Theoretical and experimental investigations on failure mechanisms occuring during long-term cycling of electrostatic actuators

R. Behlert, T. Künzig, G. Schrag, G. Wachutka

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present an extensive study on dielectric charging effects, one of the major problems that limit the reliability of electrostatically actuated microdevices (such as the RF MEMS switches considered here) and, thus, their way into a broad commercial application. For the first time, we are able to provide quantitative statements on the amount of charge injected into the dielectric layers. They result from monitoring the long-term evolution of the switching voltages of the DUT recorded by a novel, on-purpose developed measurement setup, which enables also temperature-dependent investigations. Furthermore, the origin of the parasitic charges, their impact on the switching operation and measures to remove them from the dielectric layers could be identified.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2014 15th International Conference on Thermal, Mechanical and Multi-Physics Simulation and Experiments in Microelectronics and Microsystems, EuroSimE 2014
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
ISBN (Print)9781479947904
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Event2014 15th International Conference on Thermal, Mechanical and Multi-Physics Simulation and Experiments in Microelectronics and Microsystems, EuroSimE 2014 - Ghent, Belgium
Duration: 7 Apr 20149 Apr 2014

Publication series

Name2014 15th International Conference on Thermal, Mechanical and Multi-Physics Simulation and Experiments in Microelectronics and Microsystems, EuroSimE 2014

Conference

Conference2014 15th International Conference on Thermal, Mechanical and Multi-Physics Simulation and Experiments in Microelectronics and Microsystems, EuroSimE 2014
Country/TerritoryBelgium
CityGhent
Period7/04/149/04/14

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