WO2011033728A1 - Memsスイッチおよびそれを用いた通信装置 - Google Patents
Memsスイッチおよびそれを用いた通信装置 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2011033728A1 WO2011033728A1 PCT/JP2010/005268 JP2010005268W WO2011033728A1 WO 2011033728 A1 WO2011033728 A1 WO 2011033728A1 JP 2010005268 W JP2010005268 W JP 2010005268W WO 2011033728 A1 WO2011033728 A1 WO 2011033728A1
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- electrode
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- mems switch
- convex portion
- switch according
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H59/00—Electrostatic relays; Electro-adhesion relays
- H01H59/0009—Electrostatic relays; Electro-adhesion relays making use of micromechanics
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01G—CAPACITORS; CAPACITORS, RECTIFIERS, DETECTORS, SWITCHING DEVICES OR LIGHT-SENSITIVE DEVICES, OF THE ELECTROLYTIC TYPE
- H01G5/00—Capacitors in which the capacitance is varied by mechanical means, e.g. by turning a shaft; Processes of their manufacture
- H01G5/16—Capacitors in which the capacitance is varied by mechanical means, e.g. by turning a shaft; Processes of their manufacture using variation of distance between electrodes
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01G—CAPACITORS; CAPACITORS, RECTIFIERS, DETECTORS, SWITCHING DEVICES OR LIGHT-SENSITIVE DEVICES, OF THE ELECTROLYTIC TYPE
- H01G5/00—Capacitors in which the capacitance is varied by mechanical means, e.g. by turning a shaft; Processes of their manufacture
- H01G5/16—Capacitors in which the capacitance is varied by mechanical means, e.g. by turning a shaft; Processes of their manufacture using variation of distance between electrodes
- H01G5/18—Capacitors in which the capacitance is varied by mechanical means, e.g. by turning a shaft; Processes of their manufacture using variation of distance between electrodes due to change in inclination, e.g. by flexing, by spiral wrapping
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H59/00—Electrostatic relays; Electro-adhesion relays
- H01H59/0009—Electrostatic relays; Electro-adhesion relays making use of micromechanics
- H01H2059/0072—Electrostatic relays; Electro-adhesion relays making use of micromechanics with stoppers or protrusions for maintaining a gap, reducing the contact area or for preventing stiction between the movable and the fixed electrode in the attracted position
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a MEMS switch, which is one of micro electromechanical elements, and a communication apparatus using the MEMS switch.
- Microelectromechanical devices can perform various functions in many fields such as wireless technology, optical technology, acceleration sensor, and biotechnology. MEMS is particularly suitable for application to devices such as switches and filters for wireless terminals.
- a high-frequency micro-electromechanical (RF-MEMS) switch manufactured using MEMS technology is promising.
- the RF-MEMS switch is a switch that moves a minute movable electrode and mechanically switches a signal propagation path.
- the advantage is excellent high frequency characteristics such as ultra-low insertion loss, high isolation, and linearity.
- the MEMS switch can be manufactured by a process having good affinity with a semiconductor, the switch can be incorporated in the RF-IC. For these reasons, the development of MEMS switches is expected as a technology that greatly contributes to the miniaturization of the wireless segment.
- a conventional RF-MEMS switch mechanically switches a signal propagation path by bringing a membrane-like or rod-like movable body having a cantilever structure or a cantilever structure into contact with or away from an electrode.
- Many conventional RF-MEMS switches use electrostatic force as a driving force source for the movable body.
- An RF-MEMS switch using electromagnetic force as another driving force source has also been proposed.
- a series type switch as one type of RF-MEMS switch.
- a series type RF-MEMS has a movable electrode and a drive electrode.
- the movable electrode is located on the extension of a signal line through which a high-frequency signal is transmitted, and is a minute length of about several hundred ⁇ m apart from the signal electrode.
- a simple membrane is formed.
- the tip of the movable electrode is in an open state.
- a drive electrode is provided immediately below the portion of the movable electrode where the membrane is not located. When a DC potential is applied to the drive electrode, the movable electrode is attracted to the drive electrode side by electrostatic attraction and is bent, and comes into contact with a signal line that outputs a signal.
- the signal lines are short-circuited, and the high-frequency signal flows through the movable electrode (that is, is turned on). In a state where no DC potential is applied to the drive electrode, the movable electrode and the signal line are not in contact with each other, and the high-frequency signal is cut off (that is, turned off).
