Micro-Electromechanical Switches for Micro-Satellite Power Transfer

In the past few years, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) have emerged as a promising new technology with tremendous application potential. One of the possible implementations of MEMS technology is in the development of micro-satellites. It should be possible to mass-produce micro-satellites at a fraction of the cost of one conventional satellite. In order for satellites to be robust, a method of transferring power to systems must be addressed. As micro-satellites are made with conventional integrated circuit technologies at a very small scale, a means of transferring power on a similar scale will be investigated. This research addresses the issue of the design, fabrication, and testing of a MEMS switch for space-based micro-satellites. Devices are designed and submitted to the Microelectronics Corporation of North Carolina for fabrication. Several different design approaches are attempted, including those using electrostatic and thermal properties for actuation. Fabricated devices are tested using a microprobe station for power usage, power transfer, and frequency characteristics. Devices produce a wide range of results, the best of them transfer large amounts of power in a wide range of frequencies including DC. Recommendations are made to the sponsor agency including the most appropriate designs for use in micro-satellite applications.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.