Methods and apparatus for switching electrical signals are provided herein. In some embodiments a smart switch is provided, the smart switch may include a switch having a wipe capability; a monitor coupled to the switch for monitoring a performance characteristic thereof; and a controller configured to provide a stepped change in wipe applied by the switch between closing cycles thereof in response to the monitored performance characteristic. In some embodiments, an electronic device may be provided having a smart switch disposed therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to improving electrical switches.

2. Description of the Related Art

Electrical switches are commonly used in many devices, such as, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). In the MEMS example, such devices often utilize switches to selectively make contacts to route electrical signals through the MEMS devices to facilitate the use and control thereof. Such switches are typically expected to have a fixed lifetime, such that any problem that interferes with the operation or performance of the switch typically effectively destroys the MEMS device. For example, oxidation on contacts of the switch may degrade the electrical performance of the switch. Similarly, contact pad wear due to use of the switch may also decrease the performance and/or the life of the switch. Further, particles or other contaminants may also interfere with switch performance.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,106,066, issued to Ivanciw, et al. (hereinafter Ivanciw), discloses a circuit that may be coupled to a switch for sensing a performance parameter of the switch and providing a time-varying action if the sensed performance parameter is outside of some threshold value, such as applying a time-varying voltage to the control element of a closed switch to cause a motion of an end of a beam of the switch against a corresponding contact pad.

The motion disclosed by Ivanciw is taught to include a back-and-forth (lateral) movement of the beam along a plane parallel to and in contact with the contact pad (e.g., a rubbing motion), or an up-and-down movement of at least a portion of the beam perpendicular to the contact pad, such that the beam taps the contact pad. The time-varying voltage of Ivanciw can increase the lateral displacement (or movement) of the beam and the amount of the beam that contacts the contact pad. For example, Ivanciw teaches that a greater voltage will increase the lateral movement and the degree by which the beam contacts with, and thereby rubs, the contact pad.

The switches disclosed by Ivanciw generally provide plate-to-plate contact between the switch element and the contact pad (where relatively large contact areas engage in a predominantly perpendicular manner) or an active-opening “teeter-totter” switch (where an electrode is placed on either side of a pivot point for controlling the position of a beam of the switch). In the plate-to-plate switch examples, however, any rub that is generated is relatively small due to the configuration of the switch, thereby limiting any effect provided by the circuit controlling the switch. Moreover, the relatively large contact areas continues to promote the stiction problem. In the “teeter-totter” switch configuration, any rub of the contact element is again limited due to the linear configuration of the beam of the switch.

In addition, the switches disclosed by Ivanciw rely on electrostatic attraction between the beam/plate of the switch and an electrode disposed thereunder to pull the beam/plate into a closed position. Such switch closing electrode configurations undesirably utilize relatively high voltages, thereby limiting their application in devices where much lower voltages are required. For example, Ivanciw discloses switches having closing voltages of greater than 40 Volts, and operational voltages of up to almost 70 volts.

Thus, there is a need for an improved switch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Methods and apparatus for switching electrical signals are provided herein. In some embodiments a smart switch is provided, the smart switch may include a switch having a wipe capability; a monitor coupled to the switch for monitoring a performance characteristic thereof; and a controller configured to provide a stepped change in wipe applied by the switch between closing cycles thereof in response to the monitored performance characteristic.

In some embodiments, an electronic device may be provided. In some embodiments, an electronic device may include an input circuit for at least one of receiving or producing a signal; an output circuit for receiving the signal from the input circuit; and a smart switch for selectively coupling the input circuit to the output circuit, the smart switch including a switch having a wipe capability; a monitor coupled to the switch for monitoring a performance characteristic thereof; and a controller configured to provide a stepped change in wipe applied by the switch between closing cycles thereof in response to the monitored performance characteristic.

In some embodiments, a method of switching a signal in a microelectronic device is provided. In some embodiments, a method of switching a signal in a microelectronic device may include monitoring one or more characteristics of operation of a switch; comparing the monitored characteristics to a metric; and changing a quantity of wipe applied by the switch in response to the comparison.

