What Is RO4003C PCB and Its Features?

Introduction

The RO4003C PCB stands as a testament to the remarkable advancements in material technology for high-frequency circuit boards. This cutting-edge product combines the electrical performance of PTFE/woven glass with the superior manufacturability of epoxy/glass, resulting in an exceptional solution for a wide range of applications. In this comprehensive blog, we delve into the features, benefits, construction details, statistics, and typical applications of the RO4003C high frequency PCB.

Introduction of RO4003C

Rogers 4003C materials feature a proprietary blend of woven glass reinforced hydrocarbon/ceramics. By utilizing 1080 and 1674 glass fabric styles, this laminate series achieves unparalleled control over the dielectric constant (Dk), ensuring low loss and excellent electrical performance. Unlike PTFE-based microwave materials, Rogers RO4003C laminates do not require special through-hole treatments or handling procedures, thus streamlining the manufacturing process without compromising performance. Furthermore, this cost-effective solution is a fraction of the price of conventional microwave laminates. It's important to note that RO4003C materials are non-brominated and not UL 94 V-0 rated.

Features

The RO4003C 16mil Rogers material PCB boasts an impressive array of features, making it a premier choice for high-performance applications:

a) Dielectric Constant (Dk): With a DK value of 3.38 +/- 0.05 at 10GHz, the RO4003C PCB provides exceptional signal integrity, ensuring reliable and accurate data transmission.

b) Dissipation Factor: The low dissipation factor of 0.0027 at 10GHz minimizes energy loss, maintaining signal integrity and maximizing overall system efficiency.

c) Thermal Conductivity:The high thermal conductivity of 0.71 W/m/°K enables efficient heat dissipation, preventing thermal issues in demanding applications.

d) Thermal Coefficient of Dielectric Constant: With a thermal coefficient of dielectric constant at +40 ppm/°C within a temperature range of -50°C to 150°C, the RO4003C PCB maintains stable electrical performance across various operating conditions.

e) CTE Matched to Copper: The RO4003C PCB provides excellent dimensional stability with a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) closely matched to copper (X axis: 11ppm/°C, Y axis: 14ppm/°C).

f) Tg (Glass Transition Temperature):The Tg value of over 280°C ensures the PCB's reliability and performance during high-temperature applications.

g) Low Moisture Absorption: The RO4003C PCB exhibits a moisture absorption rate of only 0.06%, making it highly resistant to environmental factors that may affect electrical performance.

Benefits

The RO4003C high frequency PCB offers a multitude of benefits for its users, making it an exceptional choice for performance-sensitive and cost-effective high-volume applications:

a) Ideal for Multi-Layer Board (MLB) Constructions: The RO4003C PCB excels in multi-layer board applications where signal integrity, thermal management, and cost-effectiveness are crucial.

b) Processes like FR-4 at Lower Fabrication Cost: This advanced laminate series can be processed using the same methods as FR-4, significantly reducing fabrication costs without compromising performance.

c) Designed for Performance-Sensitive, High-Volume Applications: The RO4003C PCB is engineered to meet the demanding requirements of high-frequency and high-speed applications such as cellular base station antennas, power amplifiers, RF identification tags, automotive radar, and sensors.

d) Competitively Priced: Despite its exceptional performance, the RO4003C PCB remains an affordable option, making it accessible to a wide range of customers without sacrificing quality.

PCB Stackup and Construction Details

The RO4003C 16MIL Rogers PCB material maintains its superior performance through an optimized stackup and construction. In its 2-layer rigid PCB configuration, the layers and dimensions are as follows:

Copper Layer 1: 35μm

Rogers 4003C Core: 0.406 mm (16mil)

Copper Layer 2: 35μm

The board dimensions measure 90.63mm x 170.35mm (with a tolerance of +/- 0.15mm), providing ample space for complex circuitry. The minimum trace/space requirement of 5/7 mils ensures precise signal routing, while the minimum hole size of 0.3mm allows for adequate component placement.

The finished board thickness for the RO4003C PCB is 0.5mm, providing a robust and stable foundation for high-frequency applications. The outer layers feature a 1oz (1.4 mils) copper weight, ensuring optimal signal conduction. Moreover, the 20μm via plating thickness promotes reliable signal transmission between the layers.

For enhanced protection and durability, the surface finish is achieved through immersion silver, providing excellent solderability and corrosion resistance. The top solder mask appears in green, while the top silkscreen is printed in white.

Prior to shipment, each RO4003C PCB undergoes a 100% electrical test, ensuring that only the highest quality products reach the customers.

PCB Statistics

The RO4003C Rogers PCB has the following statistics:

Components: 21

Total Pads: 80

Thru-Hole Pads: 57

Top SMT Pads: 23

Bottom SMT Pads: 0

Vias: 36

Nets: 3

Type of Artwork Supplied, Quality Standard, and Availability

The RO4003C PCB accepts Gerber RS-274-X artwork, allowing for seamless integration into existing design processes. As a testament to its quality, the RO4003C PCB adheres to the IPC-Class-2 standard, ensuring consistent and reliable performance.

This exceptional product is available worldwide, making it accessible to customers across various industries and geographies.

Some Typical Applications

The RO4003C PCB's versatility and exceptional performance make it the go-to choice for a wide range of high-frequency applications, such as:

Cellular Base Station Antennas and Power Amplifiers:

The RO4003C PCB enables efficient signal transmission and power amplification, ensuring reliable cellular network connectivity.

RF Identification Tags:

With excellent signal integrity, the RO4003C PCB is suitable for RFID applications, ensuring accurate data transmission and reception.

Automotive Radar and Sensors:

The RO4003C PCB provides the necessary stability and performance for automotive radar systems and sensor applications, contributing to safer and more efficient vehicles.

LNB's for Direct Broadcast Satellites:

The RO4003C PCB's high-frequency performance and reliability make it an excellent choice for applications involving low-noise block downconverters in satellite communication systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the RO4003C 16MIL Rogers substrate PCB offers unparalleled electrical performance, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability, making it the optimal choice for high-performance applications. Whether for cellular networks, RF identification, automotive radar, or satellite communication, the RO4003C high frequency laminate PCB is the ultimate solution for reliable and efficient signal transmission. With its competitive pricing and worldwide availability, customers can embrace the power of the RO4003C PCB for their cutting-edge.