A Physics-Based Predictive Modeling Framework for Dielectric Charging and Creep in RF MEMS Capacitive Switches and Varactors

Ankit Jain
Sambit palit, Purdue University
Muhammad Ashraful Alam, Purdue University

Date of this Version

4-13-2012

Citation

Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems ( Volume: 21, Issue: 2, April 2012 )

Abstract

In this paper, we develop a physics-based theoretical modeling framework to predict the device lifetime defined by the dominant degradation mechanisms of RF microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) capacitive switches (i.e., dielectric charging) and varactors (i.e., creep), respectively. Our model predicts the parametric degradation of performance metrics of RF MEMS capacitive switches and varactors, such as pull-in/pull-out voltages, pull-in time, impact velocity, and capacitance both for dc and ac bias. Specifically, for dielectric charging, the framework couples an experimentally validated theoretical model of time-dependent charge injection into the bulk traps with the Euler-Bernoulli equation for beam mechanics to predict the effect of dynamic charge injection on the performance of a capacitive switch. For creep, we generalize the Euler-Bernoulli equation to include a springdashpot model of viscoelasticity to predict the time-dependent capacitance change of a varactor due to creep. The new model will contribute to the reliability aware design and optimization of the capacitive MEMS switches and varactors.

Discipline(s)

Electro-Mechanical Systems | Electronic Devices and Semiconductor Manufacturing

 

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