Noble metal contacts for micro-electromechanical switches

Details Noble metal contacts for micro-electromechanical switches Noble metal contacts for micro-electromechanical switches

2007-04-10

2007-04-10

Donovan, Lincoln (Department: 2832)

Electricity: magnetically operated switches, magnets, and electr

Electromagnetically actuated switches

Polarity-responsive

C200S181000

Reexamination Certificate

active

10604278

ABSTRACT:
A semiconductor micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switch provided with noble metal contacts that act as an oxygen barrier to copper electrodes is described. The MEMS switch is fully integrated into a CMOS semiconductor fabrication line. The integration techniques, materials and processes are fully compatible with copper chip metallization processes and are typically, a low cost and a low temperature process (below 400° C.). The MEMS switch includes: a movable beam within a cavity, the movable beam being anchored to a wall of the cavity at one or both ends of the beam; a first electrode embedded in the movable beam; and a second electrode embedded in an wall of the cavity and facing the first electrode, wherein the first and second electrodes are respectively capped by the noble metal contact.

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