Introduction

In this technical review, we aim to thoroughly analyze the performance of Murata Electronics' GRM32ER71A476ME15L Capacitor against a statistical benchmark based on other components with the same value. This X7R ceramic capacitor has a nominal capacitance of 47µF with a tolerance of ±20%, a voltage rating of 10V, and is designed for Surface Mount application within the 1210 (3225 Metric) package.

Our evaluation includes a comprehensive examination of various aspects, such as capacitance, series resistance, dissipation factor, and quality factor. The aim is to provide a balanced, objective, and accurate pros and cons list for engineers considering this capacitor as a potential choice in their designs.

• Pros:
• High capacitance value within the compact 1210 (3225 Metric) package
• Reliable performance at both low (<1kHz) and high (>500kHz) frequencies
• Wide temperature range courtesy of its X7R dielectric material
• Cons:
• Slightly higher impedance compared to the benchmark at some frequencies
• Increased dissipation factor at higher frequencies, affecting its energy efficiency

Impedance

When testing the GRM32ER71A476ME15L component at 1 V, it exhibited better impedance performance in comparison with the statistical average at multiple test frequencies. For example, at 50 Hz, the component showed an impedance of 66.05 Ohms, as opposed to the average of 69.54 Ohms. Similarly, at 100 Hz, a lower impedance value was recorded (35.67 Ohms vs. 35.87 Ohms). However, at 1 kHz and 10 kHz, the impedance values were slightly higher: 4.797 Ohms (vs. 4.046 Ohms) and 549.3m Ohms (vs. 637.7m Ohms), respectively. Nonetheless, these deviations remain within an acceptable range for most applications.

In the frequency range of 50 kHz to 1 MHz, the GRM32ER71A476ME15L exhibited slightly higher impedance values in comparison to the benchmark data. It is important to consider these higher values when designing circuits that might operate within these frequency parameters.

Upon testing the component at 10 V, the GRM32ER71A476ME15L demonstrated more significant discrepancies in impedance values throughout the extended frequency range of 50 kHz to 1 MHz. In most instances, the impedance values were higher than those recorded at 1 V. This trend suggests that, as the voltage is increased, the component may exhibit higher impedance values compared to the benchmark data. It is crucial to take these deviations into account during circuit design, especially in applications where higher voltage levels are required. Additionally, engineers should decide if a different component with more consistent impedance values across the voltage range is more suitable.

Capacitance

In this section, we will be analyzing the performance of the Murata Electronics GRM32ER71A476ME15L capacitor by comparing its measured series capacitance data at 1 Volt and 10 Volts with the provided statistical benchmark data. The component is a Ceramic X7R capacitor with a nominal capacitance value of 47μF, a tolerance of ±20%, and a voltage rating of 10 Volts.

At 1 Volt, the GRM32ER71A476ME15L capacitance range is observed to be 33.08μF to 53.15μF across test frequencies from 1kHz to 5Hz. This performance falls within the average spectrum of the benchmark data at the lower frequencies. However, as the test frequency increases beyond 50kHz, the measured capacitance starts to deviate significantly higher than the benchmark maximum values, with the deviation becoming more pronounced as the frequency continues to increase. In test frequencies above 700kHz, the GRM32ER71A476ME15L demonstrates superior performance compared to other capacitors of the same nominal value.

When comparing the GRM32ER71A476ME15L LCR measurements at 10 Volts, the series capacitance profile appears to be different from those taken at 1 Volt. Within the lower frequency range, from 5Hz to 100Hz, the observed capacitance measurements tend to be somewhat higher than the benchmark average series capacitance. However, the values remain within the benchmark minimum and maximum range. Beyond 50kHz, the recorded capacitance values are outside the benchmark maximum, meaning that this capacitor performs above the statistical benchmark within higher frequency ranges at the 10-volt level.

Overall, the GRM32ER71A476ME15L capacitor exhibits average to above-average performance within low-frequency ranges under both voltage levels (1 Volt and 10 Volts). As the operating frequency increases, particularly beyond 50kHz, the component performance noticeably exceeds the provided statistical benchmark, specifically at the 1-volt measurement. Engineers should carefully evaluate their application's requirements; for those operating in higher frequency ranges, this capacitor may prove to be an optimal choice for ensuring top-notch performance.

Series Resistance

The GRM32ER71A476ME15L Capacitor demonstrates a notable variation in its series resistance performance, depending primarily on the frequency at which it operates. When operating at a frequency of 1 Volt, the capacitor exhibits higher series resistance values at lower frequencies, specifically 5Hz and 10Hz, compared to average benchmark values. At these low frequencies, the Capacitor has series resistances of 41.44 Ohms and 21.26 Ohms, compared to the benchmark averages of 44.75 Ohms and 18.59 Ohms, respectively. This observed trend indicates that the capacitor's series resistance performance may not be optimal for applications operating below 50Hz.

