Ceramic capacitors – find manufacturers and suppliers

Ceramic capacitors are electrical capacitors whose dielectric is made of ceramic and are often used in high-frequency circuits, interference suppression and filter applications in almost all electronic devices.

They store electrical charge, are compact, inexpensive and usually have small capacitances. Multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCCs) are the most commonly used discrete components in electronics, with 1 trillion units produced annually.

Below you will find an overview of the functionality, structure and typical applications of ceramic capacitors as well as an overview of their advantages, limitations and disadvantages:

How ceramic capacitors work:

The basic idea of every capacitor is to store electrical energy in an electrical field between its electrodes.
The capacitance C depends on the surface area of the electrodes, the distance between them and the permittivity ε of the dielectric.
Ceramics have a high dielectric constant, which means that high capacitance values are possible in a small space.
When a voltage is applied, equal but opposite charges accumulate on the electrodes.
If the voltage is removed, the charge remains stored and can be released again.

Structure of ceramic capacitors:

Two or more conductive plates (electrodes) are separated by layers of ceramic.
These stacks are usually pressed together, fired and provided with connections, either wires or SMD ends.
The ceramic material serves as an insulator and determines the electrical properties of the capacitor.

There are two main types of ceramic capacitors:

1. Disk capacitors - older, with wire leads.
2. Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors MLCCs - tiny, rectangular components with many stacked layers.

A distinction is made depending on the type of ceramic:

1. Class 1 e.g. NP0/C0G: Very stable capacitance, low losses, almost temperature-independent.
2. Class 2 e.g. X7R, Y5V: Higher capacitance per volume, but greater dependence on temperature and voltage.
3. Class 3 is less standardized than classes 1 and 2: Very high capacitance values per volume (significantly higher than class 2), but highly dependent on temperature, voltage and ageing.

Typical applications of ceramic capacitors:

1. Decoupling/bypass:
Removing high frequency noise from power supplies (MLCCs soldered directly to IC pins)

2. Filtering:
In LC or RC filters for signals, power supplies

3. Resonant circuits:
In radio technology, oscillators (class 1 types for frequency stability)

4. Coupling/blocking:
DC voltage blocking for alternating current signals

5. Snubber circuits:
Interception of voltage peaks in switches and relays

6. High-voltage applications:
Disk ceramic capacitors for up to several kV (e.g. in tube amplifiers)

Advantages of ceramic capacitors:

• Small size
• High capacitance values per volume (especially with MLCCs)
• Wide voltage range (several volts to several kV)
• Self-healing effect (only limited, with small breakdowns)
• Low losses (class 1 types)
• Very inexpensive and mass producible

Limitations and disadvantages of ceramic capacitors:

• Strong capacitance change with temperature/voltage (especially class 2/3).
• No polarized structure → not for rectified high voltages with polarity protection (such as electrolytic capacitors).
• Piezoelectric effect (microphony, humming) with some types.
• Voltage dip possible under mechanical load.

Ceramic capacitors are versatile, compact and cost-effective components for energy storage and signal filtering that are used in almost all electronic devices. Their properties vary depending on the ceramic class, making them suitable for both high-precision and high-capacity applications.

Below you will find an overview of the most important points to consider when purchasing ceramic capacitors:

When purchasing ceramic capacitors, you should above all ensure that you specify the required electrical key data precisely (capacitance, dielectric strength, tolerance, temperature range) and select the correct dielectric type (class 1, 2 or 3) to suit the application.

• Before purchasing ceramic capacitors, the purchasing department should precisely define the electrical specifications:
• Capacitance value: carefully select the required nominal value (pF to µF range).
• Tolerance: Critical for precise circuits (e.g. ±1% for filters).
• Dielectric strength: Always dimension with a safety margin above the actual operating voltage.
• Temperature coefficient class 1 (stable) or class 2/3 (variable) depending on requirements.
• Dissipation factor / ESR: Relevant for high-frequency or power applications.
• Aging behavior: Consider especially for class 2 and 3 (capacitance drop over time).
• The dielectric class must also be selected according to the requirements:
• For high-precision filters or timing circuits → class 1 (C0G/NP0).
• For general decoupling → class 2 (X7R, X5R).
• For highest capacitance density with uncritical stability → class 3.
• Purchasers should always check the data sheet curves with regard to capacitance drift with changes in temperature and voltage.
• The design and size depend on the technical requirements and the intended assembly method:
• SMT - Surface Mount Technology or THT - Through-Hole Technology.
• SMD (MLCCs) dominate modern electronics. The sizes e.g. 0402, 0603, 1206 influence the assembly process and the costs.
• Wired types (disks) are suitable for special applications and through-hole mounting (THT).
• Also consider the mechanical load capacity and solderability.
• The rated voltage must be significantly higher than the operating voltage (including transient overvoltages).
• It should be noted that the voltage dependence of the capacitance is critical, especially for class 2/3.
• Ripple currents and self-heating, especially in power electronics, should also not be forgotten.
• The operating environment is also important for the purchase (e.g. automotive -40 °C to +125 °C or industrial applications).
• X7R, for example, is specified up to 125 °C, special automotive types often up to 150 °C.
• Professional purchasing also takes into account the reliability of the capacitors:
• Highly reliable types for automotive, aviation and medical technology (AEC-Q200 compliant, MIL specifications).
• The manufacturer's specifications on service life, failure rates (MTTF, FIT), moisture resistance and vibration test results should be observed.
• The unit price of ceramic capacitors is heavily dependent on the size, class and dielectric strength.
• Recurring MLCC shortages can drive up prices. This often makes strategic procurement sensible.
• Delivery times must be taken into account, especially for special values or automotive quality.
• Buyers should consider other additional factors:
• Piezoelectric effects: Class 2/3 capacitors can be "microphonic" (noise under vibration → design decision).
• ESD resistance: Critical in sensitive circuits.
• Layout and decoupling strategy: Many small MLCCs in parallel are often better than a few large ones.
• Packaging unit: Roll, tape, bulk - relevant for assembly line.

When purchasing ceramic capacitors professionally, it is important to define the electrical requirements precisely, select the right class and quality for the application and check suppliers carefully. This is the only way to ensure the desired performance, reliability and cost optimization.

Ceramic capacitors can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Ceramic capacitors from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.