Non-Volatile CBRAM/MIM Switching Technology for Electronically Reconfigurable Passive Microwave Devices

1Motivation and Background: RF Switches and the Need for a Non-Volatile RF Switch

1.1. Introduction

In electrical engineering, a switch, in general, is a device which opens, closes or regulates a current path at a desired event, like ON or OFF. Switches are an inevitable component of all electronic systems we come across in our life. Like the presence of salt in food, most of the time we are unaware of the presence of this mighty little electrical component that plays many roles in our daily life.

Even though the basic responsibility of a switch is to control (open or close or regulate) a current path when desired, it can perform multiple functions, such as a classic vintage mechanical electrical switch, a telephone keypad, a relay in an automatic bread toaster, a switching regulator in a room heater, a capacitive or resistive touch screen of a mobile phone, an integral part of signal modulation system for communication and Internet and so on.

In a broad sense, an electrical switch is identified by the associated actuation mechanism used to close, open, or regulate the current path through it. Electrical switching action is usually associated with the following actuation mechanisms: mechanical (mechanical toggle switches), electronic (PIN diodes, field effect transistor [FET], electromechanical relays), chemical (azobenzene photoelectric switches), magnetic (reed switches), light (opto-couplers), software defined (routers), ionic bridging (conductive bridging random access memory ...