Patent ID: 8531192
Filing Date: 2013-09-10
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A MEMS switch having a high-impedance state and a low-impedance state for biasing a capacitive sensor, the switch comprising: an actuation bias terminal residing in a released region; a sense bias terminal residing in the released region and physically coupled to the actuation bias terminal by a dielectric which electrically isolates the sense bias terminal from the actuation bias terminal; a switch control terminal separated from the actuation bias terminal by a first air gap; a sense node terminal separated from the sense bias terminal by a second air gap; and a spring supporting the actuation bias terminal, the sense bias terminal, and the dielectric; wherein when a potential is created between the actuation bias terminal and the switch control terminal the actuation bias terminal is drawn towards the switch control terminal resulting in the sense bias terminal contacting the sense node terminal.