High-G acceleration protection by caging

摘要

For use in a MEMS device having a suspended proof mass, a method and apparatus for securing the MEMS device during a period of high acceleration. The method may include applying a DC voltage between the proof mass and a non-suspended structure of the device. The non-suspended structure may be mounted on a substrate, and the substrate or the non-suspended structure may be electrically isolated from the proof mass by an insulating layer or by one or more islands. Applying the DC voltage creates an electrostatic force that moves the proof mass toward (or holds the proof mass near) the substrate. Movement of the proof mass may be limited by mechanical contact between the proof mass and the insulating layer, the one or more islands, or by a cage mounted on the substrate during the period of high acceleration.