Transceiver front-end architectures using vibrating micromechanical signal processors

Transceiver architectures are proposed that best harness the tiny size, zero DC power dissipation, and ultra-high-Q of vibrating micromechanical resonator circuits. Among the more aggressive architectures proposed are one based on a micromechanical RF channel-selector and one featuring an all-MEMS RF front-end. These architectures maximize performance gains by using highly selective, low-loss micromechanical circuits on a massive scale, taking full advantage of Q versus power trade-offs. Micromechanical filters, mixer-filters, and switchable synthesizers are identified as key blocks capable of substantial power savings when used in the aforementioned architectures. As a result of this architectural exercise, more focused directions for further research and development in RF MEMS are identified.