Patent ID: 8283987

Claim:
A system for generating a timing signal, the system comprising: a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) resonator that includes at least one non-active element and at least one active element, wherein, in operation, the at least one active element is configured to oscillate in a resonant mode; at least one drive electrode configured to conduct a time-varying signal that causes the at least one active element to oscillate; at least one sense electrode configured to conduct a first time-varying current in response to the oscillations of the at least one active element; and at least one resonator electrode shield which is electrically connected to an electrical ground source and physically disposed between (i) the at least one drive electrode and (ii) the at least one non-active element, wherein the at least one resonator electrode shield is configured to reduce an interfering signal, from the at least one drive electrode, in the at least one non-active element.