Patent Publication Number: US-11652425-B2

Title: MEMS actuation system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/609,837, filed on 22 Dec. 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to actuators in general and, more particularly, to miniaturized MEMS actuators configured for use within camera packages. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As is known in the art, actuators may be used to convert electronic signals into mechanical motion. In many applications such as e.g., portable devices, imaging-related devices, telecommunications components, and medical instruments, it may be beneficial for miniature actuators to fit within the small size, low power, and cost constraints of these application. 
     Micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) technology is the technology that in its most general form may be defined as miniaturized mechanical and electro-mechanical elements that are made using the techniques of microfabrication. The critical dimensions of MEMS devices may vary from well below one micron to several millimeters. In general, MEMS actuators are more compact than conventional actuators, and they consume less power. 
     SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE 
     In one implementation, a multi-axis MEMS assembly includes: a micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator configured to provide linear three-axis movement; and an optoelectronic device coupled to the micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator. 
     One or more of the following features may be included. The micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator may include: an in-plane MEMS actuator; and an out-of-plane MEMS actuator. The in-plane MEMS actuator may be an image stabilization actuator. The in-plane MEMS actuator may be configured to provide linear X-axis movement and linear Y-axis movement. The in-plane MEMS actuator may be further configured to provide rotational Z-axis movement. The out-of-plane MEMS actuator may be an autofocus actuator. The out-of-plane MEMS actuator may be configured to provide linear Z-axis movement. The out-of-plane MEMS actuator may be further configured to provide rotational X-axis movement and rotational Y-axis movement. The out-of-plane MEMS actuator may include a piezoelectric actuator. The out-of-plane MEMS actuator may include a plurality of distinct actuation regions. Each of the plurality of distinct actuation regions may be configured to be individually controllable, thus allowing for rotation of the optoelectronic device about at least one of the X-axis and the Y-axis. Each of the plurality of distinct actuation regions may include: a stiffener beam; a first hinge configured to couple the stiffener beam to a frame; and a second hinge configured to couple the stiffener beam to a moveable stage. The optoelectronic device may be coupled to the in-plane MEMS actuator; and the in-plane MEMS actuator may be coupled to the out-of-plane MEMS actuator. 
     In another implementation, a multi-axis MEMS assembly includes a micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator configured to provide linear three-axis movement. The micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator includes: an in-plane MEMS actuator, and an out-of-plane MEMS actuator including a plurality of distinct actuation regions. An optoelectronic device is coupled to the micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator. 
     One or more of the following features may be included. Each of the plurality of distinct actuation regions may include: a stiffener beam; a first hinge configured to couple the stiffener beam to a frame; and a second hinge configured to couple the stiffener beam to a moveable stage. The in-plane MEMS actuator may be configured to provide linear X-axis movement and linear Y-axis movement. The in-plane MEMS actuator may be further configured to provide rotational Z-axis movement. The out-of-plane MEMS actuator may be configured to provide linear Z-axis movement. 
     In another implementation, a multi-axis MEMS assembly includes a micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator configured to provide linear three-axis movement. The micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator includes: an in-plane MEMS actuator configured to provide linear X-axis movement, linear Y-axis movement and rotational Z-axis movement, and an out-of-plane MEMS actuator configured to provide linear Z-axis movement and including a piezoelectric actuator. An optoelectronic device is coupled to the micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator. 
     One or more of the following features may be included. The out-of-plane MEMS actuator may include a plurality of distinct actuation regions, each may be configured to be individually controllable, thus allowing for rotation of the optoelectronic device about at least one of the X-axis and the Y-axis. 
