Patent ID: 6567715
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: B81C

Abstract:
A method for quality control of MEMS fabrication processes, comprising the steps of:a) fabricating MEMS structures on a substrate; b) co-fabricating at least one IMaP test structure on said substrate, said at least one IMaP test structure comprising at least one anchor to said substrate, at least one compliant member functionally attached to said anchor, at least one electrostatic actuator so configured as to apply mechanical stress to said at least one compliant member, at least one diagnostic surface whose shape is determined by the response of said at least one compliant member to said mechanical stress, and contact sites whereby each such electrostatic actuator can be actuated by a voltage applied to said contact sites; c) releasing the at least one IMaP test structure from the substrate; d) evaluating the substrate by automated process steps comprising: &agr;) making effective electrical contact between an external voltage source and said contact sites; &bgr;) actuating at least one of the at least one IMaP test structures by applying prescribed test voltages to said electrostatic actuators via said contact sites; &ggr;) measuring the displacement of the diagnostic surfaces of the actuated IMaP test structures; &dgr;) comparing said displacement with corresponding standards for a high-quality fabrication process; and, &egr;) rejecting said substrate if said comparison reveals process flaws outside of pre-established tolerances.