Keywords: MEMS, modeling, simulation
This paper describes a modeling methodology for arbitrary MEMS devices based on the concept of element stamps. Previously published work has shown that element stamps can be used profitably to build models of MEMS devices into simulators, including coupled-energy-domain models. This paper builds upon those earlier results to develop a systematic approach to lumped-constant modeling of arbitrarily complex MEMS devices. In particular, it is shown that stamps can be used to represent the dynamical behavior of microelectromechanical elements whose motion is restricted by arbitrary mechanical constraints. Many composite MEMS structures are built from a common set of basic elements, such as beams, anchors and plates, that impose a variety of constraints on the relative motion of the basic elements of the device. It is shown that the equations describing the dynamics of rigid bodies, as well as any mechanical constraints which they are subject to, can be represented by means of stamps. Since stamps can also be used to describe the electrical behavior of a device, the approach described in this paper allows the systematic development of models for a large variety of MEMS components, and their seamless integration into simulators capable of handling indifferently mechanical, electrical or electromechanical devices.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2003 Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: February 23, 2003
Pages: 460 - 463
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: MEMS & NEMS Devices, Modeling & Applications
ISBN: 0-9728422-1-7