Passive component--Multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC)

2023-11-09

Today we are excited to introduce you to the world of multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), one of the most versatile and reliable passive components in the industry.

MLCCs are essential in various electronic devices and systems, including but not limited to smartphones, laptops, medical equipment, and automotive applications. They provide cost-effective and efficient solutions for energy storage, noise filtering, voltage regulation, and decoupling purposes.

Multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) is a type of ceramic capacitors. It is characterized by small size, large capacity, affordable price, good stability, low loss rate during high-frequency use, and suitable for mass production. As an important part of passive components, multilayer ceramic capacitors have a wide range of applications in consumer electronics, automotive electronics and other fields.

In recent years, the consumer electronics, communication equipment and automotive industries have boomed, especially the demand for mobile phones and electric vehicles and sales growth, driving strong demand. At present, consumer electronics, automotive electronics and other industries will continue to develop rapidly, and the prospects of multilayer ceramic capacitors are very promising.

We would like to share the 7 aspect about the MLCC you may concern.

1. Discover the Power of Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors

Multi-layer ceramic capacitors are essential components in electronic circuits, known for their stability, reliability, and high capacitance density. These capacitors are widely used in various applications such as mobile devices, automotive electronics, and industrial equipment, due to their compact size and excellent performance.

Here are some key benefits of multi-layer ceramic capacitors:

- High capacitance

- Low equivalent series resistance (ESR)

- Low self-inductance

- Stable performance over a wide temperature range

- High reliability and long-term stability

Multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) is one of PCB capacitors using multilayer ceramic sheets as an intermediate medium and an electronic component widely utilized in electronic circuits for its capability to accumulate and discharge electrical energy. It consists of several layers of ceramic material, usually composed of barium titanate or other ceramic materials, that are stacked on top of each other with metal electrodes sandwiched between them.

Due to their compactness, dependability, low inductance, and ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) properties, Multi-layer ceramic capacitors are popular and ideal for high-frequency applications. They are commonly used in electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and automotive electronics.

2. how many types of MLCC capacitors ?

Multi-layer ceramic capacitor comes in different types, classified based on their intended application, construction, and material composition.  There are total 6 types of MLCC capacitors

1. General-Purpose MLCCs,
2. High Voltage MLCCs,
3. High-Q MLCCs,
4. Automotive Grade MLCCs,
5. Soft Termination MLCCs,
6. Safety Certified MLCCs.

MLCC capacitors, also known as multilayer ceramic capacitors, come in a variety of types to suit different electronic applications. The main types of MLCC capacitors include X7R, X5R, NPO, and Y5V, each with its own unique features and performance characteristics.

3. The different types of MLCC capacitors

1. ● General-Purpose MLCCs are the most commonly used type, constructed with a ceramic dielectric material, and are available in varying capacitance values, voltage ratings, and sizes.

2. ● High Voltage MLCCs are designed for high-voltage applications, while High-Q MLCCs are meant for high-frequency applications requiring low loss and high stability, using high dielectric constant ceramic material.

3. ● Automotive Grade MLCCs withstand harsh environmental conditions in automobile applications.

4. ●Soft Termination MLCCs feature flexible termination structures to minimize the risk of capacitor cracking during thermal and mechanical stress.

5. ● Safety Certified MLCCs are tested and certified to meet safety standards and are used in safety-critical applications.

Choosing the appropriate multi-layer ceramic capacitor type for an application will depend on factors like operating frequency, voltage, capacitance requirements, environmental conditions, and other considerations.

4. The manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) involves several steps

Multilayer ceramic capacitors are made using a process called tape casting, which involves the following steps:

1. ● Ceramic Powder Preparation: The ceramic powder used to make the multi-layer ceramic capacitor is prepared by mixing together different materials, such as barium titanate, with binders and solvents. This mixture is then ground into a fine powder.

2. ● Tape Casting: The ceramic powder is then mixed with a solvent to create a slurry, which is spread onto a flat surface to form a thin layer. This layer is then cut into rectangular sheets, which will become the capacitor layers.