     The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a MEMS package in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a diagrammatic view of an in-plane MEMS actuator with the optoelectronic device in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a perspective view of an in-plane MEMS actuator with the optoelectronic device in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a diagrammatic view of an in-plane MEMS actuator in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a diagrammatic view of a comb drive sector in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is a diagrammatic view of a comb pair in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    is a diagrammatic view of fingers of the comb pair of  FIG.  5    in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of an out-of-plane actuator in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of an out-of-plane actuator in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  9    is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of an out-of-plane actuator in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     System Overview: 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , there is shown MEMS package  10 , in accordance with various aspects of this disclosure. In this example, MEMS package  10  is shown to include printed circuit board  12 , multi-axis MEMS assembly  14 , driver circuits  16 , electronic components  18 , flexible circuit  20 , and electrical connector  22 . Multi-axis MEMS assembly  14  may include micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  (configured to provide linear three-axis movement) and optoelectronic device  26  coupled to micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24 . 
     As will be discussed below in greater detail, examples of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  may include but are not limited to an in-plane MEMS actuator, an out-of-plane MEMS actuator, and a combination in-plane/out-of-plane MEMS actuator. For example and if micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  is an in-plane MEMS actuator, the in-plane MEMS actuator may include an electrostatic comb drive actuation system (as will be discussed below in greater detail). Additionally, if micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  is an out-of-plane MEMS actuator, the out-of-plane MEMS actuator may include a piezoelectric actuation system or electrostatic actuation. And if micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  is a hybrid in-plane/out-of-plane MEMS actuator, the combination in-plane/out-of-plane MEMS actuator may include an electrostatic comb drive actuation system and a piezoelectric actuation system. 
     As will be discussed below in greater detail, examples of optoelectronic device  26  may include but are not limited to an image sensor, a holder assembly, a UV filter and/or a lens assembly. Examples of electronic components  18  may include but are not limited to various electronic or semiconductor components and devices. Flexible circuit  20  and/or connector  22  may be configured to electrically couple MEMS package  10  to e.g., a smart phone or a digital camera (represented as generic item  28 ). 
     As will be discussed below in greater detail, micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  may be sized so that it may fit within a recess in printed circuit board  12 . The depth of this recess within printed circuit board  12  may vary depending upon the particular embodiment and the physical size of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24 . 
     In some embodiments, some of the components of MEMS package  10  may be joined together using various epoxies/adhesives. For example, an outer frame of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  may include contact pads that may correspond to similar contact pads on printed circuit board  12 . 
     Referring also to  FIG.  2 A , there is shown multi-axis MEMS assembly  14 , which may include optoelectronic device  26  coupled to micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24 . As discussed above, examples of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  may include but are not limited to an in-plane MEMS actuator, an out-of-plane MEMS actuator, and a combination in-plane/out-of-plane MEMS actuator. 
     When configured to provide in-plane actuation functionality, micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  may include outer frame  30 , plurality of electrically conductive flexures  32 , MEMS actuation core  34  for attaching a payload (e.g., a device), and attached optoelectronic device  26 . Optoelectronic device  26  may be coupled to MEMS actuation core  34  of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  by epoxy (or various other adhesives/materials and/or bonding methods). 
     Referring also to  FIG.  2 B , plurality of electrically conductive flexures  32  of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  may be curved upward and buckled to achieve the desired level of flexibility. In the illustrated embodiment, plurality of electrically conductive flexures  32  may have one end attached to MEMS actuation core  34  (e.g., the moving portion of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24 ) and the other end attached to outer frame  30  (e.g., the fixed portion of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24 ). 
     Plurality of electrically conductive flexures  32  may be conductive wires that may extend above the plane (e.g., an upper surface) of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  and may electrically couple laterally separated components of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24 . For example, plurality of electrically conductive flexures  32  may provide electrical signals from optoelectronic device  26  and/or MEMS actuation core  34  to outer frame  30  of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24 . As discussed above, outer frame  30  of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  may be affixed to circuit board  12  using epoxy (or various other adhesive materials or devices). 
     Referring also to  FIG.  3   , there is shown a top view of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure. Outer frame  30  is shown to include (in this example) four frame assemblies (e.g., frame assembly  100 A, frame assembly  100 B, frame assembly  100 C, frame assembly  100 D) that are shown as being spaced apart to allow for additional detail. 
