High frequency technology is now used in circuit boards to prevent capacitive effects and view conductor widths. This is required as complex electronic components require fast signal rates, and in turn high transmission frequencies. Satellite systems and base stations for communication are widely used, and this is one of the reasons for the increased demand of high frequency PCBs. Here, the minimum frequency required is 500 MHz; it may go up to 2 GHz. Sierra Assembly being a renowned high frequency PCB manufacturer and assembly services provider, has always been at the forefront when it comes to adopting latest technologies in PCBs. We upgrade ourselves with the changing market needs to meet the constantly evolving requirements of our customers, and high frequency PCBs is one of the major requirements we identified.
Capabilities of High Frequency PCBs at Sierra Assembly
The following capabilities have helped us deliver innovative high frequency PCBs over the years:
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Materials: RO4350B, RO3003, RO4003C, RO3010, RT5880
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Building time: 2 to 5 days
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Board sizes: from 6mm*6mm to 475mm*475mm
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Board thickness: 0.3–5mm
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Number of layers: 3 to 25
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Silkscreen colors: yellow, white, red, green
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Impedance tolerance: ~10%
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Surface finishes: ROHS- Immersion tin, gold, silver
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Copper weight: 0.5–2 pounds
Beneficial Features of High Frequency PCBs
As an experienced manufacturer of PCBs, we offer the best possible combinations and fabricate PCBs using lead-free, ROHS-compliant designs. Customization is a major benefit we offer, while maintaining quality and complying to the required standards. Here are some beneficial features of high frequency PCB
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The use of multilayered PCBs and the right combination of materials enables designers to achieve small size, high functional density, improved signals, and all this at reduced costs. The design of high frequency PCBs is similar to multilayer PCBs and they are made of Rogers, FR4 material or materials such as Teflon, ceramic, and polyimide among others with good dielectric properties are used for substrates. Silicon dioxide is used as a filling material. Depending upon the application, combinations of materials are used to make high frequency PCBs. For instance, if the PCB requires higher frequencies above 10 GHZ then Teflon becomes the best choice of the material.
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All our high frequency PCBs are provided with ground plane, which has become an important requirement in all high speed applications. These help reduce the emissions of electromagnetic waves, as well as retain the quality of signals. Thus, we provide controlled impedance traces that resonate with electrical source, as well as the load. Skin effect and cross talk are two key issues in most high speed or high frequency PCBs. Cross talk occurs when the components on the printed circuit board couple with each other. Thus, in order to avoid it, our engineers take care to minimize the distance between the plane and the trace layer. Skin effect occurs due to the resistance of traces, and it increases the temperature of the board. Hence, we ensure that length and trace width of the board is selected such that they don’t heat the board at high frequencies.
Applications of High Frequency PCBs
The applications of high frequency PCBs are very similar to multilayer PCBs. They are used across industries such as defense, aerospace, medical, telecommunication, and so on, in mission-critical applications, and where uninterrupted communication is of paramount importance. Here are some of the application areas:
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Satellite systems
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Signal transmission systems
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Wearable devices
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Space probe equipment
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Fire alarm systems
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Nuclear detection systems
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Computers
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Cell phone transmitters
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X-ray equipment
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Scanning systems and diagnostic equipment
Sierra Assembly has a market experience of over 30 years and has been manufacturing PCB assemblies for a number of clients from diverse industries. As a high frequency PCB manufacturer, we can assist you with the selection of the material and other technical aspects in case you need high frequency PCBs for your product.
