Rogers ro3203 are ceramic-filled laminates that provide improved and superior mechanical properties. This laminate is one of the ro3003 series designed for high-frequency applications. Ro3203 is circuit material reinforced with woven glass cloth.
This ceramic-filled circuit material is ISO 9002 certified, so it is a reliable material that meets designers’ needs and specifications. This laminate was specifically designed to offer a wide frequency range. This Rogers PCB material comes with several features and benefits.
These laminates are produced with the use of PTFE substrates and reinforced with woven glass. Ro3203 is an improved version of RO3003 laminates designed to offer better mechanical properties. As a result of this, it has similar electrical and mechanical features to RO3003.
These laminates are suitable for a lot of applications which include direct broadcast satellites, base station infrastructure, power backplane, and collision avoidance systems. The woven fiberglass reinforcement added to Rogers 3203 enhanced its mechanical stability. A major reason, it is used in applications where mechanical strength is a major factor.
Properties of RO3203
Rogers RO3203 has unique properties that distinguish it from the RO3000 series. Some of its properties include:
Low coefficient of thermal expansion: The coefficient of thermal expansion in the X and Y axis of RO3203 is measured at 13 ppm/°C. This property makes it ideal for use in producing multilayer epoxy fiberglass hybrid boards.
Low dimensional stability: The dimensional stability of ro3203 is measured at 0.8 mm/m. This dimensional stability is considered to be very low. This material can maintain its size in any environmental condition.
Excellent dielectric constant: The dielectric constant of this material is 3.02. This value is considered an ideal one for material like Rogers 3203. Materials with low dielectric constants help to minimize electric power loss, hence they are ideal for high-frequency applications.
Lower moisture absorption: ro3203 materials feature <0.1% moisture absorption. This level of moisture absorption is extremely low, which is desirable for designers. Low moisture absorption will have minimal impact on the thermal and electrical properties of the material.
Benefits of RO3203
Rogers RO3203 offers a lot of benefits that make them exceptional in the RO3000 series. These laminates provide benefits such as;
- Smooth copper surface that enables finer line etching tolerances
- Excellent rigidity that makes it very easy to handle
- Low in-plane expansion that matches with copper
- A wide range of dielectric constant
- Uniform mechanical and electrical properties
- Exceptional dimensional stability
- Cost-effective
Applications of Rogers RO3203
RO3203 circuit materials are used for high frequencies that are up to 20 GHZ. These materials are used for a wide range of applications which include:
- Base stations infrastructure
- Direct broadcasts satellites
- Systems for datalinks on cables
- Power backplanes
- Remote meter reader
- Automotive global positioning system antennas
- Patch antennas for wireless communication
- Wireless and LMDS broadband
Factors to Consider when choosing Rogers RO3203
There are several factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting RO3203, these factors include:
Application requirements: It is important the electrical and mechanical properties of this material meet the requirements of your application.
Availability: This is a vital factor that needs to be considered. Make sure you ask your supplier if there is an adequate stock of RO3203 laminates.
Thickness tolerance: RO3203 has thickness tolerance and tight Dk control. These materials are available in varying thicknesses that provide different individual needs to consumers.
Selecting materials with appropriate thicknesses is important for high-frequency applications. The thickness of the laminate will affect the height and weight of the PCB.
Type of copper cladding: RO3203 comes in different types of copper cladding. However, there are three main dimensions as electrodeposited copper which are 2 oz. (70 μm) ED foil, 1 oz. (35 μm) ED foil, and 1/2 oz. (17μm) ED foil. You can order the type of cladding that suits your application.
Why Rogers RO3203 is used in RF and Microwave Application
RO3203 is a PTFE composite that features advanced mechanical and electrical properties. This material has a stable and low Dk over a wide range of temperatures and frequencies.
This material is well suited for high-frequency applications since it combines a low Dk of 3.02 and a low dissipation factor of 0.0016. This material is used in RF and microwave applications due to its low moisture absorption, tight Dk control, and thickness tolerance.
Its improved rigidity also makes it ideal for applications that require mechanical stability. ro3203 is a core material in RF and microwave applications due to its low in-plane and Z-direction expansion.
Procedures to follow when ordering for Rogers RO3203 laminate
When ordering for RO3203 laminate, you are required to follow the procedures outlined below
- Determine the specifications of the material that meets the requirements of your application.
- Choose the right material thickness and thickness tolerance.
- Choose the right panel size.
- Select the right material cladding type.
- For customized size material, you need to make agreements before you place an order.
- Contact customer care for more directions on how to place an order.
- Once a purchase is made, you will receive a certificate of conformance.
Limitations of Rogers RO3203
Although RO3203 laminates have several benefits, these materials also have their limitations.
Requires special manufacturing procedure: These laminates require special production processes that involve special treatment of PTH walls after drillings and before plating. This procedure includes drilling, preparation of holes, metallization, etc.
Weave effect: Due to the woven glass reinforcement, designers can experience the “weave effect” when using these laminates at high frequencies. This can have a critical impact on thinner laminates.
Conclusion
Rogers 3203 laminates offer improved electrical performance, excellent dimensional stability, and an ideal coefficient of thermal expansion. These laminates have been a leading material in the industry due to the features they offer.
The woven glass reinforcement in RO3203 makes them easy to fabricate. These materials also have great peel strength and the CTE is great for thinner laminates. RO3203 also features a low dielectric constant that helps to maintain stability over various frequencies and temperatures.