- FIG. 5 is a top view showing a configuration of an example of a conventional MEMS switch
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an A-A ′ section in FIG. 5.
- an insulating layer 509 serving as an interlayer insulating film is provided over a substrate 510, and a driving electrode 502 and a signal electrode 504 serving as a signal transmission path are formed over the insulating layer 509. .
- a movable electrode 501 having a contact electrode (membrane) 503 supported by a support portion 505 is provided so as to face these electrodes and be separated from these electrodes.
- the movable electrode 501 is a deformable member and is formed only on one side as viewed from the contact electrode 503 (that is, a cantilever).
- the switch having this configuration is turned on by applying an electrostatic force between the movable electrode 501 and the drive electrode 502 to bring the contact electrode 503 into electrical contact with the signal electrode 504.
- Patent Document 1 As another type of switch that is a microelectromechanical element, an electrostatic relay is disclosed in Patent Document 1.
- the switch described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a movable electrode elastically supported is brought into surface contact with a fixed electrode based on electrostatic force.
- the movable electrode 501 When the MEMS switch shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is in the ON state, the movable electrode 501 is bent and is in a state of being substantially in contact with the drive electrode 502. Accordingly, the contact electrode 503 in contact with the signal electrode 504 is tilted due to the curvature of the movable electrode 501 and contacts the signal electrode 504. As a result, there is a problem in that a biased contact force is applied to the contact between the contact electrode 503 and the signal electrode 504, and the contact force is not applied to the entire contact. Further, there may be a floating state in which a part of the contact electrode 503 is not in contact with the signal electrode 504.
- the contact force acting on the signal electrode 504 is applied from the contact electrode 503 in a direction other than the direction perpendicular to the surface of the signal electrode 504, and the contact force may be dispersed. Further, the contact area is reduced due to the contact electrode and part of the signal electrode not being in contact with each other, which causes an increase in contact resistance.
- the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a MEMS switch capable of forming a highly reliable contact.
- the present invention includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode that are opposed to the first electrode and are spaced apart from the first electrode.
- a MEMS switch capable of forming an electrical contact between the first electrode and the second electrode by electrostatic force generated between the first electrode and the second electrode;
- a convex portion capable of forming a contact point between the first electrode and the third electrode is provided on one or a plurality of electrodes selected from the first electrode and the third electrode, A gap is formed between the first electrode and the third electrode when an electrical contact is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode;
- a MEMS switch is provided.
- a convex portion that can form a contact point between the first electrode and the third electrode is provided on one or a plurality of electrodes selected from the first electrode and the third electrode.
- the gap between the first electrode and the third electrode A gap is formed. Therefore, even after the first electrode and the second electrode are once in electrical contact, in addition to the spring force of the first electrode, the electrostatic force acting between the first electrode and the third electrode It is possible to maintain a high contact force. As a result, it is possible to realize highly reliable contact formation that realizes low contact resistance and low insertion loss at a low drive voltage.
- the physical contact area between the first electrode and the third electrode is reduced when the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with each other. It is possible to avoid a decrease in reliability due to stiction or wear.
- the MEMS switch of the present invention further includes a fourth electrode formed opposite to the first electrode and spaced from the first electrode.
- the first electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode It may be possible to form an electrical contact between the first electrode and the second electrode by electrostatic force generated between the first electrode and the second electrode.
- the convex portion that can form a contact point between the first electrode and the third electrode and / or the fourth electrode has the first electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode.
- One or more electrodes selected from the electrodes, and when an electrical contact is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, the first electrode, the third electrode, and A gap is formed between the fourth electrode and / or the fourth electrode. That is, the convex portion may be provided so as to form a gap only between the first electrode and the third electrode, or the first electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode. A gap may be formed between them.
- the area on which the electrostatic force acts increases, so that a higher contact force can be obtained. Further, when an electrical contact is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, an electrostatic force acts in a wider area surrounding the contact, so that the contact at the contact becomes more stable.
- the convex part which can form a contact between the 3rd electrode of the MEMS switch of the present invention (when the 4th electrode is provided, the 3rd electrode and / or the 4th electrode) and the 1st electrode is
- the contact point can be formed with the floating island electrode formed on the first electrode and formed on the third electrode (the third electrode and / or the fourth electrode when the fourth electrode is provided). It is preferable. Due to the presence of the floating island electrode, the first electrode and the third electrode (when the fourth electrode is provided, the third electrode and / or the fourth electrode) are not at the same potential, and the electrostatic force Can be maintained.