Where possible, identical reference numerals are used herein to designate elements that are common to the figures. The images used in the drawings are simplified for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily depicted to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This specification describes exemplary embodiments and applications of the invention. The invention, however, is not limited to these exemplary embodiments and applications or to the manner in which the exemplary embodiments and applications operate or are described herein. Moreover, the Figures may show simplified or partial views, and the dimensions of elements in the Figures may be exaggerated or otherwise not in proportion for clarity. In addition, as the terms “on” and “attached to” are used herein, one object (e.g., a material, a layer, a substrate, etc.) can be “on” or “attached to” another object regardless of whether the one object is directly on or attached to the other object or there are one or more intervening objects between the one object and the other object. Also, directions (e.g., above, below, top, bottom, side, up, down, “x,” “y,” “z,” etc.), if provided, are relative and provided solely by way of example and for ease of illustration and discussion and not by way of limitation. In addition, where reference is made to a list of elements (e.g., elements a, b, c), such reference is intended to include any one of the listed elements by itself, any combination of less than all of the listed elements, and/or a combination of all of the listed elements.

The present invention provides a smart electrical switch capable of monitoring its own health (e.g., characteristics of performance of the switch) and of controlling its operation in response to the health monitoring function. The smart switch advantageously may increase performance and lifetime of the switch, thereby providing a switch having a longer life and higher reliability. In some embodiments, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) may include a smart switch. In some embodiments, an electronic device may include a smart switch.

FIG. 1depicts a smart switch100in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The smart switch100generally includes a switch102, a monitor104for monitoring one or more performance characteristics of the switch, and a controller106for controlling the operation of the switch102in response to a signal provided by the monitor104.

The switch102may generally comprise any suitable switch for selectively opening and closing an electrical pathway (such as conductors118and120depicted inFIG. 1). For example, the switch102may selectively come into contact with contact pads, or terminals (not shown) of one or more of conductors118and120to open or close the switch102. An actuator114may be coupled to the switch102for controlling the position thereof with respect to the conductors118and120.

Various actuators may be utilized to control the operation of the switch. In some embodiments, the switch may include an actuator coupled to a resilient contact element (described in more detail below) to provide the motion of the switch (e.g., to provide a force that controls the position of the resilient contact element of the smart switch).

Examples of suitable actuators may be electrically, mechanically, or electromechanically driven and may vary in size to suit the application. In some embodiments, the actuator may be a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device, such as an electrostatic gap closing actuator, a comb drive, combinations thereof, or the like. Non-limiting examples of suitable MEMS actuators, such as electrostatic gap closing actuators, comb drives, angled gap closing actuators, partitioned MEMS actuators, or multistage MEMS actuators, may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/106,364, filed Apr. 21, 2008 and entitled, “Switch for use in Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) and MEMS Devices Incorporating Same,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The use of MEMS actuators may facilitate developing large actuations forces (on the order of milliNewtons) and fast switching times (such as less than about 10 msec). The use of MEMS actuators may facilitate the use of low actuation voltages such as, in some embodiments, less than 3 Volts. Such low voltage actuation may facilitate the use of the smart switch in, for example, cell phone or other consumer electronic applications.

Examples of contact elements suitable for use in connection with the smart switch are described below. Additional examples of contact elements suitable for use in connection with the smart switch may also be found in the above referenced U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/106,364 as well as in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/106,369, filed herewith and entitled, “Multi-Stage Spring System,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The contact elements, or contact portions thereof, may be fabricated from materials and configured to carry relatively large currents, such as greater than 0.5 Amps at 125 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the contact elements, or the contact portions thereof, may be fabricated from relatively hard materials, such as noble metals and semi-noble metals, such as palladium, gold, rhodium, and combinations or alloys thereof, and the like, that may facilitate providing longer life and higher reliability as compared to conventional MEMS switches. For example, in some embodiments, switching cycles may exceed billions of cycles, while maintaining a low contact resistance.

