Patents by Inventor Robert Y. Loo

Robert Y. Loo 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: 7053737
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switch formed on a substrate, the switch comprising a transmission line formed on the substrate, a substrate electrostatic plate formed on the substrate, and an actuating portion. The actuating portion comprises a cantilever anchor formed on the substrate and a cantilevered actuator arm extending from the cantilever anchor. Attraction of the actuator arm toward the substrate brings an electrical contact into engagement with the portions of the transmission line separated by a gap, thus bridging the transmission line gap and closing the circuit. In order to maximize electrical isolation between the transmission line and the electrical contact in an OFF-state while maintaining a low actuation voltage, the actuator arm is bent such that the minimum separation distance between the transmission line and the electrical contact is equal to or greater than the maximum separation distance between the substrate electrostatic plate and arm electrostatic plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignees: HRL Laboratories, LLC, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Robert N. Schwartz, Ming Wu, Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Adele E. Schmitz, Robert Y. Loo, James H. Schaffner, Gregory L. Tangonan
  • Patent number: 6965349
    Abstract: A reconfigurable wide band phased array antenna for generating multiple antenna beams for multiple transmit and receive functions. The antenna array comprises multiple long non-resonant TEM slot antenna apertures with RF MEMS switches disposed within the slots. The RF MEMS switches are positioned directly within the feed lines across the slots to directly control the coupling of RF energy to the slots. Multiple RF MEMS switches are used within each slot, which allows multiple transmit/receive functions and/or multiple frequencies to be supported by each slot. The frequency coverage provided by the slot antenna has a greater than 10:1 frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignees: HRL Laboratories, LLC, Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Stan W. Livingston, Jar J. Lee, James H. Schaffner, Robert Y. Loo
  • Patent number: 6888420
    Abstract: A broadband multiple input, multiple output switch matrix. The switch matrix comprises multiple crosspoint switch element tiles. Each tile comprises RF MEMS switches disposed on a substrate to provide a crosspoint switching capability. The crosspoint switch element tiles are disposed in a flip-chip manner on the upper side of an RF substrate that provides RF connectivity between the various crosspoint switch element tiles. A bias line substrate disposed on the lower side of the RF substrate receives control signals for the crosspoint switch element tiles and routes the signals through the RF substrate using vias in the RF substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: James H. Schaffner, Robert Y. Loo
  • Patent number: 6803559
    Abstract: An optically controlled micro-electromechanical (MEM) switch is described which desirably utilizes photoconductive properties of a semiconductive substrate upon which MEM switches are fabricated. In one embodiment the bias voltage provided for actuation of the switch is altered by illuminating an optoelectric portion of the switch to deactivate the switch. In an alternative embodiment, a photovoltaic device provides voltage to actuate the switch without any bias lines at all. Due to the hysteresis of the electromechanical switching as a function of applied voltage, only modest variation of voltage applied to the switch is necessary to cause the switch to open or close sharply under optical control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Robert Y. Loo, Greg Tangonan, Juan F. Lam
  • Publication number: 20040095205
    Abstract: A broadband multiple input, multiple output switch matrix. The switch matrix comprises multiple crosspoint switch element tiles. Each tile comprises RF MEMS switches disposed on a substrate to provide a crosspoint switching capability. The crosspoint switch element tiles are disposed in a flip-chip manner on the upper side of an RF substrate that provides RF connectivity between the various crosspoint switch element tiles. A bias line substrate disposed on the lower side of the RF substrate receives control signals for the crosspoint switch element tiles and routes the signals through the RF substrate using vias in the RF substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: HRL LABORATORIES, LLC
    Inventors: James H. Schaffner, Robert Y. Loo
  • Patent number: 6670921
    Abstract: A flexible antenna array comprises a plurality of layers of thin metal and a flexible insulating medium arranged as a sandwich of layers. Each layer of the sandwich is patterned as needed to define: (i) antenna segments patterned in one of the metal layers, (ii) an array of metallic top elements formed in a layer spaced from the the antenna segments, the array of metallic top elements being patterned in another metal layer, (iii) a metallic ground plane formed in a layer spaced from the array of metallic top elements, the metallic ground plane having been formed from still another metal layer, and (iv) inductive elements coupling each of the top elements in the array of metallic top elements with said ground plan. An array of remotely controlled switches are provided for coupling selected ones of said antenna segments together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignees: HRL Laboratories, LLC, Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Daniel F. Sievenpiper, Adele E. Schmitz, James H. Schaffner, Gregory L. Tangonan, Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Robert Y. Loo, Robert S. Miles
  • Patent number: 6667245