- the convex portion includes the first electrode and the third electrode (when the fourth electrode is provided, when the electrical contact is formed, 3 and / or the fourth electrode) is preferably formed by selecting the number and position so that they do not directly contact each other.
- the area of the gap can be increased.
- the electrostatic capacity increases, and the electrostatic force that contributes to the holding of the electrical contact in the state where the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with each other. Can be increased.
- the plurality of convex portions may be provided one by one on the plurality of radiations extending from the electrical contacts.
- the plurality of protrusions are arranged so that the distances between the plurality of protrusions and the electrical contacts are equal. That is, it is more preferable that the plurality of convex portions be arranged on a circle centered on the electrical contact.
- the movable electrodes are two-dimensionally arranged, and the movable electrode that is bridged to the region surrounded by the electrical contacts and the convex portions is only the length. Therefore, it has a width, and the amount of spring can be increased.
- the first electrode and the third electrode in the case where a fourth electrode is provided, the third electrode and / or the fourth electrode are provided). ) Can be ensured while the electrical contacts are being formed.
- the electrical contact is made from above (that is, the first electrode is connected to the second electrode).
- the area of the region surrounded by the electrical contact and the convex portion between the first electrode and the second electrode is It is preferable that the number and position of the convex portions be selected so that the area where the electrostatic force acts between the first electrode and the third electrode is 20% or more. The larger the region surrounded by the electrical contact and the convex portion, the greater the electrostatic force that contributes to holding the electrical contact in the state where the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with each other.
- the fourth electrode is further provided and a plurality of the convex portions are formed on the first electrode and / or the fourth electrode, the convex portions are similarly formed. Is preferred.
- the third electrode and the fourth electrode are disposed so as to sandwich the electrical contact when viewed from above. It is preferable that the electrical contacts are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line. With this configuration, it is possible to apply a uniform contact force with no bias to the entire electrical contact, and avoid the dispersion of the contact force.
- the first electrode in the electrical contact is located higher than the first electrode in the convex portion.
- the present invention also provides a communication device having the MEMS switch of the present invention.
- the communication device of the present invention has high reliability and can be driven with low power due to the high reliability and low insertion loss of the switch.
- the MEMS switch of the present invention realizes formation of a highly reliable electrical contact that has been difficult to realize in the past.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross section taken along the line A-A ′ in FIG.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the A-A ′ cross section in FIG.
- FIG. 1 is a top view showing the configuration of the MEMS switch according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the MEMS element in the OFF state, showing the AA ′ cross section in FIG.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the MEMS switch in the ON state, showing the AA ′ cross section in FIG.
- the MEMS switch 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is a series type.
- an insulating layer 109 serving as an interlayer insulating film is provided over a substrate 110.
- a driving electrode 1021 as a third electrode, a driving electrode 1022 as a fourth electrode, and a signal A signal electrode 104 is formed as a second electrode serving as a transmission path.
- the movable electrode 101 is a deformable member and can also be called a movable part.
- the movable electrode 101 is provided with a contact electrode 103 that contacts the signal electrode 104 and a convex portion 106 (106A and 106B) that contacts the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022.
- the driving voltage V d is applied between the movable electrode 101 and the driving electrode 1021 and 1022.
- an electrostatic force acts and the movable electrode 101 is drawn to the substrate 110 side, and the contact electrode 103 and the signal electrode 104 are in electrical contact.
- the contact between the contact electrode 103 and the signal electrode 104 is a resistance coupling type by metal contact, the resistance Rc becomes a low value, a signal conduction path is formed, and the signal is transmitted from the signal electrode 104 on the input port side. The signal propagates to the signal electrode 104 on the output port side via the contact electrode 103.
- the potential of the movable electrode 101 and the potential of the drive electrodes 1021, 1022 are made the same to eliminate the electrostatic force, and the movable electrode 101 returns to the initial position by its own spring force. In this way, the signal propagation path is opened and closed.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the contact when the MEMS switch of the present embodiment is in the ON state, showing the A-A ′ cross section in FIG.
- the convex portion 106 provided on the movable electrode 101 is in contact with the floating island electrode 1026.
