Rogers
Rogers material is a high quality high frequency printed circuit board (PCB) substrate material that is popular for use in RF (radio frequency), microwave and high speed signal circuits.
Compared to conventional FR4, rogers material has a lower dielectric constant (Dk), a lower loss tangent (Df) and more stable electrical property, which guarantee the correctness and reliability of high-speed signal transmission.
Key Features of Rogers Materials
Low Dielectric Constant (Dk):
Stable Signal Propagation, Less Delay and Reflection, it is an excellent choice for high-speed signals and high-frequency circuits. It guarantees stable RF performances and thus is a right pick for high power communication equipments.
Low loss tangent (Df) :
The signal output from a Lowloss signal cable is less attenuated, and hence the efficiency of RF and Microwave circuit is increased which means more stable and clearer signals even in long distance or in high frequency operating environment.
Superior Temperature Stability:
The electrical properties are stable at high temperature or in temperature rapid changes Minimization of the expansion of materials or of change of electrical properties Unique after potting characteristics that can minimize the degradation of the electrical properties Can contribute service life extension of equipments used under severe environment.
High Mechanical Strength:
PCB substrate made by them is with excellent hardness and flatness, which can keep the PCB shape stable when substrate processing, soldering, transporting and using, and effectively avoid crack during above processes.
Chemical Resistance and Flame Retardance:
Superior resistance to everyday chemicals, cleaning agents, oils and flame ensures long-term dependable performance of high-frequency circuits in industrial, automotive and aerospace applications.
Near Perfect Electrical Behavior:
The consistency of dielectric constant and loss tangent is well maintained in different batches of Roger materials guaranteeing that better signal characteristic is achieved in multilayer high frequency PCB, which can significantly minimize circuit design errors. Low Moisture Absorption
Low moisture absorption:
The material absorbs little moisture and maintains stable electrical properties even in a high humidity environment, preventing deterioration in reliability due to contamination of moisture or increment in signal noise caused by so-called signal drift and leakage.
Suitable for Complex Multilayer Designs:
The materials excellent thermal/mechanical properties also make it a good candidate for multilayered high density PCBs which have to fulfill the challenging demands of today’s high speed communications, RF and microwaves circuits.
Differences between Rogers and Regular FR4
FR4 is the most widely used base material in PCB production, whereas Rogers is a special material used for high frequency, high speed, RF circuits. They are both PCB substrates but they vary greatly in performance and usage.
1. Signal Transmission Performance
FR4: It is suitable for LF or general electronic products, but there is great attenuation of signal. High speed may be delayed or reflected.
Rogers: Suitable for RF, microwave, and high-speed digital circuits, low Dielectric constant (Dk), low dissipation factor (Df), stable signal transmission.
2. High-Frequency Applications
FR4: Susceptible to signal weakening and distortion at high frequencies (several GHz and higher), not suitable for high-rate or RF application.
Rogers: Optimized for high frequencies, when antenna modules, filters, 5g communications and radar systems are involved.
3. Temperature and Environmental Stability
FR4: Moderate temperature tolerance, which was susceptible to the soldering temperature and environmental condition and led to large performance variation.
Rogers: Resistance to high temperatures; impact of temperature variation on electrical performance is very mild, applicable to severe environment.
4. Moisture Absorption
FR4: High moisture uptake The electrical performance is easily deteriorated in moist environment.
Rogers: Low rate of moisture absorption; stable signal in moist environment.
5. Mechanical Properties
FR4: The hardness and flexural strength are moderate, making it suitable for general consumer electronics and industrial control applications.
Rogers: High hardness and bending strength is good; and can be used for multilayer high-speed and complex board.
