TLX-9 Copper Clad Laminate

TLX-9 Copper Clad Laminate: Balanced Performance for RF and Microwave Applications

Taconic introduces the TLX-9, a high-performance PTFE/woven glass fabric reinforced copper clad laminate designed to deliver exceptional electrical and mechanical properties for a wide range of RF and microwave applications. With over 35 years of expertise in coating fiberglass with PTFE, Taconic has engineered the TLX series to provide designers with a reliable, cost-effective solution that balances performance with manufacturability.

Electrical Performance

The TLX-9 features a dielectric constant (Dk) of 2.50 ±0.04 at 10 GHz, offering exceptional consistency and tight tolerance that enables precise impedance control and repeatable circuit designs. The dissipation factor (Df) is an impressive 0.0019 at 10 GHz, ensuring low signal loss across broadband applications.

Key electrical properties include:

Moisture Absorption: <0.02%, maintaining stable performance in humid environments

Dielectric Breakdown: >60 kV, providing robust insulation

Volume and Surface Resistivity: 10⁷ Mohm/cm and 10⁷ Mohm, respectively

Arc Resistance: >180 seconds, ensuring reliability under high-voltage conditions

The material's dielectric constant remains stable over a wide frequency range, making it suitable for applications from L-band through Ku-band and beyond.

Mechanical and Thermal Properties

The TLX-9 offers excellent mechanical strength with flexural strength exceeding 23,000 psi (159 N/mm²) lengthwise and 19,000 psi (131 N/mm²) crosswise. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is 9-12 ppm/°C in the XY direction and 130-145 ppm/°C in the Z direction, providing dimensional stability and reliable plated through-hole integrity.

Thermal conductivity is 0.19 W/m/K, facilitating effective heat dissipation from active components. The material achieves a UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and exhibits virtually no moisture absorption during fabrication processes.

Versatile Applications

• Low-Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), Low-Noise Block Downconverters (LNBs), and Low-Noise Converters (LNCs)
• PCS/PCN large format antennas
• High-power amplifiers
• Passive components such as couplers, dividers, and filters
• Radar systems and phased array antennas
• Mobile communication systems and microwave test equipment

Processing and Fabrication

One of the key advantages of TLX-9 is its compatibility with standard PTFE/woven fiberglass processing methods. The laminate can be:

Sheared, drilled, and milled using conventional equipment

Plated using standard through-hole plating processes

Etched with common chemical solutions

Fabricated into both single-layer and multi-layer circuit boards

The material's dimensional stability and low moisture absorption ensure consistent results throughout the fabrication process.

Standard Configurations:

Dielectric Constant: 2.50 ±0.04

Dielectric Thickness: Available from 0.0050" (0.13mm) to 0.0300" (0.76mm) and ≥0.0310" (≥0.78mm)

Standard Panel Size: 36" x 48" (914mm x 1220mm)

Copper Cladding: Electrodeposited copper in ½ oz. (CH), 1 oz. (C1), and 2 oz. (C2) weights

Custom Options:

Additional panel sizes available, including 12" x 18", 18" x 24", 24" x 36", and more

Cut-to-size panels available upon request

Alternative claddings available—please contact customer service for details

Certificate of Compliance: Each shipment includes a Certificate of Compliance with actual test data, ensuring traceability and quality assurance.

Storage and Transportation Guidelines

To maintain the exceptional quality and performance characteristics of TLX-9, we recommend the following storage and handling protocols:

Storage Requirements:

Store in a clean, dry environment at controlled room temperature (approximately 20°C to 25°C)

Maintain relative humidity below 70%

Keep in original packaging until ready for use

Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, corrosive gases, and extreme temperature fluctuations

Store panels flat to prevent warpage

Recommended shelf life: 12 months under proper storage conditions

Transportation:

Laminates are packaged with protective interleaving materials to prevent surface damage

Secure packaging ensures panels remain flat and edge-protected during transit

Multiple packaging configurations available for domestic and international shipping

Full compliance with international shipping regulations for electronic materials

How to Order

TLX-9 is ordered using a straightforward part number system. Example: TLX-9-0310-CH/CH-18" x 24"

TLX-9: Product series and Dk designation

0310: Dielectric thickness (0.0310")

CH/CH: Copper cladding (½ oz. on both sides)

18" x 24": Panel size

Why Choose TLX-9?

With its tight Dk tolerance, low dissipation factor, excellent mechanical properties, and proven manufacturability, TLX-9 represents a reliable, high-value solution for demanding RF and microwave applications. Taconic's decades of experience, global manufacturing footprint, and commitment to quality ensure that you receive consistent, high-performance materials exactly when you need them.

Contact us today to discuss how TLX-9 can meet your specific application requirements.