Method of storing data using a micro-electromechanical system based data storage system

Abstract

A method of storing data using data storage system having a positioning system for a micro-electromechanical system (“MEMS”) based data storage is provided. The method includes a moving MEMS-based scanner that interacts with a polymer medium to read, write and erase data. A first positioning system is coupled to the MEMS scanner to allow the storage of data over a defined area. A second positioning system is coupled to the first positioning system and the MEMS scanner to allow the use of a larger polymer medium. A plurality of storage modules is also provided to allow scalability of data storage.

1 . A method of storing data using a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based data storage system having a storage module, said method comprising:
 arranging an array of MEMS cantilever devices adjacent a stationary data surface in said storage module, wherein each of said MEMS cantilever devices includes an associated tip;   coupling a CMOS device to said array of MEMS cantilever devices;   coupling circuits associated with said CMOS device to receive signals from said MEMS cantilever devices;   moving said CMOS device with a motion generator over an area of 100 μm×100 μm;   sliding said motion generator on a first guide rail;   magnetically coupling a first magnetic actuator associated with said first guide rail to said motion generator, wherein said first magnetic actuator is arranged to linearly move said motion generator up to 10 cm in a first direction relative to said data surface;   coupling said motion generator to a second guide rail, wherein said second guide rail is arranged generally perpendicular to said first guide rail;   magnetically coupling a second magnetic actuator associated with said second guide rail to said array of MEMS cantilever devices, wherein said second magnetic actuator is arranged to linearly move said array of MEMS cantilever devices up to 10 cm in a second direction relative to said data surface wherein said second direction is perpendicular to said first direction and in a plane parallel to said data surface; and,   moving said array of MEMS cantilever devices on said first guide rail and second guide rail independently in said first and second direction simultaneously.