LDS manufacturing technology for next generation radio frequency applications

This contribution is focused on Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) fabrication for upcoming generations of RF-applications covering millimeter-wave frequencies. Starting with a short motivation the current situation of LDS fabricated RF devices is presented. Subsequently, the requirements on the manufacturing process for future applications are defined. The main LDS manufacturing parameters and their influences on the RF properties are discussed. Especially the influence of the surface roughness of the applied metalization is considered and evaluated. On the example of a millimeter wave dielectric antenna operating at 24 GHz and 77 GHz the suitability of LDS fabrication is verified. An RF characterization of the test antennas is done and the results are discussed. On basis of this, possible applications, in the automotive as well as consumer sector, are pointed out. Summarizing the main findings of this contribution the next steps to be taken for a fabrication of future LDS MID RF devices are derived.