16+ Years Experience in PCB Manufacturing

  • Ultra Low Loss FR4, Ceramic Filled, PTFE Reinforced, Teflon, hydrocarbon, Arlon, Rogers, AGC (Nelco/Taconic), Isola, Panasonic Shengyi, TUC, Ventec, etc.
  • PTFE+FR4 hybrid, ceramic+FR4 hybrid,
  • Controlled Impedance as low as 5%,
  • Blind & Buried Vias, Micro Vias, HDI
  • Conductive & Non-Conductive Via Plugging
  • ISO9001:2015 Certified & UL Listed

What are Microwave & RF Printed Circuit Boards?

RF PCB is short for radio frequency PCB. It is PCB made of high electromagnetic frequency material. PCBs produced by materials with 300MHz or higher electromagnetic frequency can be called RF PCBs. PCBs produced by high-frequency material with 1GHZ or higher can be called microwave PCBs.

The use of RF PCBs plays a dominant role in high-speed electronic products with high-volume data transmission. RF PCBs are used in a wide range of industries, including wireless satellite stations, signal-receiving base stations, wireless products, millimeter wave and automotive radar applications, avionics, aerospace, and digital data communications such as servers, routers, and semiconductors.

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    The Main Features of RF PCB

    • Low and stable Dk, normally around 2.0-3.0, and the smaller the better, since high Dk will delay the signal transmission;
    • Low Df, normally around 0.0009-0.004, and the smaller the better, since low Df means less signal loss;
    • Low water absorption rate, since the Dk and Df parameters will be affected if the material has a high water absorption rate, since the products may be used in a humid environment;
    • Very good performance in high temperature, thermal test, and chemical resistance, which means the material is durable in PCB production process, PCB assembly process, and also harsh environments such as high temperature and high humidity;
    • Very good process-ability, since PCBs need to be produced in different shapes, run through several kinds of chemicals or withstand several cycles of lamination. So multilayer high-frequency PCBs are more and more common, such as 4-layer FR4 + Ceramic or FR4 + PTFE hybrid PCBs.

    Applications & Industries of RF PCB

    • Wireless and communications, such as satellite systems, signal transmission base stations, baseband, mobile communication products, antennas, handheld devices, small cells, etc;
    • Automotive products, such as collision avoidance systems, navigation, GPS, and self-driven radar;
    • Computer and information, such as servers, storage, router, switch, and 10 to 800Gbps high-speed digital products, backplane & daughter card designs;
    • Power amplifier, low noise amplifier, radio systems, and other fields.

    The Advantages and Disadvantages of RF PCB

    Important Properties of RF PCB Materials

    1
    Dielectric constant

    The larger the dielectric constant ε, the greater the loss; the shorter the wavelength, the narrower the circuit width (The changes are not small). The actual dielectric constant is slightly larger than the official data provided. 

    2
    The tangent of the loss angle

    Generally speacking, the smaller the better. The larger the tangent angle Tanθ, the greater the loss; the longer the wavelength, the wider the circuit width (The impact on the circuit’s size is very small, which can be ignored).

    3
    The thickness of the substrate

    The greater the thickness, the smaller the loss; the longer the wavelength, the wider the circuit width, and the greater the change. 

    4
    Frequency

    The greater the frequency, the greater the loss; the shorter the wavelength, the greater the change, and the circuit width becomes narrower.

    5
    The thickness of copper foil

    The greater the copper thickness, the greater the loss; the longer the wavelength, the narrower the circuit width (the changes are small).

    Properties of RF & Microwave Materials

    • Signal loss tolerance
    • The capacity of heat dissipation
    • The cost of the product
    • The temperature of operation
    • The temperature of soldering and assembling
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    Some of the Different RF PCB Material Types that We Work with Are:

    The RF PCB material types that we work with are materials supplied by Rogers, Arlon, Nelco, Taconic, EMC, TUC, etc.
    Normally Used Materials in RF PCB

