RF - MEMS [Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems]/Switch

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While all approaches to antenna design are beyond the scope of this tutorial, MEMS [Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems]/Switch actuator which also are used for optical switches (SEE TECHtionary MEMS) are being developed for patch antenna reconfiguration.

A key feature is the capability of multi-band (multi-frequency) operation without greatly increasing the antenna element dimensions. Experimental results demonstrate that the center frequency can be reconfigured from a few hundred MHz [MegaHertz] to a few GHz [GigaHertz] away from the nominal operating frequency. Some of the key benefits of using MEMS is the inherent wide bandwidth, low insertion loss (~0.2 dB), and low bias current in both the ON and OFF states.

The low bias current is due to the fact that the MEMS switch operates using electrostatic force. Voltage (called excitation) is required to actuate the MEMS switch, but once actuated, the switches hold their ON/OFF state with very little bias power. In addition, MEMS devices are manufactured using low-cost standard IC [Integrated Circuit] PCB [Printed Circuit Board] technology. Two of the more successful approaches to MEMS 1) the cantilever switch with a series-connected metal-metal contact and 2) the air-bridge switch with a parallel-connected metal-insulator-metal contact.

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[tags]mems,micro electro-mechanical systems,low bias current,mems 1,ic,integrated circuit[/tags]