High-Performance 6-Layer PCB with RO4003C and FR-4 Hybrid Construction

This advanced 6-layer rigid PCB is designed for high-frequency and high-reliability applications, combining Rogers RO4003C and Tg170 FR-4 materials for optimal electrical and mechanical performance. The board features a hybrid stack-up to balance cost, manufacturability, and signal integrity, making it ideal for RF and microwave applications.

PCB Stack-up Details

The stack-up is meticulously optimized to enhance signal integrity and thermal stability:

Introduction to Rogers RO4003C Material

Rogers RO4003C is a high-frequency laminate that merges the electrical performance of PTFE/woven glass with the fabrication simplicity of epoxy/glass. It stands out in RF and microwave applications due to its tight dielectric constant control and low dissipation factor.

Key Features of Rogers RO4003C

1. Stable Dielectric Constant (Dk): Maintains a consistent 3.38 ±0.05 at 10GHz, ensuring reliable signal propagation in high-frequency designs.

2. Low Dissipation Factor (Df): Measures 0.0027 at 10GHz and 0.0021 at 2.5GHz, minimizing signal loss even in high-speed applications.

3. Effective Thermal Conductivity: 0.71 W/m/°K, facilitating efficient heat dissipation from active components.

4. Minimal Moisture Absorption: Only 0.06%, preserving electrical performance in humid environments.

Strong CTE Compatibility with Copper:

X-axis: 11 ppm/°C

Y-axis: 14 ppm/°C

Z-axis: 46 ppm/°C

This reduces stress between layers during thermal cycling, enhancing long-term reliability.

5. High Glass Transition Temperature (Tg >280°C): Ensures stability under extreme thermal stress, critical for rugged operating conditions.

Advantages of Using RO4003C

1. Ideal for Multi-Layer RF/Microwave PCBs: Balances high-frequency performance with the structural needs of complex layer stacks.

2. FR-4 Compatible Processing: Eliminates the need for specialized manufacturing techniques, lowering production costs and simplifying fabrication.

3. Enhanced Signal Integrity: Low Dk variation and minimal loss make it perfect for high-frequency signals (e.g., RF, microwave), reducing distortion and ensuring data accuracy.

4. Durable Plated Through-Holes (PTH): Maintains integrity even under thermal shock, a key requirement for reliable interconnects in demanding applications.

Typical Applications

This PCB is ideally suited for:

Cellular Base Station Antennas & Power Amplifiers

RF Identification (RFID) Tags

Automotive Radar & Sensors

Low-Noise Block (LNB) for Satellite Communications

High-Speed Digital & Mixed-Signal Designs

Conclusion

This 6-layer hybrid PCB harnesses the high-frequency capabilities of Rogers RO4003C and the structural robustness of Tg170 FR-4, resulting in a cost-effective yet high-performance solution for demanding RF and microwave applications.

Available worldwide, this PCB is an excellent option for engineers seeking a balance between performance, manufacturability, and cost.

Company Profile

Founded in 2003, Shenzhen Bicheng Electronics Technology Co., Ltd is an established high frequency PCB supplier and exporter in Shenzhen China, severing cellular base station antenna, satellite, high frequency passive components, microstrip line and band line circuit, millimeter wave equipment, radar systems, digital radio frequency antenna and other fields worldwide for 18 years. Our high frequency PCBs are mainly built on 3 high frequency material brands: Rogers Corporation, Taconic and Wangling. Dielectric constant ranges from 2.2 to 10.2 etc.

Bicheng PCB is headquartered in Shenzhen, a city with great economic vitality. Based in China, we adhere to the philosophy of servicing small and medium sized companies offering variety of circuit boards to meet the demands of market.

Main Business & PCB Applications

We maintain the highest standards which support products that exhibit exceptional quality, performance and reliability. We also have divisions of FR-4 circuit board, flexible circuits and metal core PCBs featured as prototypes, small runs to mass production. We actively research and build such high value added PCB projects as HDI, quick turn, impedance control, heavy copper and backplane board etc. This has made our PCB products generate an effective prolongation and complementation, as well as formation of integrated products line ranging from low-end to high-end.The circuit boards are used in the industries of home appliances, portable and consumable electronics, medical filed, aerospace as well as telecommunications etc.

Main Material Partners