High-performance inline RF MEMS switch for application in 5G mobile networks

Abstract

Abstract This article presents the results of the design and analysis of a radio-frequency switch made using microelectromechanical systems technology. The device is the capacitive switch with a hybrid type of contact, in which the movable electrode of the structure – the metal membrane is part of the microwave signal line of the coplanar waveguide. The switch design is characterized by a high capacitance ratio and low contact resistance. The zig-zag elastic suspension is used to reduce the value of the pull-down voltage – 2 V and the switching time ∼ 7 us. The central resonant frequency of the switch is 3.8 GHz. In this case, in the open state, the value of the insertion loss is not more than -0.2 dB and the isolation value in the close state is not less than -55 dB. The effective frequency range is the S-band, as well as the C-, X- and Ku-band, in which the isolation value is at least -30 dB. The presented inline RF MEMS switch is suitable for use in various types of ground and satellite communications, in particular for devices and systems of 5G mobile networks.