A Musical instrument in MEMS

J.B.C. Engelen, H. de Boer, J.G. Beekman, A.J. Been, G.A. Folkertsma, L.C. Fortgens, D.B. de Graaf, S. Vocke, L.A. Woldering, L. Abelmann, M.C. Elwenspoek

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademic

    68 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    In this work we describe a MEMS instrument that resonates at audible frequencies, and with which music can be made. The sounds are generated by mechanical resonators and capacitive displacement sensors. Damping by air scales unfavourably for generating audible frequencies with small devices. Therefore a vacuum of 1.5 mbar is used to increase the quality factor and consequently the duration of the sounds to around 0.25 s. The instrument will be demonstrated during the MME 2010 conference opening, in a musical composition especially made for the occasion.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 21st Micromechanics and Micro systems Europe workshop (MME 2010)
    Place of PublicationEnschede
    PublisherUniversity of Twente - Transducers Science and Technology (TST)
    Pages193-196
    Number of pages4
    ISBN (Print)978-90-81673716
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2010
    Event21st Micromechanics and Microsystems Europe Workshop, MME 2010 - University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
    Duration: 26 Sept 201029 Sept 2010
    Conference number: 21

    Workshop

    Workshop21st Micromechanics and Microsystems Europe Workshop, MME 2010
    Abbreviated titleMME
    Country/TerritoryNetherlands
    CityEnschede
    Period26/09/1029/09/10

    Keywords

    • Comb drive
    • TST-SMI: Formerly in EWI-SMI
    • capacitive sensor
    • TST-uSPAM: micro Scanning Probe Array Memory
    • Musical instrument

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'A Musical instrument in MEMS'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this