Thermal and electrostatic reliability characterization in RF MEMS switches

The reliability of RF MEMS switches is closely linked to their operational and environmental conditions. This paper examines the reliability of five different capacitive switch designs by a combined use of modeling and experimental tools. Three-dimensional multiphysics finite element analysis was performed to estimate the actuation voltage and deflection vs. temperature variations of the micro-switches. The effect of temperature and temperature cycles on switch dilatation and pull-in voltage are studied, as well as the influence of different operational signals on switch reliability.