     Outer frame  30  of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  may include a plurality of contact pads (e.g., contact pads  102 A on frame assembly  100 A, contact pads  102 B on frame assembly  100 B, contact pads  102 C on frame assembly  100 C, and contact pads  102 D on frame assembly  100 D), which may be electrically coupled to one end of plurality of electrically conductive flexures  32 . The curved shape of electrically conductive flexures  32  is provided for illustrative purposes only and, while illustrating one possible embodiment, other configurations are possible and are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. 
     MEMS actuation core  34  may include a plurality of contact pads (e.g., contact pads  104 A, contact pads  104 B, contact pads  104 C, contact pads  104 D), which may be electrically coupled to the other end of plurality of electrically conductive flexures  32 . A portion of the contact pads (e.g., contact pads  104 A, contact pads  104 B, contact pads  104 C, contact pads  104 D) of MEMS actuation core  34  may be electrically coupled to optoelectronic device  26  by wire bonding, silver paste, or eutectic seal, thus allowing for the electrical coupling of optoelectronic device  26  to outer frame  30 . 
     MEMS actuation core  34  may include one or more comb drive sectors (e.g., comb drive sector  106 ) that are actuation sectors disposed within micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24 . The comb drive sectors (e.g., comb drive sector  106 ) within MEMS actuation core  34  may be disposed in the same plane and may be positioned orthogonal to each other to allow for movement in two axes (e.g., the X-axis and the Y-axis). Accordingly, the in-plane MEMS actuator generally (and MEMS actuation core  34  specifically) may be configured to provide linear X-axis movement and linear Y-axis movement. 
     While in this particular example, MEMS actuation core  34  is shown to include four comb drive sectors, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure, as other configurations are possible. For example, the number of comb drive sectors may be increased or decreased depending upon design criteria. 
     While in this particular example, the four comb drive sectors are shown to be generally square in shape, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure, as other configurations are possible. For example, the shape of the comb drive sectors may be changed to meet various design criteria. 
     Each comb drive sector (e.g., comb drive sector  106 ) within MEMS actuation core  34  may include one or more moving portions and one or more fixed portions. As will be discussed below in greater detail, a comb drive sector (e.g., comb drive sector  106 ) within MEMS actuation core  34  may be coupled, via a cantilever assembly (e.g., cantilever assembly  108 ), to outer periphery  110  of MEMS actuation core  34  (i.e., the portion of MEMS actuation core  34  that includes contact pads  104 A, contact pads  104 B, contact pads  104 C, contact pads  104 D), which is the portion of MEMS actuation core  34  to which optoelectronic device  26  may be coupled, thus effectuating the transfer of movement to optoelectronic device  26 . 
     Referring also to  FIG.  4   , there is shown a top view of comb drive sector  106  in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Each comb drive sector (e.g., comb drive sector  106 ) may include one or more motion control cantilever assemblies (e.g., motion control cantilever assemblies  150 A,  150 B) positioned outside of comb drive sector  106 , moveable frame  152 , moveable spines  154 , fixed frame  156 , fixed spines  158 , and cantilever assembly  108  that is configured to couple moving frame  152  to outer periphery  110  of MEMS actuation core  34 . In this particular configuration, motion control cantilever assemblies  150 A,  150 B may be configured to prevent Y-axis displacement between moving frame  152 /moveable spines  154  and fixed frame  156 /fixed spines  158 . 
     Comb drive sector  106  may include a movable member including moveable frame  152  and multiple moveable spines  154  that are generally orthogonal to moveable frame  152 . Comb drive sector  106  may also include a fixed member including fixed frame  156  and multiple fixed spines  158  that are generally orthogonal to fixed frame  156 . Cantilever assembly  108  may be deformable in one direction (e.g., in response to Y-axis deflective loads) and rigid in another direction (e.g., in response to X-axis tension and compression loads), thus allowing for cantilever assembly  108  to absorb motion in the Y-axis but transfer motion in the X-axis. 
