Patent ID: 7586164
Filing Date: 2009-09-08
Classification: H01G,H01P

Abstract:
1. A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitor, comprising: (a) first and second stationary actuation electrodes attached to a substrate; (b) first and second movable actuation electrodes spaced apart from the first and second stationary actuation electrodes, respectively, wherein the first and second movable actuation electrodes are movable with respect to the first and second stationary actuation electrodes when a voltage is applied across the movable actuation electrodes and the stationary actuation electrodes; (c) a stationary capacitive electrode attached to the substrate; (d) a movable capacitive electrode attached to the first and second movable actuation electrodes and spaced from the stationary capacitive electrode for movement of the movable capacitive electrode with respect to the stationary capacitive electrode upon application of voltage across the movable actuation electrodes and the stationary actuation electrodes to change the capacitance between the capacitive electrodes; and (e) first, second, and third tethers attached to the first movable actuation electrode, the second movable actuation electrode, and the movable capacitive electrode, respectively, wherein the tethers are flexible for allowing movement of the first movable actuation electrode, the second movable actuation electrode, and the movable capacitive electrode, respectively, with respect to the first stationary actuation electrode, the second stationary actuation electrode, and the stationary capacitive electrode, respectively, wherein the first, second, and third tethers extend substantially in a direction to about a center of the first movable actuation electrode, the second movable actuation electrode, and the movable capacitive electrode, respectively.