In some embodiments, the switch102may comprise a wipe-capable contact element. As used herein, the term “wipe capable” means that the switch102is configured to be able to wipe the contact pad upon closing the switch. Such wipe may be provided selectively (e.g., the switch may be capable of closing with or without providing wipe) or each time the switch is closed. In addition, the magnitude of any wipe provided may be controlled such that the distance that the tip moves with respect to the contact pads after initial contact may be controlled as desired. In some embodiments, the amount of wipe utilized when closing the switch may be selectively controlled over time (e.g., over repeated close cycles of the switch) in order to continuously provide a “fresh” (e.g., unworn and/or uncorroded, or acceptably worn and/or corroded) contact point on the surface of the contact pad. The term “wipe” may be defined as lateral movement of the contact element of the switch across the contact pad after initial contact with the contact pad (e.g., the contact element of the switch initially contacts the contact pad at a first point, then wipes the surface of the contact pad as it moves to a second point). Thus, the term “wipe” includes any post-contact motion between contact elements and contact pads such that physical, frictional relative motion therebetween is developed. As used herein, the term “contact” includes any initial contact sufficient to establish electrical connection between contact elements and contact pads and any additional motion of either or both of contact elements and contact pads sufficient to induce wipe therebetween.

For example,FIGS. 2A-Brespectively depict schematic views of switches suitable for use in a smart switch in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, and as depicted inFIG. 2A, the switch102may include a resilient contact element208having a cantilevered beam210and a tip212configured for selectively contacting an upper surface216of a contact pad214. The beam210and tip212may be configured to be capable of providing a controllable wipe, when desired, across the upper surface216of the contact pad214upon application of a closing force to the switch102beyond that necessary to make initial contact with the contact pad214. The maximum amount of wipe possible for a given switch102may be defined by the configuration of the resilient contact element208(e.g., by the configuration of the beam210and tip212).

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 2A, the beam210of the switch102may be part of the conductive pathway (e.g., the switch102selectively contacts contact pad214at one end and may be coupled to a second terminal, not shown, through the beam210.) In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 2B, the conductive pathway may flow through the tip212between two terminals, or contact pads214Aand214B(without flowing through the beam210). The switch102may be configured to be capable of providing a controllable wipe, when desired, across respective upper surfaces216A,216Bof the contact pads214A,214B.

For example,FIGS. 3A-Brespectively depict schematic views of illustrative stages of operation of a smart switch similar to that described inFIG. 2Ain accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Elements inFIGS. 3A-Bthat are identical to those shown in FIGS.1and2A-B have identical reference numerals and may be understood by reference to the descriptions provided above. In operation, the switch102may begin in an open position, where the resilient contact element208is not in contact with the contact pad214(as shown inFIG. 2A). Upon closing the switch102, the tip212of the resilient contact element208may initially come into contact with the upper surface216of the contact pad214at an initial location (represented by line302). In some embodiments, the tip212may remain at the initial location while the switch remains closed and may return to the state shown inFIG. 2Awhen the switch is opened. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG. 3B, the switch102may provide a wipe across the upper surface216of the contact pad214. For example, the switch102may be controlled to cause the tip212of the resilient contact element208to move across the upper surface216of the contact pad214from the initial location (e.g.,302) to a final location (represented by line304) different from the initial location. In some embodiments, the final location of the tip212may be controlled as desired, for example via control of an actuation force applied to the switch102(e.g., the final location of the tip212may be selectively controlled to be at any point between the initial contact location and a location disposed away from the initial contact location by a maximum wipe distance). For example, increasing an actuation force can be used to increase wipe.

