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Engineering RF Dielectric Material to Enable 5G/6G Antenna Devices
April 11, 2022 | Chudy Roosevelt Nwachukwu, ITEQ CorporationEstimated reading time: 1 minute

Introduction
Accurate characterization of frequency-dependent inhomogeneous dielectric material properties is key to the optimal design of high performance and cost-effective PCB antennas. These antennas will be required to enable the plethora of devices forecasted for 5G/6G communication. Therefore IT-88GMW, an advanced resin system reinforced with tightly woven thin glass fibers has been formulated to improve the Q-factor of interconnects and passive components fabricated on PCB laminates.
The electrical and thermomechanical properties of dielectric materials primarily determine the performance of high-speed circuitry fabricated on PCB laminate technology. Therefore, a recommended practice for PCB fabrication is to implement characterization methodologies that provide relevant information about the material's performance in realistic scenarios. Hence, rather than limit characterization to solely obtaining nominal data at particular frequencies by assuming signal propagation in a direction of best performance, the material characteristics should be analyzed in different directions and positions. This gives the designer a clearer idea of how much variation to expect in an actual implementation, in contrast to ideal conditions that are typically assumed to simplify the design cycle.
In selecting a laminate material for a high-speed/frequency antenna design, the composite material properties are critical parameters that will determine if the antenna patches and network of interconnects to be fabricated can meet the loss, timing delay, and impedance match requirements of the application. PCB laminates are typically manufactured in two ways:
- By impregnating and strengthening a woven fiberglass fabric with resin.
- Reinforcing the resin system with non-woven fibers or alternative fillers to control the coefficient of thermal expansion.
In addition to optimal electrical properties, dielectric materials for high speed/frequency applications are engineered to exhibit improved thermal reliability, dimensional stability, and low moisture absorption. The resin matrix at the core of these systems has greatly evolved from standard epoxy to olefin chemistries which exhibit the desired electrical properties of PTFE-like substrates, but also offer ease of processing and low reliability risk.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the March 2022 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
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05/09/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineTrade show season is wrapping up as we head into summer. Where has the time gone? I hope you all get the chance to take a vacation this year, because I know you’ve earned one. Speaking of which, when was my last vacay? If I can’t remember, it’s probably time for one. It’s been a busy week in electronics, with fallout from the back-and-forth on tariffs taking up most of the oxygen in the room. We have quite an assortment of articles and columns for you in this installment of Must-Reads. See you next time.
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New Issue of Design007 Magazine: Are Your Data Packages Less Than Ideal?
05/09/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamWhy is it so difficult to create the ideal data package? Many of these simple errors can be alleviated by paying attention to detail—and knowing what issues to look out for. So, this month, our experts weigh in on the best practices for creating the ideal data package for your design.
RF PCB Design Tips and Tricks
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