Apparatus utilizing latching micromagnetic switches

Abstract

An apparatus includes an electrical device and a latching micromagnetic switch that controls energy flow through the electrical device. The latching micromagnetic switch includes a cantilever, a permanent magnet, and a coil configured to latch the latching micromagnetic switch in one of two positions each time energy passes through the coil. The electrical device and the latching micromagnetic switch can be integrated on a same substrate. Otherwise, the electrical device and the latching micromagnetic switch can be located on separate substrates and coupled together. The electrical device can be a circuit, a filter, an antenna, a transceiver, or the like.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 147,918, filed May 20, 2002, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Prov. Patent App. No. 60 / 291,651, filed May 18, 2001, which are both incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. [0002] The application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 147,915, entitled, “MICROMAGNETIC LATCHING SWITCH PACKAGING,” filed May 20, 2002, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of the Invention [0004] The present invention relates to an electrical apparatus having an electronic device with its energy flow controlled by switches. [0005] 1. Background Art [0006] Switches are typically electrically controlled two-state devices that open and close contacts to effect operation of devices in an electrical or optical circuit. Relays, for example, typically function as switches that activate or deactivate portions o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a small and versatile latching micromagnetic switch that can be used in a wide range of products. It has advantages of compactness, simplicity of fabrication, and good performance at high frequencies. The switch includes a cantilever, a permanent magnet, and a coil configured to latch the switch in one of two positions each time energy passes through the coil. The switch can be integrated with an electrical device or located on separate substrates and coupled together. Other embodiments provide a plurality of filters and pairs of latching micromagnetic switches that control energy flow through the filters. The switches have a very low impedance value and do not require power to hold the states. Overall, the invention provides a reliable and efficient solution for controlling energy flow in various electrical devices."

Problems solved by technology

Such relays typically exhibit a number of marked disadvantages, however, in that they generally exhibit only a single stable output (i.e., the quiescent state) and they are not latching (i.e., they do not retain a constant output as power is removed from the relay).

Moreover, the spring required by conventional micromagnetic relays may degrade or break over time.

Moreover, the power required to generate the opposing field would be significant, thus making the relay less desirable for use in space, portable electronics, and other applications that demand low power consumption.

Nevertheless, high-volume production of the switch can become difficult and costly if the alignment error tolerance is small.

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