Components implemented using latching micro-magnetic switches
US6836194B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2050/007
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling the coupling of a circuit into a signal path is described. A moveable element is supported by a substrate and has a magnetic material and a long axis. At least one magnet produces a first magnetic field. The first magnetic field induces a magnetization in the magnetic material. The magnetization is characterized by a magnetization vector pointing in a direction along the long axis of the moveable element. The first magnetic field is approximately perpendicular to a major central portion of the long axis. A coil produces a second magnetic field to switch the moveable element between first and second stable states. Only temporary application of the second magnetic field is required to change direction of the magnetization vector, which causes the moveable element to switch between the first and second stable states. In the first stable state, the moveable element does not couple the circuit in series with a signal. In the second stable state, the moveable element couples the circuit in series with the signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.