Material Properties
2.20
Dielectric Constant (εr)
@ 10 GHz
0.0009
Loss Tangent (tan δ)
@ 10 GHz
1.96
Thermal Conductivity
W/m·K
31
CTE (X/Y Axis)
ppm/°C
2.2
Density
g/cm³
260
Max Operating Temp
°C
Standard Substrate Thickness
0.127
mm (5 mil)
0.254
mm (10 mil)
0.381
mm (15 mil)
0.508
mm (20 mil)
0.787
mm (31 mil)
1.575
mm (62 mil)
3.175
mm (125 mil)
Design Calculators
Input Parameters
Calculated Results
Trace Width (W)
1.534mm
Effective Dielectric (εeff)
1.871
Guided Wavelength (λg)
21.93mm
W/h Ratio
3.02
W/h = (8·e^A)/(e^(2A)-2) for W/h < 2
A = (Z₀/60)·√((εr+1)/2) + ((εr-1)/(εr+1))·(0.23+0.11/εr)
A = (Z₀/60)·√((εr+1)/2) + ((εr-1)/(εr+1))·(0.23+0.11/εr)
Input Parameters
Calculated Results
Trace Width (W)
0.456mm
W/b Ratio
0.449
Z₀ = (60/√εr)·ln(4b/(0.67π·(0.8W+t)))
for W/(b-t) < 0.35
for W/(b-t) < 0.35
Input Parameters
Calculated Results
Gap Width (G)
0.254mm
Effective εr
1.60
Total Ground Width
1.008mm
Z₀ = (30π/√εeff)·K(k')/K(k)
k = W/(W+2G), εeff = (εr+1)/2
k = W/(W+2G), εeff = (εr+1)/2
Input Parameters
Calculated Results
Free Space Wavelength (λ₀)
30.00mm
Guided Wavelength (λg)
21.94mm
Quarter Wave (λg/4)
5.48mm
Half Wave (λg/2)
10.97mm
Input Parameters
Loss Analysis Results
Dielectric Loss (αd)
0.042dB
Conductor Loss (αc)
0.089dB
Total Loss
0.131dB
Loss Rating
● Excellent
Design Guidelines
RF Design Rules
- Maintain consistent trace width for controlled impedance
- Use 45° or curved bends (avoid 90° corners)
- Keep ground plane continuous under RF traces
- Add via stitching for ground plane integrity
- Minimum trace spacing: 3× substrate height
Manufacturing Guidelines
- Minimum trace width: 0.1mm (4 mil)
- Minimum spacing: 0.1mm (4 mil)
- Via diameter: 0.2mm minimum
- Pad size: Via + 0.3mm annular ring
- Panel size: Up to 457 × 610mm
Thermal Considerations
- Max operating temperature: 260°C
- Tg (Glass transition): >280°C
- Low CTE mismatch with copper
- Suitable for lead-free soldering
- Use thermal vias for heat dissipation
Performance Tips
- εr tolerance: ±0.02 for tight designs
- Use LM version for enhanced stability
- Edge-coupled designs for tight coupling
- Grounded coplanar for better isolation
- Account for frequency-dependent εr
Typical Applications
Satellite Communications
Low-loss performance for satellite transponders and LNBs
10 - 40 GHz5G mmWave
Antenna arrays and beamforming networks
24 - 39 GHzRadar Systems
Military and automotive radar applications
1 - 77 GHzTest & Measurement
High-precision test fixtures and standards
DC - 110 GHzAerospace & Defense
Avionics and EW systems
1 - 94 GHzPoint-to-Point Links
Microwave backhaul and wireless bridges
6 - 80 GHzMaterial Comparison
| Property | RT5880 | FR-4 | RO4003C | RO3003 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Constant (εr) | 2.20 | 4.5 | 3.38 | 3.00 |
| Loss Tangent (tan δ) | 0.0009 | 0.020 | 0.0027 | 0.0013 |
| Max Frequency | 77+ GHz | ~3 GHz | ~40 GHz | ~40 GHz |
| Cost | High | Low | Medium | Medium-High |
| Best For | High-freq RF | Digital/Low-freq | Mixed signal | Automotive radar |