RO4533 is an antenna-oriented thermoset laminate with a lower nominal process Dk than RO4534. It is relevant to printed radiators and feed structures that need a controlled dielectric response with a glass-epoxy compatible manufacturing route. Its low-loss identity does not imply a guaranteed passive-intermodulation result for an assembled antenna.
Material system
Ceramic-filled hydrocarbon thermoset reinforced with woven glass
Technical properties
| Property | Reported value | Conditions / source |
|---|---|---|
| Process dielectric constant | 3.30 ± 0.08 | Typical, 10 GHz, 23°C; IPC-TM-650 2.5.5.5 clamped stripline; direction is not separately recorded here. Source |
| Dissipation factor | 0.0025 | Typical, 10 GHz, 23°C; IPC-TM-650 2.5.5.5; direction is not separately recorded here. Source |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.6 W/(m·K) | Typical; ASTM C518, 80°C; through-thickness thermal conduction. Source |
Typical reported values are not a purchase specification. Process Dk, design Dk and values measured at different frequencies are not interchangeable.
Selection and design notes
- Start with the desired element size and feed impedance, then compare RO4533 and RO4534 at the same thickness. Changing Dk alters both line width and radiating dimensions, so a material substitution normally needs electromagnetic retuning.
- The 2.5 GHz and 10 GHz Df entries are distinct observations. Choose the relevant test frequency for a budget rather than selecting the smaller number without its conditions.
Thickness and copper options
Nominal 20, 30 and 60 mil offerings appear in the product information; verify the chosen construction and tolerance.
ED and construction-specific LoPro options need explicit designation. PIM and line loss depend on the ordered foil.
Fabrication considerations
- Control laminate orientation, etched geometry and copper treatment across the antenna panel. For large arrays, ask the fabricator to review registration and dimensional compensation using the actual panel and copper pattern, especially where long feed paths create accumulated phase error.
Application fit
- Base-station antennas
- Microstrip radiators
- Antenna feed networks
Limits and substitution checks
- The base material is identified as non-flame-retardant in the selector. LoPro options change the construction and thickness-dependent Design Dk, so a standard-foil model should not be reused automatically for a lower-roughness version.