Flexible radio-frequency micro electro-mechanical switch towards the applications of satellite communications

• Published in: Npj flexible electronics 2022-09, Vol.6 (1), p.1-10, Article 80
• Main Authors: Shi, Yingli, Zhou, Chao, Cao, Zibo, He, Yurong, Guo, Jingwen, Li, Chunxin, Wu, Qianhong, Liang, Kui, Li, Yanzhao, Lin, Yuan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 639/166/987; 639/766; Bend radius; Chemistry and Materials Science; Curvature; Data transmission; Deformation; Design; Design modifications; Electronics; Electronics and Microelectronics; Instrumentation; Materials Science; Microelectromechanical systems; Microwave communications; Miniaturization; Optical and Electronic Materials; Polymer Sciences; Polyolefins; Radio frequency; Satellite communications; Simulation; Structural design; Substrates; Thin films
• ISSN: 2397-4621; 2397-4621
• DOI: 10.1038/s41528-022-00214-3

This paper presents a flexible radio-frequency microelectromechanical system (RF MEMS) switch integrated on cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) substrate using a modified surface MEMS processing technology, which could be used in the 17–19 GHz frequency band of satellite communication. Through systematic simulation analysis, it is found that flexible RF MEMS switch can achieve certain bending radius by miniaturizing the electronic dimension, without degrading the RF performance. It is demonstrated that the RF characteristics of flexible RF MEMS switch with special anchor structural design, fabricated by modified surface MEMS processing, are not sensitive to bending deformation under the curvature of 0 mm −1 , 0.05 mm −1 , 0.10 mm −1 . Furthermore, the range of bending curvature which will affect the RF characteristics is given through systematic simulation. The flexible RF MEMS switch with high process compatibility and stable RF performance is believed to be promising candidates for future microwave communications and other consumer electronics.