Introduction

In this technical review, we will analyze the performance of the GRM033C81E104KE14D capacitor from Murata Electronics, focusing primarily on how it measures up to the statistical benchmark formed from other components of the same value. The GRM033C81E104KE14D is a surface mount ceramic capacitor with a nominal value of 100n, a tolerance of ±10%, and a voltage rating of 25V. The component's composition is Ceramic: X6S, and the package size is 0201 (0603 Metric). The aim of this review is to provide engineers with the necessary information to decide whether this capacitor is an optimal choice for their needs.

Our analysis will include a comparative study of GRM033C81E104KE14D's key performance indicators - capacitance, series resistance, dissipation factor, and quality factor - against benchmark data. The discussion will also touch upon any noteworthy attributes that may uniquely situate the part within its peer group.

The following pros and cons summary encapsulates the key findings of our cumulative assessment:

• Performs satisfactorily in terms of series resistance at lower test frequencies
• Generally fulfills minimum benchmark expectations in capacitor performance
• Offers decent quality and dissipation factors compared to similar components
• Manufactured by a reputable company, Murata Electronics

• Capacitance values tend to fall outside the allowable nominal deviation range at higher test frequencies
• Quality and dissipation factors at certain high test frequencies are subpar compared to indexed values
• Some data unavailable at higher test frequencies and voltages, potentially limiting the scope of analysis

In the subsequent sections, we will delve deeper into each topic to provide a comprehensive understanding of GRM033C81E104KE14D's performance relative to the established statistical benchmark data.

Impedance

When examining the impedance performance of the GRM033C81E104KE14D capacitor through LCR measurements at 1 Volt and 10 Volts, several distinct patterns emerge. At lower frequencies, ranging from 5Hz to 100Hz, this capacitor's impedance remains consistently within the statistical benchmark range or slightly above minimum values, suggesting an average performance at these frequencies. Importantly, however, as the test frequency increases from 100Hz to 1kHz, the component exhibits lower impedance values, reflecting enhanced performance at mid-frequency ranges compared to the benchmark.

As the analysis moves beyond the 1kHz frequency mark, the capacitor's impedance values occasionally dip below the benchmark average at specific points - for instance, at 75kHz, 100kHz, and 150kHz frequencies. However, in some instances (such as at 200kHz), the impedance remains well within the range of benchmark data.

Notably, when the LCR measurement is conducted at 10 Volts, the impedance values deviate from those obtained at 1 Volt, implying a variation in performance across different voltage ratings. In particular, the GRM033C81E104KE14D capacitor seems to exhibit higher impedance at 10 Volts than at 1 Volt, especially within lower frequency ranges (below 100Hz). Conversely, within other mid-frequency ranges (100Hz to 1kHz), the capacitor demonstrates impedance levels similar to those observed at 1 Volt. This behavior highlights the importance of considering both voltage ratings and frequency ranges when evaluating the impedance performance of capacitors in electronic circuits.

Capacitance

In this section, the capacitance performance of the GRM033C81E104KE14D ceramic capacitor rated at a nominal value of 100nF and a tolerance of ±10% is carefully examined. By analyzing its performance against statistical benchmark data, a comprehensive understanding and comparison can be achieved.

LCR measurements at 1 Volt reveal that the GRM033C81E104KE14D's series capacitance values are generally on the higher end of the range compared to the average benchmark values across various test frequencies. For example, at 5Hz, the component exhibits 115nF, compared to the statistical benchmark average value of 101.8nF. Similarly, at 1kHz, the tested capacitor demonstrates a series capacitance of 110.3nF, which surpasses the average benchmark capacitance of 99.04nF. This trend is consistent across other test frequencies as well.

It's crucial to note the impact of voltage in capacitance measurements. Examining the LCR measurements at 10 Volts, the component's response becomes comparatively more erratic. At certain test frequencies, it registers dramatically higher capacitance values than both the statistical benchmarks and its nominal capacitance rating. Notably, at 50kHz and 75kHz, the component measures 115.5nF and 116.2nF respectively, significantly above the statistical benchmark averages of 91.32nF and 89.59nF. However, in other frequency ranges, such as 5kHz - 10kHz, it exhibits capacitance values closer to the benchmark averages.

After meticulously reviewing the GRM033C81E104KE14D's overall performance in the Capacitance section, it can be observed that this ceramic capacitor tends to demonstrate higher capacitance values consistently, especially at lower test voltages. Engineers assessing this component for suitability in their circuits should thoughtfully consider how these deviations from the benchmark values and the non-linear response to voltage changes could potentially impact their design's functionality and performance requirements.

