RF MEMS for Silicon: Find Permittivity, Permeability & Conductivity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the properties of silicon, silicon nitride, and aluminum, specifically focusing on their permittivity, permeability, and conductivity in the context of RF MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems). Participants also inquire about software tools related to RF MEMS design and seek additional information on dielectric materials and RF MEMS components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests sources for the permittivity, permeability, and conductivity of silicon, silicon nitride, and aluminum, and mentions the need for guidance on the electromagnetic module of Intellisuite for RF MEMS switches.
  • Another participant notes that the relative permeability of non-magnetic materials like those mentioned is close to 1.0 and emphasizes that the properties of permittivity, permeability, and conductivity can vary with frequency and microstructure.
  • It is mentioned that the conductivity of silicon is highly dependent on doping and purity, with intrinsic silicon having low conductivity unless modified by doping or temperature changes.
  • A participant expresses gratitude for the detailed response and requests further information on important properties for dielectric materials used in RF MEMS switches.
  • One participant seeks assistance in obtaining a license file for Intellisuite and requests materials for RF MEMS capacitive shunt switches for a project.
  • Another participant introduces a discussion on the thermal conductivity of silicone rubber materials used in industry, highlighting their convenience for cooling components.
  • A question is raised regarding the difference between a MEMS switch and a MEMS filter.
  • A request is made for a program related to RF MEMS filters in MATLAB or C programming languages.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints and requests for information, but there is no consensus on specific values for the properties discussed or on the software-related inquiries. Multiple competing views and questions remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the properties of materials can vary significantly based on factors such as frequency, microstructure, and processing conditions, which may affect the accuracy of the values provided. The discussion also touches on the need for specific software tools and materials for ongoing projects, indicating a practical application focus.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals involved in RF MEMS research, materials science, and those seeking practical guidance on software tools and material properties relevant to RF applications.

ayeshaa
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Hello, can any tell website where i can find Permittivity,Permeability and conductivity(or resistivity) of silicon, silicon nitride and aluminum.thanks
and also if anyone has worked in ELECTROMAGNETIC module of Intellisite (version 8.1)for RF MEMS Switches please do tell me i need some guide line.
 
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The relative permeability of most materials that do not
contain any ferromagnetic atoms is very close to 1.0,
and the RF permeability is generally less than the DC value
for most materials. All of the materials you mentioned are
non-magnetic so the permeability will be about the same
and very close to 1.0 relative.

You say this is for *RF* MEMS; you will find with many
materials that the properties of Permittivity, Permeability,
and Conductivity vary with frequency, as well as with the
particular microstructure of the material.

Therefore values of those parameters specified at a
given frequency may not be as accurate as necessary at
a different frequency of interest. Often one can find the
values for DC, low frequencies in the 10-100kHz or 1MHz
range, then perhaps values taken at 1GHz and perhaps at
optical frequencies.

You may have to interpolate various data tables to estimate
the values at your particular frequencies.

Also for RF frqeuencies especially those in excess of
several hundred MHz, you'll find that parameters such
as the following can effect the conductivity and permittivity
-- the material's crystal / grain structure, porosity, purity,
surface roughness, substrate or overcoat layer effects, et.
al.

Aluminium, speficically, comes in many alloys and those
influence its nanostructure and microwave conductivity
somewhat, though in general the materials used for
high speed IC foundty applications may be expected to
yield relatively smooth metallized layers with relatively
good conductivity. Check various four-point-probe
measurements of various thicknesses of wafer
Aluminization layers for resistivity information beyond
what is available in the tables below if that's relevant to you.

Check the following sources for some parameters:
http://www.memsnet.org/material/
http://webelements.com/
The "CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics".
et. al.
 
P.S. the conductivity for silicon is hugely dependent
on doping and purity, which is why silicon semiconductors
work as circuit elements. Intrinsic undoped very pure
silicon has fairly little conductivity at low to moderate
temperatures. Once you inject some free charge carriers
into it and temperature or excitation or doping lowers the
band-gap then it can be quite conductive. The range of
conductivity is easily thousands to one depending on the
material processing.
 
Thanks a lot Xez for such a detailed reply.It will of gr8 help 2 me.Also if u have any other important info in the field of RF MEMS Switches please do share it with me e.g important properties required for dielectric material to be used in RF MEMS Switches
 
hi can anyone tell me whether it is possible to get the license file alone of intellisuite 8.53 version in net. if so please help me to get that crack file. i got the software from my friend but the license file is expired already.Even it will be good if i get the software for other versions which i can download. Also help me to get some materials for RF MEMS Capacitive Shunt switch since iam doing a project on it.
 
Hi ayeshaa
Hi xez
I hereby give more explanation for the thermal conductivity of silicon rubber material.
commonly the thermal conductive produts that is a combination of silicone rubber (Organic siloxane polymer), thermally conductive stuffing and flame retardants.
Many thermal materials have been used in industy to cool the components for many yease!it's really convenient for us to use this material !
any problem, please feel free to contact me, i am glad to discuss it with you
 
please tell me the difference between a mems switch and a mems filter
 
Can anyone send me a program for rf mems filters in either in MATLAB or c...
 

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