Abstract
This chapter addresses a reliability issue of MEMS that is crucial for their commercialization, which is their survivability under mechanical shocks. Unlike conventional electronics of passive elements, MEMS contain flexible components that are deliberately designed to undergo some kind of motion. Thus, a natural question comes of how these microstructures respond when they are subjected to dynamic shock loads? What about short circuit and stiction when they make contacts with the substrate or stationary electrodes due to shock loads? These are some of the issues that are treated in this chapter. In addition, the impact of electrostatic forces on the dynamic response is illustrated. The interaction of the motion of microstructures with the printed circuit boards where they are mounted on is also discussed.