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEM) switch is fabricated inexpensively by using processing steps which are standard for fabricating multiple metal layer integrated circuits, such as CMOS. The exact steps may be adjusted to be compatible with the process of a particular foundry, resulting in a device which is both low cost and readily integrable with other circuits. The processing steps include making contacts for the MEM switch from metal plugs which are ordinarily used as vias to connect metal layers which are separated by a dielectric layer. Such contact vias are formed on either side of a sacrificial metallization area, and then the interconnect metallization is removed from between the contact vias, leaving them separated. Dielectric surrounding the contacts is etched back so that they protrude toward each other. Thus, when the contacts are moved toward each other by actuating the MEM switch, they connect firmly without obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Lap-Wai Chow, Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Daniel J. Hyman, Robert Y. Loo, Paul Ouyang, James H. Schaffner, Adele Schmitz, Robert N. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6639205
    Abstract: An optically controlled micro-electromechanical (MEM) switch is described which desirably utilizes photoconductive properties of a semiconductive substrate upon which MEM switches are fabricated. In one embodiment the bias voltage provided for actuation of the switch is altered by illuminating an optoelectric portion of the switch to deactivate the switch. In an alternative embodiment, a photovoltaic device provides voltage to actuate the switch without any bias lines at all. Due to the hysteresis of the electromechanical switching as a function of applied voltage, only modest variation of voltage applied to the switch is necessary to cause the switch to open or close sharply under optical control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Robert Y. Loo, Greg Tangonan, Juan F. Lam
  • Publication number: 20030193012
    Abstract: An optically controlled micro-electromechanical (MEM) switch is described which desirably utilizes photoconductive properties of a semiconductive substrate upon which MEM switches are fabricated. In one embodiment the bias voltage provided for actuation of the switch is altered by illuminating an optoelectric portion of the switch to deactuate the switch. In an alternative embodiment, a photovoltaic device provides voltage to actuate the switcdh without any bias lines at all. Due to the hysteresis of the electromechanical switching as a function of applied voltage, only modest variation of voltage applied to the switch is necessary to cause the switch to open or close sharply under optical control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: HRL Laboratories, LLC.
    Inventors: Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Robert Y. Loo, Greg Tangonan, Juan F. Lam
  • Patent number: 6604425
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for comparing a force to a signal, or comparing two signals, through mechanical movement of capacitive plates in a transducer. The transducer plates are separated by d, which in one embodiment is preferably a linear function of a pressure or force F. In that embodiment, application of a signal i(t+&tgr;) to the plates will cause a voltage representing a correlation between F and i to appear between the plates. In another embodiment, instead of an external mechanical force or pressure, an electrical signal V related to a signal S may drive the transducer plates to achieve a voltage indicating a correlation between S and the signal input i(t+&tgr;). Transducers to practice the invention may be microelectromechanical devices fabricated using integrated circuit techniques to permit small size and low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Robert Y. Loo, Juan F. Lam
  • Publication number: 20030058069
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switch formed on a substrate, the switch comprising a transmission line formed on the substrate, a substrate electrostatic plate formed on the substrate, and an actuating portion. The actuating portion comprises a cantilever anchor formed on the substrate and a cantilevered actuator arm extending from the cantilever anchor. Attraction of the actuator arm toward the substrate brings an electrical contact into engagement with the portions of the transmission line separated by a gap, thus bridging the transmission line gap and closing the circuit. In order to maximize electrical isolation between the transmission line and the electrical contact in an OFF-state while maintaining a low actuation voltage, the actuator arm is bent such that the minimum separation distance between the transmission line and the electrical contact is equal to or greater than the maximum separation distance between the substrate electrostatic plate and arm electrostatic plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Robert N. Schwartz, Ming Wu, Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Adele E. Schmitz, Robert Y. Loo, James H. Schaffner, Gregory L. Tangonan
  • Patent number: 6538621
    Abstract: A tuneable impedance surface for steering and/or focusing a radio frequency beam. The tunable surface comprises a ground plane; a plurality of elements disposed a distance from the ground plane, the distance being less than a wavelength of the radio frequency beam; and a capacitor arrangement for controllably varying the capacitance of at least selected ones of adjacent elements. A method of tuning the high impedance surface allows the surface to mimic, for example, a parabolic reflector or a diffraction grating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Sievenpiper, Robin J. Harvey, Greg Tangonan, Robert Y. Loo, James H. Schaffner
  • Publication number: 20030011518
    Abstract: A flexible antenna array comprises a plurality of layers of thin metal and a flexible insulating medium arranged as a sandwich of layers. Each layer of the sandwich is patterned as needed to define: (i) antenna segments patterned in one of the metal layers, (ii) an array of metallic top elements formed in a layer spaced from the the antenna segments, the array of metallic top elements being patterned in another metal layer, (iii) a metallic ground plane formed in a layer spaced from the array of metallic top elements, the metallic ground plane having been formed from still another metal layer, and (iv) inductive elements coupling each of the top elements in the array of metallic top elements with said ground plan. An array of remotely controlled switches are provided for coupling selected ones of said antenna segments together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel F. Sievenpiper, Adele E. Schmitz, James H. Schaffner, Gregory L. Tangonan, Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Robert Y. Loo, Robert S. Miles
  • Patent number: 6483480
