Taconic RF-30 PCB 2-layer built on 40mil thick substrate with Immersion tin

I’m excited to share some details about the newly developed RF-30 2-Layer PCB. This board is designed specifically for RF and microwave applications like antennas, power amplifiers, and RF components. What makes it stand out is its balance of high performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Let me walk you through why this PCB might be the perfect choice for your next project.

Simple and Reliable Construction

The RF-30 PCB is a two-layer rigid board that’s engineered for high-frequency performance. Its size is 151mm x 82mm, and the finished thickness is 1.1mm, making it compact and versatile. The material used is RF-30, which is known for its excellent electrical properties and thermal stability.

The copper weight is 1oz (35μm) on both layers, which ensures reliable conductivity. The minimum trace and space are 5/4 mils, allowing for precise routing of signals. The vias are plated with 20μm of copper, ensuring strong electrical connections.

The surface finish is Immersion Tin, which provides good solderability and protects the copper. For labeling, the top silkscreen is black, and there’s no silkscreen or solder mask on the bottom. This simple construction focuses on performance rather than unnecessary extras, keeping the cost low.

Material That Delivers Performance

The PCB’s core material, RF-30, is a ceramic-filled laminate. It combines the benefits of fluoropolymer chemistry with ceramic elements to provide excellent electrical and mechanical properties.

Its dielectric constant (Dk) is 3.0 ± 0.05 at 1.9GHz, which ensures stable signal transmission. The dissipation factor (Df) is incredibly low, at 0.0014, meaning there’s minimal signal loss during operation.

What I really like about this material is its thermal stability. It can withstand high temperatures and doesn’t expand much, even under thermal stress. The moisture absorption is just 0.02%, so it performs well even in humid conditions.

Applications That Benefit from RF-30

This PCB is designed for RF and microwave applications, so it works well in systems that need stable and efficient signal transmission.

Here are a few examples of where this board can be used:

Antennas: It’s perfect for base station antennas due to its low signal loss and high reliability.

Power Amplifiers: The thermal stability and low dissipation factor ensure efficient power handling.

RF Passive Components: Things like filters and couplers benefit from the board’s smooth surface and stable electrical performance.

Why Choose the RF-30 PCB?

What I love about this PCB is how practical it is. It’s cost-effective, yet it delivers high-frequency performance comparable to more expensive options. The simple stackup and use of standard manufacturing processes keep costs down without sacrificing quality.

It’s also tough. The excellent peel strength and dimensional stability mean it will hold up in demanding environments. Plus, it’s globally available and meets IPC-Class-2 standards, so you can trust its quality.

Final Thoughts

The RF-30 2-Layer PCB combines performance, affordability, and reliability in one package. Whether you’re designing antennas, amplifiers, or other RF components, this board has what it takes to get the job done.

If you’re interested in learning more or placing an order, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help you get started!