RT/duroid covers multiple filled-PTFE constructions rather than one universal microwave substrate. The family includes low-Dk materials, higher-Dk options for compact circuits, and constructions aimed at particular mechanical or thermal needs.

Match the filler system to the task

5870 and 5880 are relevant to low-Dk RF investigations. 6002, 6035HTC and the higher-Dk grades should be evaluated on their own records. Do not transfer a thickness, foil, thermal or dimensional assumption from one RT/duroid grade to another.

Check what the geometry costs

A lower dielectric constant changes line width and electrical length. For an antenna, this can influence the radiator dimensions and feed network; for a dense matching circuit, the resulting layout may consume more area. Begin with the mechanical envelope and available dielectric thickness, then calculate a feasible transmission line rather than selecting the lowest Dk by default.

Specify the physical board

Thin PTFE constructions need a considered handling and fabrication plan. Discuss panel support, hole preparation, copper choice and final mounting with the fabricator. Where heat removal is the motivation, compare the entire route into the chassis using the selection workflow. Where long-term stability is critical, measure phase and dimensions over the relevant environment using the actual mounted assembly.

References in this family

materialRT/duroid 5280LZ: Properties, Uses & Design NotesRT/duroid 5280LZ is a low-Dk PTFE laminate with woven-glass construction options.materialRT/duroid 5870: Properties, Uses & Design NotesRT/duroid 5870 uses random glass fibers in PTFE and provides a slightly higher dielectric constant than RT/duroid 5880.materialRT/duroid 5880: Properties, Uses & Design NotesRT/duroid 5880 is a random-glass-fiber PTFE laminate frequently considered for low-loss microwave and antenna structures.materialRT/duroid 5880LZ: Properties, Uses & Design NotesRT/duroid 5880LZ is a filled PTFE composite with low dielectric constant and reduced density.materialRT/duroid 6002: Properties, Uses & Design NotesRT/duroid 6002 is a ceramic-filled PTFE laminate with moderate permittivity, relatively low thermal expansion and a small positive dielectric temperature…materialRT/duroid 6006: Properties, Uses & Design NotesRT/duroid 6006 is a higher-permittivity ceramic-filled PTFE laminate for compact microwave structures.materialRT/duroid 6010.2LM: Properties, Uses & Design NotesRT/duroid 6010.2LM is a high-permittivity ceramic-filled PTFE laminate relevant to compact RF structures.materialRT/duroid 6035HTC: Properties, Uses & Design NotesRT/duroid 6035HTC is a ceramic-filled PTFE laminate that combines microwave dielectric performance with improved thermal conduction relative to many…materialRT/duroid 6202: Properties, Uses & Design NotesRT/duroid 6202 is a woven-glass-reinforced, ceramic-filled PTFE laminate with a documented dependence of Dk on core thickness.materialRT/duroid 6202PR: Properties, Uses & Design NotesRT/duroid 6202PR is a reinforced ceramic-filled PTFE laminate associated with planar-resistor constructions.

Treat each RT/duroid grade as a separate construction choice with its own geometry and processing implications.

Technical sources

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