Phase-Change RF Devices for Future Communications: Phase-Change Materials and Devices for Reconfigurable RF Front-Ends: State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives

Miniature, reliable, and high-performance RF switches are needed to configure antennas, matching networks, phase shifters, filters, and multiband amplifiers in RF front-end modules. RF switches are therefore the fundamental building blocks for realizing reconfigurable front ends in wireless and satellite communication systems. The ability to integrate phase-change switches monolithically/heterogeneously with various other technologies without any need for special packaging makes pulse-code modulation (PCM) technology affordable and attractive for implementation of reconfigurable RF components for wireless communication systems. This article highlights state-of-the-art phase-change RF switches and various monolithically integrated reconfigurable devices for future communications.