Widely Tunable Variable Capacitor With Switching and Latching Mechanisms

A widely tunable variable capacitor using mechanical switching and a reversible latching mechanism was developed. This variable capacitor can increase the total capacitance by utilizing three discrete switches to sequentially connect four sets of fixed capacitors arranged in parallel. Continuous fine tuning is achieved by closing gaps with these interdigitated capacitors, and connected states are maintained through the use of a mechanical latching mechanism. By combining switching and gap-closing modes, a maximum tuning ratio of 9.42 was obtained.