RO4000® hydrocarbon ceramic laminates are designed to deliver superior high-frequency performance and low-cost circuit fabrication. With a dielectric constant of 3.48 for Rogers RO4350B and 3.38 for Rogers RO4003C, these low-loss materials can be manufactured using standard epoxy/glass processes at competitive prices.
As operating frequencies increase to 500 MHz and beyond, the range of substrate options available to designers becomes significantly limited. RO4000 materials offer the characteristics required for RF/microwave circuits and matching networks, as well as controlled impedance transmission lines. The low dielectric loss of the RO4000 series makes it suitable for applications where traditional circuit board laminates are constrained by higher operating frequency limits. The temperature coefficient of the dielectric constant is among the lowest of all circuit board materials and remains stable over a wide frequency range. For reduced insertion loss, LoPro® foil is available, making these materials ideal for broadband applications.
The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of RO4000 materials provides several key benefits to circuit designers. The CTE of RO4000 materials is similar to that of copper, offering excellent dimensional stability—a critical property for mixed-dielectric multilayer board structures. The low Z-axis CTE of RO4000 laminates ensures reliable plated through-hole quality, even under severe thermal shock conditions. With a Tg > 280°C (536°F), the extended properties of RO4000 series materials remain stable throughout the circuit processing temperature range.
RO4000 series laminates can be easily fabricated into printed circuit boards using standard FR-4 processing techniques. Unlike high-performance PTFE-based materials, RO4000 series laminates do not require specialized through-hole preparation processes such as sodium etching. These materials are rigid thermoset laminates capable of being processed through automated handling systems and scrubbing equipment used for copper surface treatment.
RO4003C™ laminates are currently manufactured using 1080 and 1674 glass fabric styles, with all configurations meeting the same laminate electrical performance specifications. Designed as a direct replacement for RO4003C™ material, RO4350B™ laminates utilize RoHS-compliant flame-retardant technology and meet UL 94V-0 requirements. These materials comply with IPC4103 specifications, with RO4003C classified as slash sheet 10. Inquire for additional information on RO4350B substrates.
Features:
- RO4000 materials are reinforced hydrocarbon/ceramic laminates—not PTFE
- Designed for performance-sensitive, high-volume applications
- Tight dielectric constant tolerance and low loss
- Excellent electrical performance
- Enables higher application operating frequencies
- Ideal for broadband applications with stable electrical properties vs. frequency
- Consistent electrical characteristics across different frequencies
- Controlled impedance transmission lines
- Repeatable filter designs
- Low dielectric constant variation with temperature
- Superior dimensional stability
- Low Z-axis CTE
- Reliable plated through-holes
- Low in-plane CTE
- Stable throughout the circuit processing temperature range
- Easy to manufacture in high volumes
- RO4000 laminates can be fabricated using standard epoxy/glass woven laminate processes
- Highly competitive pricing
Typical Applications:
- Satellite TV LNBs
- Cellular base station antennas and power amplifiers
- RF identification tags
- Automotive radar and sensors
- Microstrip lines