Project Description :
The advantages of MEMS switches over their mechanical and solid state counterparts such as FETs or PIN diodes are low loss and power consumption, high isolation and frequency operations, and high level of integration with other electronics. MEMS switches can be used in a variety of RF applications including phase shifter, cell phones and smart antennas.

One of the main challenges with regards to MEMS RF switch is the power handling reliability. The reliability of MEMS switches is a major concern for long-term applications and is currently the subject of an intense research effort. In DC-contact switches, the reliability is strongly related to their crucial parts – the metal contacts used. Since the metal contacts determine the on-state resistance and the current carry capability, and also are the source of the most dominant failure mechanisms.

The proposed project will study on contact materials for RF MEMS switches with high power handling capability, focusing on various aspects including material selection, fabrication and test / characterization of RF MEMS switch.

Pre-requisite :