Spietz, L.
, Sirois, A.
, Flowers-Jacobs, N.
, Hopkins, P.
, Benz, S.
and Waltman, S.
(2025),
MEMSDuino: An Arduino-Based MEMS Switch Controller, Technical Note (NIST TN), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.TN.2335, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=959065
(Accessed May 14, 2025)
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MEMSDuino: An Arduino-Based MEMS Switch Controller
Published
Author(s)
, , , , , Steve Waltman
Abstract
Radio frequency cryogenic switches are a critical enabling technology for quantum information science, both for calibration and high throughput testing of samples. Traditionally solenoid-based switches have been used, but transition is being made to MEMS-based switches due to their lower power dissipation, smaller size, and the tendency of solenoid switches to produce current pulses which destroy expensive cryogenic amplifiers. These MEMS switches require a 90-volt signal to be applied to the control lines which determine the state of the switches. Switches exist which have built in CMOS-based control electronics to drive the 90 V, but these do not work at the cryogenic temperatures used in quantum information science. The instrument presented here is a 19-inch rack-mount controller for a cryogenic MEMS switch network which allows a human operator to see the state of the switch via a row of clearly marked indicator lights, and to change the state manually via buttons on an LED-based indicator board or automatically via Python-based serial port commands. The design can also be modified for to control other switches that require either a large voltage or current to switch.Citation
Technical Note (NIST TN) - 2335
Report Number
2335
NIST Pub Series
Pub Type
NIST Pubs
Keywords
Arduino, MEMS, RF, Quantum, controller, cryogenic, microwave
Citation
Issues
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Created May 1, 2025