FIGS. 4A-Brespectively depict schematic views of illustrative stages of operation of a smart switch similar to that described inFIG. 2Bin accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Elements inFIGS. 4A-Bthat are identical to those shown in FIGS.1and2A-B have identical reference numerals and may be understood by reference to the descriptions provided above. In operation, the switch102may begin in an open position, where the resilient contact element208is not in contact with the contact pads214A-B(as shown inFIG. 2B). Upon closing the switch102, the tip212of the resilient contact element208may initially come into contact with the respective upper surfaces216A-Bof the contact pads214A-Bat an initial location (represented by lines402A-B, respectively). In some embodiments, the tip212may remain at the initial locations on the contact pads214A-Bwhile the switch remains closed and may return to the state shown inFIG. 2Bwhen the switch is opened. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG. 4B, the switch102may provide a wipe across the upper surfaces216A-Bof the contact pads214A-B. For example, the switch102may be controlled to cause the tip212of the resilient contact element208to move across the upper surfaces216A-Bof the contact pads214A-Bfrom the initial locations (e.g.,402A-B) to a final location (represented by line404A-B, respectively) different from the initial location. In some embodiments, the final locations of the tip212on the contact pads214A-Bmay be controlled as desired, as discussed above with respect toFIGS. 3A-B. In some embodiments, the tip212may be flexible, or may be coupled to a flexible member to facilitate providing the dual wiping motion as depicted inFIG. 4B.

In some embodiments, a resilient contact element may be provided having a tip configured to provide a varying contact point with respect to upper surfaces of any contact pad or contact pads that the tip selectively contacts. Such a tip may advantageously provide a fresh (e.g., unworn and/or uncorroded, or acceptably worn and/or corroded) contact point on the tip for contacting the surface of the contact pad. In some embodiments, the varying contact point of the tip may be provided in conjunction with a wiping action of the tip (as discussed above with respect toFIGS. 3A-Band4A-B), which may provide fresh contact surfaces for both of the tip and the contact pads over a range of contact positions between the tip and the contact pads.

For example, in some embodiments, and as shown inFIGS. 5A-C, a tip212(similar to the tips described above with respect toFIGS. 2A-B) may be provided having a rounded end for contacting an upper surface516of a contact pad514. AlthoughFIGS. 5A-Cshows only one tip212, other tip configurations, such as that shown in FIGS.2B and4A-B, may be similarly configured and operated. The rounded end of the tip212may have any suitable profile, such as spherical, spheroidal, ovoid, or the like and may or may not be symmetrically formed and/or disposed at the end of the tip212. The profile of the rounded end of the tip212may facilitate rotating the end of the tip212with respect to the upper surface516of the contact pad514. By rotating the end of the tip212, varying contact points between the tip212and the upper surface516of the contact pad514may be controllably provided.

For example, in some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 5A, the rounded profile of the end of the tip212may facilitate contacting a first location502of the upper surface516of the contact pad514at a first portion504of the rounded end of the tip212(for example, when initially contacting the upper surface516of the contact pad514).

As shown inFIG. 5B, when a first quantity of wipe is applied (e.g., upon providing a controlled wipe that may cause the tip212to wipe the contact pad514a first distance), the rounded profile of the end of the tip212may facilitate contacting a second location506of the upper surface516of the contact pad514at a second portion508of the rounded end of the tip212(e.g., the rounded end of the tip212may move across the upper surface516of the contact pad514and may rotate to present a different contact point with respect to the upper surface516).

As shown inFIG. 5C, when a second, different quantity of wipe is applied (e.g., upon providing a controlled wipe that may cause the tip212to wipe the contact pad514a second distance), the rounded profile of the end of the tip212may facilitate contacting a third location510of the upper surface516of the contact pad514at a third portion512of the rounded end of the tip212.

Accordingly, varying quantities of wipe may be controllably provided, for example, by control over an actuation force applied to the switch, that may advantageously facilitate control over the location of the contact pad where the tip of the switch may be disposed when in a closed position and/or control over the portion of the tip that may come into contact with the contact pad when the switch is in a closed position.

In some embodiments, the resilient contact element of the switch may be configured to maintain alignment and/or contact with the contact pads over a range of contact locations. For example, a mechanism may be provided to facilitate rotation, or pivoting, of the tip while maintaining relatively even contact pressure between the tip and the contact pads. Examples of suitable mechanisms include hinges, flexures, springs, or the like. The mechanism may be provided at any suitable location in the resilient contact element or in the contact pads (or underlying members upon which the contact pads may be disposed).

