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Performance and Differences Between Rogers 3003 and 4003

Dk 2.92 versus 3.38, Df 0.0013 versus 0.0027, 40 GHz versus 10 GHz — a parameter-by-parameter comparison of the PTFE-based 3003 and the FR-4-like 4003C.

Table of Contents

Rogers 3003 and 4003C are two of the most frequently compared high-frequency laminates: one PTFE-based for the highest frequencies, one hydrocarbon-based for FR-4-like manufacturability. This article sets their electrical, thermal and processing parameters side by side so designers can match material to application — for a deeper dive into the material chemistry, see our analysis of the core differences between RO4003C and RO3003.

Performance of Rogers 3003

Rogers 3003 is a ceramic-filled PTFE-based material designed for RF and microwave applications, providing low dielectric loss and excellent high-frequency performance. Key characteristics include:

  • Dielectric Constant (Dk): 2.92 at 10 GHz, which enables faster signal propagation and is ideal for high-frequency signal transmission.
  • Dielectric Loss (Df): Extremely low at 0.0013 at 10 GHz, ensuring minimal signal loss and making it perfect for long-distance or high-frequency applications.
  • Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE): Low at 17 ppm/°C, maintaining dimensional stability across varying temperatures.
  • Thermal Conductivity: 0.5 W/mK, meaning additional thermal management may be required for high-power applications.
  • Frequency Range: Suitable for applications up to 40 GHz, used in microwave circuits, RF components, antennas, and low-loss transmission lines.

Performance of Rogers 4003C

Rogers 4003C is a ceramic-filled hydrocarbon resin material designed to offer FR-4-like processability with enhanced high-frequency electrical characteristics. Key characteristics include:

  • Dielectric Constant (Dk): 3.38 at 10 GHz, suitable for medium to high-frequency applications — the parameter set behind its use in communication equipment.
  • Dielectric Loss (Df): 0.0027 at 10 GHz, slightly higher than 3003 but still offering low loss for reliable signal performance.
  • Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE): Higher at 46 ppm/°C, but compatible with FR-4, making it suitable for multilayer PCB designs.
  • Thermal Conductivity: 0.5 W/mK, similar to 3003, requiring effective heat dissipation strategies in high-power applications.
  • Frequency Range: Suitable for 1 GHz to 10 GHz, used in wireless communications, RF modules, and microwave systems.

Key Differences Between Rogers 3003 and 4003C

  • Material Type: Rogers 3003 is PTFE-based, offering superior high-frequency performance, while 4003C is a hydrocarbon resin designed for ease of manufacturing.
  • Dielectric Constant: Rogers 3003 (2.92) is lower than 4003C (3.38), meaning 3003 is more suitable for higher-frequency applications.
  • Dielectric Loss: Rogers 3003 has a lower loss (0.0013) compared with 4003C (0.0027), making 3003 ideal for applications requiring minimal signal degradation.
  • Frequency Range: Rogers 3003 supports frequencies up to 40 GHz, while 4003C is limited to 1–10 GHz.
  • CTE: Rogers 3003 has a lower CTE (17 ppm/°C), making it better suited to high-temperature environments, while 4003C (46 ppm/°C) is more compatible with FR-4 and easier to integrate into mixed-material PCB designs.
  • Processing: Rogers 3003 is more challenging to process due to its PTFE base, requiring special drilling and lamination techniques. In contrast, Rogers 4003C is easier to process and more similar to FR-4, making it more cost-effective for mass production.

Rogers 3003 excels in ultra-high-frequency applications requiring low signal loss, making it ideal for satellite communications, radar, and microwave components. Rogers 4003C, on the other hand, offers a balance of high-frequency performance and ease of processing, suitable for wireless communication devices and RF applications — with the wider RO4000 series covering adjacent performance points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Rogers 3003 vs 4003C.

What is the main difference between Rogers 3003 and 4003C?

Material chemistry and frequency ceiling. Rogers 3003 is ceramic-filled PTFE with Dk 2.92, Df 0.0013 and support up to 40 GHz; 4003C is a ceramic-filled hydrocarbon resin with Dk 3.38, Df 0.0027, a 1–10 GHz range and FR-4-like processing.

Which one should be chosen for frequencies above 10 GHz?

Rogers 3003 — its lower Dk, lower loss and 40 GHz capability suit satellite communications, radar and microwave components where minimal signal degradation is essential.

Why is 4003C often more cost-effective for mass production?

Its hydrocarbon resin chemistry processes more like FR-4, avoiding the special drilling and lamination techniques that PTFE requires. It also integrates readily into mixed-material multilayer stacks thanks to a CTE of 46 ppm/°C.

How do their thermal expansions compare?

Rogers 3003 has a much lower CTE of 17 ppm/°C, giving superior dimensional stability in high-temperature environments, while 4003C's 46 ppm/°C is closer to FR-4 and favors hybrid construction.

Choosing Between 3003 and 4003C?

Both are stocked and qualified here. Tell us your frequency band and volume, and we will recommend the right laminate. Send your requirement for a quote.

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