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 low-temperature co-fired ceramic (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 the values of
$\varepsilon _{r} = 6.14$
and
$\tan ~\delta = 0.0019$
at 300 K and
$\varepsilon _{r} = 6.0$
and
$\tan ~\delta = 0.002$
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.