Patents by Inventor Lance Barron

Lance Barron has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11746002
    Abstract: A method of forming a microelectromechanical device wherein a beam of the microelectromechanical device may deviate from a resting to an engaged or disengaged position through electrical biasing. The microelectromechanical device comprises a beam disposed above a first RF conductor and a second RF conductors. The microelectromechanical device further comprises at least a center stack, a first RF stack, a second RF stack, a first stack formed on a first base layer, and a second stack formed on a second base layer, each stack disposed between the beam and the first and second RF conductors. The beam is configured to deflect downward to first contact the first stack formed on the first base layer and the second stack formed on the second base layer simultaneously or the center stack, before contacting the first RF stack and the second RF stack simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Qorvo US, Inc.
    Inventors: Robertus Petrus Van Kampen, Lance Barron, Richard L. Knipe
  • Patent number: 11705298
    Abstract: A method of forming a microelectromechanical device is disclosed wherein a beam of the microelectromechanical device may deviate from a resting to an engaged or disengaged position through electrical biasing. The microelectromechanical device comprises a beam disposed above a first RF conductor and a second RF conductor. The microelectromechanical device further comprises at least a center stack, a first RF stack, a second RF stack, a first stack formed on a first base layer, and a second stack formed on a second base layer, each stack disposed between the beam and the first and second RF conductors. The beam is configured to deflect downward to first contact the first stack formed on the first base layer and the second stack formed on the second base layer simultaneously or the center stack, before contacting the first RF stack and the second RF stack simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Qorvo US, Inc.
    Inventors: Robertus Petrus Van Kampen, Lance Barron, Richard L. Knipe
  • Publication number: 20220289566
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a MEMS device. The MEMS device has a cavity in which a beam will move to change the capacitance of the device. After most of the device build-up has occurred, sacrificial material is removed to free the beam within the MEMS device cavity. Thereafter, exposed ruthenium contacts are exposed to fluorine to either: dope exposed ruthenium and reduce surface adhesive forces, form fluorinated Self-Assembled Monolayers on the exposed ruthenium surfaces, deposit a nanometer passivating film on exposed ruthenium, or alter surface roughness of the ruthenium. Due to the fluorine treatment, low resistance, durable contacts are present, and the contacts are less susceptible to stiction events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: James D. HUFFMAN, Mickael RENAULT, Shibajyoti GHOSH DASTIDER, Lance BARRON, Willibrordus G.M. VAN DEN HOEK
  • Patent number: 11417487
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the design of a MEMS ohmic switch which provides for a low-impact landing of the MEMS device movable plate on the RF contact and a high restoring force for breaking the contacts to improve the lifetime of the switch. The switch has at least one contact electrode disposed off-center of the switch device and also has a secondary landing post disposed near the center of the switch device. The secondary landing post extends to a greater height above the substrate as compared to the RF contact of the contact electrode so that the movable plate contacts the secondary landing post first and then gently lands on the RF contact. Upon release, the movable plate will disengage from the RF contact prior to disengaging from the secondary landing post and have a longer lifetime due to the high restoring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Qorvo US, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Knipe, Robertus Petrus Van Kampen, James Douglas Huffman, Lance Barron
  • Patent number: 11261084
    Abstract: A method of forming a microelectromechanical device wherein a beam of the microelectromechanical device may deviate from a resting to an engaged or disengaged position through electrical biasing. The microelectromechanical device comprises a beam disposed above a first RF conductor and a second RF conductor. The microelectromechanical device further comprises at least a center stack, a first RF stack, a second RF stack, a first stack formed on a first base layer, and a second stack formed on a second base layer, each stack disposed between the beam and the first and second RF conductors. The beam is configured to deflect downward to first contact the first stack formed on the first base layer and the second stack formed on the second base layer simultaneously or the center stack, before contacting the first RF stack and the second RF stack simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: QORVO US, INC.
