The DiClad® Series Laminates are advanced PTFE-based (Polytetrafluoroethylene) laminates reinforced with woven fiberglass, designed for high-frequency applications such as RF (Radio Frequency), microwave circuits, and high-speed digital designs. These laminates offer excellent electrical performance, low loss, and high reliability, making them ideal for demanding environments in communications, aerospace, and defense industries.

Key Features of DiClad® Series Laminates:

1. Material Composition:

• PTFE Resin: PTFE is chosen for its excellent electrical properties, such as low dielectric loss and high stability at high frequencies. It ensures minimal signal degradation in high-frequency applications.
• Woven Fiberglass Reinforcement: This adds mechanical strength and stability to the laminate, allowing it to withstand thermal and mechanical stresses during manufacturing and in operation.

2. Electrical Performance:

• Low Dielectric Constant (Dk):
  • The DiClad® series typically has a dielectric constant (Dk) in the range of 2.2 to 2.6, depending on the specific laminate grade. The low Dk helps minimize signal loss and ensures stable transmission, especially in high-frequency designs.
• Low Dissipation Factor (Df):
  • The series has a low dissipation factor (Df), typically around 0.0012 to 0.003, which ensures minimal signal attenuation, making it suitable for microwave and high-speed digital applications.
• Stable Dielectric Properties:
  • The PTFE material maintains stable electrical properties across a broad range of frequencies, making it ideal for applications like RF communication, satellite systems, and radar.

3. Thermal and Mechanical Properties:

• High Thermal Stability: PTFE-based laminates are known for their excellent thermal stability. DiClad® laminates can endure high temperatures without significant degradation in electrical performance.
• Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE): The low CTE ensures that the laminate will maintain dimensional stability under varying temperatures, preventing warping or misalignment, which is crucial for multilayer PCB designs.
• Moisture Resistance: PTFE is highly resistant to moisture absorption, ensuring stable dielectric properties even in humid environments.

4. Fabrication Compatibility:

• Standard PCB Fabrication: DiClad® laminates can be easily processed using standard PCB fabrication methods such as drilling, etching, and lamination, making them suitable for mass production of high-frequency PCBs.
• Copper Adhesion: DiClad® laminates have excellent copper foil adhesion, ensuring strong and reliable electrical connections in both single-layer and multilayer designs.

Applications of DiClad® Series Laminates:

1. High-Frequency RF and Microwave Circuits:
   • Antenna Systems: Ideal for RF antenna designs, including phased-array antennas and communication antennas.
   • Radar and Satellite Systems: Suitable for use in radar systems, satellite communication, and navigation systems, where minimal signal loss and stable transmission are essential.
   • Microwave Filters and Couplers: The low-loss properties make DiClad® laminates perfect for microwave filters, power dividers, and couplers.
2. High-Speed Digital Circuits:
   • DiClad® laminates are also used in high-speed digital designs, such as high-frequency interconnects, signal routing, and complex multilayer PCBs where signal integrity is critical.
3. Aerospace and Defense:
   • Due to their exceptional mechanical strength, thermal stability, and low-loss characteristics, these laminates are widely used in military and aerospace applications, ensuring high reliability in extreme environments.
4. Telecommunications:
   • DiClad® laminates are used in high-performance telecommunication equipment, including base stations, transmitters, and receivers, where precise impedance control and low loss are critical.

Advantages of DiClad® Series Laminates:

• Superior Electrical Performance: With low Dk and Df, DiClad® laminates provide minimal signal loss, ensuring high efficiency and reliable performance in high-frequency applications.
• Mechanical Stability: The woven fiberglass reinforcement ensures the laminates have excellent mechanical strength, making them suitable for high-performance multilayer PCB designs.
• Thermal and Environmental Stability: DiClad® laminates maintain their performance in high-temperature environments and resist moisture absorption, making them ideal for outdoor, aerospace, and military applications.
• Ease of Fabrication: These laminates are compatible with conventional PCB manufacturing techniques, which makes them easy to integrate into mass production processes.

The DiClad® Series Laminates are a highly reliable and high-performance choice for applications that require low loss, excellent electrical performance, and mechanical stability. Their combination of PTFE resin and woven fiberglass reinforcement ensures they excel in RF, microwave, and high-speed digital circuits, making them ideal for use in telecommunications, aerospace, defense, and other demanding industries. Whether you’re designing multilayer PCBs, antennas, or microwave components, DiClad® laminates provide the optimal balance of performance, durability, and fabrication ease.