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RF/Microwave PCB

RF Microwave PCB

What is a RF & Microwave PCB?

The definition of RF and microwave PCBs is that they contain components that carry RF or microwave signals. These signals vary in frequency from, 50MHz to above 2 GHz, and these frequencies define the differences in components between RF and microwave PCBs and other PCB types.

These applications typically require laminates with specialized electrical, thermal, mechanical, or other performance characteristics that exceed those of traditional standard FR-4 materials. With our many years of experience with PTFE-based microwave laminate, we understand the high reliability and tight tolerance requirements of most applications.

There is a specific grouping RF & microwave PCBs that incorporate both FR-4 and PTFE or other materials together in the same stack up that are called Hybrid PCBs. You can get more information on these hybrid designs and our unique capabilities around these high technology PCBs.

Microwave PCB and RF Circuits–Common Problems and Solutions

RF circuit boards, and Microwave PCBs, are especially difficult to design compared to traditional PCB layouts. This is due to the problems that could arise in receiving or transmitting the radio signals. Some of the main problems are noise sensitivity, and tighter impedance tolerances

Compared to traditional circuit boards, radio and microwave signals are very sensitive to noise and also require much tighter impedance tolerances. The best solution for these problems is to utilize ground plans and use a generous bend radius on impedance controlled traces. These solutions will ultimately allow the RF/Microwave PCB to achieve the best performance.

RF Board Applications

RF boards have a multitude of different applications, including wireless technologies, smart phones, sensors, robotics and security. With the advent of new technologies that are pushing the limits of electronics, the demand for RF boards is on the rise.

Finding a capable RF PCB manufacturer is critical to make sure the boards are fabricated to high quality standards and on-time. Our reputation speaks for itself. We pride ourselves on bringing the most demanding layout concepts to reality.

Design & Manufacturing Considerations for RF Circuits

RF circuits are complex. In fact, it has been dubbed “black magic” - a phrase uttered in hushed voices around watercoolers by veteran engineers.

Manufacturing RF PCBs is certainly challenging, but there’s nothing magical about it.

Below are several key factors that engineers must consider when approaching an RF manufacturing project.

  1. Some constants, such as the dielectric constant, can be treated as a single value in non-RF applications, but they become more dynamic at the powerful frequency ranges of RF.
  2. Managing heat within the board to ensure it survives the considerable thermal stresses of PCB assembly is vital. At the drill stage, the thermal properties of the material will play a critical role in layer-to-layer alignment of multilayer stacks.
  3. The spacing of the features will play an important role as well, since RF boards are prone to interacting with adjacent features in unexpected ways.
  4. Choosing the proper materials based on the target application and budget is critical, since most of the remaining challenges will stem as a consequence of this choice.