In the demanding arena of aerospace and satellite communications, every gram and every millivolt matters. The RT/duroid® 5880LZ 8-Layer Ultra-Stable Satellite Board from PCBSync is engineered specifically for these high-stakes environments. By combining Rogers’ legendary low-density PTFE composite with a sophisticated 8-layer stackup and premium ENIG finish, this board offers the ultimate solution for Ku-band and mmWave applications where weight, stability, and signal integrity are non-negotiable.
Core Material: Rogers RT/duroid 5880LZ
At the heart of this satellite board is the RT/duroid 5880LZ laminate. Unlike standard FR4 or even traditional 5880, the “LZ” variant is a filled PTFE composite designed for low density and light weight.
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Lowest Dielectric Constant (Dk): With a Dk of $2.00 \pm 0.04$, it offers one of the lowest values available in the industry. This allows for faster signal propagation and wider trace widths at a given impedance, drastically reducing conductor losses.
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Ultra-Low Dissipation Factor (Df): A typical Df of 0.0021 at 10 GHz ensures that your high-frequency signals remain crisp and clear, minimizing thermal dissipation even in vacuum environments.
Advanced 8-Layer Architecture
While many RF designs stick to double-sided or 4-layer builds, our 8-layer configuration provides the routing density required for modern, complex satellite systems.
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Optimized Power Distribution: Dedicated planes for power and ground ensure a stable reference for high-speed digital control lines and RF signals.
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1oz Copper & 1.8mm Thickness: The 1oz (35µm) copper weight provides the perfect balance between power handling and etching precision. At a 1.8mm total thickness, the board maintains mechanical rigidity against the high-G forces of launch while remaining light enough for flight.
Space-Grade Reliability & ENIG Finish
Satellite hardware must survive extreme thermal cycling and potential oxidation.
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ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) Finish: This premium surface finish provides a perfectly flat mounting surface for fine-pitch BGAs and high-frequency components. It offers superior solderability and excellent corrosion resistance, essential for long-term orbital missions.
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Z-Axis Stability: With a Z-axis CTE of 40 ppm/°C, this board ensures the reliability of plated-through holes (PTH) and vias during the intense temperature swings experienced in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
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Low Outgassing: RT/duroid 5880LZ meets rigorous outgassing requirements, preventing the contamination of sensitive optical sensors and instruments on your satellite payload.
Typical Applications
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Satellite Transponders & LNBs: High-gain, low-noise performance from Ku-band to Ka-band.
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Phased Array Antennas: Uniform electrical properties across the panel for precise beamforming.
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Military & Airborne Radar: Lightweight feed networks that don’t compromise on signal range.
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Point-to-Point Digital Radio: Reliable mmWave backhaul links.
Why Source from PCBSync?
At PCBSync, we understand that a satellite board is only as good as its fabrication. Our state-of-the-art Shenzhen facility specializes in handling exotic PTFE materials that are notoriously difficult to drill and plate. We provide rigorous DFM reviews and impedance control tolerances of $\pm 5\%$, ensuring that the board you design is the board you receive.
Elevate your RF design with the RT/duroid 5880LZ 8-layer board—where lightweight precision meets uncompromising stability.
