MEMS technology for RF passive components

Abstract

In this work a wide overview on the exploitation of MEMS technology (MicroElectroMechanical-Systems) for Radio Frequency (i.e. RF-MEMS) and telecommunication systems is provided. In the last 10-15 years MEMS technology proved to be a valuable solution for the realization of passive components for RF circuits, like variable capacitors (i.e. varactors), inductors, switches (i.e. micro-relays), as well as more complex networks, like RF filters, impedance matching tuners etc., with remarkable characteristics in terms of low-loss, high Q-factor (quality factor), and large reconfigurability. The integration within RF circuits and platforms, of passive lumped elements and networks with such prominent characteristics, would lead to a significant increase of performance and reconfigurability of the whole system (e.g. mobile handset, satellite, radar, and so on).