Verification of the models and simulations motivated creation of an integrated testbed for research in multi-mode digital control of MEMS: a suspended polysilicon plate having four capacitive-bridge vertical position sensors, each with an integrated CMOS buffer amplifier, four differential electrostatic feedback actuators on the plate's corners, and an interdigitated comb for lateral force input. Sigma-delta force-balance control is implemented for each corner of the plate. The testbed is configured with a 0.25 N/m spring constant, 0.47 microgram mass, and a vertical resonance of 3.7 kHz. In air, vertical displacement and tilt of the plate in two axes are controlled within +/-25 nm and +/-0.03 degrees, respectively. Measured noise acceleration is 19 milli-G with -69 dB dynamic range in a 50 Hz bandwidth. When operating in a low-pressure ambient, the mechanically underdamped system experiences limit-cycle oscillations, which are bounded through the use of digital lead compensation. An analytic model of the sigma-delta loop, as well as simulation, successfully predicts the limit-cycle behavior.
In a separate part of this thesis, thermal microassembly techniques are demonstrated which extend the capabilities of surface micromachining technology. Polysilicon fuses act as temporary anchors that can be cleanly severed by application of a single 300 mA, 1 microsecond pulse. Fuse applications include configurable springs and frequency trimming of microresonators. Welding technology is used to pre-stress springs and actively align structures. An aluminum microbridge is used to form a robust weld, connecting two polysilicon structures. The surface tension of the molten aluminum produces a force of approximately 15 micro-N, which is about 100 times larger than electrostatic comb-drive forces. A series of current pulses is used to melt the aluminum without destroying the weld joint.