RF PCBs or Radio Frequency PCBs and Microwave PCBs represent a fast-growing sector of the circuit board manufacturing industry, replete with exciting innovations and developments. RF and Microwave PCBs are incredibly complex circuit boards with a dizzying array of options for various technologies and electronic devices. RF and Microwave PCBs have signals that operate with Megahertz and Gigahertz frequency ranges—any high-frequency PCB that operates above 100MHz is an RF circuit board, and anything above 2GHz is considered a Microwave PCB.
What are the main differences between RF and Microwave PCBs, and why are they used interchangeably? While the main difference between these boards is the radio frequency in which they operate, RF and Microwave circuit boards are both used in applications that require transmitting and receiving radio signals. Common applications can range from common smartphones to military radar installations.
RF microwave PCBs are designed to operate at particular frequencies, requiring certain circuit board materials, designations, and schematics. Below we discuss why these circuit boards are so important and their impact on high-frequency applications.
These types of circuit boards are used when dealing with signal frequencies in the RF and Microwave range. They differ from other PCBs through the use of special materials that help propagate signal frequencies. Candor uses Rogers, Arlon, Teflon, and GETEK materials depending on the customers requests. We also work with hybrid materials as well.
Typically, someone would use an RF/Microwave boards if you are working with signal frequencies in the RF (radio frequency) and microwave range. These terms are used to explain the number of oscillation of an electromagnet radiation. Microwaves have a broader application use like in high-bandwidth data transmission systems.
A microwave PCB are different than standard circuit boards based on the type of material. Special material is used to broadcast signal frequencies. Typically that materials we would use is Arlon, GETEK, Teflon and Rogers, depending on what you request. We also have the ability to work with hybrid materials if needed.
With a microwave circuit board, uniform signal propagation is essential when you are working with RF and microwave frequencies. That is why we use a specific panel plating process. The result is a uniform plating across all boards.
On top of that, we use our continuous foil lamination press to help even the signal distribution. Compared to a conventional lamination press in which heated, thick steel plates are used, our press uses a continuous roll of foil. The foil is in between manufacturing panels that act as a heater right on to the panels. This helps achieve a smooth and consistent dielectric layer with your microwave PCB.
And last but not least, we use a cupric chloride etching system, compared to the ammonia based etchant conventional board shops use. Cupric etching leads to extremely consistent fine line etching, regardless of density of lines with no inverted pyramid. This allows for consistent etching from panel to panel, and batch to batch. With high frequency applications, you can have piece of mind and less testing time to make sure your boards are the correct impedance.
So if you are in need of a printed circuit board that needs to work with RF and microwave frequencies, then a Candor RF/Microwave board will be what you need. Request a quote today and get your microwave circuit board ready in no time.
To get a smooth and consistent dielectric layer Candor uses continuous foil lamination with induction heating to achieve uniform heating. This gives a consistent dielectric layer thickness, allowing for uniform signal propagation.
Candor uses a panel plating process that gives uniform plating across all boards which is needed for uniform signal propagation, an important feature when dealing with radio and microwave frequencies.
| Consumer Electronics | Military/Aerospace | High Power Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphones | Radar Systems | Amplifiers |
| Tablets | Satellite Communications | High-Power Transmitters |
| Wireless Systems | Defense Systems | |
| Video Game Consoles | ||
| Handheld Devices |
| Medical Devices | Automotive | Industrial |
|---|---|---|
| X-Ray Machines | Navigation Systems | Robotics |
| Communication Systems | Industrial Automation |
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While the skilled manufacturers at Candor can create any PCB you need as per your specifications, it’s a good idea to become acquainted with the benefits of RF and Microwave PCBs so that you know what kind of perks and innovations these circuit boards can bring to different PCB products and technologies.
Benefits of using RF/Microwave PCBs include:
There are a few factors that should be considered when choosing materials for RF/Microwave PCBs, including:
RF and Microwave PCBs differ from standard PCBs in several ways, namely in the operation of wireless technology. Robotics, smartphones, sensors, and security applications require the high-frequency transmission capabilities of RF Microwave PCBs.
As technology advances and consumer demands change, new designs and products enter the market. This new electronic revolution is backed by the PCBs that bring these devices into existence, and finding a suitable PCB is one of the most important factors for any company when designing a new product. The right PCB improves the capabilities and longevity of a device.
This task can be daunting, as finding the perfect RF Microwave PCB is based on choosing suitable materials and coming up with the right schematic. Project developers are interested in stability, integrity, cost, and ease of production. When choosing the right PCB for a product, you must consider current and voltage requirements, operating frequency, operating temperature range, and more. RF Microwave PCBs have unique frequency capabilities between 100 MHz and 2 GHz that make them more suitable for specific wireless devices as compared to conventional PCBs.
With a microwave circuit board, uniform signal propagation is essential when you are working with RF and microwave frequencies. That is why we use a specific panel plating process which results in a uniform plating across all boards.
On top of that, we use our continuous foil lamination press to help even the signal distribution. Compared to a conventional lamination press in which heated, thick steel plates are used, our press uses a continuous roll of foil. The foil is in between manufacturing panels that act as a heater right onto the panels. This helps achieve a smooth and consistent dielectric layer with your microwave PCB.
And last but not least, we use a cupric chloride etching system, compared to the ammonia-based etchant conventional board shops use. Cupric etching leads to extremely consistent fine line etching, regardless of the density of lines with no inverted pyramid. This allows for consistent etching from panel to panel and batch to batch. With high-frequency applications, you can have peace of mind and less testing time to make sure your boards are the correct impedance.
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