Ceramic Capacitor Temperature Ratings

The second character indicates the maximum temperature.

Ceramic capacitor temperature ratings.

Ceramic names temperature coefficients α α tolerances and letter codes for α. The letter x as in x7r x5r corresponds to 55 c. This letter represents the tolerance of the capacitor meaning how close the actual value of the capacitor can be expected to be to the indicated value of the capacitor. The capacitor as with any other electronic component comes defined by a series of characteristics.

Ceramic disc capacitors have a capacitance value of 10pf to 100μf with a wide variety of voltage ratings between 16 volts to 15 kv and more. The third letter gives the maximum tolerance from that in ppm k. The theoretical range is from 45 c to 200 c. Ceramic disc capacitors are usually through hole components and are falling out of favor due to their size.

Mlccs are used instead if capacitance values allow. These capacitor characteristics can always be found in the data sheets that the capacitor manufacturer provides to us so here are just a few of the more important ones. Multi layer ceramic capacitor mlcc. Engineers must check the data to know really know how a specific capacitor will perform under voltage.

A ceramic capacitor is a fixed value capacitor where the ceramic material acts as the dielectric. This tutorial explains how ceramic capacitor type designations such as x7r and y5v imply nothing about voltage coefficients. The first character indicates the lowest temperature that the capacitor can handle. All ratings are from 25 to 85 c.

The reality of modern small form factor ceramic capacitors is a good reminder to always read the data sheet.