摘要:
The present invention generally relates to methods for increasing the lifetime of MEMS devices by reducing the landing velocity on switching by introducing gas into the cavity surrounding the switching element of the MEMS device. The gas is introduced using ion implantation into a cavity close to the cavity housing the switching element and connected to that cavity by a channel through which the gas can flow from one cavity to the other. The implantation energy is chosen to implant many of the atoms close to the inside roof and floor of the cavity so that on annealing those atoms diffuse into the cavity. The gas provides gas damping which reduces the kinetic energy of the switching MEMS device which then should have a longer lifetime.
摘要:
A method of manufacturing a non-volatile memory bitcell comprises the steps of depositing a first layer of conductive material on a substrate and patterning and etching the first layer of conductive material to form three non-linearly disposed electrodes. The method also comprises the steps of depositing a first layer of sacrificial material on the electrodes and the substrate and providing an elongate cantilever structure on the first layer of sacrificial material such that the cantilever structure and at least a portion of each electrode overlap each other. The method also includes the steps of depositing a second layer of sacrificial material on the cantilever structure and the first layer of sacrificial material and providing a capping layer on the second layer of sacrificial material and providing holes in the capping layer such that at least a portion of the second layer of sacrificial material is exposed. Finally, the method provides the step of removing the first and second layers of sacrificial material through the holes provided in the capping layer, thereby defining a cavity in which the cantilever structure is suspended.
摘要:
Embodiments disclosed herein generally include using a large number of small MEMS devices to replace the function of an individual larger MEMS device or digital variable capacitor. The large number of smaller MEMS devices perform the same function as the larger device, but because of the smaller size, they can be encapsulated in a cavity using complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible processes. Signal averaging over a large number of the smaller devices allows the accuracy of the array of smaller devices to be equivalent to the larger device. The process is exemplified by considering the use of a MEMS based accelerometer switch array with an integrated analog to digital conversion of the inertial response. The process is also exemplified by considering the use of a MEMS based device structure where the MEMS devices operate in parallel as a digital variable capacitor.
摘要:
The current disclosure shows how to make a fast switching array of mirrors for projection displays. Because the mirror does not have a via in the middle connecting to the underlying spring support, there is an improved contrast ratio that results from not having light scatter off the legs or vias like existing technologies. Because there are no supporting contacts, the mirror can be made smaller making smaller pixels that can be used to make higher density displays. In addition, because there is not restoring force from any supporting spring support, the mirror stays in place facing one or other direction due to adhesion. This means there is no need to use a voltage to hold the mirror in position. This means that less power is required to run the display.
摘要:
Embodiments disclosed herein generally include using a large number of small MEMS devices to replace the function of an individual larger MEMS device or digital variable capacitor. The large number of smaller MEMS devices perform the same function as the larger device, but because of the smaller size, they can be encapsulated in a cavity using complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible processes. Signal averaging over a large number of the smaller devices allows the accuracy of the array of smaller devices to be equivalent to the larger device. The process is exemplified by considering the use of a MEMS based accelerometer switch array with an integrated analog to digital conversion of the inertial response. The process is also exemplified by considering the use of a MEMS based device structure where the MEMS devices operate in parallel as a digital variable capacitor.
摘要:
A bi-stable memory element (1) comprises a base contact (3), and a bridging contact (8), both made from an electrically conductive material. The bridging contact (8) is dimensioned so as to have two stable positions, in one of which the bridging contact (8) is in contact with the base contact (3), and in the other of which the bridging contact (8) is spaced apart from the base contact (3). Deflection means (4, 5) deflects the bridging contact (8) from one stable position to the other.
摘要:
Embodiments disclosed herein generally solve a stiction problem in switching devices by using a series of pulses of force which take the switch from being strongly adhered to a landing electrode to the point where it is only weakly adhered. Once in the low adhesion state, the switch can then be pulled away from contact with a lower force provided by either the spring constant of the switch and/or the electrostatic forces resulting from low voltages applied to nearby electrodes.
摘要:
A method, in a complementary metal oxide semiconductor fabrication process, of creating a layered housing containing a micro-electromechanical system device, the method comprising the steps of providing a cavity in at least one layer of the housing, the cavity being accessible through via holes in a layer of insulating material deposited thereon, and the layer of insulating material being covered by a thin film layer of conductive material. The method further comprises the step of hydrophobically treating at least a portion of the inner surface of the cavity. Finally the method comprises the steps of submerging the wafer in an electroplating solution and electroplating a conductive layer onto the thin film layer of conductive material such that the cavity remains free of electroplating solution.
摘要:
A method of manufacturing a micromechanical element wherein the method comprises the steps of providing a layer of base material, applying at least one at least partly sacrificial layer of an etchable material, patterning the at least partly sacrificial layer, to define at least a portion of the shape of the element, applying at least one structural layer of a mechanical material, patterning the structural layer to form at least a portion of the element, and removing at least partly the patterned at least partly sacrificial layer to release partly free the element. The mechanical material is selected from the group of conductive materials.
摘要:
A method, in a complementary metal oxide semiconductor fabrication process, of creating a layered housing containing a micro-electromechanical system device, the method comprising the steps of providing a cavity in at least one layer of the housing, the cavity being accessible through via holes in a layer of insulating material deposited thereon, and the layer of insulating material being covered by a thin film layer of conductive material. The method further comprises the step of hydrophobically treating at least a portion of the inner surface of the cavity. Finally the method comprises the steps of submerging the wafer in an electroplating solution and electroplating a conductive layer onto the thin film layer of conductive material such that the cavity remains free of electroplating solution.