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.

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

	Equipment Type	Information
	Agilent LCR Meter	Frequency range 20Hz - 2MHz Measures Dk as ratio of material to vacuum capacitance Measures Df as ratio of current through resistance and capacitance circuits
	Agilent Parallel Plate Electrode 16451B	Can be tested as contact or gap method Four different electrodes, depending on material type and method

Equipment Type

Information

Agilent VNA 8722C

Custom Rectangular Prism Resonance Cavities

Frequency range up to 40GHz
Resonance cavities: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.4, 2.5, 3. 5. 6. 10, 20, 30, 40GHz
Measures Dk/Df by shift in resonance peal and quality factor (Q)

Compass Technology Custom Rectangular Prism Resonance Cavity

Valid only for 2.45GHz
Measures Dk/Df by shift in resonance peal and quality factor (Q)