How to control impedance

The dielectric constant (Dk) is a measure of the extent that electrostatic flux is concentrated in a given insulating material. It is also known as the relative permittivity (Er). It is a dimensionless ratio of the electrostatic flux concentration exhibited by the material compared with that of a vacuum. In other words, it is the ratio of the capacitance of a given capacitor using the particular insulating material compared with a vacuum insulating material.

Electrical signals travel through copper insulated by a vacuum at the speed of light. These signals are slowed by the ratio of the square root of the Dk of the insulating material. So if the insulator has a Dk of 4, then the signals are slowed by a factor of 2 (being the square root of 4).

In high speed circuitry, the electronic designer must predict the speed of propagation of the electronic signal within the tracking of a printed circuit board when the copper tracks themselves capacitors. The impedance of the transmission line must be controlled to the designed value. This control may be made in a number of ways.

The dielectric material may be changed. Most commonly, FR4 is used as the dielectric since it is the most commonly available low cost substrate. Consequently, the Dk of Fr4 will often be a given in the calculations and other variables must be used.

Choosing appropriate geometric configurations of adjacent multiple tracks and ground-planes, varying these track widths and the Z axis gap above the ground-planes are the means by which the designer can achieve the impedance desired.

The PCB Manufacturing Process

Newbury Electronics will advise on track widths, copper layer spacing, copper weights, and the base materials to achieve the impedance required. We use industry standard software to assist with impedance calculations and selection of appropriate PCB construction.

We design suitable test coupons and verify calculated impedance with actual production outcomes using Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) measurement instruments. Our high resolution digital microscope allows us to physically measure all relevant PCB features in all axes and verify the construction.

PCB Manufacturing Process

The graph above shows a typical calculation with the impedance on the “Y” axis, and the associated line width on the “X” axis. In this case the calculation is for an edge coupled off-set strip-line. We have the capability to calculate the optimum construction for most types of transmission lines and impedance’s. Email us to find out more!

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