Microsystems-based method and apparatus for passive detection and processing of radio-frequency signals
First Claim
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1. A radiofrequency device, comprising:
- a passive impedance transforming voltage amplifier receivingly connected to an antenna for receiving radiofrequency (RF) signals, the impedance transforming voltage amplifier adapted to produce an RF actuation signal; and
a MEMS switch having a radiofrequency (RF) actuation electrode receivingly connected to the impedance transforming voltage amplifier;
wherein;
the MEMS switch further comprises a DC bias electrode positioned to latch the MEMS switch in a closed position by electrostatic attraction when energized by a suitable voltage;
the MEMS switch further comprises a bridge that physically and electrically contacts at least the DC bias electrode when the MEMS switch is in the closed position; and
the bridge is configured with a mechanical mode of vibration that, when subjected to the RF actuation signal having a fundamental frequency that matches at least one frequency of the said mechanical mode of vibration, allows the MEMS switch to be periodically urged toward the closed position.
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Abstract
A radio frequency (RF) receiver comprises a passive impedance transforming voltage amplifier and a resonant, latching micromechanical switch having a deflectable bridge, an RF actuation electrode receivingly connected to the amplifier, and a DC bias electrode positioned to latch the switch in a closed position by electrostatic attraction when energized by a suitable voltage. The bridge is configured with a mechanical mode of vibration that periodically urges the switch toward the closed position.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A radiofrequency device, comprising:
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a passive impedance transforming voltage amplifier receivingly connected to an antenna for receiving radiofrequency (RF) signals, the impedance transforming voltage amplifier adapted to produce an RF actuation signal; and a MEMS switch having a radiofrequency (RF) actuation electrode receivingly connected to the impedance transforming voltage amplifier; wherein; the MEMS switch further comprises a DC bias electrode positioned to latch the MEMS switch in a closed position by electrostatic attraction when energized by a suitable voltage; the MEMS switch further comprises a bridge that physically and electrically contacts at least the DC bias electrode when the MEMS switch is in the closed position; and the bridge is configured with a mechanical mode of vibration that, when subjected to the RF actuation signal having a fundamental frequency that matches at least one frequency of the said mechanical mode of vibration, allows the MEMS switch to be periodically urged toward the closed position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for operating a radiofrequency device, comprising:
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in a passive impedance transforming voltage amplifier, amplifying modulations of a radiofrequency (RF) carrier, the modulations having a fundamental frequency, thereby to produce an RF actuation signal; applying a DC bias to a DC bias electrode positioned to latch a MEMS switch in a closed position by electrostatic attraction when the DC bias electrode is energized by a suitable voltage; and while applying the DC bias, applying the RF actuation signal to an RF actuation electrode of the MEMS switch; wherein; the RF actuation electrode is distinct from the DC bias electrode; the MEMS switch comprises a bridge that physically and electrically contacts the DC bias electrode when the MEMS switch is in the closed position; the bridge is configured with a mechanical mode of vibration that, when subjected to the RF actuation signal having the fundamental frequency that matches at least one frequency of the said mechanical mode of vibration, allows the MEMS switch to be periodically urged toward the closed position; and the RF actuation signal is applied such that when the RF actuation signal includes the fundamental frequency that matches at least one frequency of the said mechanical mode of vibration, the RF actuation signal increasingly excites the said mechanical mode of vibration until the MEMS switch reaches the closed position. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification