MEMS devices having discharge circuits

A radio-frequency module comprising:

• a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components;
• and
• a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) contact switching device implemented on the packaging substrate and including a first electrode as a movable part and a second electrode as a stationary part, the first electrode including a beam having a contact pad and configured to be in a first state in which the contact pad is disengaged from the second electrode or in a second state in which the contact pad is engaged with the second electrode, the electromechanical assembly configured to provide self-activation when a sufficient voltage difference exists between the beam and a gate, the self-activation resulting in the contact pad engaging the second electrode, the MEMS contact switching device further including a discharge circuit having a first spark element associated with the first electrode and a second spark element associated with the second electrode, the first and second spark elements arranged in a non-contacting manner regardless of relative arrangement of the first and second electrodes, and configured such that during a discharge condition, an electrical discharge is directed through the first and second spark elements as an electrical arc instead of being directed through the contact pad.