CuClad Laminates by Arlon
CuClad® laminates are woven fiberglass/PTFE composite materials for use as printed circuit board substrates. Using precision control of the fiberglass/PTFE ratio, CuClad laminates offer a range of choices from the lowest dielectric constant and loss tangent to a more highly reinforced laminate with better dimensional stability.
The woven fiberglass reinforcement in CuClad products provides greater dimensional stability than non-woven fiberglass reinforced PTFE based laminates of similar dielectric constants. The consistency and control of the PTFE coated fiberglass cloth allows Arlon to offer a greater variety of dielectric constants and produces a laminate with better dielectric constant uniformity than comparable non-woven fiberglass reinforced laminates. These properties make CuClad an attractive choice for filters, couplers and low noise amplifiers.
CuClad laminates are crossplied (alternating layers of coated fiberglass plies are oriented 90' to each other). This provides true electrical and mechanical isotropy in the XY plane, a feature unique to CuClad. No other woven or nonwoven fiberglass reinforced PTFE based laminates make this claim. Designers have found this degree of isotropy critical in some phased array antenna applications.
CuClad 217 (Er=2.17, 2.20) uses a low fiberglass/PTFE ratio to provide the lowest dielectric constant and dissipation factor available in fiberglass reinforced PTFE based laminates. Together, these properties offer faster signal propagation and higher signal/noise ratios.
CuClad 233 (Er=2.33) uses a medium fiberglass/PTFE ratio to balance lower dielectric constant and improved dissipation factor without sacrificing mechanical properties.
CuClad 250 (Er=2.40–2.60) uses a higher fiberglass/PTFE ratio to provide mechanical properties approaching those of conventional substrates. Better dimensional stability and lower thermal expansion in all directions are other significant benefits. The electrical properties of CuClad 250GT and CuClad 250GX are tested at 1 MHz and 10 GHz respectively. For critical performance applications, CuClad products may be specified with an “LX” testing grade; this designates that each sheet will be tested individually, and a test report will be issued with the order.
Features of CuClad
- Cross Piled Woven Fiberglass, alternating piles are oriented 90° to each other
- High PTFE to Glass Ratio
- Better dielectric constant uniformity than comparable non-woven fiberglass reinforced laminates
Benefits of CuClad
- Electrical and Mechanical Isotropy in the X-Y Plane
- Extremely Low Loss
- Well Suited for Er Sensitive Circuits
Typical Applications of CuClad
- Military Electronics (Radars, ECM, ESM)
- Microwave Components (LNAs, filters, couplers, etc)
