Introduction

In this technical review, we will be analyzing the performance of Murata Electronics' GRM31CR61A476ME15L capacitor, a ceramic X5R capacitor with a nominal value of 47μF and a tolerance of ±20%. By comparing the performance of this capacitor to a statistical benchmark that is formed from other components of the same value, we seek to provide a comprehensive, intricate, and informative review of the GRM31CR61A476ME15L for engineers assessing this capacitor for suitability in their circuits.

Based on the data provided, we will discuss the key performance parameters, including capacitance, series resistance, dissipation factor, and quality factor. The following are the pros and cons associated with this capacitor:

• + High nominal capacitance value of 47μF
• + Tolerance of ±20% allowing for variation in the range of accepted capacitance values
• - Higher series resistance and dissipation factor at certain test frequencies compared to benchmarks
• - Inconsistencies in the quality factor across different test frequencies

Impedance

In this section, we will analyze the impedance performance of the Murata Electronics' GRM31CR61A476ME15L capacitor by examining the LCR measurements taken at 1 Volt and 10 Volts. Furthermore, we will compare these values to the established statistical benchmarks in order to provide insights into this capacitor's impedance profile.

For the GRM31CR61A476ME15L capacitor at 1 Volt, the impedance measurements range between 649.9 Ohms at 5 Hz and 15.1m Ohms at 1 MHz. When compared to the statistical benchmarks recorded at 1 Volt, it is evident that, for the majority of test frequencies, GRM31CR61A476ME15L generally exhibits impedance values within the average or lower-end of their respective benchmark measurements. For instance, at a test frequency of 10 Hz, it had an impedance of 326.8 Ohms, which is slightly below the average impedance of 332.8 Ohms for comparative benchmarks, while at a test frequency of 50 Hz, its impedance of 69.32 Ohms was well within the average range expected from a capacitor of this type.

Moving on to the LCR measurements at 10 Volts, the readings display a range from 1.134k Ohms at 5 Hz down to an unspecified impedance value at 1 MHz, suggesting a decrease in impedance with increasing frequency. Again, when comparing to the benchmark data, it is evident that the GRM31CR61A476ME15L generally demonstrates impedance values within the average or lower range for the majority of test frequencies. At 100 kHz, the capacitor had an impedance of 61.79m Ohms, which is much lower than the benchmark max impedance value of 4.5 Ohms, making it an ideal choice for applications requiring low impedance values.

Overall, the Murata Electronics GRM31CR61A476ME15L capacitor offers an impedance profile that consistently provides values within or below the average of comparative benchmarks, indicating a notable consistency in its performance across different frequencies and voltages. This capacitor can be a promising option for electronics engineers seeking a Ceramic: X5R capacitor with an impedance profile that ranges from average to lower-end, depending on the specific circuit application requirements, providing engineers enhanced flexibility in their design choices.

Capacitance

The Murata GRM31CR61A476ME15L capacitor exhibits varying capacitance values based on the frequency of operation and the test voltage being applied. When a test voltage of 1V is used, the capacitor's series capacitance ranges from 49.11μF at a low frequency of 5 Hz to 1.563μF at a much higher frequency of 1 MHz. Compared to the statistical benchmark average values, the Murata capacitor begins with a marginally higher capacitance at low frequencies, but its value decreases to levels comparable to the average observed values as the frequency increases.

Particularly noteworthy is the performance of the GRM31CR61A476ME15L capacitor within the 10 kHz to 100 kHz frequency range, where it closely follows the maximum observed benchmark values. Furthermore, at frequencies above 100 kHz, this Murata component exceeds the maximum capacitance values exhibited by other capacitors in the benchmark group, with remarkable peaks between 650 kHz to 700 kHz and 750 kHz, achieving a high capacitance value of 118.6mF at 750 kHz.

When the test voltage is increased to 10V, the capacitance frequency profile of the GRM31CR61A476ME15L capacitor changes significantly. At lower frequencies (10 Hz to 100 Hz), the capacitor's values lie within the minimum to average levels of the benchmark. However, once the frequency is above 100 Hz, the Murata capacitor demonstrates higher capacitance values compared to the benchmark, once again presenting a considerable peak of 108.6μF at 450 kHz. Beyond 400 kHz, this Murata component stands out by consistently surpassing the maximum capacitance values found in the benchmark data at these higher frequencies.

These variations in capacitance values, corresponding to changes in frequency and applied voltage, highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate capacitor to meet specific design requirements in electronic circuits. Capacitors exhibiting different performance profiles across frequency and voltage ranges can drastically impact the overall system performance, making careful component choice crucial for achieving desired results.

