Microwave properties of low temperature co-fired ceramics for satellite communications and ultra-wideband technologies

This paper presents methods and results of accurate dielectric property measurements of the widely used DuPont DP-943 and DP-951 low temperature co-fired ceramic material systems. The relative dielectric permittivity and loss tangent for both substrate materials is evaluated over a frequency range from 5 to 65 GHz. From 15 GHz up to 65 GHz the dielectric permittivity remains nearly constant at ≈7.55 for both, DP-951 and DP-943. The influence of different sintering parameters on the dielectric attributes is also evaluated. Using the results of this parameter study, shorter design cycles of microwave and millimetre-wave circuits can be achieved.