Linearly Tunable RF-MEMS Capacitors Implemented Using An Integrated Removable Self-Masking Technique
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Date
2003-04-08
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Abstract
MEMS tunable capacitors exhibit a non-linear capacitance verses voltage tuning characteristic. In addition, electro-statically actuated devices suffer from 'pull-in' after exceeding 33% of their total displacement. This non-linear behavior and limitation on continuous tuning that occurs from 'pull-in', limits the easy-of-use and tuning range of previously reported MEMS tunable capacitors.
This dissertation presents a MEMS tunable capacitor that produces a wide tuning range with linear tuning throughout. The basic concept is similar to that of trimming/tuning capacitors used in early radios, where multiple metal plates create a capacitor that is varied by rotating a shaft which changes the overlap area. However, this device is built using modern IC processing methods that enable batch fabrication.
The core of the design comes from high yield, mechanically proven gear structures defined in the SUMMiT design library, available from Sandia National Labs. Significant alterations were made to the physical gear structure to realize the final device. A novel masking technique that enables the complex patterning of metal(s), in different amounts, on any layer(s) of a released chip was also conceived. This 'integrated removable self-masking technique' enables the construction of low-loss controlled impedance structures such as coplanar waveguides in a polysilicon only MEMS process. In addition, this technique allows metal to be deposited in a regulated manner on multiple layers of a post release chip so that low-loss metal-insulator-metal capacitors can be built.
Numerous device topologies are possible each with advantages and disadvantages. These various topologies and their design are discussed in detail. The metallization techniques for depositing single or dual metal layers are presented, along with a discussion on the construction of the masking layers so that they can be easily removed. Device simulation, modeling, and measurement are then presented.
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SANDIA, Gear, Rotate, Varactor, SUMMIT, Removable Mask, RF, Self Masking, Metallization, Tunable Capacitor, MEMS, RF MEMS
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Degree
PhD
Discipline
Electrical Engineering
