There are many aspects of RF and microwave design that differ from low-speed analog and digital PCB design.
Of these aspects the ones that are most interesting to the discussion of milled prototypes will be discussed here.
While those creating digital or analog PCBs can use one of the pointed milling tools to create an isolation path
around a circuit; the RF and microwave engineer finds this undesirable for two reasons:
- RF and microwave designs need a nearly perpendicular edge wall to ensure efficient coupling of RF energy between circuit components; and,
- RF and microwave designs need a minimum of dielectric to be removed and expect a nearly contact amount of dielectric around the circuit.
When prototyping RF and microwave circuits with a milling system the user can avoid both of these potential problems by using carbide end mills.
The end mill cuts the conductive material with nearly perpendicular walls; additionally, the flat cut removes a consistent amount of dielectric
across the board area. Quick Circuit users can typically limit the loss of dielectric on one ounce board material to .0001" +/- (~2.5 micron).
For more information check our Ron's Tech Tips in a recent newsletter.
Other advantages of using a Quick Circuit for prototyping RF and microwave circuitry is that in addition to using standard
FR4, it can work with a wide variety of materials such as those from:
- Arlon (www.arlon-med.com)
- Rogers (http://www.rogerscorporation.com/acm/)
- Taconic (http://www.taconic-add.com/en--index.php)
If your company offers high-frequency circuit board laminates and wishes to be listed here please contact T-Tech's marketing department.
Carbide End Mills
FR4
Ron's Tech Tips
Quick Circuit
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