RF-MEMS technology is emerging as a key enabling solution to address demanding requirements that upcoming 5G standards pose upon passive devices and networks. In this work, we demonstrate experimentally-to the best of our knowledge, for the first time-, RF-MEMS 2-state basic attenuator modules, from nearly-DC up to 110 GHz. Physical samples are realized in the CMM-FBK RF-MEMS technology, and design variations are tested. Resistive loads are placed in series or shunt configuration on the RF line, and the attenuation is ON/OFF switched by electrostatically driven MEMS micro-relays. Tested devices show attenuation levels (S21) from-5 dB to-10 dB, depending on the resistive load, with flatness of 2-3 dB from 10 MHz to 50 GHz and of around 2 dB from 60 GHz up to 110 GHz. When OFF, the attenuator modules introduce loss (S21) better than-1 dB up to 50 GHz and better than-6 dB up to 110 GHz

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After fluctuating expectations and disillusionments, RF-MEMS technology is starting to make its way into market applications. To this regard, the upcoming field of 5G seems to be the fitting application area for such a technology to fully express its potential. In this work, we present an RF-MEMS basic 2-state attenuator module, simulated and measured up to 50 GHz. A series resistive load, inserted on the RF line, can be shorted by electrostatically actuating a suspended Gold thin membrane. When the load is inserted, a rather flat attenuation level (S21) is observed over the whole range, it spanning from -9 dB to -6 dB as the frequency increases. On the other hand, when shorted, the module exhibits a loss (S21) better than -1.4 dB up to 50 GHz. The discussed basic module can then be exploited as building block to implement more complex RF signal conditioning functions

In this Letter, the authors present the experimental verification of an analytical model, which captures the realistic shape of bond wire antennas (BWAs) in dependence on the wire bonding and design parameters. Using the verified model, the impact of the shape of the wires on the performance of BWAs is quantified.

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