Patent ID: 7327211
Filing Date: 2008-02-05
Classification: H01F,H01H,H01P

Abstract:
1. A micro-machined latching switch, comprising: a moveable micro-machined cantilever having a magnetic material and a longitudinal axis, wherein said cantilever has a conducting layer; a permanent magnet producing a first magnetic field, which induces a magnetization in said magnetic material, said magnetization characterized by a magnetization vector pointing in a direction along said longitudinal axis of said cantilever, wherein said first magnetic field is approximately perpendicular to said longitudinal axis; and a three-dimensional solenoid coil producing a second magnetic field to switch said cantilever between a first stable state and a second stable state, wherein a temporary current input to said three-dimensional solenoid coil produces said second magnetic field such that a component of said second magnetic field parallel to said longitudinal axis changes direction of said magnetization vector thereby causing said cantilever to switch between said first stable state and said second stable state including: