About

Manufacturing of single and multi-layer PCBs for RF components and RF circuits

Description

This manufacturing suite consists of a PCB plotter, a via copper plating machine, and a PCB press that enable the fabrication of complex radio-frequency (RF) multilayer PCB designs. It facilitates manufacturing of multilayer circuits/components having multiple dielectric and metallic layers, through hole via holes and cavities.  

Technical specifications:

PCB plotter 

Maximum PCB size: 228.6 mm x 304.8 mm 

Min./Max. through-hole vias diameter = 0.15 mm/ 3 mm 

Min. gap between tracks = 0.15 mm 

 

Through-hole via copper platter 

Via copper thickness (typ.) = 3-4 µm 

 

Multi-layer PCB press 

Max. multi-layer PCB stack up thickness= 4.65 mm 

Number of layers: 2-8 depending on thickness 

Case study:

The multilayer PCB manufacturing facility allowed the implementation of a 2-core proof-of-concept sub-6 GHz radiofrequency (RF) front end prototype for 5G applications. The design included a complex integration including surface-mounted transistors and inductors, in addition to distributedelement and substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) devices such as passive bandpass filters, power splitters, and transmission lines. 

Optional:

Paper(s)/presentation(s): 10.1109/TCSI.2024.3419583. 

Typical Application/Project: RF front-ends for multiple communication standards (i.e. 5G FR1, FR2 and FR3, Satellite, mmWave, etc.) 

Access Provider / Facilities

Tyndall