SP12T MEMS switch achieves one billion operations
The FreeFlex RF-MEMS technology is designed to outperform solid-state RF switch designs to deliver the operational performance needed for LTE-A handsets.
One aspect of the FreeFlex design is that the contact point varies slightly with each operation, which lengthens the life of the switch. Although gold contact material has been used to date, this will be replaced in the production switches by an unnamed metal compound that has been proven to be reliable for cold switching in excess of 50 billion cycles.
FreeFlex RF-MEMS switch. Source: DelfMEMS.
DelfMEMS said that its design has an anchorless structure for mechanical RF switching that overcomes historical problems associated with use of a cantilever beam or bridge containing an electrostatically actuated electrode to create an ohmic contact. The design does not use a cantilever beam or bridge containing an electrostatically actuated electrode to create an ohmic contact resulting in a mechanical switching. These older structures have issues with stress on anchor points, possible stiction, low commutation speed and possible creep of the beam.
Next: How it operates.
Freeflex switch design in operation. Source: DelfMEMS.
Another advantage of the FreeFlex switch structure is the possibility to have a reduced gap between the membrane and the transmission line, which reduces creep and mechanical stress by lowering the maximum deflection of the membrane. This results in an increased contact force in the on-state and therefore lower insertion losses.
Next: Second iteration coming
"This is the first time an industrialised RF-MEMS contact switch has been able to achieve this level of performance, but this is only the beginning. Our second-generation production switches, which we will be shipping towards the end of 2016, are expected to achieve up to 50 billion operations," said DelfMEMS CEO Cybele Rolland, in a statement.
Cybele Rolland, CEO of DelfMEMS.
This first generation of DelfMEMS switches are manufactured by Honeywell/Tronics in Dallas, Texas and will complete qualification by the end of 2015, DelfMEMS said.
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