Patent ID: 8493157
Filing Date: 2013-07-23
Classification: H03D,H03H

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a micro-electromechanical system having a resonator; an actuation electrode; and a first detection electrode, to filter and mix a plurality of signals, the method comprising: applying a first alternating voltage signal to the actuation electrode, wherein an actuation force is generated having a frequency bandwidth that is greater than and includes a resonant bandwidth of a mechanical frequency response of the resonator, and wherein a displacement of the resonator is produced which is filtered by the mechanical frequency response and varies a value of an electrical characteristic of the first detection electrode; applying a second alternating voltage signal to the first detection electrode, wherein the second voltage signal is mixed with the varying value to produce a first alternating current signal, and wherein the mixing exploits a non-linearity of the first detection electrode in converting the displacement of the resonator to an electrical signal; and detecting the first alternating current signal at the first detection electrode.