Table of Contents

• What is a Capacitor?
• Types of PCB Capacitors
• Ceramic Capacitors
• Electrolytic Capacitors
• Tantalum Capacitors
• Film Capacitors
• Capacitor Specifications
• Capacitance
• Voltage Rating
• Tolerance
• Temperature Coefficient
• Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR)
• Applications of PCB Capacitors
• Power Supply Decoupling
• Filtering
• Timing Circuits
• Coupling and Decoupling
• How to Choose the Right PCB Capacitor
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Conclusion

What is a Capacitor?

A capacitor is a passive two-terminal electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. It consists of two conducting plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. When a voltage is applied across the plates, an electric field develops across the dielectric, causing positive charge to collect on one plate and negative charge on the other plate.

The amount of charge that a capacitor can store depends on its capacitance, which is measured in farads (F). The capacitance is determined by three factors:

1. The area of the plates (A)
2. The distance between the plates (d)
3. The dielectric constant (ε) of the insulating material

The capacitance can be calculated using the following formula:

C = (ε × A) / d

where:
– C is the capacitance in farads (F)
– ε is the dielectric constant of the insulating material
– A is the area of the plates in square meters (m²)
– d is the distance between the plates in meters (m)

Types of PCB Capacitors

There are several types of PCB capacitors, each with its own characteristics and applications. The most common types are:

Ceramic Capacitors

Ceramic capacitors are the most widely used type of capacitor in PCB design. They are made of a ceramic dielectric material sandwiched between two metal plates. Ceramic capacitors are known for their low cost, small size, and excellent high-frequency performance.

Ceramic capacitors can be further divided into two subclasses based on their dielectric type:

1. Class 1 (C0G/NP0): These capacitors have a very stable temperature coefficient and are suitable for high-precision applications, such as timing circuits and resonant circuits.

2. Class 2 (X7R, X5R, Y5V): These capacitors have a higher dielectric constant but a less stable temperature coefficient compared to Class 1 capacitors. They are commonly used for bypassing, decoupling, and filtering applications.

Characteristic	Class 1 (C0G/NP0)	Class 2 (X7R, X5R, Y5V)
Temperature Coefficient	Very stable (±30 ppm/°C)	Less stable (±15% to ±22% over temperature range)
Dielectric Constant	Low (~10-200)	High (~250-20,000)
Capacitance Range	Low (1 pF to 10 nF)	High (100 pF to 100 µF)
Voltage Range	16V to 630V	6.3V to 100V
Applications	High-precision, timing circuits, resonant circuits	Bypassing, decoupling, filtering

Electrolytic Capacitors

Electrolytic capacitors are polarized capacitors that use an electrolyte as one of their plates and an oxide layer as the dielectric. They are available in two main types: aluminum electrolytic capacitors and tantalum electrolytic capacitors.

Aluminum electrolytic capacitors offer high capacitance values in a relatively small package, making them suitable for power supply filtering and decoupling applications. However, they have higher ESR and lower frequency response compared to other types of capacitors.

Tantalum electrolytic capacitors, on the other hand, provide a higher capacitance per volume and lower ESR than aluminum electrolytic capacitors. They are more expensive but offer better performance in low-voltage, high-frequency applications.

Characteristic	Aluminum Electrolytic	Tantalum Electrolytic
Capacitance Range	1 µF to 2.2 mF	0.1 µF to 1000 µF
Voltage Range	6.3V to 450V	2.5V to 50V
ESR	High	Low
Frequency Response	Low	High
Applications	Power supply filtering, decoupling	Low-voltage, high-frequency applications

Film Capacitors

Film capacitors use a thin plastic film as the dielectric material and metal foils as the electrodes. They offer high stability, low losses, and excellent frequency response, making them suitable for applications such as filtering, timing, and coupling.

Common types of film capacitors include polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) capacitors.

Characteristic	Polyester (PET)	Polypropylene (PP)	Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)
Capacitance Range	0.001 µF to 10 µF	100 pF to 10 µF	0.001 µF to 1 µF
Voltage Range	50V to 1000V	63V to 2000V	16V to 100V
Temperature Range	-55°C to +125°C	-55°C to +105°C	-55°C to +150°C
Dielectric Constant	3.3	2.2	3.0
Applications	General purpose, coupling, decoupling	High-frequency, high-voltage, AC applications	High-temperature, high-frequency applications

Capacitor Specifications

When selecting a PCB capacitor, it is essential to understand its key specifications to ensure proper performance and reliability in your circuit. The most important specifications include:

Capacitance

Capacitance is the measure of a capacitor’s ability to store electrical charge. It is expressed in farads (F) and typically ranges from picofarads (pF) to milliFarads (mF) for PCB capacitors. The required capacitance value depends on the specific application and circuit requirements.

Voltage Rating

The voltage rating specifies the maximum voltage that can be safely applied to the capacitor without causing damage or degrading its performance. It is crucial to choose a capacitor with a voltage rating higher than the maximum expected voltage in your circuit.

Tolerance

Tolerance indicates the allowable variation in capacitance from its nominal value. It is expressed as a percentage, such as ±5%, ±10%, or ±20%. Tighter tolerance capacitors are required for high-precision applications, while wider tolerance capacitors are suitable for general-purpose use.

