Application as a Pneumatic Switch

In this section, we report on the combination of PDMS-based RF electronic devices and pneumatic valves to achieve a pneumatically-switched RF coplanar waveguide. PDMS has stable high frequency dielectric constant and low loss [21], while pneumatic valve technology offers a non-electronic form of control of RF devices eliminating electromagnetic interference and parasitic effects caused by bias lines. The outcomes present opportunities for pneumatically-switched addressable RF devices and elements. These can be utilized to control RF transmission in order to potentially activate or disable RF devices such as antenna and metamaterials [28]. 

This enables a new category of switchable and variable anten-n is cuid metcunatericd curays. 

Having demonstrated the rccdization md characterization of a broadbcmd travelling wave CPW on a PDMS substrate, we C m now explore the elcistomeric properties of this substrate material. To illustrate the utfiity that PDMS offers for RF, we chose to implement a RF switch based on a pneumatically-actuated membrane valve. 

Switching functionality was first tested under direct current (DC) conditions using a multimeter, before proceeding 

I Switch Open (Slai9 -----Switch Closed (Fiisl Cycle) 

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