TY - GEN A1 - Kaiser, Bert A1 - Schenk, Hermann A. G. A1 - Ehrig, Lutz A1 - Wall, Franziska A1 - Monsalve, Jorge Mario A1 - Langa, Sergiu A1 - Stolz, Michael A1 - Melnikov, Anton A1 - Conrad, Holger A1 - Schuffenhauer, David A1 - Schenk, Harald T1 - The push-pull principle: an electrostatic actuator concept for low distortion acoustic transducers T2 - Microsystems & Nanoengineering N2 - Electrostatic actuators are of particular interest for microsystems (MEMS), and in particular for MEMS audio transducers for use in advanced true wireless applications. They are attractive because of their typically low electrical capacitance and because they can be fabricated from materials that are compatible with standard complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. For high audio performance and in particular low harmonic distortion (THD) the implementation of the push-pull principle provides strong benefits. With an arrangement of three electrodes in a conjunct moving configuration on a beam, we demonstrate here for the first time a balanced bending actuator incarnating the push-pull principle operating at low voltages. Our first design already exhibits a harmonic distortion as low as 1.2% at 79 dB using a signal voltage of only 6 Vp and a constant voltage of only ±10 Vdc in a standard acoustic measurement setup. Thus, exceeding our previously reported approach in all three key performance indications at the same time. We expect that our novel electrode configurations will stimulate innovative electrostatic actuator developments for a broad range of applications. In this paper we report the basic theory, the fabrication and the performance of our novel actuator design acting as an audio transducer. Y1 - 2023 UR - https://opus4.kobv.de/opus4-UBICO/frontdoor/index/index/docId/30187 SN - 2055-7434 VL - Vol. 8 ER -