Temperature Coefficient

The temperature coefficient describes how the capacitance value changes with temperature. It is expressed in parts per million per degree Celsius (ppm/°C). For applications where capacitance stability over temperature is critical, such as timing circuits, it is important to choose capacitors with low temperature coefficients, such as C0G/NP0 ceramic capacitors.

Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR)

ESR is the measure of a capacitor’s internal resistance at a specific frequency. Lower ESR values are desirable for high-frequency applications and power supply decoupling, as they result in lower power losses and better performance. Tantalum and ceramic capacitors generally have lower ESR compared to aluminum electrolytic capacitors.

Applications of PCB Capacitors

PCB capacitors find use in a wide range of electronic applications. Some of the most common applications include:

Power Supply Decoupling

Decoupling capacitors are used to reduce noise and ripple on power supply lines. They are placed close to the power pins of integrated circuits (ICs) to provide a low-impedance path for high-frequency noise, effectively filtering it out. Ceramic capacitors, particularly X7R and X5R types, are commonly used for decoupling due to their low ESR and good high-frequency performance.

Filtering

Capacitors are used in various filter circuits, such as low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass filters. They are combined with resistors and/or inductors to attenuate or remove unwanted frequency components from a signal. Film capacitors, such as polyester and polypropylene types, are often used in filtering applications due to their high stability and low losses.

Timing Circuits

Capacitors are essential components in timing circuits, such as RC oscillators and timers. They are used in conjunction with resistors to create time delays or generate clock signals. For accurate timing, capacitors with low temperature coefficients and tight tolerances, such as C0G/NP0 ceramic capacitors, are preferred.

Coupling and Decoupling

Coupling capacitors are used to transfer AC signals between stages while blocking DC components. Decoupling capacitors, on the other hand, are used to reduce the effect of noise and interference between different parts of a circuit. Film and ceramic capacitors are commonly used for coupling and decoupling applications.

How to Choose the Right PCB Capacitor

Selecting the appropriate PCB capacitor for your application involves considering several factors:

1. Determine the required capacitance value based on your circuit requirements.
2. Choose a capacitor with a voltage rating higher than the maximum expected voltage in your circuit.
3. Consider the required tolerance and temperature stability for your application.
4. Evaluate the frequency response and ESR requirements of your circuit.
5. Select a capacitor type that meets your size, cost, and performance requirements.

It is also essential to consider the operating environment, such as temperature range, humidity, and vibration, when choosing a capacitor. Consulting the manufacturer’s datasheets and application notes can help you make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between a polarized and non-polarized capacitor?

Polarized capacitors, such as aluminum and tantalum electrolytic capacitors, have a specific positive and negative terminal and must be connected with the correct polarity in a circuit. Non-polarized capacitors, such as ceramic, film, and mica capacitors, can be connected in any orientation without affecting their performance.

2. What happens if a capacitor’s voltage rating is exceeded?

If a capacitor is subjected to a voltage higher than its rated voltage, it may suffer from dielectric breakdown, leading to a short circuit or even an explosion. Always choose a capacitor with a voltage rating higher than the maximum expected voltage in your circuit to ensure safe and reliable operation.

3. Can I replace a capacitor with one of a different type?

In some cases, replacing a capacitor with a different type may be possible, provided that the new capacitor meets or exceeds the required specifications, such as capacitance, voltage rating, and ESR. However, it is essential to consider the specific characteristics of each capacitor type and how they may affect circuit performance. It is always best to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations or seek advice from an experienced engineer before making substitutions.

4. How do I determine the capacitance value needed for my application?

The required capacitance value depends on the specific application and circuit requirements. For example, in a power supply decoupling application, the capacitance value is determined by factors such as the expected noise frequency, the target impedance, and the circuit’s current draw. In timing circuits, the capacitance value is calculated based on the desired time constant and the resistance value. Refer to application notes, design guidelines, and calculators provided by capacitor manufacturers to help determine the appropriate capacitance value for your application.

5. What is the lifespan of a PCB capacitor?

The lifespan of a PCB capacitor depends on various factors, including the capacitor type, operating temperature, voltage stress, and environmental conditions. Electrolytic capacitors, particularly aluminum electrolytic capacitors, have a limited lifespan due to the gradual evaporation of the electrolyte. Film and ceramic capacitors generally have a longer lifespan, but they can still degrade over time due to factors such as temperature cycling and voltage stress. Consult the manufacturer’s datasheets for information on the expected lifespan and recommended operating conditions for specific capacitor types.

Conclusion

PCB capacitors are essential components in electronic circuits, serving various purposes such as filtering, decoupling, timing, and coupling. Understanding the different types of capacitors, their characteristics, and their applications is crucial for designing reliable and high-performance electronic systems.

When selecting a PCB capacitor, consider factors such as capacitance value, voltage rating, tolerance, temperature coefficient, and ESR. Consulting manufacturer datasheets and application notes can help you make an informed decision and ensure optimal performance in your specific application.

By carefully choosing the right PCB capacitor and following best design practices, you can create robust and efficient electronic circuits that meet your project’s requirements.