    BrandTypeDkDfCharacteristic
    Rogers
    RO4350B
    3.48
    3.48
    Hydrocarbon/Ceramic/Woven Glass
    Rogers
    RO4403C
    3.38
    0.0027
    Hydrocarbon/Ceramic/Woven Glass
    Rogers
    RO3003
    3.0
    0.0010
    PTFE Ceramic
    Rogers
    RT/duroid 5880
    2.20
    0.0009
    PTFE Random Glass Fiber
    Rogers
    RT/duroid 5870
    2.33
    0.0012
    PTFE Random Glass Fiber
    Rogers
    RT/duroid 6002
    2.94
    0.0012
    PTFE Ceramic
    Rogers
    RT/duroid 6006
    6.15
    0.0027
    PTFE Ceramic
    Rogers
    RT/duroid 6010
    10.20
    0.0023
    PTFE Ceramic
    Rogers
    RO3203
    3.02
    0.0016
    Fiberglass Reinforced/PTFE Ceramic
    Rogers
    RO3035
    3.50
    0.0015
    PTFE Ceramic
    Rogers
    RO3006
    6.15
    0.002
    PTFE Ceramic
    Rogers
    RO3010
    10.20
    0.0022
    PTFE Ceramic
    Rogers
    RO3210
    10.20
    0.0027
    Fiberglass Reinforced/PTFE Ceramic
    Rogers
    RO4830
    3.25
    0.0033
    Hydrocarbon/Ceramic/Woven Glass
    Rogers
    AD250C
    2.50
    0.0013
    Fiberglass Reinforced PTFE
    Rogers
    AD255C
    2.55
    0.0013
    Fiberglass Reinforced PTFE
    Rogers
    AD300D
    2.97
    0.0021
    Fiberglass Reinforced PTFE
    Rogers
    AD350A
    2.50
    0.0033
    Fiberglass Reinforced PTFE
    Rogers
    CuClad 217
    2.17
    0.0009
    Fiberglass Reinforced PTFE
    Rogers
    Cuclad 233
    2.33
    0.0013
    Fiberglass Reinforced PTFE
    Rogers
    CuClad 250
    2.50
    0.0017
    Fiberglass Reinforced PTFE
    Rogers
    DiClad 880
    2.17
    0.0009
    Fiberglass Reinforced PTFE
    Rogers
    DiClad 870
    2.33
    0.0013
    Fiberglass Reinforced PTFE
    Rogers
    DiClad 527
    2.40
    0.0017
    Fiberglass Reinforced PTFE
    Rogers
    TC350
    3.50
    0.0020
    Fiberglass Reinforced/PTFE Ceramic
    Rogers
    TC350 Plus
    3.50
    0.0017
    Fiberglass Reinforced/PTFE Ceramic
    Rogers
    TC600
    6.15
    0.0020
    Fiberglass Reinforced/PTFE Ceramic
    Rogers
    TMM 3
    3.45
    0.0020
    Hydrocarbon Ceramic
    Rogers
    TMM 4
    4.7
    0.0020
    Hydrocarbon Ceramic
    Rogers
    TMM 6
    6.3
    0.0023
    Hydrocarbon Ceramic
    Rogers
    TMM 10
    9.8
    0.0022
    Hydrocarbon Ceramic
    Rogers
    TMM 10i
    9.9
    0.0020
    Hydrocarbon Ceramic
    Rogers
    TMM 13i
    12.2
    0.0019
    Hydrocarbon Ceramic
    Rogers
    IsoClad 917
    2.17
    0.0013
    Non-Fiberglass Reinforced PTFE
    Rogers
    IsoClad 933
    2.33
    0.0016
    Non-Fiberglass Reinforced PTFE
    Rogers
    Kappa 438
    4.1
    0.005
    Hydrocarbon/Ceramic/Woven Glass
    Rogers
    RO1200
    3.03
    0.0017
    Fiberglass Reinforced/PTFE Ceramic
    Panasonic
    MEGTRON 6
    3.4
    0.002
    Ultra-low Loss/Highly Heat Resistant
    Panasonic
    MEGTRON 7
    3.35
    0.002
    Ultra-low Loss/Highly Heat Resistant
    ISOLA
    TACHYON® 100G
    3.02
    0.0021
    Ultra Low Loss for high-speed products
    ISOLA
    ASTRA® MT77
    3.0
    0.0017
    Ultra Low Loss for RF/MW products
    ISOLA
    I-TERA® MT40