    Abstract: A tuneable impedance surface for steering and/or focusing a radio frequency beam. The tunable surface comprises a ground plane; a first plurality of elements disposed in an array a first distance from the ground plane, the distance being less than a wavelength of the radio frequency beam; and a second plurality of elements disposed in an array a second distance from the ground plane, the second plurality of elements be moveable relative to the first plurality of elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Sievenpiper, Greg Tangonan, Robert Y. Loo, James H. Schaffner
  • Patent number: 6469677
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for actuating switches in a reconfigurable antenna array. Micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switches span gaps between antenna elements disposed on an antenna substrate. An integrated optic waveguide network which directs optical energy towards the MEMS switches is contained in a superstrate disposed above the antenna elements and substrate. The MEMS switches are formed on a semi-insulating substrate. When illuminated, the resistance of the semi-insulating substrate is lowered so as the reduce the resistance between the control contacts. The antenna array is reconfigured by directing optical energy to the photo-voltaic cells connected to selected MEMS switches to close those MEMS switches, thereby electrically connecting selected antenna elements and by directing optical energy to the semi-insulating substrate of selected MEMS switches to open those MEMS switches, thereby electrically disconnecting selected antenna elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: James H. Schaffner, Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Robert Y. Loo
  • Publication number: 20020151281
    Abstract: A front end module (10, 30) for a low weight, low power communications system. The front end module (10) utilizes RF microelectromechanical (MEM) switches (16, 18, 20, 110, 112, 156) for dynamic reconfiguration capability. Components (12, 14, 22, 24, 26, 28) are shared for both the transmit and receive modes, thereby reducing the number of components required by the system (10, 30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Hossein Izadpanah, Robert R. S. Barnard, Juan F. Lam, Brett A. Warneke, Gary M. Lindgren, Robert Y. Loo
  • Patent number: 6440767
    Abstract: Apparatus for a micro-electro-mechanical switch that provides single pole, double throw switching action. The switch comprises a single RF input line and two RF output lines. The switch additionally comprises two armatures, each mechanically connected to a substrate at one end and having a conducting transmission line at the other end with a suspended biasing electrode located on top of or within a structural layer of the armature. Each conducting transmission line has conducting dimples that protrude beyond the bottom of the armature carrying the conducting transmission line. Closure of an armature causes the dimples of the corresponding conducting transmission line to mechanically and electrically engage the RF input line and the corresponding RF output line, thus directing RF energy from the RF input line to the selected RF output line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Y. Loo, James H. Schaffner, Adele E. Schmitz, Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Franklin A. Dolezal, Gregory L. Tangonan
  • Publication number: 20020098613
    Abstract: Apparatus for a micro-electro-mechanical switch that provides single pole, double throw switching action. The switch comprises a single RF input line and two RF output lines. The switch additionally comprises two armatures, each mechanically connected to a substrate at one end and having a conducting transmission line at the other end with a suspended biasing electrode located on top of or within a structural layer of the armature. Each conducting transmission line has conducting dimples that protrude beyond the bottom of the armature carrying the conducting transmission line. Closure of an armature causes the dimples of the corresponding conducting transmission line to mechanically and electrically engage the RF input line and the corresponding RF output line, thus directing RF energy from the RF input line to the selected RF output line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Y. Loo, James H. Schaffner, Adele E. Schmitz, Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Franklin A. Dolezal, Gregory L. Tangonan
  • Patent number: 6396368
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEM) switch is fabricated inexpensively by using processing steps which are standard for fabricating multiple metal layer integrated circuits, such as CMOS. The exact steps may be adjusted to be compatible with the process of a particular foundry, resulting in a device which is both low cost and readily integrable with other circuits. The processing steps include making contacts for the MEM switch from metal plugs which are ordinarily used as vias to connect metal layers which are separated by a dielectric layer. Such contact vias are formed on either side of a sacrificial metallization area, and then the interconnect metallization is removed from between the contact vias, leaving them separated. Dielectric surrounding the contacts is etched back so that they protrude toward each other. Thus, when the contacts are moved toward each other by actuating the MEM switch, they connect firmly without obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Lap-Wai Chow, Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Daniel J. Hyman, Robert Y. Loo, Paul Ouyang, James H. Schaffner, Adele Schmitz, Robert N. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6388631
    Abstract: A reconfigurable wide band phased array antenna for generating multiple antenna beams for multiple transmit and receive functions. The antenna array comprises multiple long non-resonant TEM slot antenna apertures with RF MEMS switches disposed within the slots. The RF MEMS switches are positioned directly within the feed lines across the slots to directly control the coupling of RF energy to the slots. Multiple RF MEMS switches are used within each slot, which allows multiple transmit/receive functions and/or multiple frequencies to be supported by each slot. The frequency coverage provided by the slot antenna has a greater than 10:1 frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignees: HRL Laboratories LLC, Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Stan W. Livingston, Jar J. Lee, James H. Schaffner, Robert Y. Loo