Enhancing the efficiency of circuit boards requires careful consideration of various factors, and the choice of materials plays a crucial role in achieving optimal performance. One such material that excels in maintaining peak circuit board performance is the Taconic RF-35TC. This innovative material boasts exceptional attributes, including a low dissipation factor and high thermal conductivity.
It is particularly well-suited for high-power applications where even small improvements, such as a 1/10th of a dB gain, are of utmost importance. Additionally, the RF-35TC’s PTFE-based, ceramic-filled fiberglass substrate offers distinct advantages over synthetic rubber (hydrocarbon) alternatives. Unlike these competitors, the RF-35TC substrate does not succumb to oxidation, yellowing, or manifest upward drift in dielectric constant and dissipation factor. By implementing this revolutionary material, you can unlock the potential for superior circuit board performance, thereby impressing both your clients and end-users.
Overview of Taconic RF-35TC
The Taconic RF-35TC is a specialized material designed for high-frequency applications. It is a woven fiberglass-reinforced PTFE composite with a ceramic fille. It is known for its exceptional thermal conductivity. It is specifically designed to address the heat management challenges in electronic applications. With a thermal conductivity of 35 W/mK, RF-35TC surpasses the standard FR-4 laminates commonly used in PCB manufacturing.
The enhanced thermal conductivity of Taconic RF-35TC enables efficient transfer of thermal energy, reducing the overall power dissipation within a system. By effectively dissipating heat, RF-35TC helps maintain lower operating temperatures for electronic components, which is crucial for their optimal performance and longevity.
RF-35TC is particularly valuable in applications where heat management is critical, such as high-power RF circuits, power amplifiers, LED lighting, automotive electronics, and telecommunications infrastructure. The increased thermal conductivity of RF-35TC allows for improved heat dissipation, thereby enhancing the reliability and stability of these electronic systems.
In addition to its excellent thermal performance, Taconic RF-35TC offers other desirable properties for PCB designs. It has a low dielectric constant and loss tangent, ensuring signal integrity in high-frequency applications. RF-35TC is also compatible with standard PCB manufacturing processes, making it easy to incorporate into various design configurations.
Taconic RF-35TC: Features and Benefits
Taconic RF-35TC is a ceramic-filled PTFE composite material commonly used for high frequency circuit board applications. Here are some of its key features and benefits:
High thermal conductivity (35W/mK) – Helps dissipate heat from high power components and maintains temperature uniformity across the PCB.
Low dielectric loss – Has a low dissipation factor of 0.0012 at 10 GHz, which minimizes signal loss at high frequencies.
Tight dielectric constant tolerance (+/- 0.50) – Allows for consistent and predictable impedance control helpful for controlled-impedance designs.
Low Z-axis CTE – Has a Z-axis CTE of 16.5 ppm/C which provides dimensional stability during thermal excursions. Prevents registration issues.
High tensile modulus – Exhibits a tensile modulus of 20,000 psi (138 MPa) in the X-Y plane which resists warpage or twisting.
UL 94 V-0 rating – Meets flammability requirements for many electronic applications.
Lead-free compatible – Can withstand lead-free soldering temperatures up to 260°C.
Fine line capability – Can be processed for 5 mil line widths and spaces enabling advanced HDI stack-ups.
RoHS compliance – Meets regulatory requirements for hazardous substances in electronic components.
All in all, Taconic RF-35TC enables excellent electrical and thermal performance coupled with dimensional stability required in advanced RF and microwave PCB designs. The consistent dielectric properties and tight tolerances provide reliable performance across fabrication lots.
Importance of thermal conductivity in electronics applications
Thermal conductivity is very important in electronics for a few key reasons:
Heat Dissipation
Electronics generate heat during operation that needs to be dissipated to prevent overheating. Materials with higher thermal conductivity allow heat to spread more quickly away from heat-generating components. This allows effective cooling systems to be designed.
Temperature uniformity
Uneven temperatures across electronic components can lead to expansion and mechanical stress. Good thermal conductivity helps maintain a more uniform temperature distribution.
Operational stability
Excessive heat can cause electronic components to malfunction or perform outside of their specified range. Maintaining operating temperatures within specified limits through good thermal management improves stability and reliability.
