Multi-Level Micromachined Systems-on-a-Chip: Technology and Applications

摘要

Researchers at Sandia have recently designed and built several research prototypes, which demonstrate that truly complex mechanical systems can now be realized in a surface micromachined technology. These MicroElectro- Mechanical Systems (MEMS) include advanced actuators, torque multiplying gear tmins, rack and pinion assemblies, positionable mirrors, and mechanical discriminators. All of tile mechanical components are batch fabricated on a single chip of silicon using the infrastructure origimdly developed to support today's highly reliabk; and robust microelectronics industry. Sand ia is also developing the technology 10 integrate microelectronic circuits onto the s,ime piece of silicon that is used to fabricate the MEMS devices. This significantly increases sensitivity and reliability, while fhrther reducing package size and fabrication costs. A review of the MEMS technology and capabilities available at Sandia National Laboratories is presented.