    Inventors: Robertus Petrus Van Kampen, Lance Barron, Mickael Renault, Shibajyoti Ghosh Dastider, Jacques Marcel Muyango, Richard L. Knipe
  • Patent number: 10964505
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a MEMS device for reducing ESD. A contacting switch is used to ensure that there is a closed electrical contact between two electrodes even if there is no applied bias voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Cavendish Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robertus Petrus Van Kampen, Lance Barron, Roberto Gaddi, Richard L. Knipe
  • Publication number: 20200399115
    Abstract: A method of forming a microelectromechanical device wherein a beam of the microelectromechanical device may deviate from a resting to an engaged or disengaged position through electrical biasing. The microelectromechanical device comprises a beam disposed above a first RF conductor and a second RF conductors. The microelectromechanical device further comprises at least a center stack, a first RF stack, a second RF stack, a first stack formed on a first base layer, and a second stack formed on a second base layer, each stack disposed between the beam and the first and second RF conductors. The beam is configured to deflect downward to first contact the first stack formed on the first base layer and the second stack formed on the second base layer simultaneously or the center stack, before contacting the first RF stack and the second RF stack simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Robertus Petrus Van Kampen, Lance Barron, Richard L. Knipe
  • Publication number: 20200402755
    Abstract: A method of forming a microelectromechanical device is disclosed wherein a beam of the microelectromechanical device may deviate from a resting to an engaged or disengaged position through electrical biasing. The microelectromechanical device comprises a beam disposed above a first RF conductor and a second RF conductor. The microelectromechanical device further comprises at least a center stack, a first RF stack, a second RF stack, a first stack formed on a first base layer, and a second stack formed on a second base layer, each stack disposed between the beam and the first and second RF conductors. The beam is configured to deflect downward to first contact the first stack formed on the first base layer and the second stack formed on the second base layer simultaneously or the center stack, before contacting the first RF stack and the second RF stack simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Robertus Petrus Van Kampen, Lance Barron, Richard L. Knipe
  • Publication number: 20200399121
    Abstract: A method of forming a microelectromechanical device wherein a beam of the microelectromechanical device may deviate from a resting to an engaged or disengaged position through electrical biasing. The microelectromechanical device comprises a beam disposed above a first RF conductor and a second RF conductor. The microelectromechanical device further comprises at least a center stack, a first RF stack, a second RF stack, a first stack formed on a first base layer, and a second stack formed on a second base layer, each stack disposed between the beam and the first and second RF conductors. The beam is configured to deflect downward to first contact the first stack formed on the first base layer and the second stack formed on the second base layer simultaneously or the center stack, before contacting the first RF stack and the second RF stack simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Robertus Petrus Van Kampen, Lance Barron, Mickael Renault, Shibajyoti Ghosh Dastider, Jacques Marcel Muyango, Richard L. Knipe
  • Publication number: 20200185176
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the design of a MEMS ohmic switch which provides for a low-impact landing of the MEMS device movable plate on the RF contact and a high restoring force for breaking the contacts to improve the lifetime of the switch. The switch has at least one contact electrode disposed off-center of the switch device and also has a secondary landing post disposed near the center of the switch device. The secondary landing post extends to a greater height above the substrate as compared to the RF contact of the contact electrode so that the movable plate contacts the secondary landing post first and then gently lands on the RF contact. Upon release, the movable plate will disengage from the RF contact prior to disengaging from the secondary landing post and have a longer lifetime due to the high restoring force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Richard L. KNIPE, Jr., Robertus Petrus VAN KAMPEN, James Douglas HUFFMAN, Lance BARRON
  • Publication number: 20190066958
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a MEMS device for reducing ESD. A contacting switch is used to ensure that there is a closed electrical contact between two electrodes even if there is no applied bias voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Robertus Petrus VAN KAMPEN, Lance BARRON, Roberto GADDI, Richard L. KNIPE
  • Patent number: 9966194