    3.45
    0.0031
    Very Low-Loss for high speed products
    ISOLA
    TERRAGREEN
    3.44
    0.0039
    Very Low Loss/Halogen free laminate
    ISOLA
    I-SPEED®
    3.64
    0.006
    Low Loss/max. thermal performance
    ISOLA
    IS680AG
    3.0
    0.0020
    Very Low-Loss for RF/ microwave
    AGC
    EZ-IO-F
    2.8
    0.0015
    Used for Spread weave with PTFE
    AGC
    NF-30
    3.0
    0.0013
    Ceramic-filled PTFE
    AGC
    RF-10
    10.2
    0.0025
    Low loss, high DK
    AGC
    RF-30A
    2.97
    0.002
    Use for antenna material
    AGC
    RF-35HTC
    3.5
    0.0007
    High thermal conductivity
    AGC
    RF-35TC
    3.5
    0.002
    Thermally conductive low loss
    AGC
    RF-35TC-A
    3.5
    0.002
    Thermally conductive low loss
    AGC
    RF-60TC
    6.15
    0.002
    Very good thermal conductivity
    AGC
    TLF-35A
    3.5
    0.0026
    PA material/low loss
    AGC
    TSM-DS3
    3.0
    0.0014
    Dimensionally stable low loss
    AGC
    TSM-DS3b
    3.0
    0.0014
    Dimensionally stable low loss
    AGC
    TSM-DS3M
    2.94
    0.0014
    Dimensionally stable low loss
    AGC
    TLC-32
    3.2
    0.003
    Low cost RF
    AGC
    TLE-95
    2.95
    0.0026
    Thin dielectric base material
    AGC
    TLX-8
    2.95
    0.0018
    High volume antenna
    AGC
    TLX-5
    2.2
    0.0009
    Very low DK
    AGC
    TLY-5A
    2.17
    0.0009
    Very low DK
    AGC
    TLY-5Z
    2.2
    0.0015
    Low DK, low Z axis
    AGC
    N4000-13
    3.6
    0.009
    Modified Epoxy
    AGC
    N4000-13 EP
    3.6
    0.009
    Modified Epoxy
    AGC
    N4000-13 EP SI
    3.2
    0.008
    Modified Epoxy
    AGC
    N4000-13 SI
    3.2
    0.008
    Modified Epoxy
    AGC
    N7000-2 HT
    3.5
    0.009
    Non-MDA Toughened PTFE
    AGC
    N7000-3
    3.5
    0.009
    Toughened PTFE
    AGC
    Mercurywave 9350
    3.55
    0.004
    Modified Epoxy
    AGC
    Meteorwave 1000
    3.5
    0.0047
    Low Loss PPE material
    AGC
    Meteorwave 1000NF
    3.4
    0.0047
    Very Low Loss/No Flow laminate
    AGC
    Meteorwave 2000
    3.4
    0.0034
    PPE with Extreme Low Loss PPE material
    AGC
    Meteorwave 3000
    3.2
    0.0039
    Low Loss PPE material
    AGC
    Meteorwave 3350
    3.6
    0038
    Low Loss PPE/High Speed
    AGC
    Meteorwave 4000
    3.50
    0.0024
    PPE with Extreme Low Loss PPE material
    AGC
    Meteorwave 4000M
    3.4
    0.0020
    PPE with Extreme Low Loss PPE material
    AGC
    Meteorwave 5000 HF
    3.2
    0.0033
    Very Low Loss PPE/Halogen Free
    AGC
    Meteorwave 5000 HF
    3.4
    0.0022
    Very Low Loss PPE/Halogen Free
    AGC
    Meteorwave 8000
    3.2
    0.0016
    PPE with Extreme Low Loss PPE material
    AGC
    Meteorwave 8300
    3.0
    0.0025
    PPE with Extreme Low Loss PPE material
    AGC
    Meteorwave 8350
    3.5
    0.0018
    PPE with Extreme Low Loss PPE material
    Ventec
    tec-speed 7.0H
    3.5
    0.005
    Ultra low loss/ high thermal reliability
    Ventec
    tec-speed 7.1
    3.1
    0.002
