What Is RO4350B PCB?
A RO4350B PCB is a high-frequency printed circuit board fabricated using Rogers RO4350B laminate, a hydrocarbon ceramic-filled material specifically designed for RF and microwave applications. RO4350B PCBs provide low dielectric loss, stable dielectric constant (Dk), and excellent thermal performance, making them a popular alternative to PTFE-based RF materials.
Compared with standard FR-4 PCBs, RO4350B PCBs offer better signal integrity, lower insertion loss, and more consistent RF performance, especially in high-frequency designs.
Key Properties of RO4350B PCB Material
Rogers RO4350B material offers several advantages for RF PCB applications:
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Stable dielectric constant (Dk ≈ 3.48)
Ensures consistent impedance control across frequency ranges. -
Low dissipation factor (Df ≈ 0.0037 @ 10 GHz)
Minimizes signal loss in high-frequency circuits. -
Excellent thermal stability
Suitable for lead-free assembly processes. -
Low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE)
Improves reliability of plated through holes. -
FR-4–like fabrication process
Allows RO4350B PCBs to be manufactured using standard PCB processes.
These properties make RO4350B PCB ideal for demanding RF designs.
RO4350B PCB Manufacturing Considerations
Manufacturing a RO4350B PCB requires experience with RF materials and impedance control:
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Precise impedance control
Tight control of trace width, spacing, and dielectric thickness. -
High-precision etching
Ensures RF trace geometry accuracy. -
Surface roughness control
Smooth copper reduces conductor loss. -
Accurate layer registration
Critical for multilayer RO4350B PCBs. -
Impedance and electrical testing
Verifies RF performance before delivery.
Although RO4350B uses FR-4–compatible processes, RF-specific process control is essential.
Advantages of RO4350B PCB
Using a RO4350B PCB provides multiple benefits:
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Lower RF signal loss compared to FR-4
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Excellent impedance stability
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Cost-effective alternative to PTFE materials
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Compatible with standard PCB fabrication
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Reliable performance in high-frequency and microwave circuits
These advantages make RO4350B PCB a widely adopted solution in RF applications.
Applications of RO4350B PCB
RO4350B PCBs are commonly used in:
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RF Test PCB and RF evaluation boards
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Wireless communication systems (5G, Wi-Fi, LTE)
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Microwave circuits and amplifiers
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Automotive radar and ADAS modules
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Aerospace and defense RF electronics
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High-speed digital circuits requiring controlled impedance
RO4350B PCB is especially suitable for high-volume RF products requiring stable performance and reasonable cost.
RO4350B PCB vs FR-4 PCB
Compared to FR-4 PCBs, RO4350B PCBs offer:
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Lower dielectric loss
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More stable dielectric constant
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Better RF signal integrity
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Improved high-frequency performance
For RF and microwave designs, RO4350B PCB provides a significant performance advantage over standard FR-4.
Conclusion
A RO4350B PCB is an excellent choice for high-frequency and RF applications requiring low loss, stable impedance, and reliable thermal performance. With FR-4–like processing compatibility and superior RF characteristics, RO4350B PCBs bridge the gap between standard FR-4 and high-cost PTFE materials.
Choosing an experienced RO4350B PCB manufacturer ensures accurate impedance control, consistent RF performance, and reliable production quality.