- the floating island electrode 1026 is a layer made of the same material as the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 and having the same thickness and is physically and electrically separated by the slit 1020. Due to the presence of the floating island electrode 1026, the movable electrode 101 and the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 do not have the same potential, and the electrostatic force can be maintained. Further, according to the method of forming the floating island electrode 1026 by the slit 1020, the floating island electrode 1026 can be formed in the same layer as the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 in one step, so that the manufacturing process can be simplified. It can be realized. Further, by forming the floating island electrode 1026, the convex portion 106 can be formed of the same material as that of the contact electrode 103, and in this respect also, the manufacturing process can be simplified.
- the spring constant of the movable electrode 101 after the contact is determined by a region bridged between the plurality of convex portions 106 and the contact electrode 103. Since the region becomes narrow, the spring constant is compared with the state of the initial position. growing.
- the arrangement of the convex portion 106 and the contact electrode 103 is set so that the spring force of the movable electrode 101 after the contact is larger than the electrostatic force so that the movable electrode 101 and the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 are not contacted by the second pull-in after the contact. With such an arrangement, a gap is formed between the movable electrode 101 and the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 after contact, and a point contact is made by the convex portion 106. This avoids charging of the contact interface due to direct contact between the movable electrode and the drive electrode, and also makes it possible to avoid a decrease in reliability due to stiction between the movable electrode and the drive electrode.
- the height of the contact electrode 103 is set higher than the height of the gap so that the contact force due to the spring force acts even after the electrical contact point is formed. That is, when viewed from the substrate 110, the height (or thickness) of the contact electrode 103 is such that the position of the movable electrode 101 provided with the contact electrode is higher than the position of the movable electrode 101 provided with the convex portion. It is preferable to select the height (or thickness) of the convex portion 106. In general, since the thickness of the movable electrode 101 is constant, it is preferable that the height of the contact electrode 103 be larger than the height of the convex portion 106.
- the length l of the movable electrode 101 is the closest to the x coordinate of the side edge of the movable electrode 101 and the x coordinate of the side edge of the movable electrode 101 among the x coordinates of the side edges of the plurality of convex portions. Note that it refers to the difference between them (ie, the distance in the x direction).
- the configuration of the present embodiment makes it possible to obtain a high contact force with an electrical contact, thereby reducing the physical contact area between the contact electrode 103 and the signal electrode 104 in the MEMS switch. This makes it possible to avoid a decrease in reliability due to stiction between the contact electrode 103 and the signal electrode 104.
- the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 are arranged so as to sandwich the contact electrode 103 therebetween. That is, the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 are arranged on both sides of the contact electrode 103 when the direction parallel to the signal electrode 104 (vertical direction in the drawing) is the length direction and the direction orthogonal to the drive electrode 1021 and 1022 is the width direction.
- the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 are arranged symmetrically with the signal electrode 104 and the contact electrode 103 connecting the signal electrode 104 as the center line. With such an arrangement, it is possible to apply a uniform contact force without bias to the entire contact point between the contact electrode 103 and the signal electrode 104, and avoid the dispersion of the contact force.
- drive electrodes When two drive electrodes are provided, they may be arranged to be asymmetric if necessary. For example, when the electrical contacts are rectangular when viewed from above, one of the electrical contacts is arranged. Drive electrodes may be provided on the short side and one long side. That is, the two drive electrodes may not form parallel to each other but form an angle.
- the convex portions 106 are arranged symmetrically with the signal electrode 104 and the contact electrode 103 connecting the same as the center line when viewed from above. Such an arrangement makes the gap formed on both sides of the contact electrode 103 symmetrical, and the same electrostatic force acts on both sides of the contact electrode 103 to apply a uniform contact force without bias to the electrical contacts. It contributes to that.
- the convex portion 106 may be disposed so as to be asymmetric as necessary, or may be disposed so as to face only one drive electrode.
- a plurality of convex portions 106 are provided and arranged at different positions so that the distances between the convex portions 106 and the electrical contacts are equal.
- convex portions 106 that are in contact with the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 are provided, and each convex portion 106 is disposed on a circle centered on an electrical contact.
- the distance between the electrical contact and the convex portion refers to the distance between the center of the signal electrode 103 and the convex portion 106 when the electrical contact and the convex portion are in surface contact.
- the movable electrode 101 that is bridged in the region surrounded by the electrical contacts and the convex portions is supported not only in the x direction but also in the y direction.
- the spring force of the movable electrode 101 is increased, and the pulling of the movable electrode 101 into the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 can be avoided. Therefore, a gap between the movable electrode 101 and the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 can be secured.