Series Resistance

In a comparison between the GRM31CR61A476ME15L and the benchmark data, differences in the series resistance across various frequencies at 1 Volt are observed. At lower frequencies like 5Hz and 10Hz, the component has slightly lower series resistance values of 38.87 Ohms and 20.03 Ohms, as compared to the statistical benchmark average of 44.75 Ohms and 18.59 Ohms respectively. As frequency increases, this trend of having a lower series resistance for this component continues. For instance, at 50Hz, the series resistance recorded is 4.863 Ohms, which is lower than the average of 3.037 Ohms in the benchmark data. This pattern is maintained at higher frequencies, up to 1MHz, where the component's series resistance shows a value of 14.35 milliohms, as compared to an average of 280.2 milliohms from the benchmark data.

When testing the component at 10 Volts, differences in performance emerge when compared to the 1 Volt test results. At low frequencies, like 5Hz and 10Hz, the component's series resistance values of 64.88 Ohms and 39.44 Ohms are higher than the 1 Volt test results. However, as the frequency increases, the component begins to exhibit a decrease in series resistance. For example, at 100kHz and 500kHz, the series resistance values are 5.049 milliohms and 5.462 milliohms, respectively. It is important to note that not all frequency measurements were available for this component when tested at 10 Volts. To accurately judge the component's performance, it is crucial to have a complete data set at various voltage levels and frequencies, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of the component's behavior in different operating conditions.

Dissipation Factor and Quality Factor

The GRM31CR61A476ME15L Ceramic X5R Capacitor demonstrates Dissipation Factor (Df) and Quality Factor (Q) characteristics that are dependent on the frequency of operation. With regard to the Dissipation Factor (Df), values range from 0.060 at 5 kHz to a maximum of 2.945 at 550 kHz. On the other hand, the Quality Factor (Q) varies from the lowest value of 0.34 at 550 kHz to the highest value of 19.92 at 5 kHz.

These Df and Q values change when operating the capacitor at a higher voltage, for instance, 10 Volts. Under these conditions, the lower observed Df is 0.057 at 5 kHz, and the maximum value increases to 7.504 at 550 kHz. In line with this, the highest Q factor observed is 18.81 at 20 kHz, while the lowest value decreases to 0.20 at 550 kHz.

It's important to note that the performance characteristics of the GRM31CR61A476ME15L capacitor are highly dependent on the frequency of operation. As such, satisfactory Df and Q values are observed at lower frequency ranges (≤ 20 kHz). However, when frequencies increase, particularly above 250 kHz, the capacitor's performance tends to deteriorate, as evidenced by the increased Df values and decreased Q factor values. Therefore, engineers should carefully assess the intended frequency range of their specific applications to ensure optimal performance and accurate evaluation of this capacitor for their circuit designs, making certain that the component is suitable for the intended operation.

Comparative Analysis

Conclusion

In the evaluation of Murata Electronics' GRM31CR61A476ME15L Capacitor, a Ceramic: X5R type surface-mount capacitor in a 1206 (3216 Metric) package, its performance characteristics have been compared to the statistical benchmark of ceramic capacitors of similar value.

Overall, the GRM31CR61A476ME15L exhibits a reasonably stable capacitance across the frequency range with certain fluctuations at specific points. At 1 V test voltage, Capacitor demonstrated a capacitance within the manufacturer's specified tolerance, though at certain frequencies, it diverged from the benchmark average capacitance values. Performance of the Impedance, Series Resistance, and Dissipation Factor followed a similar trend, deviating from the benchmark at specific frequency points, but generally performing well across the spectrum.

Upon increasing the test voltage to 10 V, the component's model demonstrated a decrease in its overall capacitance values, but it still performed favorably when compared to the statistical benchmark. As expected, the impedance and series resistance increased with test voltage, yet remained within an acceptable range, thereby signifying that the GRM31CR61A476ME15L works efficiently at the rated voltage. The featured Quality Factor similarly demonstrated satisfactory performance within an acceptable range during the study.

In conclusion, the Murata Electronics' GRM31CR61A476ME15L Capacitor serves as a reliable Ceramic: X5R surface-mount capacitor within its rated voltage and tolerance specifications. Throughout varying test frequencies, the component generally performs well, remaining within the benchmark's range of values for impedance, capacitance, series resistance, and quality factor. Thus, the component is a suitable candidate for use in product applications that require robust and fine performance characteristics within the parameters of Ceramic: X5R capacitors.