MEMS switch is a movable device manufactured by means of semiconductor technology, possessing many incomparable advantages such as a small volume, low power consumption, high integration, etc. This paper reviews recent research of MEMS switches, pointing out the important performance indexes and systematically summarizing the classification according to driving principles. Then, a comparative study of current MEMS switches stressing their strengths and drawbacks is presented, based on performance requirements such as driven voltage, power consumption, and reliability. The efforts of teams to optimize MEMS switches are introduced and the applications of switches with different driving principles are also briefly reviewed. Furthermore, the development trend of MEMS switch and the research gaps are discussed. Finally, a summary and forecast about MEMS switches is given with the aim of providing a reference for future research in this domain.
Keywords: MEMS switches; bistable mechanism; driving principle; reliability.