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Why is dissipation factor tester supplier Better?

Author: Jessica

Jul. 14, 2025

Dissipation Factor - Definition, Measurement, Variables

Dielectric materials are crucial in various industries and applications, serving as insulators, substrates, or capacitors. One important characteristic often evaluated in dielectric materials is their dissipation factor. The dissipation factor, also known as the loss tangent or tan δ, is a vital parameter that measures the dielectric losses in electrical systems and components. It quantifies the energy dissipated as heat when an alternating current (AC) signal passes through an insulating material or a capacitor.

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Why is Dissipation Factor Important?

This property provides valuable insight into the performance of dielectric materials. It measures the efficiency with which a dielectric material dissipates energy in the form of heat when subjected to an alternating current (AC) or high-frequency signal.

By analyzing this value, engineers can detect potential issues such as insulation breakdown, heat generation, and power loss, enabling them to effectively design and optimize electrical systems. Whether in high-frequency applications, power electronics, or telecommunications, the dissipation factor assists in selecting the appropriate materials, reducing energy loss, and enhancing electrical equipment's overall efficiency.
A high dissipation factor can indicate potential problems such as inefficient energy transfer or excessive heat generation in dielectric materials. By assessing this data, engineers can determine if a material is suitable for a specific application or needs replacing.

Measurement Techniques 

The dissipation factor is calculated by dividing the loss tangent of a dielectric material by its capacitance. The loss tangent is the ratio of the dissipated power to the stored energy in the material. There are several ways to determine the dissipation factor of various materials accurately. Professionals can use these techniques to obtain precise data and evaluate the performance and reliability of materials.

Bridge Method

The bridge method is a common measurement technique. It uses a bridge circuit consisting of resistors, capacitors, and inductors. By balancing the bridge, engineers can determine the material's dissipation factor under test.

Parallel-Plate Method

The parallel-plate method is another popular technique. It involves placing the material between two parallel plates and applying an alternating voltage across them. The dissipation factor is determined by measuring the power loss in the material.

Guard-Ring Method

The guard-ring method is a technique that minimizes the effects of stray capacitance during measurement. It involves placing a guard ring around the measurement electrodes to prevent current leakage due to the stray capacitance. This method helps to improve accuracy.

Variables Affecting Dissipation Factor

Several factors can influence the dissipation factor, affecting the efficiency and performance of electrical systems. Engineers and designers can optimize electrical systems by understanding and considering these factors, ensuring efficient and reliable operation.

Temperature

Temperature plays a significant role. As the temperature increases, molecular motion and energy losses increase, leading to a higher value. It is important to consider the temperature range in which a material will be used to ensure its dissipation factor remains within acceptable limits.

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Dielectric Loss

Dielectric loss refers to the energy lost as heat due to the interaction between the electric field and the dielectric material. Materials with higher dielectric losses tend to have higher dissipation factors. Selecting materials with low dielectric loss can help minimize dissipation and improve system performance.

Frequency of Operation

The frequency of operation has a direct impact. At higher frequencies, the energy losses from the materials increase significantly, leading to an increased value. It is essential to consider the operating frequency when evaluating the dissipation factor of materials for electrical systems.

Resistance in the Circuit

The resistance in the circuit also contributes to the dissipation factor. Higher resistance causes larger energy losses and a greater value. Minimizing resistance through proper circuit design and selecting low-resistance components can help reduce the overall dissipation factor.

 Material Selection

The dissipation factor provides valuable insights into the electrical behavior of components, enabling manufacturers to make informed decisions regarding their application in different industries. This value is relevant across various industries heavily relying on electrical components. Industries such as telecommunications, power generation, aerospace, and automotive require strict adherence to quality standards to ensure optimal performance and safety.

What is Dissipation Factor (Loss Tangent) in PCBs? - PCB Directory

The Dissipation Factor (Df), also known as the loss tangent (tan(δ)), is a measurement of signal attenuation as it travels down the transmission line. This attenuation, also referred to as dielectric loss, is caused by electromagnetic waves being absorbed by the dielectric material. The dielectric loss increases proportionally with frequency. 

In an alternating electric field, the hysteresis effect of dielectric conductivity and polarisation causes a phase difference between the current and voltage phasors flowing in the dielectric, resulting in the formation of a phase angle. Df represents the phase angle's tangent value. Mathematically, the Dissipation factor is the reciprocal of the ratio of the capacitive reactance to the resistance of an insulating material at a specific frequency.

The dissipation factor(Df) of a PCB board material shows how a particular material will handle complex signal routing while transporting RF/microwave signals, high-speed digital signals, and a combination of different technologies as part of a mixed-signal circuit design. Df measures a material's propensity to absorb some of the AC energy from an electromagnetic (EM) field that is passing through it. Choosing a PCB material with a low Df value usually ensures that high-frequency circuits fabricated on that material will have minimal losses. 

It should be noted that when sorting PCB materials by their Df values; temperature effects such as the heat generated by active components and integrated circuits (ICs), may have an impact and lead to a rise in Df at high temperatures. This behavior explains why the Df of a circuit material is so closely related to its thermal conductivity. Because active devices generate heat in their vicinity, even the best PCB and cabinet thermal designs will struggle to dissipate all of the heat produced by an active device. The effective Df of a PCB material may be slightly higher at elevated environmental temperatures and power levels for a given circuit design. The effects of temperature on Df should be taken into account in any circuit simulations for any CAE (Computer-aided engineering) circuit models that use PCB Df as an input to obtain a more precise estimate of dielectric loss for a material over the operating temperature range.

The dissipation factor is a crucial parameter to consider in RF circuits and high-speed digital circuits where loss and signal integrity act as important factors. The Df of most PCB materials ranges from 0.02 for most commonly used materials to 0.001 for very low-loss high-end materials.

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