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:
Jun. 05, 2012
Filed:
Dec. 18, 2006
Peter G. Steeneken, Valkenswaard, NL;
Kevin R. Boyle, Horsham, GB;
Antonius J. M. DE Graauw, Haelen, NL;
Theodoor G. S. M. Rijks, Eindhoven, NL;
Jozef T. M. Van Beek, Rosmalen, NL;
Peter G. Steeneken, Valkenswaard, NL;
Kevin R. Boyle, Horsham, GB;
Antonius J. M. De Graauw, Haelen, NL;
Theodoor G. S. M. Rijks, Eindhoven, NL;
Jozef T. M. Van Beek, Rosmalen, NL;
EPCOS AG, Munich, DE;
Abstract
A tuneable capacitor arrangement for RF use has two series coupled MEMS variable capacitors (C,C;C,C,C,C), varied according to a control signal. The series coupling enables the capacitor to withstand a higher voltage since this is shared by the individual capacitors in a series coupled arrangement. An increase in size of electrodes for each capacitor is compensated by a reduction in size of the springs supporting movable electrodes. These springs can have a larger stiffness value since the capacitance is larger. This means shorter springs, which can also result in a reduction in problems of stiction, resistance, and slow switching. The capacitances have a fixed and a movable electrode, with the RF signal coupled to the fixed electrode to avoid the springs needing to carry an RF signal. This can reduce the problems of inductance and resistance in the springs.