Fabrication and test of RF MEMS in LTCC technology

RF MEMS in low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technology have been designed, manufactured and tested for potential utilization in reconfigurable space sub-systems. Specifically, single-pole-single-throw (SPST) and single-pole-double-throw (SPDT) ohmic switch configurations have been studied for wide-band applications. Advantages coming from the measured RF performances and from the integration of RF MEMS by means of the LTCC technology only, to be used also for packaging, are discussed. Furthermore, preliminary on-wafer DC test on a double-pole-double-throw (DPDT) ohmic switch has been done in order to check both the mechanical response and the quality of the ohmic contact (contact resistance).