@misc{EhrigKaiserSchenketal., author = {Ehrig, Lutz and Kaiser, Bert and Schenk, Hermann and Stolz, Michael and Langa, Sergiu and Conrad, Holger and Schenk, Harald and M{\"a}nnchen, Andreas and Brocks, Tobias}, title = {Acoustic validation of electrostatic all-silicon MEMS-speakers}, series = {AES International Conference on Headphone Technology, San Francisco, New York, USA, 2019}, journal = {AES International Conference on Headphone Technology, San Francisco, New York, USA, 2019}, doi = {10.17743/aesconf.2019.978-1-942220-29-9}, language = {en} } @misc{EhrigSchenkWalletal., author = {Ehrig, Lutz and Schenk, Hermann and Wall, Franziska and Melnikov, Anton and Stolz, Michael and Langa, Sergiu and Kaiser, Bert and Conrad, Holger and Schenk, Harald}, title = {Electrostatic all silicon MEMS speakers for in-ear audio applications - acoustic measurements and modelling approach}, series = {23rd International Congress on Acoustics, Aachen, Germany, 2019}, journal = {23rd International Congress on Acoustics, Aachen, Germany, 2019}, doi = {10.18154/RWTH-CONV-239893}, pages = {6}, language = {en} } @misc{MelnikovSchenkWalletal., author = {Melnikov, Anton and Schenk, Hermann and Wall, Franziska and Spitz, Barbara and Ehrig, Lutz and Langa, Sergiu and Kaiser, Bert and Conrad, Holger and Schenk, Harald and Stolz, Michael}, title = {Minimization of nonlinearities in nano electrostatic drive actuators using validated coupled-field simulation}, series = {SPIE Conference: MOEMS and Miniaturized Systems XIX, San Francisco, USA, 2020, Proc. SPIE 11293}, journal = {SPIE Conference: MOEMS and Miniaturized Systems XIX, San Francisco, USA, 2020, Proc. SPIE 11293}, doi = {10.1117/12.2551271}, language = {en} } @misc{SchenkStolzLangaetal., author = {Schenk, Harald and Stolz, Michael and Langa, Sergiu and Kaiser, Bert}, title = {Reliability Aspects of in-plane NED Bending Actuators in Silicon-based MEMS}, series = {MikroSystemTechnik Kongress 2021 : Mikroelektronik / Mikrosystemtechnik und ihre Anwendungen Innovative Produkte f{\"u}r zukunftsf{\"a}hige M{\"a}rkte 08. - 10. November 2021, Stuttgart-Ludwigsburg}, journal = {MikroSystemTechnik Kongress 2021 : Mikroelektronik / Mikrosystemtechnik und ihre Anwendungen Innovative Produkte f{\"u}r zukunftsf{\"a}hige M{\"a}rkte 08. - 10. November 2021, Stuttgart-Ludwigsburg}, publisher = {VDE-Verlag}, isbn = {978-3-8007-5656-8}, pages = {4}, abstract = {For several years, Fraunhofer IPMS has been developing a new type of an electrostatic MEMS actuator, called nanoscopic electrostatic drive - NED. Since the first publication in 2015, the project group at IPMS has succeeded in providing lateral actuators, which serve as innovative drives in applications such as micro-positioners or micro-speakers. These applications require a high long-term stability of the drive in order to ensure that the system operates as desired. For this purpose, the reliability of such novel lateral electrostatic actuators was evaluated. Long-term studies of NED actuators have shown that different degradation phenomena can occur during operation. The experiments indicate that high electric fields in the range of several MV/m are one of the most important triggers of the degradations observed. On the one hand, they lead to anodic oxidation occurring at the boundary layers between the NED electrodes and neighbored insulators, which results in corrosion of the silicon electrodes. On the other hand, geometry-based field enhancement far from the insulator interfaces lead to permanent field emission, which causes dark discharges in the electrode gap. This in turn leads to cold plasma oxidation and the growth of oxide b ulges on the electrode surfaces. In the course of the experiments, it was shown that corrosion does not take place in a vacuum and can be avoided with the help of passivation layers. Non silicon oxides, e.g. Al2O3, are well suited as passivation layers. Although they bring additional flexural rigidity to the overall structure, which changes the mechanical behavior of the actuators, they increase the effective relative permittivity in the electrode gap, which in turn makes the actuators more effective. Thanks to the passivation coating,the lifespan of the NED actuators was increased and they can become even more effective by choosing a layer with suitable properties.