Conversely, the GRM32ER71A476ME15L Capacitor demonstrates a more satisfactory series resistance performance at higher frequencies from 50Hz upwards. The series resistance values are consistently lower than the benchmark averages in these higher frequency ranges, with the most noticeable difference observed at 1kHz. At this frequency, the Capacitor has a series resistance of just 305.7m Ohms compared to the benchmark average of 437.4m Ohms.

Upon increasing the operating voltage to 10 Volts, the capacitor follows a similar trend in series resistance performance. At low frequencies (5Hz and 10Hz), the series resistance values are 56.82 Ohms and 30.61 Ohms, thus underlining the increased series resistance at a higher operating voltage. However, at frequencies exceeding 50Hz, the series resistance values continually fall below the statistical benchmark averages, which showcases improved performance relative to other capacitors within the same category.

In summary, the GRM32ER71A476ME15L Capacitor provides an acceptable series resistance performance, particularly when operating at a higher frequency range (>50Hz). However, engineers should carefully evaluate their specific circuit requirements and operating conditions, as this capacitor may not be the most suitable choice for applications demanding lower series resistance performance at lower frequency ranges (<50Hz) compared to its counterparts with the same nominal value.

Dissipation Factor and Quality Factor

In this review, we analyze the performance of Murata Electronics' GRM32ER71A476ME15L capacitor with respect to the dissipation factor (Df) and quality factor (Q). These parameters significantly influence capacitor behavior in various applications, such as filtering and energy storage. A low dissipation factor indicates reduced energy losses, while a high-quality factor often suggests a better overall performance.

At a test voltage of 1 V, we observe that this capacitor exhibits a relatively low Df of 0.069 at a test frequency of 5 Hz, which results in a Quality Factor of 14.46. As the test frequency increases to 100 kHz, the dissipation factor rises to 1.470, leading to a corresponding decline in quality factor to 0.68. The capacitor samples tested within the context of this review appear to perform optimally around 1 kHz, achieving their lowest dissipation factor of 0.063 and the highest quality factor of 15.93.

When the capacitor is subjected to a higher voltage of 10 V, there is a slight increase in dissipation factors at lower frequencies. For example, at 5 Hz, it reaches a Df of 0.079 and a Q of 12.72. As we progress through higher frequencies, we notice a slight dip in performance, with Df rising to 1.247 and presenting a lower Q of 0.80 at 100 kHz. Analogous to the 1 V test case, the capacitor's optimal performance is discovered in the vicinity of 1 kHz, where it achieves the lowest Df of 0.124 and a Q of 8.05.

In comparison to the statistical benchmark data, the Murata Electronics' GRM32ER71A476ME15L capacitor demonstrates a low Df and a high Q, particularly at lower frequencies. Although the capacitor's performance decreases at elevated frequencies – a common trend found across various capacitors – it still maintains consistent performance and characteristics across a broad frequency range. Understanding these performance parameters allows engineers to select capacitors that meet specific application requirements and optimize circuit performance. Overall, considering the balanced and diligently conducted tests, this capacitor offers minimal dissipation factors and high-quality factors across a range of frequencies, making it a reliable choice for various applications.

Comparative Analysis

Conclusion

The Murata Electronics GRM32ER71A476ME15L capacitor has been analyzed, focusing on parameters such as Impedance, Capacitance, Series Resistance, Dissipation Factor, and Quality Factor. The component was examined across different test frequencies and compared with benchmark data from other capacitors with the same nominal value, voltage rating, and ceramic: X7R composition.

Upon examining the data, it is evident that the GRM32ER71A476ME15L capacitor generally performs better in impedance and series resistance compared to the statistical benchmark. The impedance results are closer to average in both 1Volt and 10Volt measurements, with notable differences within 1k-10k Hz. In addition, series resistance for this capacitor is lower than the benchmark average, especially in higher test frequencies.

In terms of capacitance, the GRM32ER71A476ME15L capacitance falls higher than the benchmark values at low frequencies (1k-10k Hz); however, its capacitance performance becomes lower than average as frequency increases.

Regarding the other examined parameters, this capacitor has a consistently higher dissipation factor than the average benchmark across all test frequencies. However, this capacitor has a fluctuating Quality Factor performance, with some frequencies presenting higher values than the statistical benchmark and some lower.

In conclusion, Murata Electronics' GRM32ER71A476ME15L capacitor proves to be an adequate choice for various applications where impedance and series resistance performance are important factors. However, for applications requiring lower dissipation factors, it may not be ideal. When evaluating its use for specific products, it is recommended for engineers to consider the particular requirements and performance parameters of their applications before making a decision.