Patent ID: 8151444

Claim:
A method for manufacturing a connection device for random connection of a first number of first transmission/reception units with a second number of second transmission/reception units, said connection device comprising a switching matrix comprising a third number of individually controllable micromechanical switching elements, and a control circuit for selective individual activation of the respective micromechanical switching elements, comprising the steps of: preparing a first semiconductor wafer in which said control circuit is configured, said first semiconductor wafer having a top side, and producing at least one indentation, having dimensions corresponding to an area of a respective micromechanical switching element, in said top side of said first semiconductor wafer and, in said at least one indentation, forming an opening that uncovers a metal layer in said first semiconductor wafer and, after producing said indentation and forming said opening, forming a first electrically conductive layer on said top side of the first wafer and, in said first electrically conductive layer, forming, for each micromechanical switching element, at least one first electrode for electrostatic actuation thereof, a first electrode for a load circuit, and a first electrode for connection to the control circuit; preparing a second semiconductor wafer and forming a second electrically conductive layer on a front side of the second wafer and, in said second electrically conductive layer, forming, for each micromechanical switching element, at least one second electrode for electrostatic actuation thereof, and at least one second electrode for said load circuit; and connecting said first and second semiconductor wafers by establishing an electrical connection between said first electrode for connection to the control circuit and said second electrode for electrostatic actuation.