}, language = {en} } @misc{SchenkMelnikovStolzetal., author = {Schenk, Harald and Melnikov, Anton and Stolz, Michael and Wall, Franziska and Kaiser, Bert and Mrosk, Andreas and Schuffenhauer, David and Monsalve Guaracao, Jorge Mario and Langa, Sergiu and Schenk, Hermann and Ehrig, Lutz and Conrad, Holger and Ahnert, Maik}, title = {Nonlinearity of balanced MEMS loudspeakers: optical experiments and numerical modeling using time-harmonic signals}, series = {27th International Congress on Sound and Vibration, Annual Congress of International Institute of Acoustics and Vibration (IIAV)}, journal = {27th International Congress on Sound and Vibration, Annual Congress of International Institute of Acoustics and Vibration (IIAV)}, pages = {7}, abstract = {A recently introduced novel actuator class, called the nano electrostatic drive (NED), uses the elec-trostatic actuation to generate large deflections of elastic structures. The NED principle was recently successfully applied to create an all silicon loudspeaker based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Such MEMS audio transducers cover the full frequency range required for high fidelity audio applications. High fidelity audio reproduction also demands minimizing harmonic distortions substantially below 1 \%. A major advance in this direction is combining the NED principle with a push-pull driving scheme in a balanced design (BNED), eliminating even harmonics. The practical implementation of a BNED design is however demanding. The nature of the Coulomb force, the impact of stress stiffening and the large deformations required for generating high sound pressures, to name a few aspects, potentially contribute to the harmonic distortion and therefore need advanced experimental methods and simulation models to allow for an apt design. In this paper, we report first results of an experimental technique, combining an optical microscope with a high-speed camera, capable of analyzing the local details of the actuator movement at frame rates of 50,000 frames per second. Dynamic features, such as the excitation of harmonics and intermodulations become clearly visible. These experimental results are then used to scrutinize and refine our multi physics FEM simulations.}, language = {en} } @misc{MonsalveGuaracaoMelnikovKaiseretal., author = {Monsalve Guaracao, Jorge Mario and Melnikov, Anton and Kaiser, Bert and Schuffenhauer, David and Stolz, Michael and Ehrig, Lutz and Schenk, Hermann and Conrad, Holger and Schenk, Harald}, title = {Large-Signal Equivalent-Circuit Model of Asymmetric Electrostatic Transducers}, series = {IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics}, volume = {7}, journal = {IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics}, number = {5}, issn = {1083-4435}, doi = {10.1109/TMECH.2021.3112267}, pages = {2612 -- 2622}, abstract = {This article presents a circuit model that is able to capture the full nonlinear behavior of an asymmetric electrostatic transducer whose dynamics are governed by a single degree of freedom. Effects such as stress-stiffening and pull-in are accounted for. The simulation of a displacement-dependent capacitor and a nonlinear spring is accomplished with arbitrary behavioral sources, which are a standard component of circuit simulators. As an application example, the parameters of the model were fitted to emulate the behavior of an electrostatic MEMS loudspeaker whose finite-element (FEM) simulations and acoustic characterisation where already reported in the literature. The obtained waveforms show good agreement with the amplitude and distortion that was reported both in the transient FEM simulations and in the experimental measurements. This model is also used to predict the performance of this device as a microphone, coupling it to a two-stage charge amplifier. Additional complex behaviors can be introduced to this network model if it is required.}, language = {en} } @misc{KaiserSchenkEhrigetal., author = {Kaiser, Bert and Schenk, Hermann A. G. and Ehrig, Lutz and Wall, Franziska and Monsalve Guaracao, Jorge Mario and Langa, Sergiu and Stolz, Michael and Melnikov, Anton and Conrad, Holger and Schuffenhauer, David and Schenk, Harald}, title = {The push-pull principle: an electrostatic actuator concept for low distortion acoustic transducers}, series = {Microsystems \& Nanoengineering}, volume = {Vol. 8}, journal = {Microsystems \& Nanoengineering}, issn = {2055-7434}, doi = {10.1038/s41378-022-00458-z}, abstract = {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.}, language = {en} } @misc{MonsalveGuaracaoMelnikovStolzetal., author = {Monsalve Guaracao, Jorge Mario and Melnikov, Anton and Stolz, Michael and Mrosk, Andreas and Jongmanns, Marcel and Wall, Franziska and Langa, Sergiu and Marica-Bercu, Ioana and Br{\"a}ndel, Tim and Kircher, Marco and Schenk, Hermann A. G. and Kaiser, Bert and Schenk, Harald}, title = {Proof of concept of an air-coupled electrostatic ultrasonic transducer based on lateral motion}, series = {Sensors and Actuators A: Physical}, volume = {Vol. 345}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators A: Physical}, issn = {1873-3069}, doi = {10.1016/j.sna.2022.113813}, abstract = {An alternative implementation of an electrostatic MUT (Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer), relying on multiple beams that displace along the chip's surface instead of a single membrane displacing perpendicular to it, is presented in this work. With this approach, a design requiring a low bias voltage (24 V) and occupying a small area (3.3×3.3 mm², 2D/λ≈0.77) was shown to generate a sound pressure level of 82 dB (re. 20 µPa-rms) at 40 kHz and a distance of 8.9 cm. The high level of damping allows this transducer to operate in a wide frequency range (35-63 kHz). The operation of this device as an ultrasonic receiver was also proven. An implementation of this transducer as a rangefinder requires a strong reduction in the noise level, particularly coming from radio-frequency interference, in order to increase its detection range.