- the convex portion 106 When viewed from above, the convex portion 106 has an electrical contact (in the case of surface contact, the surface contact (signal electrode 103), as shown in the figure) and the convex portion (center of the convex portion).
- the area of the region formed by connecting the two and the straight line is 20% or more of the area where the electrostatic force acts between the movable electrode 101 and the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022.
- a wide gap region formed by the movable electrode 101 bridging between the convex portion 106 and the contact electrode 103 and the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 after the contact is secured.
- the spring force of the possible electrode 101 decreases, and the opposing area between the movable electrode 101 and the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 in the gap region increases, increasing the electrostatic force. Thereby, it is possible to continue applying electrostatic force to the contact even after contact.
- the area of the two drive electrodes is 1 mm 2
- the drive voltage is 7 V
- the thickness of the movable electrode is 8 ⁇ m
- the drive electrode When a 0.2 ⁇ m gap is formed between the electrode and the movable electrode, the distance from the electrical contact to each convex portion can be set to a maximum of 0.3 mm.
- the total area of the regions surrounded by the electrical contacts and the protrusions is 0.23 mm 2 , which is 23% of the area where the electrostatic force acts between the movable electrode and the drive electrode.
- the number and position of the convex portions 106 are selected in consideration of the physical properties and dimensions of the movable electrode 101.
- the convex portion is preferably provided so as not to be positioned in the vicinity of the electrical contact and to be positioned in the peripheral edge portion of the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022. Thereby, the area of the region where the electrostatic force acts between the movable electrode 101 and the drive electrode 1021 can be increased.
- the convex portions 106 are arranged at substantially the apexes of the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 that are substantially triangular when viewed from above, so that the region surrounded by the electrical contacts and the convex portions is as wide as possible. I have to. As a result, the gap region is widened and the capacitance is increased, thereby increasing the electrostatic force that is a force for maintaining the contact between the contact electrode 103 and the signal electrode 104 after the contact.
- the convex portion 106 is formed by selecting the number and position so that the movable electrode 101 and the drive electrodes 1021 and 1022 do not directly contact each other.
- contact force due to electrostatic force cannot be obtained.
- the movable electrode is greatly bent by adjusting the distance between the convex portion and the movable electrode and the distance between the convex portions. Is preferred.
- the electrostatic force F e is not obtained. In order to avoid this, it is preferable to determine the position and number of convex portions in consideration of the spring constant of the movable electrode 101 and the like.
- the MEMS switch 100 of this embodiment it is possible to provide a micro electromechanical switch that realizes highly reliable contact formation, which has been difficult to realize in the past, and an electric device using the same.
- This MEMS switch can be used for various electric devices, in particular, communication devices. Specifically, it can be used for a mobile phone, a transceiver unit of a wireless communication terminal, and an antenna device.
- the MEMS switch has a regular octagonal shape when viewed from above.
- the shape of the MEMS switch of the present invention is not limited to this, and may have other shapes such as a square, a regular hexagon, a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, or a triangle.
- a switch (shunt type switch) having a configuration in which a contact portion of a movable electrode and a signal electrode to which signals are coupled in an equivalent circuit of a MEMS switch is connected in parallel to the transmission line and the tip is grounded. It is also applicable to.
- the position of the movable electrode in the ON state and the OFF state in the shunt type switch is opposite to those in the series type switch. In the OFF state, the movable electrode and the signal electrode are in contact with each other. The signal propagates to ground and not to the output port. At the ON time, the movable electrode and the signal electrode are not in contact with each other, and the signal propagates on the signal electrode from the input port toward the output port.
- the movable electrode can be a cantilever type.
- the MEMS switch of the present invention may be configured to have one drive electrode as the third electrode.
- the convex portion provided on the movable electrode side in the first embodiment may be provided on the drive electrode side.
- the convex portion may be made of an insulator. In that case, the movable electrode and the drive electrode can be prevented from having the same potential without providing the floating island electrode in the drive electrode.
- the manufacturing method of the MEMS switch of any form is not particularly limited.
- the movable electrode can be formed into a cantilever type or a cantilever type by etching using a sacrificial layer.
- the contact electrode is formed by forming a recess in the sacrificial layer by etching and depositing a contact electrode material (which may be the same as the material of the movable electrode) in the recess.
