FR4 loss measurement for high volume manufacture (HVM): where next?

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to examine some of the requirements for an industrial strength loss measurement technique in FR4 laminate printed circuit boards and, in particular, to take a closer look at one new candidate method.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper highlights some of the issues in transferring an essentially laboratory‐based measurement technique to high volume manufacturing, i.e. the shop floor. The paper uses the newly proposed SET2DIL method of characterizing loss, comparing results with established laboratory methods and discusses the practical issues, such as the design of new test probes and coupons, in its implementation.

Findings

The paper shows that current time‐consuming laboratory methods of loss measurement using vector network analysers (VNAs), with their associated high skill requirements, though accurate and reproducible, are not viable for the factory floor, with its challenging environment and, occasionally, lack of specialized expertise. The SET2DIL method of loss measurement appears to offer a robust and reliable method of measuring and predicting loss in FR4 and should achieve wide approval across the board manufacturing industry.

Originality/value

The results of extensive testing are compared favourably with the results of established reference methods using VNAs, showing good correlation, and the SET2DIL method is recommended as being suitable for use in a high volume production environment.

Citation

Carre, P. (2010), "FR4 loss measurement for high volume manufacture (HVM): where next?", Circuit World, Vol. 36 No. 3, pp. 28-34. https://doi.org/10.1108/03056121011066314