RF MEMS devices for Telecommunication systems

Description

RF MEMS is a flexible RF switch technology for the monolithic integration of ohmic and capacitive RF switches together with high performance passive circuit elements (TRL 3-4), representing a feasible solution to obtain very low power dissipation and insertion loss, very high isolation and linearity switch respect to “solid state” technologies.

FBK has developed technology solutions to fully integrate the process fabrication of RF-MEMS switches in CMOS compatible  manufacturing steps.

The photographs show two different strategies for RF MEMS packaging:

• A fabrication batch of MEMS RF devices with quartz semi-hermetic low cost capping
• A fully hermetic LTCC package.

Electro-mechanical-Systems (MEMS) is an attractive alternative to solid state technologies for RF device (micro-switch, antenna, phase shifter, RF filters) fabrication in telecommunications for satellites, ground stations, mobile phones, steerable antenna systems. Main advantage are in:

• High linearity
• Low resistance (low loss)
• Low power consumption
• Improved RF performance
• High miniaturization
• Low cost

MEMS SPDT Switch

RF Connectors              Coplanar Pads
Package                          0-level package based on Quartz Cap
Impedance                     50 ohm
Frequency band            0-35 GHz
Insertion loss                < 1.3 dB up to 35GHz
Return loss                    > 20 dB up to 35GHz
Isolation                         > 35 dB up to 35GHz
Input power                  < 2.5 W
Controlling Voltage     0-50 V
Die dimension              3 x 3 x 0.5 mm3

FBK RF MEMS technology  high lights:

• More than 10 years of experience in RF MEMS
• Experience in R&D of industrial products
• Established technology platforms
• Prototyping capabilities
• Current TRL level = 4
• A patent.