RF-MEMS Application to RF Tuneable Circuits

Abstract

The bursting wireless communication market, including 5G, advanced satellite communication systems and COTM (Communication On The Move) terminals, require ever more sophisticated functions, from multi-band and multi-function operations to electronically steerable and reconfigurable antennas, pushing technological developments towards the use of tunable microwave components and circuits. Reconfigurability allows indeed for reduced complexity and cost of the apparatuses. In this context, RF MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems) technology has emerged as a very attractive solution to realize both tunable devices (e.g. variable capacitors, inductors and micro-relays), as well as complex circuits (e.g. tunable filters, reconfigurable matching networks and reconfigurable beam forming networks for phased array antennas). High linearity, low loss and high miniaturization are the typical advantages of RF MEMS over conventional technologies. Micromechanical components fabricated via IC-compatible MEMS technologies and capable of low-loss filtering, switching and frequency generation allow for miniaturized wireless front-ends via higher levels of integration. In addition, the inherent high linearity of the MEMS switches enables carrier aggregations without introducing intermodulation distortions. This paper will review the recent advances in the development of the RF MEMS to RF tunable circuits and systems.