Patent ID: 8211728
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: H01H,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a micro-electrical-mechanical-system (MEMS) switch comprising: forming a first dielectric material layer on a substrate; forming a second dielectric material layer directly on a top surface of said first dielectric material layer; forming a conductive cantilever, a conductive plate, and a conductive actuator within said second dielectric layer; forming a masking layer including a pattern of a hole therein over said second dielectric material layer; transferring said pattern in said masking layer into said second dielectric material layer and said first dielectric material layer; and laterally etching said first dielectric material layer from underneath a portion of said conductive cantilever, wherein said conductive cantilever has a fixed end that is embedded in said second dielectric material layer, a free end that is free to move under an externally applied force, and a conductive cantilever sidewall, wherein said conductive plate is embedded in said second dielectric material layer, is located in proximity to said free end of said conductive cantilever, and includes a conductive plate sidewall, and wherein said conductive actuator is embedded in said second dielectric material layer and is laterally displaced from said conductive cantilever and said conductive plate, wherein said free end of said conductive cantilever is laterally flexible to enable mechanical contact with said conductive plate under electrical bias applied across said conductive actuator and said conductive cantilever.