High frequency PCB layout

Jaime Cardenas Chavez

 Objectives
1. Knowing the special considerations to take into
account when designing a high frequency printed
circuit board.
2. Apply the concept of microstrip transmission lines
for the routing of electronic components that use
high frequency signals
Background
Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

Fig 1. Example of a PCB

• It is the surface constituted by paths or
buses of conductive material laminated on
a non-conductive base.

• It is used to connect electrically through the

conductive tracks, and mechanically hold,
by means of the base, a set of electronic
components.

• The paths are generally copper and the

base is usually made of fiberglass resins, or
polymers such as Bakelite.
• The width and length of each path will be
defined by certain parameters such as the
necessary current in low frequency signals,
or the wavelength and impedance
matching in high frequency signals.

• In the case of working with high frequency

signals, paths must be designed as
transmission lines
Microstrip transmision line

Fig 2. Microstrip technology layer stack

• It is a type of electrical transmission
line which can be fabricated
using PCB technology, and is used to
convey high frequency signals.

• It consists of a conducting strip separated

from a ground plane by a dielectric layer
known as the substrate.

• Unlike waveguide, microstrip is not

enclosed, and is therefore susceptible to
cross-talk and unintentional radiation.
 PCB LAYOUT
CONSIDERATIONS
➢ Schematic
➢ Distribution of components
➢ Power supply bypassing
➢ Routing process
 The Schematic
• A good layout starts with a good schematic.

• A good choice is to think about signal flow through

the circuit in order to have a good flow on the
board as well.

• Put as much useful information on the schematic

as possible (name each component, i/o port)

• Keep in mind a clear idea of which components

will be better for your PCB
 Distribution of components
• Start with critical component placement, in terms
of both individual circuits and the entire board.

• Make sure the input/output are cleared for access

• Place power supplies on the edges of the board in

such a way that it facilitates the connection of
them
 Power Supply Bypassing

The power supply used on an integrated circuit that

works with high frequency signals can become a
potential weakness

Problems of instability in the voltage levels can be

generated due to the transients that a certain source
may experience, which inserts noise into the system

Decoupling techniques must be required to keep the

system running smooth and normally
A decoupling capacitor acts like an energy reservoir and
are an easy way for solving this problem.

Their job is to simply oppose any unexpected change in

your input voltages from a power supply.

• If the input voltage drops, then a decoupling capacitor

will be able to provide enough power to an IC to keep
the voltage stable.

• If the voltage increases, then a decoupling capacitor

will be able to absorb the excess energy.

Decoupling capacitors are always connected between

VDD and Ground
Fig. 3 Decoupling Capacitors
 Routing process

A wide variety of analog and digital signals, with high- and

low voltages and currents, ranging from dc to GHz, exists
on circuit boards.

• Keeping signals from interfering with one another,

identify sensitive signals

• Ground planes provide a common reference point for

electrical signals, and they can also be used for
shielding
• Signal traces requiring high isolation should be
routed on separate layers and

• High-frequency signals are typically run on

controlled-impedance lines. That is, the path
maintains a characteristic impedance, such as 50
ohms, generally microstrip technology is the most
accurate option.

• Minimizing long traces on high-frequency paths will

avoid crosstalk interference. Recommended path
length must be a multiple of the wavelength
 Fig. 4 Microstrip line

• H → distance in from the ground plane to the signal trace

• W → trace width
• T → trace thickness
• εr → dielectric constant of the dielectric
Fig. 5 Automatic tool for resistance controlled paths
 REAL PCB
APPLICATION
Fig. 6 Schematic
Fig. 7 Top Layer
Fig. 7 Power Plane
Fig. 7 Ground Plane
Fig. 7 Bottom Layer
 Conclusions
• A good Schematic can be helpful to make to ease the
PCB layout since in this point many parameters can be
defined

• Where possible, signals operating at different

frequencies should be routed in different layers to avoid
interference

• Decoupling capacitors help keep the operation of

integrated circuits stable, especially in cases where the
PCB contains high frequency signals