    Abstract: A MEMs actuator device and method of forming includes arrays of actuator elements. Each actuator element has a moveable top plate and a bottom plate. The top plate includes a central membrane member and a cantilever spring for movement of the central membrane member. The bottom plate consists of two RF signal lines extending under the central membrane member. A MEMs electrostatic actuator device includes a CMOS wafer, a MEMs wafer, and a ball bond assembly. Interconnections are made from a ball bond to an associated through-silicon-via (TSV) that extends through the MEMS wafer. A RF signal path includes a ball bond electrically connected through a TSV and to a horizontal feed bar and from the first horizontal feed bar vertically into each column of the array. A metal bond ring extends between the CMOS wafer and the MEMS wafer. An RF grounding loop is completed from a ground shield overlying the array to the metal bond ring, a TSV and to a ball bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Arun Gupta, William C. McDonald, Adam Fruehling, Ivan Kmecko, Lance Barron, Divyanshu Agrawal, Arthur M. Turner, John C. Ehmke
  • Publication number: 20170098509
    Abstract: A MEMs actuator device and method of forming includes arrays of actuator elements. Each actuator element has a moveable top plate and a bottom plate. The top plate includes a central membrane member and a cantilever spring for movement of the central membrane member. The bottom plate consists of two RF signal lines extending under the central membrane member. A MEMs electrostatic actuator device includes a CMOS wafer, a MEMs wafer, and a ball bond assembly. Interconnections are made from a ball bond to an associated through-silicon-via (TSV) that extends through the MEMS wafer. A RF signal path includes a ball bond electrically connected through a TSV and to a horizontal feed bar and from the first horizontal feed bar vertically into each column of the array. A metal bond ring extends between the CMOS wafer and the MEMS wafer. An RF grounding loop is completed from a ground shield overlying the array to the metal bond ring, a TSV and to a ball bond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Arun Gupta, William C. McDonald, Adam Fruehling, Ivan Kmecko, Lance Barron, Divyanshu Agrawal, Arthur M. Turner, John C. Ehmke
  • Patent number: 9573801
    Abstract: A MEMs actuator device and method of forming includes arrays of actuator elements. Each actuator element has a moveable top plate and a bottom plate. The top plate includes a central membrane member and a cantilever spring for movement of the central membrane member. The bottom plate consists of two RF signal lines extending under the central membrane member. A MEMs electrostatic actuator device includes a CMOS wafer, a MEMs wafer, and a ball bond assembly. Interconnections are made from a ball bond to an associated through-silicon-via (TSV) that extends through the MEMS wafer. A RF signal path includes a ball bond electrically connected through a TSV and to a horizontal feed bar and from the first horizontal feed bar vertically into each column of the array. A metal bond ring extends between the CMOS wafer and the MEMS wafer. An RF grounding loop is completed from a ground shield overlying the array to the metal bond ring, a TSV and to a ball bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Arun Gupta, William C. McDonald, Adam Fruehling, Ivan Kmecko, Lance Barron, Divyanshu Agrawal
  • Publication number: 20170026730
    Abstract: A microphone includes a base, a MEMS device, and an integrated circuit. The MEMS device includes a diaphragm and a back plate. The MEMS device is connected to the integrated circuit. The microphone also includes a temperature sensor. A lid enclosed the MEMS device and the integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: John J. Albers, Joshua Watson, Lance Barron, Kurt B. Friel, Norman Dennis Talag
  • Publication number: 20160176701
    Abstract: A MEMs actuator device and method of forming includes arrays of actuator elements. Each actuator element has a moveable top plate and a bottom plate. The top plate includes a central membrane member and a cantilever spring for movement of the central membrane member. The bottom plate consists of two RF signal lines extending under the central membrane member. A MEMs electrostatic actuator device includes a CMOS wafer, a MEMs wafer, and a ball bond assembly. Interconnections are made from a ball bond to an associated through-silicon-via (TSV) that extends through the MEMS wafer. A RF signal path includes a ball bond electrically connected through a TSV and to a horizontal feed bar and from the first horizontal feed bar vertically into each column of the array. A metal bond ring extends between the CMOS wafer and the MEMS wafer. An RF grounding loop is completed from a ground shield overlying the array to the metal bond ring, a TSV and to a ball bond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Arun Gupta, William C. McDonald, Adam Fruehling, Ivan Kmecko, Lance Barron, Divyanshu Agrawal, Arthur M. Turner, John C. Ehmke, James C. Baker
  • Publication number: 20160037263
    Abstract: A micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) microphone includes a base; a MEMS die disposed on the base; and a cover coupled to the base and enclosing the MEMS die. The MEMS die includes and diaphragm and back plate and posts extend from a first periphery of the back plate. The diaphragm is free to move within a boundary created by the posts. A front volume is formed on a first side of the diaphragm and a back volume is formed on a second side of the diaphragm between the diaphragm and the cover. A plurality of openings extend through the diaphragm about an outer periphery of the diaphragm, the openings being effective to mitigate noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Sagnik Pal, Lance Barron, Sung Lee