     Referring also to  FIG.  5   , there is shown a detail view of portion  160  of comb drive sector  106 . Moveable spines  154 A,  154 B may include a plurality of discrete moveable actuation fingers that are generally orthogonally-attached to moveable spines  154 A,  154 B. For example, moveable spine  154 A is shown to include moveable actuation fingers  162 A and moveable spine  154 B is shown to include moveable actuation fingers  162 B. 
     Further, fixed spine  158  may include a plurality of discrete fixed actuation fingers that are generally orthogonally-attached to fixed spine  158 . For example, fixed spine  158  is shown to include fixed actuation fingers  164 A that are configured to mesh and interact with moveable actuation fingers  162 A. Further, fixed spine  158  is shown to include fixed actuation fingers  164 B that are configured to mesh and interact with moveable actuation fingers  162 B. 
     Accordingly, various numbers of actuation fingers may be associated with (i.e. coupled to) the moveable spines (e.g., moveable spines  154 A,  154 B) and/or the fixed spines (e.g., fixed spine  158 ) of comb drive sector  106 . As discussed above, each comb drive sector (e.g., comb drive sector  106 ) may include two motion control cantilever assemblies  150 A,  150 B separately placed on each side of comb drive sector  106 . Each of the two motion control cantilever assemblies  150 A,  150 B may be configured to couple moveable frame  152  and fixed frame  156 , as this configuration enables moveable actuation fingers  162 A,  162 B to be displaceable in the X-axis with respect to fixed actuation fingers  164 A,  164 B (respectively) while preventing moveable actuation fingers  162 A,  162 B from being displaced in the Y-axis and contacting fixed actuation fingers  164 A,  164 B (respectively). 
     While actuation fingers  162 A,  162 B,  164 A,  164 B (or at least the center axes of actuation fingers  162 A,  162 B,  164 A,  164 B) are shown to be generally parallel to one another and generally orthogonal to the respective spines to which they are coupled, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure, as other configurations are possible. Further and in some embodiments, actuation fingers  162 A,  162 B,  164 A,  164 B may have the same width throughout their length and in other embodiments, actuation fingers  162 A,  162 B,  164 A,  164 B may be tapered. 
     Further and in some embodiments, moveable frame  152  may be displaced in the positive X-axis direction when a voltage potential is applied between actuation fingers  162 A and actuation fingers  164 A, while moveable frame  152  may be displaced in the negative X-axis direction when a voltage potential is applied between actuation fingers  162 B and actuation fingers  164 B. 
     Referring also to  FIG.  6   , there is shown a detail view of portion  200  of comb drive sector  106 . Fixed spine  158  may be generally parallel to moveable spine  154 B, wherein actuation fingers  164 B and actuation fingers  162 B may overlap within region  202 , wherein the width of overlap region  202  is typically in the range of 10-50 microns. While overlap region  202  is described as being in the range of 10-50 microns, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure, as other configurations are possible. 
     Overlap region  202  may represent the distance  204  where the ends of actuation fingers  162 B extends past and overlap the ends of actuation fingers  164 B, which are interposed therebetween. In some embodiments, actuation fingers  162 B and actuation fingers  164 B may be tapered such that their respective tips are narrower than their respective bases (i.e., where they are attached to their spines). As is known in the art, various degrees of taper may be utilized with respect to actuation fingers  162 B and actuation fingers  164 B. Additionally, the overlap of actuation fingers  162 B and actuation fingers  164 B provided by overlap region  202  may help ensure that there is sufficient initial actuation force when an electrical voltage potential is applied so that MEMS actuation core  34  may move gradually and smoothly without any sudden jumps with varying the applied voltage. The height of actuation fingers  162 B and actuation fingers  164 B may be determined by various aspects of the MEMS fabrication process and various design criteria. 
