Overview
Rogers RT/duroid® 5880 is an ultra-low-loss, high-frequency PTFE composite laminate developed by Rogers Corporation for demanding RF, microwave, millimeter-wave, aerospace, satellite, and radar applications.
Unlike FR4 and hydrocarbon ceramic laminates such as Rogers 4350B and 4003C, RT/duroid 5880 is based on a PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) composite reinforced with glass microfibers, providing one of the lowest dielectric constants and lowest loss tangents available in commercial PCB materials. Rogers specifies a dielectric constant of 2.20 ± 0.02 and a dissipation factor of 0.0009 at 10 GHz, making it ideal for extremely high-frequency designs.
RT/duroid 5880 is widely used in:
- 5G Millimeter-Wave Systems
- Satellite Communications
- Aerospace Electronics
- Military Radar Systems
- RF Antennas
- Microwave Circuits
- Spacecraft Electronics
- High-Speed RF Test Equipment
Because of its exceptional signal integrity and minimal insertion loss, RT/duroid 5880 is considered one of the industry’s benchmark RF laminate materials.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | RT/duroid® 5880 |
| Material Family | PTFE Composite RF Laminate |
| Reinforcement | Glass Microfibers |
| Resin System | PTFE (Teflon-Based) |
| Density | 2.20 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | White / Off-White |
| Typical Manufacturing Methods | PCB Fabrication, CNC Machining |
| Standard Forms | Copper-Clad Laminates, RF PCB Cores |
Data based on manufacturer specifications and technical references.
Material Composition
RT/duroid 5880 utilizes a PTFE matrix reinforced with randomly oriented glass microfibers.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| PTFE Matrix | Ultra-Low Dielectric Loss |
| Glass Microfibers | Mechanical Stability |
| Copper Cladding | Circuit Formation |
| Proprietary Additives | Electrical Consistency |
The microfiber reinforcement improves dimensional stability while maintaining excellent RF performance.
Available RT/duroid 5880 Variants
| Grade | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| RT/duroid 5880 | Standard Ultra-Low Loss RF Laminate |
| RT/duroid 5880 LoPro | Low Profile Copper |
| RT/duroid 5880 Multilayer Stackups | Aerospace & Radar Systems |
| RT/duroid 5880 Hybrid Designs | Mixed RF/FR4 Applications |
Mechanical Properties
Typical Values
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (X Axis) | 3.1 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Y Axis) | 2.2 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | 80–96 MPa |
| Compressive Modulus | ~593 MPa |
| Dimensional Stability | Excellent |
Mechanical Performance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| PCB Stability | Excellent |
| RF Reliability | Outstanding |
| Dimensional Control | Excellent |
| Aerospace Suitability | Outstanding |
RT/duroid 5880 prioritizes RF performance over structural strength.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ~2.20 g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption | Very Low |
| Moisture Resistance | Outstanding |
| Surface Stability | Excellent |
| Environmental Stability | Excellent |
The material is specifically designed to maintain electrical stability in humid environments.
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Continuous Service Temperature | Up to 260°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.20–0.22 W/m·K |
| Thermal Coefficient of Dk | -125 ppm/°C |
| Thermal Stability | Outstanding |
| Cryogenic Compatibility | Excellent |
RT/duroid 5880 is frequently used in cryogenic and aerospace applications.
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Primary Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| RT/duroid 5880 | 2.20 | Lowest RF Loss |
| Rogers 4350B | 1.86 | Balanced RF Performance |
| Rogers 4003C | 1.79 | Cost-Effective RF |
| Standard FR4 | 1.90 | Low Cost |
RT/duroid 5880 is selected primarily for electrical performance rather than mechanical strength.
Electrical Properties
Typical Values
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Dielectric Constant (Dk @ 10 GHz) | 2.20 ± 0.02 |
| Dissipation Factor (Df @ 10 GHz) | 0.0009 |
| Volume Resistivity | 2 × 10⁷ MΩ·cm |
| Surface Resistivity | 3 × 10⁷ MΩ |
| Dielectric Strength | Excellent |
These values are among the best available in commercially produced RF laminates.
Electrical Performance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Signal Integrity | Outstanding |
| RF Performance | Outstanding |
| Microwave Performance | Outstanding |
| Millimeter-Wave Performance | Outstanding |
| Insertion Loss | Extremely Low |
High Frequency Performance
| Frequency Range | Performance |
|---|---|
| RF (MHz–GHz) | Outstanding |
| Microwave | Outstanding |
| Millimeter Wave | Outstanding |
| Ku Band | Outstanding |
| Ka Band | Outstanding |
Its extremely low loss tangent enables operation well into microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies.
Moisture Resistance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Water Absorption | Extremely Low |
| Humidity Stability | Outstanding |
| RF Stability Under Humidity | Outstanding |
| Outdoor RF Applications | Excellent |
RT/duroid 5880 is ideal for high-moisture and outdoor RF environments.
Chemical Resistance
| Chemical Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Water | Excellent |
| PCB Processing Chemicals | Excellent |
| Fluxes | Excellent |
| Solvents | Excellent |
| Plating Chemicals | Excellent |
The PTFE-based structure resists most chemicals used during PCB manufacturing.
