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Modular Ka-band switch matrices using two RF MEMS technologies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 April 2013

Sascha A. Figur ,
Erika Meniconi ,
Ulrich Prechtel ,
Volker Ziegler ,
Roberto Sorrentino ,
Larissa Vietzorreck  and
Bernhard Schoenlinner
Sascha A. Figur*
Affiliation:
EADS Innovation Works, Munich, Germany. Phone: +49 89 60729054
Erika Meniconi
Affiliation:
EADS Innovation Works, Munich, Germany. Phone: +49 89 60729054
Ulrich Prechtel
Affiliation:
EADS Innovation Works, Munich, Germany. Phone: +49 89 60729054
Volker Ziegler
Affiliation:
EADS Innovation Works, Munich, Germany. Phone: +49 89 60729054
Roberto Sorrentino
Affiliation:
University of Perugia, DIEI, Perugia, Italy
Larissa Vietzorreck
Affiliation:
Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Lehrstuhl fuer Hochfrequenztechnik, Munich, Germany
Bernhard Schoenlinner
Affiliation:
EADS Innovation Works, Munich, Germany. Phone: +49 89 60729054
*
Corresponding author: S.A. Figur Email: sascha.figur@eads.net
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Abstract

This paper presents the design and measurement of two different switch matrix modules based on Radio Frequency Microelectromechanical System (RF MEMS) switches. The operational frequency range is between 25.5 GHz and 26.5 GHz for data links between a Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) relay satellite and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The switch matrix implements a key functionality for tracking the incident signals of the LEO satellites on the receive feed antenna array of the GEO satellite's reflector antenna. Two different technologies are used to build simplified switch matrix modules suitable for realizing the full functionality switching matrix. Rogers RT/Duroid 5880 with commercially available RF MEMS is used to build the first module, while EADS in house RF MEMS are integrated in Rogers Ultralam 3850 Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) for the second module. Maximum insertion losses of 8.5 dB and 10.2 dB have been measured for the Rogers RT/Duroid 5880 and the LCP module, respectively. Isolation is higher than 45 dB and a minimum return loss of 15 dB is shown. Finally, the measured losses in the LCP module are analyzed and suitable improvements are discussed.

Keywords

RF-MEMS and MOEMSPassive components and circuits
Type
Industrial and Engineering Paper
Information
International Journal of Microwave and Wireless Technologies , Volume 5 , Special Issue 3: European Microwave Week 2012 , June 2013 , pp. 351 - 359
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and the European Microwave Association 2013 

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References

REFERENCES

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