    Ultra low loss/ high thermal reliability
    Ventec
    tec-speed 6.0H
    3.5
    0.005
    Very Low Loss Excellent Thermal Reliability
    Ventec
    tec-speed 6.0
    3.5
    0.005
    Low Dk / very low Loss / Tg 170
    Ventec
    tec-speed 5.0
    3.5
    0.006
    Halogen Free & SLP
    Ventec
    tec-speed 4.0
    3.8
    0.007
    Mid Dk / lower Loss / Tg 190
    Ventec
    tec-speed 3.0
    3.7
    0.0075
    Mid Dk / low Loss / Tg 175 Halogen Free
    Ventec
    tec-speed 2.1
    3.7
    0.0095
    Mid Dk / low Loss / Tg 175 Halogen Free
    Ventec
    tec-speed 2.0
    3.8
    0.0095
    Mid Dk /mid Loss / Tg 180 Halogen Free
    Ventec
    VT-6710
    10.2
    0.0022
    Dk 10.2 ceramic-filled PTFE composite
    Ventec
    VT-6702
    2.94
    0.0011
    Dk 2.94 ceramic-filled PTFE composite
    Ventec
    VT-3703
    3.0
    0.0099
    Dk 3.0 ceramic-filled PTFE
    Ventec
    VT-3706
    6.15
    0.0019
    Dk 6.15 ceramic-filled PTFE
    Ventec
    VT-870 L330
    3.3
    0.0025
    Dk 3.0-3.48 ceramic-filled hydrocarbon
    Ventec
    VT-870 H348 TCR
    3.48
    0.0037
    Laminate with Ticer Thin-Film Resistor Foils
    Arlon
    33N
    4.1
    0.01
    Flame Retardant Polyimide with TG250
    Arlon
    35N
    4.1
    0.01
    Flame Retardant Polyimide with TG250
    Arlon
    85N
    4.1
    0.01
    High Temperature (TG250) Polyimide
    Arlon
    85HP
    4.2
    0.009
    High Temperature (TG250) Polyimide
    Arlon
    38N
    4.25
    0.01
    2nd Gen Low Flow Polyimide Prepreg
    TUC
    TU662
    4.3
    0.014
    Mid-Tg and High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    TU662F
    4.7
    0.018
    Mid-Tg and High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    TU668
    4.3
    0.014
    Mid-Tg and High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    TU772
    4.2
    0.016
    High-Tg Thermal Resistance
    TUC
    TU768
    4.3
    0.018
    High-Tg and High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    TU768F
    4.4
    0.018
    High-Tg and High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    TU-862 HF
    4.4
    0.01
    Very Low CTE
    TUC
    TU-862T
    4.5
    0.013
    High Tg Halogen Free low loss
    TUC
    TU865
    4.3
    0.01
    Mid loss Tg 200°C Halogen Free
    TUC
    TU-747T
    3.6
    0.012
    Mid loss Halogen free
    TUC
    TU-747 LK
    3.3
    0.011
    Low and stable Dk/Df Halogen free
    TUC
    TU-742 LF
    4.4
    0.01
    Low CTE
    TUC
    TU-862S
    4.3
    0.011
    Low Dk/ Df and Midium loss
    TUC
    TU-862T
    4.5
    0.013
    Very Low CTE
    TUC
    TU-865
    4.3
    0.01
    Mid loss Tg 200°C Halogen Free
    TUC
    TU-787 LK
    3.4
    0.009
    Low and stable Dk/Df
    TUC
    TU-872
    3.8
    0.009
    Low Dk/Df and High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    TU-872 SLK
    3.8
    0.009
    Low Dk/Df and High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    ThunderClad 1
    3.9
    0.0095
    High temperature/Halogen free Low Dk & Df
    TUC
    ThunderClad 1+
    4.0
    0.007
