Performance analysis of EBG bandstop filter using U: shaped meander type electrostatically actuated RF MEMS switch

Abstract

Now a days, filters became essential component in many of the RF, satellites and wireless communication networks and system. The size and complexity of the system increases while dealing with multiple frequencies which employs a large number of filters. Hence, a single filter which can reconfigure at multiple frequencies is much more needed in the present scenario. In this paper, a reconfigurable band stop filter is designed by integrating RF MEMS switch. The proposed switch is modelled with U—shaped meanders which offers low spring constant of 1.54 N/m to reduce the Pull—in—voltage to 5.2 V. The suspended beam in the switch is actuated to reconfigure the frequency of the filter by varying the capacitance from upstate to down state. The reconfiguration in the frequency of filter is observed from 16.36 to 12.34 GHz showing good isolation of – 22.7 dB at 16.36 GHz and − 36.85 dB at 12.34 GHz. The analysis in the paper is carried out using COMSOL and HFSS FEM tools to understand the electromechanical and electromagnetic characteristics of both switch and Filter for Ku-band frequency application.