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RF & Microwave PCBs

High-Frequency RF & Microwave PCBs for Precision Applications

PCBs designed for RF (Radio Frequency) and microwave applications are engineered to manage exceptionally high-frequency signals, spanning from megahertz (MHz) to gigahertz (GHz). These specialised circuits require advanced design techniques to reduce signal degradation, interference, and distortion when operating at such elevated frequencies.

RF & Microwave for Automotive

Advanced Materials for High-Performance PCBs

Standard FR4 materials are inadequate for frequencies beyond 1 GHz due to their greater losses and inconsistent dielectric properties. High-frequency PCBs demand unique materials to ensure optimal performance. At our sister company, we produce high-performance RF and microwave PCBs, either locally in the UK or through trusted manufacturing partners in Asia. Our expertise serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, defence, and telecommunications. Each PCB is meticulously crafted to meet the rigorous demands of high-frequency environments, ensuring exceptional reliability and performance, even in challenging conditions.

Industry Applications
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Medical

RF/microwave PCBs are integral to advanced medical imaging technologies, such as MRI scanners, which operate at frequencies like 123 MHz for proton imaging.

Consumer Electronics

Everyday wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth devices, smartphones, and Wi-Fi routers, rely on RF PCBs to deliver consistent and reliable signal transmission.

Radar Systems

RF PCBs are critical to radar technology in various fields:

  • Automotive: Supporting 77 GHz radar for ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
  • Military: Enhancing object detection and tracking capabilities.
  • Aerospace: Enabling secure and long-range satellite and aircraft communication.
  • Telecommunications: Telecom networks depend on RF PCBs for transmitting and receiving high-frequency signals in antennas, base stations, and RF amplifiers.

Satellite Communication

High-frequency PCBs play a crucial role in satellite systems, supporting Ku-band (12-18 GHz) operations while minimising signal loss during processing.

RF and Microwave for Medical ImagingRF and Microwave for Radar
Materials for RF & Microwave PCBs
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Specialised materials like Rogers, PTFE (Teflon), and ceramics are essential for manufacturing RF and microwave PCBs. These materials are carefully chosen for their ability to maintain signal integrity under demanding conditions.

With its high temperature and a very low CTE makes AlN suitable for a variety of applications including Semiconductors, High power LEDs, testing and sensors.

Key material properties include:

  • Stable Dielectric Constant (Dk): Promotes consistent signal propagation.
  • Low Loss Tangent: Minimises power loss and reduces signal attenuation, particularly in applications exceeding 5 GHz.
  • Ceramic Substrates: Offer superior thermal stability and minimal signal loss, ideal for critical applications.
We work with renowned suppliers, such as Rogers, Arlon, Nelco, Taconic, Ventec, and Isola, to provide materials tailored to your project's unique requirements.

Design and Manufacturing Challenges
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Producing RF and microwave PCBs requires precision to ensure high-frequency signal integrity.

Key considerations include:

  • Layer Stackup Design: Multi-layer configurations and integrated ground planes minimise EMI and isolate high-frequency signals.
  • Thermal Management: Effective heat dissipation techniques ensure reliable performance during operation.
  • Impedance Control: Precision in trace width and spacing is critical for maintaining consistent impedance and minimising signal loss.
  • Tight Manufacturing Tolerances: Our advanced production processes ensure high accuracy and reliability for complex designs.
  • Cost Management: The use of specialised materials and manufacturing techniques can increase costs, but we provide expert guidance to deliver value without compromising quality.

By combining technical expertise, premium materials, and cutting-edge manufacturing, we deliver RF and microwave PCBs that excel in performance, reliability, and durability.

RF Microwave Capabilities

Feature Specification
Layers 2 - 50
Key features Controlled impedance, low loss materials, miniaturisation
Laminates Rogers, Arlon, Neclo, Taconic, Ventec and Isola, PPO, Teflon, Ceramic filled
Dielectric thickness 0.1mm - 3.0mm
Profiling Routing, v-score
Minimum track and gaps 0.075mm / 0.075mm (+/- 10% as per IPC)
Maxmimum dimensions 700mm x 600mm
Material thickness 0.4mm - 5.4mm
Surface finishes HASL (Lead-free), OSP, ENIG, ENIPIG, Immersion tin, Immersion silver
Minimum laser drill 0.10mm standard, advanced NPTH ±0.05MM PTH:±0.075MM
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