Analysis of RF-MEMS switches in failure mode: Towards a more robust design

Thomas Kuenzig, Tatek Muschol, Jacopo Iannacci, Gabriele Schrag, Gerhard Wachutka

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present comprehensive theoretical and experimental investigations on one of the most relevant failure mechanisms in RF-MEMS switches, namely electrically induced stiction. In particular, we analyze an RF-MEMS switch equipped with an embedded active thermal recovery appliance by deriving and applying a 3D, problem-adapted, coupled finite element (FE) model including all relevant mechanical, electrical, thermal, and fluidic effects. The accuracy and predictive power of the simulations is ensured by a dedicated calibration procedure based on highly accurate characterization techniques such as white light interferometry and laser Doppler vibrometry. Applying the calibrated model, we studied the switch operation during failure and recovery in all details and identified the most important design parameters affecting its reliability with a view to improving the recovery capability as well as optimizing the overall performance towards a more robust switch design.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2014 15th International Conference on Thermal, Mechanical and Multi-Physics Simulation and Experiments in Microelectronics and Microsystems, EuroSimE 2014
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
ISBN (Print)9781479947904
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Event2014 15th International Conference on Thermal, Mechanical and Multi-Physics Simulation and Experiments in Microelectronics and Microsystems, EuroSimE 2014 - Ghent, Belgium
Duration: 7 Apr 20149 Apr 2014

Publication series

Name2014 15th International Conference on Thermal, Mechanical and Multi-Physics Simulation and Experiments in Microelectronics and Microsystems, EuroSimE 2014

Conference

Conference2014 15th International Conference on Thermal, Mechanical and Multi-Physics Simulation and Experiments in Microelectronics and Microsystems, EuroSimE 2014
Country/TerritoryBelgium
CityGhent
Period7/04/149/04/14

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