Rogers 5870: High-Performance PCB Material for RF and Microwave Applications

Introduction

With the growing demand for high-frequency, high-speed, and low-loss PCB materials, Rogers 5870 has become a preferred choice for applications requiring superior signal integrity, thermal stability, and mechanical reliability. As part of Rogers Corporation’s RO5000™ series, Rogers 5870 is designed for RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave circuits, making it ideal for 5G communication, satellite systems, radar, and aerospace electronics.

This article explores the properties, advantages, manufacturing considerations, and key applications of Rogers 5870 PCB material, helping engineers make informed decisions for high-frequency PCB designs.

What is Rogers 5870?

Rogers 5870 is a PTFE-based (Polytetrafluoroethylene) high-frequency PCB laminate reinforced with random glass fibers, providing low dielectric loss, excellent stability, and high mechanical strength. It is engineered to deliver consistent electrical performance over a wide frequency range, making it suitable for RF/microwave PCBs and high-power applications.

Key Properties of Rogers 5870

Property	Value	Importance
Dielectric Constant (Dk)	2.33 ± 0.02 @ 10 GHz	Ensures stable signal transmission
Dissipation Factor (Df)	0.0012 @ 10 GHz	Minimizes signal loss in high-frequency circuits
Thermal Conductivity	0.22 W/mK	Moderate heat dissipation for power applications
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)	> 250°C	High thermal stability for reflow soldering
CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion)	34 ppm/°C	Compatible with multilayer PCB stack-ups
Water Absorption	< 0.02%	Ideal for humid or harsh environmental conditions

The low Dk and Df values of Rogers 5870 provide excellent signal integrity, reducing transmission losses and ensuring high efficiency in RF and microwave applications.

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Datasheef of Rogers 5870

Why Choose Rogers 5870 for PCB Design?

1. Low Dielectric Loss for High-Frequency Performance

✔ Ultra-low dissipation factor (Df = 0.0012) ensures minimal energy loss, enabling long-distance RF signal transmission.
✔ Maintains consistent electrical properties across a wide frequency spectrum (GHz to THz).

2. Exceptional Thermal Stability

✔ Withstands high soldering temperatures (>250°C) without degradation.
✔ Low CTE reduces the risk of delamination in multilayer PCBs.

3. High Mechanical Strength and Durability

✔ Glass fiber reinforcement improves dimensional stability.
✔ Ideal for applications requiring long-term reliability and durability.

4. Excellent Moisture and Chemical Resistance

✔ Water absorption < 0.02%, making it perfect for marine, aerospace, and humid environments.
✔ Resistant to chemicals and oxidation, ensuring long-lasting performance.

5. Compatibility with Hybrid PCB Designs

✔ Rogers 5870 can be combined with FR-4, Rogers 4350B, or other high-frequency materials to optimize cost and performance.
✔ Supports mixed dielectric stack-ups for advanced multilayer PCBs.

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Manufacturing Considerations for Rogers 5870 PCBs

Due to its PTFE composition, Rogers 5870 requires specialized PCB fabrication techniques to ensure high precision and reliability.

1. PCB Layer Stack-Up Design

• Rogers 5870 is commonly used in single-layer, double-layer, and multilayer PCBs.
• It can be combined with other low-loss laminates like Rogers 6002 or RO3003 for improved thermal and mechanical properties.
• Careful dielectric thickness selection ensures optimal impedance matching and signal transmission.

2. Drilling and Hole Preparation

• PTFE materials are soft, requiring specialized drills to prevent burr formation.
• Plasma etching or sodium treatment is used to increase adhesion for plated through-holes (PTHs).

3. Copper Foil Selection and Etching

• Supports both ED (Electrodeposited) and rolled copper foils for improved conductivity.
• Low-profile copper foils minimize signal loss at high frequencies.

4. Lamination and Bonding Process

• Requires high-temperature pressing (250°C – 300°C) for stable bonding.
• Prepregs with low Dk values (e.g., Rogers 2929) are recommended for multilayer stack-ups.

5. Surface Finishing and Solder Mask Application

• ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) is preferred for RF and microwave PCBs due to its flat surface and corrosion resistance.
• OSP (Organic Solderability Preservatives) is an alternative for cost-sensitive designs.
• Thin solder mask layers should be used to prevent impedance variations in RF circuits.

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Applications of Rogers 5870 PCBs

Rogers 5870 is widely used in high-frequency, high-power, and mission-critical applications, including:

1. 5G and Wireless Communication Systems

✔ Essential for 5G base stations, antennas, and RF transceivers.
✔ Enables low-loss signal propagation in mmWave frequencies.

2. Aerospace and Satellite Communication

✔ Used in satellite receivers, radar systems, and avionics PCBs.
✔ Provides radiation resistance and stable performance in extreme conditions.

3. Automotive Radar and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

✔ Supports 77 GHz automotive radar modules for autonomous driving.
✔ Ensures long-term signal stability in harsh temperature environments.

4. Military and Defense Electronics

✔ Used in secure communication networks, electronic warfare, and missile guidance systems.
✔ Delivers consistent RF performance in rugged environments.

5. Medical and Industrial Imaging Systems

✔ Ideal for MRI, CT scanners, and RF-based diagnostic devices.
✔ Provides precise signal transmission for high-resolution imaging.

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Challenges in Manufacturing Rogers 5870 PCBs

Despite its advantages, Rogers 5870 presents several fabrication challenges:

❌ Soft PTFE Material – Requires specialized drilling, plating, and bonding techniques.
❌ Limited Thermal Conductivity (0.22 W/mK) – May require additional heat management solutions.
❌ Higher Manufacturing Costs – More expensive than FR-4 but justified for high-performance applications.
❌ Adhesion Issues – Needs chemical surface treatment (sodium etching) for better copper adhesion.

To overcome these challenges, manufacturers must use precision processing techniques and experienced PCB fabrication expertise.

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Conclusion

Rogers 5870 is a high-performance RF and microwave PCB material designed for low-loss, high-frequency applications. Its low dielectric constant, excellent thermal stability, and superior mechanical properties make it ideal for 5G, aerospace, automotive radar, and military electronics.

For high-quality Rogers 5870 PCB manufacturing, Shuoqiang Electronics provides custom multilayer PCB solutions, advanced impedance control, and expert fabrication services. Contact us today for optimized high-frequency PCB designs! 🚀

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