Time:2025-12-26 Views:1
In the field of PCB materials, "high-frequency and high-speed laminates" are often mentioned together. However, delving into their design cores, the two have different emphases on key indicators such as common thickness, copper foil roughness, thickness tolerance, and dielectric constant (Dk) stability. This also leads to differences in the supplier ecosystems for high-speed laminates and high-frequency laminates. Much publicly available information is currently outdated or still conflates the two. This article will focus on the 2025 market, systematically梳理ing PCB laminates specifically designed for high-frequency/radio frequency (RF)/microwave applications, and clarifying mainstream suppliers and their core products.
From the perspective of base materials, high-frequency laminates are mainly divided into two major systems:
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based laminates: Renowned for their extremely low dielectric loss (Df), they are the classic choice for applications at extremely high frequencies such as millimeter wave.
Hydrocarbon resin-based laminates: They achieve an excellent balance among performance, processability, and cost, and are widely used in mainstream RF products.
It is worth noting that thermoset substrates based primarily on polyphenylene oxide (PPO/PPE) resin are typically categorized as high-speed digital application laminates. However, with the evolution of material formulations, some manufacturers have also launched high-frequency laminate products based on PPO resin, broadening the material selection boundaries.
I. Major Imported High-Frequency Laminate Suppliers and Their Models
1. Rogers
As the absolute global leader in the high-frequency laminate field, Rogers, through the integration of the acquired Arlon product line, offers the most comprehensive high-frequency solutions.
RO4000® series: Hydrocarbon resin + ceramic + glass fabric composite materials, combining excellent high-frequency performance with user-friendly processability and outstanding cost-effectiveness.
RO3000® series: PTFE + ceramic composite substrates, without glass fabric, featuring very low loss and stable Dk, suitable for high-performance RF and microwave applications.
RT/duroid® series: PTFE + random glass fiber or ceramic fillers, e.g., RT/duroid 5000/6000 series, which are benchmark materials for millimeter-wave frequency bands.
AD series: Polytetrafluoroethylene + ceramic + glass fabric reinforcement, offering excellent overall performance.
Recommended common models: Ro3003, Ro4350, Ro4003, RT5880, RT6010.
2. AGC Group
Through the acquisition and integration of the CCL businesses of veteran manufacturers Nelco and Taconic, AGC has become a significant player in the high-frequency laminate market.
TLY-5 series (formerly Taconic): Classic PTFE + glass fabric substrates, long-proven in the market.
RF-35/NF-30 series: PTFE-based composite materials, with NF-30 being a no-glass-fabric, very low loss model.
Meteorwave® series: Thermoset high-frequency laminates based on resins like PPO, expanding the resin systems for high-frequency applications.
Recommended common models: TLY-5, RF-35, TLX series, TSM-DS3.
3. Isola Corporation
This company is known for its high-speed digital laminates. Its high-frequency product line is relatively focused but finds applications in specific markets.
TerraGreen® 400G RF/MW version: Designed for mixed high-frequency and high-speed scenarios.
Astra® MT77: Low-loss material optimized for microwave frequencies.
4. Panasonic
As a giant in electronic materials, Panasonic's "Megtron" series is famous for high-speed digital applications. However, its high-end models (e.g., Megtron 6/M6) are often used in high-speed 10-25G designs due to their extremely low loss factor. They are also suitable for high-frequency RF modules or mixed-signal designs sensitive to loss, and are often regarded as high-performance options by engineers.
II. The Rise of Domestic High-Frequency Laminates and Representative Manufacturers
With continuous investment in domestic R&D, domestic high-frequency laminates have gained strong competitiveness in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness, becoming an important choice for supply chain security and cost control.
1. Shengyi Technology
As a leading domestic CCL manufacturer, it has a complete layout in high-frequency products.
S7136H series: Hydrocarbon resin + glass fabric reinforced copper-clad laminate.
mmWave series (e.g., mmWave77): PTFE + ceramic composite substrate, no-glass-fabric design, specifically targeting cutting-edge millimeter-wave applications.
2. Zhongying Technology
Specializes in high-frequency microwave CCLs. Main models include:
ZYF series: PTFE + glass fabric-based substrates.
ZYC series: Hydrocarbon resin + ceramic + glass fabric reinforced thermoset copper-clad laminates.
Recommended common models: ZYF300CA-P, ZYF350CA, ZYC8350.
3. Taizhou Wangling
Its product system covers traditional and new materials.
F4B series: PTFE + glass fabric-based substrates. The preferred choice for cost-effectiveness (single/double-sided, four-layer boards).
TP series: Polyphenylene oxide (PPO)-based composite materials. (Unique laminate, Dk selectable from 3-25, thickness 0.5-12mm).
WL series: Hydrocarbon resin-based thermoset copper-clad laminates.
Recommended common models: F4BM220, F4BM255, F4BM265, TP series.
4. Wuxi Raylart
Has deep expertise in PTFE-based high-frequency materials.
RC/RS series: PTFE + ceramic + glass fabric reinforced composite material substrates.
III. Selection Summary
The selection of high-frequency laminates requires comprehensive consideration based on specific application frequency, loss requirements, power handling, cost budget, and processing technology, among other factors. The current market landscape shows a trend where international brands lead in technology, while domestic brands are catching up rapidly with outstanding cost-effectiveness. With the vigorous development of industries such as 5G-Advanced, millimeter-wave communication, satellite internet, and automotive radar, the high-frequency laminate market will continue to evolve, providing engineers with richer and more specialized material choices. For critical projects, it is recommended to communicate in-depth with the technical support teams of material suppliers and conduct sufficient laminate evaluation and process validation.