MLCC Capacitor Variants and Use Case
During component selection process in my designs, I normally see capacitors of different variant like X7R, X5R, and NP0 for MLCC caps. what sets these variants apart, and in what design conditions should they be used. And how do i know the right one to choose for my designs.
Solution:Jump to solution
The best ones C0G = +/-30PPM over a temperature range of -55 to +85°C
The good ones X7R = +/-15% over a temperature range of -55 to+125°C
The bad ones Z5U = +/-22%, 56% over a range of +10 to+85°C...
4 Replies
Those codes represent temperature coeficient of the cap. Simply said, the higher the number, the better (0 is more than 9). Generally, MLCC is divided into classes. Class 1 is the best. Class 3 is the worst. More to be studied here https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/technical-articles/x7r-x5r-c0g...-a-concise-guide-to-ceramic-capacitor-types/ for instance.
X7R, X5R, C0G…: A Concise Guide to Ceramic Capacitor Types - Techni...
This technical brief attempts to dispel some of the fog surrounding the three-character naming convention used to describe ceramic caps.
The codes shows the dielectric that is used. And each code determines the temperature stability of the cap and also it's accuracy. It has four main classes, class 1 and 2 are widely used. Class 1 is more accurate and stable and used in circuits that requires precision and constraints.
This is a great video that explains it well in a broader format
https://youtu.be/UcN-L-jSIRM?si=8_RwWaucf7TFxADy
ElectronicsNotes
YouTube
Understanding Ceramic Capacitor Dielectrics: codes, classes, C0G, X...
This video explains the secrets about ceramic capacitor dielectrics and their codes or designations.
Ceramic capacitors are the most common form of in use in electronic circuits today, but their dielectrics and designations are not widely understood. Designations such as C0G, X7R, Y5V and many others are often seen, but their means are not wide...
Solution
The best ones C0G = +/-30PPM over a temperature range of -55 to +85°C
The good ones X7R = +/-15% over a temperature range of -55 to+125°C
The bad ones Z5U = +/-22%, 56% over a range of +10 to+85°C
thanks