Course Websites

ECE 485 - Introduction to Microelectromechanical Devices and Systems

Last offered Fall 2017

Official Description

Introduction to principles, fabrication techniques, and applications of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). In-depth analysis of sensors, actuator principles, and integrated microfabrication techniques for MEMS. Comprehensive investigation of state-of-the-art MEMS devices and systems. Course Information: Same as ME 485. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours.

Subject Area

  • Microelectronics and Photonics

Course Director

Description

This undergraduate/graduate course presents a comprehensive introduction to the principles, materials, fabrication techniques, and applications of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Students will gain an in-depth understanding of principles for micro sensors and actuators. Integrated microfabrication techniques that originated from microelectronics, microfabrication, and coupled with new micromechanical fabrication techniques will be discussed. A review of several transduction principles will be dicscussed. Case reviews will cover several important and interdisciplinary device classes including micro sensors, microfluid systems, and applications of MEMS in nanotechnology.

Notes

Same as: IE 485 and ME 485

Topics

  • Introduction and motivation
  • Electrostatic sensing and actuation principles
  • Thermal sensing and actuation principles
  • Piezoresistive sensing principles
  • Piezoelectric sensing and actuation principles
  • Magnetic sensing and actuation principles
  • Bulk and surface micromachining techniques
  • Microfabrication of semiconductor and in-organic materials
  • Case studies

Detailed Description and Outline

Topics:

  • Introduction and motivation
  • Electrostatic sensing and actuation principles
  • Thermal sensing and actuation principles
  • Piezoresistive sensing principles
  • Piezoelectric sensing and actuation principles
  • Magnetic sensing and actuation principles
  • Bulk and surface micromachining techniques
  • Microfabrication of semiconductor and in-organic materials
  • Microfluidics and BioMEMS
  • Nanoelectromechanical Systems (NEMS)
  • Case studies

    Same as: IE 485 and ME 485

Computer Usage

Mask layout on PC workstations.

Device Simulation

Term Paper and Final Presentation

Lab Projects

Course project: Teams of 5-6 students per project will be formed with the goal of designing a wirelessly powered swimming micro-robot or nano-robot. Wireless power for driving swimming micro-robot can be harvested from radio frequency electromagnetic field, magnetic field, and optical field, aerodynamic and fluid flows, chemical energy, biological etc. You can use any MEMS design, either what covered in this course or something you read about elsewhere or even a brand new one you create. You need to perform a comprehensive analysis of its performance, manufacturability, and real-world applications. The project is meant to develop skills in library research, critical thinking, device design and analysis, technical writing skills and presentation skills.

Texts

Chang Liu, Foundations of MEMS

References

Electromechanics and MEMS by Thomas Jones and Nenad Nenadic

Microsystem Design by Stephen Senturia

Introduction to BioMEMS by Albert Folch

Course Goals

This course presents an introduction to the principles, fabrication techniques, and applications of micro electromechanical systems (MEMS). Students will gain an in-depth understanding of sensors and actuator principles and integrated microfabrication techniques for MEMS. It also consists of a comprehensive investigation of state-of-the-art MEMS devices and systems.

Instructional Objectives

A student in this class will be able to do the following:

1. understand the definition of micromachining and MEMS as well as an historical perspective of this emerging field (1, 4, 7)

2. understand the fundamental principle of electrostatic sensing and methods for fabricating electrostatic sensors (1)

3. understand the fundamental principle of electrostatic actuation and methods for fabricating (1)

4. understand the fundamental principle of piezoresistive sensing and methods for fabricating (1)

5. understand the fundamental principle of piezoelectric sensing and 0 actuation and methods for fabricating (1)

6. understand the fundamental principle of magnetostatic actuation and methods for fabricating (1)

7. gain a comprehensive perspective of the fabrication techniques used in microfabrication (1)

8. understand the principle, design, and fabrication techniques of leading exemplary devices in the MEMS industry (1, 4)

9. learn how to represent sensors and transducers in any energy domain using lumped circuit elements (1, 2)

10. learn to analyze spring-mass-damper systems for resonant frequency (1, 2)

11. learn to gather information from scientific journals, to analyze the strengths/weaknesses of a MEMS sensor/actuator approach, and to orally present analysis to classmates (1, 3, 4, 5)

TitleSectionCRNTypeHoursTimesDaysLocationInstructor
MEMS Devices & SystemsC36987LEC30930 - 1050 T R  2013 Electrical & Computer Eng Bldg Gang Logan Liu