Patent ID: 8661901

Claim:
A sensor, comprising: a first electrode array disposed on a proof mass; a second electrode array disposed on a planar surface of a support structure; the proof mass attached to the support structure via a compliant coupling such that the first electrode array is positioned substantially parallel to and faces the second electrode array, wherein the proof mass is displaceable relative to the support structure, and wherein displacement of the proof mass is in a direction substantially parallel to the second electrode array; the first electrode array comprising a plurality of first patterns of electrodes, each of the first patterns comprising at least two first electrodes; the second electrode array comprising a plurality of second patterns of electrodes, each of the second patterns comprising at least three second electrodes, where corresponding ones of the second electrodes in the second patterns are coupled in common; and circuitry to provide an input voltage to each of the second patterns of electrodes to produce an electrical null position for the first electrode array.