TDK Corporation Ceramic Capacitors

C0G (also known as NP0) and X7R are different ceramic dielectric materials with distinct characteristics. C0G offers the most stable capacitance over temperature with nearly zero temperature coefficient (0±30 ppm/°C), minimal capacitance loss with DC bias, and excellent aging characteristics. However, C0G has lower capacitance density, making it suitable for timing circuits, filters, and RF applications where precision is critical. X7R provides significantly higher capacitance density (up to 10x or more compared to C0G in the same package size) but exhibits greater capacitance variation with temperature (±15% from -55°C to +125°C) and DC bias effects. X7R is ideal for decoupling, bypass, and general-purpose applications where moderate stability is acceptable.

Choose C0G for precision applications requiring stable capacitance; select X7R for decoupling and general-purpose applications where higher capacitance density is needed.

DC bias significantly affects the capacitance of Class II ceramic capacitors (X5R, X7R, Y5V). When DC voltage is applied, the dielectric material experiences reduced permittivity, causing capacitance to decrease. The effect is more pronounced in smaller package sizes and higher dielectric constant materials. For example, a 10µF X5R capacitor in 0603 package might lose 60-80% of its rated capacitance at 50% of rated voltage. Class I capacitors (C0G/NP0) are virtually immune to DC bias effects. TDK provides DC bias characteristic curves in their datasheets to help designers account for this effect. When selecting capacitors for applications with significant DC bias, it's important to either choose higher nominal capacitance values or select larger package sizes to minimize the capacitance loss.

For applications with high DC bias, consider using C0G dielectric, larger package sizes, or higher nominal capacitance values to ensure sufficient effective capacitance.

TDK offers MLCCs in an extensive range of package sizes to meet diverse application requirements. The smallest standard size is 008004 (0.25mm x 0.125mm) for ultra-compact wearable devices and medical implants. Common sizes include 0201 (0.6mm x 0.3mm), 0402 (1.0mm x 0.5mm), 0603 (1.6mm x 0.8mm), 0805 (2.0mm x 1.25mm), and 1206 (3.2mm x 1.6mm) for general-purpose applications. Larger sizes include 1210 (3.2mm x 2.5mm), 1812 (4.5mm x 3.2mm), and 2220 (5.7mm x 5.0mm) for higher capacitance and voltage requirements. TDK also offers specialized large-case sizes up to 5750 for high-voltage industrial applications. The capacitance and voltage rating generally increase with package size, though advanced thin-layer technology enables high capacitance density even in smaller packages.

Select package size based on PCB space constraints, required capacitance/voltage, and manufacturing process capabilities.

TDK automotive-grade MLCCs are available with different temperature ratings depending on the dielectric type. Standard automotive MLCCs with X7R dielectric are rated for -55°C to +125°C, suitable for most under-hood and cabin applications. For high-temperature applications, TDK offers X8R dielectric MLCCs rated for -55°C to +150°C, ideal for engine compartment electronics, LED lighting systems, and transmission control modules. C0G dielectric automotive capacitors are also available with -55°C to +125°C or -55°C to +150°C ratings. All automotive-grade MLCCs are qualified to AEC-Q200 Rev. E standards and undergo rigorous testing including 1000 temperature cycles (-55°C to +125°C or +150°C), mechanical shock, vibration, and high-temperature operational life testing.

Select X7R for standard automotive applications up to 125°C; choose X8R for high-temperature applications up to 150°C.

TDK MLCC part numbers follow a systematic coding structure that indicates key specifications. For example, in part number C2012X7R1H475K125AC: 'C' indicates commercial grade (CGA for automotive)

'2012' is the metric package size (2.0mm x 1.2mm, equivalent to 0805)

'X7R' is the dielectric type

'1H' indicates rated voltage (1H = 50V)

'475' is capacitance code (47 x 10^5 pF = 4.7µF)

'K' is tolerance (±10%)

'125' indicates thickness (1.25mm)

'A' is a special code

'C' indicates packaging. Understanding this structure helps identify suitable alternatives and verify specifications. TDK provides detailed part number decoding guides in their product literature.

Use TDK's part number decoder tool or contact our FAE team for assistance with part number interpretation and cross-referencing.