For example,FIG. 6depicts a schematic side view of a tip212of a resilient contact element102having a configuration in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention and suitable for use in a smart switch in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 6, the beam210of the resilient contact element208may include a spring602that may facilitate rotation of the tip212and maintain more even contact pressure between the tip212and the respective upper surfaces216A-Bof the contact pads214A-Bwhen the switch102is in a closed position (at various levels of force applied and/or resultant wipe provided).

FIG. 6further depicts a tip configuration in accordance with some embodiments of the invention where the tip212may include a base608and a contact604. The contact604may be at least partially fabricated from any conductive material or materials suitable for conducting an electrical signal therethrough and may include protrusions606for contacting the contact pads214A-B. The protrusions606may be configured similarly to the rounded ends of the tips212, as discussed above. The base608(and the remainder of the resilient contact element208) may be fabricated from any suitable material or materials for providing a desired resilience of the contact element, including non-conductive materials (as the electrical signal may be primarily or solely conducted through the contact604).

Although shown disposed in the beam210, the spring602(or other mechanism) may be disposed in other locations as well, such as in the tip212, in one or more of the contact pads214A-B, or the like. In some embodiments, one or more of the contact pads may be provided with a mechanism to facilitate rotation, or pivoting, of the contact pad or contact pads while maintaining relatively even contact pressure between the tip and the contact pads. For example,FIG. 7depicts a schematic side view of a switch102having a resilient contact element208and contact pads714A-Bconfigured in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. As depicted inFIG. 7, the contact pads714A-Bmay be provided with a mechanism, as discussed above, that facilitates rotation of the contact pads714A-Bwhen a force is applied thereagainst (e.g., the contact pads714A-Bmay resiliently deflect when the tip212presses against the contact pads714A-B). For example, when the switch102is in an open position (as shown) the contact pads714A-Bmay be in an initial, resting position. When an actuation force greater than that required to make initial contact between the tip212and the contact pads714A-B, the contact pads714A-Bmay flex, or rotate (as shown by arrows702) to facilitate maintaining relatively even contact pressure between the tip212and the contact pads714A-B.

In some embodiments, the smart switch100may be configured in plane substantially parallel to a substrate upon which the smart switch100may be disposed. For example, each of the views shown inFIGS. 1-7herein may be top views of the smart switch (or portions thereof) such that a substrate upon which the smart switch is disposed lies beneath the components illustrated in the various drawings. As such, the actuation of the smart switch (e.g., the movement of the actuator114and the switch102, as shown inFIG. 1, the movement of the beam210and the tip212, as shown inFIGS. 2A-3Band6, and the movement of the tip212, as shown inFIGS. 4A-5Cand7) may be in a plane substantially parallel to the page as drawn, and to the underlying substrate.

Returning toFIG. 1, the monitor104may be provided for monitoring a performance characteristic (or a plurality of performance characteristics) of the switch102. The monitor104may include software and/or hardware elements and may be physically coupled to the switch102or disposed in a position suitable for monitoring the desired performance characteristics of the switch102. The monitor104may monitor any performance characteristic suitable for determining whether the switch102is performing as desired, or if the performance of the switch102is degrading or failing. Non-limiting examples of suitable characteristics of switch performance include at least one of a voltage drop across the switch, a temperature of the switch, a temperature of one or more components near the switch (or an atmosphere near the switch), a signal power input to output ratio, a degradation of a signal passing through the switch, or some other performance characteristic of the switch.

In the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 1, an example of a monitor104configured to monitor a voltage drop across the switch102is provided. In some embodiments, the monitor104may include an operational amplifier (op-amp)112having inputs respectively coupled to an input and an output of the switch102(for example, coupled to conductors118and120inFIG. 1) for comparing the respective voltages proximate the input and the output of the switch and calculating a voltage drop across the switch102. A signal corresponding to the voltage drop may then be sent from an output of the op-amp112to the controller106(for example, via a control line108). In embodiments where other characteristics are monitored, other suitable configurations of the monitor104may be provided. For example, in embodiments where temperature is monitored, a thermocouple or other temperature measuring element may be utilized to provide a signal corresponding to the temperature being monitored.

