Switch architecture using MEMS switches and solid state switches in parallel
First Claim
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1. A switch circuit, comprising:
- a first contact to connect to a first electrical device;
a second contact to connect to a second electrical device;
a solid-state switch connected between said first contact and said second contact;
a mechanical switch connected between said first contact and said second contact in parallel combination with said solid-state switch, said mechanical switch having a slower switching speed than said solid-state switch and having a ramp-up period when turned on and a ramp-down period when turned off; and
a control sequence to turn on said solid-state switch during said ramp-up period and said ramp-down period.
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Abstract
In a switching scheme mechanical MEMs switches are connected in parallel with solid state switches. This parallel MEMS/solid-state switch arrangement takes advantage of the fast switching speeds of the solid state switches as well advantage of the improved insertion loss and isolation characteristics of the MEMS switches. The solid-state switches only need to be energized during a ramp up/down period associated with the slower MEMs switch thus conserving power. As an additional advantage, using a solid-state switch in parallel with MEMs switches improves the transient spectrum of the system during switching operations.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A switch circuit, comprising:
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a first contact to connect to a first electrical device;
a second contact to connect to a second electrical device;
a solid-state switch connected between said first contact and said second contact;
a mechanical switch connected between said first contact and said second contact in parallel combination with said solid-state switch, said mechanical switch having a slower switching speed than said solid-state switch and having a ramp-up period when turned on and a ramp-down period when turned off; and
a control sequence to turn on said solid-state switch during said ramp-up period and said ramp-down period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 8)
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5. A switch for a communication device, comprising:
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an antenna;
a receiver;
a transmitter;
a first switch circuit to connect said antenna to said receiver, said first switch circuit comprising;
a solid-state switch; and
a mechanical switch connected in parallel combination with said solid-state switch;
a second switch circuit to connect said antenna to said transmitter, said second switch circuit comprising;
a solid state switch; and
an array of mechanical switches connected in parallel with said solid state switch. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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9. A method for switching, comprising:
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providing a first switch between two electrical devices;
providing a second switch in parallel with said first switch, said second switch being faster than said first switch, said first switch having a ramp-up period when turned on and a ramp down period when turned off;
turning on said first switch; and
turning on said second switch during said ramp-up period and turning off said second switch after said ramp-up period;
turning off said first switch;
turning on said second switch during said ramp down period and turning off said second switch after said ramp-down period. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification