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Radio Frequency Mems Switch Contact Metal Selection, Ronald A. Coutu Jr., Paul E. Kladitis, Robert L. Crane, Kevin D. Leedy
Radio Frequency Mems Switch Contact Metal Selection, Ronald A. Coutu Jr., Paul E. Kladitis, Robert L. Crane, Kevin D. Leedy
AFIT Patents
A method for selecting metal alloys as the electric contact materials for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) metal contact switches. This method includes a review of alloy experience, consideration of equilibrium binary alloy phase diagrams, obtaining thin film material properties and, based on a suitable model, predicting contact electrical resistance performance. After determination of a candidate alloy material, MEMS switches are conceptualized, fabricated and tested to validate the alloy selection methodology. Minimum average contact resistance values of 1.17 and 1.87 ohms are achieved for micro-switches with gold (Au) and gold-platinum (Au-(6.3 at %)Pt) alloy contacts. In addition, `hot-switched` life cycle test results …
Accelerated Testing Method For Pem Fuel Cell Based Uninterrupted Power Supply Systems, Xinyu Huang, Xiaofeng Wang
Accelerated Testing Method For Pem Fuel Cell Based Uninterrupted Power Supply Systems, Xinyu Huang, Xiaofeng Wang
Faculty Publications
Proton exchange membrane fuel cell based power systems are on the verge of commercialization for a number of niche applications where batteries are traditionally used. Uninterrupted power supply (UPS) for wireless communication towers and broadband network relay utilities is one of the targeted application of fuel cell power systems with capacity ranging from one to serveral kilowatts. It is believed that fuel cell based UPS systems can offer considerable advantage when extended backup time is desirable. In order to replace the well-known battery based UPS systems, the reliability and perofrmance of fuel cell based UPS system need to be thoroughly …