Patent · US Expired

Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitor apparatuses, systems and related methods

US7388316B2 · kind B2 · utility

51Cited by
4References
39Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 5, 2005
Grant dateJun 17, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 5, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01P1/127
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitor apparatuses, system and related methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a method for varying the capacitance of two conductive plates is provided. The method can include providing a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitor. The variable capacitor can include first and second actuation electrodes wherein one of the actuation electrodes is movable with respect to the other actuation electrode when a voltage is applied across the first and second actuation electrodes. Further, the variable capacitor can include first and second capacitive electrodes. The method can include applying a voltage to the first and second actuation electrodes for movement of at least one of the capacitive electrodes in a substantially straight direction with respect to the other capacitive electrode upon application of voltage across the first and second actuation electrodes to change the capacitance between the first and second capacitive electrodes.

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