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Design aspect of high power handling applications: metal contact switches

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Abstract

This paper outlines the power handling capabilities of metal contact switches. The appropriate choice of configuration (inline or offline) reduces the probability of self actuation and allows high input RF power. The shape and position of the contact spots decides the current density and accordingly allows the permissible amount of power to flow without causing any failure. These two design aspects are taken into consideration and accordingly switch is designed with an insertion: −0.1086 dB, isolation: −32.5 dB and return loss: −18.07 dB. The pull in voltage of the beam is simulated to 19 V. Reinforcing of the beam is done to avoid curling of beam, self actuation at high power and to provide optimum contact force (105 µN) in order to reduce contact resistance. The power to be handled by the switch is 15.6 W, when no temperature considerations are taken into account.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Chandrashekhar, Director, C.E.E.R.I Pilani to provide us an opportunity to carry out work smoothly.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute, Pilani, India

    Prachi Jhanwar, Deepak Bansal, Shilpi Pandey & K. J. Rangra

  2. Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, India

    Prachi Jhanwar, Shilpi Pandey & Seema Verma

Authors
  1. Prachi Jhanwar
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  2. Deepak Bansal
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  3. Shilpi Pandey
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  4. Seema Verma
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  5. K. J. Rangra
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Correspondence to Prachi Jhanwar.

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Jhanwar, P., Bansal, D., Pandey, S. et al. Design aspect of high power handling applications: metal contact switches. Microsyst Technol 21, 2083–2087 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-014-2300-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-014-2300-y

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