FDTD modeling of 3D metal-LTCC structures for RF(MM)ICs

Three-dimensional (3D) metal-low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCCs) structures are studied using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. These types of materials have excellent high frequency performances for the design of multi-layer superstrate-substrate for various passive microwave devices. Numerical results are presented to show the effects of LTCC permittivity and loss on the reflection and transmission coefficients of microstrip discontinuities, including air-bridges and spiral inductors.