Piezoelectrically actuated high-speed microwave switch

A microwave switch for selectively connecting a first selection terminal and a second selection terminal to a common terminal, comprising:

• a first stationary selection contact and a second stationary selection contact which respectively constitute the first and second selection terminals;
• a stationary common contact constituting the common terminal which is located between said first and second stationary selection contacts;
• a first movable center conductor and a second movable center conductor located respectively between said common contact and said first selection contact and between said common contact and said second selection contact for shorting the stationary common contact and one of the first and second selection contacts;
• a first movable rod and a second movable rod for carrying respectively said first and second center conductors;
• an electroexpansive element which is variable in length responsive to a voltage applied from the outside;
• a first lever and a second lever, each having a first and a second end, and being connected said electroexpansive element at said first end for magnifying a displacement of said electroexpansive element;
• a first flexible member and a second flexible member mounted respectively on said second ends of the first and second levers in parallel to and opposing each other with the end of one flexible member adjacent the end of the other flexible member;
• a connecting member for connecting said adjacent ends of said first and second flexible members and being displaceable in a rotational motion responsive to a displacement of the flexible members;
• and
• a moveable rod driving member for moving the first and second movable rods in opposite directions to each other responsive to the rotational motion of said connecting member.