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A microelectromechanical (MEM) acceleration switch is disclosed which includes a proof mass flexibly connected to a substrate, with the proof mass being moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate in response to a sensed acceleration. An electrode on the proof mass contacts

A microelectromechanical (MEM) acceleration switch is disclosed which includes a proof mass flexibly connected to a substrate, with the proof mass being moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate in response to a sensed acceleration. An electrode on the proof mass contacts one or more electrodes located below the proof mass to provide a switch closure in response to the sensed acceleration. Electrical latching of the switch in the closed position is possible with an optional latching electrode. The MEM acceleration switch, which has applications for use as an environmental sensing device, can be fabricated using micromachining.

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What is claimed is: 1. A microelectromechanical (MEM) acceleration switch, comprising: (a) a substrate; (b) a proof mass flexibly connected to the substrate by a plurality of folded springs located around an outer periphery of the proof mass, with the proof mass being moveable in a direction substa

What is claimed is: 1. A microelectromechanical (MEM) acceleration switch, comprising: (a) a substrate; (b) a proof mass flexibly connected to the substrate by a plurality of folded springs located around an outer periphery of the proof mass, with the proof mass being moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate in response to a sensed acceleration, and further comprising a first electrode located on a major surface of the proof mass; and (c) a second electrode located proximate to the first electrode to provide an electrical connection thereto upon movement of the first electrode into contact with the second electrode in response to the sensed acceleration. 2. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 1 wherein the substrate comprises silicon. 3. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 2 wherein the proof mass comprises silicon. 4. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 3 wherein each folded spring comprises monocrystalline silicon. 5. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 3 wherein each folded spring comprises polycrystalline silicon. 6. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 1 wherein the proof mass has a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the substrate. 7. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 1 wherein the major surface of the proof mass has a shape that is circular or polygonal. 8. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 1 wherein the plurality of folded springs comprises three to sixteen folded springs. 9. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 1 wherein each folded spring comprises a first pair of spring arms connected to the proof mass, and a second pair of spring arms connected to the substrate, with the first and second pairs of spring arms being connected together by a crossbeam. 10. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 1 wherein each folded spring in the plurality of folded springs has a thickness in the range of 1-50 microns. 11. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 1 wherein the first electrode is electrically connected to the substrate through the proof mass and the plurality of folded springs. 12. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 1 further comprising at least one stop on the substrate extending over the periphery of the proof mass to limit movement of the proof mass in a direction away from the second electrode. 13. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 1 further comprising an electrical latch to maintain the electrical connection between the first and second electrodes after the sensed acceleration has occurred. 14. A microelectromechanical (MEM) acceleration switch, comprising: (a) a substrate; (b) a proof mass flexibly connected to the substrate by a plurality of folded springs located around a periphery of the proof mass, with the proof mass being moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate in response to a sensed acceleration, and further comprising a first electrode located on a major surface of the proof mass; and (c) a second electrode located on a submount whereon the substrate is attached with the second electrode being proximate to the first electrode to provide an electrical connection thereto upon movement of the first electrode into contact with the second electrode in response to the sensed acceleration. 15. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 14 further comprising a third electrode located on the submount, with the first electrode upon contact with the second and third electrodes providing an electrical connection between the second and third electrodes. 16. A microelectromechanical (MEM) acceleration switch, comprising: (a) a substrate; (b) a proof mass flexibly connected to the substrate by a plurality of folded springs located around a periphery of the proof mass, with the proof mass being moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate in response to a sensed acceleration, and further comprising a first electrode located on a major surface of the proof mass; and (c) a second electrode comprising a pin of a package whereon the substrate is attached with the second electrode being located proximate to the first electrode to provide an electrical connection thereto upon movement of the first electrode into contact with the second electrode in response to the sensed acceleration. 17. A microelectromechanical (MEM) acceleration switch, comprising: (a) a substrate; (b) a proof mass flexibly anchored to the substrate by a plurality of folded springs located around an outer periphery of the proof mass, with the proof mass being moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular the substrate, and with the proof mass having a metallization covering at least a portion of a major surface thereof; and (c) at least one electrode located proximate to the metallization to form an electrical contact therewith upon movement of the proof mass in response to an acceleration event above a threshold value. 18. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 17 wherein the substrate and the proof mass each comprise silicon. 19. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 17 wherein the major surface of the proof mass has a shape that is circular or polygonal. 20. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 17 wherein the plurality of folded springs comprises three to sixteen folded springs. 21. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 17 wherein each folded spring comprises a first pair of spring arms connected to the proof mass, and a second pair of spring arms connected to the substrate, with the first and second pairs of spring arms being connected together by a crossbeam. 22. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 17 wherein each folded spring in the plurality of folded springs has a thickness in the range of 1-50 microns. 23. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 17 further comprising an electrical latch to maintain the electrical contact after occurrence of the acceleration event. 24. A microelectromechanical (MEM) acceleration switch, comprising: (a) a substrate; (b) a proof mass flexibly anchored to the substrate by a plurality of folded springs located around a periphery of the proof mass, with the proof mass being moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular the substrate, and with the proof mass having a metallization covering at least a portion of a major surface thereof; and (c) at least one electrode located on a submount or package whereon the substrate is attached with the at least one electrode being located proximate to the metallization to form an electrical contact therewith upon movement of the proof mass in response to an acceleration event above a threshold value. 25. A microelectromechanical (MEM) acceleration switch, comprising: (a) a substrate; (b) a proof mass formed, at least in part from the substrate, with the proof mass being attached to the substrate by three to sixteen springs located around an outer periphery of the proof mass, and with the proof mass having a metallization covering a majority of a major surface thereof and forming a first electrode; and (c) a second electrode located beneath the proof mass, with the first and second electrodes being spaced apart when the proof mass is in a rest position, and with the first and second electrodes being electrically connected together when the proof mass is urged into contact with the second electrode in response to an acceleration event directed substantially perpendicular to a plane of the substrate and above a threshold value. 26. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 25 further comprising a third electrode located beneath the proof mass, with the third electrode being spaced apart from the first and second electrodes when the proof mass is in the rest position, and with the third electrode being electrically connected to the first and second electrodes when the proof mass is urged into contact with the second and third electrodes in response to the acceleration event directed substantially perpendicular to a plane of the substrate and above the threshold value. 27. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 26 wherein the second and third electrodes are located on a submount or package whereon the substrate is attached. 28. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 25 wherein the substrate comprises silicon. 29. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 25 wherein each spring comprises a folded spring. 30. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 25 wherein each spring comprises an arcuate spring. 31. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 25 wherein each spring has a thickness in the range of 1-50 microns. 32. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 25 further comprising an electrical latch to maintain an electrical connection between the first and second electrodes after occurrence of the acceleration event. 33. A microelectromechanical (MEM) acceleration switch, comprising: (a) a substrate; (b) a proof mass formed at least in part from the substrate and attached to the substrate by a plurality of arcuate springs located around an outer periphery of the proof mass, with the proof mass forming a first electrode; and (c) a second electrode located beneath the proof mass, with the first and second electrodes being spaced apart when the proof mass is in a rest position, and being electrically connected together when the proof mass is urged into contact with the second electrode in response to an acceleration event directed substantially perpendicular to a plane of the substrate and above a threshold value. 34. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 33 further comprising an electrical latch to maintain an electrical connection between the first and second electrodes after occurrence of the acceleration event. 35. The MEM acceleration switch of claim 33 further comprising a plurality of lateral stops to limit movement of the proof mass in the plane of the substrate.