Low-loss latching microwave switch using thermally pulsed non-volatile chalcogenide phase change materials

Abstract

A high performance RF (radio-frequency) switch based on the phase change effect in germanium-telluride (GeTe) is described. Thermal pulses applied to a separate independent thin film heating element for 0.1–1.5 μs toggles the switch in a latching fashion. Being non-volatile, no power is required to hold the switch in the on- or off-state. State-of-the-art solid-state RF switches currently in use have an on-state loss of 1 dB; here, we demonstrate an inline phase change switch with a low on-state resistance showing over a frequency range of 0-40 GHz an insertion loss of just 0.1–0.24 dB.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jul 07, 2014
Source ID
10.1063/1.4885388

Entities

People

  • Brian P. Wagner
  • Evan B. Jones
  • Matthew R. King
  • Michael J. Lee
  • Nabil El-Hinnawy
  • Pavel Borodulin
  • Robert M. Young
  • Robert S. Howell

Organizations

  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
  • Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Integrated Circuit Design and Technology.
  • Thin Film Deposition Science.