The controller106may be any suitable controller for controlling operation of the switch102(as illustratively depicted by control line110), such as a computer or computational circuit that may perform a calculation on an input signal or signals received from the monitor104to provide a corresponding output signal for controlling operation of the switch102. Although shown as separate elements inFIG. 1, in some embodiments, the monitor104may be part of the controller106.

The controller106may be part of the actuator114or may provide a signal to the actuator114that controls the movement of the switch102. For example, in some embodiments, the contact force applied by the switch102may be controlled by varying an actuation voltage provided to the actuator114coupled to the switch102. The controller106may, in response to the signal received from the monitor, vary the actuation voltage to facilitate increasing or decreasing the contact force applied by the switch102(without inducing or varying wipe), increasing or decreasing the contact force applied by the switch102to induce, increase, or lessen the amount of wipe provided by the switch102, impose an actuation waveform on the switch102to cause the switch102to oscillate, jitter, sweep back and forth, or otherwise move while in contact with the contact pad of the output leg of the switch (for example, while contacting a terminal coupled to the conductor120inFIG. 1). In some embodiments, such control may be implemented during a closed cycle of the switch (e.g., without opening the switch). In some embodiments, such control may be implemented between open and closed cycles of the switch.

Thus, the controller106may control the operation of the switch102in response to the monitored characteristics provided by the monitor104. Such control may advantageously selectively apply wipe only when needed in order to minimize wear of the switch. Such control may further advantageously modify the wipe of the switch (such as by varying the amount of wipe within or between cycles of the switch, wiping forward and then backing off without breaking contact or opening the switch, repeatedly wiping forward and back, or the like).

For example, in some embodiments, the switch may be operated with no wipe for a first period of time until the monitor detects a degradation in performance below a predefined level. The controller may then cause the switch to operate with a first quantity of wipe, for example, by stepping up the actuation voltage to a first increased level. The switch may then be again operated with the first quantity of wipe for a second period of time until the monitor again detects a degradation in performance below a predefined level. The controller may then cause the switch to operate with a second quantity of wipe, for example, by stepping up the actuation voltage to a second increased level. The switch may then be again operated with the second quantity of wipe for a third period of time until the monitor again detects a degradation in performance below a predefined level. This sequence may be repeated until some maximum wipe is reached, or until the connection between the contact pad or contact pads and the switch is improved (for example, by using any of the methods discussed herein) such that the switch may be operated at lower quantities of wipe, or with no wipe.

Such control over the switch performance may advantageously prolong switch life by removing any corrosion, particles, or other physical impediments to making desired contact when in a closed position by the wiping action of the switch, and/or by moving the final resting place of the resilient contact element of the switch (for example the tip212shown inFIGS. 2A-B) out of a corroded or worn portion of the contact terminal to a location capable of providing the desired signal conductance through the switch102, and/or by rotating the tip of the resilient contact element of the switch to provide a fresh contact surface. Such control over the switch performance may further advantageously reduce power consumption utilized to operate the switch by providing only the minimum power required to provide the desired switch performance (for example, by controlling actuation voltage of the actuator controlling switch movement), and thereby may extend battery life for battery-powered devices utilizing smart switches in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, such a smart switch may be actuated with a less than about 3 Volt signal, as compared to some conventional switches which, as discussed in the background section, may require about 40 Volts, or in some embodiments between about 60-70 Volts, for operation.

FIG. 8depicts a flowchart of a process800for utilizing a smart switch in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. For illustrative purposes, the process800will be described in conjunction withFIGS. 1,2A, and3A-B. Other switch embodiments as taught herein may similarly be utilized as described below with respect toFIG. 8.

In some embodiments, the process800may begin at802, where characteristics of the operation of the switch102may be monitored. For example, the switch102may begin in an open position (as shown inFIG. 2A) and, upon instruction by the controller, may move to a closed position (as shown inFIG. 3A). A monitor104(as shown inFIG. 1) may be provided to monitor characteristics of operation of the switch102, such as at least one of a voltage drop across the switch, a temperature of the switch, a temperature of one or more components near the switch (or an atmosphere near the switch), a signal power input to output ratio, a degradation of a signal passing through the switch, or some other performance characteristic of the switch.

