Importance

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Abstract

An article comprising a multi-port variable capacitor is disclosed. In one embodiment, a movable plate is suspended above at least a first and a second, fixed, electrically-isolated electrode. The first electrode is electrically connected to a bias supply, and the second electrode is electrically connected to an AC signal-carrying line. As bias is applied across the first electrode and the movable plate, an electrostatic attraction is developed therebetween that causes the movable plate to move downwardly towards the first electrode. The capacitance of the variable capacitor increases as the separation distance between the movable plate and the fixed electrodes decreases. Unlike conventional variable capacitors, in the present multi-port variable capacitors, the bias (delivered via the first electrode) and the signal (delivered via the second electrode) are electrically isolated from one another. As such, the bias (DC) and signal (AC) paths are advantageously electrically isolated. In an additional embodiment, the movable plate of the present variable capacitor is operable to tilt. The ability to tilt provides additional 'signal processing' (i.e., logic) capabilities to the present multi-port variable capacitors. In additional embodiments, an article in accordance with the present teachings comprises a monolithically-integrable, tunable LC circuit, and a variable-frequency oscillator. In such LC circuits and oscillators, the multi-port variable capacitor described herein is used to tune the resonant frequency of the circuit.

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First Claim