Modeling and optimization of RF-MEMS reconfigurable tuners with computational efficient time-domain techniques

Abstract — Modern RF-MEMS device design is difficult due to the lack of tools capable of simulating highly integrated structures. This paper presents methods in which the FDTD technique can be used to model a reconfigurable RF-MEMS tuner. A new method of modeling a conductor intersecting a cell is presented. In addition, code parallelization and variable gridding are used to simulate the tuner and decrease execution time by two orders of magnitude. Results of simulation and measurement for the tuner are presented. I