The Difference Between RT/duroid 5870 and RT/duroid 5880

RT/duroid 5870 and RT/duroid 5880 are two high-frequency circuit materials produced by Rogers Corporation. They are both PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) composite materials reinforced with glass microfibers. They are mainly used for precision tapes. Line and microstrip circuit applications. Although they have many similarities, there are also some key differences:

Dielectric constant (Dk):

The dielectric constant of RT/duroid 5870 is 2.33±0.02.

The dielectric constant of RT/duroid 5880 is 2.20±0.02.

Loss Factor (Df):

The RT/duroid 5870 has a loss factor of 0.0012 at 10GHz.

The loss factor of the RT/duroid 5880 is 0.0009 at 10GHz, which indicates that the 5880 has lower losses, which is an advantage for applications requiring extremely high signal integrity.

Application Frequency Range:

Due to the lower loss factor, RT/duroid 5880 can support a wider frequency range and can be extended to Ku band and beyond.

Water Absorption:

Both have very low water absorption (0.02%), which makes them suitable for use in high humidity environments.

Processing and Shaping:

Both materials are easy to cut, shear and machine into shape and are highly resistant to solutions and reagents used in etching or plating processes.

Electrical Characteristics:

Both maintain consistent electrical characteristics over a wide frequency range, but since the 5880 has lower Dk and Df, it may be better suited for applications that have more stringent electrical performance requirements.

Application Areas:

Although both are suitable for high-performance RF and microwave circuits such as aerospace communications, military radar systems, missile guidance systems, etc., RT/duroid 5880 may be more suitable for applications requiring extremely high frequencies due to its lower dielectric constant and loss factor performance applications.

Material Consistency:

Both materials have excellent dielectric constant uniformity due to the randomly oriented microglass fibers in the material.

Dielectric Constant Consistency: 

RT/duroid 5880 laminates have a low dielectric constant (Dk) and low dielectric loss, making them ideal for high frequency/broadband applications. The material's dielectric constant is very consistent from plate to plate and over a wide frequency range.

Loss Factor: 

The RT/duroid 5880 has a loss factor (Df) of 0.0009 at 10GHz, which is measured under the IPC-TM 2.5.5.5 standard, while the RT/duroid 5870 has a loss factor of 0.0012, which indicates that the 5880 has a loss factor of 0.0012 at high frequencies. May provide better signal integrity in applications.

Chemical Resistance: 

Both materials have good resistance to solutions and reagents used in etching or plating edges and during vias, making them easy to process and form.

Water Absorption: 

Both materials have very low water absorption (0.02%), making them ideal for applications in high humidity environments.

Thickness Range: 

The RT/duroid 5880 offers a thickness range of 127 - 3180 microns (5.00 - 125 mil), which may be wider than the thickness options offered by the RT/duroid 5870.

Mechanical Properties: 

The mechanical properties of RT/duroid 5880, such as tensile strength and compressive strength, are reflected in different directions (X and Y directions), which may indicate that it is structurally stronger.

Electrical Properties: 

The electrical properties of RT/duroid 5880, such as volume resistivity and surface resistivity, are very low, indicating that it has excellent electrical insulation properties.

Processing Options: 

Both materials are available with different copper lamination options to meet different circuit design needs.

Environmental Adaptability: 

Both materials are capable of adapting to high humidity environments, but the low dielectric constant and loss factor of RT/duroid 5880 may make it perform better in this environment.

Application Areas: 

Although both materials are suitable for high-performance RF and microwave circuits, RT/duroid 5880 may be more suitable for applications with more stringent electrical performance requirements due to its lower dielectric constant and dissipation factor.

When making the actual selection, design engineers decide which material to use based on specific application needs, including required frequency range, loss requirements, mechanical strength and cost-effectiveness.