This thesis presents the design, fabrication, testing, and performance analysis of micromechanical resonant switches, or "resoswitches," as an innovative alternative to traditional transistor-based components in ultra-low-power wireless communication systems. By harnessing mechanical resonance, resoswitches introduce a novel paradigm for energy efficient receivers with promising applications in remote sensing, RFID, environmental monitoring, and other domains where power conservation is crucial. Unlike conventional electronic components, resoswitches consume no standby power, allowing for continuous “listening” without the power-intensive sleep-wake cycling typically required in traditional receivers.
A central contribution of this work is the development of a bit rate-adapting resoswitch, capable of adjusting to varying input bit rates by utilizing stored resonant energy, which enhances its adaptability in low-power communication channels. By leveraging resonance energy during non-driven intervals, the resoswitch efficiently supports a broader range of data rates, demonstrating stable communication up to 8 kbit/s, even under limited power and bandwidth conditions. This adaptability unveils the potential of resoswitches for reliable communication in energy-sensitive applications.
Another major focus is the integration of ferrite-rod antennas to drive wireless communication in resoswitch-based receivers, addressing key challenges such as impedance matching, frequency tuning, and bandwidth limitations of antenna-receiver systems. Experimental results confirm the feasibility of resoswitches in achieving low-bit-rate wireless data reception despite high impedance mismatches and frequency constraints, enabling successful signal demodulation over short ranges.
Additionally, this work introduces a push-pull resoswitch communication receiver, which enhances bit rate adaptability and eliminates frequency instability to improve data transmission reliability in low-power communication environments. The findings of this research underscore both the advantages and current limitations of resoswitch technology when compared to high-speed electronic components. While current resoswitches cannot yet achieve the high data rates typical of transistor-based devices, their energy efficiency and passive operation offer significant benefits in applications where power savings are paramount. This work establishes a foundational understanding of resoswitch performance, paving the way for further advancements in areas like antenna optimization, impedance matching, and innovative resoswitch designs optimized for robust, long-range, and scalable wireless applications in energy-constrained environments.