Significance and Use

Permittivity and dissipation factor are fundamental design parameters for design of microwave circuitry. Permittivity plays a principal role in determining the wavelength and the impedance of transmission lines. Dissipation factor (along with copper losses) influence attenuation and power losses.

This test method is suitable for polymeric materials having permittivity in the order of two to eleven. Such materials are popular in applications of stripline and microstrip configurations used in the 1 to 18 GHz range.

This test method is suitable for design, development, acceptance specifications, and manufacturing quality control.

Note 2See Appendix X1 for additional information regarding significance of this test method and the application of the results.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method permits the rapid measurement of apparent relative permittivity and loss tangent (dissipation factor) of metal-clad polymer-based circuit substrates in the X-band (8 to 12.4 GHz).

1.2 This test method is suitable for testing PTFE (polytetrafluorethylene) impregnated glass cloth or random-oriented fiber mats, glass fiber-reinforced polystyrene, polyphenyleneoxide, irradiated polyethylene, and similar materials having a nominal specimen thickness of ¹ / ₁₆ in. (1.6 mm). The materials listed in the preceding sentence have been used in commercial applications at nominal frequency of 9.6 GHz.

Note 1See Appendix X1 for additional information about range of permittivity, thickness other than 1.6 mm, and tests at frequencies other than 9.6 GHz.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D150 Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristics and Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation

D1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation

D2520 Test Methods for Complex Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Microwave Frequencies and Temperatures to 1650C

D6054 Practice for Conditioning Electrical Insulating Materials for Testing

Keywords

dielectric constant; dissipation; loss tangent; permittivity; polymer-based substrates; relative permittivity; resonator; stripline; x-band
;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 31.180 (Printed circuits and boards)

DOI: 10.1520/D3380-10

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM D3380