Ceramic capacitors are fixed-value capacitors with ceramic materials as dielectrics. They consist of alternating layers of ceramic and metal electrodes, offering compact size, low cost, and stable performance. As core passive components, they are critical in modern electronics for functions like noise filtering, signal coupling, and power supply stabilization. Their importance spans from consumer electronics to aerospace systems due to their reliability and wide operating frequency range.
| Type | Functional Characteristics | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Class I Ceramic Capacitors | High stability, low losses, linear temperature coefficient ( 30ppm/ C) | RF circuits, precision oscillators |
| Class II Ceramic Capacitors | Higher capacitance density, nonlinear temperature response ( 15%-22%) | Power decoupling, DC link circuits |
| Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCCs) | Stacked electrode structure, high capacitance-to-volume ratio | Mobile devices, automotive electronics |
| High Voltage Ceramic Capacitors | Rated voltage >1kV, thick dielectric layers | Power supplies, medical imaging equipment |
Ceramic capacitors feature a layered structure with three primary components:
MLCCs are manufactured through tape casting, screen printing, and sintering processes to create monolithic structures with up to 1000+ electrode layers.
| Parameter | Significance | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitance (C) | Determines charge storage capability | 0.5pF - 100 F |
| Rated Voltage (VR) | Maximum DC working voltage | 2.5V - 10kV |
| Capacitance Tolerance | Manufacturing accuracy | 1% (Class I) to 22% (Class III) |
| Temperature Coefficient | Stability across temperature | -55 C to +125 C operating range |
| ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) | Impacts high-frequency performance | 1m - 100m |
Ceramic capacitors are deployed in:
| Manufacturer | Key Products | Technical Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Murata Manufacturing | GRM series MLCCs | Sub-millimeter 0201 size with 10 F capacity |
| TDK Corporation | C4532 series | High-reliability automotive grade components |
| KEMET Electronics | C1210 series | Space-grade tantalum ceramic hybrid capacitors |
| AVX Corporation | 943D series | High-voltage 2000V surface-mount devices |
| Vishay Intertechnology | VCB series | Anti-sulfurated terminations for harsh environments |
Key considerations for capacitor selection:
Example: For a 5G RF front-end module, select Class I capacitors with 0.1pF tolerance and 50 impedance matching characteristics.
Emerging developments include: