PCB laminate losses

[MikeN]

Hi

A question

Would the in-circuit losses for RF equipment operating around 1 - 3
GHz be greater if built on 1.6mm or on 0.8mm FR4 laminate.

In particular, on which laminate thickness would a VCO in this range
be easier to get running.

Any explanation for the answers would be helpful.

Thanks

MikeN

 

[Mac]

Hi

A question

Would the in-circuit losses for RF equipment operating around 1 - 3
GHz be greater if built on 1.6mm or on 0.8mm FR4 laminate.

In particular, on which laminate thickness would a VCO in this range
be easier to get running.

Any explanation for the answers would be helpful.

Thanks

MikeN

I don't think the thickness matters a great deal. The RLGC parameters will
be the very close, assuming you tweak the trace width to get the same
characteristic impedance. My reasoning is that the G parameter, in
particular, is a property of the material.

Then again, with the thicker material, your trace will be wider, which
will give you lower losses (smaller R). So maybe go with the thicker
laminate.

I could be wrong.

Mac

 

[Robert Baer]

Hi

A question

Would the in-circuit losses for RF equipment operating around 1 - 3
GHz be greater if built on 1.6mm or on 0.8mm FR4 laminate.

In particular, on which laminate thickness would a VCO in this range
be easier to get running.

Any explanation for the answers would be helpful.

Thanks

MikeN

Try Matsushita's Megtron 5; it has superior temp and leakage
characteristics.
Look at the specs and compare it along with their other products.
Pricing compared to that of FR-4 is very competitive, especially in
light of pricing for teflon or aramid based PC boards.

http://www.mem-or.com