Cryogenic characterization of LTCC material in Millimeter-Wave Frequencies

This study presents room temperature and cryogenic (20 K) characterization of the electrical properties of the Ferro A6M-E material, manufactured using LTCC technology, at W-band (75-110 GHz). The resonant ring method was used to design microstrip structures with resonant frequencies at 80, 90, and 100 GHz on a single substrate. S-parameter measurements at the different physical temperatures were obtained. The relative permittivity and loss tangent parameters were calculated, obtaining values of ε _r = 6.14 and tan δ = 0.0019 at 300K and ε _r = 6.0 and tan δ = 0.002 for 20 K. The calculated dielectric properties show a small variability between room temperature and cryogenic conditions in the W-band. These results are highly relevant for the understanding of the electrical performance of Ferro A6M-E material, particularly in the context of mm and sub-mm wave applications for front-end radio astronomy receivers and space applications, both at room temperature and cryogenic conditions.