Introduction

The GRM32EC81A476ME19K, manufactured by Murata Electronics, is a Ceramic, X6S dielectric capacitor designed for high-performance applications. This Surface Mount, 1210 (3225 Metric) package capacitor has a nominal capacitance value of 47μF with a ±20% tolerance and a voltage rating of 10V. In this technical review, we will be analyzing the performance of this capacitor in comparison to a statistical benchmark, formed from other components of the same value. Our objective is to inform electronics engineers of the applicability of this capacitor for their circuits, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of its performance parameters.

• High-quality Ceramic X6S dielectric material
• Wide range of operating frequencies
• High values of Quality Factor at specific test frequencies
• Overall stable Dissipation Factor values

• Significant deviations in Series Capacitance across different test frequencies
• Not ideal for circuits requiring very low Dissipation Factor at high frequencies
• Some test data missing or showing no results

In the sections that follow, we will cover various performance aspects in depth, including Capacitance, Series Resistance, Dissipation Factor and Quality Factor, and provide a comprehensive Comparative Analysis. By the end of this review, electronics engineers should have a clear understanding of the GRM32EC81A476ME19K Ceramic Capacitor, the performance it offers, and where it will or will not fit well in their circuit designs.

Impedance

The GRM32EC81A476ME19K demonstrates impressive impedance performance at 1V across various test frequency ranges. In the lower test frequency range (5-200kHz), the capacitor displays a slightly higher average impedance compared to the typical values in this category. Although this may not be ideal for certain applications, there are some circumstances where a mildly increased resistance may offer specific advantages, such as controlled signal filtering. Nonetheless, it is important to consider the desired impedance performance based on the intended application.

When evaluating the high frequency regime (200-500kHz), the GRM32EC81A476ME19K actually achieves a relatively lower average impedance. This particular characteristic makes it an excellent choice for applications where minimal impedance is required across these frequency ranges, such as in high-speed communication systems, power supplies, and filtering circuits.

For electronic engineers seeking components suitable for high-voltage applications, evaluating the capacitor's performance at 10V is crucial. When compared to the average component in its class, the GRM32EC81A476ME19K maintains commendable impedance performance, even at higher voltage levels. It indeed presents a higher impedance than the typical statistical benchmark, signifying its ability to withstand increased voltage demands without demonstrating any significant drop in performance.

When selecting this capacitor, engineers should take into account the desired impedance levels for each frequency range and the specific requirements of the intended application. The GRM32EC81A476ME19K capacitor delivers a distinct blend of performance features, making it a suitable choice for a wide array of electronic systems and applications.

Capacitance

The Murata Electronics GRM32EC81A476ME19K Ceramic X6S capacitor, which has a nominal capacitance value of 47μF and a tolerance of ±20%, was assessed across a frequency range of 5Hz to 1MHz to ascertain its performance in relation to the statistical benchmark. The analysis emphasizes the evaluation of the component data obtained at 1V and compares it to the benchmark data.

At a test frequency of 5Hz, the capacitor exhibited a series capacitance of 54.53μF. This value exceeds the average benchmark value of 49.2μF and suggests superior performance. Similarly, at 10Hz, the capacitor registered a capacitance value of 53.99μF, surpassing the benchmark value of 48.14μF. This trend of outperforming the benchmark persisted as the test frequency increased. For example, at 50Hz, the component capacitance value reached 49.19μF, in contrast to the average benchmark capacitance of 45.91μF; at 100Hz, the capacitor registered a capacitance value of 45.74μF, which is above the benchmark value of 44.55μF.

Nonetheless, as the test frequency approached the higher end of the spectrum, the capacitor exhibited certain deviations from the statistical benchmark data. For instance, at 500kHz and 600kHz, the capacitance values were 68.51μF and 131.2μF, respectively. These values are significantly higher than the corresponding benchmark data of 40.8μF and 79.05μF. These discrepancies could indicate performance limitations at specific high frequencies. To further corroborate these findings, it would be beneficial to conduct additional tests and consult with the manufacturer's specifications.

Series Resistance

In this analysis, we evaluate the series resistance performance of Murata Electronics' GRM32EC81A476ME19K capacitor by comparing it to a statistical benchmark formed from other capacitors of the same value. The GRM32EC81A476ME19K is a ceramic capacitor with a nominal capacitance of 47μF and a tolerance of ±20%.

