MEMS Switch Array Segmentation for Failure Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
MEMS switch arrays are vulnerable to failure, particularly when individual MEMS switches fail in either the short circuit or open circuit mode, leading to cascading effects that render other switches ineffective and impact the overall array's functionality.
Innovation Solution
A MEMS switch array configuration is developed where MEMS switches are coupled in both series and parallel circuits, with additional switches in parallel between series circuits to isolate failures, ensuring that a single switch's failure does not render other switches ineffective, allowing the array to continue operating until a critical number of failures overload the remaining switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If MEMS switches are arranged in series or parallel configurations to divide voltage or current, then the current carrying capacity and voltage tolerance are improved, but the reliability deteriorates because failure of individual switches impacts the entire array
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the MEMS switch array into multiple independent modules, where each module contains a series-parallel combination of switches. This segmentation isolates failures within individual modules, preventing cascading effects across the entire array while maintaining the ability to divide voltage and current across multiple switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional series or parallel arrangements to a two-dimensional matrix configuration with cross-coupling paths. This dimensional change creates multiple independent current paths, allowing the system to maintain functionality even when individual switches fail, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing power handling capability.
2Temperature
If MEMS switches are arranged in series configuration to divide voltage, then the voltage tolerance is improved, but the reliability worsens because a single failure renders the entire array ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The series string of switches is segmented into multiple parallel branches, where each branch contains a subset of switches in series. This allows voltage to be divided across multiple switches while providing alternative paths if individual switches fail, thus maintaining both voltage tolerance and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates redundant switches and alternative current paths in advance, so that when a switch fails, the system can automatically reroute current through pre-configured alternative paths without requiring system shutdown or reconfiguration.
3Power
If MEMS switches are arranged in parallel configuration to divide current, then the current carrying capacity is improved, but the reliability worsens because a single failure can cause cascading effects
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel array of switches is segmented into multiple independent modules with series connections within each module. This segmentation limits the propagation of failure effects to individual modules while maintaining current division across multiple parallel paths, thus improving reliability without reducing current carrying capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a two-dimensional switch matrix with both horizontal and vertical connections, transforming the traditional one-dimensional parallel arrangement. This dimensional change provides multiple independent current paths and isolates failures to specific regions, maintaining high current capacity while improving reliability.
4Reliability
If individual MEMS switches are used with high current and voltage ratings, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases when arranging multiple switches in arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs standardized switch modules that can be universally applied in different positions within the array. Each module is designed to handle specific voltage and current ratings, and these modular units can be replicated and combined to create arrays of various sizes, reducing design complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the array into standardized modules, the patent reduces the complexity of designing and analyzing large arrays. Each module can be independently designed, tested, and analyzed, and then replicated to create larger systems, thereby managing complexity through modularity while maintaining high reliability through proper voltage and current rating selection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The configuration significantly enhances the tolerance of MEMS switch arrays to individual switch failures, minimizing the impact on current and voltage distribution and maintaining functionality until a critical number of switches fail, thereby preventing cascading failures and ensuring continued operation.
Implementation Method 1
Micro-machined MEMS electrostatic devices, which use electrostatic forces to operate electrical switches and relays
Implementation Method 2
Piezoelectric forces have also been employed to controllably move micro-machined structures
Implementation Method 3
controlled thermal expansion of actuators or other MEMS-based components has been used to create forces for driving micro-devices
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switch array for power switching includes an input node, an output node, and a plurality of MEMS switches, wherein the input node and the output node are independently in electrical communication with a portion of the plurality of MEMS switches, and wherein a failure of any one of the plurality of MEMS switches does not render ineffective another MEMS switch within the MEMS switch array.