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With the rapid development of high-frequency and high-speed electronic applications such as 5G, automotive radar, satellite communications, etc., Rogers sheets have become the leading material in the field of high-frequency PCBs due to their excellent electrical properties and thermal stability. However, the high price and limited supply of Rogers boards have promoted the rapid emergence and application exploration of domestic alternative materials. This paper will focus on how to choose the domestic alternative materials and discuss the key factors and current situation to achieve the domestic substitution of Rogers boards.
Advantages of Rogers sheets in high-frequency circuits
Rogers PCB boards have significant advantages in terms of electrical properties. The dielectric constant is low and stable, usually between 2.2 and 10.2, for example, the dielectric constant of some products in the RO4000 series is about 3.55 to 4.2, and the loss factor is extremely small, for example, as low as 0.0035 for RO4835. These characteristics significantly reduce the loss of signal transmission in high-frequency circuits, ensure the integrity and accuracy of the signal, and effectively prevent the signal from being distorted and attenuated, so as to enhance the transmission efficiency and quality. efficiency and quality.
Under high frequency environment, Rogers sheet shows excellent frequency stability, its dielectric constant and loss factor change slightly with frequency, ensuring stable operation of high frequency circuits in different frequency bands, providing a solid guarantee for high speed and stable signal transmission. In addition, the plate has good electromagnetic shielding performance, effectively suppressing the generation and propagation of electromagnetic interference, reducing mutual interference between circuits, and improving the electromagnetic compatibility of the system. This is especially important for high-frequency circuits with dense component layouts and complex signal transmission, which can enhance the stability and reliability of the circuits.
In terms of thermal performance, Rogers sheets often have glass transition temperatures (Tg) higher than 280°C, providing excellent thermal stability. As high-frequency circuits generate heat during operation, Rogers sheet is able to maintain stable performance at high temperatures, preventing thermal deformation or failure from affecting the normal operation of the circuit, thus significantly improving the reliability and durability of the circuit device. Its coefficient of thermal expansion matches that of commonly used metals and semiconductor materials, and in particular the difference between its coefficient of thermal expansion and that of copper is very small, which effectively reduces thermal stresses caused by mismatch in thermal expansion, avoids problems such as circuit breakage and solder joint failure, and guarantees long-term stable operation of circuits.
In terms of processing performance, the thickness and dimensional tolerances of Rogers sheet are strictly controlled, and the surface flatness is high, which can meet the requirements of high-precision processing. High-frequency circuit design often involves the manufacture of fine lines and tiny vias. Rogers plates are suitable for advanced processing technologies such as laser drilling and micro line lithography, ensuring the accuracy of circuit manufacturing and the consistency of performance. At the same time, the board's tight bonding to metal conductors and excellent solderability guarantee the quality of the soldering and the stability of the circuit connections. When laminating multi-layer circuit boards, Rogers sheets can be tightly bonded to other layers of material to form a strong multi-layer structure, enhancing the performance and mechanical strength of the overall circuit board.
Rogers sheet is known for its low dielectric constant (generally between 2.2 and 10.2), low loss factor, and stable high-frequency performance. Representative materials, such as the RO4000 series, have dielectric constants between 3.55 and 4.2, and loss factors as low as 0.0035, which significantly reduces signal transmission loss and ensures signal integrity and stable circuit performance. In addition, the glass transition temperature of Rogers materials is as high as 280°C or more, and the coefficient of thermal expansion matches that of copper and other metals, avoiding line damage caused by thermal stress. These characteristics must be highly valued in domestic substitution.
Rogers PCB has significant competitiveness in the international market, but domestic alternatives are on the rise as domestic technology continues to advance and market demand grows. The following are some domestic high-frequency PCB sheet alternative options:
1. SangYi Technology: SangYi Technology is one of the leading domestic manufacturers of high-frequency PCB boards and has achieved a breakthrough in domestic substitution. They use SABIC manufacturer's PPO (polyphenylene ether methacrylate) material to produce high-frequency boards with low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss performance, and are gradually catching up with Rogers' RO4535 material. SangYi Technology's sheet in the dielectric constant and dielectric loss and Rogers RO4730G3 there is a gap, but has been able to undertake some of the orders, the future is expected to occupy more market share .
2. Huazheng New Material: Huazheng New Material is also making efforts in the field of high-frequency copper-clad laminates, launching two products, HF175 and HF380, which have lower dielectric constant and dielectric loss and are suitable for high-frequency applications.
3. Zhongying Technology: Zhongying Technology offers a wide range of high frequency PCBs, such as ZY-7000 and ZY-5500, which have a good balance between heat resistance, electrical properties and mechanical properties, and are suitable for complex electronic device structures .
4. Taizhou Wangling: Taizhou Wangling provides two types of high-speed boards, WI-280 and WI-400, which have outstanding high-frequency characteristics and are suitable for high-frequency communication equipment such as satellite communication terminals.
5. Other domestic manufacturers: there are other domestic manufacturers such as Taixing Microwave, Changzhou Zhongying, Gongli ceramic boards, etc., are also producing cost-effective high-frequency PCB boards, which can be used as a substitute for Rogers materials in some applications.
Core considerations for choosing a domestic replacement material
Matching electrical properties: Domestic materials need to be as close as possible to Rogers standards in terms of dielectric constant, loss factor and frequency stability to ensure high quality and stability of signal transmission. Especially the loss factor control is critical for high frequency applications.
Thermal performance and mechanical matching: The matching of the coefficient of thermal expansion with copper foil and other materials directly affects the reliability of the circuit board, avoiding breakage and failure caused by different thermal expansion in thermal cycling. Glass transition temperature higher than 280 ℃ can ensure that the material can withstand high temperature processing and use of the environment.
Manufacturing process compatibility: Domestic boards should support advanced processes such as laser drilling and microfabrication photolithography, and be able to be processed smoothly in traditional factory equipment and processes, reducing manufacturing difficulties and costs.
Stable supply and cost advantage: localisation of the supply chain for domestically produced materials can effectively reduce procurement risks and shorten delivery cycles, while reducing overall costs, which is conducive to improving the stability and responsiveness of the supply chain.
With the continuous progress of domestic high-frequency PCB sheet technology and the improvement of the industrial chain, the domestic substitution of Rogers sheet is gradually becoming a reality. The selection of domestic alternative materials not only needs to ensure a high degree of matching of electrical, thermal and mechanical properties, but also must take into account the adaptability of the manufacturing process and the stability of the supply chain. In the future, as the demand for high-frequency materials for applications such as 5G, automotive radar and satellite communications continues to grow, domestic manufacturers, with their cost advantages and rapid response capabilities, will occupy a larger share of the high-frequency PCB market, boosting the independent innovation and international competitiveness of China's electronics industry.