Patent · US Expired

MEMS resonator array structure and method of operating and using same

US7227432B2 · kind B2 · utility

44Cited by
10References
35Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 30, 2005
Grant dateJun 5, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 25, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH03H2009/02527
  • WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A plurality of mechanically coupled MEMS resonators that are arranged in an N×M MEMS array structure. Each MEMS resonators includes a plurality of straight (or substantially straight) elongated beam sections that are connected by curved/rounded sections. Each elongated beam section is connected to another elongated beam section at a distal end via the curved/rounded sections thereby forming a geometric shape (e.g., a rounded square). Further, each resonator is mechanically coupled to at least one other adjacent resonator of the array via a resonator coupling section. The resonator coupling sections may be disposed between elongated beam sections of adjacent resonators. The resonators, when induced, oscillate at the same or substantially the same frequency. The resonators oscillate in a combined elongating (or breathing) mode and bending mode; that is, the beam sections exhibit an elongating-like (or breathing-like) motion and a bending-like motion. The one or more of the resonators of the array structure may include one or more nodal points or areas (i.e., portions of the resonator that are stationary, experience little movement, and/or are substantially stationary during oscillati…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.