(PCBs are custom-designed; shown images and specifications are for illustrative purposes only.)

Hi, Everyone, Today, we’re excited to introduce high-frequency PCBs built with RO4003C laminates.

RO4003C is a hydrocarbon resin ceramic-filled laminate reinforced with woven glass cloth, developed by Rogers Corporation. It offers electrical properties comparable to PTFE, while its processability closely resembles that of epoxy resin (glass cloth) materials.

Now, let’s explore the five key advantages of RO4003C laminates.

1. Enhanced high-frequency performance

RO4003C materials consist of hydrocarbon ceramic-filled laminates, distinguished from PTFE, specifically engineered to deliver exceptional high-frequency performance.

2. Minimal dielectric loss

Achieving low loss translates to superior electrical performance, enabling applications to operate at high frequencies efficiently.

3. Consistent electrical properties across frequency ranges

RO4003C material exhibits the characteristics suitable for RF microwave circuits, matching networks, and controlled impedance transmission lines. Its dielectric constant remains stable within a wide frequency spectrum (as illustrated in the chart comparing dielectric constant vs. frequency).

4. Exceptionally low thermal coefficient of dielectric constant

RO4003C boasts one of the lowest temperature coefficients of dielectric constant among circuit board materials (refer to the chart comparing dielectric constant vs. temperature). This unique attribute ensures exceptional dimensional stability, a crucial requirement for mixed dielectric multi-layer PCB constructions and reliable plated-through holes.

5. Cost

RO4003C laminates can be manufactured using standard FR-4 processes, eliminating the need for specialized via preparation procedures. They are compatible with automated handling systems and scrubbing equipment used for copper surface preparation. These properties facilitate volume manufacturing and contribute to competitively priced products.

RO4003C offers double-sided circuit boards in various thicknesses, including 12mil, 16mil, 20mil, 32mil, and 60mil. These boards are utilized in a diverse range of microwave and radio frequency applications, both traditional and non-traditional, such as base station antennas, power amplifiers, RFID systems, radar equipment, and sensors.

The basic colour of RO4003C PCB is white.

Multilayer circuit boards are constructed using various cores of RO4003C. For instance, a 4-layer PCB might be built on two cores of 32mil RO4003C, or alternatively, a 4-layer board could be fabricated with a 12mil core and a 20mil core of RO4003C. The fixed thickness of the core is crucial as it determines the electrical length of the RF lines on the circuit board.

Hybrid PCB

To minimize production costs without compromising signal loss in high-frequency environments, the technique of mixed-pressure production with FR-4 has emerged. Currently, the technology for mixed circuit boards is well-established and widely popular in the market.