the active surface of the device in a manner that causes the at least one MEMS to communicate electrically to the active surface. Where appropriate, a sealing structure such as a solder ring may be used to protect the MEMS.
Abstract:
A microelectromechanical (MEMS) resonator with a vacuum-cavity is fabricated using polysilicon-enabled release methods. A vacuum-cavity surrounding the MEMS beam is formed by removing release material that surrounds the beam and sealing the resulting cavity under vacuum by depositing a layer of nitride over the structure. The vacuum-cavity MEMS resonators have cantilever beams, bridge beams or breathing-bar beams.