Reconfigurable RF communication components

This paper presents the basic RF communication components that are tunable and reconfigurable, fabricated using MEMS technology. Present technology demands reduced manufacturing cost, size, weight and improved performance of devices. RF MEMS encompasses several distinct types of devices, including RF switches and relays, resonators, varactors (variable capacitors) and inductors. Applications of RF MEMS include all types of wireless communications, radar, satellites, military radio, instrumentation and test equipment. Compared to conventional RF components, RF MEMS offer significant benefits, including lower power consumption, lower insertion loss, lower cost and smaller form factor.