The Differences Between Rogers PCB and FR4 PCB

Cost is the first difference to consider in this section. The ultimate goal of any pcb manufacturer is to introduce a cost-effective circuit board with the best performance. FR4 PCB is the most affordable PCB on the market. This is effective if your design is for the best conditions with low frequency and nominal temperature settings. If your application requires high-speed or extreme temperature operation, you may have to ignore the cost and choose the expensive Rogers PCB.

Impedance stability is the next difference between FR4 and Rogers PCB. The dielectric constant of the substrate is one of the important factors that define the impedance and stability of the circuit board. The higher the dielectric constant, the higher the impedance stability. Although FR4 is the cheapest sub-state available, its maximum dielectric value is 4.5. And Roger PCB has a higher and wider dielectric value range, such as 6.5 to 11. This feature makes Rogers PCB the best choice for high-heat applications where stable impedance is critical.

Thermal management continues the differences we discussed earlier. In high-speed applications, PCBs will generate significant heat, which must be handled carefully with a good thermal management system. In this case, the thermostat-based laminate in Rogers PCB is the best choice. FR4 PCB cannot withstand high temperatures, so it cannot be used in such applications.

The dissipation factor represents the signal loss in the PCB. Compared with FR4 PCB, the signal loss in Rogers PCB is much lower. The loss factor of FR4 PCB is 0.02%, while Rogers PCB is 0.004%. Therefore, Rogers PCB can provide reliable results with minimal electrical signal loss compared to FR4 PCB.

The moisture absorption is directly related to the electrical and thermal properties of the substrate material. This in turn will affect the performance of the circuit board. Rogers PCB has the least moisture absorption, so it can provide the best efficiency under all environmental conditions.

Application and performance are based on overall performance, FR4 PCB is considered a good participant, while Rogers PCB performs well. Therefore, FR4 PCB is most suitable for the best environment for medium and low frequency applications. They are durable, have an excellent balance of electrical stability, and can be easily manufactured in almost all existing processes in the PCB industry. Roger PCB is suitable for advanced performance in niche areas such as space applications. Temperature constancy and low outgassing characteristics make it the best choice for critical applications such as space and aerodynamics.