Microelectromechanical K-Band Switching Circuits

Two single-pole single-throw (SPST) K-band circuit designs incorporating low-loss microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microwave shunt switches are reported. DC measurements indicate actuation voltages in the order of 20 V with an on-to-off capacitance ratio of 30. RF measurements show an isolation between the input port ad the output arm with the switch in the order of better than 15 dB across most of the frequency band. Insertion loss was measured at -0.4 dB at 18 GHz and -0.7 dB at 34 GHz for the two respective designs.