Lifetime reliability
High temperatures accelerate many failure mechanisms in electronics such as electromigration, oxidation, and material interfaces. Effective cooling enabled by good thermal conductivity extends the operating lifetime of devices.
Environmental tolerance
Better thermal conductivity allows electronics to operate in more extreme environments including high-temperatures. Aerospace and automotive electronics are examples where high-temperature operation is important.
Compact Design
Increased thermal conductivity allows more compact arrangement of circuit components since heat can be conducted away efficiently. This enables smaller and more portable electronics systems.
Guidelines for incorporating Taconic RF-35TC in PCB designs
Here are some guidelines for effectively utilizing Taconic RF-35TC in PCB designs:
● Use RF-35TC for high frequency applications from MHz to GHz range where low loss is critical. Its low dissipation factor reduces dielectric losses.
● Take advantage of the consistent dielectric properties across fabrication lots by specifying tight impedance tolerances (e.g. +/- 5%). This allows reliable performance.
● Utilize the low Z-axis CTE for large components or boards where thermal expansion matching is important. This prevents registration issues.
● Employ RF-35TC in designs where dimensional stability is key such as with thicker boards (>0.125″) or backplanes. The high modulus resists warpage.
● For high density designs, leverage the fine line capability down to 5/5 mil lines/spaces. This enables complex layer stacks.
● In high power applications, position RF-35TC layers next to heat generating components to dissipate heat thanks to the high thermal conductivity.
● For high frequency layers that may be exposed to moisture, seal RF-35TC with a protective coating. PTFE is hydrophobic but the ceramic filler is hydrophilic.
● Take advantage of lead-free compatibility for reflow soldering up to 260°C. This suits most lead-free alloys.
● Review board house fabrication notes for specific guidelines on panelization, registration, cutting, etc. to maximize yield.
Following these guidelines will ensure RF-35TC delivers maximum benefit in the target application spaces it was designed for.
Considerations for Fabricating and Handling RF-35TC Laminates
Here are some important considerations when fabricating and handling Taconic’s RF-35TC laminates:
Fabrication:
● Allow sufficient clearance between boards on the panel to prevent cracking during routing, shearing, and depaneling. At least 0.25″ is recommended.
● Use new router bits and sharp shearing blades to avoid jagged edges after depaneling. High chiploads and low RPMs are preferred.
● RF-35TC is compatible with most substrates during lamination. Follow recommended lamination cycles.
● Use extra care when routing outer layer features. The ceramic filler can rapidly wear standard end mills.
● Drilling may require diamond-coated bits and high spindle speeds. Employ peck drilling techniques.
● Due to the ceramic filler, RF-35TC is abrasive on tooling. Expect reduced tool life compared to unfilled PTFE boards.
Handling:
● Avoid excessive bending or flexing of the boards during handling and assembly. The ceramic makes it more brittle than standard PTFE laminates.
● Use appropriate clamping during assembly to avoid cracking. Exercise caution if bending boards.
● The material has high Z-axis CTE. Allow clearance for expansion when attaching stiffeners or hardware through the thickness.
● The hydrophilic nature of the ceramic may require baking prior to assembly to remove any absorbed moisture.
● As with any PTFE material, take ESD precautions when handling to avoid static discharge damage. Use grounded wrist straps, mats, bags, etc.
Following these guidelines will help maximize yields and minimize issues when working with RF-35TC laminates. Consult Taconic for further advice on your specific application.
Taconic RF-35TC Vs FR4
Taconic RF-35TC stands out with its higher thermal conductivity compared to standard FR-4 laminates. With a thermal conductivity of 35 W/mK, Taconic RF-35TC surpasses the typical value of 25 W/mK found in FR-4. This elevated thermal conductivity empowers the material to facilitate more effective thermal energy transfer.
By leveraging the enhanced thermal conductivity of Taconic RF-35TC, it becomes possible to reduce overall system power dissipation and elevate the operating temperature of the circuit board. This characteristic is highly advantageous in applications where efficient heat dissipation is crucial to maintain optimal performance and reliability of electronic components.
Overall, the higher thermal conductivity of Taconic RF-35TC compared to standard FR-4 makes it an ideal choice for applications requiring effective heat management. By enabling improved thermal energy transfer, Taconic RF-35TC facilitates reduced power dissipation and increased operational temperature range for circuit boards, contributing to enhanced performance and durability of electronic systems.
