Rogers 4003
PCB Material: High-Performance Microwave Substrate for Advanced RF and 5G Applications Rogers 4003 is a premium hydrocarbon-based laminate engineered for high-frequency printed circuit board (PCB) applications requiring exceptional electrical stability, low signal loss, and reliable thermal performance. Designed as part of the RO4000 series, this material bridges the gap between traditional FR-4 and exotic PTFE-based substrates—offering superior microwave characteristics at a significantly lower cost. With a dielectric constant of 3.38 to 3.55 and a dissipation factor as low as 0.0027, Rogers 4003 delivers consistent performance across frequencies up to 30 GHz, making it ideal for modern wireless systems such as radar, satellite communication, and next-generation mobile networks. Key Features: - Low dielectric loss (<0.003) ensures minimal signal degradation in high-speed circuits - Excellent dimensional stability with Z-axis thermal expansion coefficient < 50 ppm/°C - Compatible with standard FR-4 fabrication processes including lead-free soldering - Mechanical strength comparable to epoxy-glass laminates but with PTFE-like electrical properties - Available in multiple glass weave structures (1080 and 1674) for optimized manufacturing flexibility - Proven reliability in aerospace, defense, and telecom sectors Detailed Description: The Rogers 4003C variant utilizes a patented hydrocarbon resin matrix reinforced with ceramic fillers and woven glass cloth, creating a thermoset laminate that combines ease of processing with advanced microwave capabilities. Unlike conventional materials, it offers tightly controlled dielectric constants without sacrificing manufacturability—making it a preferred choice over FR-4 for applications demanding better signal integrity. Its ability to maintain stable electrical parameters under varying environmental conditions makes it suitable for harsh operating environments, from automotive radar systems to military-grade electronics. The material supports both single-layer and multilayer PCB designs and can be integrated into complex impedance-matching networks, microstrip lines, and power distribution systems where precision matters. Additionally, its compatibility with Rogers’ LoPro copper foil reduces conductor losses by up to 80%, enhancing overall system efficiency in millimeter-wave bands like 24 GHz. Use Cases: This high-frequency substrate is widely adopted in commercial and industrial sectors such as: - Automotive radar sensors (e.g., multi-channel 24GHz traffic monitoring systems) - Small cell base stations for 5G infrastructure - Satellite communications modules - Military and aerospace radar
Components - IoT devices requiring stable RF performance at elevated temperatures - Antenna arrays and beamforming networks in wireless backhaul solutions Customer Feedback: Engineers working on high-speed RF designs consistently praise Rogers 4003 for its predictable behavior during simulation and real-world testing. One user noted that switching from FR-4 to Rogers 4003 improved antenna gain by 3 dB while reducing insertion loss by nearly 50% in a 24 GHz radar application. Another highlighted how easy it was to transition existing production lines to this material without retooling or specialized equipment—a major advantage for manufacturers seeking cost-effective upgrades. Frequently Asked Questions: What makes Rogers 4003 different from FR-4? Unlike FR-4, which suffers from increasing dielectric loss at higher frequencies, Rogers 4003 maintains low loss even above 10 GHz, offering superior signal integrity for microwave circuits. Can I use Rogers 4003 in place of RO4350B? While both are part of the RO4000 series, they have different dielectric constants (3.55 vs 3.48) and loss tangents. Direct substitution requires redesign using tools like MWI2018 to ensure correct trace widths and impedance matching. Is Rogers 4003 UL certified? No, unlike RO4350B, Rogers 4003 does not carry UL certification. For safety-critical applications requiring compliance with UL standards, consider RO4350B instead. How does Rogers 4003 compare to PTFE materials? It provides similar electrical performance to PTFE/glass composites but with much better processability and mechanical robustness—no need for special drilling or plating procedures. Where is Rogers 4003 manufactured? Production facilities in Suzhou, China, meet all internal quality benchmarks for electrical, mechanical, and thermal consistency, ensuring global reliability and availability.
Product Categories : PCB
