Published
by Rogers Corporation
Advanced Electronics Solutions
In the dynamic realm of radio frequency (RF) engineering, the transition from academic knowledge to practical application is a pivotal journey that shapes the proficiency of professionals. Rogers RF Solutions created a series of six videos to help RF designers adapt education to real-world application expertise. The videos are an extension of the Coonrod’s Corner video series hosted by industry expert and Rogers’ Technical Marketing Manager, John Coonrod.
This is a simple overview of how Printed Circuit Boards are manufactured. It starts with a basic circuit fabrication process for a two-copper-layer circuit and then builds on those concepts for multilayer PCB constructions.
This video fills a crucial knowledge gap by addressing the often-overlooked aspects of PCB design and manufacturing in the context of RF engineering. While RF concepts are commonly taught, PCB design's impact on RF performance remains underestimated. This video sheds light on this issue, emphasizing the lack of knowledge in the RF community about PCB design and its manufacturing implications. The video provides insightful examples illustrating how poor PCB design and manufacturing can detrimentally affect various RF structures, highlighting specific concerns about certain RF structures.
This video offers a concise overview of choosing high frequency circuit materials for RF applications using PCB technology. The video explains fundamental concepts like the relationship between circuit material thickness and operating frequency, as well as the impact of dielectric constant (Dk) on wavelength and thickness. It emphasizes the significance of appropriate material selection to avoid unwanted resonances, highlighting exceptions through RF structures that can mitigate such issues by suppressing resonances and wave propagation modes.
This video explores the foundational aspects of RF power amplifier design. It outlines the operational basics of a widely used RF power amplifier design, followed by a comprehensive analysis of critical points within the amplifier where typical variations in PCB manufacturing can adversely impact RF performance. The video explains the complexities of circuit material properties, offering a detailed overview of various PCB materials frequently employed in RF power amplifier applications, along with their specific relevance. Moreover, the video illustrates the influence of additives like soldermask and plated finish on RF power amplifier performance, highlighting their role in shaping the final outcome.
This video comprehensively examines the fundamental aspects involved in creating efficient microstrip patch antennas. The video begins by explaining the foundational concepts supporting microstrip patch antenna design. Subsequently, it presents a list of commonly used circuit materials for PCB-based patch antenna applications, delving into the critical properties of these materials and their influence on achieving optimal antenna performance. The video shows how distinct circuit material properties can lead to different antenna performance outcomes through examples. Furthermore, the discussion extends to the impact of typical manufacturing variations on antenna performance, focusing on the pronounced effects these variations have on millimeter-wave frequencies compared to microwave frequencies.
This video delves into the impact of prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures on RF performance, focusing on PCB circuit materials. With a diverse range of materials used in RF applications, including thermoset and thermoplastic options, the video outlines their distinct attributes and limitations. Thermoset materials, often utilized in PCBs, can experience varying degrees of RF performance alteration over extended periods at elevated temperatures. The video delves into the complexities of these changes, emphasizing that the extent of RF performance shifts depends on material formulation. The video explains how evaluating thermoset materials under different conditions, either as standalone materials or in circuit form, produces varying aging effects, highlighting the nuances of each scenario.
The eBook that accompanies the video series delves deeper into various challenges and recommended approaches in designing and producing PCBs tailored for RF applications. Download your copy from Microwave Journal.
Rogers’ Technology Support Hub offers valuable tools for customers, including various resources for technical expertise and engineering support. Create a free account and join the Technology Support Hub to access presentations, videos, and literature.
Published on Mar 01, 2024
