Analysis Tools for MEMS-Based RF Switches

Infolytica offers a suite of finite-element programs to help you predict the performance of MEMS-based RF switches.

ElecNet can be used to analyze capacitive switches in 3D. Once the geometry and materials of the switch are entered, and voltages applied to conducting parts, ElecNet calculates the distribution of electric potential around the conductors. The potential and electric field can be displayed in 3D to provide better insight into the switch action. Furthermore, the force or torque on each body is automatically provided and so too is the net charge on each conductor – thereby making it simple to compute the capacitance of the switch in both on and off states.

MagNet provides similar analysis capability for magnetic switches. Linear and nonlinear magnetic materials, permanent magnets, and current-carrying coils are all handled. MagNet computes the magnetic field in and around the switch, for given excitation currents and/or permanent magnetization, and displays it in 3D. Major flux paths and points of magnetic saturation can easily be identified. In addition, the force or torque on each body is calculated.

Use FullWave for a complete electromagnetic analysis of the switch, with no quasi-static approximations. Loss and dispersive effects are fully taken into account. Once the geometry and materials are entered, and terminal planes defined, FullWave finds the scattering parameters of the switch at the specified frequencies. From these parameters, it is straightforward to graph the insertion loss and isolation as a function of frequency.

Since all three programs use a common data format, it is simple to transfer a model built in one program into another. For example, a model built with FullWave can easily be moved into ElecNet to find the force produced at each switch position. Furthermore, the geometry can be parameterized in terms of, say, an angle describing the position of the switch. Using this parameter in each program, it is straightforward to set up a range of problems corresponding to different positions of the switch, and to compute the quantities of interest over the whole range.