Rogers Kappa 438 High Frequency PCB Fabrication for Advanced Wireless and IoT Applications
August 23, 2025
Introduction
Rogers Kappa 438 high-frequency laminate addresses the evolving performance demands of modern wireless systems beyond traditional FR-4 capabilities. Designed with a glass-reinforced hydrocarbon ceramic system, it delivers superior dielectric properties, reduced signal loss, and tight tolerances while maintaining compatibility with standard FR-4 manufacturing processes. This makes Kappa 438 an ideal solution for next-generation RF applications including 5G infrastructure, carrier-grade Wi-Fi, and IoT communications.
Key Material Properties
Stable dielectric constant of 4.38 at 2.5 GHz for consistent signal performance
Tight Dk and thickness tolerances enabling precision circuit design
Low CTE values (X: 13 ppm/°C, Y: 16 ppm/°C, Z: 42 ppm/°C) ensuring dimensional stability
High glass transition temperature (Tg >280°C) suitable for demanding thermal environments
UL 94-V0 flammability rating meeting critical safety requirements
Low loss characteristics enhancing signal integrity in high-frequency applications
PCB Manufacturing Capabilities
Our Kappa 438 PCB fabrication services include
Single-layer, double-layer, multilayer and hybrid constructions
Copper weight options of 1 oz (35 µm) and 2 oz (70 µm)
Thickness selections from 10 mil (0.254 mm) to 60 mil (1.524 mm)
Maximum board dimensions of 400 x 500 mm
Multiple solder mask colors including green, black, blue, yellow and red
Comprehensive surface finishes including ENIG, HASL, immersion silver, immersion tin, ENEPIG, OSP and pure gold
Applications
Kappa 438 circuit boards excel in advanced wireless technologies including
Carrier-grade Wi-Fi systems and Licensed Assisted Access (LAA)
Small cell networks and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications
Internet of Things (IoT) devices and infrastructure
5G network equipment and wireless base stations
Leverage our manufacturing expertise for your high-frequency PCB requirements using Rogers Kappa 438 materials engineered for superior performance in next-generation wireless applications.