Title :
Novel Miniaturized RF MEMS Staircase Switch Matrix
Author :
Chan, King Yuk ; Ramer, Rodica ; Mansour, Raafat R.
Author_Institution :
ICT Centre, CSIRO, Marsfield, NSW, Australia
fDate :
3/1/2012 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
A novel implementation of wideband large switch matrices is proposed in this letter. The solution is based on staircase geometry. The approach demonstrates significant reduction in the number of control signal required compared to all existing RF MEMS switch matrix geometries, while maintaining the performance. This letter presents the design and characteristics of a semi-T switch cell and a 3 × 3 staircase switch matrix. The measurement of the switch matrix demonstrated excellent RF performance of maximum insertion loss of 2 dB, a return loss of better than 15 dB and an isolation higher than 40 dB for frequencies up to 40 GHz. To our knowledge, this is the first RF MEMS staircase switch matrix ever reported.
Keywords :
microswitches; microwave switches; millimetre wave devices; RF MEMS staircase switch matrix; control signal reduction; loss 2 dB; semi-T switch cell; wideband large switch matrix; Loss measurement; Micromechanical devices; Microswitches; Optical switches; Radio frequency; Topology; RF MEMS; RF MEMS switch; switch matrix;
Journal_Title :
Microwave and Wireless Components Letters, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/LMWC.2011.2170964