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In this article, we’ll discuss what really characterizes the high frequency Rogers RO4725JXR™ and RO4730G3™ 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 frequency print circuit board, so please feel free to contact us.
What is the Rogers RO4725JXR™ and RO4730G3™ laminates?
TRO4700™ series antenna grade laminates offer a dependable and high-performance alternative to traditional PTFE-based PCB laminates. These advanced materials are specifically designed for applications that require superior electrical properties and mechanical stability, such as in the manufacturing of antennas devices.
RO4725JXR™ and RO4730G3™ laminates possess the mechanical and electrical properties essential for antenna design. These materials exhibit a dielectric constant (Dk) of 2.55 and 3.0, respectively, and a loss tangent (Df) of 0.0022 at 2.5 GHz when utilizing LoPro® Reverse Treated EDC Foil. These characteristics enable antenna designers to achieve significant gain while minimizing signal attenuation. Additionally, these materials demonstrate low passive intermodulation (PIM) performance, with values exceeding -160 dBc under test conditions of 43 dBm at 1,900 MHz.
The RO4700 series of antenna-grade laminates are fully compatible with conventional epoxy and high-temperature lead-free solder processing. Unlike traditional PTFE-based laminates, these materials do not require special treatment for plated through-hole preparation. Lamination can be accomplished using the RO4400™ bondply series at 175°C. The resin systems in RO4700JXR materials are specifically engineered to provide the properties desired by antenna designers. With a glass transition temperature exceeding 280°C (536°F), these laminates exhibit a low Z-axis coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), excellent plated through-hole reliability, and robust lead-free solder processability.
Rogers RO4725JXR™ and RO4730G3™ laminates data sheet
Features of the Rogers RO4725JXR™ and RO4730G3™ laminates
High Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) >280°C
Both RO4725JXR™ and RO4730G3™ laminates are engineered with a high Tg value, surpassing 280°C. This feature is critical in applications exposed to elevated temperatures, offering excellent thermal stability and making these laminates suitable for demanding environments such as telecommunications and aerospace industries.
Low Loss Dielectric with Low-Profile Foil
The combination of low profile foil technology further enhances performance by reducing passive intermodulation (PIM) and ensuring low insertion loss. Part of the RO4700 Series, both laminates deliver ultra-low insertion loss, critical for high-frequency signal integrity. RO4725JXR features a Dk of 2.55, while RO4730G3 offers a Dk of 3.0, providing design flexibility across frequency bands.
Lightweight & Durable: 30% lighter than traditional PTFE/glass laminates
Weighing approximately 30% less than traditional PTFE/glass materials, both laminates offer a significant advantage in reducing the overall weight of the final product. This characteristic is particularly valuable for applications in aerospace, mobile telecommunications, and other areas where weight is a critical factor.
Low Z-Axis CTE (<30ppm/°C) and Low TCDk (<40 ppm/°C)
The low Z-axis Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) and the minimal Temperature Coefficient of Dielectric Constant (TCDk) further enhance the material’s stability across temperature variations. This ensures consistent electrical performance even when subjected to environmental changes, improving the longevity and reliability of devices using these laminates.
Specially Formulated Thermoset Resin System/Filler
The specially formulated thermoset resin system provides enhanced mechanical strength and thermal stability. Enables customization of material properties to suit specific application needs.
Lead-Free Process Compatibility
Rogers RO4725JXR™ and RO4730G3™ laminates are fully compatible with lead-free soldering processes. This makes them compliant with RoHS, ensuring that they meet current environmental and regulatory standards.
Applications of the Rogers RO4725JXR™ and RO4730G3™ laminates
One of the most prominent applications of these high-performance laminates is in cellular base station antennas. These laminates are ideal for the demanding requirements of cellular communication systems, where signal integrity and reliability are paramount. The low loss, high thermal stability, and consistent performance of these materials make them indispensable in the production of antennas used in mobile communication infrastructure, including 5G base stations.
Additionally, their suitability extends to other high-frequency applications, such as radar systems, satellite communications, and high-speed signal processing circuits. Their robust performance across a wide range of temperatures and frequencies ensures that they meet the rigorous demands of modern electronics.
Manufacturing advantages of Rogers RO4725JXR™ and RO4730G3™ laminates
The outstanding properties of these laminates also translate into significant manufacturing benefits:
Design Flexibility
The Rogers RO4700 series laminates offer exceptional design flexibility, allowing engineers to create intricate and compact circuit designs. Their ease of processing makes them highly adaptable for various types of circuit layouts, including multilayer and complex structures.
Automated Assembly Compatibility
These laminates are designed to be compatible with automated assembly processes, streamlining production and reducing overall manufacturing costs. Their reliable and repeatable performance ensures that products meet the highest standards of quality with minimal variation.
Consistent Circuit Performance
Whether it’s for high-frequency applications or precise analog circuits, these laminates provide consistent circuit performance across different production batches. This ensures that the end products exhibit stable behavior over time and under varying environmental conditions.
Ease of Fabrication and PTH Process Capability
The RO4725JXR™ and RO4730G3™ laminates are easy to fabricate, offering smooth and reliable processing for both through-hole (PTH) and surface mount technologies. The materials’ compatibility with various fabrication techniques enables manufacturers to produce high quality, reliable products without significant challenges.
RoHS Compliant
As part of the growing demand for environmentally friendly materials, these laminates are fully RoHS compliant, meaning they are free of hazardous substances such as lead, ensuring safe use and disposal.
RO4700™ series antenna grade laminates thickness
RO4725JXR LoPro
0.0307” (0.780 mm) +/- 0.0020”
0.0607” (1.542 mm) +/- 0.0040”
RO4730G3
0.0200” (0.508 mm) +/- 0.0015”
0.0300” (0.762 mm) +/- 0.0020”
0.0600” (1.524 mm) +/- 0.0040”
RO4730G3 LoPro
0.0057” (0.145mm) +/- 0.0007”
0.0107” (0.272mm) +/- 0.0010”
0.0207” (0.526mm) +/- 0.0015”
0.0307” (0.780mm) +/- 0.0020”
0.0607” (1.542mm) +/- 0.0040”
RO4700™ series antenna grade laminates standard size
24” X 18” (610 X 457 mm)
24” X 21” (610 X 533 mm)
24” X 36” (610 X 915 mm)
48” X 36” (1219 X 915 mm)
RO4700™ series antenna grade laminates standard Copper clad
Electrodeposited Copper Foil
½ oz (18mm) HH/HH
1 oz (35mm) H1/H1
LoPro Reverse Treated Electrodeposited Copper Foil
½ oz (18mm) TH/TH
1 oz (35mm) T1/T1
Ultimately, The RO4700™ series antenna grade laminates stand out as top-tier materials for high-frequency applications, providing a balance of electrical performance, mechanical stability, and environmental compliance. By choosing RO4725JXR™ and RO4730G3™ laminates, manufacturers can achieve superior performance, enhanced safety, and extended product lifetimes while benefiting from excellent price-performance value.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact QFPCB by email ([email protected]).
