Design and fabrication of a series contact RF MEMS switch with a novel top electrode

Radio-frequency (RF) micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) switches are widely used in communication devices and test instruments. In this paper, we demonstrate the structural design and optimization of a novel RF MEMS switch with a straight top electrode. The insertion loss, isolation, actuator voltage, and stress distribution of the switch are optimized and explored simultaneously by HFSS and COMSOL software, taking into account both its RF and mechanical properties. Based on the optimized results, a switch was fabricated by a micromachining process compatible with conventional IC processes. The RF performance in the DC to 18 GHz range was measured with a vector network analyzer, showing isolation of more than 21.28 dB over the entire operating frequency range. Moreover, the required actuation voltage was about 9.9 V, and the switching time was approximately 33 mu s. A maximum lifetime of 10(9) switching cycles was obtained. Additionally, the dimension of the sample is 1.8 mm x 1.8 mm x 0.3 mm, which might find application in the current stage.

Automated summary

In this paper, a novel RF MEMS switch with a straight top electrode is designed and optimized using HFSS and COMSOL software. The switch's insertion loss, isolation, actuator voltage, and stress distribution are simultaneously explored and optimized, considering both its RF and mechanical properties. A switch is fabricated based on the optimized results using a micromachining process compatible with conventional IC processes. The RF performance of the switch, including isolation, actuation voltage, and switching time, is measured and the switch shows promising results in the DC to 18 GHz range.