Dielectric characterization of selected LTCC materials for microwave applications

Systems, which operate in microwave range and are made on LTCC (Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic) substrates have been known for several decades. However, when it comes to the process of developing microwave circuits, one of the most significant factors is the knowledge of the electrical parameters of the substrate. Usually, different manufacturers provide LTCC materials with different electrical parameters. Even if those materials have precise specification their final electrical parameters can change during further processing. In this article, electrical characterization of various LTCC substrates using SPDR (Split Post Dielectric Resonator) method for a given lamination process is presented. The following LTCC materials were put into characterization: CeramTape GC, ESL41020 and KEKO SK47.