Radio frequency (RF) switch comprising an electromagnet formed on a
magnet, a transmission line formed on the electromagnet and having a
ground line and a signal line, and a movable contact connected to either
the ground line or the signal line and capable of electrically coupling
the ground line with the signal line. The transmission line is capable of
propagating a RF signal if the ground line is electrically decoupled from
the signal line. Conversely, the transmission line is incapable of
propagating a RF signal if the ground line is electrically coupled with
the signal line. The electromagnet can comprise an electromagnetic coil,
formed in a layer of dielectric material, electrically coupled to a
current source. Preferably, the movable contact is capable of being
magnetically actuated, and is latchable. The magnet, the electromagnet,
the transmission line, and the movable contact can have dimensions at a
micron order of magnitude. The transmission line can be a coplanar
waveguide. The coplanar waveguide can include a ground plane positioned
between a layer of dielectric material and the electromagnet. The
coplanar waveguide can also include means to electrically couple the
ground plane to the ground line.