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In this paper, metamaterial and microsystem concepts have been used to study resonating structures useful for narrowband microwave signal processing. U-shaped resonators and triangular Sierpinski structures have been designed, manufactured, and tested for possible applications in the K-Band, around 20 GHz and 26 GHz, for satellite communications. Results on the metamaterial nature of both configurations and on their electrical performance are discussed. The studied structures include the possible implementation by RF MEMS of the U-resonators. The outlined novelty is in obtaining a tunable narrow-band filter using an all-passive environment with switches embedded in the resonator. The advantages and drawbacks of this solution and the proposed optimization are discussed in detail. Triangular resonators with the Sierpinski geometry are also considered for the same frequencies. In this case, the possibility to tune the frequency of operation is demanded to increase the complexity of the internal geometry of the triangle by means of empty sub-triangles in the metal path. Examples of the expected performances for coupled triangular structures are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a study oriented to the understanding of the floating electrode role on the charging characteristics of floating electrode RF MEMS capacitive switches. Identical devices with and without floating electrode have been stressed under induced charging mode. Biases of different levels and polarities were applied to the transmission line. Reduced and asymmetric, with respect to the bias polarity, charging effects were obtained on devices with floating electrode compared to the conventional ones. The results contribute towards the conclusion that the use of floating electrode in conjunction with the appropriate actuation polarity may reduce the charging effects and thus improving the device lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]