In the ever-evolving world of automotive technology, millimeter-wave radar (MMW radar) systems are crucial for enhancing safety and performance in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Among the essential components in such systems is the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that enables the radar technology to function optimally. At KKPCB, we specialize in providing high-quality, reliable PCB solutions, and the Rogers RO4835 + FR4 laminate is one of the core materials for the 77GHz automotive millimeter-wave radar boards.

Key Specifications of Rogers RO4835 77GHz Millimeter-Wave Radar Board:

• Material: Rogers RO4835 + FR4
• Dielectric Constant (Dk): 3.48 (for high-frequency materials)
• Dielectric Thickness: 4 mil (0.1mm)
• Number of Layers: 6 Layers
• Board Thickness: 1.2mm
• Copper Thickness: 1oz (Inner and Outer Layers)
• Via Type: Resin-filled Vias
• Surface Finish: Chemical Gold Plating
• Thermal Conductivity: 0.69 W/m·K
• Loss Tangent (Df): 0.003
• Trace Width: 0.1mm
• Trace Spacing: 0.1mm
• Blind Via Structure: L1-L2, L3-L6
• Applications: Automotive radar, automotive sensor modules

Millimeter-Wave Radar and Its Importance in Automotive Applications:

Millimeter-wave radar refers to electromagnetic waves with wavelengths ranging from 1mm to 10mm. These waves have a short wavelength and wide frequency range, making them ideal for generating narrow beams. This property leads to high radar resolution, reduced interference, and enhanced performance in various automotive safety systems. At frequencies such as 24GHz, 77GHz, or 79GHz, the performance of the radar antennas is critical. These radar systems must transmit signals to targets and receive the reflected signals almost instantaneously, which is essential for effective functioning in real-time driving conditions.

The performance of the radar antenna, specifically its gain, directionality, and efficiency, is directly influenced by the PCB material used. Low-loss circuit materials are essential to achieving excellent PCB antenna performance. Long-term reliability of these PCBs is also vital, as these compact antennas and their high-frequency transceiver circuits must continuously operate without failure under challenging environments, such as in commercial vehicles. They must provide consistent performance even in harsh temperatures and fluctuating conditions.

Why Choose Rogers RO4835 for Automotive Radar PCBs:

Rogers RO4835 is a high-performance material with exceptional dielectric constant (Dk) stability across a wide temperature and frequency range. This stability is crucial for automotive applications that rely on precise radar measurements and sensor data. Unlike general PTFE materials, which experience significant variations in dielectric constant at room temperature, the unique properties of RO4835 provide a stable dielectric constant, ensuring reliable and consistent performance in high-frequency radar systems.

RO4835 is an ideal choice for automotive radar PCBs, particularly those operating at 77GHz. It is also well-suited for applications in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and 5G wireless infrastructure. The superior stability and low-loss characteristics of this material ensure that the radar system performs efficiently in real-time, even in demanding driving conditions.

Typical Layer Structure of 77GHz Automotive Radar PCBs:

The most common stack-up for 77GHz automotive radar PCBs typically involves 1-2 layers of blind vias and laser drilling. This structure is designed to accommodate the high-frequency signals required by the radar system and ensure minimal signal loss and interference. The precision in the PCB design ensures that the radar signals can be transmitted and received effectively, contributing to the overall performance and accuracy of the radar system.

Applications of Rogers RO4835 Millimeter-Wave Radar PCB:

1. Automotive Radar Systems: These are used for various safety features such as collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, and automatic emergency braking. The high-frequency characteristics of the RO4835 PCB enable precise and rapid sensor data processing for real-time decision-making.
2. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): ADAS systems rely on radar and other sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and provide intelligent driving assistance. The RO4835 material supports these applications by ensuring stable and reliable radar signal processing.
3. 5G Wireless Infrastructure: With the advent of 5G, millimeter-wave technology is becoming increasingly important for wireless communication networks. The same properties that make RO4835 ideal for automotive radar systems also apply to 5G infrastructure, ensuring fast and stable communication networks.
4. Vehicle Sensor Modules: Millimeter-wave radar plays a critical role in vehicle sensor modules that provide 360-degree awareness around the vehicle, enabling various safety and convenience functions. RO4835 provides the low-loss and high-frequency performance necessary for these applications.

Conclusion:

The Rogers RO4835 + FR4 PCB material is a game-changer for 77GHz automotive millimeter-wave radar systems. Its stability, low loss, and superior performance at high frequencies make it the ideal choice for automotive applications such as ADAS, radar systems, and sensor modules. At KKPCB, we leverage this advanced material to deliver cutting-edge, high-performance PCB solutions that meet the rigorous demands of the automotive industry, ensuring safer and smarter vehicles for the future.