Rogers 4003 PCB

Rogers 4003 PCB: High-Frequency Performance with Reliable Stability for Advanced RF and Microwave Applications

Engineered for precision in demanding environments, the Rogers 4003 printed circuit board material delivers exceptional dielectric consistency, low signal loss, and thermal resilience—making it a top choice for high-frequency electronics. This thermoset laminate combines hydrocarbon resin with ceramic fillers and woven glass cloth reinforcement, offering electrical performance comparable to PTFE-based materials while maintaining processability similar to standard FR-4 substrates. With a tightly controlled dielectric constant of 3.38 and ultra-low dissipation factor (tan δ ≈ 0.0027), this material supports reliable operation up to 30 GHz, ideal for modern wireless systems like 5G infrastructure, radar modules, and IoT devices.

Key Features:

• Dielectric Constant: 3.38 ± 0.05 — Ensures consistent impedance control across layers and frequencies
• Low Loss Tangent: 0.0027 at 10 GHz — Minimizes signal degradation over long transmission paths
• Thermal Resistance: Tg ≥ 280°C — Maintains structural integrity under extreme heat stress
• Compatible with Standard Fabrication: Supports lead-free soldering, through-hole plating, and multilayer lamination processes
• High Mechanical Integrity: Resists creep, cold flow, and dimensional changes during assembly and field use
• Surface Finish: Immersion Gold — Provides excellent corrosion resistance and solderability
• Minimum Trace/Space: 6 mil / 6 mil — Enables fine-line routing for dense interconnect designs

The Rogers 4003 PCB is part of the renowned RO4000 series, known globally for its reliability in aerospace, defense, telecom, and automotive applications. Its unique formulation allows engineers to design microwave circuits such as filters, couplers, and microstrip lines without compromising on manufacturability or cost efficiency. Unlike traditional PTFE laminates, which require specialized handling, Rogers 4003 can be processed using conventional PCB equipment and techniques, reducing production complexity and time-to-market. Additionally, when paired with LoPro copper foil from Rogers, conductor losses drop significantly—from ~10.6 dB/m to just 2 dB/m at 24 GHz—enhancing overall system gain and reducing power consumption.

This material excels in scenarios where signal fidelity matters most. For example, in multi-channel 24 GHz vehicle radar systems used in intelligent transportation, Rogers 4003 reduces insertion loss, improves antenna directivity, and increases detection range. Similarly, in base station Components and satellite communication units, it ensures stable phase response and minimal group delay variation across temperature swings—an essential trait for beamforming networks and phased arrays. Whether designing compact millimeter-wave modules or robust industrial sensors, this substrate offers a compelling balance between performance, durability, and affordability.

Users consistently report improved signal clarity, reduced noise floor, and enhanced thermal management when deploying Rogers 4003 over generic FR-4 boards. Many engineers appreciate how the material’s predictable electrical behavior simplifies simulation workflows using tools like MWI2018, allowing accurate modeling of real-world performance before prototyping begins. While not UL-certified like RO4350B, Rogers 4003C remains a preferred option for non-regulatory applications due to its superior loss characteristics and lower cost per unit area compared to other high-frequency laminates.

Common questions include whether Rogers 4003 can replace RO4350B directly—while both are hydrocarbon-based, their dielectric constants differ (3.38 vs 3.48), meaning trace widths must be recalculated via EM simulation to maintain 50Ω impedance. Another frequent inquiry concerns thickness compatibility: with a standard prepreg layer of 0.508 mm (20 mil) and final board thickness at 2.0 mm, it integrates seamlessly into 4-layer stackups using RO4450F prepreg. Lastly, users often ask about sourcing—Rogers manufactures certified RO4003C in Suzhou, China, meeting global specifications for electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, ensuring consistent quality worldwide.

Product Categories : PCB