     Length  206  of actuation fingers  162 B and actuation fingers  164 B, the size of overlap region  202 , the gaps between adjacent actuation fingers, and actuation finger taper angles that are incorporated into various embodiments may be determined by various design criteria, application considerations, and manufacturability considerations, wherein these measurements may be optimized to achieve the required displacement utilizing the available voltage potential. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3    and as discussed above, MEMS actuation core  34  may include one or more comb drive sectors (e.g., comb drive sector  106 ), wherein the comb drive sectors (e.g., comb drive sector  106 ) within MEMS actuation core  34  may be disposed in the same plane and may be positioned orthogonal to each other to allow for movement in two axes (e.g., the X-axis and the Y-axis). 
     Specifically and in this particular example, MEMS actuation core  34  is shown to include four comb drive sectors (e.g., comb drive sectors  106 ,  250 ,  252 ,  254 ). As discussed above, comb drive sector  106  is configured to allow for movement along the X-axis, while preventing movement along the Y-axis. As comb drive sector  252  is similarly configured, comb drive sector  252  may allow for movement along the X-axis, while preventing movement along the Y-axis. Accordingly, if a signal is applied to comb drive sector  106  that provides for positive X-axis movement, while a signal is applied to comb drive sector  252  that provides for negative X-axis movement, actuation core  34  may be displaced in a clockwise direction. Conversely, if a signal is applied to comb drive sector  106  that provides for negative X-axis movement, while a signal is applied to comb drive sector  252  that provides for positive X-axis movement, actuation core  34  may be displaced in a counterclockwise direction. 
     Further, comb drive sectors  250 ,  254  are configured (in this example) to be orthogonal to comb drive sectors  106 ,  252 . Accordingly, comb drive sectors  250 ,  254  may be configured to allow for movement along the Y-axis, while preventing movement along the X-axis. Accordingly, if a signal is applied to comb drive sector  250  that provides for positive Y-axis movement, while a signal is applied to comb drive sector  254  that provides for negative Y-axis movement, actuation core  34  may be displaced in a counterclockwise direction. Conversely, if a signal is applied to comb drive sector  250  that provides for negative Y-axis movement, while a signal is applied to comb drive sector  254  that provides for positive Y-axis movement, actuation core  34  may be displaced in a clockwise direction. 
     Accordingly, the in-plane MEMS actuator generally (and MEMS actuation core  34  specifically) may be configured to provide rotational (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) Z-axis movement 
     As stated above, examples of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  may include but are not limited to an in-plane MEMS actuator, an out-of-plane MEMS actuator, and a combination in-plane/out-of-plane MEMS actuator. For example and in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator  24  is shown to include an in-plane MEMS actuator (e.g., in-plane MEMS actuator  256 ) and an out-of-plane MEMS actuator (e.g., out-of-plane MEMS actuator  258 ), wherein  FIGS.  3 - 6    illustrate one possible embodiment of in-plane MEMS actuator  256 . Optoelectronic device  26  may be coupled to in-plane MEMS actuator  256 ; and in-plane MEMS actuator  256  may be coupled to out-of-plane MEMS actuator  258 . 
     An example of in-plane MEMS actuator  256  may include but is not limited to an image stabilization actuator. As is known in the art, image stabilization is a family of techniques that reduce blurring associated with the motion of a camera or other imaging device during exposure. Generally, it compensates for pan and tilt (angular movement, equivalent to yaw and pitch) of the imaging device, though electronic image stabilization may also compensate for rotation. Image stabilization may be used in image-stabilized binoculars, still and video cameras, astronomical telescopes, and smartphones. With still cameras, camera shake may be a particular problem at slow shutter speeds or with long focal length (telephoto or zoom) lenses. With video cameras, camera shake may cause visible frame-to-frame jitter in the recorded video. In astronomy, the problem may be amplified by variations in the atmosphere (which changes the apparent positions of objects over time). 
