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toammann / Multilayer_SMA2Microstrip

Development of an SMA coaxial to microstrip transition using open source software (openEMS)
Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal
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Aisler discontinued 6-layer PCB's, any suggestions? #7

Open KajWiik opened 6 months ago

KajWiik commented 6 months ago

I was very, very exited of your work and unfortunately noticed that Aisler has discontinued producing the six-layer PCB's. Do you have any plans to try another supplier (Eurocircuits 6-layer boards are much more expensive though) or to try four-layer stack, would it just be a matter of scaling with the thickness?

KajWiik commented 6 months ago

OK, I found your post in the Aisler community list. Very disappointing. It would be interesting to know any developments on this.

oberstet commented 6 months ago

It would be interesting to know any developments on this.

second that. I don't need it now (I only need <3GHz, and I need U.FL), but a proper high-end KiCad footprint (OSS) for a SMA edge connector - verified for a specific PCB manufacturer stack - would be pretty useful IMO!

fwiw, I have very little HW / PCB manufacturing experience. almost zero;) but I like JLCPCB, quick, professionel and cheap. obviously they have 6-layer, and lots of other variants (I used a 2-layer PTFE stack).

toammann commented 6 months ago

Hello,

for reference: Find the link to the Aisler discontinuation here

@KajWiik It is indeed very disappointing. The proposed design (as any other RF design) is highly sensitive to changes to the PCB design house. I was aware of that, but I did not expect a change so early after introduction of the stackup :(

Multi-CB may be the most promising alternative. However, I don't know if the "trick" with the castellated holes works also with multi-cb without additional cost. Anyways there are no short term plans to transfer the design to another stackup because the tunable filter for which these connectors were intended to is now also dead (for now).

@oberstet I expect JLCPCB to change their stackups even more frequently. I liked the close support of Aisler on the edge plating topic and I do not know about etching and via curacy of JLCPCB. I think the requirements on the PCB are too complicated for JLC. Anyways, I expect the communication to be more difficult with JLCPCB. Also, I do not want to order PCBs in China if other options exist. The PTFE Teflon boards can become interesting if more than 2 layers are available.

For hobbyist use, a design without edge plating may be more robust for the future.

Regards, Tobias

I will leave the issue open to make the information easier to find.

oberstet commented 6 months ago

Hi Tobias, obviously, you are an expert - and I am not;) I have a sample size of 1 from design to real PCB. And tbh, I actually was astonished I got that right in one try - including the cutouts/mouse bites and such for my test fixture boards. JLCPCB only had questions rgd placement of serial number (which I do want on every tile, to complement the CC level 4 tag I do place on the PCBs ... supply chain attestation and antenna HW pairing). The one "mistake" or slight problem is 100% my fault: I imagined the mouse bites to crack easily .. as they likely would with FR4 -- and they do in a way .. but the PTFE material is a bit like chewing gum .. so a cutter or scissors is better for clean break outs). Anyways, details. Cheers, /Tobias