MEMS-based reconfigurable RF front-end architecture for future band-free mobile terminals

A novel reconfigurable RF front-end architecture for future band-free mobile terminals is proposed. A single-path configuration and the use of single-band devices with distributed reconfigurable matching networks have the potential to achieve the optimum RF front-end for the transmission side. As the first step in verifying the proposed architecture, a reconfigurable quad-band power amplifier (PA) module is also presented. The 1W-class PA module using microelectromechanical systems switches and low temperature co-fired ceramic technology achieves the maximum power added efficiency of greater than 44% in the 0.9, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.6-GHz bands.