Although radio frequency and microwave technology have been around for quite some time, many people still do not know it well. This month, I will use my column to explain what the technology is, why use it and use what products. In addition, I will talk about who needs this technology.
From the point of view of PCB manufacturing, RF and microwave technology is a combination of PCB functions (lines), dielectrics and spaces, in order to operate precisely at very short wavelengths and extremely high frequencies. In short, very tightly controlled conductor width, thickness, copper roughness and dielectric layer thickness, can achieve a higher frequency of controlled performance at proper dielectric losses at low loss angles.
Microwave usually refers to the operating frequency between 300MHz and 300GHz. But overall, it is within different frequencies within the analog field of work, it can affect or can react with the general dielectric material. It can be used for all applications, but is usually used for transmission over space.
When developing new products, the emergence of wireless communications and data transmission makes RF and microwave demand growth. So what changed the world to get this growing technology? The answer is that there is no need for a line of free connectivity and interconnection. Wireless went into our life, looked around, the new iPhone, and even had no headphone holes - because they used a wireless headset. Have you ever been to a rock concert? Do you want to know where the wires are They are also wireless. When you want to put your phone connected to your car when the sound is also wireless to help you achieve. Like many other devices, your printer is also wireless. Because of radio frequency and microwave technology, these have become a wireless. Bluetooth? This is just another name for the wireless. do you understand? This is why the technology will have such a big demand. And we are only in the initial stage.
So you will ask, "What is the future of this technology if we are just getting started, and where is it tomorrow?" I am not an industry expert who predicts future trends, but in general, We can be assured that, whether it is point to point or system integration, its future will achieve more advanced connectivity. This will require technology and infrastructure to support this. Some teams are interested in extending the use of RF and medium waves into intelligent heating and process solutions, and I have discussed them with them. Which uses a relatively simple technique that only works at a fixed frequency or frequency band and varies frequency or phase according to material intelligence. This is a very interesting concept.
It should also be noted that there are two similar but have different technologies in the development of radio frequency and microwave frequency applications and digital fields unique to high-speed data transmission. With the advent of extremely high data rates independent of frequency, it has created a number of similar requirements in terms of dielectric loss, uniformity, conductor shape and impedance in the analog and digital fields. And when the two relate to other aspects. In the case of only a few key attributes, becoming one of the experts helps to increase production capacity in another product.
When designing and manufacturing RF and microwave circuit boards, we need to consider a few things. I feel like I often say that it should be quick to break the record, but the use of your manufacturer's application of engineering resources is very critical, and the sooner the better, and as much as possible to ask questions. Learn to ask him for trouble or more about the problem and what is the higher risk. Sometimes this may be a combination of certain techniques in the same design. There may be many reasons for this result, but they will reduce the yield and performance, as well as increase the final cost.
In the production of RF and microwave circuit boards, you first need to fully understand this application. Therefore, it is important to communicate directly with the design engineer in the conceptual phase. Designers at the board level continue with this work to fully understand all the key aspects that may have a significant impact on various performance standards that are important to the functionality of the product. In short, it is clear what we can do to ensure the implementation of functional design parameters. The above process can be quite complex when considering various aspects that affect circuit performance: for example, line width, height, position and relative position, circuit roughness, surface treatment, surface treatment thickness, via plating thickness, via size, Plating or surface treatment of the surface roughness. In addition, there is a significant difference between common laminates and those used to produce RF and microwave, and the biggest difference is the lack of stability or reaction at higher frequencies. If a substance reacts at a higher frequency, it will absorb or distort the signal at a closer distance.
I will mention the relationship again to end the conversation, or the repeated relationship between the manufacturer and the customer - especially the relationship between the designer and the manufacturer. In order to create a good radio and microwave products, manufacturers must use a complete and thorough understanding of the use of the product, this is critical.
Author John Bushie is ASC's application engineering manager and is also a process engineering specialist.
