Latching MEMS switch matrices for telecommunication applications

Abstract

This paper describes the design and characterization of a 2 × 2 latching MEMS switch matrix for switching twisted pairs in telecommunication applications. The RF performance of this fabricated prototype was very promising so larger virtual prototypes of 16 × 16 were designed and their performance was simulated. From these simulations it is shown that the RF performance of a crossbar switch matrix is not suitable for high frequency access technologies. In order to improve these RF characteristics, a switch matrix with disconnectable stubs is presented and its characteristics are simulated. From these results, the designed 16 × 16 switch matrix could be used for FTTdp (fiber to the distribution point) deployments using the next generation access technology: G.fast.