A Novel Bidirectional Z-Shaped Thermally Actuated RF MEMS Switch for Multiple-Beam Antenna Array

Abstract

In this paper RF MEMS switchis designed for dielectric-embedded electronically switched multiple-beam (DE-ESMB) antenna array. To achieve small stiffness without buckling, a novel bidirectional Z-shaped thermal actuator is used instead of V-shaped thermal actuator, which can generate large displacement and high contact force at low actuation voltage. With the actuation current from-0.6 A to 0.6 A, the electrothermal actuator can achieve a bidirectional motion in a dynamic range of-10.08 μm to 10.17 μm.RF performances are improved by suspending the structure 25 μm from the substrate using MetalMumps process. An ON state insertion loss of-0.14 dB at 10 GHz and an OFF state isolation of-67 dB at 10 GHz are achieved on low resistivity silicon substrate.