Micro-magnetic latching switch with relaxed permanent magnet alignment requirements

A micro magnetic latching device, comprising:

• a substrate;
• a moveable element containing magnetic material and supported by the substrate;
• a cylindrical magnet, having a center axis, that laterally encloses the moveable element such that the center axis passes through a central portion of the moveable element perpendicular to the substrate, wherein the cylindrical magnet produces a first magnetic field that induces a magnetization in the magnetic material, the magnetization being characterized by a vector pointing in a direction along a long axis of the movable element, wherein the first magnetic field is approximately perpendicular to a major central portion of the long axis;
• and
• a coil that produces a second magnetic field to switch the moveable element between two stable states, wherein only temporary application of the second magnetic field is required to change direction of the magnetization vector thereby causing the movable element to switch between the two stable states.

A micro magnetic latching device, comprising:

• a substrate;
• a moveable element including magnetic material and being supported by the substrate;
• a cylindrical magnet laterally enclosing the moveable element such that a center axis of the cylindrical magnet passes through a central portion of the moveable element perpendicular to the substrate, wherein the cylindrical magnet produces a first magnetic field that induces a magnetization in the magnetic material, the magnetization being characterized by a vector pointing in a direction along a long axis of the movable element, wherein the first magnetic field is substantially perpendicular to the long axis;
• and
• a coil producing a second magnetic field to switch the moveable element between two stable states, wherein application of the second magnetic field changes direction of the magnetization vector thereby causing the movable element to switch between the two stable states.