ITEQ IT-968: Very Low-Loss High-Tg PCB Material for 100G/400G Applications

Table of Contents (Engineer-Oriented Outline)

Introduction to ITEQ IT-968

Why Very Low-Loss Materials Matter for 100G/400G

Core Material Properties of ITEQ IT-968

Electrical Performance Analysis (SI/PI Perspective)

Thermal & Reliability Characteristics

Comparison with Standard FR-4 and Other High-Speed Materials

Design Guidelines for Using ITEQ IT-968

Typical Stackup & Processing Considerations

Application Scenarios (100G / 400G / RF / AI Systems)

Advantages and Limitations (Engineer’s View)

Useful Resources & Datasheets

FAQs

Conclusion

Meta Description

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�� Introduction to ITEQ IT-968

When working on 100G/400G systems—whether it’s switch backplanes, AI servers, or high-speed interconnects—the material choice becomes a signal integrity decision, not just a fabrication one.

ITEQ IT-968 is a high Tg, ultra-low loss laminate and prepreg system specifically engineered for high-speed digital and RF applications. It sits between traditional FR-4 and premium PTFE-based materials, offering a practical balance between performance and manufacturability.

From a PCB engineer’s perspective, IT-968 is not just another “low-loss” material—it’s designed for real production environments, meaning:

Compatible with modified FR-4 processes

Stable dielectric performance across environments

Reliable under thermal and CAF stress

According to manufacturer data, IT-968 features Tg around 190°C (TMA) and very low dissipation factor (~0.0039 @ 10GHz) 聯茂電子股份有限公司+1.

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⚡ Why Very Low-Loss Materials Matter for 100G/400G

At 100G/400G speeds, channel loss becomes the dominant bottleneck. You’re not just routing traces—you’re managing attenuation budgets.

Key Challenges:

Insertion loss increases with frequency

Skin effect + dielectric loss dominate above 10 GHz

Tight eye diagrams require low Df materials

Why IT-968 Fits:

Ultra-low Df reduces dielectric loss

Stable Dk ensures predictable impedance

Supports long backplane traces

Typical requirement for 400G Ethernet:

Total channel loss: ~28 dB @ Nyquist

Material must contribute minimal dielectric loss

ITEQ IT-968 is specifically positioned as a “100G/400G switch solution material” mcl.

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�� Core Material Properties of ITEQ IT-968

Below is a consolidated table based on datasheets and industry references:

�� Key Electrical & Thermal Properties

Property	Value	Notes
Tg (TMA)	~190°C	High thermal stability
Td (5% loss)	~400°C	Strong decomposition resistance
Dk @ 10GHz	~3.14 – 3.66	Stable across frequency
Df @ 10GHz	~0.0038 – 0.005	Ultra-low loss
CTE (Z-axis)	~45 / 260 ppm/°C	Controlled expansion
T288	>60 min	Lead-free reliability
CAF Resistance	Excellent	High reliability

Source data compiled from multiple technical sheets 聯茂電子股份有限公司+1

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�� Electrical Performance Analysis (SI/PI Perspective)

1. Dielectric Loss (Df)

Df is where IT-968 shines.

Typical FR-4: ~0.015–0.020

IT-968: ~0.0039

�� That’s ~4–5× lower dielectric loss

For long backplane channels:

Loss reduction translates directly to longer reach or fewer retimers

2. Dielectric Constant (Dk)

IT-968 Dk ≈ 3.2–3.6

Lower than standard FR-4 (~4.2)

Benefits:

Higher signal speed

Lower capacitance

Easier impedance control

3. Stability Over Environment

One often overlooked factor: Dk/Df stability vs humidity and temperature

ITEQ explicitly designed IT-968 to maintain consistent SI performance across environments 聯茂電子股份有限公司

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��️ Thermal & Reliability Characteristics

From manufacturing experience, materials fail not in simulation—but during reflow and long-term operation.

Key Reliability Metrics:

Parameter	Performance
Lead-free compatibility	Yes
Thermal endurance	High (T288 > 60 min)
CAF resistance	Strong
Moisture absorption	Low (~0.12%)

Low moisture absorption is critical:

Reduces dielectric variation

Prevents delamination

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⚖️ Comparison with FR-4 and Other Materials

�� Material Comparison Table

Material	Df @ 10GHz	Tg	Cost	Application
Standard FR-4	0.015–0.020	~135–170°C	Low	<10G
Mid-loss FR-4	0.008–0.012	~170°C	Medium	25G
ITEQ IT-968	~0.0039	~190°C	Medium-High	100G/400G
Rogers (PTFE)	<0.002	>200°C	High	RF/mmWave

�� Engineer takeaway:

IT-968 = best cost/performance for high-speed digital

PTFE still wins for mmWave RF, but harder to process

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�� Design Guidelines for Using ITEQ IT-968

1. Stackup Planning

Use low-profile copper (VLP/HVLP)

Optimize dielectric thickness for impedance

2. Routing Strategy

Minimize via stubs

Use backdrilling for >25Gbps lanes

Maintain tight impedance tolerance

3. Loss Budgeting

Break down:

Conductor loss

Dielectric loss

Connector loss

IT-968 mainly reduces dielectric loss component.

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��️ Typical Stackup Example (100G Backplane)

Layer	Function
L1	Signal (stripline)
L2	Ground
L3	Signal
L4	Power
L5	Signal
L6	Ground

Design notes:

Stripline preferred for EMI control

Use symmetric stackups to reduce warpage

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�� Applications of ITEQ IT-968

ITEQ IT-968 is widely used in:

1. Data Center Infrastructure

100G / 400G switches

High-speed backplanes

2. Telecom & 5G

Base stations

RF front-end modules

3. AI / HPC Systems

GPU interconnect boards

Accelerator platforms

4. Automotive Radar

High-frequency stability

Thermal reliability

Applications confirmed by multiple sources Highleap Electronic+1

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✅ Advantages and Limitations (Engineer View)

✔ Advantages

Excellent SI performance

Compatible with FR-4 processes

Strong thermal reliability

Cost-effective vs PTFE

❗ Limitations

Still higher loss than PTFE

Slightly higher cost than mid-loss FR-4

Requires tighter process control

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�� Useful Resources for Engineers

�� Datasheets & Technical References

ITEQ Official Material Page

IT-968 Datasheet PDF

Detailed Electrical Properties

�� Additional Engineering Resource

Learn more about PCB fabrication options:
�� ITEQ PCB

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❓ FAQs About ITEQ IT-968

1. Is ITEQ IT-968 suitable for 400G designs?

Yes. It is specifically designed for 100G/400G switch and backplane applications.

2. How does IT-968 compare to Megtron 6?

Performance is similar in loss range, but IT-968 often offers better cost efficiency.

3. Can IT-968 be processed like FR-4?

Yes, it is compatible with modified FR-4 processes, which simplifies manufacturing 聯茂電子股份有限公司.

4. What is the main advantage of IT-968?

Its ultra-low Df (~0.0039) significantly reduces insertion loss in high-speed channels.

5. Is it suitable for RF applications?

Yes, especially for radar and antenna systems, due to stable dielectric properties 聯茂電子股份有限公司.

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�� Conclusion

From an engineering standpoint, ITEQ IT-968 hits a very practical sweet spot.

It’s not the absolute lowest-loss material on the market—but it doesn’t need to be.

Instead, it delivers:

Reliable 100G/400G performance

Manufacturability close to FR-4

Strong thermal and CAF reliability

For most high-speed digital systems, especially in data centers and telecom infrastructure, IT-968 is a high-confidence material choice that balances performance, cost, and production feasibility.