Next, at804, the monitored characteristic(s) may be compared to a metric. For example, the monitored characteristic(s) may be compared to a metric such as a baseline or range of acceptable values, and/or a statistical analysis (e.g., using statistical process control (SPC), multivariant analysis, or the like) of the monitored characteristic(s) (or a series of one or more monitored characteristics) may be performed, or the like, in order to compare the desired metric to the characteristic(s) of the present switch performance or the trend of the switch performance over time. The baseline, range of acceptable values, or statistical analysis may include modeled acceptable performance data based upon a given design and application, empirically determined performance data, or a combination of the two. Such comparison or analysis may be performed by the controller106upon receiving a signal representing the monitored characteristic(s) from the monitor104.

At806, the operation of the switch102may be controlled in response to the comparison at804. For example, the monitored characteristic from804may lie beyond an acceptable tolerance from a desired point, or may exceed a predefined statistical variation (such as exceeding predefined limits during SPC monitoring), or the like. In response, the controller106may control the operation of the switch102to alter the performance of the switch102such that the monitored characteristic (and analysis thereof) is expected to indicate a return to acceptable switch performance (or actually provides acceptable switch performance when monitored).

For example, the controller106may increase the voltage of the signal passing through the switch102, may increase the force applied by the actuation mechanism driving the switch102, may introduce a wipe motion into the switch operation (as shown inFIG. 3B), may introduce a complex motion into the switch actuation (such as imparting a wipe and pullback upon actuation of the switch102, or imparting an actuation waveform to cause the switch to oscillate or jitter on the contact pad, or the like). Upon completion of806, the process800may continue at802, where characteristics of the operation of the switch102may continue to be monitored.

Thus, a continuous process of monitoring, comparing, and controlling the operation of the switch may be performed. For example, in some embodiments, in response to a monitored characteristic being outside of some acceptable pre-defined range, the controller106may increase the force applied by the actuator114(such as by providing an increased, or stepped-up actuation voltage thereto) such that a first quantity of wipe is applied by the switch102to the contact pad214or contact pads214A-B. The switch102may continue to be operated with the first quantity of wipe (e.g., at the stepped-up actuation voltage level) for a period of time until the monitored characteristic again becomes unacceptable. The controller106may then cause the switch102to operate with a second quantity of wipe, for example, by stepping up the actuation voltage to a second increased level. The switch102may then be again operated with the second quantity of wipe for a period of time until monitored characteristic again becomes unacceptable, and so on. In some embodiments, In some embodiments, the controller106may be configured to provide a stepped change in wipe applied by the switch102between closing cycles thereof.

In some embodiments, a smart switch in accordance with the teachings provided herein may be provided in an electronic device. For example,FIG. 9depicts an electronic device900having an input circuit902for providing a signal and an output circuit906for receiving the signal from the input circuit. A smart switch904may be provided to selectively couple the input circuit902to the output circuit906as described in more detail above.

The electronic device900may be any electronic device having an internal electronic switch that controls aspects of the operation thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable electronic devices include portable and non-portable electronic devices (for example, portable phones (e.g., cell phones, smart phones, or the like), personal digital assistants, music players (e.g., radios, digital music players, or the like), digital cameras and/or video cameras, electronic games, navigational devices, computers and/or computing devices, televisions and/or video players, multimedia players, or the like), or the like. Such electronic devices may portable, non-portable, installed electronic devices (such as any of the preceding installed in a home, vehicle, or other location), or the like.

Thus, embodiments of a smart switch and electronic devices advantageously utilizing such smart switches have been provided herein. The smart switch is advantageously capable of monitoring its own health (e.g., characteristics of performance of the switch) and controlling operation of the switch in response to the health monitoring function. The smart switch may advantageously increase performance and lifetime of the switch, thereby providing a switch having a longer life and higher reliability. The smart switch may advantageously improve performance, lifetime, and/or battery lifetime in devices incorporating such smart switches.