RO4003C PCB: 2-Layer, 16mil Core, ENIG Finish
(All PCBs are custom-manufactured. Reference images and parameters
may vary based on your design requirements.)
Overview of the 2-Layer RO4003C PCB
The 2-layer RO4003C PCB is a high-performance laminate designed for
RF and microwave applications requiring low loss, tight dielectric
constant (Dk) control, and cost-effective manufacturability. Built
with Rogers RO4003C material, this PCB provides the electrical
performance of PTFE-based laminates but with the processing ease of
FR-4, eliminating the need for special handling and through-hole
treatments.
With a 16mil (0.406mm) core, ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion
Gold) surface finish, and black silkscreen, this PCB is engineered
for high-frequency stability and long-term reliability, making it
ideal for cellular base station antennas, automotive radar, and
satellite communication systems.
PCB Construction Details
| Parameter | Specification |
| Base Material | Rogers RO4003C |
| Layer Count | 2 layers |
| Board Dimensions | 38.8mm x 52.4mm ± 0.15mm |
| Minimum Trace/Space | 5/5 mils |
| Minimum Hole Size | 0.2mm |
| Blind Vias | No |
| Finished Board Thickness | 0.5mm |
| Copper Weight | 1oz (1.4 mils) outer layers |
| Via Plating Thickness | 20 μm |
| Surface Finish | ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) |
| Top Silkscreen | Black |
| Bottom Silkscreen | None |
| Top Solder Mask | None |
| Bottom Solder Mask | None |
| Electrical Testing | 100% tested prior to shipment |
PCB Stackup
The RO4003C PCB stackup is optimized for dimensional stability and
high-frequency performance. Below is the detailed stackup:
| Layer | Material | Thickness |
| Copper Layer 1 | Copper (1oz) | 35 μm |
| Core Material | Rogers RO4003C | 0.406mm (16mil) |
| Copper Layer 2 | Copper (1oz) | 35 μm |
PCB Statistics
The 2-layer RO4003C PCB is designed for compact and
high-performance layouts. Below are the key statistics:
- Components: 6
- Total Pads: 17
- Thru Hole Pads: 11
- Top SMT Pads: 6
- Bottom SMT Pads: 0
- Vias: 9
- Nets: 2
Introduction to RO4003C Material
Rogers RO4003C laminates are woven glass-reinforced
hydrocarbon/ceramic materials offering high-frequency performance
similar to PTFE-based laminates but at a fraction of the cost.
These materials are easy to process using standard FR-4 techniques,
providing cost-effective solutions for high-volume and
performance-sensitive applications.
Key advantages include:
- Tight control on dielectric constant (Dk): Ensures consistent and
stable performance across applications.
- Low Z-axis CTE: Provides reliable plated through-hole (PTH) quality
under thermal shock conditions.
- Ease of Processing: Processes like FR-4 without the need for
special handling.
Features of RO4003C
- Dielectric Constant (Dk): 3.38 ± 0.05 at 10GHz
- Dissipation Factor (Df): 0.0027 at 10GHz, 0.0021 at 2.5GHz
- Thermal Coefficient of Dielectric Constant (TCDk): +40 ppm/°C
- Thermal Conductivity: 0.71 W/m·K
- Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE): X-axis: 11 ppm/°C, Y-axis:
14 ppm/°C, Z-axis: 46 ppm/°C
- Moisture Absorption: 0.06%
- Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): >280°C
Benefits of RO4003C PCB
- High-Frequency Performance: Low dissipation factor ensures minimal
signal loss.
- Ease of Processing: Processes like FR-4 for lower fabrication
costs.
- Dimensional Stability: Excellent stability for multi-layer
constructions and thermal cycling.
- Cost-Effective: Offers high performance at a fraction of the cost
of PTFE laminates.
- Tight Dk Tolerance: Ensures consistent RF performance.
- Low Moisture Absorption: Maintains performance in humid
environments.
Applications of RO4003C PCB
- Cellular Base Station Antennas
- Power Amplifiers
- RF Identification (RFID) Tags
- Automotive Radar and Sensors
- Satellite Communication (LNB)
Why Choose the 2-Layer RO4003C PCB?
The 2-layer RO4003C PCB is a reliable and cost-effective solution
for high-frequency circuit designs requiring low loss, thermal
stability, and consistent dielectric properties. Its 16mil core,
ENIG finish, and high thermal conductivity make it an excellent
choice for RF, microwave, and automotive radar applications.
Contact us today to learn more about this high-performance PCB or
to place your order!
