In this paper, an electrostatic actuator linearization will be introduced, which is based on an existing hardware-efficient iterative square root algorithm. The algorithm is solely based on add and shift operations while just needing n/2 iterations for an n bit wide input signal. As a practical example, the nonlinear input transformation will be utilized for the design of the primary mode contr...

Dip pen nanolithography (DPN) is a method of creating nanoscale chemical patterns on surfaces using an atomic force microscope (AFM) probe. Until now, efforts to increase the process throughput have focused on passive multi-probe arrays and active arrays based on thermal bimetallic actuation. This paper describes the first use of electrostatic actuation to create an active DPN probe array. Elec...

We present a new tri-electrode topology for reducing the control voltage for electrostatic actuators. Conventional parallel plate actuators are dual-electrode systems, formed by the MEMS structure and the drive electrode. By placing a perforated intermediate electrode between these elements, a tri-electrode configuration is formed. This topology enables a low voltage on the intermediate electro...

Having benefited from technological developments, such as surface micromachining, high-aspect-ratio silicon micromachining and ongoing miniaturization in complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology, some electrostatic actuators became widely used large-volume products today. However, due to reliability-related issues inherent limitations, the pull-in instability extremely small st...

This paper discusses the fabrication and testing of two lowvoltage force-balanced pressure sensors. In these devices the force acting on a diaphragm under external pressure and its corresponding deflection are counterbalanced with the force and deflection generated in a parallel plate electrostatic actuator mechanically coupled to the diaphragm. The low balancing voltage is attained using a for...