Terminology » RF Basics » Kappa 438 vs FR4: Laminate Advantages

Kappa 438 vs FR4: Laminate Advantages

rf pcb laminate fr4 kappa 438

This article compares Kappa 438 laminate with FR4 and outlines the advantages of using Kappa 438 laminate over the more common FR4 substrate. Rogers Corporation developed Kappa 438 laminate as an alternative to the widely used FR4.

These laminates are designed using a glass-reinforced hydrocarbon ceramic system.

Importantly, it can be fabricated using standard epoxy or glass processes.

Kappa 438 Laminate Advantages

The following points highlight the advantages of Kappa 438 laminate when compared to FR4 substrate:

  • It offers superior performance compared to FR4.
  • It is a flame retardant dielectric laminate with a UL 94 V-0 rating.
  • It simplifies PCB manufacturing and assembly.
  • It is compliant with lead-free solder processes.
  • It allows for flexible design and more reliable PTH (Plated Through-Hole) connections.
  • It is compatible with automated assembly lines.
  • It boasts very low signal loss.
  • It provides excellent Dk (dielectric constant) tolerance.
  • It offers low z-axis CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) as well as a higher Tg (Glass Transition Temperature).

Due to these benefits, Kappa 438 laminates are implemented in diverse applications including:

WiFi, LAA (Licensed Assisted Access), V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle), V2X (Vehicle to Infrastructure), IoT (Internet of Things), Small cell, DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems), and more.