An ultra-low loss millimeter-wave solid state switch technology based on the metal - insulator - transition of vanadium dioxide

A new ultra-low-loss and broad band millimeter wave switch technolog y based on the reversible metal/insulator phase transition of vanadium dioxide has been developed. We report having fabricated series configured, single-pole single­ throw (SPST) switches having measured S-parameters from DC to 110 GHz. The on-state insertion loss is 0.2 dB and off-state isolation is 21 dB at 50 GHz. The resulting impedance contrast ratio, ZOFF / ZON, is greater than 500: 1 at 50GHz (i.e. cut-off frequency Ic - 40 THz). As a demonstration of the technolog y's utilit y, we also present the results of a 2-bit real time dela y phase shifter incorporating a pair of V02 SP4T switches. This switch technolog y's high impedance contrast ratio combined with its compactness, ease of integration, and low voltage operation make it an enabler of previousl y unachievable high-performance millimeter wave FPGAs.