}, language = {en} } @misc{WallSchenkMelnikovetal., author = {Wall, Franziska and Schenk, Hermann A. G. and Melnikov, Anton and Kaiser, Bert and Schenk, Harald}, title = {A non-destructive electro-acoustic method to characterize the pull-in voltage of electrostatic actuators}, series = {Nonlinear Dynamics}, volume = {111}, journal = {Nonlinear Dynamics}, number = {19}, issn = {1573-269X}, doi = {10.1007/s11071-023-08811-1}, pages = {17809 -- 17818}, abstract = {For electrostatic actuators, the pull-in marks an upper limit for the operation range. Once reached, the electrodes come into contact and are shorted without further protection. A non-destructive measurement technique to predict this failure mode is of high interest to allow, e.g. fabrication monitoring or reliability studies. To this end, we develop a surprisingly simple nonlinear lumped parameter model (LPM) for a rather complex electrostatic actuator, designed for an in-ear loudspeaker application. It turns out that a single degree-of-freedom model with only one parameter is sufficient. Our key approach is to experimentally determine this free model parameter by analysing harmonic distortions at low frequencies. Harmonic distortions are a very sensitive tool for nonlinearities. Our method is suggested by simulations with a 2D stationary finite element method (FEM), demonstrating how the analysis of harmonic distortions for voltages far below the pull-in can predict not only the DC pull-in but also the quasi-static AC pull-in voltages at different working points. The distortion analysis of electrostatic actuator ensembles therefore seems a viable route for their non-destructive characterization in the nonlinear domain.}, language = {en} } @misc{MonsalveGuaracaoKaiserSchenk, author = {Monsalve Guaracao, Jorge Mario and Kaiser, Bert and Schenk, Harald}, title = {Design of Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers for Variability with the Sample-Average Approximation Method}, series = {Tagungsband MikroSystemTechnik Kongress 2023, Dresden, 23. - 25. Oktober 2023}, journal = {Tagungsband MikroSystemTechnik Kongress 2023, Dresden, 23. - 25. Oktober 2023}, publisher = {VDE Verlag}, address = {Berlin}, isbn = {978-3-8007-6204-0}, pages = {S. 639}, language = {en} } @misc{RuffertSchenkKaiseretal., author = {Ruffert, Christine and Schenk, Hermann A. G. and Kaiser, Bert and Ehrig, Lutz and Monsalve Guaracao, Jorge Mario and Langa, Sergiu and Wall, Franziska and Melnikov, Anton and Stolz, Michael and Morsk, Andreas and Schuffenhauer, David and Conrad, Holger and Schenk, Harald}, title = {Elektrostatischer Gegentakt NED-Aktor f{\"u}r Im-Ohr-µLautsprecher}, doi = {10.24406/publica-2553}, language = {de} } @misc{RuffertJongmannsKaiseretal., author = {Ruffert, Christine and Jongmanns, Marcel and Kaiser, Bert and Langa, Sergiu}, title = {Design and characterization of a silicon MEMS microvalve for proportional flow control based on electrostatic bending actuators}, series = {Microsystem Technologies}, volume = {2024}, journal = {Microsystem Technologies}, issn = {1432-1858}, doi = {10.1007/s00542-024-05684-1}, pages = {8}, abstract = {We designed a MEMS microvalve based on the nanoscopic electrostatic drive (NED) technology (Nat Commun 6:10078, 2015). NED actuators, electrostatically controlled bending beams, are implemented in a clamped-clamped configuration. A normally open plunger valve was designed and characterized. The device is manufactured from silicon. Gas flow rates of up to 37 SCCM can be proportionally controlled between 10\% and 100\%. A 10\% leakage is always present at low backpressures (< 10 kPa) and increases to roughly 20\% at 75 kPa backpressure. The structure has been tested up to backpressures of 300 kPa without damage to the structures, but the leakage increases to over 95\%. Our unprecedented microvalve concept shows that it is possible to manufacture all-silicon MEMS microvalves with proportional control of the flow rate. The presented work is a proof of concept to test the capabilities of the NED technology for the use in microvalves. There are plans to decrease the leakage in future designs by introducing an additional sealing layer as well as manufacturing a shutter instead of a plunger design.