3. ● Electrode Deposition: Metal electrodes, typically made of silver or palladium, are deposited onto the ceramic sheets using a screen printing process. The electrodes are patterned to form the desired capacitor shape.

4. ● Layer Stacking: The ceramic sheets with the metal electrodes are then stacked on top of each other, with a layer of insulating material, such as glass or ceramic, in between each layer.

5. ● Pressing and Sintering: The stacked layers are then pressed together and sintered at high temperatures, typically around 1200°C, to fuse the layers together and form a solid ceramic block.

6. ● Terminal Attachment: The capacitor leads or terminals are attached to the block using a conductive adhesive or soldering process.

7. ● Testing and Inspection: The finished multi-layer ceramic capacitor is then tested to ensure that they meet the required specifications for capacitance, voltage rating, and other parameters. They are also inspected for any visual defects or imperfections.

Once the multi-layer ceramic capacitors have been manufactured, they can be packaged and shipped to customers for use in electronic circuits.

5. The primary raw material for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs)

The raw materials used to make multilayer ceramic capacitors include:

● Ceramic powder

● Metal powder

● Binder

● Solvent

● Glass or ceramic insulators

These raw materials are carefully selected and blended to create a mixture that has the desired properties for the specific multi-layer ceramic capacitor product, such as capacitance, voltage rating, and temperature stability. The manufacturing process involves several steps, including mixing, casting, electrode deposition, layer stacking, pressing, and sintering, which transforms the raw materials into a finished multi-layer ceramic capacitor product.

6. The voltage rating of a multilayer ceramic capacitor

Multilayer ceramic capacitor has different voltage ratings, depending on the specific application and product. The voltage rating can vary from a few volts to several thousand volts. For instance, low-voltage MLCCs with ratings of 6-50 volts are typically utilized in consumer electronics, such as mobile phones and computers, for decoupling and signal filtering.

On the other hand, medium-voltage multi-layer ceramic capacitors with ratings of 100-500 volts are commonly used in applications such as lighting, motor control, and power supplies. High-voltage MLCCs with ratings of 1,000-5,000 volts are used in high-power applications, including industrial equipment, renewable energy systems, and electric vehicles.

The voltage rating of an MLCC denotes the maximum voltage that the capacitor can withstand without failing or breaking down. It is important to select an MLCC with a voltage rating that matches the requirements of the application to ensure safe and reliable operation.

7. The size of multilayer ceramic capacitor

The size of a multilayer ceramic capacitor varies depending on the specific product and application.

Multi-layer ceramic capacitors are available in a wide range of sizes, from small surface-mount components that are just a few millimeters in length and width, to larger through-hole components that can be several centimeters in length and width.

The size of an multi-layer ceramic capacitor is determined by the number of ceramic layers, the thickness of each layer, and the overall capacitance value required for the application.

multilayer ceramic capacitors come in different sizes, capacitance values, and voltage ratings, making them ideal for use in diverse applications, from consumer electronics to industrial machinery and automobiles.

The thickness of a multilayer ceramic capacitor varies depending on the number of ceramic layers and the specific product design.

Generally, the thickness of an multi-layer ceramic capacitor ranges from around 0.3mm to 3mm. The thickness of an multi-layer ceramic capacitor is also closely related to its capacitance value, as a thicker dielectric layer allows for a larger electrode area and thus a higher capacitance.

The manufacturing process for multi-layer ceramic capacitors involves the careful selection and blending of raw materials, followed by several steps, including mixing, casting, electrode deposition, layer stacking, pressing, and sintering. As technology and manufacturing processes continue to advance, Multi-layer ceramic capacitors are expected to remain a crucial component in the electronics industry.

To learn more about our MLCC offerings and how they can elevate the performance of your electronic designs,

please visit our website https://hongdacap.com.hk/

or contact our dedicated team at sales@hongdacap.com.hk