RF-MEMS Based Tunable Matching Network
Scott N. Barker · 2003
This project investigates a tunable matching network using the double-slug turns based on a distributed RF-MEMS transmission line (DMTL). The proposed design has a maximum voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of 16:1 with the number of match points ranging from 529 at 5 GHz to 1597 at 20 GHz. Simulation results are performed to demonstrate the capabilities of this design. Real-time adaptable RF front-ends are becoming an attractive method for dealing with the numerous communication architectures and frequency bands in use today. An important component in realizing such adaptable system is a tunable matching network that is able to maintain low loss and high linearity. Such a device could be used for tuning microwave amplifiers to operate in various modes or in different frequency bands. RF-MEMS have the capability of implementing these tunable matching networks with minimal degradation to the overall amplifier performance.