Dielectric substrates, metal conductors, multi-layer stackups, and loss models (FR4, Rogers, Teflon) for RF PCB simulation. TRIGGER: user asks to set up a substrate, define dielectric properties, create a stackup, select a PCB material (FR4, Rogers, Teflon, etc.), or configure metal conductors. Invoke BEFORE writing dielectric() or metal() code — the API for named vs custom materials differs significantly. SKIP: PCB layout assembly (use matlab-assemble-pcb-layout), transmission line design (use
SkillScore100Maintained
Automatic
◆Coding pack
Last verified 8/17/2026
What it changes
Passed 24 of 24 test cases with the skill, and 13 of 24 without it.
Without skill54%
With skill100%
Checks it passed that the model alone missed
The FrequencyModel property is set to TableDriven.
The catalog search is executed using the find method on a DielectricCatalog instance.
The material catalogs are accessed using DielectricCatalog and MetalCatalog instances.
and 13 more in the full report
11 fixed13 passed either way0 still failing0 broke
Pass-rate lift
+46 pp
Tokens
+81%
Agent turns
0%
Response time
-58%
Model gemini-3.6-flashMeasured 8/17/2026v224 of 24 cases passed with skill
Tokens, turns and time describe resource use, not a dollar price.
See it in action
One of 11 test cases the skill fixed. Same model, same prompt, with and without the skill.
1 of 11
Prompt
I want to quickly create a two-layer substrate composed of FR4 and Teflon in MATLAB using shorthand catalog names, setting their thicknesses to 0.8 mm and 0.4 mm respectively. How can I write this in two concise MATLAB statements?
What was checked, without and with the skill
Checked
Without skill
With skill
The dielectric constructor is called with two catalog string arguments: dielectric("FR4", "Teflon").
Missed
Passed
The Thickness property vector is assigned as [0.8e-3 0.4e-3] or equivalent numeric array in meters.
Passed
Passed
case-13 · gemini-3.6-flash · 8/17/2026 · answers are capped and redacted
What's inside
The instructions your model reads when the skill loads.
SKILL.md280 linessingle file
Managing Materials for RF PCB Toolbox
When to Use
Creating dielectric substrates for transmission lines, filters, couplers, or custom pcbComponent designs
Selecting metals (Copper, Gold, etc.) for realistic conductor loss modeling
Building multi-layer dielectric stacks for stripline or embedded designs
Choosing frequency-dependent dispersion models (DjordjevicSarkar) for wideband accuracy
Looking up catalog material properties or adding custom materials
When NOT to Use
Building the PCB layer structure itself — use matlab-assemble-pcb-layout
Running EM analysis after materials are defined — use matlab-analyze-em
Designing transmission lines that happen to need substrates — use matlab-design-pcb-transmission-line (it references this skill for material details)
Importing material properties from an existing board file — use matlab-read-pcb-layout
Typical Workflow
This skill: Define substrate, conductor, and stackup — typically the first step in any RF PCB design
After: Any design skill (matlab-design-pcb-filter, matlab-design-pcb-transmission-line, matlab-assemble-pcb-layout, matlab-model-via) — pass materials to the component
Quick Reference
Task
Code
Catalog dielectric
sub = dielectric("FR4")
Custom dielectric
sub = dielectric(Name="MyMat", EpsilonR=4.4, LossTangent=0.02, Thickness=1.6e-3)
Multi-layer dielectric
sub = dielectric("FR4","Teflon"); sub.Thickness = [0.8e-3 0.4e-3]