    High temperature/Halogen free Low Dk & Df
    TUC
    TU-872 SLK Sp
    3.5
    0.008
    Low Dk/Df and High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    TU-900
    3.7
    0.0055
    Low loss g 260°C Halogen Free
    TUC
    TU-901
    3.5
    0.0038
    Tg 280°C Halogen Free Ultra-Low loss
    TUC
    ThunderClad 2C
    3.57
    0.0046
    Very Low Loss and High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    ThunderClad 2
    3.57
    0.0046
    Stable and flat Dk/Df performance
    TUC
    ThunderClad 2A
    3.64
    0.0026
    Very Low Loss and High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    ThunderClad 3E
    3.5
    0.0036
    Very Low Loss and High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    Content
    3.64
    0.0035
    Very Low Loss and High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    ThunderClad 2 Sp
    3.22
    0.0029
    Very Low Loss and High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    ThunderClad 2A Sp
    3.25
    0.0019
    Super Low Loss/High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    ThunderClad 3
    3.4
    0.0025
    Super Low Loss/High Thermal Reliability
    BrandTypeDkDfCharacteristic
    TUC
    ThunderClad 3+
    3.16
    0.0021
    Super Low Loss/High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    ThunderClad 400G
    3.25
    0.0018
    Super Low Loss/High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    ThunderClad 4N
    3.22
    0.0017
    Extreme Low Loss/High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    ThunderClad 4R
    3.22
    0.0015
    Extreme Low Loss/High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    ThunderClad 4SN
    3.22
    0.0015
    Extreme Low Loss/High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    ThunderClad 4SR
    3.22
    0.0014
    Extreme Low Loss/High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    PegaClad 1
    3.59
    0.0031
    Very Low Loss and High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    PegaClad 2
    3.31
    0.0019
    Super Low Loss/High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    PegaClad 2A
    3.04
    0.0016
    Super Low Loss/High Thermal Reliability
    TUC
    PegaClad 300
    3.05
    0.0018
    Very Low Loss and High Thermal Reliability
    SHENGYI
    SG7350D
    3.50
    0.0019
    Thermal Conductive RF
    SHENGYI
    SG7350D2
    3.50
    0.0019
    Thermal Conductive RF
    SHENGYI
    Synamic 6B(F)
    3.56
    0.0036
    RF used bonding prepreg
    SHENGYI
    mmWave77
    3.0
    0.001
    Low low high frequency
    SHENGYI
    SCGA-500 GF220
    2.20
    0.0009
    PTFE with Woven Glass Reinforced
    SHENGYI
    SCGA-500 GF255
    2.55
    0.0014
    PTFE with Woven Glass Reinforced
    SHENGYI
    SCGA-500 GF265
    2.65
    0.0017
    PTFE with Woven Glass Reinforced
    SHENGYI
    SCGA-500 GF300
    3.00
    0.0023
    PTFE with Woven Glass Reinforced
    SHENGYI
    SNB33
    3.30
    0.0025
    Glass reinforced Hydrocarbon Ceramic
    SHENGYI
    S7136H
    3.42
    0.0030
    Glass reinforced Hydrocarbon Ceramic

