W-band characterization of finite ground coplanar transmission lines on liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrates

Abstract

Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) is a material with properties that suit it well as both a substrate and packaging material. LCP's multi-layer lamination capabilities, excellent electrical properties, and near hermetic nature suit it to a wide range of RF applications. Several frequency bands of interest. such as evolving applications in the 60 GHz band and military use at 94 GHz, could potentially benefit from the use of LCP system on package (SOP) devices. To test the viability of LCP at these frequencies, a conductor-hacked coplanar waveguide (CBCPW) on a 50 micron LCP substrate was fabricated and measured from 2 - 110 GHz. For measurement accuracy and substrate characterization, a through, reflect, line, (TRL) calibration was performed according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelimes. For the first time, LCP is characterized as a nun-wave circuit substrate up to 110 GHz.