Formation of signal paths to increase maximum signal-carrying frequency of a fluid-based switch

A switch, comprising:

• a) a channel plate defining at least a portion of a number of cavities;
• b) a switching fluid, held within one or more of the cavities, that is movable between at least first and second switch states in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid;
• c) a plurality of surface contacts;
• d) a plurality of conductive vias, electrically coupled to corresponding ones of the plurality of surface contacts;
• and
• e) a plurality of planar signal conductors extending from corresponding ones of the conductive vias to within the one or more cavities holding the switching fluid, and in wetted contact with the switching fluid;
• wherein a path taken by one of the planar signal conductors comprises a corner, and wherein a tightest corner in a path taken by any of the planar signal conductors is about 135°.

A device, comprising:

• a) a substrate;
• and
• b) a switch, mounted on the substrate and electrically coupled to one or more conductive elements on the substrate, comprising:
• i) a channel plate defining at least a portion of a number of cavities;
• ii) a switching fluid, held within one or more of the cavities, that is movable between at least first and second switch states in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid;
• and
• iii) a plurality of planar signal conductors extending from edges of the switch to within the one or more cavities holding the switching fluid, and in wetted contact with the switching fluid.