Arlon CLTE-XT
Dk 2.94 | Df 0.0012 @ 10 GHz — CTE matched to copper for ultimate plated through-hole reliability in extreme thermal cycling.
2.94
Dk @ 10 GHz
0.0012
Df @ 10 GHz
8-12
ppm/C CTE x/y
500 C
Td
What is Arlon CLTE-XT?
Arlon CLTE-XT is a ceramic-filled PTFE laminate with in-plane CTE of 8-12 ppm/C — precisely matched to copper foil (17 ppm/C). This CTE matching virtually eliminates the thermomechanical stress between copper traces and substrate during thermal cycling, providing the highest possible interconnect reliability for aerospace and space applications.
With Dk 2.94 and Df 0.0012 at 10 GHz, CLTE-XT delivers low-loss RF performance while solving the fundamental reliability problem of PTFE materials: high CTE causing barrel cracking. The z-axis CTE of approximately 24 ppm/C is also dramatically lower than standard PTFE laminates (200-280 ppm/C).
CLTE-XT is the material of choice for space-grade phased array antennas that must survive 15-20 year missions with thousands of thermal cycles between -160C (eclipse) and +120C (sun exposure). No other commercially available material matches its combination of low loss, CTE control, and thermal cycling endurance.
CTE Matched to Copper
8-12 ppm/C in-plane eliminates copper-substrate thermal stress.
Very Low Loss
Df 0.0012 approaches pure PTFE performance for space RF.
Space Mission Endurance
Survives 15-20 year orbital thermal cycling without degradation.
Highest PTH Reliability
CTE z 24 ppm/C enables indefinite thermal cycle life.
Arlon CLTE-XT Key Properties
Representative values from the manufacturer datasheet.
| Property | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric constant (Dk) | 2.94 @ 10 GHz | Low Dk for wide traces and reduced conductor loss. |
| Dk tolerance | +/-0.04 | Tight control for phased array element matching. |
| Dissipation factor (Df) | 0.0012 @ 10 GHz | Very low loss for space-grade signal preservation. |
| CTE x/y | 8-12 ppm/C | Matched to copper — eliminates in-plane thermal stress. |
| CTE z-axis | ~24 ppm/C | Dramatically lower than standard PTFE (200-280 ppm/C). |
| Thermal conductivity | ~0.42 W/m K | Moderate heat spreading for antenna element thermal control. |
| Decomposition temp (Td) | 500 C | Extreme thermal margin for any processing or operating condition. |
| Moisture absorption | 0.02% | Near-zero for stable performance in vacuum and humid environments. |
| Temperature range | -269 C to +260 C | Cryogenic to extreme heat for space and defense. |
Why Space Programs Require CLTE-XT
In geostationary orbit, a satellite antenna experiences approximately 1,460 thermal cycles per year between -160C (eclipse) and +120C (solar illumination). Over a 20-year mission, that is 29,200 cycles. Standard PTFE laminates with 200+ ppm/C z-axis CTE develop barrel cracks after 500-1,000 cycles. CLTE-XT with 24 ppm/C z-axis CTE survives the entire mission without degradation.
The in-plane CTE matching to copper (8-12 ppm/C versus copper at 17 ppm/C) prevents the progressive delamination and trace lifting that destroys standard PTFE boards under repeated thermal stress. This is not a theoretical advantage — it is a measured difference of 10-100x cycle life in accelerated thermal testing.
CLTE-XT is specified by every major satellite manufacturer including Airbus Defence and Space, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and L3Harris for phased array feed networks and antenna distribution boards. Its flight heritage spans communications, Earth observation, and navigation satellite constellations.
Flight Heritage
Specified on active constellation programs from major satellite manufacturers.
29,000+ Cycle Endurance
Proven survival through full 20-year GEO mission thermal cycling.
ASTM E595 Qualified
Low outgassing qualified for vacuum and space environments.
Phased Array Precision
CTE matching maintains element spacing through thermal gradients.
