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
| Parameter | Specification |
| Base Material | Rogers Kappa 438 |
| Layer Count | 2 layers |
| Board Dimensions | 53mm x 36mm |
| Minimum Trace/Space | 4/4 mils |
| Minimum Hole Size | 0.3mm |
| Blind Vias | None |
| Finished Thickness | 1.6mm |
| Copper Weight | 1oz (1.4 mils) outer layers |
| Via Plating Thickness | 20μm |
| Surface Finish | Electroless Nickel and Immersion Gold (ENIG) |
| Top Silkscreen | Black |
| Bottom Silkscreen | None |
| Top Solder Mask | None |
| Bottom Solder Mask | None |
| Electrical Testing | 100% tested before shipment |
PCB Stackup
| Layer | Material | Thickness |
| Copper Layer 1 | Copper (1oz) | 35μm |
| Dielectric Layer | Rogers Kappa 438 Core | 1.524mm (60mil) |
| Copper Layer 2 | Copper (1oz) | 35μm |
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
- Carrier Grade WiFi: Ensures high performance in wireless
communication systems.
- Small Cell and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS): Reliable for
telecom infrastructure.
- Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications (V2X): Critical for autonomous
and connected vehicles.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Suitable for smart home devices and
wireless metering systems.
- 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.
