2. Product Specifications Overview

 

Taconic TLX-8 high-frequency circuit material is manufactured to precise standards, ensuring consistency and performance for critical microwave designs.

 

Feature	Specification	Note
Layer Count	2 Layers (Double-Sided)	Low layer count microwave design.
Core Material	TLX-8 Laminate	Fiberglass-reinforced PTFE composite.
Dielectric Constant (Dk)	2.45 - 2.65 (Tightly Controlled)	Low and stable for predictable performance.
Thickness	30 mil (0.762 mm)	Standard thickness for robust mechanical structure.
Copper Weight	1 oz (35 µm)	Standard weight for conductive traces and planes.
Surface Finish	Immersion Gold (ENIG)	Excellent solderability, wire-bondability, and oxidation resistance.
Legend & Solder Mask	No Silkscreen, No Solder Mask Ink ("No Silk, No Ink")	Clean surface for optimal high-frequency performance.
Board Dimensions	40.5 x 70.6 mm (per single piece)	Compact size suitable for various RF components.

 

 

3. In-Depth: TLX-8 Laminate Material Benefits

 

Taconic TLX-8 is a premier microwave substrate chosen for its balanced electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, making it a "workhorse" material for RF applications.

 

3.1. Key Electrical & Reliability Benefits

 

Excellent PIM Performance: Delivers Passive Intermodulation (PIM) values typically measured lower than -160 dBc, crucial for multi-carrier systems like base station antennas.

 

Stable Electrical Properties: Features a low, stable Dielectric Constant (Dk) and low Dissipation Factor (Df), ensuring minimal signal loss and phase stability over frequency and temperature.

 

Dimensional Stability & Low Moisture Absorption: Maintains physical and electrical integrity under varying environmental conditions, critical for precision circuits.

 

3.2. Robust Mechanical & Safety Properties

 

Excellent Mechanical & Thermal Properties: Fiberglass reinforcement provides superior strength and resistance to creep, thermal expansion, and vibration.

 

UL 94 V-0 Rating: Certifies the material's flame retardancy, enhancing safety in end-use applications.

 

Environmental Durability: Offers proven resistance to high temperatures, radiation (low outgassing), and wide temperature swings, qualifying it for severe operational environments.

 

4. Target Applications

 

The combination of this PCB's specifications and Taconic TLX-8 material's versatility enables its use in a broad spectrum of high-frequency applications:

 

Telecommunications: Base station antennas, filters, combiners, splitters, and power amplifiers.

 

Aerospace & Defense: Radar systems, altimeter substrates, communication payloads, and avionics requiring radiation resistance and vibration survival.

 

Test & Measurement: Probes, fixtures, and components for microwave test equipment.

 

Industrial RF: Microwave transmission devices, mixers, and passive components.

 

Specifically, Taconic TLX-8 laminate PCB's mechanical robustness is essential for applications such as PCBs bolted in high-vibration launch vehicles, engine module electronics, warship antenna systems, and airborne equipment experiencing rapid pressure and temperature changes.

 

5.Typical Values Table

Properties

Conditions

Typical Value

Unit

Test Method

Dielectric Constant	@ 10 GHz	2.55 ± 0.04		IPC-650 2.5.5.3
Dissipation Factor	@ 10 GHz	0.0018		IPC-650 2.5.5.5.1
Outgassing	% TML	0.03	4 H 257 °F @ ≤ 5 x 10-5 Torr	ASTM E 595
	% CVCM	0.00
	% WVR	0.01
Surface Resistivity		6.605 x 108	Mohm	IPC-650 2.5.17.1 Sec. 5.2.1 (Elevated Temp.)
		3.550 x 106	Mohm	IPC-650 2.5.17.1 Sec. 5.2.1 (Humidity Cond.)
Volume Resistivity		1.110 x 1010	Mohm/cm	IPC-650 2.5.17.1 Sec. 5.2.1 (Elevated Temp.)
		1.046 x 1010	Mohm/cm	IPC-650 2.5.17.1 Sec. 5.2.1 (Humidity Cond.)
Dimensional Stability	MD	0.06	mm/M (mils/in)	IPC-650 2.4.39 Sec. 5.4 (After Bake)
	CD	0.08	mm/M (mils/in)
	MD	0.09	mm/M (mils/in)	IPC-650 2.4.39 Sec. 5.5 (Thermal Stress)
	CD	0.10	mm/M (mils/in)

Thermal Conductivity		0.19	W/M*K	ASTM F433/ASTM 1530-06
CTE (25-260 °C)	X	21	ppm/°C	IPC-650 2.4 .41/ASTM D 3386
	Y	23
	Z	215
Td	2% Weight Loss	535	°C	IPC-650 2.4.24.6 (TGA)
	5% Weight Loss	553	°C

Peel Strength	1 oz. ED	2.63 (15)	N/mm (Ibs/in)	IPC-650 2.4.8 Sec. 5.2.2 (Thermal Stress)
	1 oz. RTF	2.98 (17)	N/mm2 (kpsi)
	½ oz. ED	2.45 (14)	N/mm2 (kpsi)	IPC-650 2.4.8.3 (Elevated Temp.)
	½ oz. ED	1.93 (11)	N/mm2 (kpsi)	IPC-650 2.4.8 Sec. 5.2.2 (Thermal Stress)
	1 oz. rolled	2.28 (13)	N/mm2 (kpsi)
Young’s Modulus	MD	6,757 (980)	N/mm2 (psi)	ASTM D 902
	CD	8,274 (1,200)	N/mm2 (psi)
	MD	11,238 (1,630)	N/mm2 (psi)	ASTM D 3039

 

Chemical / Physical Properties
Moisture Absorption		0.02	%	IPC-650 2.6.2.1
Dielectric Breakdown		> 45	Kv	IPC-650 2.5.6
Flammability Rating		V-0		UL-94

 

6. Conclusion

 

This Taconic 2-layer PCB built on 30mil TLX-8 laminate represents a reliable, high-performance solution for engineers designing next-generation RF and microwave systems. Its controlled electrical characteristics, coupled with exceptional mechanical durability, make it an ideal choice for applications where performance cannot be compromised by environmental stress. From space-qualified hardware to terrestrial communication infrastructure, TLX-8 PCB provides a foundation for innovative and reliable circuit design.

 

Founded in 2003, Shenzhen Bicheng Electronics Technology Co., Ltd is an established high frequency PCB supplier and exporter in Shenzhen, China, serving customers worldwide.

 

We are devoted to delivering high-frequency PCB products and solutions of the highest quality, along with customized service. Get in touch with us to start your project !

Visit https://www.bicheng-enterprise.com to learn more.