Micro-switches for downhole use

A switch for use in a tool, comprising:

• a first conductor at a first voltage;
• a second conductor for coupling to a device in the tool;
• and
• a micro-element between the first and second conductors selected from the group consisting of:
• a dielectric element capable of being modulated to provide a conductive path in response to receipt of electrical energy;
• and an element moveable in response to application of an electrical energy,
• wherein the dielectric element includes a dielectric gas.

A method of fabricating a switch for use in a downhole tool, comprising:

• forming a first conductor and a second conductor;
• and
• forming a microelectromechanical element between the first and second conductors, the microelectromechanical element having an inactive state to electrically isolate the first and second conductors and an active state to electrically couple the first and second conductors,
• wherein forming the microelectromechanical element includes forming a moveable element,
• wherein forming the microelectromechanical element includes forming a cantilever including an electrically conductive material adapted to be moved by an electrostatic force.

A method of fabricating a switch for use in a downhole tool, comprising:

• forming a first conductor and a second conductor, and
• forming a microelectromechanical element between the first and second conductors, the microelectromechanical element having an inactive state to electrically isolate the first and second conductors and an active state to electrically couple the first and second conductors,
• wherein forming the microelectromechanical element includes forming a moveable element,
• wherein forming the microelectromechanical element includes forming a frangible element and attaching the frangible element to a conductive plate, the frangible element capable of breaking apart in response to electrical energy.

An apparatus for use in a downhole tool, comprising:

• a downhole component;
• and
• a switch including conductors and a microelectromechanical device adapted to electrically connect the conductors when activated to provide electrical energy to the downhole component,
• wherein the microelectromechanical device includes a frangible element, the frangible element adapted to break apart in response to application of electrical energy.

An apparatus for use in a downhole tool, comprising:

• a downhole component;
• and
• a switch including conductors and a microelectromechanical device adapted to electrically connect the conductors when activated to provide electrical energy to the downhole component,
• wherein the microelectromechanical device includes one of the conductors arranged as a cantilever, the switch further including two other balance conductors initially at substantially the same voltage to balance the cantilever conductor.

An apparatus for use in a downhole tool, comprising:

• a downhole component;
• and
• a switch including conductors and a microelectromechanical device adapted to electrically connect the conductors when activated to provide electrical energy to the downhole component,
• wherein the microelectromechanical device provides a chamber containing a dielectric element placed between the conductors, the apparatus further comprising a trigger line over which electrical energy may be applied to break down the dielectric element to form a conductive path between the components.

A methof of fabricating a switch for use in a downhole tool, comprising:

• forming a first conductor and a second conductor;
• and
• forming a microelectromechanical element between the first and second conductors, the microelectromechanical element having an inactive state to electrically isolate the first and second conductors and an active state to electrically couple the first and second conductors;
• and
• forming an exploding foil initiator circuit coupled to the microelectromechanical element.

A method of activating a downhole component, comprising:

• providing a micro-switch coupled to the downhole component, the micro-switch having at least one of a moveable member and a dielectric element that can be modulated to provide a conductive path;
• and
• activating the micro-switch to couple an electrical energy to the downhole component,
• wherein activating the micro-switch to couple the electrical energy to the downhole component comprises activating the micro-switch to couple the electrical energy to an exploding foil initiator.

A method of activating a downhole component comprising:

• providing a micro-switch coupled to the downhole component, the micro-switch having at least one of a moveable member and a dielectric element that can be modulated to provide a conductive path;
• and
• activating the micro-switch to couple an electrical energy to the downhole component,
• wherein the micro-switch includes a frangible element, wherein activating the micro-switch causes the frangible element to break apart in response to application of the electrical energy.