1.5 GHz Resonator for Characterizing Dielectric Strips
High-Precision Material Dielectric Constant and Loss Tangent Testing
The RCL Microwave 1.5 GHz Resonator is an advanced measurement tool designed for characterizing material strips with high sensitivity. It requires a strip of dielectric to be put into the cavity, making it ideal for precise characterization in applications like R&D, quality control, and production monitoring for Dielectric Constants less than ~20 and 0.0001 < tan δ < 0.1
Highly Sensitive Design
Capable of detecting small changes in Dielectric Constant (ε′) and Loss Tangent (tan δ), ensuring precise material characterization.
Ideal for Multiple Applications:
R&D material characterization
Quality Assurance monitoring
In-tolerance and out-of-tolerance quality control
Production monitoring for mold injection curing and tolerance levels
Coaxial SMA Interface
Comes with two standard SMA connectors for compatibility with existing test setups.
Fully Passive Design
Integrates seamlessly into any two-port VNA Test Setups without additional power requirements.
Software Included
Software for easy data analysis is provided with the system.
Benefits
- Easy Measurement:
Insert an 8 inch long x < 5.5” wide x 0.030” – 0.25” thick strip of material into the slot for easy testing and reliable results. - High Reliability Measurement:
The measurement process does not interact with the external environment, ensuring highly reliable results. - User-Friendly:
The system is easy to use and requires minimal maintenance. The resonator is also easy to clean, making it low-maintenance for everyday use.
How it works
The RCL Microwave Resonator operates by measuring resonance frequency and amplitude changes. These changes are highly sensitive to variations in the dielectric constant and loss tangent of the liquid under test.
Dielectric Constant (ε′)
Determined by the shift in frequency (Δf). As the dielectric constant of the material increases, the resonance frequency shifts to the left.
Loss Tangent (tan δ)
Determined by the change in amplitude (Δa). As the loss tangent increases, the amplitude of the resonance increases.
Examples: Dielectric Constant = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 10, 15, 20 for an 8” x 3” x 0.060” Dielectric
- Test Fixture Resonant Frequency (Empty): 1.5783 GHz
- Frequency Shift for Dk = 2: From 1.5783 GHz to 1.5731 GHz (due to dielectric constant)
- Frequency Shift for Dk = 3: From 1.5783 GHz to 1.5713 GHz (due to dielectric constant)
- Frequency Shift for Dk = 4: From 1.5783 GHz to 1.5704 GHz (due to dielectric constant)
- Frequency Shift for Dk = 5: From 1.5783 GHz to 1.5698 GHz (due to dielectric constant)
- Frequency Shift for Dk = 10: From 1.5783 GHz to 1.5687 GHz (due to dielectric constant)
- Frequency Shift for Dk = 15: From 1.5783 GHz to 1.5731 GHz (due to dielectric constant)
- Frequency Shift for Dk = 2: From 1.5783 GHz to 1.5681 GHz (due to dielectric constant)
- Amplitude Shift: Amplitude shift from Loss Tangents of 0.001, 0.0011 are resolvable
These shifts are easily detected, and the system operates with an S21 measurement > 60 dB above the noise floor, offering highly accurate results.
Why Choose RCL Microwave 60 GHz Resonator?
Extremely Accurate
High signal-to-noise ratio ensures precise measurements.
Easy Integration
Works seamlessly with existing VNA setups.
Ideal for Production Testing
Circuit board “waste” strips can be tested for monitoring Dielectric Constant and Loss Tangent.
Specifications
Parameter
Value / Description
Operating Frequency
1.5 GHz (GPS band)
Unloaded Resonant Frequency
~1.5 GHz (typical)
Sample Volume Required
~8” x > 1” x > 0.030” / ~20 cm x > 2.5 cm x > .75 mm [thinner dimensions can likely be characterized]
Connection Interface
SMA Connector (×2)
Device Type
Fully passive, two-port resonator
Compatible Instruments
Any Two Port VNA that is > 2 GHz
Measured Properties
Dielectric Constant (ε′), Loss Tangent (tan δ)
Sensitivity
Detects small changes in ε′ and tan δ; high-Q resonance
S21 Dynamic Range
~60 dB above noise floor (typical)
Material Compatibility
Durable Powder coat and PTFE Insert for corrosion resistance
Sample Holder Dependency
Measurement is independent of external environment & support surface
Cleaning / Maintenance
Easy to clean; low-maintenance design
Software
Analysis and resonance-tracking software included
Construction
Precision-machined resonant cavity (details can be added if desired)
Dimensions
~6.25” x ~7.0” / ~16 cm x 18 cm
Weight
Approximately 500 grams
Contact Us
877-387-6125
ryan@rclmicrowave.com
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We use a wide range of fixtures to characterize materials. Contact us to get a free quote today!