Patent ID: 6153839
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A micromechanical switch comprising:a substrate;a source electrode mounted on said substrate;a gate electrode mounted on said substrate;a drain electrode mounted on said substrate; anda beam comprising:a conductive beam body having a first end and a second end, said first end of said beam body including a pair of flexures attached to said source electrode, said beam body overhanging said gate electrode, wherein said pair of flexures adjusts one physical characteristic of said conducting beam; andsaid second end of said beam body overhanging said drain electrode, and wherein said second end of said beam body is deflectable from a first position overhanging said drain electrode when an electrostatic field of a first intensity is established between said beam body and said gate electrode, to a second position in which said second end of said beam body is in mechanical and electrical contact with said drain electrode when an electrostatic field of a second intensity is established between said beam body and said gate electrode.