- Double side PCB
- Mutilayers PCB
- HDI circuit boards
- Flexible circuits
- Rigid Flex PCB
- High Frequency PCB
- Metal core PCB
- PCB Assembly
- FPC assembly
- Rigid Flex assembly
What is High Frequency PCB ?
High-frequency printed circuit boards (PCBs) play a crucial role in various advanced applications where signals operate at frequencies above 1 GHz. These PCBs have specific requirements and parameters that must be carefully considered during the design process to ensure optimal performance. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind when designing high-frequency PCBs:
Parameters to Consider for High-Frequency PCB Design:
Frequency Range:
High-frequency PCBs typically operate above 1 GHz, with applications in radar systems, military equipment, aerospace, telecommunications, and high-speed digital systems.
Dielectric Constant (Dk):
The dielectric constant of the PCB material affects the propagation speed of signals. Lower Dk values are preferred for high-frequency applications to minimize signal distortion and ensure accurate signal transmission.
Dissipation Factor (Df):
Df represents the loss of signal energy as it travels through the PCB material. Lower Df values are desirable for high-frequency PCBs to reduce signal attenuation and maintain signal integrity.
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE):
CTE is crucial for high-frequency PCBs as it impacts the stability of the board’s dimensions under temperature variations. Low CTE materials help prevent issues like warping or delamination.
Thermal Conductivity:
Efficient heat dissipation is essential for high-frequency PCBs, especially in applications where components generate significant heat. Materials with high thermal conductivity help in heat management and prevent overheating.
Impedance Control:
Maintaining controlled impedance is critical for high-frequency PCBs to ensure signal integrity and minimize reflections. Precise impedance matching is essential for high-speed data transmission.
Signal Integrity:
High-frequency PCB designs must minimize signal reflections, crosstalk, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) to preserve signal quality and reliability.
Design Considerations for High-Frequency PCBs:
Stackup Design:
Optimize the layer stackup to achieve controlled impedance and minimize signal distortion. Consider using multiple ground and power planes for better signal integrity.
Routing and Layout:
Keep signal traces short and direct to reduce signal loss and interference. Use differential pairs for high-speed signals and maintain proper spacing between traces.
Grounding:
Implement a solid ground plane to provide a low-impedance return path for signals and reduce electromagnetic interference.
Component Placement:
Place critical components strategically to minimize signal path lengths and reduce parasitic effects.
Material Selection:
1. Rogers Corporation
Rogers is a leading producer of printed circuit materials for high frequency applications in aerospace, defense, automotive radar and wireless communications. Popular microwave laminates from Rogers include:
- RO3003TM – Glass microfiber filled PTFEsubstrate with low Dk and Df
- RO4350BTM – Woven glass reinforced, ceramic-filled laminate with high dielectric constant
- RT/duroid® 6002– Ceramic filled PTFE material with tight Dk and Df tolerances
- RO4835TM – Glass microfiber filled, ceramically loaded laminate
- TMM® 10i – Woven glass reinforced, ceramic-filled PTFE material
2. Taconic
Taconic manufactures a broad range of RF laminates including:
- TLY-5TM – Low loss thermoset laminate for analog circuits
- TLC-30TM – Low Dk glass microfiber PTFE composite
- RF-35TM – Ceramic filled PTFE material for broadband applications
- RF-60TM – Thin filmceramic filled fluoropolymer laminate
- TacPreg® – Low loss thermoset prepregs available in various Dk
3. Isola
Isola offers high performance copper clad laminates including RF materials:
- IS680– Low Dk glass weave reinforced laminate
- FR408HR– High performance FR-4 with tight dielectric tolerance
- P96 – High thermal reliability FR4 material
- Getek® – Glass microfiber reinforced fluoropolymer substrates
- ISOLA Astra MT77– Composite material for broadband applications
4.Arlon
Arlon specializes in high performance laminates for microwave and thermal management applications:
- CLTE-XT– Low Dk glass reinforced hydrocarbon ceramic laminate
- CLTE-AT– Glass reinforced PTFE composite material
- 55NT– Non-PTFE, thermoset microwave substrate
- 25N – Economical woven glass reinforced laminate
5.Park Electrochemical
Park Electrochemical provides NelsonicTM RF/microwave laminates including:
- N9000-13EP – Tight tolerance woven glass reinforced substrate
- N9000-13SI – Filled ceramic PTFE composite material
- N9120-4 – High frequency laminate with PPS thermoplastic reinforcement