The FreeFlex RF-MEMS technology is designed to outperform solid-state RF switch designs to deliver the operational performance needed for LTE-A handsets.
One aspect of the FreeFlex design is that the contact point varies slightly with each operation, which lengthens the life of the switch. Although gold contact material has been used to date, this will be replaced in the production switches by an unnamed metal compound that has been proven to be reliable for cold switching in excess of 50 billion cycles.
FreeFlex RF-MEMS switch. Source: DelfMEMS.
DelfMEMS said that its design has an anchorless structure for mechanical RF switching that overcomes historical problems associated with use of a cantilever beam or bridge containing an electrostatically actuated electrode to create an ohmic contact. The design does not use a cantilever beam or bridge containing an electrostatically actuated electrode to create an ohmic contact resulting in a mechanical switching. These older structures have issues with stress on anchor points, possible stiction, low commutation speed and possible creep of the beam.
Next: How it operates.