     An example of out-of-plane MEMS actuator  258  may include but is not limited to an autofocus actuator. As is known in the art, an autofocus system may use a sensor, a control system and an actuator to focus on an automatically (or manually) selected area. Autofocus methodologies may be distinguished by their type (e.g., active, passive or hybrid). Autofocus systems may rely on one or more sensors to determine correct focus, wherein some autofocus systems may rely on a single sensor while others may use an array of sensors. 
     Referring also to  FIG.  7   , there is shown one possible embodiment of out-of-plane MEMS actuator  258 . Out-of-plane MEMS actuator  258  may include frame  260  (which is configured to be stationary) and moveable stage  262 . Out-of-plane MEMS actuator  258  may include a plurality of discrete actuation regions, namely actuation regions  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270 . One or more of the plurality of discrete actuation regions (namely actuation regions  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270 ) may include a piezoelectric actuator. 
     Each of the plurality of distinct actuation regions (namely actuation regions  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270 ) may include: stiffener beam  272 ; first hinge  274  configured to couple stiffener beam  272  to frame  260 ; and second hinge  276  configured to couple stiffener beam  272  to moveable stage  262 . 
     Linear Z-axis (i.e., out-of-plane) movement of moveable stage  262  of out-of-plane MEMS actuator  258  may be generated due to the deformation of first hinge  274  and/or second hinge  276 , which may be formed of a piezoelectric material (e.g., PZT (lead zirconate titanate), zinc oxide or other suitable material) that may be configured to deflect in response to an electrical signal. As is known in the art, piezoelectric materials are a special type of ceramic that expands or contracts when an electrical charge is applied, thus generating motion and force. First hinge  274  and/or second hinge  276  may be configured to meet various stiffness requirement and/or allow for the level of deformability needed to achieve a desired level of z-axis movement while prohibiting X-axis and Y-axis movement. Accordingly, by applying a signal to (in this example) first hinge  274  and/or second hinge  276 , first hinge  274  and/or second hinge  276  may deform to provide the required level of linear Z-axis (i.e., out-of-plane) movement of moveable stage  262   
     Each of the plurality of distinct actuation regions (namely actuation regions  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270 ) may be configured to be individually controllable. Accordingly and by providing the same signal to each of the plurality of distinct actuation regions (namely actuation regions  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270 ), each of the plurality of distinct actuation regions (namely actuation regions  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270 ) may move in the same amount and direction (e.g., along the Z-axis). 
     Conversely and by providing different signals to one or more of the plurality of distinct actuation regions (namely actuation regions  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270 ), each of the plurality of distinct actuation regions (namely actuation regions  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270 ) may move different amounts and/or in different directions (e.g., along the Z-axis). Accordingly and by applying such different signals, optoelectronic device  26  may be rotated about at least one of the X-axis and the Y-axis. 
     For example and to achieve rotation about the X-axis, a first signal may be applied to actuation regions  264 ,  266  to displace actuation regions  264 ,  266  in a first Z-axis direction, while a second signal may be applied to actuation regions  268 ,  270  to displace actuation regions  268 ,  270  in a second Z-axis direction. 
     Further and to achieve rotation about the Y-axis, a first signal may be applied to actuation regions  264 ,  270  to displace actuation regions  264 ,  270  in a first Z-axis direction, while a second signal may be applied to actuation regions  266 ,  268  to displace actuation regions  266 ,  268  in a second Z-axis direction. 
     Additionally and to achieve rotation about the X-axis and the Y-axis, a first signal may be applied to actuation region  264  to displace actuation region  264  in a first Z-axis direction, while a second signal may be applied to actuation region  268  to displace actuation region  268  in a second Z-axis direction. 
     Conversely and to achieve rotation about the X-axis and the Y-axis, a first signal may be applied to actuation region  266  to displace actuation region  266  in a first Z-axis direction, while a second signal may be applied to actuation region  270  to displace actuation region  270  in a second Z-axis direction. 
