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Hybrid PCB High Frequency 4 Layer Mixed PCB Built on 12mil RO4003C and FR-4

(PCBs are custom-made products, the picture and parameters shown are just for reference)


Introduction

Hello Everyone,
Today, we will discuss a 4-layer high-frequency PCB constructed using 12mil RO4003C combined with FR-4 materials.


This board features a 4-layer structure, which is relatively simple and cost-effective, making it an excellent choice for entering new markets.


Let’s see today’s first board.


In the stack-up, the first and second layers, as well as the fourth and third layers, consist of a 12mil core of RO4003C. This fixed thickness is crucial for maintaining the electrical length of RF lines on the circuit board. The remaining layers utilize FR-4 materials. The copper weight for both the inner and outer layers is set at 1 ounce.

For the second board, the FR-4 is positioned in layers three and four. Depending on actual applications, the thickness of the dielectric material and FR-4 can be adjusted accordingly.


The stack-up consists of layers from 1 to 2 made of the fixed thickness RO4003C core (8mil), which is crucial for maintaining the electrical length of RF lines on the circuit board. The remaining layers utilize FR-4 materials, and all boards feature through holes.



Applications of the 12mil RO4003C Hybrid PCB

The applications for the 12mil RO4003C hybrid PCB are extensive, including:

Applications

Modular oscilloscopes
Antenna combiners
Balanced amplifiers
4G antennas



Advantages of the 12mil RO4003C Hybrid PCB

The benefits of the 12mil RO4003C hybrid PCB are highlighted in the following points:

1)Stable Dielectric Constant: RO4003C maintains a consistent dielectric constant across a wide frequency range, making it an ideal substrate for broadband applications.
2)Reduced Signal Loss: This design minimizes signal loss in high-frequency applications, aligning with the evolving needs of communication technology.
3)Cost Efficiency: Utilizing this hybrid approach can reduce costs compared to stacks made entirely of low-loss materials.


Common Hybrid Material Combinations

Currently, the following mature mixed pressing materials are popular:

RO4350B + FR-4
RO4003C + FR-4
F4B + FR-4
RT/duroid 5880 + RO4350B
RT/duroid 5880 + FR-4


Our PCB Capabilities (Hybrid Design)

We also offer blind via boards, buried via boards, and HDI boards. All PCBs produced by our company undergo rigorous testing, including AOI inspection, open and short circuit testing, solderability testing, and thermal stress testing at 288°C to ensure the highest quality before shipment.


Thank you for reading. Please feel free to contact us for your RF PCB inquiries.


Appendix: Data Sheet of RO4003C

Click to expand/collapse the table

RO4003C Typical Value

Property

RO4003C

Direction

Units

Condition

Test Method

Dielectric Constant,εProcess

3.38±0.05

Z

 

10 GHz/23℃

IPC-TM-650 2.5.5.5 Clamped Stripline

Dielectric Constant,εDesign

3.55

Z

 

8 to 40 GHz

Differential Phase Length Method

Dissipation Factortan,δ

0.0027
0.0021

Z

 

10 GHz/23℃
2.5 GHz/23℃

IPC-TM-650 2.5.5.5

Thermal Coefficient of ε

+40

Z

ppm/℃

-50℃to 150℃

IPC-TM-650 2.5.5.5

Volume Resistivity

1.7 x 1010

 

MΩ.cm

COND A

IPC-TM-650 2.5.17.1

Surface Resistivity

4.2 x 109

 

COND A

IPC-TM-650 2.5.17.1

Electrical Strength

31.2(780)

Z

Kv/mm(v/mil)

0.51mm(0.020")

IPC-TM-650 2.5.6.2

Tensile Modulus

19,650(2,850)
19,450(2,821)

X
Y

MPa(ksi)

RT

ASTM D 638

Tensile Strength

139(20.2)
100(14.5)

X
Y

MPa(ksi)

RT

ASTM D 638

Flexural Strength

276
(40)

 

MPa
(kpsi)

 

IPC-TM-650 2.4.4

Dimensional Stability

<0.3

X,Y

mm/m
(mil/inch)

after etch+E2/150℃

IPC-TM-650 2.4.39A

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

11
14
46

X
Y
Z

ppm/℃

-55℃to288℃

IPC-TM-650 2.4.41

Tg

>280

 

℃ TMA

A

IPC-TM-650 2.4.24.3

Td

425

 

℃ TGA

 

ASTM D 3850

Thermal Conductivity

0.71

 

W/M/oK

80℃

ASTM C518

Moisture Absorption

0.06

 

%

48hrs immersion 0.060"
sample Temperature 50℃

ASTM D 570

Density

1.79

 

gm/cm3

23℃

ASTM D 792

Copper Peel Stength

1.05
(6.0)

 

N/mm
(pli)

after solder float 1 oz.
EDC Foil

IPC-TM-650 2.4.8

Flammability

N/A

 

 

 

UL 94

Lead-free Process Compatible

Yes

 

 

 



Next Hybrid PCB Board Built on 20mil RO4003C and 0.75mm FR-4 High Frequency Multi-layer PCB with Mixed Materials