Patch antenna using lpkf

[Unaz]

I have made a patch antenna using FSS 3D layout. I imported the gerber files in circuitpro LPKF software. Which layer am I supposed to assign the substrate. Copper is the top layer. I tried making substrate rubout layer. But it just makes an outline for the patch and does not remove the copper for all around the patch. Can someone guide.

 

[std_match]

Re: patch antenna using lpkf

For most PCB's it is enough to just mill narrow isolation tracks and leave as much copper as possible.
This is a good default behaviour.
I think you must select an option somewhere in the LPKF software if you want to remove all the copper.
I have seen a demo, but I have not used the software.

 

[PlanarMetamaterials]

Hi Unaz,

It depends which software you are using. Is it CircuitPro or the older CircuitCAM?

 

[Unaz]

I am using circuitPro

Hi Unaz,

It depends which software you are using. Is it CircuitPro or the older CircuitCAM?

 

[PlanarMetamaterials]

You probably also need to assign the dielectric to the "Board Outline" layer.

What milling machine do you have? I may be able to send you a template file.

 

[Unaz]

Ihave LPKF S103.

You probably also need to assign the dielectric to the "Board Outline" layer.

What milling machine do you have? I may be able to send you a template file.

 

[PlanarMetamaterials]

Hmm, I havent used that one, although I did use the D104 a bit.

Did assigning the board outline layer help?

 

[sree479]

Hi Unaz,

To fabricate patch antenna using LPKF prototype machine,
1. Import the individual dxf files of top layer and bottom layer of patch antenna.
2. After assigning top and bottom layers,
3. Assign the rub out areas.

In this way you can easily make the patch antennas using LPKF machine.

 

[Unaz]

Thanks. I was able to do it using rubout.
Do you know if removing the copper with the machine would make a difference in performance compared to peeling off he copper? I have heard the machine leave the surface rough. Does the roughness effect performance of antenna.

Hi Unaz,

To fabricate patch antenna using LPKF prototype machine,
1. Import the individual dxf files of top layer and bottom layer of patch antenna.
2. After assigning top and bottom layers,
3. Assign the rub out areas.

In this way you can easily make the patch antennas using LPKF machine.