RF MEMS Switch: Benefits and Manufacturers

RF MEMS (Radio Frequency Microelectromechanical Systems) are revolutionizing the RF industry by offering compact, high-performance solutions. Learn how these tiny devices enhance modern communication systems.

This page describes RF MEMS basics including benefits, applications and RF MEMS switch manufacturers. MEMS are IC devices which will have both electrical as well as mechanical components. It is the short form of Micro Electro Mechanical Systems. RF MEMS are such systems which interact with RF signal. This has helped the community to obtain small size, low cost and better performance (low insertion loss, high Q, very low current consumption) based systems.

These circuits can be developed from frequency range of few MHz to millimeter wave. MEMS devices are fabricated with the help of typical IC batch processing methods with sizes ranging from nm (nanometers) to mm (millimeters). There are three micro-machining processes which are used in fabrication of RF MEMS devices. The processes are bulk (wet and DRIE), surface and LIGA.

The fabrication of most of the devices is done with surface & bulk processes. Various devices, components and systems are developed based on this concept. These include Switches, variable capacitors, phase shifters, resonators, oscillators, tunable filters, antennas, reconfigurable matching elements and transmission lines.

Advantages of RF MEMS

RF MEMS (Radio Frequency Microelectromechanical Systems) technology offers numerous benefits in the field of RF and wireless communication systems.

1. High Performance:

   • Low Insertion Loss: RF MEMS devices provide minimal signal loss, ensuring efficient power transmission.
   • High Isolation: They offer excellent isolation between input and output ports, critical in RF switches and filters.
   • Wide Bandwidth: RF MEMS supports a broad frequency range, making them suitable for various RF applications.

2. Compact Size:

   • RF MEMS components are incredibly small, enabling the design of compact, lightweight devices. This is especially beneficial for portable and wearable electronics.

3. Energy Efficiency:

   • These devices consume significantly less power compared to traditional semiconductor-based RF components, improving the battery life of wireless devices.

4. Superior Linearity:

   • RF MEMS exhibit excellent linearity, reducing signal distortion and improving the quality of communication in wireless systems.

5. Customizability:

   • The ability to design RF MEMS devices with application-specific characteristics offers flexibility in RF system design.

6. Reliability and Longevity:

   • RF MEMS have a high switching endurance and stable performance over time, making them a durable choice for applications like satellite communication and military systems.

7. Cost Efficiency:

   • With advancements in manufacturing processes, RF MEMS are becoming cost effective, especially for high volume applications.

8. Low Parasitics:

   • RF MEMS have minimal parasitic capacitance and inductance, enhancing signal integrity and enabling better performance in high frequency applications.

9. Applications Across Industries:

   • RF MEMS are versatile and find use in:
     • Mobile communication (4G, 5G)
     • Satellite systems
     • Radar and sensing
     • Medical devices
     • Internet of Things (IoT)

10. Environmental Stability:

    • Many RF MEMS devices are designed to operate reliably under extreme environmental conditions, such as high temperatures or radiation-prone areas.

RF MEMS Switch Manufacturers

The figure depicts electro-mechanical model of RF MEMS switch. This switch operates based on applied voltage. Based on change in applied voltage gap height will vary. This is classic example of air filled capacitor with two plates. In the figure, both plate is fixed one and upper one is movable.

Following is the list of popular RF MEMS Switch manufacturers:

• Texas Instruments (TI)
• NEDITEK, China
• Memtronics
• Radant MEMS
• Teledyne DALSA
• DelfMEMS, France
• RF MICRO DEVICES®
• OMRON Corporation

As mentioned above, DelfMEMS is leading manufacturer of RF MEMS Switches. These switches can be used for various wireless standards such as WiFi, 2G, 3G, 4G(LTE), LTE-Advanced and so on.

Following are the typical specifications of SPST RF MEMS Switch:

• Frequency range of operation
• Low insertion Loss
• High Isolation
• Better return loss
• Less switching time

RF MEMS switches are widely used in RF test and measurement, Automated Test Equipments(ATEs), radar beam steering of antennas, multi-throw switching in RF and Microwave, telecommunications and broadband wireless access systems etc.

Conclusion

RF MEMS represent a leap forward in technology, delivering efficient, compact solutions across industries. Their potential in future innovations remains limitless.