    Certifications & Registrations for RF and Microwave PCBs

    Certifications & registrations for RF and microwave PCBs are including ISO9001, UL and RoHS/REACH, etc.
     

    How to Choose the Right Type of Materials for Your RF PCB

    There are many RF circuit material suppliers in the world. So it may be not easy to choose the suitable kind of material. Here are some tips that may be helpful to you: 

    Difference between High-Speed PCB and High-Frequency PCB

    People may think high-speed PCB and high-frequency PCB are the same. They have similarities but there are differences between them. PCBs with high-speed signal traces are called high-speed PCBs and PCBs with high-frequency traces are called high-frequency PCBs.

    We think PCBs can be regarded as high-speed PCBs if they have the following characteristic:
    1, The signal is more than 50MHz;
    2, The signal up/down point is less than 50 ps;
    3, The signal transmission length is more than 1/6λ;
    4, In signal transmission, there are less serious skin effects, and ionization loss.
    Normally, there is only one high-frequency signal on one PCB, but there may be many high-speed signals on one PCB, with different timing and frequency. High-frequency signals are analog signal with relatively high transmission speed, and high-speed signals are digital signals with relatively high transmission speed.

    Normal Defects in RF PCB Design and RF PCB Manufacturing

    RF PCBs are very high PCBs. So a lot of attention needs to be paid to the RF PCB design and manufacturing process. Here are a few normal defects that may happen:
    • The Dk and Df did not meet the requirement, so the RF circuit board can not meet the designed parameters; to assemble SMT components on the pads of the PCB surface while wave soldering is used to assemble DIP/PTH components into the plated through holes of the printed circuit.
    • Signal loss, and frequency deviation may happen because of skin effect, and then the final products may not intentionally well;
    • In some products, the RF traces need very strict controlled impedance tolerance, such as 50 ohms with +/-5% tolerance, which need very precise etching accuracy from the PCB manufacturer.

    Some Advice in RF PCB Manufacturing

    RF PCBs are very high-tech PCBs. Besides highly skilled workers and proper equipment s, we also need to pay attention to the following points:

    In the drilling process, it is better to use a new drill bit, and cover the panel with the aluminum sheet from both the top and bottom sides, to avoid damage to the vias, especially for PTFE material;

    In the solder mask process, no panel scabbing is needed, and the solder mask should be printed 2 times to avoid solder mask bubbles.

    Before HASL surface treatment, PCBs should be baked for 150 degrees and 30 minutes;

    Etching tolerance should be controlled as small as possible, normally produced as +/-0.05mm, and follow the customer’s requirement if there is one;

    Engineer should pay attention to the panel size of the base material, normally the panel is 18*24’’ for the best utilization rate since the RF circuit board material is very expensive.

    Need a Quick Quote for an RF or Microwave PCB?

    If you need a quick quote for an RF or microwave PCB, please send emails to our sales staff. Their contact information (phone number&email address) is listed on our official website: https://www.viasion.com/contact-us/. We will reply to you as soon as possible. You are welcome to turn to us for a quote!

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    Viasion Technology is your trusted partner & one-stop shop for PCB fabrication, components sourcing, PCB assembly and electronic manufacturing. With more than 16 years of experience, we have been supplying high-quality PCBs with competitive pricing for 1000+ customers worldwide. Our company is ISO9001:2015 Certified & UL Listed, and all our products are 100% E-tested and inspected by AOI & X-RAY to meet the highest industry standards. So please get an instant quote from our sales team now, and we will take care of the rest.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    An ideal RF PCB stackup always contains at least one microwave and RF dielectric, such as Rogers RO4350, RO4003, RO3003, etc. For example, a 4-layer RF PCB stackup can be: layer 1 and layer 2 is R04350, layer 2 and layer 3 is FR4, and layer 3 and layer 4 is RO4350. 

    When we try to select RF PCB material, the most important thing is to ensure the dielectric constant (DK) and dissipation factor (DF) of the material can meet the electromagnetic frequency requirement of your devices. And also, we should choose the most commonly used material, such as Rogers RO4350B, RO4003C, Panasonic MEGRON 6, MEGTRON 7 etc.
    Firstly we need to know the function and the usage of your applications. Secondly, we need to design a diagram. Thirdly we generate Gerber files for PCB fabrication and a BOM list for PCB assembly. Finally, a thorough analysis of RF PCB material is a must, and it will help to get our devices with high quality and competitive pricing.
    The frequency range of a PCB may range from 0HZ to more than 300GHZ. We usually call it high-frequency PCB if the PCB material frequency range is greater than 30MHZ, and the frequency range more than 3GHZ is super high frequency.

    Yes, it is. The RF material we have chosen will significantly affect the function of our RF PCB in our applications. And also, the cost difference is huge for different types of RF material. Therefore, we should use the most cost-effective material to meet our requirement in electromagnetic frequency.

    RF PCB must be made of high-frequency material to meet signal transmission requirements. But standard PCB is made of regular FR4 material just to meet the electronic functions after PCB assembly.

    RF is short for radio frequency. Both RF and microwave are very short wave electromagnetic frequency and also high frequency. The main difference between RF and microwave is the frequency range. RF range from 30MHZ to 300GHZ, and microwave range from 1GHZ to 100GHZ.