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Dielectric Constant

Dielectric Constant

Overview

Many industries require a clearer understanding of the materials they use in order to shorten the time needed for design, process inspection, and quality assurance. Each material has its own unique electrical characteristics, which are closely related to its dielectric properties. By accurately measuring a material’s dielectric performance, scientists and engineers can obtain highly valuable information that enables them to apply these materials appropriately in specific applications. Understanding the dielectric properties of materials provides essential design parameter information for a wide range of electronic applications. Cable insulation loss, substrate impedance, and dielectric resonator frequency are all influenced by dielectric behavior. Moreover, knowledge of dielectric performance offers significant benefits for emerging applications in aerospace, automotive, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

Diagram of Testing System

The transmission line testing system consists of three main components:

  • A Vector Network Analyzer
  • Dielectric Measurement Software
  • A transmission line test fixture

Software Functions

The main functions include:

Feature Description

Instrument Control

N1500A software controls the vector network analyzer for automated dielectric property measurement.

Measurement Capabilities

Measures complex permittivity, including real part, imaginary part, and dielectric loss.

Testing Method

Utilizes the transmission line method with a dedicated test fixture for high-precision results.

Data Handling

Supports direct measurement, display, and saving of dielectric constant test results.

Transmission Line Method

The transmission line method involves placing the material under test inside a closed transmission line, which can be either a coaxial line or a rectangular waveguide. By using a network analyzer to measure the reflection coefficient (S11) and transmission coefficient (S21) under high-frequency excitation, the dielectric constant and permeability of the material can be accurately determined.

Typical Configuration

Includes material measurement software, USB VNA (9 kHz–20 GHz), calibration module, high-frequency cables, and transmission line test fixture for precise dielectric testing.

Item Description

N1500A-001

N1500A Material Measurement Software, Transmission Line Method

N1500A-UL8

N1500A Software USB License Key

P5004A

USB Vector Network Analyzer

P5004A-200

9 kHz–20 GHz, 2-Port

N7555A

Electronic Calibration Module

Y1740A opt.100

Quantity: 2, 3.5 mm (male) High-Frequency Cables

85051BR03

Transmission Line Test Fixture