Kappa 438 2-Layer PCB built on 60mil Core laminates , 1.6mm Thickness with ENIG Finish using in Carrier Grade WiFi

Kappa 438 PCB: 2-Layer, 60mil Core, 1.6mm Thickness with ENIG Finish

(All PCBs are custom-manufactured. Reference images and parameters may vary based on your design requirements.)

Overview of Kappa 438 PCB

The Kappa 438 PCB is a 2-layer rigid PCB designed for high-frequency and RF applications requiring better performance than traditional FR-4 materials while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes. Built with Rogers Kappa 438 laminates, this PCB features a 60mil (1.524mm) core and a finished thickness of 1.6mm, providing low loss, stable dielectric properties, and high reliability.

The Electroless Nickel and Immersion Gold (ENIG) surface finish, combined with a black silkscreen on the top layer, ensures excellent solderability, corrosion resistance, and a professional aesthetic. With a dielectric constant (Dk) of 4.38, Kappa 438 laminates are tailored to FR-4 industry norms, making it easy to migrate existing FR-4 designs to this higher-performing material.

PCB Construction Details

PCB Stackup

Introduction to Kappa 438 Material

The Rogers Kappa 438 laminates are glass-reinforced hydrocarbon ceramic systems designed for high-frequency applications. These laminates offer a dielectric constant (Dk) of 4.38, low dissipation factor, and thermal stability, making them a versatile alternative to FR-4 in applications requiring improved electrical performance. They are fully compatible with standard FR-4 manufacturing processes, ensuring cost-effective fabrication and design flexibility.

Key Features of Kappa 438

• Dielectric Constant (Dk): 4.38, tailored to match FR-4 industry norms.
• Dissipation Factor: Low at 0.0038 for minimal signal loss.
• Thermal Coefficient of Dk: -21 ppm/°C for stable performance across temperature ranges (-50°C to 150°C).
• CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion):
• X-axis: 42 ppm/°C.
• High Tg > 280°C ensures reliability during soldering.
• UL-94 V0 Certified: Flame-retardant for added safety.

Benefits of Kappa 438

• Ease of Manufacturing: Fully compatible with FR-4 processes for cost-effective production.
• Consistent Performance: Tight Dk and thickness tolerances ensure reliable circuit behavior.
• Low Signal Loss: High-frequency performance with reduced insertion loss.
• Improved Flexibility: Supports design upgrades from FR-4 without significant modifications.

Applications

1. Carrier Grade WiFi: Ensures high performance in wireless communication systems.
2. Small Cell and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS): Reliable for telecom infrastructure.
3. Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications (V2X): Critical for autonomous and connected vehicles.
4. Internet of Things (IoT): Suitable for smart home devices and wireless metering systems.
5. Phased Array Antennas: Stable performance in radar and RF applications.

Conclusion

The Kappa 438 2-layer PCB is a high-performance, cost-effective solution for RF, microwave, and high-frequency designs. With its 60mil Kappa 438 core, ENIG finish, and black silkscreen, this PCB combines low loss, thermal stability, and ease of manufacturability.

Engineered to meet IPC-Class-2 standards and available worldwide, the Kappa 438 PCB is the perfect choice for engineers upgrading FR-4 designs to achieve better electrical performance for advanced applications like carrier-grade WiFi, IoT devices, and automotive communications.

Bicheng PCB is headquartered in Shenzhen, a city with great economic vitality. Based in China, we adhere to the philosophy of servicing small and medium sized companies offering variety of circuit boards to meet the demands of market.

We maintain the highest standards which support products that exhibit exceptional quality, performance and reliability. The circuit board ranges from conventional FR-4 to PTFE, metal core to flexible circuits which are used in the industries of home appliances, portable and consumable electronics, medical filed, aerospace as well as telecommunications etc.

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