Characterization of Low Loss Dielectric Materials for High-Speed and High-Frequency Applications

In this study, the Df (dissipation factor) and Dk (dielectric constant) of the low loss dielectric material from three different Vendors are characterized by the Fabry-Perot open resonator (FPOR). Emphasis is placed on the sample preparation, data collection, and the comparison with the data sheet values provided from Vendors. A coplanar waveguide with ground (CPWG) test vehicle with one of these Vendors is being designed (through Polar and simulation) and fabricated. The impedance of the test vehicle is measured by TDR (time-domain reflectometer) and the effective Dk of the test vehicle is calculated by the real cross section of the test vehicle and a closed-form equation. In parallel, the insertion loss and return loss are measured with the VNA (vector network analyzer) of the test vehicle. Finally, the measurement and simulation results are correlated. Some recommendations on the low loss dielectric materials of the Df and Dk are also provided.