RF-MEMS switch actuation pulse optimization using Taguchi's method

Copyright @ 2011 Springer-VerlagReliability and longevity comprise two of the most important concerns when designing micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) switches. Forcing the switch to perform close to its operating limits underlies a trade-off between response bandwidth and fatigue life due to the impact force of the cantilever touching its corresponding contact point. This paper presents for first time an actuation pulse optimization technique based on Taguchi’s optimization method to optimize the shape of the actuation pulse of an ohmic RF-MEMS switch in order to achieve better control and switching conditions. Simulation results show significant reduction in impact velocity (which results in less than 5 times impact force than nominal step pulse conditions) and settling time maintaining good switching speed for the pull down phase and almost elimination of the high bouncing phenomena during the release phase of the switch

Efficient Filter Design to Compensate Fabrication Imperfections in 6G Communication Systems

In this paper, we present a consistent methodology for the reliable design of 6G-oriented filters with enhanced endurance to construction imperfections. The systematic formulation does not depend on the filter’s operating frequency and employs a robust strategy for obtaining new roots and poles of the filtering function. Essentially, it requires that all the local maxima of the filtering function do not fluctuate beyond the design attenuation levels for a set of predefined roots/poles distortions. To this purpose, two novel algorithms for the derivation of the appropriate filtering functions are developed, in the prior basis, together with a versatile optimization criterion and a heuristic comparison approach that guarantee optimal outcomes. Specifically, the principal idea of the first technique is to accurately extract the roots of the new polynomial from a system of equations on condition that the maximum local peaks of the distorted (due to imperfections) initial polynomial are below a prefixed threshold, such as the unit. Conversely, the second method develops an alternative polynomial, compressed in the amplitude and frequency range, so that a similar prerequisite regarding the maximum local peaks, is satisfied. It is stressed that both methods are fully generalized and may be applied to any polynomial combination, without increasing the overall complexity. The proposed framework is successfully verified in terms of theoretical examples and the numerical simulation of realistic waveguide and mictrostrip line filters, operating at frequencies from (Formula presented.) GHz to (Formula presented.) GHz, which unveil its superiority over existing schemes and implementations.</p