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| RF PCB Fabrication | Outstanding |
| Microwave PCB Production | Outstanding |
| CNC Machining | Excellent |
| RF Antenna Manufacturing | Outstanding |
| Space Electronics Production | Outstanding |
RT/duroid 5880 can be machined, cut, drilled, and fabricated for precision RF circuits.
Machinability
| Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Milling | Excellent |
| Precision Drilling | Excellent |
| Routing | Excellent |
| RF PCB Fabrication | Outstanding |
PTFE-based materials require specialized fabrication experience compared with FR4.
International Standards
| Standard | Compliance |
|---|---|
| IPC | RF PCB Material |
| RoHS | Compliant |
| REACH | Compliant |
| Aerospace Applications | Approved |
| Space Applications | Qualified |
RT/duroid laminates are widely used in aerospace and space programs.
Available Forms
| Product Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Copper-Clad Laminate | Yes |
| RF PCB Core | Yes |
| Antenna Substrate | Yes |
| Multilayer RF Material | Yes |
| High-Frequency PCB Panels | Yes |
Typical Applications
Telecommunications
- 5G Millimeter-Wave Antennas
- RF Power Amplifiers
- Base Station Modules
- Wireless Infrastructure
Aerospace Industry
- Satellite Communications
- Flight Electronics
- RF Payload Systems
- Navigation Equipment
Defense Industry
- Radar Systems
- Electronic Warfare Systems
- Secure Communications
- Missile Guidance Electronics
Space Industry
- Satellite Platforms
- Deep Space Communications
- RF Transceivers
- Scientific Instruments
Automotive Electronics
- High-Frequency Radar
- Autonomous Driving Sensors
- Vehicle Communications
Test & Measurement
- RF Test Fixtures
- Microwave Instrumentation
- Signal Analysis Equipment
Advantages
Ultra-Low Dielectric Constant
Dk of 2.20 minimizes signal delay and dispersion.
Industry-Leading Low Loss
Df of 0.0009 at 10 GHz enables exceptional signal integrity.
Outstanding Millimeter-Wave Performance
Ideal for modern 5G, radar, and satellite applications.
Excellent Moisture Resistance
Maintains electrical stability in challenging environments.
Proven Aerospace Reliability
Extensively used in aerospace, defense, and space systems.
Excellent Frequency Stability
Consistent electrical behavior across broad frequency ranges.
Limitations
High Material Cost
Significantly more expensive than FR4 and many hydrocarbon RF laminates.
Specialized Processing Requirements
PTFE materials require more advanced fabrication techniques.
Lower Mechanical Strength
Not as structurally robust as FR4-based laminates.
More Difficult Multilayer Construction
Can require specialized bonding processes.
Comparison with RF PCB Materials
| Property | RT/duroid 5880 | Rogers 4350B | Rogers 4003C | FR4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Constant | 2.20 | 3.48 | 3.38 | 4.3–4.8 |
| Loss Tangent | 0.0009 | 0.0037 | 0.0027 | 0.015–0.025 |
| RF Performance | Outstanding | Excellent | Excellent | Poor |
| Millimeter-Wave Performance | Outstanding | Very Good | Very Good | Limited |
| Cost | Very High | High | High | Low |
Data compiled from Rogers technical specifications and industry references.
Comparison with Rogers 4350B
| Property | RT/duroid 5880 | Rogers 4350B |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Constant | Lower | |
| Loss Tangent | Much Lower | |
| RF Performance | Better | |
| Manufacturability | More Difficult | |
| Cost | Higher |
RT/duroid 5880 is preferred when maximum RF performance is required, while Rogers 4350B offers easier manufacturing and lower cost.
Available Surface Finishes
Standard Finishes
- Copper-Clad Surface
- RF PCB Surface
- Antenna Grade Surface
Functional Finishes
- Microwave Optimized Surface
- Millimeter-Wave Surface
- Space Electronics Surface
Specialty Configurations
- RT/duroid 5880 Standard
- RT/duroid 5880 LoPro
- Multilayer RF Stackups
- Aerospace RF PCB Systems
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Rogers RT/duroid 5880?
RT/duroid 5880 is an ultra-low-loss PTFE composite RF laminate designed for microwave, millimeter-wave, radar, aerospace, and satellite applications.
What is Rogers 5880 used for?
Typical applications include:
- 5G Antennas
- Radar Systems
- Satellite Communications
- Aerospace Electronics
- Microwave Circuits
What is the dielectric constant of Rogers 5880?
The dielectric constant is 2.20 ± 0.02 at 10 GHz.
What is the loss tangent of Rogers 5880?
The dissipation factor is 0.0009 at 10 GHz, among the lowest available in commercial RF PCB materials.
Why choose Rogers 5880?
Because it combines:
- Ultra-Low RF Loss
- Low Dielectric Constant
- Outstanding Signal Integrity
- Excellent Moisture Resistance
- Aerospace-Grade Reliability
What is the difference between Rogers 5880 and Rogers 4350B?
RT/duroid 5880 offers lower dielectric constant and lower loss, while Rogers 4350B provides easier fabrication and lower cost.
Does GCNOV provide Rogers 5880 manufacturing services?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- Rogers 5880 RF PCB Manufacturing
- Microwave PCB Fabrication
- RF Antenna Prototyping
- Precision CNC Machining
- Aerospace Electronics Components
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production