Failure analysis and detection methodology for capacitive RF-MEMS switches based on BEOL BiCMOS process

Abstract

A novel failure investigation methodology dedicated to RF-MEMS capacitive switches based on a 250nm BiCMOS BEOL technology is here presented. The failure analysis is carried out consistently by coupling a time-effective experimental investigation tool (profilometer) to a very accurate electrical model (lumped element equivalent circuit), enabling a real time monitoring of the device functional behavior. Owing to its compatibility with in line testing this approach facilitate the identification early failure detection, hence of the process yield. Moreover the availability of clear failure criteria defined upon the specific industrial application targeted by this study, has allows to test its validity in lifetime testing.