5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Tech Brief Helps Make Critical Thin Film Manufacturing Decision

By SemiGen, Inc. | November 29, 2018

SemiGen, Inc. has released a technical brief detailing the advantages to RF/microwave circuit designers of manufacturing their circuits using ion beam milling over chemical etching.

This tech brief describes manufacturing thin film circuits using a next-generation anisotropic ion beam milling process that is proving to be the most precise, repeatable, and clean approach over the more random process of traditional material subtraction via chemical etching.

The brief describes experiments conducted by the former Ion Beam Milling, Inc. technical team (now SemiGen) that thoroughly examined the degree of variation in performance of two RF filter circuit designs, one at 12 GHz and the other at 24 GHz. Each were produced via the two processes. The information will provide microwave/millimeter-wave circuit, component, and subsystem engineers a baseline for committing to an intended thin film process and details the key advantages of uniformity and repeatability of trace walls using ion beam milling―particularly at higher frequencies.

The brief makes a strong argument that the ion beam milling process produces such precise and repeatable thin film circuits that it be committed to for all thin film circuits to improve design for manufacturability (DFM) expertise of engineering teams, while improving performance and yields for all products long term. This is especially true for circuit designers who work consistently above 1 GHz. The degree of performance improvement is tied to a variety of factors, including the complexity of the circuit design, feature size, and proximity of trace lines.

Download SemiGen’s new tech brief “Leveraging the Precision of Ion Beam Milling Vs. Chemical Etching of Thin Film Circuits” and contact their technical support team with any questions regarding their recent acquisition and expanded foundry service, and semiconductor, diode, and thin film product capabilities.


Filed Under: RF

 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

Open RAN test service adds colocation capabilities
Switch operates DC to 20 GHz with 128 configurable connection states for asymmetric SerDes testing
Butler Matrix
Butler Matrix drives Wi-Fi and other phased-array antennas
Long-wire dipole antennas: still viable after more than a century

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World