A new single-pole double-throw MEMS switch topology

The configuration used in broadband balanced amplifiers that makes use of a pair of 3 dB couplers is proposed to obtain a SPDT switch with excellent matching characteristics. The balanced topology leads itself to low return loss over a broad frequency range, allows for enhanced power handling capability and easy design. The design of such a SPDT in microstrip technology in the frequency band 10-15 GHz shows return loss and isolation below -20 dB, insertion loss better than -0.5 dB.