RF and Microwave PCB Fabrication &
Manufacturing
What is an RF Microwave PCB?
RF and microwave PCBs use signals. These signals are in the megahertz to gigahertz frequency ranges. This means very low frequency to extremely high frequency. People often use these communication signals in cell phones and military radars.
Our engineers have a lot of experience with many materials. These materials are for RF and microwave technology. This helps make sure your orders are ready for manufacturability. They are also done as required.
RF Microwave PCB Design & Fabrication Considerations
Material selection is very important. It depends on performance requirements.
RF microwave PCBs work at special frequencies. You need specific materials for these frequencies.
Usually, the PCB designer talks to the material manufacturer.
First, the materials are chosen. Then, the PCB engineer builds the schematic. This shows the design at the electrical level. It explains the board’s purpose and function
RF Microwave Materials & Applications
People use 10 to 50 materials. They use them for the design and fabrication of RF microwave PCBs. These include different bonding materials. These materials are used in the stackup. We work with the following material manufacturers:
Arlon
Dupont
Hanwha
Evonik
Isola
Megtron
Nelco
Ohmega
Panasonic
Rogers
Sheldahl
Taconic
Tatsuta
ThinFlex
Ticer Technologies
Ventec
Main Applications of RF Microwave PCBs
RF microwave PCBs are commonly used in:
- Consumer electronics
- Military/aerospace
- High power applications
- Medical X-ray equipment
- Automotive systems
- Industrial equipment
Properties of RF Microwave Materials
RF microwave PCBs usually use advanced composite materials. These materials need special properties, such as dielectric constant (Er), loss tangent, and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE).
A low and stable Er helps high frequency signals move through the PCB more smoothly. A low loss tangent helps reduce signal loss. Compared with standard FR-4 PCB materials, RF microwave materials offer better performance for high speed and high frequency circuits.
Different materials can also be used in the same stack-up. This helps balance electrical performance, manufacturing cost, and product reliability.
Materials with low X, Y, and Z CTE can help the PCB stay stable. This is important when the PCB works in high temperature environments. It is also important for circuits working from low frequencies to very high frequencies.
Low CTE materials also help with fine pitch components. In some designs, they can support bare die-attach. They also make it easier to align multiple layers in a complex PCB layout.
For PCB applications used in high humidity environments, material selection is very important. The substrate should have good moisture resistance. In some cases, hermetically-sealed materials may be needed to protect the circuit and keep stable performance.
RF Microwave PCB Capabilities
DFCY provides PCB manufacturing and fabrication services for high frequency applications. We support radio frequency (RF) and microwave PCBs for demanding electronic products.
Our team has experience in PCB layout support, material selection, fabrication, and assembly. We use advanced equipment and controlled production processes to help customers achieve stable performance and reliable quality.
Our RF microwave PCB capabilities include:
- Back drilling
- Controlled depth drilling / milling
- Tighter route tolerances
- High frequency PCB fabrication
- RF and microwave PCB manufacturing
- Support for complex PCB layouts
- Prototype and production support
RF microwave PCBs require careful process control. We focus on material stability, accurate drilling, clean routing, and precise layer alignment to support high speed and high frequency signal performance.
Features
RF microwave PCB materials offer stable electrical and mechanical performance for high frequency circuits.
Main features include:
Fabrication costs: typical to slightly increased
CTEr: +10 / +50 ppm per °C
Er: 2.2 / 10.6
Er remains stable up to 100.0 GHz
Available with ED and RA Cu
Layer-to-layer thickness control: +/- 10% nominal
Why Consider DFCY?
- Custom RF and microwave PCB fabrication
- Fast turnaround for prototype and production needs
- Engineering support for design and manufacturing questions
- Standard PCB fabrication processes handled with controlled production
- Better control of build time and product quality
- DFM support to improve manufacturability
- Cost-driver review before production
Client Testimonials
Need a Quick-Turn Quote for an RF or Microwave PCB?
Our team understands the materials used in RF and microwave stack-ups. This helps us review your project faster and provide a clear manufacturability review.
For every custom RF microwave PCB quote, we carefully check your design files, fabrication drawings, stack-up details, and schematics. Our engineering team uses electronic data and software tools to review the project before production.
After you send us your information, we will evaluate the material requirements, PCB structure, drilling needs, tolerance requirements, and possible cost drivers. Then we will get back to you within 24 hours with a clear quotation or feedback.
Need More Info?
Contact us to discuss your next PCB project.