RF/Microwave: Basics, Materials and Processing

In recent years, the demands for high frequency systems and products have been growing at a rapid pace. Coupled with the continuing development of monolithic integrated circuits (MMICs), is the emergence of new materials and process refinement of the packaging. As a result, system and product designers are faced with the choice between hybrids and MMICs; i.e., complete system on a chip vs. hybrids with discrete devices, or more often, somewhere in-between.

This course will begin with a short, non-mathematical review of high frequency basics. Next a comparison of MMICs and hybrids is presented. The transmission line as the basic circuit component of RF and microwave hybrids will be reviewed. Hybrid "waveguide" structures will be compared as they relate to transmission line properties. The basic materials (conductors, dielectrics and substrates) and their properties will be introduced. Their effect on impedance, circuit properties and performance will be discussed. Processing technologies suitable for RF/microwave hybrids will be reviewed. Selected packaging protocols, such as vias and bonding wires, will be discussed in light of their influence on RF/microwave performance. At the completion of this course, attendees will have a better understanding of many of the critical materials and processing factors affecting high frequency circuit performance.

We offer this and all courses as On Site Training


WHAT THE COURSE COVERS:

    Hybrid Vs. MMIC's

    Basic Concepts
  • Maxwell's Laws
  • Permitivity and Permeability
  • Free Space Wavelength
  • Propagation velocity
  • Decibel Scale (dB)
  • Q Measurements
  • Small Signal (S-Parameters)


  • Planer Wave Guides
  • Impedance
  • Microstrip
  • Coplanar
  • Stripline


  • Current Flow and Loss Considerations
  • Dielectric losses
  • Conductor losses


  • Substrates
  • Glass
  • Single Crystals
  • Polycrystalline ceramics
  • Low temperature cofired (LTCC)
  • Clad Materials
  • Cleaning


  • Thick Film
  • Screen Printing
  • Metal foil screens
  • Lithographically defined thick film
  • Additive techniques


  • Thin Film
  • PVD


    Dielectric Deposition
  • PELPCVD
  • Anodization


  • Polymers
  • Application
  • Patterning
  • Photosensitive polymers


  • Processing Strategies

    Photolithography
  • Photoresist
  • Artwork and Masks
  • Exposure


  • Electroplating
  • Inorganic components
  • Organic
  • Waveforms
  • Field density


  • Etching
  • Wet Etching
  • Dry Etching
  • Etching effects on impedance


  • Components
  • Passive components
  • Transmission line components


  • Packaging
  • Level of Integration
  • Interconnects
  • Platability
  • Time domain reflectometry (TDR)


WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

  • Material Scientists
  • Designers involved in RF / microwave hybrids
  • Manufacturing involved in RF / microwave hybrids
  • Supervisors
  • Engineers in Product Development
  • Technicians in Product Development
  • Sales
  • Design and Manufaturing
  • Those who are involved in the RF and Microwave arena.


  • "We Exceed Your Expectations!"

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