Formation of signal paths to increase maximum signal-carrying frequency of a fluid-based switch
First Claim
1. A switch, comprising:
- a) a channel plate defining at least a portion of a number of cavities;
b) a switching fluid, held within one or more of the cavities, that is movable between at least first and second switch states in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid; and
c) a plurality of planar signal conductors extending from edges of the switch to within the one or more cavities holding the switching fluid, and in wetted contact with the switching fluid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A switch has a channel plate that defines at least a portion of a number of cavities. A switching fluid is held within one or more of the cavities, and is movable between at least first and second switch states in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid. A plurality of planar signal conductors extend from edges of the switch to within the one or more cavities holding the switching fluid, and are in wetted contact with the switching fluid. Corners in paths of the planar signal conductors may be limited to greater than 90°, about 135°, or equal to or greater than 135°. In one embodiment, signal path corners are so limited, but the planar signal conductors do not extend to the edges of the switch. In another embodiment, the one or more cavities holding the switching fluid are at least partly defined by a bent switching fluid channel.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A switch, comprising:
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a) a channel plate defining at least a portion of a number of cavities;
b) a switching fluid, held within one or more of the cavities, that is movable between at least first and second switch states in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid; and
c) a plurality of planar signal conductors extending from edges of the switch to within the one or more cavities holding the switching fluid, and in wetted contact with the switching fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A switch, comprising:
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a) a channel plate defining at least a portion of a number of cavities;
b) a switching fluid, held within one or more of the cavities, that is movable between at least first and second switch states in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid;
c) a plurality of surface contacts;
d) a plurality of conductive vias, electrically coupled to corresponding ones of the plurality of surface contacts; and
e) a plurality of planar signal conductors extending from corresponding ones of the conductive vias to within the one or more cavities holding the switching fluid, and in wetted contact with the switching fluid;
wherein a path taken by one of the planar signal conductors comprises a corner, and wherein a tightest corner in a path taken by any of the planar signal conductors is about 135°
. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A device, comprising:
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a) a substrate; and
b) a switch, mounted on the substrate and electrically coupled to one or more conductive elements on the substrate, comprising;
i) a channel plate defining at least a portion of a number of cavities;
ii) a switching fluid, held within one or more of the cavities, that is movable between at least first and second switch states in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid; and
iii) a plurality of planar signal conductors extending from edges of the switch to within the one or more cavities holding the switching fluid, and in wetted contact with the switching fluid. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification