Introduction

In this technical review, we will be analyzing the performance of KEMET's C0402C104K8RAC7867 capacitor in comparison to a statistical benchmark formed from other components of the same value. The component under consideration is a 100nF ceramic capacitor (X7R) with a tolerance of ±10% and a voltage rating of 10V. It is designed for surface mounting and comes in an 0402 (1005 Metric) package. The main performance characteristics that will be critiqued are capacitance, series resistance, dissipation factor, and quality factor. Performance data has been captured at two specified voltage levels, 1 Volt and 10 Volts, and at various test frequencies ranging from 5 kHz to 1 MHz.

PROS:

• Comparable series capacitance values to the benchmark data at most test frequencies
• Generally low series resistance
• Higher quality factor values in comparison to the benchmark at low test frequencies (e.g., 5 kHz to 20 kHz)

CONS:

• Series capacitance values start to variate from the benchmark data at higher test frequencies (e.g., 20 kHz and beyond)
• Higher dissipation factor values in comparison to the benchmark resulting in lower overall quality factor at higher test frequencies

Impedance

The performance of the KEMET C0402C104K8RAC7867 capacitor exhibits good impedance characteristics relative to the statistical benchmark throughout a wide range of frequencies and voltages. To evaluate its performance, impedance values were measured at various test frequencies and voltages, offering insights into the capacitor's suitability for different applications.

Under a test voltage of 1V, the impedance values alter with increasing frequencies. For a comprehensive analysis, it is helpful to compare impedance measurements taken at specific frequency points. At a low frequency of 5Hz, the impedance value of 300.2k Ohms is slightly lower than the benchmark average of 313.4k Ohms. However, it falls well within the acceptable minimum and maximum range of 278k - 345.9k Ohms. As the frequency increases to 100Hz, the impedance value of 15.22k Ohms approximates the benchmark average of 15.9k Ohms. This trend of impedance behavior is present with further increases in frequency, such as at 500kHz, where the impedance value is 3.562k Ohms, compared to the average benchmark value of 3.849k Ohms.

When the voltage is increased to 10V, the impedance measurements exhibit similar performance trends. At 50kHz, the impedance value of 31.62k Ohms is competitive when compared to the benchmark average of 34.91k Ohms. Furthermore, at 100kHz, the impedance value of 16.76k Ohms aligns well with the benchmark average of 18.07k Ohms.

Taking into account these statistical benchmark data points, the KEMET C0402C104K8RAC7867 capacitor demonstrates competitive impedance performance over a broad range of voltage and frequency conditions. It is essential for designers to consider the influence of these variables on impedance performance when evaluating a capacitor for a specific application. With this data, the C0402C104K8RAC7867 capacitor showcases its potential applicability and effectiveness across various electronics designs and products, making it a noteworthy option in diverse contexts.

Capacitance

When comparing the C0402C104K8RAC7867 LCR measurements against statistical benchmarks, the test results at 1 volt reveal that this capacitor offers impressive performance, particularly in the entire tested frequency range. The capacitor's performance is remarkable, especially at low frequencies (from 5Hz to 10kHz), where the measured series capacitance stays consistently above the average values observed in the benchmark data, showing an improvement of up to 4.28nF at 10kHz compared to the average.

However, it is essential to note a slight decrease in performance at higher frequencies, as the capacitance values begin to converge with the typical range in the benchmark. For instance, at 1MHz, the capacitance is only 0.54nF above the benchmark. This observation suggests a potential need for enhanced high-frequency response in this capacitor.

Concerning the LCR measurements at 10 volts, C0402C104K8RAC7867 demonstrates a similar trend of performance. The values at lower frequencies, particularly from 5Hz to 1kHz, stay in close proximity to the benchmark data, except for a noticeable deviation at 5kHz, where the capacitor outperforms the benchmark by an impressive margin of 1.69nF. Consequently, this results in a shifting trend in the mid-frequency range.

From 10kHz to 1MHz, the capacitor's values fluctuate around the benchmark, both above and below average, with the most notable difference of 3.64nF below the average at 20kHz. Despite these oscillations, the overall capacitor's performance remains relatively coherent with other components in its category, indicating potential for further enhancements in future iterations to achieve better consistency and optimize the performance across the entire frequency range.

Series Resistance

During our evaluation of the KEMET C0402C104K8RAC7867 capacitor, we conducted LCR measurements to determine the component's series resistance. To ensure accuracy and reliability, we compared these measurements to statistical benchmark data. Our observations were focused on varying test voltages and frequency ranges, uncovering that the component exhibited a notable divergence from the benchmark values at both low and high test frequencies.

