Expert Tips for Working with High-Frequency PCB Materials
- 4350B/4003C from Rogers
- 25N/25FR of Arlon
- Taconic’s TLG series
When working with high-frequency PCB materials like Teflon (PTFE), it is important to handle them with care as they are relatively brittle and prone to breakage. Here are some steps to follow:
- Cutting: Keep the protective film on to prevent scratches and creases.
- Drilling: Proceed cautiously to avoid damaging the brittle sheet.
- Hole Treatment: Consider plasma treatment or sodium naphthalene activation for effective hole metallization.
- PTH Copper Sink: Ensure proper sinking of copper for improved conductivity.
- Solder Mask: Apply solder mask carefully for optimal protection.
- Routing: Use white paper on the circuit surface and clamp it with a base plate for etching. See the figure below for guidance.
As a PCB expert, it is essential to manually remove any remaining burrs after routing to prevent substrate and copper surface damage. Use sulfur-free paper for the separation process for best results.