- a protrusion on the movable electrode When forming a protrusion on the movable electrode, masking and etching form a recess in the sacrificial layer that is different from the recess for forming the contact electrode, and deposits the material of the movable electrode in the recess and on the surface of the sacrificial layer. Then, the sacrificial layer is removed to form a movable electrode having a convex portion.
- the material of the convex portion may be a material (for example, an insulator) different from the material of the movable electrode.
- the insulating layer may be formed, for example, by thermally oxidizing the surface of a substrate made of silicon. The thickness of the insulating layer may be about 1 ⁇ m, for example.
- the driving electrode as the third electrode and the fourth electrode and the signal electrode as the second electrode are formed by depositing each electrode material on the insulating layer and patterning it by masking and etching.
- the thicknesses of the drive electrode as the third electrode and the fourth electrode and the thickness of the signal electrode as the second electrode may be about 0.5 to 1.0 ⁇ m.
- Embodiment 2 shows a configuration in which a drive electrode is provided on the side of a movable electrode that is a first electrode.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the MEMS switch according to the second embodiment. The top view of this MEMS switch is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment (that is, FIG. 1), and FIG. 7 shows the AA ′ cross section of FIG.
- an insulating layer 109 to be an interlayer insulating film 109 is provided over a substrate 110, and two counter electrodes 1121 and 1122 as third and fourth electrodes are formed on the insulating layer 109.
- a signal electrode 104 as a second electrode serving as a signal transmission path is provided.
- the movable electrode 201 includes two layers, and includes a cross-linked layer 201A cross-linked by a support portion, and drive electrode layers 2021 and 2022 that are layers to which a voltage is applied.
- the movable electrode 201 is further provided with a contact electrode 103 in contact with the signal electrode 104 and provided with convex portions 106 (106A, 106B) in contact with the counter electrodes 1121 and 1122.
- Generation of electrostatic attractive force between the movable electrode 201 and the counter electrodes 1121 and 1122 is performed by applying a voltage to the drive electrode layers 2021 and 2022 of the movable electrode 201.
- the contact electrode 103 and the signal electrode 104 are in electrical contact.
- the convex portion 106 comes into contact with the counter electrodes 1121 and 1122, and direct contact between the drive electrode layer of the movable electrode and the counter electrode is avoided.
- the switching mechanism in the MEMS switch 200 is as described in connection with the first embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description is abbreviate
- the switch in which the movable electrode is a doubly supported beam type has been described.
- an embodiment in which the movable electrode is a cantilever type will be described.
- an insulating layer 309 serving as an interlayer insulating film is provided over a substrate 310, and a driving electrode 302 as a third electrode and a signal transmission path are provided over the insulating layer 309.
- a signal electrode 304 as a second electrode is formed.
- a movable electrode 301 (first electrode) having a contact electrode 303 supported by a support portion 305 is provided so as to face these electrodes and be separated from these electrodes.
- the movable electrode 301 is provided with convex portions 306 (306A, 306B).
- the switching mechanism in the MEMS switch 300 is as described in connection with the first embodiment. Specifically, a voltage is applied to the drive electrode 302 to bring the contact electrode 303 into contact with the signal electrode 304 by electrostatic attraction. At this time, the convex portion 306 provided on the movable electrode 301 comes into contact with the drive electrode 302, and direct contact between the movable electrode and the drive electrode is avoided. Also in this form, it is preferable to configure the drive electrode 302 so that the convex portion 306 is in contact with the floating island electrode. In addition, the preferable structure of each member demonstrated in connection with Embodiment 1 may be preferably employ
- Embodiment 4 As Embodiment 4, another embodiment in which the movable electrode is a cantilever type will be described.
- an insulating layer 309 serving as an interlayer insulating film is provided on a substrate 310, and driving electrodes 3021 and 3022 as third and fourth electrodes, and signals are provided on the insulating layer 309.
- a signal electrode 304 serving as a second electrode is formed.
- a movable electrode 301 (first electrode) having a contact electrode 303 supported by a support portion 305 is provided so as to face these electrodes and be separated from these electrodes.
- the movable electrode 301 is provided with convex portions 306 (306A, 306B).
