Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCC) | High-frequency circuits, mobile devices, IoT | Capacitance Tolerance: ±5% (IEC 60068-2-18) ▲ Voltage Rating: 16V–50V (IEC 60384-14) Size: 0201–1206 (EIA standard) | ▲ Precision: ±5% tolerance for critical circuits Space Efficiency: Compact SMD design (0201 as small as 0.6×0.3 mm) | Limited High-Capacitance: Max 100 µF (vs. electrolytic) Temperature Drift: ±15% at 85°C (X7R) |
Film Capacitors | Power supplies, audio equipment, automotive | Capacitance Range: 0.001 µF–10,000 µF (IEC 60384-1) Temperature Stability: ±1% over -40°C–+125°C | High Reliability: Longer lifespan in harsh environments Low ESR: Ideal for high-current pulses | Bulkier: Larger footprint than MLCC Costlier: Higher material expenses |
Electrolytic Capacitors | Power supplies, SMPS, DC-Link filtering | Capacitance: 1 µF–10,000 µF (IEC 60384-4) Voltage: Up to 500V (UL 1414) | High Capacitance: Stores large energy for power applications Cost-Effective: Affordable for bulk storage | Limited Lifespan: Degrades over time (5,000–10,000 hours) Polarized: Only for DC circuits |
Tantalum Capacitors | Mobile devices, automotive, medical | Capacitance: 1 nF–100 µF (IEC 60384-3) ESR: 5–50 mΩ (JESD22-B103) ▲ Ripple Current: 100–500 mA | ▲ Low ESR: Superior for high-frequency decoupling High Energy Density: Compact size for high capacitance | Failure Risk: Catastrophic failure in overvoltage scenarios |
Ceramic Capacitors (Base Tier) | General-purpose electronics, consumer devices | Tolerance: ±10% (IEC 60068-2-18) Temperature Range: -55°C–+125°C (AEC-Q200) | Cost-Effective: Lower price point for non-critical applications Robust: Resistant to mechanical stress | Lower Precision: ±10% tolerance limits accuracy Limited Voltage: Max 50V (vs. advanced tiers) |
Ceramic Capacitors (Advanced Tier) | High-precision circuits, aerospace, industrial | Tolerance: ±5% (IEC 60068-2-18) ▲ Voltage Rating: 50V (IEC 60384-14) ▲ Temperature Stability: ±10% (X7R/X5R) | ▲ Precision: ±5% tolerance for calibration ▲ High Voltage Handling: Supports 50V for robust applications | Higher Cost: Premium materials increase price |