     Out-of-plane MEMS actuator  258  may include a braking assembly (e.g., braking assembly  278 ) that may be configured to secure moveable stage  262  within a fixed location when out-of-plane MEMS actuator  258  is not in use (e.g., when the device to which out-of-plane MEMS actuator  258  is powered down. For example, braking assembly  278  may be configured to temporarily physically couple moveable stage  262  to frame  260  (as shown in  FIG.  7   ) and/or temporarily physically couple moveable stage  262  to stiffener beam  272  (as shown in  FIG.  8   ). 
     While the above discussion concerns each of the plurality of distinct actuation regions (namely actuation regions  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270 ) including stiffener beam  272 ; first hinge  274  configured to couple stiffener beam  272  to frame  260 ; and second hinge  276  configured to couple stiffener beam  272  to moveable stage  262 , this is for illustrative purposes only, as other configurations are possible and are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. 
     For example and referring also to  FIG.  9   , there is shown another possible embodiment of out-of-plane MEMS actuator  258 , wherein out-of-plane MEMS actuator  258  may include frame  260  (which is configured to be stationary) and moveable stage  262 . Out-of-plane MEMS actuator  258  may include a plurality of discrete actuation regions, namely actuation regions  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270 . One or more of the plurality of discrete actuation regions (namely actuation regions  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270 ) may include a piezoelectric actuator. 
     Each of the plurality of distinct actuation regions (namely actuation regions  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270 ) may include: a plurality of stiffener beams (e.g., stiffener beams  272 A,  272 B); and a plurality of hinges (e.g., first hinge  274  configured to couple first stiffener beam  272 A to frame  260 ; second hinge  276 A configured to couple second stiffener beam  272 B to moveable stage  262 , and third hinge  276 B configured to couple first stiffener beam  272 A to second stiffener beam  272 B. 
     Linear Z-axis (i.e., out-of-plane) movement of moveable stage  262  of out-of-plane MEMS actuator  258  may be generated due to the deformation of first hinge  274 , second hinge  276 A and/or third hinge  276 B, which may be formed of a piezoelectric material (e.g., PZT (lead zirconate titanate), zinc oxide or other suitable material) that may be configured to deflect in response to an electrical signal. As is known in the art, piezoelectric materials are a special type of ceramic that expands or contracts when an electrical charge is applied, thus generating motion and force. First hinge  274 , second hinge  276 A and/or third hinge  276 B may be configured to meet various stiffness requirement and/or allow for the level of deformability needed to achieve a desired level of z-axis movement while prohibiting X-axis and Y-axis movement. Accordingly, by applying a signal to (in this example) first hinge  274 , second hinge  276 A and/or third hinge  276 B, first hinge  274 , second hinge  276 A and/or third hinge  276 B may deform to provide the required level of linear Z-axis (i.e., out-of-plane) movement of moveable stage  262   
     General: 
     In general, the various operations of method described herein may be accomplished using or may pertain to components or features of the various systems and/or apparatus with their respective components and subcomponents, described herein. 
     The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. 
     Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of example block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration. 
     While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the disclosure, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the disclosure. The disclosure is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features of the present disclosure. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise. 
     Although the disclosure is described above in terms of various example embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosure, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications to the previous descriptions may be made within the scope of the claims. 
     As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present disclosure may be embodied as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Accordingly, the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium. 
     Any suitable computer usable or computer readable medium may be utilized. The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium may include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a transmission media such as those supporting the Internet or an intranet, or a magnetic storage device. The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may also be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory. In the context of this document, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer-usable medium may include a propagated data signal with the computer-usable program code embodied therewith, either in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. The computer usable program code may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to the Internet, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc. 
     Computer program code for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may be written in an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like. However, the computer program code for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through a local area network/a wide area network/the Internet (e.g., network  18 ). 
     The present disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer/special purpose computer/other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures may illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     A number of implementations have been described. Having thus described the disclosure of the present application in detail and by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims.