In the world of wireless communication, radar systems, and satellite technology, the quality of your High-Frequency (HF) PCB is the foundation of your system’s performance. High-frequency boards require much tighter tolerances than standard FR-4 boards to maintain signal integrity and minimize dielectric loss.
At Shenzhen Xincheng’er Circuit Technology Co., Ltd., we specialize in rapid prototyping and small-to-medium batch production of microwave, RF, and inductive PCBs. Whether you are designing for 5G base stations or power amplifiers, providing precise specifications is the first step toward a successful build.
Below is the essential checklist of information required to initiate a high-frequency PCB manufacturing project.
1. Technical Design Files (Schematics & Layouts)
To process your order, we require complete design files. Our engineering team utilizes industry-standard software to review HF layouts and ensure manufacturability.
Compatible Software Formats:
CAD / Gerber Files (The industry standard)
Protel 99SE / Altium Designer (DXP)
PADS
CAM350 (Essential for final production checks)
2. Manufacturing Specifications
High-frequency boards are defined by their materials. Unlike standard electronics, the dielectric constant ($D_k$) and dissipation factor ($D_f$) are critical.
①. Material Selection
We work with a wide range of specialized substrates with dielectric constants ranging from 2.2 to 10.6.
Top Brands: Rogers (e.g., RO4350B, RO4003C), Taconic, Arlon, Isola, F4B, PTFE, and TP-2.
Hybrid Options: We also offer Rogers + FR-4 multilayer hybrid boards to balance cost and performance.
②. Physical Dimensions & Copper
PCB Thickness: Available from 0.101 mm to 6.0 mm.
Copper Weight: We support everything from 0.5 oz (for fine-pitch RF traces) up to 6 oz (for high-power applications).
③. Aesthetics & Identification
Solder Mask: Green, Black, Red, White, Blue, or Yellow.
Silkscreen (Characters): White, Yellow, or Black.
④. Surface Finishing
For RF boards, the surface finish can affect skin effect losses. We offer:
Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG) & Nickel-Gold Plating
Immersion Silver / Tin
OSP (Organic Solderability Preservatives)
Hard Gold / Water Gold Plating
Chemical Nickel-Palladium-Gold (ENEPIG) — Recommended for wire bonding.
3. Special Requirements: Impedance Control
For microwave and RF circuits, impedance mismatch leads to signal reflection. We provide precision impedance control for your critical traces.
Standard Tolerances at Shenzhen Xincheng’er:
Standard: $\pm 5\Omega$ (for values $\le 50\Omega$) or $\pm 10\%$ (for values $> 50\Omega$).
Maximum Capability: $\pm 5\%$ (for values $\ge 50\Omega$).
Please specify which traces require impedance control and the target Ohm value in your fabrication notes.
4. Payment, Shipping, and Logistics
We aim for a seamless transition from prototyping to delivery.
Payment Terms: Flexible options available based on order volume and history.
Shipping Method: We partner with leading global couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) to ensure rapid delivery of prototypes. For batch orders, air and sea freight options are available.
Why Partner with Shenzhen Xincheng’er?
We possess deep manufacturing expertise in high-frequency circuit boards used in power dividers, couplers, combiners, RF antennas, and 4G/5G base stations. Our facility is optimized for the unique handling requirements of PTFE and ceramic-filled materials, ensuring your microstrip and stripline designs perform exactly as simulated.
According to IPC Standards for High-Speed Design, material consistency is the most significant factor in HF board reliability. By sourcing directly from authorized material distributors, we guarantee the $D_k$ stability of every batch.
FAQ
Why is Rogers material preferred over standard FR-4 for RF boards?
Standard FR-4 has a high dissipation factor (Df), meaning it "absorbs" signal at high frequencies. Rogers materials have much lower loss and a stable dielectric constant across a wide frequency range, which is vital for RF microwave applications.
Can you manufacture "Hybrid" multilayer boards?
Yes. We often produce Rogers multilayer high-frequency hybrid boards where only the top layers use Rogers for signal integrity, while the inner layers use FR-4 to reduce the total cost of the PCB.
What is the benefit of ENIG finish on a high-frequency board?
ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) provides a very flat surface, which is excellent for SMT components and provides good corrosion resistance. However, for extremely high frequencies (above 10GHz), some designers prefer Immersion Silver to avoid the magnetic properties of Nickel.
How do I specify impedance in my Gerber files?
You should provide an "Impedance Table" or a readme file indicating the layer, the trace width, and the required impedance value (e.g., "Layer 1, 10mil trace, 50 Ohm ± 10%").