Robust Microwave Characterization of Inkjet-Printed Coplanar Waveguides on Flexible Substrates

Abstract

Abstract-In this paper, we propose a robust microwave characterization of inkjet printed components on flexible substrates, which aim at measuring the material properties of silver nanoparticle inks and the supporting dielectric spacer employed during measurements. Starting with propagation constant extracted from multiline thru-reflect-line calibration with coplanar waveguide (CPW) standards and then proceeding with finite element modeling of CPWs, the proposed technique can dynamically produce an interpolated search space by automatic driving of simulation tools. In the final stage, the algorithm utilizes a least-square optimization routine to minimize the deviation between model and measurements. Our technique significantly reduces the computing resources and is able to extract the material parameters using even a nominal ink profile. Characteristic impedances for CPWs are extracted using series resistor measurements from 10 MHz to 20 GHz. It is also shown that the proposed characterization methodology is able to detect any changes in material properties induced by changes in fabrication parameters such as sintering temperature. Ink conductivities of approximately 2.973 × 10 0.201 × 10 7 S/m respectively. We verified our technique by measuring the material parameters with conventional approach.

Applications of Nanomaterials in RFID Wireless Sensor Components

“…One of the representative methods is sintering, which improves conductivity by removing binders and organic stabilizers and forming connections between nanoparticles, and controlling its temperature. For instance, when the sintering temperature of a pattern based on silver nanoparticles was 220 • C, the conductivity was 0.206 × 10 7 S/m, which was higher than 0.192 × 10 7 S/m at 170 • C [137]. High sintering temperatures increase the bond strength between particles and grow the crystalline structure, providing an efficient path for electrons to move freely.…”

Advanced technologies for next‐generation RF front‐end modules

“…The plots for measured dielectric constant and loss tangent as a function of frequency as reported in Reference are shown in Figure . A robust microwave characterization algorithm for extracting dielectric properties as well as ink conductivity was proposed in Reference . The advantage of this approach lies in the automation of all the sub‐tasks involved in modeling and optimization, facilitating an efficient parameter extraction framework.…”

“…It was observed that losses decrease by about (40 dB/m) at 20 GHz when the sintering temperature was changed from 170°C to 220°C. Furthermore, the characteristic impedance for the inkjet printed CPWs on Kapton was extracted . In Reference , Kim et al proposed thick and thin film processes on fabric, and their electrical characteristics were evaluated to investigate the performance and limits of the screen printing circuit technology.…”

Design and Analysis Comparison of Surface Acoustic Wave-Based Sensors for Fabrication Using Additive Manufacturing

“…One such technique which can help the advancements towards this common goal is known as 3D printing, and it is already being employed to produce parts for industries such as automotive with greater speed and accuracy. To facilitate the process of 3D printing for sensor manufacturing, ink-jet printing, a technology commonly used in both personal and commercial environments, has surfaced in preference to conventional electronics fabrication practices [11][12][13][14]. Au et al compared the cost of a traditionally manufactured sensor, i.e., via lithography, to a 3D printed technology, i.e., stereolithography and found the difference to be 15 USD [15].…”