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Selecting a high-frequency PCB laminate from the many commercially available choices may sometimes seem like an impossible task. But it can be simplified by sorting materials by their key parameters, such as dielectric constant, dissipation factor, thermal conductivity, and CTE, and using those parameters to help match a material to an application. Of course, this also assumes confidence in the values of those key parameters as published by different materials suppliers, and such confidence comes from an understanding of the measurement methods used to determine the values of those key parameters.

Selecting a PCB laminate for a high-frequency application is like picking a foundation for a new building: the strength of the whole project relies on the right choice. The previous blog introduced a strategy to help simplify the PCB laminate selection process, by relating the requirements of an application to laminate specifications. Each RF/microwave application is unique, with its own requirements. But at least one laminate will usually offer the right set of specifications to best meet those requirements.

Previous blogs examined some of the key material parameters pertaining to high-frequency laminates, such as dielectric constant, thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and even flexibility when used in conformal circuits. But how does an engineer combine all this information about a material’s electrical and mechanical properties when trying to choose the perfect substrate for a particular application? It can be a complex process, but it may be possible to simplify that process.

Bending and forming RF/microwave printed-circuit boards (PCBs) around a curved shape are sometimes part of the design process, such as when fabricating conformal antennas. While this may not be commonplace, for those times that it is necessary, it is important to know several things about the high-frequency PCB material for the project. This includes the correct type of material to use, by how much the material can be flexed without damage, and what types of mechanical and electrical effects are to be expected by bending and forming an RF/microwave PCB. Quite simply, picking the wrong PCB material for bending and forming applications can result in mechanical cracks and damage to the circuit board.