What is the minimum order quantity for prototype PCB assembly?

Prototype and trial-run PCB assembly starts from 1 piece and covers quantities up to around 500 pcs, with a typical lead time of 3–9 days depending on board complexity and component availability.

Which files do I need to send for a PCB assembly project?

Send Gerber files (or ODB++), a complete BOM with manufacturer part numbers, a pick-and-place (centroid) file and assembly drawings. Test instructions or firmware are needed if you require programming or functional testing.

How do you control PCBA quality?

Quality is controlled at every stage: IQC for incoming materials, SPI for solder paste, AOI before and after reflow, 3D AOI, first article inspection (FAI) and functional testing (FCT), all recorded in a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) under an ISO 9001 quality system.

Can you source components from brands like TI, ADI, ST and Microchip?

Yes. The sourcing team has over 10 years of experience procuring parts from brands such as TI, ADI, ST, Microchip, Murata and TE Connectivity (Tyco), and keeps an inventory of common components. Alternative parts are proposed when lead time or cost is a risk.

What certifications does PCB ADEPT hold?

Manufacturing operates under an ISO 9001 quality management system, and PCBs and assemblies can be produced to UL and RoHS (lead-free) requirements.

Do you offer box build and finished product assembly?

Yes. Beyond PCBA, the factory supports plastic enclosure molding, CNC machining, 3D printing, memory and MCU programming, finished product testing, aging, labeling, packaging and international delivery.

Custom RF Microwave PCB Manufacturer and High Frequency Circuit Board Supplier Wholesale OEM PCB Fabrication Factory

What is RF & Microwave PCB?

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The core is to control electromagnetic waves, treating PCB wires as transmission lines with characteristic impedance rather than simple electrical connections.

Three Key Design Points

1 Sheet Material Selection

Never use ordinary FR-4. High-frequency dedicated boards with low loss and stable dielectric constant (such as Rogers RO4350B, RT/duroid series) must be selected. This is the cornerstone of performance.

Impedance and transmission lines: Precise 50Ω impedance control is essential. Use microstrip lines, striplines or coplanar waveguides and determine the precise line width through calculation/simulation. When laying out, minimize the paths and avoid right angles.

2 Grounding and Isolation

• Provide a complete and solid ground plane to ensure a low-impedance return path.

• Densely arrange grounding vias (especially on both sides of the transmission line) to suppress resonance and coupling.

3 Strict Zoning

Physically isolate the RF, digital, and power supply areas. When necessary, use shielding covers and via walls.

Key Points of Manufacturing

High-Precision Processing

Strictly control the tolerance of line width and medium thickness.

Surface Treatment

ENIG gold plating is preferred to ensure flatness and high-frequency conductivity.

Solder Mask Control

The solder mask layer may affect the impedance, and "window opening" treatment is often adopted for RF traces.

Conclusion

PCBADEPT Technology Company has extensive production experience in RF PCB manufacturing and RF PCB assembly, such as the production of anti-drone equipment, electronic fence equipment, walkie-talkies, etc.

RF PCBS play a very significant role in modern wireless communication devices, and an increasing number of customers are choosing such products.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is standard FR-4 not recommended for RF & Microwave PCBs?

Standard FR-4 exhibits a relatively high dielectric loss (dissipation factor, Df) and inconsistent dielectric constant (Dk) at high frequencies. This results in severe signal attenuation, phase distortion, and signal degradation compared to high-frequency materials like Rogers or Teflon-based substrates.

Why is precise 50Ω impedance control critical in RF design?

A 50-ohm characteristic impedance is the global standard offering the optimal balance between power handling capacity and low signal attenuation. Keeping line impedance strictly controlled avoids signal reflections, power loss, and electromagnetic interference.

Why is ENIG preferred as the surface finish for high-frequency boards?

Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG) offers exceptional surface coplanarity and excellent oxidation resistance. Because high-frequency currents travel on the outer boundary of conductors (skin effect), a flat and highly conductive surface minimizes signal transmission loss.

What does "solder mask window opening" mean in RF PCB manufacturing?

Standard solder mask inks have a variable dielectric constant that can unpredictably change transmission line impedance and introduce signal loss. "Window opening" refers to leaving the high-frequency copper traces bare of solder mask to ensure accurate impedance control and minimal attenuation.

Can high-frequency Rogers laminates be combined with standard FR-4?

Yes, hybrid multi-layer stackups (combining Rogers on the RF outer layers and standard FR-4 in internal/digital layers) are commonly produced. This provides the RF performance where needed while significantly lowering overall material costs.

What are the main communication devices utilizing RF & Microwave PCBs?

Typical applications include anti-drone systems, electronic security fences, walkie-talkies, radar systems, satellite communication equipment, and base station transceivers.