The Practical Applications Of Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCC)
The multilayer ceramic capacitor is made up of several layers of ceramic materials. People use this capacitor for several applications, including audio, telecommunications, and video. It is also applicable in RF designing, where low losses are essential. Its electrodes can be base or precious metals. The electrode materials are used to affect the capacitor’s performance. Palladium is commonly used in RF designs since it can tolerate high temperatures and achieve full densifications.
The MLCC is an electrical component that serves the coupling role of the capacitor. This type of capacitance is generally used for electronic circuits when having a good response frequency over the whole range of frequencies is necessary. The multilayer capacitor can be unpolarized and polarized based on the different requirements.
Multilayer capacitors were made by stacking several ceramic discs into a monolithic block. Many companies use this process since it is much cheaper than ceramic tube capacitors. Additionally, it allows for higher capacitance and is compact. It resulted in improved ceramic tube capacitors, and more applications were unlocked. These new types of capacitors were instrumental during the transition to electronic devices from surface-mount technology to through-hole technology during the 1980s.
MLCC Classes
There are several alternative conductive and dielectric layers of the multilayer ceramic capacitor. Dielectric directly affects the MLCC performance. Dielectric is classified into two classes, Class 1 and Class 2. The Class one MLCC provides the best stability and accuracy. Class 2 MLCC is best for high-voltage applications, but class two is primarily good for high-volume and low-frequency applications.
The MLCC has several layers of ceramic materials where the conductive electrodes are squashed in between. These MLCC layers are bonded together through the terminal surfaces. In multilayer ceramic capacitors, you can use conductive wires for connecting electrodes with the ceramic layering.
Multilayer ceramic capacitors are necessary for most electronic devices and enable high performance, integration, and multi-functionality. The MLCCs are prime examples of the recent development and advancements in high-capacitance ceramic materials.
We can also use the components as resistors, voltage regulators, and diodes. You can find them in the circuits as high-frequency chip capacitors.
Others are:
- Class 2 MLCC
Class two of the MLCC is the device having a multilayer structure. These devices are primarily used in electronic applications and can work at severe temperatures. The MLCC’s ohmic losses are measured with the help of the ESR formula.
- Y5V Class 2 MLCC
Y5V ceramic multilayer capacitors are the ideal option for many applications. They can work at a wide range of temperatures, such as -30 to +85 degrees Celsius. They do not have a capacitance of more than 82% of the nominal value. They are accessible in different dielectric types, including X7R, X7S, and C0G.
- Y5V Class 3 MLCC
The Y5V MLCC uses thin dielectric layers that are stacked in series. This type of design is best for bulk capacitance applications and is characterized by a small footprint. It provides high capacitance, but it also has low-temperature dependence. You can use the multilayer ceramic capacitor in many applications, ranging from high-frequency to low-frequency.
- Y5V Class 4 MLCC
The Y5V class 4 multilayer ceramic capacitor is the best choice for applications requiring high capacitance and a low self-discharging rate. The dielectric properties come with high permeability, high capacitance, and low absorption. The data sheets do not specify the resistance or its magnitude. However, it does show the list of impedance. It is the measurement of the multilayer ceramic capacitor resistance to alternating current. You will get higher capacitance with low impedance, but higher impedance provides lesser capacitance.
- Y5V class 5 MLCC
The Y5V class 5 multilayer ceramic capacitor has a sensitivity to temperature of about +85 C. This range of temperature is best for devices that work at room temperature. Additionally, this class of ceramic multilayer capacitors is best for devices that need high capacitance.
- Y5V class 6 MLCC
The ceramic multilayer capacitors have a thin dielectric layer and a small footprint. The lower impedance level allows for more alternating current to flow through them. The impedance is proportional to the 1/1, where the t1 and t2 are the electrodes and dielectric thicknesses. You can find these ceramic multilayer capacitors in different capacitance values.
Applications Of MLCC
The multilayer ceramic capacitor has numerous uses in the electronic industry. Yet the primary use of these ceramic multilayer capacitors is the coupling devices. The coupling capacitor serves as the bridge between two circuits together, so they act as one system.
Multilayer ceramic capacitors have other uses since the capacitor can change the Direct Current voltage frequency. The MLCC is easily changed from its starting capacity to become polarized to the particular frequencies.
These components of the multilayer ceramic capacitor also use AC frequency filters with varying frequencies undergoing the adjustment through the wide range of capacitance values. The frequency range can go from 3 to 6 megahertz based on the needs of the particular circuit.
When used like this, the MLCC also serves as the voltage regulator. It is done through MLCCs’ ability to change the high-voltage pulse into a lower voltage.
Other than the MLCC uses in electronics, these MLCCs also have been used in medications, computer technology, and telecommunications. Most smaller electronic devices also use them for the components, such as mobile phones and computers, especially for analog circuit applications.
Although it is becoming an increasingly common use for MLCCs, we usually use these components as coupling capacitors in the radio receivers and transmitters. They are also useable in high-quality audio applications.
Other Uses Of Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors
Another use of MLCC is in the reverse bias applications within a DC amplifier circuit. In this, the capacitance value of the multilayer ceramic capacitor is changed from low values to high and vice versa to gain the amplifier circuit.
These multilayer ceramic capacitors are also used for noise suppression in radio transmitters and receivers. In this, the capacitor is connected parallel with the circuit while the power supply removes the high-frequency noise from the receivers and transmissions.
The last primary application of multilayer ceramic capacitor is in medicine, where it serves as defibrillator capacitors. They are applied in parallel with the electrical device for controlling cardiac rhythms. This device uses an amount of electric current to shock the patient’s heart to restore normal heart rhythms.
This application of MLCC improves the result achieved through defibrillators that use an ordinary capacitor by introducing a high-voltage level into the circuit. When using MLCC, it is best to note the tolerance to ensure they are compatible with the given application.
Benefits Of Using MLCC
MLCCs are effective in enhancing capacitance and decreasing its size. Another primary benefit of using MLCC is that they are highly resistant to abnormal voltages. While aluminum and tantalum electrolytic capacitors have a 30 to 60 V DC breakdown voltage, the multilayer ceramic capacitor can manage over 200V. This feature of MLCC minimizes the chances of surge voltage or the breakdown of the dielectric in circuits involving the use of semiconductors.
Conclusion
These are all about MLCC and its various uses in different industries. When choosing the size and type of capacitor, it is necessary to remember how long it will take the MLCC to reach its standard operating temperature since it plays an essential role in the performance of electrical devices.
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