Design of a Radio-Frequency Bistable Switch using a Thermal Actuation on a Dielectric Membrane

This paper presents the design of a bistable switch thermally actuated and working in a narrow bandwidth around a central frequency f₀=10 GHz. Maximal insertion loss of 0.4 dB in the ON state and maximal isolation down to 20 dB in the OFF state at f₀ were obtained. The switch is implemented on a microstrip waveguide with flexible polyimide membrane moving parts.