Methods and systems for decelerating proof mass movements within MEMS structures

Abstract

A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) device is described which includes a substrate having at least one anchor, a proof mass having either of at least one deceleration extension extending from the proof mass or at least one deceleration indentation formed in the proof mass, a motor drive comb, and a motor sense comb. The MEMS device further includes a plurality of suspensions configured to suspend the proof mass over the substrate and between the motor drive comb and the motor sense comb, and the suspensions are anchored to the substrate. The MEMS device also includes a body attached to the substrate and at least one deceleration beam extending from the body. The deceleration extensions are configured to engage either deceleration beams or deceleration indentations and slow or stop the proof mass before it contacts either of the motor drive comb or the motor sense comb.