Single-Layer/Multilayer Chip Capacitors Give A Lift At Microwave Levels

Nov. 15, 2004

When working at microwave frequencies, the smaller the capacitor, the better. That's just the case with the CLB and CLG series of single-layer ceramic capacitors and the GMA series of multilayer ceramic capacitors. Crafted by Murata, they...

Roger Allan

All three series, which include gold terminations for wire and die bonding, are well suited for high-density mounting applications. Mounting can be done by wire bonding via gold wires and die bonding using gold-tin solder.

For the CLB series, typical chip size ranges from 0.25 by 0.25 by 035 in. to 0.9 by 0.9 by 0.35 in. Capacitance ranges from 2 to 390 pF (0.1 to 4300 pF is also available) at a temperature coefficient as low as ±10% (from 25°C to 85°C). Working voltage is rated at 100 V.

For the CLG series, typical chip size ranges from 0.5 by 0.5 by 0.25 in. to 0.9 by 0.9 by 0.25 in. Capacitance ranges from 33 to 20 pF (as low as 0.5 pF is also available) at a temperature coefficient down to ±10% (from 25°C to 85°C). Working voltage is rated at 100 V.

Capacitors in the top-of-the line GMA series are available in three chip sizes: 0.38 by 0.38 by 0.3 in., 0.5 by 0.5 by 0.35 in., and 0.8 by 0.8 by 0.5 in. Capacitance ranges from 0.01 mF to 68000 pF, depending on working voltage (6.3, 10, 16, 50, and 100 V) and temperature-coefficient characteristics (X5R, X7R, Y5R, and Y5V).

All three series are available now. Prices range from $0.20 to $1 each, depending on size, series type, capacitance value, and quantities purchased.

Murata Electronics North Americawww.murata.com (770) 433-5782

About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.