A pop-up laminate structure includes rigid layers, at least one flexible layer, at least one optical component, and an actuator. At least one of the rigid layers defines gaps extending there through to form a plurality of rigid segments separated by the gaps in the rigid layer. The flexible layer is bonded to the rigid segments to form joints for folding. The optical component is mounted to a rigid layer and configured to generate, capture or alter a light beam. The actuator is mounted to at least one of the rigid layers and configured to displace at least one rigid segment that, in turn, displaces the optical component. At least some of the layers are bonded to adjacent layers only at selected locations forming islands of inter-layer bonds to allow expansion of the laminate into an expanded three-dimensional structure.

A micromechanical sensor system that includes a mass that is deflectable at least in the z direction. A stop element having an elastic design is situated on the mass on at least one of the sides oriented in the z direction, via a connection element.

A micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) device includes a first electrode formed on a substrate, a second electrode that faces the first electrode, a protective film formed on the substrate with a space therebetween in which the first and second electrodes are located, and a sealing layer covering the protective film. The second electrode has a curved structure extending in a direction away from the first electrode, and is movable toward or away from the first electrode. The protective film has a plurality of openings formed therein and a protrusion that protrudes toward the second electrode.

A MEMS device comprising a body, having a first surface and a second surface; a diaphragm cavity in the body extending from the second surface of the body; a deformable portion in the body between the first surface and the diaphragm cavity; and a piezoelectric actuator, extending on the first surface of the body, over the deformable portion. The MEMS device is characterized in that it comprises a recess structure extending in the body and delimiting a stopper portion for the deformable portion.

A method for producing a microelectromechanical sensor. The microelectromechanical sensor is produced by connecting a cap wafer to a sensor wafer. The cap wafer has a bonding structure for connecting the cap wafer to the sensor wafer. The sensor wafer has a sensor core having a movable structure. The cap wafer has a stop structure for limiting an excursion of the movable structure. The method includes a first step and a second step following the first step, the stop surface of the stop structure being situated at the level of the original surface of the unprocessed cap wafer.

The present invention relates micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS); in particular to a comb channel structure for decreasing damping asymmetry of comb electrodes used to measure movement of components with MEMS devices. The channel is formed by a series of recesses formed in the comb fingers of the comb electrodes, or in the cap or handle wafer adjacent to the comb fingers. The channel increases the cross sectional area of the path through which gas can move into or out of the space between the comb electrodes as the comb electrodes move with respect to one another. Thus, when there is a damping asymmetry caused by a difference in the distance between the comb electrode and the cap wafer, and the comb electrode and handle wafer, the channel is employed on the side of the comb electrode with the smaller distance to the adjacent wafer to reduce the damping asymmetry.

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are described. The MEMS switches can be actively opened and closed. The switch can include a beam coupled to an anchor on a substrate by one or more hinges. The beam, the hinges and the anchor may be made of the same material in some configurations. The switch can include electrodes, disposed on a surface of the substrate, for electrically controlling the orientation of the beam. The hinges may be thinner than the beam, resulting in the hinges being more flexible than the beam. In some configurations, the hinges are located within an opening in the beam. The hinges may extend in the same direction of the axis of rotation of the beam and/or in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the beam.

A functional device includes a movable body displaceable along a first axis, a fixed section configured to support the movable body in a coupling section, a movable electrode section extending from the movable body, a fixed electrode section arranged to be opposed to the movable electrode section, and an extending section extending from the fixed section and including an opposed section opposed to a side surface of the movable electrode section. The distance between the opposed section and the movable electrode section is smaller than the distance between the fixed electrode section and the movable electrode section.

A method for fabricating a micromechanical part from a substrate in which the part is fabricated by providing a plurality of fasteners between the part and the substrate, the fasteners being sacrificial, characterized in that the fasteners include at least one hinge at the end of each fastener located beside the part, and in that the method includes a step of breaking the sacrificial fasteners. The micromechanical parts employing this type of sacrificial fastener are also described.

A MEMS-transducer comprises a membrane structure having a first main surface and a second main surface opposing the first main surface. A substrate structure holds the membrane structure, wherein the substrate structure overlaps with the first main surface of the membrane structure in a first edge region being adjacent to a first inner region of the first main surface. A gap is formed between the membrane structure and the substrate structure in the first edge region and extends from the first inner region into the first edge region.