Rogers 20mil AD250C PCB Pure Gold High-Frequency Antenna Circuit Board

Executive Summary

This article specifies a 2-layer rigid PCB on Rogers AD250C high-frequency laminate with pure gold finish. At 0.6 mm finished thickness with a 20 mil dielectric core, it targets antenna applications requiring low loss, controlled impedance, and excellent PIM performance. 

Part I covers PCB construction, stackup, and statistics; Part II reviews the AD250C copper-clad laminate, including its full datasheet, standard offerings, and material science.

Part I: PCB Product Description

1. Product Overview

The 20mil AD250C PCB is a 2-layer rigid board measuring 55.36 by 76.2 mm, tolerance plus or minus 0.15 mm. Built on glass-reinforced PTFE, it carries 1 oz copper on both layers and a pure gold finish for superior conductivity and corrosion resistance. Minimum trace and space is 4/6 mils, minimum drill 0.4 mm. Every board passes 100 percent electrical test and meets IPC-Class-2, with worldwide availability.

2. PCB Construction Details

The table below summarizes the complete construction specifications.

3. PCB Stackup

A symmetric 2-layer stackup is centered on a 20 mil AD250C core.

4. PCB Statistics

The design comprises 36 components, 51 pads, and 49 through-hole vias across 2 nets.

5. Key Performance and Differentiation

Pure gold finish provides a flat, highly conductive RF contact surface, avoiding the nickel layer in ENIG that adds loss at microwave frequencies. 

AD250C yields a controlled Dk of 2.5 plus or minus 0.04 at 10 GHz and Df of 0.0013, ensuring consistent impedance and minimal insertion loss. PIM of -159 dBc at 1900 MHz suppresses intermodulation distortion critical for base station arrays. The 4/6 mil trace capability enables compact feed networks; 20 micron via plating secures reliable interconnects. No blind or buried vias simplifies fabrication and improves yield.

6. Typical Applications

Cellular base station antennas,

Automotive telematics antenna systems

Commercial satellite radio antennas.

Low loss and strong PIM performance benefit multi-element arrays where signal purity governs network capacity.

7. PCB Conclusion

This 20mil AD250C pure gold PCB with pure gold finish is a purpose-built high-frequency antenna solution. 

A low-loss PTFE composite substrate, 4/6 mil trace geometry, 100 percent electrical testing, and IPC-Class-2 construction combine to deliver repeatable RF performance. The symmetric stackup on a 20 mil core offers excellent dimensional stability for demanding wireless designs.

Part II: AD250C CCL Material Knowledge

1. Introduction to AD Series

Rogers AD Series antenna materials are high-performance specialty laminates engineered for wireless antenna markets. These glass-reinforced, PTFE-based composites deliver controlled dielectric constant, low loss, and very good PIM. Woven glass reinforcement affords processability and high-yield fabrication. All AD Series products offer standard ED or reverse-treated ED copper foil to reduce circuit loss and antenna PIM.

2. Material Composition and Technology

AD250C is a PTFE composite reinforced with woven glass fiber. The PTFE matrix gives inherently low dielectric loss and chemical stability; glass fabric improves dimensional stability and handling. Unlike ceramic-filled PTFE, glass reinforcement offers superior drillability and lower tool wear. Reverse-treated foil reduces conductor loss and PIM by minimizing roughness at the copper-dielectric interface. The material shows 0.04 percent moisture absorption, 2.6 N per mm peel strength, and decomposition above 500 degrees Celsius.

3. Complete Standard Properties Datasheet

The full datasheet covers electrical, thermal, mechanical, and physical properties.

4. Standard Offerings

Three standard thicknesses are available with matching panel sizes and copper options.

5. CCL Product Image

Figure 1: AD250C copper-clad laminate with copper foil and dielectric layers.

6. Key Property Analysis

AD250C substrate features process Dk of 2.52 and design Dk of 2.50, among the lowest in the AD Series, ideal for wideband elements where low Dk minimizes phase velocity variation. Df of 0.0013 at 10 GHz is roughly an order of magnitude below FR-4, reducing insertion loss. Decomposition above 500 degrees and T288 delamination beyond 60 minutes ensure reflow robustness. CTE of 47, 29, and 196 ppm per degree in X, Y, and Z reflects glass-controlled in-plane stability far better than unreinforced PTFE. Thermal conductivity of 0.33 W per m-K provides modest heat spreading. Peel strength of 2.6 N per mm confirms strong adhesion. UL 94 V-0 and 0.04 percent moisture absorption suit humid outdoor base stations.

7. CCL Conclusion

Rogers AD250C is a purpose-engineered glass-reinforced PTFE laminate combining controlled low Dk, ultra-low Df, and excellent PIM in a high-yield processable format. Its full property set across electrical, thermal, mechanical, and physical domains makes it dependable for cellular, automotive, and satellite antennas. Multiple thicknesses, panel sizes, and foil options offer design flexibility, while V-0 flammability and low moisture absorption ensure long-term field reliability.