- the switching mechanism in the MEMS switch 400 is as described in connection with the first embodiment. Specifically, a voltage is applied to the drive electrodes 3021 and 3022, and the contact electrode 303 is brought into contact with the signal electrode 304 by electrostatic attraction. At this time, the convex portion 306 provided on the movable electrode 301 comes into contact with the drive electrodes 3021 and 3022, and direct contact between the movable electrode and the drive electrode is avoided. Also in this form, it is preferable to configure the drive electrodes 3021 and 3022 so that the convex portion 306 is in contact with the floating island electrode. In addition, the preferable structure of each member demonstrated in connection with Embodiment 1 may be preferably employ
- the MEMS switch according to the present invention can realize high reliability and low insertion loss, and is useful as a component of electrical equipment such as communication equipment.
- MEMS switch 101 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 MEMS switch 101, 201, 301 Movable electrode 1020 Slit 1021, 1022, 302, 3021, 3022 Driving electrode 1026 Floating island electrode 103, 303 Contact electrode 104, 304 Signal electrode 105, 305 Supporting part 106 , 106A, 106B, 306, 306A, 306B Protruding portion 109, 309 Insulating layer 110, 310 Substrate 201A Cross-linking layer 2021, 2022 Driving electrode layer 1121, 1122 Counter electrode 501 Movable electrode 502 Driving electrode 503 Contact electrode 505 Supporting portion 509 Insulating layer
Abstract
Description
第1の電極と第3の電極との間で接点を形成し得る凸部が、第1の電極および第3の電極から選択される一または複数の電極に設けられており、
第1の電極と第2の電極との間で電気的接点が形成されたときに、第1の電極と第3の電極との間にギャップが形成される、
MEMSスイッチを提供する。
(実施の形態1)
図1は、本発明の実施の形態1におけるMEMSスイッチの構成を示す上面図である。図2は、図1におけるA-A’断面を示しており、MEMS素子のOFF状態の構成を示す横断面図である。図3は、図1におけるA-A’断面を示しており、MEMSスイッチのON状態の構成を示す横断面図である。
スイッチがOFFの状態においては、可動電極101と駆動電極1021、1022との間に駆動電圧Vdは印加しない。可動電極101は変位していない初期位置にあり、接触電極103は信号電極104と接触していない状態にある。したがって、入力ポート側(IN)と出力ポート側(OUT)の信号電極104の間には信号の導通経路は形成されない。より具体的には、信号電極104と接触電極103の間にエアーギャップを介して形成された静電容量Ccは小さい値となるので、高周波信号が伝播する場合、交流的にインピーダンスの高い状態となる。このため、高周波信号の電力は大きく減衰し、入力ポート側と出力ポート側の信号電極104の間を高周波信号が伝播できない状態となる。
本発明のさらに別の実施の形態においては、実施の形態1において可動電極側に設けられていた凸部を駆動電極側に設けてよい。
本発明のさらに別の実施の形態においては、凸部を絶縁体で構成してよい。その場合には、駆動電極内に浮き島電極を設けなくても、可動電極と駆動電極とが同電位となることを避けることができる。
実施の形態1では、第3および第4の電極として、駆動電極1021および1022が構成されている形態を説明した。実施の形態2として、第1の電極である可動電極の側に駆動電極が設けられた構成を示す。図7は、実施の形態2のMEMSスイッチの構成を示す横断面図である。このMEMSスイッチの上面図は、実施の形態1のそれと略同じ(即ち、図1)であり、図7は、図1のA-A’断面を示している。
実施の形態1~2では、可動電極が両持ち梁型であるスイッチを説明した。実施の形態3として、可動電極が片持ち梁型である形態を説明する。図8に示すMEMSスイッチにおいては、基板310上に層間絶縁膜となる絶縁層309が設けられ、絶縁層309の上に、第3の電極としての駆動電極302、ならびに信号の伝送路となる、第2の電極としての信号電極304が形成されている。これらの電極と対向し、これらの電極から離間するように、支持部305により支持された、接触電極303を有する可動電極301(第1の電極)が設けられている。可動電極301には、凸部306(306A、306B)が設けられている。
実施の形態4として、可動電極が片持ち梁型である別の形態を説明する。図9に示すMEMSスイッチ400においては、基板310上に層間絶縁膜となる絶縁層309が設けられ、絶縁層309の上に、第3および第4の電極としての駆動電極3021および3022、ならびに信号の伝送路となる、第2の電極としての信号電極304が形成されている。これらの電極と対向し、これらの電極から離間するように、支持部305により支持された、接触電極303を有する可動電極301(第1の電極)が設けられている。可動電極301には、凸部306(306A、306B)が設けられている。