Taconic RF-35TC Comparison with Other Materials
The Taconic RF-35TC is a specific type of material used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and has its own unique characteristics. To provide a comparison with other materials, let’s consider some common PCB materials and discuss their features:
Rogers 4000 Series:
The Rogers 4000 series comprises high-performance laminates such as RO4350B and RO4003C. These materials have low dielectric loss, excellent high-frequency performance, and good thermal conductivity. They are commonly used in applications that require high-speed signal transmission and RF/microwave circuits.
Teflon (PTFE):
Teflon-based materials, such as Teflon PTFE, offer excellent electrical properties, low dielectric constant, and low loss tangent. They provide stable performance in a wide range of temperatures and are suitable for high-frequency applications. However, they can be costlier compared to other materials.
When comparing the Taconic RF-35TC with other materials, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your application. Factors such as frequency range, signal integrity, thermal management, cost, and fabrication processes will influence the material selection. Each material has its own set of advantages and limitations, and the best choice depends on the specific needs of your project. Consulting with PCB material suppliers or experts can provide further guidance tailored to your requirements.
What Factors to Be Aware of when Purchasing Taconic RF-35TC laminates?
When purchasing Taconic RF-35TC laminates, there are several factors to be aware of to ensure a successful procurement process. Consider the following aspects:
Authenticity: Ensure that you are purchasing genuine Taconic RF-35TC laminates from an authorized distributor or reliable supplier. Counterfeit or substandard products can compromise the performance and reliability of your circuit boards.
Certifications and Standards: Verify if the Taconic RF-35TC laminates comply with industry standards and certifications. These may include UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification, IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) standards, and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance. Meeting these requirements ensures the materials are safe and reliable for use in various applications.
Supplier Reputation: Choose a reputable supplier with a track record of delivering high-quality Taconic RF-35TC laminates. Look for customer reviews, testimonials, or references to gauge their reliability, customer service, and product quality.
Technical Specifications: Familiarize yourself with the technical specifications of the Taconic RF-35TC laminates. Pay attention to parameters such as dielectric constant, dissipation factor, copper adhesion, thermal conductivity, and operating temperature range. Ensure they align with the requirements of your specific application.
Availability and Lead Time: Check the availability of Taconic RF-35TC laminates from the supplier. Verify their lead times to ensure they can meet your project’s timeline and production requirements.
Pricing and Cost Considerations: Evaluate the pricing structure and cost-effectiveness of the Taconic RF-35TC laminates. Compare quotes from different suppliers while considering the overall value, including product quality, technical support, and after-sales service.
Technical Support and Expertise: Assess the level of technical support and expertise provided by the supplier. It is beneficial to have access to knowledgeable professionals who can assist with material selection, design considerations, and troubleshooting.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when purchasing Taconic RF-35TC laminates and ensure that you obtain high-quality materials that meet your project requirements.
Where to Find Reliable Taconic RF-35TC PCB Manufacturer?
JarnisTech is a reputable and trustworthy fabricator specializing in the production of Taconic RF-35TC circuit boards. We are dedicated to building a successful enterprise by nurturing a team of diligent and skilled professionals who possess a genuine passion for their craft. Our core values include giving back to the community and ensuring that our customers have a fulfilling work experience, fostering their loyalty and eagerness to return.
The production of our Taconic RF-35TC boards is entrusted to highly competent engineers with extensive field experience, complemented by comprehensive training to excel in their roles. We take pride in delivering products of exceptional quality while maintaining competitive pricing, allowing you to benefit from our services without concerns about budget constraints.
Conclusion
By selecting Taconic RF-35TC laminates, you can benefit from a material that not only delivers exceptional performance but also offers longevity, stability, and compatibility with high-power and high-frequency applications. Its ability to withstand environmental factors, resist oxidation, and maintain consistent electrical properties makes it a reliable choice for demanding circuit board designs.
In summary, Taconic RF-35TC laminates provide a solid foundation for achieving optimal circuit board performance. Their utilization can lead to enhanced signal integrity, improved thermal management, and overall efficiency in a wide range of applications