}, language = {en} } @misc{GuaracoLangaStolzetal., author = {Guaraco, Jorge Mario Monsalve and Langa, Sergiu and Stolz, Michael and Mrosk, Andreas and Kaiser, Bert and Schenk, Harald}, title = {Design of micromachines under uncertainty with the sample-average approximation method}, series = {Journal of Advanced Mechanical Design, Systems, and Manufacturing}, volume = {18 (2024)}, journal = {Journal of Advanced Mechanical Design, Systems, and Manufacturing}, number = {2}, publisher = {Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers}, issn = {1881-3054}, doi = {10.1299/jamdsm.2024jamdsm0018}, language = {en} } @misc{MelnikovSchenkMonsalveGuaracaoetal., author = {Melnikov, Anton and Schenk, Hermann A. G. and Monsalve Guaracao, Jorge Mario and Wall, Franziska and Stolz, Michael and Mrosk, Andreas and Langa, Sergiu and Kaiser, Bert}, title = {Coulomb-actuated microbeams revisited: experimental and numerical modal decomposition of the saddle-node bifurcation}, series = {Microsystems \& Nanoengineering}, volume = {7}, journal = {Microsystems \& Nanoengineering}, number = {1}, issn = {2055-7434}, doi = {10.1038/s41378-021-00265-y}, abstract = {Electrostatic micromechanical actuators have numerous applications in science and technology. In many applications, they are operated in a narrow frequency range close to resonance and at a drive voltage of low variation. Recently, new applications, such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microspeakers (µSpeakers), have emerged that require operation over a wide frequency and dynamic range. Simulating the dynamic performance under such circumstances is still highly cumbersome. State-of-the-art finite element analysis struggles with pull-in instability and does not deliver the necessary information about unstable equilibrium states accordingly. Convincing lumped-parameter models amenable to direct physical interpretation are missing. This inhibits the indispensable in-depth analysis of the dynamic stability of such systems. In this paper, we take a major step towards mending the situation. By combining the finite element method (FEM) with an arc-length solver, we obtain the full bifurcation diagram for electrostatic actuators based on prismatic Euler-Bernoulli beams. A subsequent modal analysis then shows that within very narrow error margins, it is exclusively the lowest Euler-Bernoulli eigenmode that dominates the beam physics over the entire relevant drive voltage range. An experiment directly recording the deflection profile of a MEMS microbeam is performed and confirms the numerical findings with astonishing precision. This enables modeling the system using a single spatial degree of freedom.}, language = {en} } @misc{MeiselMelnikovAlexanderetal., author = {Meisel, Tenia and Melnikov, Anton and Alexander, Adrian and Br{\"a}ndel, Tim and Monsalve, Jorge M. and Kaiser, Bert and Schenk, Haral}, title = {Directivity optimization of MEMS ultrasonic transducers by implementing acoustic horns}, series = {Proceedings of the 24th International Congress on Acoustics, Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, 24-28 October 2022}, journal = {Proceedings of the 24th International Congress on Acoustics, Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, 24-28 October 2022}, pages = {9}, abstract = {The applications of microscopic ultrasonic transducers are often limited due to their non-optimal directivity pattern. The aim of this work is to design passive structures to adapt the directivity pattern to an intended application, e.g. range finder. The horns were designed and optimized using a Finite-Element-Method (FEM) model and manufactured by a conventional 3d-printing technique. The experimental validation was done using a novel MEMS-based ultrasonic transducer based on lateral actuation developed by Fraunhofer IPMS. This transducer type generates sound waves by displacing air inside a 3x3 mm² silicon chip using microscopic sized beams instead of using a diaphragm. This article presents several horn structures that exhibit a pronounced main lobe, inter alia an exponential horn and a folded horn with reduced overall dimensions, both optimized for an operatin g frequency of 40 kHz. We have shown numerically and experimentally that directivity properties of the transducer were significantly improved considering peak pressure, reduction of the side lobes and main lobe width by simple horn geometries. The implementation of the designed horns will enable additional applications where a specific directivity pattern is required. Furthermore, the given results imply th at the presented design strategies can be used to create various directivity patterns.}, language = {en} } @misc{SchenkConradGaudetetal., author = {Schenk, Harald and Conrad, Holger and Gaudet, Matthieu and Schimmanz, Klaus and Langa, Sergiu and Kaiser, Bert}, title = {MEMS transducer for interacting with a volume flow of a fluid and method for manufacturing the same}, abstract = {A MEMS transducer for interacting with a volume flow of a fluid includes a substrate including a cavity, and an electromechanical transducer connected to the substrate in the cavity and including an element deformable along a lateral movement direction, wherein a deformation of the deformable element along the lateral movement direction and the volume flow of the fluid are causally related.}, language = {en} }