Patent ID: 7471176
Filing Date: 2008-12-30
Classification: H01G,H01H

Abstract:
1. A micro electromechanical system switch including a fixed contact disposed on a substrate and a moveable contact disposed on an armature, the switch comprising: a fixed electrostatic electrode and a moveable electrostatic electrode that provide an electrostatic switch operation; a piezoelectric material with associated electrodes that, upon application of electric voltages, provides a piezoelectric switch operation that straightens the armature; the armature having a curved shape and being bent away from the fixed contact when in a switch open condition with zero applied voltage; wherein, during the piezoelectric switch operation, the piezoelectric material brings the armature and the moveable electrostatic electrode into a substantially parallel alignment with the fixed electrostatic electrode and the fixed contact and the moveable contact are spaced apart, and wherein, during the electrostatic switch operation, the fixed and movable contacts are brought into contact and clamped together and the switch is closed under electrostatic force from the electrostatic electrodes.