On resonant effects in multilayer RF/microwave printed circuit board applications

Multilayer printed-circuit boards (PCB's) are nowadays widely used in high-frequency technology applications. While their small dimensions, compact design and low cost are an obvious advantage, the impact of full-wave phenomena such as electromagnetic coupling, resonance or leakage increases substantially as the used frequency spectrum shifts toward and beyond the upper UHF band and the L-band (1-2 GHz). Two types of PCB structures exhibiting resonant properties are considered in this paper: PCB shielding covers and large split-ground conducting plates. These structures can cause narrow-band (resonant) cross-talk. Their behavior is studied by both numerical and analytical approaches, and simple techniques to predict possible resonant coupling are proposed.