MEMS RF devices for antenna applications

In this paper, we reviewed the RF MEMS research efforts at the University of Hawaii. The efforts, which are fused with MEMS technologies and antenna theories, can be divided into two areas: planar reconfigurable transceivers and phased arrays using MEMS devices. For the planar transceivers, the interest is in demonstration of new MEMS RF devices with a focus on integration issues (architectures and fabrication) to establish building blocks for reconfigurable transceivers that have beam forming and tuning functionality. For phased-array applications, we demonstrated the system architectures of quasi-optical beam-forming apertures and phased arrays using MEMS RF switches and photonic bandgap ground planes instead of phase shifters.