Why RO4350B is the Go-To Material for High-Frequency PCB Applications?
Why RO4350B is the Go-To Material for High-Frequency PCB Applications?
In the ever-evolving world of electronics, the demand for high-performance printed circuit boards (PCBs) is growing exponentially. Whether it’s for telecommunications, automotive systems, or aerospace applications, engineers and designers require PCBs that deliver exceptional electrical performance, thermal stability, and reliability. Enter the RO4350B PCB, a 4-layer rigid PCB designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern RF and microwave applications.
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the features, benefits, and applications of the RO4350B PCB. By the end, you’ll understand why Rogers RO4350B is the Go-To Material for High-Frequency PCB Applications.
What is RO4350B?
The Rogers 4350B is a high-frequency laminate material developed by Rogers Corporation. It is a proprietary woven glass-reinforced hydrocarbon/ceramic composite that combines the electrical performance of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) with the manufacturability of epoxy/glass materials. This unique combination makes RO4350B an ideal choice for RF and microwave applications where performance and cost-efficiency are critical.
Key Characteristics of RO4350B Material:
- Dielectric Constant (Dk): 3.48 +/- 0.05 at 10 GHz/23°C
- Dissipation Factor (Df): 0.0037 at 10 GHz/23°C
- Thermal Conductivity: 0.69 W/m/°K
- Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE):
- X-axis: 10 ppm/°C
- Y-axis: 12 ppm/°C
- Z-axis: 32 ppm/°C
- Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): >280°C (536°F)
- Low Water Absorption: 0.06%
These properties make RO4350B a standout material for high-frequency designs, offering excellent signal integrity, thermal stability, and dimensional consistency.
Features of the RO4350B 4-Layer PCB
Our newly shipped RO4350B 4-Layer PCB is a testament to advanced engineering and precision manufacturing. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
1. 4-Layer Rigid Construction
The PCB is built with a robust4-layer stackup, ensuring optimal performance for complex RF and microwave designs. The stackup includes:
- Layer 1: Copper (35μm)
- Core 1: Rogers RO4350B (0.762 mm)
- Layer 2: Copper (35μm)
- Prepreg: RO4450F (0.102 mm)
- Layer 3: Copper (35μm)
- Core 2: Rogers RO4350B (0.762 mm)
- Layer 4: Copper (35μm)
This construction provides excellent signal integrity and thermal management, making it ideal for high-frequency applications.
2. Stepped Outline Design
The PCB features a stepped outline with two distinct dimensions:
- Outline 1: 70 mm x 50 mm
- Outline 2: 70 mm x 40 mm
This design allows for flexibility in integration with various systems and enclosures.
3. High-Precision Manufacturing
- Minimum Trace/Space: 4/7 mils
- Minimum Hole Size: 0.3 mm
- Finished Board Thickness: 0.5 mm
- Via Plating Thickness: 20μm
- Surface Finish: Immersion Gold
These specifications ensure the PCB meets the highest standards of precision and reliability.
4. No Solder Mask or Silkscreen
To maintain optimal electrical performance, the PCB is manufactured without solder mask or silkscreen on the top and bottom layers. This design choice minimizes signal loss and interference, which is critical for high-frequency applications.
5. 100% Electrical Testing
Every PCB undergoes rigorous electrical testing prior to shipment, ensuring compliance with IPC-Class-2 quality standards.
Benefits of the RO4350B PCB
The Rogers 4350B PCB offers a host of benefits that make it a preferred choice for engineers and designers:
1. Ideal for Multi-Layer Board (MLB) Constructions
The RO4350B material’s thermal coefficient of expansion (CTE) closely matches that of copper, ensuring excellent dimensional stability. This property is crucial for mixed dielectric multi-layer board constructions, where consistency across layers is paramount.
2. Cost-Effective Manufacturing
Unlike traditional PTFE-based materials, RO4350B can be processed using standard epoxy/glass methods. This significantly reduces fabrication costs without compromising performance.
3. Exceptional Thermal Stability
With a Tg value of >280°C and low Z-axis CTE, the RO4350B PCB maintains its structural integrity even under severe thermal shock conditions. This makes it suitable for high-power RF designs and active devices.
4. Low Signal Loss
The low dissipation factor (0.0037) ensures minimal signal loss, making the PCB ideal for high-frequency applications such as cellular base stations and automotive radar systems.
5. Global Availability
The RO4350B PCB is available worldwide, making it accessible to engineers and manufacturers across the globe.
Applications of the RO4350B PCB
The RO4350B dielectric constant PCB is versatile and well-suited for a wide range of high-frequency applications. Some typical use cases include:
1. Cellular Base Station Antennas and Power Amplifiers
The PCB’s low signal loss and excellent thermal stability make it ideal for cellular infrastructure, where reliability and performance are critical.
2. RF Identification Tags
The RO4350B material’s consistent dielectric properties ensure accurate and reliable operation in RF identification systems.
3. Automotive Radar and Sensors
In advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), the PCB’s high-frequency performance and thermal stability are essential for accurate radar and sensor operation.
4. LNB’s for Direct Broadcast Satellites
The PCB’s low dissipation factor and high thermal conductivity make it a perfect fit for satellite communication systems.
Why Choose the RO4350B PCB?
The RO4350B material PCB stands out in the crowded PCB market for several reasons:
- Superior Electrical Performance:With a tightly controlled dielectric constant and low dissipation factor, the PCB delivers unmatched signal integrity.
- Thermal Reliability:The high Tg value and low CTE ensure the PCB can withstand extreme thermal conditions.
- Cost-Effective: By leveraging standard manufacturing processes, the PCB offers a cost-effective solution without compromising quality.
- Global Standards Compliance: Manufactured to IPC-Class-2 standards, the PCB meets the highest quality benchmarks.
Conclusion
The RO4350B 4-Layer high frequency PCB is a high-performance solution designed to meet the demands of modern RF and microwave applications. Its unique combination of electrical performance, thermal stability, and cost-effectiveness makes it an ideal choice for industries ranging from telecommunications to automotive.
Whether you’re designing a cellular base station, an automotive radar system, or a satellite communication device, the RO4350B Rogers PCB delivers the reliability and performance you need. With global availability and adherence to stringent quality standards, this PCB is ready to power your next-generation designs.
For more information or to place an order, contact us today and experience the difference that the RO4350B substrate PCB can make in your applications.
