Rogers RO4003C PCB is an exceptional product from Rogers, renowned for its high-quality laminates and advanced electrical performance. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of theRO4003C PCB, highlighting its features, benefits, construction details, and typical applications. With its unique combination of electrical performance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of manufacturing, the RO4003C PCB is an ideal choice for various high-frequency and microwave applications.

1. Introduction of RO4003C

RO4003C 20mil materials are proprietary woven glass reinforced hydrocarbon/ceramics that exhibit the electrical performance of PTFE/woven glass and the manufacturability of epoxy/glass. These laminates utilize 1080 and 1674 glass fabric styles, meeting the same electrical performance specifications while offering cost advantages over conventional microwave laminates. Unlike PTFE-based microwave materials, RO4003C does not require special through-hole treatments or handling procedures. The non-brominated RO4003C materials are not UL 94 V-0 rated, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

2. The RO4003C PCB offers several key advantages over other microwave laminates in the market. Here are the main benefits:

2.1 Cost-Effectiveness:

The RO4003C price provides cost advantages compared to conventional microwave laminates while maintaining high electrical performance. It can be processed using standard FR-4 fabrication techniques, resulting in cost savings without compromising performance. This makes it an attractive choice for manufacturers looking for a balance between performance and cost.

2.2 Ease of Manufacturing:

Unlike some PTFE-based microwave materials, the Rogers 4003C PCB does not require special through-hole treatments or handling procedures. It can be processed using standard fabrication techniques, simplifying manufacturing and reducing complexity. This ease of manufacturing enables smooth integration into existing production processes.

2.3 Excellent Electrical Performance:

The RO4003C PCB offers exceptional electrical performance, making it suitable for high-frequency and microwave applications. It has a low dielectric constant (DK) of 3.38 +/- 0.05 at 10GHz, providing excellent signal integrity and precise impedance control. The low dissipation factor of 0.0027 at 10GHz minimizes energy losses, ensuring efficient signal transmission and reduced signal distortion.

2.4 Thermal Management:

The RO4003C PCB features a thermal conductivity of 0.71 W/m/°K, facilitating efficient heat dissipation. This property helps in maintaining optimal operating temperatures and prevents overheating in demanding applications. The PCB's high glass transition temperature (Tg) exceeding 280°C ensures exceptional thermal and mechanical stability, even in challenging operating conditions.

2.5 Dimensional Stability:

The RO4003C PCB exhibits a low Z-axis coefficient of thermal expansion (46 ppm/°C) and CTE (11 ppm/°C in the X-axis and 14 ppm/°C in the Y-axis) matched to copper. These characteristics ensure excellent dimensional stability, reducing the risk of failures caused by thermal stresses. The PCB's stability enhances the reliability of surface-mounted assemblies and hybrid designs.

2.6 Wide Temperature Range:

The RO4003C 20mil laminate PCB offers a thermal coefficient of dielectric constant (TCDK) of +40 ppm/°C, ranging from -50°C to 150°C. This wide temperature range ensures stable electrical performance across varying environmental conditions, making it suitable for applications that experience temperature fluctuations.

2.7 Low Moisture Absorption:

RO4003C materials exhibit low moisture absorption of 0.06%, maintaining consistent electrical and mechanical properties even in humid environments. This property is crucial for applications that require reliable performance in high-moisture conditions.

2.8 Availability and Global Support:

The RO4003C PCB is available worldwide, making it readily accessible to customers across different regions. It is backed by Rogers' global support network, ensuring technical assistance and customer service.

In summary, the key advantages of the RO4003C PCB over other microwave laminates include its cost-effectiveness, ease of manufacturing, excellent electrical performance, thermal management capabilities, dimensional stability, wide temperature range, low moisture absorption, and global availability. These advantages make the RO4003C PCB a preferred choice for various high-frequency and microwave applications.

3. PCB Stackup: 2-Layer Rigid PCB

Copper Layer 1: 35 μm

Rogers 4003C Core: 0.508 mm (20mil)

Copper Layer 2: 35 μm

4. PCB Construction Details

Board Dimensions: 43.88mm x 33.2mm (1PCS), +/- 0.15mm

Minimum Trace/Space: 5/5 mils, enabling the design of intricate circuit patterns and high-density layouts.

Minimum Hole Size: 0.3mm, facilitating precise drilling for component mounting and interconnection.

No Blind Vias: The absence of blind vias simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces fabrication complexity.

Finished Board Thickness: 0.6mm, offering a compact form factor suitable for space-constrained applications.

Finished Cu Weight: 1oz (1.4 mils) outer layers, balancing electrical performance and cost considerations.

Via Plating Thickness: 20 μm, ensuring reliable interconnectivity and signal transmission between layers.

Surface Finish: Immersion Gold, providing excellent solderability and protection against oxidation.

Top Silkscreen: No, minimizing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Bottom Silkscreen: No, maintaining aclean and unobstructed board surface for optimized performance.

Top Solder Mask: No, enabling direct component placement on the PCB surface.

Bottom Solder Mask: No, ensuring ease of assembly and rework.

100% Electrical Test: Each PCB undergoes a rigorous electrical test before shipment to ensure functionality and quality.

5. PCB Statistics

Components: 8

Total Pads: 15

Thru Hole Pads: 9

Top SMT Pads: 6

Bottom SMT Pads: 0

Vias: 7

Nets: 2

6. Type of Artwork Supplied: Gerber RS-274-X

The RO4003C high frequency PCB can be manufactured using Gerber RS-274-X files, a widely accepted industry standard for PCB fabrication. This ensures compatibility and ease of integration into existing manufacturing processes.

7. Quality Standard: IPC-Class-2

The RO4003C PCB adheres to the IPC-Class-2 quality standard, emphasizing high levels of workmanship and reliability. This standard ensures that the PCB meets the requirements for general electronic products, providing assurance of consistent quality and performance.

8. Some Typical Applications

Cellular Base Station Antennas and Power Amplifiers:

The RO4003C Rogers PCB offers excellent RF performance and is well-suited for applications in cellular base station antennas and power amplifiers, ensuring reliable and efficient signal transmission.

RF Identification Tags:

With its high-frequency capabilities and stable electrical performance, the RO4003C PCB is an ideal choice for RF identification tags, enabling accurate data transmission and reception.

Automotive Radar and Sensors:

The automotive industry relies on advanced radar and sensor systems to enhance safety and enable autonomous driving. The RO4003C PCB provides the necessary performance and reliability for these critical applications.

LNB's for Direct Broadcast Satellites:

Low-Noise Block Converters (LNBs) used in direct broadcast satellites require high-frequency PCBs with excellent performance characteristics. The RO4003C PCB meets these requirements, ensuring optimal signal reception and processing.

9. Conclusion

In conclusion, the RO4003C PCB 20mil from Rogers offers an exceptional combination of electrical performance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of manufacturing. With its precise impedance control, low signal distortion, efficient heat dissipation, and compatibility with standard fabrication processes, the RO4003C Rogers PCB is an ideal choice for high-frequency and microwave applications. Its availability worldwide and adherence to quality standards make it a reliable solution for manufacturers across various industries. Whether in cellular base stations, RF identification tags, automotive radar systems, or satellite applications, the RO4003C high frequency laminate PCB delivers the performance and reliability necessary for today's advanced technologies.