Introduction to RT/Duroid 5880LZ
RT/Duroid 5880LZ is a ceramic-filled, PTFE composite material manufactured by Rogers Corporation for use in high frequency circuit boards and microwave components.
Some key facts about RT/Duroid 5880LZ:
- Belongs to the RT/duroid 6000 series of high frequency laminates
- Features a dielectric constant of 1.96 at 10 GHz
- Enables performance up to mmWave frequencies
- Low loss material suitable for exacting circuit applications
- Uses a filler system to achieve properties and performance
- Utilized in designs from HF to Ku band and above
With its optimal electrical and mechanical properties, RT/duroid 5880LZ allows circuits to achieve excellent gain and low insertion loss even at millimeter-wave frequencies. In this article, we examine RT/Duroid 5880LZ in more detail including its properties, applications, key benefits, and usage guidelines.
Dielectric Composition
Rogers RT/duroid 5880LZ is a filled, ceramic-PTFE composite dielectric material, consisting of:
- PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): This provides the basic matrix and gives the material is low dielectric constant. PTFE offers high strength and flexibility along with heat and chemical resistance.
- Ceramic filler: This is a proprietary formulation of ceramic particulate blended with the PTFE. The filler system enables the dielectric properties while also enhancing thermal and mechanical performance.
- Glass reinforcement: Glass microfibers are added for improved dimensional stability and temperature coefficient of expansion (CTE).
The composition results in a flexible circuit material that is lightweight and easily fabricates while delivering electrical performance beyond conventional PTFE. The material offerings include prepreg, laminates, bondply, and cable dielectrics.
Dielectric Properties
The dielectric properties of Rogers RT/Duroid 5880LZ that make it suitable for high frequency applications include:
- Dielectric constant (Dk): 1.96 ± 0.02 @ 10 GHz
- Dissipation factor (Df): 0.0019 @ 10 GHz
- Dielectric strength: > 1.6 kV/mil (> 63 kV/mm)
The low and stable dielectric constant over frequency allows for tighter circuit layouts and high frequency operation. The low loss tangent means more of the transmitted signal is retained as it passes through transmission lines, striplines, and other circuit elements. High dielectric strength enables thinner laminates and improved power handling.
Key Material Benefits
Rogers RT/Duroid 5880LZ offers several benefits that make it advantageous for engineers to design high frequency PCBs and components:
- Extremely low loss for optimal circuit efficiency up to mmWave bands
- Lightweight with outstanding dimensional stability
- Allows miniaturization of circuits with thin laminates
- Good thermal conductivity for power handling
- Low moisture absorption for reliable electrical performance
- Excellent CTE match to common metal platings
- Simple machining and fabrication
- RoHS compliant and lead-free
- Enables circuits to achieve wider bandwidths
Typical Applications
RT/Duroid 5880LZ is well suited for the following typical applications:
- Wireless infrastructure antennas and filters
- Military phased array radar and communications
- Satellite communications and telemetry
- Automotive radar transceivers
- Point-to-point backhaul radios
- Test and measurement equipment
- 5G equipment and mmWave antennas
The low loss, dimensional stability, and fabricability make it an optimal choice where every dB of loss matters. circuits operating from L through Ku band and beyond benefit the most from 5880LZ’s properties.
Available Product Forms
Rogers offers RT/Duroid 5880LZ in the following product formats:
Prepreg
- 5880LZ reinforced prepreg
- Available on various glass styles
- Multiple resin content options
- Rolls or panel forms
Laminates
- Double-sided clad sheets
- Thicknesses from 0.005″ to 0.125″
- Rolls or panel sizes
- One ounce ED copper standard
Bondply
- Adhesive bonded multilayer material
- Alternating dielectric and double-sided copper layers
- Eliminates press cycles for multilayer boards
Wire and Cable
- Coaxial and multi-conductor cables
- Semirigid and flexible constructions
- Custom cable solutions
Key Properties Data
Below table summarizes the key properties of RT/Duroid 5880LZ laminates:
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Constant (Dk) | 1.96 ± 0.02 | IPC-TM-650 2.5.5.5 Clamped Stripline |
| Dissipation Factor (Df) | 0.0019 | IPC-TM-650 2.5.5.5 |
| Dielectric Strength | 1.6 kV/mil min | IPC-TM-650 2.5.6.2 |
| Volume Resistivity | 1 x 10^15 Ohm-cm | IPC-TM-650 2.5.17 |
| Surface Resistivity | 5 x 10^15 Ohm-cm min | IPC-TM-650 2.5.17 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) | 13 | IPC-TM-650 2.4.24 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.69 W/mK | ASTM C518 |
| Moisture Absorption | <0.02% | IPC-TM-650 2.6.2.1 |
| Density | 2.2 g/cm3 | ASTM D792 |
| Hardness | 50 (Shore D) | ASTM D2240 |
| Flexural Strength | 27.6 ksi | IPC-TM-650 2.4.4 |
| Tensile Modulus | 540 ksi | ASTM D638 |
| Compressive Modulus | 12.7 ksi | ASTM D695 |
| Peel Strength | 6.5 pli | IPC-TM-650 2.4.8 |
| Shear Strength | 750 psi | IPC-TM-650 2.4.8 |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | 280°C | IPC-TM-650 2.4.24 |
Design and Layout Guidelines
To achieve optimal circuit performance on RT/Duroid 5880LZ, designers should follow these PCB layout recommendations:
- Maintain line width/spacing ratio of ≥ 0.5
- Use smaller traces and spacing at higher frequencies
- Include a continuous ground plane whenever possible
- Minimize number of laminate cuts and material discontinuities
- Watch for resonance points and avoid narrowband designs
- Use impedance matching, coupling andtransitions as needed
- Add more power supply filter –ing as frequency increases
- Allow sufficient distance between circuits and board edges
- Carefully model losses as frequency increases
Fabrication and Assembly
RT/Duroid 5880LZ laminates can be easily fabricated using conventional PCB processing techniques:
- Imaging: Photolithography, laser direct imaging
- Etching: Ammoniacal or cupric chloride etchants
- Plating: Electrolytic and electroless copper plating
- Solder mask: Liquid photoimageable or dry film
- Silkscreen: Epoxy and UV ink compatible
- Automated routing, milling, drilling processes
- V-scoring for snap separation of circuits
For best results, refer to the IPC specifications together with the RT/duroid fabrication guidelines published by Rogers Corporation.
