The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 10, 2009
Filed:
Jan. 24, 2006
Chantal Combi, Oggiono, IT;
Andrea Rusconi Clerici Beltrami, Milan, IT;
Benedetto Vigna, Pietrapertosa, IT;
Chantal Combi, Oggiono, IT;
Andrea Rusconi Clerici Beltrami, Milan, IT;
Benedetto Vigna, Pietrapertosa, IT;
STMicroelectronics S.r.l., Agrate Brianza, IT;
Abstract
A micro-electro-mechanical variable capacitor has a first and a second electrode, and a dielectric region arranged on the first electrode. An intermediate electrode is arranged on the dielectric region. The first electrode is fixed and anchored to a substrate, and the second electrode includes a membrane movable with respect to the first electrode according to an external actuation, in particular an electrostatic force due to an actuation voltage applied between an actuation electrode and the first electrode. The second electrode is suspended over the intermediate electrode in a first operating condition, and contacts the intermediate electrode in a second operating condition; in particular, in the second operating condition, a short-circuit is established between the second electrode and the intermediate electrode.