Silicon micro-electro-mechanical systems for millimeter-wave applications

Abstract

A new fully silicon MEM technology and design methodology is introduced to realize millimeter-wave applications such as switches. It is based on two kinds of micro-machining techniques: a bulk micro-machines used to realize micro-wave circuits on a suspended membrane in order to decrease losses, and a surface micro-machining to make air-bridges actuable by electrostatic force. A MEM bridge electrical model has been investigated and implemented in the design of distributed switches.