In this work, carbon nanotube (CNT) based
interconnections and switches will be reviewed,
discussing the possibility to use nanotubes as potential
building blocks for signal routing in microwave
networks. In particular, theoretical design of coplanar
waveguide (CPW), micro‐strip single‐pole‐single‐throw
(SPST) and single‐pole‐double‐throw (SPDT) devices has
been performed to predict the electrical performances of
CNT‐based RF switching configurations. Actually, by
using the semiconductor‐conductor transition obtained
by properly biasing the CNTs, an isolation better than 30
dB can be obtained between the ON and OFF states of the
switch for very wide bandwidth applications. This
happens owing to the shape deformation and consequent
change in the band‐gap due to the external pressure
caused by the electric field. State‐of‐art for other
switching techniques based on CNTs and their use for RF
nano‐interconnections is also discussed, together with
current issues in measurement techniques