Microsystems-based method and apparatus for passive detection and processing of radio-frequency signals
| DWPI Title: Radiofrequency device for passive detection of radio frequency signal, has bridge configured with mechanical mode of vibration that allows micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switch to be periodically urged toward closed position |
| 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. |
| Use: Radiofrequency device for passive detection and processing of radio frequency signal. |
| Advantage: The adaptive approach minimizes both the required RF input power and the energy needed for switch closure. The switch and transformer are beneficially integrated into a vacuum package. The spring constant characterizes the switch bridge need to be selected according to a suitable compromise between the objective to minimize triggering energy and the objective to provide restoring force sufficient to reopen the switch. The approach improves the sensitivity of passive RF receivers by compressing the energy of a signal in frequency and/or time to produce a higher-voltage signal that triggers a switch. |
| Novelty: The radiofrequency device has a passive impedance transforming voltage amplifier receivingly connected to an antenna for receiving radiofrequency (RF) signals, where the impedance transforming voltage amplifier adapted to produce an RF actuation signal. A MEMS switch having a RF actuation electrode is receivingly connected to the impedance transforming voltage amplifier. The MEMS switch further comprises a direct current (DC) bias electrode positioned to latch the MEMS switch in a closed position by electrostatic attraction, when energized by a suitable voltage. A bridge is configured with a mechanical mode of vibration that allows the MEMS switch to be periodically urged toward the closed position, when subjected to the RF actuation signal having a fundamental frequency that matches frequency of the mechanical mode of vibration. |
| Filed: 12/15/2017 |
| Application Number: US15843355A |
| Tech ID: SD 13765.1 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
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