Specifically, at a test voltage of 1 Volt and in the lower test frequency range of 5 kHz to 10 kHz, there was a distinct difference from the benchmark. At 5 kHz, the observed series resistance was 8.886 kΩ, which is noticeably higher than the benchmark value of 8.751 kΩ. However, the divergence decreased at higher test frequencies, such as 500 kHz and 1 MHz, with measured series resistance values of 96.72 mΩ and 70.07 mΩ, respectively, that were much closer to the benchmark.

When we conducted the LCR measurements at a higher test voltage of 10 Volts, a more drastic departure from the benchmark values was observed. At a 5 kHz test frequency, the measured series resistance was 3.96 kΩ, significantly lower than the 8.734 kΩ benchmark value. Furthermore, the deviation persisted at higher test frequencies like 200 kHz, 500 kHz, and 1 MHz, measuring 403 mΩ, 148.1 mΩ, and 70.07 mΩ, respectively, which consistently strayed from the statistical benchmark values.

With these measurements in mind, electronics engineers should pay close attention to the distinct series resistance values exhibited by the KEMET C0402C104K8RAC7867 capacitor. When evaluating the component's suitability for specific applications, it is essential to consider these characteristics to avoid any potential performance issues or unforeseen interactions within the target electronic systems.

Dissipation Factor and Quality Factor

In evaluating the KEMET C0402C104K8RAC7867 capacitor's performance, we will focus on its Dissipation Factor (Df) and Quality Factor (Q) in comparison to other 100nF capacitors within the Ceramic: X7R category. We will utilize specific LCR measurement data, collected at 1 Volt and 10 Volts across various test frequencies, to assess whether this device is a suitable option.

For the tests conducted at 1 Volt, the KEMET C0402C104K8RAC7867 displays Df values ranging from 0.021 to 0.039 and Q values from 25.66 to 47.64. Given that a low Df is preferable, this capacitor demonstrates a relatively consistent and stable performance, with its highest Q value of 47.64 occurring at 150 kHz. When comparing these results to the benchmark data across the Ceramic: X7R category, the KEMET C0402C104K8RAC7867 performs within the average range.

Upon analyzing the 10 Volts LCR measurements, we observe Df values between 0.011 and 0.064, as well as Q values from 15.74 to 141.85. It is important to note that at the test frequency of 5 Hz, the capacitor exhibits an exceptionally low Df of 0.011 and high Q of 141.85, however its performance dips in the mid-frequency range. The Q values for the KEMET C0402C104K8RAC7867 demonstrate an increase from 100 kHz to 400 kHz, illustrating relatively stable performance compared to the statistical benchmark.

Overall, the KEMET C0402C104K8RAC7867 capacitor exhibits generally stable and consistent performance in the desired attributes of Df and Q, positioning it as a potential choice for engineers who prioritize these features in their Ceramic: X7R capacitors. Nevertheless, it is crucial to consider this performance in the context of your specific requirements, particularly given the considerable dip in Q values experienced within the mid-frequency range at 10 Volts.

Comparative Analysis

Conclusion

In conclusion, the KEMET C0402C104K8RAC7867 ceramic capacitor performs reasonably well against the statistical benchmark when considering its impedance, series resistance, and dissipation factor across all voltages and frequencies tested. Overall, this capacitor can be a suitable option for engineers who require a capacitor with moderate performance within their designs.

When comparing the capacitor with the statistical benchmark data at a 1 V test voltage, it generally exhibits lower impedance, lower series resistance, and lower dissipation factors. However, the performance difference is not massive in comparison to the average benchmark data, and the capacitor maintains a consistent performance at the higher 10 V test voltage. The capacitance values of the capacitor remained fairly stable across a wide range of frequencies.

Regarding the quality factor, C0402C104K8RAC7867's performance remains notably above the benchmark minimum but is generally closer to the benchmark averages. This indicates that the capacitor is slightly above average in quality factor for components in its class.

Ultimately, engineers exploring whether the C0402C104K8RAC7867 ceramic capacitor is an optimal choice should carefully consider their design requirements, prioritizing nearby components that might benefit from the slightly better performance of the KEMET capacitor. Depending on the relative importance of impedance, series resistance, dissipation factor, and quality, this capacitor may or may not be the best fit for your project.