Abstract: A temperature-stabilized MEMS device in which heat is generated by ohmic heating as an electric current passes through at least part of one of the structural layers of the device. Various implementation options are disclosed in which the heating occurs in a device layer (25) of the device, either in an outer frame (2) or within the area of an active structure (3), or where heating occurs within a substrate (1) or a cover (8) of the device. One application of particular relevance is a gyroscope device.

Abstract: A multi-axis force-balance accelerometer has a proof mass included within an enclosure. An electrically conductive tether, flexible in 6 degrees of freedom, provides a compliant electrically conductive link between the proof mass and the enclosure. Mechanical stops limit a range of motion of the proof mass. The enclosure includes captive plates and force balancing control loops for positioning the proof mass in a null position within the enclosure for each of the 3 rectilinear reference axes, and in a null position within the enclosure for each of 3 angular reference axes. The electrically conductive tether is sufficiently mechanically compliant that, on deactivation of the force balancing control loops for the rectilinear axes, the proof mass falls so as to rest on the mechanical stops.

Abstract: The present invention has three aspects: 1. A concept for a force-balanced accelerometer in which the proof mass is levitated inside an enclosure and has an electrically conductive path to the enclosure. 2. A planar Implementation of the invention. 3. Implementation of the invention using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) technology.