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:
Mar. 20, 2012
Filed:
Apr. 21, 2008
John K. Gritters, Livermore, CA (US);
Eric D. Hobbs, Livermore, CA (US);
Sangtae Park, Dublin, CA (US);
Jun Jason Yao, San Ramon, CA (US);
John K. Gritters, Livermore, CA (US);
Eric D. Hobbs, Livermore, CA (US);
Sangtae Park, Dublin, CA (US);
Jun Jason Yao, San Ramon, CA (US);
FormFactor, Inc., Livermore, CA (US);
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switching methods and apparatus having improved performance and lifetime as compared to conventional MEMS switches. In some embodiments, a MEMS switch may include a resilient contact element comprising a beam and a tip configured to wipe a contact surface; and a MEMS actuator having an open position that maintains the tip and the contact surface in a spaced apart relation and a closed position that brings the tip into contact with the contact surface, wherein the resilient contact element and the MEMS actuator are disposed on a substrate and are movable in a plane substantially parallel to the substrate. In some embodiments, various contact elements are provided for the MEMS switch. In some embodiments, various actuators are provided for control of the operation of the MEMS switch.