Investigation and Research of High-Performance RF MEMS Switches for Use in the 5G RF Front-End Modules

Micromachines (Basel). 2023 Feb 18;14(2):477. doi: 10.3390/mi14020477.

Abstract

In this article, based on the developed methodology, the stages of designing two designs of high-performance radio-frequency single-pole single-throw microelectromechanical switches are investigated. These radio-frequency microelectromechanical switches are designed to operate at a central resonant frequency of 3.6 GHz and 3.4 GHz, respectively, as well as to work both in mobile communication devices and in the design of the architecture of 5G mobile networks, in particular in arrays of integrated antennas and radio-frequency interface modules. The manufacture and study of two designed structures are researched. For the first manufactured experimental sample in the open state the insertion loss is no more than -0.69 dB and the reflection loss is -28.35 dB, and in the closed state the isolation value is at least -54.77 dB at a central resonant frequency of 3.6 GHz. For the second in the open state the value of the insertion loss is no more than -0.67 dB and the reflection loss is -20.7 dB, and in the closed state the isolation value is not less than -52.13 dB at the central resonant frequency of 3.4 GHz. Both manufactured experimental samples are characterized by high linearity, as well as a small value of contact resistance in the closed state.

Keywords: 5G mobile networks systems; MEMS; RF; RF MEMS; high-performance; methodology of designing; microelectromechanical systems; radio-frequency; switch.

Grants and funding

The work was carried out at the expense of funds, task No. FENW-2020-0022 for the implementation of scientific research carrying out scientific research at the expense of the Federal budget, in terms of scientific activities on the topic “Development and research of methods and means of monitoring, diagnostics and forecasting state of engineering objects based on artificial intelligence”.