Magnetic bistable switching element implemented on quasi-CPW inductively-coupled slot antenna

This paper describes the realization of a radiofrequency bistable switching element implemented on a flexible membrane. This switch has the advantage of consuming zero power in its stable states. A magnetic actuation is used to change from one state to the other, consuming 4.19 mJ and 1.95 mJ to turn ON and OFF respectively. A thin slat made of a high permeability material is bounded on a polyimide layer. Part of this layer is forced to move by a nearby coil generating a magnetic field. This device has potential for use in many different applications requiring reconfigurable antennas and transmission lines. A ldquoquasi-CPWrdquo inductively-coupled slot antenna implementing this switch has been simulated, fabricated and characterized.