Rogers Corporation is a leading manufacturer of high performance printed circuit board (PCB) laminate materials used in wireless communications, radar systems, automotive electronics and other high frequency applications. Some of their well-known dielectric materials include:

RT/duroid® Laminates

• RT/duroid® 6002 (ceramic filled PTFE)
• RT/duroid® 5870/5880 (glass microfiber filled PTFE)
• RT/duroid® 6010/6010.2LM (ceramic filled PTFE)

These laminates have low dielectric constant and low loss for optimized high frequency performance. They are designed for exacting circuit applications where reliability and performance over temperature are critical.

RO3000® Series Laminates

• RO3003TM (ceramic filled PTFE)
• RO3006TM (glass reinforced PTFE)
• RO3010TM (ceramic filled PTFE)

The RO3000 series features tight dielectric constant tolerances for wavelength accuracy and low signal loss for optimal high frequency signal integrity. These materials perform well in multilayer boards.

RO4000® Series Laminates

• RO4003CTM (ceramic filled hydrocarbon)
• RO4350BTM (woven glass reinforced hydrocarbon)
• RO4835TM (ceramic filled PTFE)

The RO4000 series offers a variety of dielectric constants from 3.38 to 10.2 to meet various circuit design requirements. These cost-effective materials are versatile and process well.

What are some key properties to evaluate in circuit board dielectrics?

Some key properties to evaluate include: dielectric constant, loss tangent, thermal conductivity, TCE, Moisture absorption, dielectric strength, CTE, thermal endurance, and frequency stability. Selecting the right dielectric ensures the material performs well electrically and mechanically over the operating temperature range.

What are some typical applications for Rogers’ dielectric materials?

Typical applications include:

• Wireless communications
• Satellite communications
• Radar systems
• Automotive RADAR and LIDAR
• Test and measurement equipment
• Aerospace and defense electronics

The consistent electrical and thermal performance of Rogers dielectrics makes them well suited for high reliability applications.

What types of circuits benefit most from Rogers dielectrics?

Precision RF/microwave circuits such as filters, couplers, combiners, hybrids, and matching networks benefit greatly from the stable dielectric constant and low loss of Rogers materials. They are ideal for CIRCUITS operating at frequencies above 500MHz.

What are some alternates to Rogers dielectric materials?

Some other common microwave laminate manufacturers are Taconic, Isola, Park, and Arlon. Each supplier has various materials to choose from depending on the application and electrical requirements.

How are Rogers dielectrics different from FR-4?

FR-4 is a widely used cost-effective material for low frequency consumer PCBs. Rogers dielectrics provide much more stable electrical performance over temperature and frequency compared to FR-4 making them suitable for high frequency applications.