TLY-3 laminates are made of ultra-lightweight woven fiberglass, offering superior dimensional stability and mechanical performance. They are well-suited for high-volume manufacturing and ideal for automotive radar and millimeter-wave antennas. The ultra-low dissipation factor reduces signal loss and heat, making it perfect for high-power and high-frequency applications.
In this article, we’ll discuss what really characterizes the Taconic TLY-3 laminate. 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 frequency print circuit board, so please feel free to contact us.
What is the Taconic TLY-3 laminate?
TLY-3 laminates are fabricated using ultra-lightweight woven fiberglass, exhibiting significantly greater dimensional stability compared to chopped fiber-reinforced PTFE composites. The woven structure of TLY-3 enhances its mechanical stability, making it highly suitable for high-volume manufacturing processes. Its low dissipation factor ensures successful implementation in automotive radar applications operating at 77 GHz, as well as other antennas within millimeter-wave frequencies.
TLY-3 offers a compelling solution for tackling the challenges of high-frequency applications. Comparative OEM testing at 77 GHz of lightly reinforced TLY-3 vs. its closest chopped fiber reinforced competitor has shown “drop in”/equivalent insertion losses/dielectric properties. The primary advantage lies in achieving significantly higher manufacturing yields. The dielectric constant ranges from 2.17 to 2.40, with most thicknesses allowing specification anywhere within this range, maintaining a tolerance of ±0.02. In the lower dielectric constant range, the dissipation factor is approximately 0.0009 at 10 GHz. Typical applications encompass satellite communications, automotive radar, filters, couplers, avionics, and phased array antennas.
TLY-3FF represents a highly flexible laminate tailored for applications requiring installation with a defined bend radius. It surpasses standard TLY-3 fiberglass-reinforced substrates in flexibility while maintaining superior dimensional stability. The flexibility of TLY-3FF rivals that of chopped fiber-reinforced PTFE laminates but features a lower loss tangent. TLY-3FF has been specifically engineered to combine the dimensional stability characteristic of the standard fiberglass-reinforced TLY-5 Series with enhanced laser via formation capabilities relative to traditional TLY-3 glass-reinforced laminates.
Taconic TLY-3 high frequency laminate data sheet
Features of the Taconic TLY-3 laminate
Consistent Dielectric Constant (Dk)
The stable dielectric constant ensures predictable signal performance, which is critical for high frequency applications. This consistency minimizes signal distortion, enhancing overall circuit performance. TLY-3 laminates maintain a stable dielectric constant across a broad frequency range, ensuring predictable signal integrity and minimal impedance variations. This is crucial for high-speed and high-frequency designs.
Lowest Dissipation Factor (Df)
With an ultra-low dissipation factor, TLY-3 minimizes signal loss and heat generation, making it ideal for high-power and high-frequency applications where efficiency is paramount. With a minimal dissipation factor, these laminates reduce energy losses during signal transmission, resulting in higher efficiency and improved performance, particularly in microwave and RF applications.
High Peel Strength
The robust adhesion between layers contributes to excellent mechanical integrity. This high peel strength ensures durability and reliability, even in environments subject to thermal cycling or mechanical stress. The material’s exceptional bond strength between copper and substrate ensures durability, even in harsh environments subject to thermal cycling or mechanical stress.
Low Moisture Absorption
The laminates’s resistance to moisture absorption 0.02% prevents performance degradation in humid conditions, maintaining electrical stability over time. By resisting moisture uptake, The laminates maintain their electrical properties and dimensional stability. This feature is essential for maintaining performance in humid or variable climate conditions.
Laser Ablatable
The laminates are compatible with laser ablation processes. This feature allows for precise and controlled removal of material during manufacturing, enabling the creation of complex PCB designs with fine detail and accuracy.
Applications of the Taconic TLY-3 laminate
The unique properties of PTFE laminates open doors to a wide range of applications in both consumer and industrial markets. Key applications include:
In the fast-paced automotive industry, The laminates support advanced radar systems that enable better vehicle detection and collision avoidance. Their stable dielectric properties ensure reliable performance under varying operational conditions.
Satellite & Cellular Communications
Its low loss and stable Dk support high-frequency signal transmission in satellite antennas, 5G base stations, and IoT devices, enabling reliable long-distance communication. The material’s low dissipation factor and consistent dielectric constant are critical for high-frequency satellite and cellular communications, ensuring clear and efficient signal transmission.
Power Amplifiers
The laminates’s thermal stability and low Df reduce energy loss in RF/microwave amplifiers, enhancing efficiency in telecom and defense systems. In power amplifier circuits, the high peel strength and mechanical robustness of TLY-3 laminates contribute to longer-lasting performance and reduced maintenance, even under high-power conditions.
LNBs, LNAs & LNCs
For low-noise blocks (LNBs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), and low-noise converters (LNCs), the laminates help minimize signal interference, which is paramount in achieving high-quality signal reception and processing. Benefit from TLY-3’s signal integrity and noise reduction capabilities.
Ka, E and W band Applications
The aerospace industry benefits from TLY-3’s excellent dimensional stability and low moisture absorption. TLY-3 laminates are commonly used in applications operating in the Ka, E, and W bands, which are frequency ranges commonly used in satellite communication, radar systems, and wireless communication. The laminates’ low loss and consistent electrical properties make them suitable for these high-frequency applications.
Manufacturing advantages of the Taconic TLY-3 laminate
Beyond the intrinsic material properties and diverse applications, The laminates are designed with manufacturing efficiency in mind. Their processing advantages include:
Dimensionally Stable
The inherent dimensional stability of TLY-3 laminates helps prevent warping and deformation during the PCB fabrication process, ensuring high precision and consistent performance. Minimal thermal expansion ensures alignment accuracy during multilayer PCB lamination and soldering processes, reducing defects.
Robust Mechanical Properties
High flexural strength and impact resistance allow TLY-3 to withstand rigorous handling, drilling, and assembly processes. With strong mechanical integrity, these laminates withstand the rigors of modern electronics manufacturing, offering resilience against physical stress and thermal cycling.
Multilayer PCBs
The laminates are well-suited for multilayer PCB construction. Their excellent adhesion and structural stability make them ideal for complex designs, supporting higher density circuits without compromising performance.
Lower Cost
Despite their advanced performance, The laminates offer a cost-effective solution. Their efficient manufacturability and reduced failure rates contribute to lower overall production costs, making them a competitive choice for high-volume production.
TLY-3 laminates bridge the gap between high-frequency performance, reliability, and manufacturability. Whether for automotive radars, next-gen communication systems, or aerospace applications, this material delivers the electrical, mechanical, and economic advantages needed to stay ahead in a competitive market. For engineers and designers seeking a proven solution for demanding environments, TLY-3 is a material worth exploring.
