Multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) consist of several individual capacitors stacked together, parallel to each other, and contacted through their terminal surfaces. When an electrical circuit is connected to a voltage source, ceramic capacitors store an electrical charge in an electrostatic field between its conductors. This electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression capacitor eliminates RF noise generated by electronic devices by reducing the input impedance. MLCC components provide very accurate results, and the capacitance values of these capacitors are stable concerning the temperature, applied voltage, and frequency.
These are fixed-value capacitors, where ceramic materials act as dielectrics. Ceramic capacitor layout materials include NPO, X7R (BX, BR, and BQ rated), Z5U, and Y5V and have a capacitance range of 0pF - 30µF.
Inside every EMI filter is a ceramic feedthrough capacitor. Ceramic capacitors are used to suppress or eliminate EMI from electronics and used as a safety capacitor in EMI suppression applications, including EMI filtered d-sub and circular connectors. MLCC is the capacitor of choice for applications where small-value capacitances are needed, such as power supplies, military vehicles and radars, avionics, implantable medical devices and diagnostic equipment, and industrial control processes.
Tubular Ceramic Capacitors are often used for multi-pin connector filtering applications. They are small, lightweight, cost-effective to manufacture, have reliable dielectric strength, and provide uniform insertion loss over a broad frequency range. These capacitors are fired to produce true monolithic structures impervious to moisture and contamination, have low inductance, and are non-polar.
Discoidal Ceramic Capacitors provide high-frequency performance (between 3 and 30 MHz). These low profile designs have rugged construction, low impedance with many paths to ground, and low inductance. Miniature versions of this type of capacitor go down to 0.050” in size with capacitance values up to 2µF.
Planar Ceramic Capacitors offer various custom and standard geometries with designs to incorporate multiple capacitance values, feedthrough, and ground holes. DO-160 Level IV lightning strike protection is also available with this type of design. High-quality planar ceramic capacitors are the standard in filtered connectors used in EMI suppression applications.
SMPS (Switchmode Power Supply) capacitors are stacked ceramic capacitors used by default in DC-DC power supplies. The assemblies are built with low equivalent series resistance (ESR) and equivalent series inductance (ESL). The leaded parts safeguard against thermal and mechanical stresses common in rugged environments. MIL-PRF-49470 qualified and DSCC 87106 certified capacitors are used in high energy density products in military and commercial markets.
High voltage ceramic chip capacitors are specifically manufactured for high voltage requirement (typically >700VDC) applications. These capacitors withstand higher voltage and lower leakage characteristics than typical surface mount filters. They are constructed to filter out electromagnetic interference, and smooth output voltages. This type of capacitor can be used for applications up to 2500VDC. They are small, leadless, and are easily be placed on a PCB (Printed Circuit Board).