1. Maintain a good, accurate RF shape
Some serious errors like the one described above can cause poor circuit performance or even work. To minimize errors, simplify RF design tasks, and increase productivity, PCB design tools provide import control for complex copper foil shapes. For example, you can create a usable copper foil shape by controlling the layers in the DXF file and re-imaging them into the CAD electrical system layer.
2. Keep the corner shape (CORNERS SHARP)
When designing copper foil shapes for RF and microwave, an important aspect is the ability to create Gerber files with sharp corners. Excellent PCB design tools can simplify this process. For example, drawing a shape with a 50 mm line tends to have a smaller radius than a 50 mm circular aperture drawing. When designing a Gerber file, the design tool can obtain a sharp corner by correctly converting the line width automatically.
3. Automatic chamfering (CHAMFERED CORNERS)
Chamfering is often used in RF and microwave circuits to reduce the segmentation discontinuity impedance between the supply line and the capacitor, thereby improving the frequency performance of the MMIC. The distance between the 90o corner and the chamfer is crucial. Therefore, designers need to adopt an automated approach to specify the chamfer ratio that needs to be generated based on the design. If the PCB design tool can automatically enforce the required chamfer ratio based on the design rules, designers and engineers will benefit from it, saving time and improving design quality.
4. Use automation to help arrange COPLANAR and CHANNEL WAVEGUIDES
Coplanar waveguides and channel waveguides are also common in RF and microwave designs. When set up manually, this task can be time consuming and error prone. Designers need to control the specific distance between the trace and via, and the distance between one via and the other via to ensure that the circuit has the performance required to meet the design requirements. Design tools can also help in this area by reducing the complexity and quality by providing via usage control and automatic use of vias .
5. Use automated STITCHING VIAS
Another important aspect of RF design is ensuring that vias are properly masked to specific areas. Although this task can be done manually by the designer, this process is extremely time consuming. If the PCB design tool automates this process, it will shorten the design cycle time and ensure that all your design rules are met. With such tools, designers can specify via mode to generate specific rules and leave the rest of the work to the PCB design tool.
6. Use design rules to ensure that “design is correct”
PCB design tools that support RF design typically allow multiple design rules to be set: via type for different copper areas; via type to which via itself needs to be connected; distance from the edge of the copper foil area to via; a via to The distance of the next via; the via mode type; and whether the Faraday cage can be created simply by adding via to the outer edge of the copper foil area.