Compact 12×12 Switch Matrix integrating RF MEMS switches in LTCC hermetic packages

A 12×12 Switch Matrix Unit featuring silicon RF MEMS assembled on LTCC boards has been developed under a Contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for satellite communication application. The Switch Matrix is a complete Engineering Model unit, housed in a mechanical box in aluminum with RF coaxial connectors and DC connectors for powering and commanding. To the authors´ knowledge, it is the first complex equipment realized in Europe exploiting the advanced features of the RF MEMS and multilayer LTCC technology to achieve a significant mass and size reduction. Full wave simulations of entire structure are reported, as well as test results. Their agreement is good up to the satellite downlink C-band (3.7-4.2 GHz). An insertion loss of -20dB, return loss of -10dB and isolation of 40-45dB have been measured. The matrix is passive (not provided with amplifiers), having a DC power consumption of less than half watt due to the digital command circuitry.