TLY-5A laminates use ultra-lightweight woven fiberglass, offering superior dimensional stability. The material’s woven structure enhances mechanical stability for high-volume manufacturing. Its low dissipation factor enables efficient performance in 77 GHz automotive radar and other millimeter-wave antennas.
In this article, we’ll discuss what really characterizes the Taconic TLY-5A 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-5A laminate?
TLY-5A laminates are fabricated using ultra-lightweight woven fiberglass, exhibiting significantly greater dimensional stability compared to chopped fiber-reinforced PTFE composites. The woven structure of the TLY-5A material provides enhanced mechanical stability, making it highly suitable for high-volume manufacturing processes. Additionally, its low dissipation factor facilitates effective performance in automotive radar applications operating at 77 GHz, as well as other antennas within millimeter wave frequency ranges.
The incorporation of ceramic fillers in Taconic TLY-5A further elevates its thermal conductivity, enabling efficient heat dissipation. This attribute renders it highly suitable for applications where effective thermal management is essential, such as high-power designs or those operating under elevated temperatures.
Taconic TLY-5A is specifically engineered to fulfill the stringent requirements of high-frequency and high-speed electronic applications. It is distinguished by its superior electrical properties, thermal stability, and mechanical strength. The laminate features a PTFE core combined with woven-glass reinforcement, which enhances rigidity and dimensional stability.
The primary benefit is much higher manufacturing yields. The dielectric constant range is 2.17 to 2.40. For most thicknesses, the dielectric constant can be specified anywhere within this range with a tolerance of +/- .02. In the low dielectric constant range, the dissipation factor is approximately 0.0009 at 10 GHz. Comparative OEM testing at 77 GHz of lightly reinforced TLY-5A vs. its closest chopped fiber reinforced competitor has shown “drop in”/equivalent insertion losses/dielectric properties. Typical applications include satellite communications, automotive radar, filters, couplers, avionics and phased array antennas.
Taconic TLY-5A high frequency laminate data sheet
Features of the Taconic TLY-5A laminate
Consistent Dielectric Constant (Dk)
TLY-5A 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. The stable dielectric constant ensures predictable signal performance, which is critical for high-frequency applications. This consistency minimizes signal distortion, enhancing overall circuit performance.
Lowest Dissipation Factor (Df)
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. With an ultra-low dissipation factor, TLY-5A minimizes signal loss and heat generation, making it ideal for high-power and high-frequency applications where efficiency is paramount.
High Peel Strength
Robust copper adhesion ensures durability in harsh environments and during thermal cycling. 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.
Laser Ablatable
TLY-5A 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.
Low Moisture Absorption
TLY-5A’s resistance to moisture absorption 0.02% prevents performance degradation in humid conditions, maintaining electrical stability over time. By resisting moisture uptake, TLY-5A laminates maintain their electrical properties and dimensional stability. This feature is essential for maintaining performance in humid or variable climate conditions.
Applications of the Taconic TLY-5A laminate
The unique properties of TLY-5A laminates open doors to a wide range of applications in both consumer and industrial markets. Key applications include:
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-5A’s signal integrity and noise reduction capabilities.
Automotive Radar
In the fast-paced automotive industry, TLY-5A laminates support advanced radar systems that enable better vehicle detection and collision avoidance. Their stable dielectric properties ensure reliable performance under varying operational conditions.
Power Amplifiers
TLY-5A’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-5A laminates contribute to longer-lasting performance and reduced maintenance, even under high-power 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.
Ka, E and W band Applications
The aerospace industry benefits from TLY-5A’s excellent dimensional stability and low moisture absorption. TLY-5A 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-5A laminate
Beyond the intrinsic material properties and diverse applications, TLY-5A laminates are designed with manufacturing efficiency in mind. Their processing advantages include:
High Volume Manufacturing
The material’s consistent performance characteristics and robust processing window make it highly suitable for high-volume production environments, where reproducibility and quality control are paramount. Consistent quality and processability reduce costs for mass manufacturing.
Dimensionally Stable
The inherent dimensional stability of TLY-5A 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.
Multilayer PCB Fabrication
TLY-5A 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.
Mechanical Properties
High flexural strength and impact resistance allow TLY-5A 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.
The Difference Between Taconic Tly 5A and Tly-5 PCB Laminates
While both materials target high-frequency applications, TLY-5A offers notable upgrades:
Dielectric Constant (Dk)
TLY-5A offers a more consistent and possibly optimized dielectric constant compared to TLY-5, ensuring better signal integrity for high-frequency applications. While still TLY-5 offering good performance, its Dk control may not be as stringent as TLY-5A.
Electrical Performance
The enhancements in Dk and Df in TLY-5A translate to superior electrical performance, making it more adept at handling the high-speed and high-frequency requirements of modern electronics. Still TLY-5 performs well but may have slightly higher losses compared to TLY-5A.
Construction
The construction of TLY-5 and TLY-5A laminates also differs significantly. TLY-5 laminates generally incorporate a woven-glass fabric reinforcement with a PTFE core, whereas TLY-5A laminates feature a ceramic-filled, woven-glass reinforcement combined with a PTFE core. The incorporation of ceramic fillers in TLY-5A laminates not only enhances their electrical properties but also provides superior thermal conductivity.
Mechanical Strengt
Improvements in peel strength and overall mechanical robustness mean that TLY-5A is more reliable under thermal cycling and mechanical stress, contributing to longer service life and better performance in harsh environments.
Conclusion
TLY-5A laminates represent a cutting-edge solution for high frequency applications, boasting a consistent dielectric constant, lowest dissipation factor, high peel strength, low moisture absorption, and suitability for laser ablation. For engineers and designers seeking a proven solution for demanding environments, TLY-5A is a material worth exploring.
