High - frequency circuits usually have high integration and high wiring density. Using multi - layer printed circuit boards (PCBs) is a necessary and effective way to reduce interference. During the PCB layout stage, choosing a PCB with appropriate size and number of layers can make full use of the middle layers to set barriers, achieve better nearby grounding, effectively reduce parasitic inductance, shorten signal transmission distances, and greatly reduce signal crosstalk. All these measures are beneficial to improving the reliability of high - frequency circuits. 

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This article will introduce high - frequency PCBs in detail. If you are interested in the knowledge of high - frequency PCBs, please read the following content. 

What are the characteristics of high - frequency PCBs?

• We are familiar with the term "PCB". It stands for Printed Circuit Board. PCBs use conductive tracks and paths to make electrical connections between different components on the board.

• Copper is used to provide conductive paths on the circuit board, which is laminated on a substrate material mainly made of epoxy resin.

• Signal communication is crucial in electronic projects, especially for WiFi and satellite systems.

• High - frequency circuit boards are needed when signal communication between two objects is required.

• A high - frequency PCB is a type of PCB used for signal transmission. It is widely used in various applications such as mobile, microwave, radio frequency (RF), and high - speed designs.

• High - frequency boards are equipped with high - frequency laminates. They are difficult to manufacture because they need to maintain heat transfer for the application, considering the sensitivity of signals.

• Special materials are required to achieve the high frequencies that high - frequency PCBs demand.

What are the requirements of choosing high frequency PCB material?

To achieve the high frequencies provided by this type of printed circuit board, special materials are needed. Any change in the Er value of these materials will affect the impedance of the circuit board. Many PCB designers choose Rogers dielectric materials because they have lower dielectric loss, lower signal loss, lower circuit manufacturing costs, and are more suitable for rapid - turnaround prototype design applications.

In addition to choosing the right PCB material and determining the correct equivalent resistance (Er) value, designers should also consider parameters such as conductor width, spacing, and substrate constant. These parameters must be precisely specified and achieved through the highest level of process control.

High - frequency boards, such as those used in wireless applications and for data rates above GHz, have special requirements for the materials used:

• Appropriate dielectric constant

• Low attenuation for efficient signal transmission

• Homogeneous structure with small tolerances in insulation layer thickness and dielectric constant

For many applications, FR4 materials with proper lamination are sufficient. Besides, we also process high - frequency materials with better dielectric properties. These materials have extremely low loss factors and dielectric constants and are mainly unaffected by temperature and frequency.

What are the properties of high frequency PCB?

High - frequency PCBs have many properties. Understanding these properties can help you better understand these PCBs. These printed circuit boards are called high - frequency PCBs because of these properties. Let's take a look at the properties of these PCBs.

• Loss factor: High - frequency PCBs have a low loss factor, ranging from 0.0019 to 0.025. This value helps ensure that the signal transmission rate is not affected. A low loss factor also improves signal transmission. A lower loss factor helps minimize signal loss.

• Low and stable dielectric constant: High - frequency PCBs have a low and stable dielectric constant. This helps ensure frequency transmission and also reduces signal delay. A lower dielectric constant can increase the frequency transmission rate.

• Chemical resistance: High - frequency PCBs can resist chemicals. These boards remain stable when exposed to chemical erosion. Because of this property, these boards are not easily corroded.

What are the applications of high frequency PCB?

High frequency PCB’s are used in the following applications:

·  Automotive Radar Systems

·  Global Positioning Satellite Antennas

·  Cellular Telecommunications Systems – Power Amplifiers and Antennas

·  Direct Broadcast Satellites

·  E-band Point to Point Microwave Links

·  RF Identification (RFID) Tags

·  Airborne and Ground Based Radar Systems

·  Millimeter Wave Applications

·  Missile Guidance Systems

·  Space Satellite Transceivers