In the case of the IT-968G laminate, having a high Tg means that it can maintain its mechanical and electrical properties under elevated temperatures, which is essential for applications where the PCB may be exposed to heat, such as in power electronics or high-performance computing systems.
In this article, we’ll discuss what really characterizes the IT-968G laminates. The relevant information is available for pcb design engineers to refer to in the selection of materials, And you can also call QFPCB to discuss. QFPCB offers the best services when it comes to the high Tg circuit board, so please feel free to contact us.
What is the IT-968G PCB Material?
The IT-968G laminate is an advanced low CTE, high Tg (175°C by TMA), Halogen free and ultra low loss material.The glass transition temperature of ITEQ IT-968G is typically above 170°C, indicating excellent thermal stability and resistance to high temperatures. The IT-968G has ultra low loss characteristics. With a lower Dk (Dielectric Constant) of 3.59 @ 10GHz and Ultra low Df (Dissipation Factor) of 0.0050 @ 10GHz, it offers low dielectric loss. In high-frequency applications, dielectric loss can cause signal degradation and attenuation. The low dielectric loss of the IT-968G helps maintain signal integrity and reduce signal attenuation. This is crucial for applications such as 5G communication systems, where high-speed data transmission over long distances is required.
The IT-968G laminate is an advanced low CTE material.CTE is a crucial parameter in materials used for printed circuit boards as it determines how the material expands and contracts with temperature changes. A low CTE in the IT-968G ensures that the PCB maintains its dimensional stability even when exposed to varying temperatures. This is especially important in modern electronics where precision and reliability are of utmost importance.
Another significant advantage of the IT-968G laminate is that it is Halogen free. Halogens, such as bromine and chlorine, can have negative environmental impacts and may also pose risks to human health. By being halogen free, the IT-968G not only meets environmental regulations but also contributes to a more sustainable manufacturing process. This makes it an ideal choice for companies that are committed to reducing their environmental footprint.
It also exhibits high thermal and CAF reliability. CAF can be a major concern in PCBs as it can lead to electrical short circuits and failure. The high CAF reliability of the IT-968G ensures the long-term reliability of the PCB, even in harsh operating environments. This material is designed not only for standard multilayer PCBs. Standard multilayer PCBs are widely used in a variety of electronic devices, from consumer electronics to industrial equipment.The IT-968G provides the necessary electrical and mechanical properties for these applications.Moreover, in operation, the PCB may be exposed to various thermal conditions, and the material’s thermal reliability ensures its long-term performance.
IT-968G PCB Material Data Sheet
Features of the IT-968G PCB Material
High Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)
With a Tg exceeding 170°C, this material maintains structural integrity at elevated temperatures, ensuring reliability in high-heat environments. This Tg value helps to determine the limit of temperature operation.
Lower Dielectric Constant (Dk)
IT-968G laminate offers an extremely low Dk value of 3.59 at 10 GHz, helping to minimize signal delay and improve propagation efficiency—critical for maintaining signal integrity in 100G/400G switches, telecom routers, and high speed data center equipment.
Ultra-Low Dissipation Factor (Df)
With an ultra-low Df of 0.0050 at 10 GHz, IT-968G laminate significantly reduces energy loss and improves signal clarity—making it ideal for applications requiring minimal insertion loss, reduced cross-talk, and enhanced bandwidth performance.
Stable Dk/Df Across Different Environmental Conditions
One of the standout features of IT-968G laminate is its ability to maintain consistent Dk and Df values across varying temperatures and humidity levels, ensuring reliable performance in real-world operating conditions—especially important for outdoor telecom equipment and industrial-grade hardware.
100G/400G Switch Solution
This material is optimized for use in next-generation 100G and 400G Ethernet switching platforms, where low-loss transmission, stable impedance control, and high layer count integration are essential for achieving high data throughput and reliability.
Halogen-Free Material
IT-968G laminate is formulated without halogenated flame retardants, aligning with global environmental and safety regulations. IT-968G eliminates harmful halogens (e.g., chlorine, bromine), making it a safer choice for both production and end-use applications.
Good in anti-CAF performance
The IT-968G laminate also has excellent anti-CAF performance. The laminate’s chemistry and controlled glass treatment provide excellent resistance to CAF, reducing the risk of dendritic growths that can cause shorts in high-humidity or high-bias conditions.
High Thermal Reliability
Exceptional thermal stability ensures long-term performance in power-intensive environments, resisting degradation even under prolonged thermal stress. IT-968G features great thermal reliability. Therefore, this laminate is ideal for use in varying temperature ranges.
What are the Applications of IT-968G PCB Material?
IT-968G’s combination of electrical performance and reliability makes it an ideal substrate for a variety of advanced electronic systems, including:
Base Stations
High-frequency RF modules and power amplifiers require laminates with stable dielectric properties to maintain signal integrity across wide bandwidths. Withstands high-power RF signals and thermal stress in 5G and legacy communication systems.
Telecom Infrastructure
For telecommunications backbone systems such as switches, routers, and fiber optic modules, reliable PCB materials are essential.IT-968G laminate delivers the low Dk/Df values and high thermal endurance needed for stable, high speed data transmission.
Backplanes
Complex multi-layer backplane PCBs in data centers demand materials with tight impedance control and excellent thermal management. Delivers stable signal integrity for high-speed data transmission in networking hardware.
Servers, Storage & Switches
Data centers and cloud computing systems require PCBs that can operate continuously under high thermal and electrical loads. IT-968G’s low-loss characteristics, stable Dk/Df, and compatibility with VLP copper make it an excellent choice for server motherboards, memory modules, network switches, and storage devices, especially those supporting 100G/400G connectivity.
Manufacturing and Processing Advantages of IT-968G PCB Material
IT-968G laminates are a future-proof choice for next-generation electronics. Combining high thermal reliability, signal integrity, and environmental responsibility.
Advanced High-Tg Resin Technology
The proprietary resin system used in IT-968G provides enhanced thermal resistance, dimensional stability, and long-term reliability, making it superior to standard FR-4 and other mid-range materials in high-performance applications.
Maximum Operating Temperature: 130 °C
IT-968G has a Relative Thermal Index (RTI) of 130°C, allowing it to perform reliably in high temperature operating environments. This ensures long-term durability and safe operation in telecom and data center applications. Balances thermal endurance with compatibility for applications requiring moderate heat resistance.
Compatibility with High Tg Standard FR-4 Processes
Manufacturers can integrate IT-968G into existing FR-4 production lines with minimal process adjustments. Standard lamination pressures, cure profiles, and drill parameters are compatible, facilitating rapid ramp-up and cost-effective scaling.
Environmentally Friendly Materials
Beyond its halogen-free formulation, IT-968G utilizes lead-free glass fabric and non-halogenated curing agents. The material supports RoHS compliance, helping customers meet stringent environmental directives across global markets.
Conclusion
The IT-968G laminate signal integrity performance is stable with a variety of environment conditions. Whether it is exposed to different temperatures, humidity levels, or electromagnetic fields, the material can maintain its signal integrity performance. For more information about ITEQ IT-968G laminates or to discuss how this material can support your specific application, feel free to contact reach out to us directly.
