RF PCB manufacturer · High frequency & microwave
High Frequency PCB & RF PCB Manufacturing
Rogers, PTFE and hybrid stack-ups for RF, microwave and mmWave designs from 100 MHz to 77 GHz+, with 50 Ω impedance control and TDR-verified coupons.
- Frequency range
- 77 GHz+
- Default RF laminate
- RO4350B
- Rogers + FR-4 stack-ups
- Hybrid
- Impedance tolerance
- ±8%
What is an RF PCB
High frequency PCBs, explained.
An RF PCB (high frequency PCB) is a circuit board designed for signals from roughly 100 MHz to beyond 77 GHz. It uses low-loss laminates such as Rogers or PTFE with tightly controlled dielectric constant (Dk) and dissipation factor (Df), so signal loss, phase and impedance stay predictable.
At 10 GHz, a trace on standard FR-4 (Df about 0.020) loses roughly ten times more signal per inch than the same trace on Rogers RO4350B (Df 0.0037). Stable Dk across temperature and frequency keeps filters, couplers and antennas tuned.
AstroPCB builds RF PCBs from Wi-Fi and sub-6 GHz radios to 24/77 GHz automotive radar, Ka-band satellite links and mmWave 5G.
Why AstroPCB
Why choose AstroPCB as your RF PCB manufacturer.
RF performance depends on what happens between the drawing and the laminate: etch compensation, copper roughness, plating thickness and registration. We model the real stack-up and verify impedance on coupons that travel with your panel.
- 2D field-solver modeling of the actual stack-up with etch compensation
- Rogers, PTFE and hybrid builds processed and laminated across qualified partner factories
- Engineering since 2008: 1,000+ engineers and 30+ partner factories in Shenzhen, Xi’an, Chengdu and Hangzhou
- Written DFM review on every order, prototype or production, before fabrication starts
- 99.6% on-time delivery across the partner factory network
- From 1 piece to volume with the same stack-up and process controls
- IPC Class 2 by default, Class 3 on request, with inspection records and batch traceability
- Fabrication plus assembly: component sourcing, SMT and tracked worldwide shipping
Capabilities
High frequency PCB capabilities.
| Parameter | AstroPCB capability |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | 100 MHz to 77 GHz+ (sub-6 GHz, mmWave 5G, 24/77 GHz radar, Ka-band) |
| Laminates | Rogers RO4350B, RO4003C, RT/duroid 5880; PTFE/Teflon; Isola Astra MT77; Arlon |
| Hybrid stack-ups | Rogers/PTFE RF layers with FR-4 or Megtron digital layers |
| Impedance | 50 Ω / 75 Ω / differential, ±8% with TDR coupons |
| Min. line / space | 50 / 50 µm |
| Via options | Via fences, back-drilling, filled and capped vias |
| Surface finishes | ENIG, ENEPIG, immersion silver, immersion tin, hard gold |
| Acceptance | IPC-6012 / IPC-6018 practice; Class 3 on request |
RF materials
Choosing an RF laminate.
| Material | Dk / Df (approx.) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Rogers RO4350B | 3.48 / 0.0037 | Default for 1–20 GHz; processes like FR-4 |
| Rogers RO4003C | 3.38 / 0.0027 | About 25% lower loss when link budget is tight |
| PTFE / Teflon | ~2.2 / <0.001 | >20 GHz, mmWave, minimum loss |
| Isola Astra MT77 | 3.0 / 0.0017 | mmWave radar and 5G |
| FR-4 (reference) | ~4.3 / ~0.020 | Digital layers in hybrid builds |
Compare all options on RF PCB materials and Rogers PCB laminates.
Hybrid stack-ups
Rogers where it matters, FR-4 everywhere else.
Hybrid stack-ups place RF layers on Rogers or PTFE and digital or power layers on FR-4 or Megtron. The result is RF performance at a lower material cost. They need care with CTE mismatch, lamination profiles and drilling of mixed materials, which our DFM review covers.
- RF layers on outer Rogers cores
- Bonding with compatible prepreg
- Back-drilling of via stubs on high-speed nets
- Impedance confirmed per layer
Design guidelines
RF PCB design guidelines.
- Define impedance per layer: 50 Ω single-ended, 75 Ω video, or the differential target, with reference planes.
- Keep RF traces short and straight, with mitred or curved bends and no stubs.
- Add ground via fences along RF lines and around sections to suppress coupling.
- Model the via and launch above 10 GHz; transitions often dominate loss.
- Specify copper roughness and finish; surface finish affects insertion loss at mmWave.
More in our RF PCB design guide and the impedance calculator.
Applications
Where RF PCBs are used.
FAQ
RF and high frequency PCB questions.
What is an RF PCB?
An RF PCB is a circuit board for radio-frequency and microwave signals, built on low-loss laminates such as Rogers or PTFE with controlled impedance so loss and phase stay predictable.
What is the difference between a high frequency PCB and a high speed PCB?
High frequency (RF) PCBs carry analog signals at a specific frequency and focus on Dk stability and loss. High speed PCBs carry fast digital edges and focus on impedance, crosstalk and channel loss. See high speed PCB.
Which material should I use for an RF PCB?
Rogers RO4350B for most 1–20 GHz designs; RO4003C for lower loss; PTFE or RT/duroid 5880 above about 20 GHz; hybrid stack-ups to control cost.
What frequencies can you support?
From about 100 MHz to 77 GHz and beyond, including mmWave 5G, 24/77 GHz radar and Ka-band.
Can you build hybrid Rogers and FR-4 boards?
Yes. Hybrid stack-ups put RF layers on Rogers or PTFE and digital layers on FR-4 or Megtron.
How is impedance verified?
With 2D field-solver modeling of the stack-up and TDR measurement on coupons built on the same panel, to ±8%.
Ready when your files are
Send your RF stack-up and frequency targets.
Upload Gerber, ODB++ or IPC-2581 data. Every quote includes a written engineering DFM review, typically within one business day.