Reconfigurable RF Systems Using Commercially Available Digital Capacitor Arrays

Various RF circuit blocks implemented by using commercially available MEMS digital capacitor arrays are presented for reconfigurable RF systems. The designed circuit blocks are impedance-matching network, tunable bandpass filter, and VSWR sensor. The frequency range of the designed circuits is 0.4-4GHz. The MEMS digital capacitor arrays that are employed in the designs have built-in dc-to-dc voltage converter and serial interface significantly simplifying the control circuitry. The RF circuit blocks are suitable to low-cost, high-level of integration, thanks to the commercially available parts and standard RF packaging technologies.