Solder assembly can be done using standard surface mount and through-hole component attachment processes. Rogers recommends 250°C as the maximum soldering temperature for most applications.
Availability and Costs
RT/Duroid 5880LZ material is available directly from Rogers Corporation or through their global network of distributors. It is offered in panel sizes up to 18 x 24 inches and 24 inch wide master rolls.
Being a premium microwave material, RT/Duroid 5880LZ costs more than standard FR-4 laminates. However, it enables far superior performance for demanding high frequency applications. Volume discounts may be available for qualified customers.
Comparing to Other Microwave Materials
There are several other PTFE-based microwave laminate options for high frequency designs besides RT/Duroid 5880LZ:
RT/Duroid 5870
- Similar ceramic-filled PTFE material
- Slightly higher dielectric constant of 2.33
- Better for broader bandwidths
RT/Duroid 6002
- Pure PTFE with Dk of 2.94
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Lower cost alternative
Rogers RO3000 Series
- Woven glass reinforced ceramic/PTFE
- Dk options from 3.0 to 10.2
- Provides good balance of cost and performance
Rogers RO4000 Series
- Filled hydrocarbon ceramic laminates
- Dk of 3.38 to 3.55 for optimal high frequency use
- Low cost, high yield
Each material has different trade-offs between frequency coverage, loss, cost, and fabricability. 5880LZ provides the best overall combination at mmWave bands.
Rogers Corporation Company Profile
Rogers Corporation (NYSE: ROG) is a global leader in engineered materials solutions. Founded in 1832 and headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Rogers develops advanced materials for mission-critical applications in electrification, 5G infrastructure, connected mobility, clean energy and more.
Rogers invented the first circuit materials that enabled the growth of modern electronics. RT/duroid® materials launched in 1958 were the world’s first ceramic-filled thermoset fluoropolymer circuit materials. Today, Rogers’ advanced circuit materials enable the performance, reliability and density demands of evolviny technologies.
Some key facts about Rogers Corporation:
- 2021 sales of $974 million with 49% in Advanced Connectivity Solutions
- Over 200 patents on advanced materials technologies
- Operations in Asia, Europe and the Americas
- Major R&D centers in the USA, Belgium, China and Germany
- Employs over 3,500 people worldwide
In addition to circuit materials, Rogers offers specialized components for EVs/HEVs, wireless infrastructure, rail and clean energy applications through its EMS division. The company also produces engineered foams and composites for automotive and industrial markets.
Conclusion
Rogers RT/Duroid 5880LZ gives engineers a high performance microwave dielectric to achieve low loss circuits through mmWave frequencies. The ceramic-filled PTFE composite enables stable dielectric properties, tight dimensional control, excellent circuit fabrication, and rugged reliability.
With its precisely engineered filler system, 5880LZ achieves the optimal balance of electrical performance and mechanical stability needed for today’s cutting-edge wireless, radar and satellite communication systems. It allows maximum utilization of available bandwidth while overcoming losses that limit conventional materials.
As high frequency circuits push to 40 GHz and above, RT/Duroid 5880LZ will continue enabling next-generation microwave PCB innovations well into the future through its industry-leading low loss, consistency and fabrication strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about RT/Duroid 5880LZ answered:
Q: What is the dielectric constant of RT/Duroid 5880LZ?
A: RT/Duroid 5880LZ has a dielectric constant of 1.96 ± 0.02 at 10 GHz. This low, stable dielectric constant enables excellent performance up to mmWave frequencies.
Q: What are some typical applications for 5880LZ material?
A: Typical applications include wireless infrastructure, radar and satellite communications, automotive radar, test equipment, and 5G mmWave. Its low loss and stability suits it for applications where circuit efficiency is critical.
Q: Does Rogers 5880LZ require special fabrication processes?
A: No, standard PCB manufacturing processes like imaging, etching, drilling/routing can be used. Rogers provides guidelines for optimal results based on IPC standards.
Q: What copper foil types are used with 5880LZ laminates?
A: One ounce electrodeposited or rolled copper foil is typically used. Other foil weights up to 4 oz. copper are optionally available.
Q: What is the difference between RT/duroid 5880 and 5870 materials?
A: RT/duroid 5880LZ has a lower Dk of 1.96 while 5870 has a Dk of 2.33. 5880LZ achieves lower loss for mmWave, while 5870 offers wider bandwidths.
