High Frequency Materials for 5G Base Station Applications

5G is the next generation of wireless telecommunication networks, and there are substantial differences with previous generation technologies, which place different demands on PCB materials. This webinar discusses high frequency materials for 5G infrastructure, and what circuit designers need to consider for 5G designs. Unlike previous generations, 5G will operate in two widely different frequency ranges, commonly referred to as sub-6 GHz and mm-wave. This places different requirements on materials, how they are processed and treated, and what properties become critical compared to 3G and 4G designs.

Below 6 GHz, the trend to massive MIMO antennas means there are a much larger number of transceivers and power amplifiers, and those amplifiers operate at lower power. However, the same approach to antenna design means that “bent metal” antennas and double sided PCBs are becoming rare, and increasingly the antennas themselves are multilayer boards incorporating distribution layers and calibration networks as well as the radiators themselves, which has significant implications for material selection. At mm-wave, other material characteristics become important, such as dielectric homogeneity and copper foil properties.

This presentation looks at the different needs for power amplifiers and antennas, in both frequency bands. In addition, we will look at the trend to greater PCB integration and complexity, the use of higher count multilayer PCBs, the importance of specific surface treatments, and the implications for material selection. The webinar agenda inlcudes:

• Market overview for 5G base stations
• Differences in material requirements for 5G compared to 4G
• Design and PCB fabrication issues that affect circuit performance