What Is RF-35 PCB?
An RF-35 PCB is a high-frequency printed circuit board fabricated using Taconic RF-35 laminate, a woven glass–reinforced hydrocarbon ceramic material designed for RF and microwave circuits. RF-35 PCB offers low dielectric loss, stable dielectric constant, and excellent dimensional stability, making it a reliable choice for high-frequency electronic designs.
Compared with standard FR-4 PCBs, RF-35 PCBs provide significantly improved signal integrity and reduced insertion loss, especially in RF test and communication systems.
Key Material Properties of RF-35 PCB
Taconic RF-35 laminate provides strong electrical and mechanical performance:
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Dielectric constant (Dk ≈ 3.5)
Stable Dk ensures accurate impedance control. -
Low dissipation factor (Df ≈ 0.0018 @ 10 GHz)
Minimizes RF signal loss. -
Glass-reinforced structure
Enhances mechanical strength and dimensional stability. -
Low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE)
Improves plated through-hole reliability. -
Lead-free assembly compatibility
Suitable for modern reflow processes.
These properties make RF-35 PCB suitable for demanding RF applications.
RF-35 PCB Manufacturing Considerations
Producing a RF-35 PCB requires precise control of RF-specific processes:
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Tight impedance control for microstrip and stripline designs
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Accurate etching to maintain RF trace geometry
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Copper surface roughness control to reduce conductor loss
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Controlled lamination parameters for multilayer RF-35 PCBs
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100% electrical testing and impedance verification
Experienced PCB manufacturers ensure consistent RF-35 PCB performance.
Advantages of RF-35 PCB
RF-35 PCB offers several advantages over standard materials:
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Lower loss than FR-4
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Stable electrical performance over frequency
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Excellent mechanical durability
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Cost-effective RF laminate
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Compatible with standard PCB fabrication processes
These benefits make RF-35 PCB widely used in RF production designs.
Applications of RF-35 PCB
RF-35 PCBs are commonly applied in:
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RF Test PCB and evaluation boards
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Wireless communication systems
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Power amplifiers and RF front-end modules
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Microwave filters and couplers
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Automotive and industrial RF electronics
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High-speed digital designs with controlled impedance
RF-35 PCB is well suited for both prototype and volume production.
RF-35 PCB vs FR-4 PCB
Compared to FR-4 PCB, RF-35 PCB delivers:
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Lower dielectric loss
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More stable dielectric constant
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Better impedance control
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Improved RF signal integrity
For RF and microwave designs, RF-35 PCB provides a clear performance advantage.
Conclusion
A RF-35 PCB is an excellent choice for RF and microwave applications requiring low loss, stable impedance, and reliable thermal performance. With its balanced electrical properties and cost efficiency, RF-35 PCB bridges the gap between standard FR-4 and high-end PTFE-based RF materials.
Selecting an experienced RF-35 PCB manufacturer ensures high-quality fabrication, accurate impedance control, and consistent RF performance.
