Micromachined Magnetostatic Switches

Magnetostatic switches — switches that open or close in response to magnetic fields — are being developed and fabricated using micromachining (MEMS) technology. These switches operate similarly to traditional magnetic reed switches, but can be made much smaller. While capable of serving as direct replacements for traditional relays and switches, these MEMS devices open up many new application areas. For example, the magnetostatic switches are being used as compact, lightweight, energy-efficient replacements for bulky electronic commutation circuitry in brushless dc electric motors. For another example, an array of MEMS switches, each of which opens or closes at a different magnetic-field strength, could serve as a rotary encoder or magnetometer.