1.0 INTRODUCTION Solid-state RF devices are currently utilized in a wide array of application areas, including satellite communications systems, wireless communications systems, automotive radars, and defense applications. Currently, PIN diode or Field Effect Transistor (FET)-based switches are utilized for their high switching speeds, high power handling, low drive voltage, low cost, and techn...

A review of radio frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS) technology, from the perspective of its enabling technologies (e.g. fabrication, RF micromachined components and actuation mechanisms) is presented. A unique roadmap is given that shows how enabling technologies, RF MEMS components, RF MEMS circuits and RF microsystems packaging are linked together; leading towards enhanced in...

This paper presents the design of a V-band switched-line phase shifter using SP4T RF-MEMS switches. Sonnet simulations are used to achieve accurate circuit models of both the RF-MEMS switches as well as CPW bends within the phase shifter. The V-band phase shifter utilizes two SP4T RF-MEMS switches to perform the delay line switching. The RF performance of the SP4T MEMS switch is optimized to ad...

This paper presents a review of radio frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS) research within Europe. A tour of Europe is given, identifying the key institutions within France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden and the UK. Some of the activities from these institutions have been mentioned, with corresponding references cited. The European Union’s Network of Excellence in RF MEMS ...

RF MEMS capacitive switches capable of orderof-magnitude impedance changes have demonstrated operating lifetimes exceeding 100 billion switching cycles without failure. In situ monitoring of switch characteristics demonstrates no significant degradation in performance and quantifies the charging properties of the switch silicon dioxide film. This demonstration leads credence to the mechanical r...

RF/microwave MEMS technology. Part one begins with a brief discussion of RF/microwave system requirements, and then introduces the enabling potentialities of the MEMS arsenal to meet these requirements. In particular, MEMS fabrication techniques are addressed, and fundamental components, including inductors, varactors, resonators and transmission lines, as well as the design/ CAD paradigm, are ...

In this paper we present the design and fabrication of an RF MEMS tunable band-pass filter. The band-pass filter design uses both distributed transmission lines and RF MEMS capacitances together to replace the lumped elements. The use of RF MEMS variable capacitances gives the flexibility of tuning both the centre frequency and the band-width of the band-pass filter. A prototype of the tunable ...

A new approach to wideband and smart re-configurable antennas using RF MEMS switches and fractal antennas is presented. Index Terms – Smart antennas, wideband, fractals, RF-MEMS.