Abstract: A probe card comprises a support element that has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A plurality of probe tips extend outward from the first side of the support element, the probe tips configured to make contact with components of a device-under-test (DUT). A plurality of vias extend through the support element from the first side to the second side, each of the vias connected to a respective probe tip in the plurality of probe tips. A plurality of conductive traces are formed on the support element, and each of the traces is connected to a respective via in the plurality of vias, wherein electrical signals can be provided to or received from the probe tips by way of the conductive traces.

Abstract: A capacitive soil moisture sensor for detecting moisture levels in soil comprises a biodegradable substrate. A capacitive circuit is positioned on the biodegradable substrate. An antenna circuit is configured to communicate capacitance data. A hydrophobic, biodegradable encapsulating material encases at least the capacitive circuit.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining system includes a semiconductor workpiece, a voltage source, an EDM tool, and an illumination system. The illumination system is configured to illuminate the semiconductor workpiece in order to increase the conductivity of the semiconductor workpiece. The voltage source establishes an electric potential difference between the workpiece and the EDM tool while the illumination system illuminates the semiconductor workpiece. The electric potential difference is such that an electrical discharge occurs between the workpiece and the EDM tool, thereby removing material from the workpiece.

Abstract: A MEMS device includes a first material structure. A second material structure includes TiN. The second material structure is moveable relative to the first material structure.

Abstract: A switching system is disclosed for an optical signal. The switching system includes a first optical waveguide coupled to a first electrode, a second electrode, and a second optical waveguide. The second optical waveguide is coupled to a movable electrode. The movable electrode is supported by a support structure and is positioned with respect to the first and second electrodes so that the position of the movable electrode may be selectively placed in either a first closed state or a second open state defined by the first and second electrodes under application of a voltage with respect to one of the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: The electromechanical micro-switch device includes first and second fixed electrodes. A movable electrode is positioned with respect to the first and second fixed electrodes so that the position of the movable electrode can be selectively placed in one of two opposing states defined by the fixed electrodes. The stored elastic potential energy of the movable electrode and its flexible supporting structure is used for switching between the two states. An electrostatic hold voltage is used to hold the movable electrode in the two switch states.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical switch structure includes at least one fixed electrode and a free electrode which is movable in the structure with a voltage potential applied between each fixed electrode and the free, movable electrode. The voltage potentials applied between each fixed electrode and the movable electrode are modulated to actuate the electro-mechanical switch structure.

Abstract: A computer system (100) and method for the storage, archiving, query and retrieval of information relating to 3D objects is provided. The système includes data acquisition (130) means for requiring point coordinate data about a three-dimensional object, a database component (105), a processor (103) and a user interface (110). The processor (103) is operable to generate modeled data (105) from the point coordinate data and to segment the modeled data (124) into feature data (122) representing a plurality of features of the object (118). The data is organized so that features of the 3D objects can be automatically extracted for online query and retrieval. The processor (103) is operable to store the modeled data (124) and the feature data (122) in the database component (105) and retrieve modeled data (124) and feature data (122) from the database component (105) using search criteria representing oobject features of interest.