Enhancing the linear range of MEMS resonators for sensing applications

In this paper, mechanical and electrical nonlinearities of MEMS resonators are discussed and their influence on the resonant sensing performance is analyzed. An “L-shaped” resonator is proposed in order to reduce the influence of the nonlinear mechanical term on the global response with respect to the more standard clamped-clamped (“I-shaped”) resonator. An extended linear behavior of the “L-shaped” resonator is analytically demonstrated and validated through experimental results. As a consequence, the proposed resonator can be driven to larger vibration amplitudes through higher actuation voltages, allowing better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).