Taconic TLY-5
Dk 2.20 | Df 0.0009 @ 10 GHz — woven-glass PTFE laminate qualified for military radar and satellite communication systems.
2.20
Dk @ 10 GHz
0.0009
Df @ 10 GHz
280
ppm/C CTE-z
MIL
Qualified
What is Taconic TLY-5?
Taconic TLY-5 is a PTFE/woven fiberglass laminate designed for military and defense RF applications requiring the lowest possible dielectric loss. With Dk 2.20 and Df 0.0009 at 10 GHz, it matches Rogers RT/duroid 5880 in electrical performance while offering an alternative supply chain for defense procurement programs.
The woven glass reinforcement provides better dimensional stability and handling characteristics compared to microfiber-reinforced alternatives, though it introduces minor Dk anisotropy at the weave pitch frequency. For most military applications operating below 40 GHz, this trade-off favors mechanical reliability during assembly.
TLY-5 is specified in numerous active defense programs worldwide and carries qualifications from multiple military prime contractors. Its dual-source availability alongside RT/duroid 5880 satisfies DFARS and supply chain diversification requirements.
Ultra-Low Loss
Df 0.0009 matches the lowest available for maximum radar detection range.
Military Qualified
Proven in active defense programs with prime contractor qualification data.
Woven Glass Stability
Better handling and dimensional control than microfiber reinforcement.
Dual-Source Strategy
Alternative to RT/duroid 5880 for supply chain diversification.
Taconic TLY-5 Key Properties
Representative values from the manufacturer datasheet.
| Property | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric constant (Dk) | 2.20 @ 10 GHz | Ultra-low Dk for wide traces and reduced conductor loss. |
| Dk tolerance | +/-0.02 | Tight control for antenna resonance and impedance predictability. |
| Dissipation factor (Df) | 0.0009 @ 10 GHz | Matched to RT/duroid 5880 for equivalent insertion loss. |
| CTE z-axis | ~280 ppm/C | High PTFE expansion requires careful via design. |
| Reinforcement | Woven E-glass / PTFE | Better dimensional stability than random microfiber. |
| Moisture absorption | 0.02% | Near-zero uptake maintains Dk in field environments. |
| Peel strength | 6-8 lb/in | Adequate copper adhesion with proper surface preparation. |
| Processing | Sodium etch required | Standard PTFE fabrication process for PTH adhesion. |
| Available thickness | 0.127-3.175 mm | Wide range for single and multilayer constructions. |
Why Defense Programs Specify TLY-5
Defense procurement regulations often require qualified alternate sources for critical materials. TLY-5 provides electrically equivalent performance to RT/duroid 5880 from an independent manufacturer, satisfying DFARS compliance and supply chain resilience requirements without redesigning the RF circuit.
The woven glass construction offers approximately 15% better dimensional stability during panel handling and assembly compared to microfiber alternatives. For large-format phased array panels exceeding 500mm in any dimension, this translates to tighter element positioning and more uniform array performance.
TLY-5 has been specified in ground-based, shipborne, and airborne radar programs since the 1990s. Qualification data including outgassing (ASTM E595), radiation tolerance, and accelerated aging are available through Taconic for new program qualifications.
DFARS Compliant Source
Independent manufacturer satisfies defense supply chain diversification mandates.
Radar Heritage
Decades of field deployment in AESA and rotating radar systems.
Dimensional Stability
Woven glass provides consistent panel flatness for large arrays.
Qualification Data Available
Outgassing, radiation, and aging data for defense program qualifications.
Ultra-Low-Loss PTFE Laminate Comparison
TLY-5 versus alternative low-loss materials for defense applications.
| Material | Dk | Df | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taconic TLY-5This page | 2.20 | 0.0009 | Military PTFE with woven glass — radar, satellite, phased arrays. |
| Rogers RT/duroid 5880 | 2.20 | 0.0009 | PTFE/microfiber — space antennas, isotropic Dk. |
| Arlon DiClad 880 | 2.17 | 0.0009 | Lightweight PTFE — airborne, weight-critical systems. |
| Arlon CLTE-XT | 2.94 | 0.0012 | CTE-matched to copper — extreme thermal cycling reliability. |
| Rogers RO3003 | 3.00 | 0.0010 | Ceramic PTFE (no glass) — 77 GHz automotive radar. |
Taconic TLY-5 Applications
Military radar, satellite communications, phased array antennas, defense electronics
Military Radar
AESA and rotating radar antenna arrays for ground, ship, and airborne platforms.
Satellite Communications
Transponder feeds and antenna arrays for military and commercial satellites.
Phased Array Antennas
Large-format electronically scanned arrays with tight element positioning.
Airborne EW Systems
Electronic warfare antenna and receiver front ends on military aircraft.
Ground Station Feeds
Satellite ground terminal antenna feeds and upconverter boards.
Defense Electronics
Qualified RF assemblies meeting MIL-PRF and prime contractor specifications.
TLY-5 Design Considerations
TLY-5 requires sodium-etch surface preparation for copper adhesion, identical to RT/duroid 5880 processing. Fabricators qualified for 5880 can process TLY-5 without additional qualification, simplifying dual-source strategy implementation.
The woven glass introduces periodic Dk variation at the weave pitch (typically 1-2 mm). Above 30 GHz, evaluate whether this affects your specific geometry. For most defense applications below 18 GHz, the weave effect is negligible compared to manufacturing tolerances.
Get Instant QuoteSame Process as 5880
Fabricators qualified for RT/duroid 5880 process TLY-5 without changes.
Weave Awareness
Consider Dk periodicity above 30 GHz for critical phase-matched designs.
Via Reliability
High CTE z-axis — keep builds thin or use blind/buried vias.
QPL Documentation
Taconic provides full qualification data packages for program insertion.
Genuine Taconic TLY-5, 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
Taconic TLY-5 Questions
What is Taconic TLY-5?
A PTFE/woven fiberglass laminate with Dk 2.20 and Df 0.0009 at 10 GHz, designed as a military-qualified alternative to Rogers RT/duroid 5880 for defense RF applications.
TLY-5 vs RT/duroid 5880 — what is the difference?
Electrically equivalent. TLY-5 uses woven glass (better handling, slight Dk anisotropy) while 5880 uses random microfiber (isotropic Dk, less rigid). TLY-5 provides supply chain diversification.
Is TLY-5 qualified for space applications?
TLY-5 has outgassing data (ASTM E595) and radiation test results available. Contact Taconic for specific flight qualification documentation for your program.
What processing does TLY-5 require?
Standard PTFE processing: sodium etch or plasma for PTH adhesion, controlled lamination temperatures. Same as RT/duroid 5880.
Can AtlasPCB fabricate TLY-5 boards?
Yes. Our PTFE processing line handles TLY-5 with sodium-etch preparation, supporting builds from prototype through production.
Need Taconic TLY-5 fabrication?
Military-qualified TLY-5 — Dk 2.20, Df 0.0009, defense-grade PTFE — from prototype to production volumes.
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