A low cost, multi-layer FR4 circuit board for the rf and microwave circuits in a fixed wireless access residential transceiver unit

The choice of printed circuit board is an important factor in the design of rf and microwave circuits: it influences many issues such as overall product cost, ease of manufacture, circuit electrical performance and reliability. A multi-layer, epoxy/glass multi-functional FR4 board has been used for the rf and microwave circuitry in Nortel´s “Proximity I” Residential Transceiver Unit. This unit forms part of the Residential Subscriber System of the Ionica Fixed Wireless Access telephone system. This paper describes various important features of the Residential Transceiver Unit circuit board relevant to its manufacture in high volume. Theoretical and experimental data is presented both for the performance of the board itself and also of some of the rf and microwave circuitry mounted on it