Upon examining the LCR (Inductance-Capacitance-Resistance) measurements at 1 Volt, this capacitor's series resistance outperforms the average statistical benchmark across a range of test frequencies. Notably, at specific test frequencies such as 5 kHz, 10 kHz, and 20 kHz, its series resistance is substantially lower than the average benchmarks. Furthermore, its series resistance value is consistently lower than the max series resistance values reported for the statistical benchmark. This impressive performance highlights the GRM32EC81A476ME19K capacitor's effective design and manufacturing process.

At higher test voltages, the GRM32EC81A476ME19K capacitor continues to perform admirably. With LCR measurements taken at 10 Volts, its series resistance remains lower than both the statistical average and max values across the full frequency spectrum. The performance difference between this specific component and the benchmark data is notably significant at test frequencies of 50 kHz, 75 kHz, 100 kHz, and 150 kHz. This indicates the capacitor's ability to maintain low series resistance even at higher voltages, a critical factor for engineers seeking the optimal capacitor choice for various applications, such as power supply filters, audio crossovers, and coupling decoupling circuits.

In conclusion, Murata Electronics' GRM32EC81A476ME19K ceramic capacitor demonstrates impressive series resistance performance compared to the statistical benchmark for capacitors with similar value. Its consistently lower series resistance values, combined with its resilience at higher test voltages, position this capacitor as a strong contender for engineers looking for suitable capacitor options. Understanding this component's performance data could prove valuable for optimizing the design and function of a wide range of electronic applications.

Dissipation Factor and Quality Factor

The Dissipation Factor (Df) of the Murata Electronics GRM32EC81A476ME19K capacitor demonstrates a significant variation, falling within a range of 0.031 (1kHz, 1Volt) to 9.053 (550kHz, 1Volt). It is crucial to note that optimal performance is achieved at lower frequencies, particularly around the 1kHz range, as higher frequencies cause increased Df values—indicating higher energy losses in the component.

The Quality Factor (Q) of the capacitor exhibits a similar pattern, with its values ranging from 1.0 (150kHz, 1Volt) to 32.31 (1kHz, 1Volt). The declining Q factor with increasing frequency implies that capacitance performance deteriorates in high-frequency circuits, which might necessitate exploring alternative capacitors for such applications.

When testing at a higher voltage of 10 Volts, the Df results range between 0.065 (5Hz) and 8.486 (450kHz), while Q values vary from 0.06 (450kHz) to 20.44 (5kHz). These voltage-dependent findings further emphasize that the optimal balance between Df and Q factors can be achieved by prioritizing lower frequencies. Consequently, the Murata Electronics GRM32EC81A476ME19K capacitor may not be the best choice for high-frequency applications but offers sufficient performance in circuits where low frequencies prevail and energy efficiency is a primary concern. Understanding these characteristics can help engineers make more informed decisions when designing circuits and selecting components, ultimately contributing to higher performance and energy efficiency.

Comparative Analysis

Conclusion

The Murata Electronics' GRM32EC81A476ME19K capacitor is a ceramic X6S composition component with a nominal value of 47μF, a tolerance of ±20%, and a 10V voltage rating, targeted for surface mount usage within the 1210 (3225 Metric) package. The following conclusions are drawn from the LCR measurements at 1V and 10V:

Overall, the GRM32EC81A476ME19K's performance is mostly on par with the statistical benchmark at 1V, showcasing commendable impedance, capacitance, and series resistance values across various test frequencies. When comparing the quality factor, dissipation factor, and series capacitance, this capacitor exhibits a comparable performance with the benchmark data, suggesting its suitability for use in applications requiring reliability and consistency.

Surprisingly, at the higher voltage of 10V, the GRM32EC81A476ME19K capacitor continues to display considerably consistent performance in impedance and series resistance and outstanding capacitance values. However, it is important to note that performance in quality factor and dissipation factor remarkably decreases at frequencies above 550 kHz, with missing data for higher frequencies.

In conclusion, the Murata Electronics GRM32EC81A476ME19K capacitor is an excellent choice for applications requiring stable performance and consistency across different frequencies up to 500 kHz. While it may not perform as strongly in higher frequencies above 550 kHz, it maintains a competitive position against the benchmark data. This capacitor can be considered as a fitting option for engineers who seek reliable, consistent, and high-quality capacitors within their circuit designs.