High-Isolation Tunable MEMS Capacitive Switch

Tech ID: 18864 / UC Case 2003-361-0

Background

For a typical MEMS switch, the resonant frequency is around 20 to 30 GHz which can not be employed by commercial wireless systems operating at a frequency band of 2 to 8 GHz. This resonant frequency can be tuned by changing the inductance of the switch membrane. When inductance is increased, the resonant frequency is moved to a lower frequency band at which location, high isolation is achieved. There have been many published solutions to this problem but it has been found to be difficult to further lower the resonant frequency to C-band levels due to the unrealistically large inductance required.

Technology Description

University researchers have developed a high isolation switch capable of obtaining C-band frequencies, without the need for changes in current process, and with minimum modifications is current switch designs.

Applications

The design is useful for smart antenna systems, variable capacitors, on-chip inductors, tunable filters, and tunable RF matching circuits.

Patent Status

Country Type Number Dated Case
United States Of America Issued Patent 8,074,346 12/13/2011 2003-361
United States Of America Issued Patent 7,541,898 06/02/2009 2003-361
United States Of America Issued Patent 7,265,647 09/04/2007 2003-361
 

Contact

Learn About UC TechAlerts - Save Searches and receive new technology matches

Other Information

Keywords

MEMS, Capacitive switch

Categorized As


5270 California Avenue / Irvine,CA
92697-7700 / Tel: 949.824.2683
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Twitter
  • Twitter
  • Twitter