Principle

Dielectric constant (Dk) is a measure of how readily a material absorbs energy while in the presence of a field. Dissipation factor (Df) is a measure of how readily that material gives up the stored energy after the field has been removed. For lower frequencies, Dk can be measured as the ratio of the capacitance through the material to that across a vacuum, while Df can be measured as the ratio of the current through the resistive branch of the circuit to that through the capacitive branch. For higher frequencies, both are calculated by measuring the resonance peak and the quality (Q) value.

Capabilities

Capacitance Measurement and via Resonance Cavities

• ASTM D150 utilizes a parallel plate electrode assembly in conjunction with an LCR meter
• ASTM D2520 utilizes rectangular prism and split-post resonators
• IPC-TM-650 utilizes split-cylinder resonators
• Sample sizes for the D150 method are 2" round or square (minimum 5 required)
• Sample sizes for the other methods are specific to each resonator and frequency (minimum 5 required)
• Testing temperatures (lab ambient)

Equipment