Charles Gordon Smith

Reliability and performance characterization of a mems-based non-volatile switch

In this paper we report data on the reliability and performance characterization of a CMOS-based non-volatile memory (NVM) array, the operating principle of which is based on stiction forces within a MEMS switch. Unlike any other NVM technology, the data retention of this technology improves with increasing temperatures. The switches have been proven to operate over an extremely wide temperature range from −150°C to 300°C, in a 4MRad/s radiation environment and can withstand acceleration forces up to 20,000g. The technology is an ideal candidate for highly reliable non-volatile memory in harsh environmental applications, like auto-motive, defense, space, down-well and geo-thermal. This NVM switch and a tunable RF-MEMS capacitor will be the first products based on this CMOS integrated MEMS platform.