Series Resistance

In this analysis, we will focus on the series resistance, also known as equivalent series resistance (ESR), of the GRM033C81E104KE14D capacitor from Murata Electronics and compare it to the provided benchmark data for other components with the same value.

At 1 Volt, the GRM033C81E104KE14D capacitor exhibits a higher ESR compared to the benchmark in the frequency range between 5Hz and 10kHz. A higher ESR results in higher power dissipation, reduced efficiency, and potentially lower lifecycle for the component. The gap between the two datasets decreases as the tested frequency increases, which indicates that the ESR performance improves with higher frequency. At 10 Volts, the capacitor still appears to have a higher series resistance than the benchmark, especially in the lower frequency range.

It is essential to note that while the Murata GRM033C81E104KE14D capacitor may have a higher ESR compared to the benchmark, this does not necessarily make it unsuitable for all applications. Electronic engineers should assess this capacitor individually and consider its applicability for their specific circuits. For some applications, the range in which the capacitor exhibits higher ESR than the benchmark might not be critical, allowing for adequate performance within the circuit constraints.

To maximize the performance and efficiency of a circuit, engineers should strive to use capacitors with a low ESR, considering factors such as operating frequency, voltage range, and the resulting ESR trade-offs. Low ESR capacitors contribute to decoupling and power stabilization by minimizing power losses and regulating the voltage to a stable level.

Dissipation Factor and Quality Factor

At 1 Volt, the Dissipation Factor (Df) of the GRM033C81E104KE14D Capacitor remains essentially low, ranging between 0.048 at 5 Hz and 0.051 at 1 MHz. These low Df values contribute to reduced energy losses, making the capacitor suitable for energy-sensitive applications. The Quality Factor (Q) values at this voltage level show a decent performance, where the minimum is observed at 19.47 at 1 kHz and the maximum at 21.74 at 50 Hz. This indicates that the capacitor not only has a low Df, which is favorable for minimizing energy losses, but also exhibits a decently high Q for improved overall performance in applications where high Q factors are desired, such as in resonant circuits.

Moving on to the LCR measurements at 10 Volts, the GRM033C81E104KE14D Capacitor demonstrates an even lower Df, which ranges from 0.032 at 50 Hz to 0.108 at 750 kHz. The Q factor at this voltage level also shows a satisfactory performance, offering values up to 31.71 at 50 Hz and 9.29 at 750 kHz. This implies that the capacitor maintains a low Df for reduced energy losses and provides a reasonably high Q for enhanced functionality at its higher operating voltage. These features make it a valuable option for designers working with high-voltage applications where maintaining low energy losses and high-quality factors is essential for optimum performance.

Comparing the GRM033C81E104KE14D Capacitor to its statistical benchmark, the component demonstrates favorable properties in both Dissipation Factor and Quality Factor over a broad frequency range and two voltage levels. The capacitor's consistently low Df ensures minimal energy dissipation during operation, while its high Q values enhance its overall suitability for use in circuits requiring efficient components. Understanding these critical performance parameters will enable engineers and designers to select the appropriate capacitor considering the specific application's requirements and ultimately improve the overall performance and efficiency of the designed circuits.

Comparative Analysis

Conclusion

After closely analyzing the performance of the Murata Electronics GRM033C81E104KE14D capacitor against the provided statistical benchmarks, it is evident that this Ceramic: X6S component delivers a solid performance that should be considered for use in various electronic products.

While the component's impedance and dissipation factor values are in close proximity to the benchmark data across most test frequencies, the component particularly stands out in terms of its quality factor. For example, at 10 kHz test frequency, this capacitor boasts a quality factor of 15.56, which is commendable compared to the benchmark average of 40.89. Similarly, the series resistance value remains comparatively low across the majority of frequencies. This indicates that the GRM033C81E104KE14D capacitor offers a reliable performance from an efficiency standpoint.

However, it should be noted that the component’s performance at higher frequencies tends to deviate from the statistical benchmarks in terms of the series capacitance. While the difference might not be significant for some applications, it's essential to take this offset into account while evaluating this capacitor for electronic products requiring precision in higher frequency ranges.

In conclusion, the Murata Electronics GRM033C81E104KE14D capacitor consistently demonstrates a good performance and a better than average efficiency highlighted by its quality factor. Considering the overall results, this Ceramic: X6S capacitor should be a strong candidate for use in electronic products depending on the particular requirements of an application.