Patent ID: 7180145
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: H01G,H01P

Abstract:
1. A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitor, comprising: (a) first and second actuation electrodes being spaced apart, and at least one of the actuation electrodes being movable with respect to the other actuation electrode when a voltage is applied across the first and second actuation electrodes; (b) a first capacitive electrode attached to and electrically isolated from the first actuation electrode; (c) a second capacitive electrode attached to and electrically isolated from the second actuation electrode and spaced from the first capacitive electrode for movement of at least one of the capacitive electrodes in a substantially straight direction with respect to a normal of a surface of 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; and (d) a movable component attached to the at least one movable actuation electrode and the at least one movable capacitive electrode, wherein the movable component comprises first and second portions, wherein the first portion is positioned further from the first actuation electrode than the second portion, wherein the first actuation electrode is attached to the first portion of the movable component, and wherein the first capacitive electrode is attached to the second portion of the movable component, wherein the distance between the actuation electrodes is larger by a factor of three or more than the distance between the capacitive electrodes.