101、201、301 可動電極
1020 スリット
1021、1022、302、3021、3022 駆動電極
1026 浮き島電極
103、303 接触電極
104、304 信号電極
105、305 支持部
106、106A、106B、306、306A、306B 凸部
109、309 絶縁層
110、310 基板
201A 架橋層
2021、2022 駆動電極層
1121、1122 対向電極
501 可動電極
502 駆動電極
503 接触電極
505 支持部
509 絶縁層
Claims (19)
- 第1の電極と、
第1の電極に対向し、かつ第1の電極から離間して形成された第2の電極および第3の電極を有し、第1の電極と第3の電極との間に発生させた静電気力によって、第1の電極と第2の電極との間で電気的接点を形成し得る、MEMSスイッチであって、
第1の電極と第3の電極との間で接点を形成し得る凸部が、第1の電極および第3の電極から選択される一または複数の電極に設けられており、
第1の電極と第2の電極との間で電気的接点が形成されたときに、第1の電極と第3の電極との間にギャップが形成される、
MEMSスイッチ。 - 前記凸部が前記第1の電極に設けられており、前記凸部が、前記第3の電極内に形成された浮き島電極と接点を形成し得る、請求項1に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 前記凸部の数および位置が、前記電気的接点が形成されているときに、前記第1の電極と、前記第3の電極とが直接接触しないように、選択されている、請求項1または2に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 前記凸部が複数個設けられており、前記複数個の凸部が、前記電気的接点から延びる複数の放射線上にそれぞれ1つずつ設けられている、請求項1~3のいずれか1項に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 前記複数の凸部が、各凸部と前記電気的接点との距離が等しくなるように、配置されている、請求項4に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 前記凸部が複数個設けられており、前記凸部の数および位置が、前記電気的接点と前記凸部とによって囲まれる領域の面積が、前記第1の電極と前記第3の電極との間で静電気力が作用する面積の20%以上となるように、選択されている、請求項1~5のいずれか1項に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 前記凸部が、絶縁体である、請求項1~6のいずれか1項に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 第1の電極に対向し、かつ第1の電極から離間して形成された第4の電極をさらに含み、前記第1の電極と、前記第3の電極および第4の電極との間に発生させた静電気力によって、前記第1の電極と前記第2の電極との間で電気的接点を形成し得る、
請求項1に記載のMEMSスイッチ。 - 前記第1の電極と前記第4の電極との間で接点を形成し得る凸部が、前記第1の電極および前記第4の電極から選択される一または複数の電極に設けられており、
前記第1の電極と前記第2の電極との間で電気的接点が形成されたときに、前記第1の電極と、前記第3の電極および前記第4の電極との間にギャップが形成される、
請求項8に記載のMEMSスイッチ。 - 前記凸部が前記第1の電極に設けられており、前記凸部が前記第4の電極内に形成された浮き島電極と接点を形成し得る、請求項9項に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 前記凸部の数および位置が、前記電気的接点が形成されているときに、前記第1の電極と、前記第4の電極とが直接接触しないように、選択されている、請求項9または10に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 前記凸部が複数個設けられており、前記複数個の凸部が、前記電気的接点から延びる複数の放射線上にそれぞれ1つずつ設けられている、請求項9~11のいずれか1項に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 前記複数の凸部が、各凸部と前記電気的接点との距離が等しくなるように、配置されている、請求項12に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 前記凸部が複数個設けられており、前記凸部の数および位置が、前記電気的接点と前記凸部とによって囲まれる領域の面積が、前記第1の電極と前記第4の電極との間で静電気力が作用する面積の20%以上となるように、選択されている、請求項9~13のいずれか1項に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 前記凸部が、絶縁体である、請求項9~14のいずれか1項に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 前記第3の電極および前記第4の電極が、上から見たときに前記電気的接点を挟むように配置されている、請求項8~15のいずれか1項に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 前記電気的接点における前記第1の電極が、前記凸部における前記第1の電極よりも高い位置にある、請求項1~16のいずれか1項に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 前記電気的接点において、前記第1の電極に接触電極が形成され、接触電極の高さが、前記凸部の高さよりも大きい、請求項17に記載のMEMSスイッチ。
- 請求項1~18のいずれか1項に記載のMEMSスイッチを有する通信用機器。
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US10354804B2 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2019-07-16 | Wispry, Inc. | Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitor apparatuses and related methods |
EP3708532A1 (en) * | 2019-03-15 | 2020-09-16 | Infineon Technologies AG | Mems device and method for producing the same |
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