Realizing Reconfigurable Stub Impedance Matching Networks Using MEMS Switches

A novel, low loss, and highly reconfigurable matching network based on microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switches is proposed. MEMS switches are employed in an equivalent pi-network to realize switchable short circuit stub terminations. The advantage of the proposed device is the minimal loading by MEMS switches in OFF states which results in delivering highly consistent performance over all configurations. The matching network is capable of matching varying impedances on both input and output terminals. Empirical design procedure and requirements for the proposed network is presented and the simulations and measurements for a prototype design are in close agreement.