Spinoff story
Radio Relays Improve Wireless Products
A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.
About this technology
Overview
Signal Hill, California-based XCOM Wireless Inc. developed radio frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS) relays with a Phase II SBIR contract through NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. In order to improve satellite communication systems, XCOM produced wireless RF MEMS relays and tunable capacitors that use metal-to-metal contact and have the potential to outperform most semiconductor technologies while using less power. These relays are used in high-frequency test equipment and instrumentation, where increased speed can mean significant cost savings. Applications now also include mainstream wireless applications and greatly improved tactical radios.