MEMS Switch Drive Signal Segmentation for Bounce Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed circuit switches using MEMS cantilever arms often experience bouncing and oscillations due to rapid drive signals, which can delay connection and cause signal distortion, but reducing signal intensity to mitigate bouncing results in slower switch closure.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a drive signal with two levels, where a first signal with a higher rate of change is followed by a second signal with a lower rate of change, allowing the movable member to connect with the contact without oscillation while maintaining fast closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a high level drive signal is used to force the arm to connect with the contact in the shortest amount of time, then the switch closure speed is improved, but the arm bounces off the contact and oscillates before making a stationary contact
Solution Approach 1:
The drive signal is segmented into multiple levels: a first high level signal to rapidly close the switch, followed by a second lower level signal to stabilize the contact. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both fast closure and stable contact by applying different signal intensities at different stages of the switching process.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive signal employs periodic action with varying intensity levels. The first signal level is applied initially to achieve rapid closure, then the second signal level is applied subsequently to maintain stable contact. This periodic variation in signal intensity resolves the contradiction between speed and stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a lower intensity signal is used to mitigate the bouncing problem, then the contact stability is improved, but the speed of closing the switch is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drive signal is segmented into multiple levels: a first high level signal to rapidly close the switch, followed by a second lower level signal to stabilize the contact. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both fast closure and stable contact by applying different signal intensities at different stages of the switching process.
Solution Approach 2:
The first high level signal is applied as a preliminary action to rapidly close the switch before the second lower level signal is applied to stabilize the contact. This preliminary high-intensity signal ensures fast closure, while the subsequent lower-intensity signal prevents bouncing and oscillations.
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 method effectively prevents oscillations, enabling the switch to close quickly and securely without bouncing, thus improving reliability and reducing signal distortion.
Implementation Method 1
the drive signal may rise at a very rapid rate to a maximum voltage to electrostatically urge a micro electromechanical ('MEMS') cantilever arm toward the stationary contact
Data Source
AI summary
A method of driving a switch having a movable member and a contact first applies (to the switch) a first signal having a first level, and then applies a second signal having a second level to the switch (after applying the first signal). The first level is greater than the second level. One or both of the first and second signals cause the movable member to move to electrically connect with the contact.