RF MEMS for ubiquitous wireless connectivity. Part I. Fabrication

The aim of this article to expose the impact and status of the application of RF-MEMS switchable capacitors, varactors and switches in the three elements of this paradigm, namely, handsets, base stations, and satellites. In particular, issues such as system-level motivation/justification for RF MEMS, device requirements, high-volume manufacturing, packaging, and state-of-the-art performance and reliability, are presented.