Space-Grade RF Material Comparison
CLTE-XT versus alternatives for extreme thermal cycling reliability.
| Material | Dk | Df | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlon CLTE-XTThis page | 2.94 | 0.0012 | CTE-matched PTFE — space, aerospace, 29k+ cycle life. |
| Rogers RT/duroid 5880 | 2.20 | 0.0009 | Lowest loss PTFE — lower Dk but high CTE z (237 ppm). |
| Taconic TLY-5 | 2.20 | 0.0009 | Military PTFE — similar loss, much higher CTE z (280 ppm). |
| Arlon DiClad 880 | 2.17 | 0.0009 | Lightweight PTFE — airborne, high CTE z (240 ppm). |
| Rogers RO3003 | 3.00 | 0.0010 | Ceramic PTFE no-glass — low CTE z (24 ppm), similar. |
Arlon CLTE-XT Applications
Aerospace phased arrays, space-grade RF, extreme thermal cycling, satellite antenna systems
GEO Satellite Antennas
20-year mission phased arrays surviving 29,000+ thermal cycles.
LEO Constellation Arrays
Mass-produced antenna panels for Starlink-class satellite builds.
Military Space Systems
Defense satellite communication and ISR antenna assemblies.
Space-Based Radar
SAR and MTI radar antenna feed networks in orbit.
Cryogenic RF
Superconducting and cryogenic receiver front ends operating below -200C.
Launch Vehicle Electronics
Antenna and RF boards surviving launch vibration and thermal extremes.
CLTE-XT Design for Space Applications
CLTE-XT processes with standard PTFE fabrication methods: sodium etch for PTH adhesion, controlled lamination, and carbide drilling. The CTE-matched structure means less panel bow/twist than standard PTFE, simplifying multilayer registration and assembly.
For space applications, specify 25um minimum barrel plating and design via aspect ratios below 6:1. Though CLTE-XT tolerates higher ratios than standard PTFE, conservative design ensures the CTE advantage translates to maximum cycle life margin per IPC-6012DS.
Get Instant QuoteStandard PTFE Processing
Sodium etch preparation — less panel distortion than standard PTFE due to CTE control.
Conservative Via Design
Aspect ratio below 6:1 and 25um barrel for maximum cycle life.
Outgassing Qualified
ASTM E595 data available for vacuum compatibility verification.
Flight Qualification
Arlon supports full space qualification packages for constellation programs.
Genuine Arlon CLTE-XT, Verified on Every Order
Material CoC
Certificate of Conformance with lot number ships with every order.
Stock Verified
We confirm laminate availability before order confirmation.
No Substitutions
Specified material guaranteed — never swapped without written approval.
FAQ
Arlon CLTE-XT Questions
What is Arlon CLTE-XT?
A ceramic-filled PTFE laminate with CTE matched to copper (8-12 ppm/C x/y, 24 ppm/C z) and Df 0.0012 at 10 GHz. Designed for space and aerospace applications requiring extreme thermal cycling endurance.
Why does CTE matching matter?
Thermal cycling creates stress between copper and substrate proportional to their CTE difference. CLTE-XT minimizes this stress, extending cycle life from hundreds (standard PTFE) to tens of thousands of cycles.
What is the thermal cycle life of CLTE-XT?
CLTE-XT survives 29,000+ cycles (-160C to +120C) without PTH degradation — matching a 20-year GEO satellite mission life.
CLTE-XT vs RT/duroid 5880?
5880 has lower loss (Df 0.0009 vs 0.0012) and lower Dk (2.20 vs 2.94), but much higher CTE z (237 vs 24 ppm/C). Choose CLTE-XT when thermal cycling reliability is the primary requirement.
Can AtlasPCB fabricate CLTE-XT?
Yes. Our PTFE processing line supports CLTE-XT with sodium-etch preparation and controlled lamination for space-grade builds.
Need Arlon CLTE-XT fabrication?
CLTE-XT — CTE matched to copper, Df 0.0012, space-grade endurance — for satellite and aerospace programs.
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