Introduction

In this technical review, we will analyse the performance of the 0603B104K250CT Capacitor, manufactured by Walsin Technology Corporation. This Ceramic: X7R capacitor has a nominal value of 100n, a tolerance of ±10%, and a voltage rating of 25. It is designed for surface mount applications and comes in a 0603 (1608 Metric) package. The primary objective of this review is to compare the capacitor’s performance against the given statistical benchmark formed from other components of the same value.

Here's a brief outline of the pros and cons of the 0603B104K250CT Capacitor:

Pros

• High stability in a wide range of operating temperatures
• Low Dissipation Factor (DF) at lower test frequencies
• Compact 0603 (1608 Metric) package suitable for dense circuit designs

Cons

• Slightly higher Dissipation Factor (DF) at higher test frequencies
• Series Resistance (Rs) and Series Capacitance (Cs) deviate from benchmark values as frequency increases

The review will be organized into four main sections: Capacitance, Series Resistance, Dissipation Factor and Quality Factor, and Comparative Analysis. Each section will discuss the performance of the capacitor in relation to the respective test data and benchmark values. The goal is to provide valuable insights to qualified engineers evaluating whether to use this capacitor in their circuits. By the end of the review, a comprehensive assessment of the 0603B104K250CT Capacitor's performance will be provided.

Impedance

In the impedance analysis of Walsin Technology Corporation's 0603B104K250CT, we evaluate its performance compared to the average impedance values (benchmark data) of other components with the same capacitance. The impedance is assessed at test voltages of both 1V and 10V, considering various test frequency ranges from 5Hz to 1MHz.

At a test voltage of 1V, the average impedance of the 0603B104K250CT at different test frequencies ranges from as high as 335.4k Ohms at 5Hz to as low as 1.953k Ohms at 1MHz. For a similar test conducted at 10V, the impedance ranges from 273.7k Ohms at 5Hz to 2.072k Ohms at 1MHz. Observing these measurements alongside the provided benchmark data allows for a clear point of comparison.

While comparing the 0603B104K250CT component measurements with the benchmark data, significant impedance variations can be observed. Notably, at 1V and a test frequency of 5Hz, the component has an impedance of 335.4k Ohms, which is higher than the benchmark's average of 313.4k Ohms. Similar patterns, with the component's overall impedance being higher compared to the average values, are observed across other test frequencies as well.

Analyzing the 0603B104K250CT's LCR measurements at 10V, we note that the impedance values follow a parallel pattern, registering higher values in comparison with the benchmark's average values across most of the test frequencies. For instance, at 1MHz, the component's impedance is 2.072k Ohms, while the statistical benchmark average impedance is lower, at 1.958k Ohms. These results highlight that the 0603B104K250CT component tends to have a consistently higher impedance across various test frequencies and voltages when compared to the average performance of similar components.

Capacitance

Upon examining the 0603B104K250CT's LCR measurements at 1 Volt, we find that the series capacitance values display varying results compared to the average benchmark values over a range of test frequencies. For instance, at a test frequency of 5 kHz, the measured series capacitance of this capacitor is 94.92nF. This value falls below the benchmark average of 101.8nF, which may indicate a slightly lower capacitance performance at this specific frequency. Nevertheless, as we move to higher test frequencies, namely 75 kHz and 200 kHz, the 0603B104K250CT's series capacitance value stays within the benchmark averages of 89.59nF and 85.98nF, showing competitive performance within this frequency range.

When analyzing the 0603B104K250CT's LCR measurements at a higher voltage of 10 Volts, we notice a considerable increase in the series capacitance values across multiple test frequencies. For example, at 5 kHz, the series capacitance escalates to 116.3nF, which is substantially above the benchmark average value. This result implies better capacitance performance under a higher voltage. Similarly, this trend persists as we move to even higher test frequencies, such as 100 kHz, with the capacitor's series capacitance registering at 95.68nF. This value, once again, is above the statistical benchmark average of 88.4nF.

It is essential to analyze LCR measurements covering a wide frequency range since a capacitor's performance is frequency-dependent. Consequently, this comprehensive examination helps ensure that a capacitor meets the requirements for specific applications that involve different voltage levels and operating frequencies. Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge the voltage dependency of capacitance values, as it may affect the capacitor’s performance in various scenarios. By carefully assessing the 0603B104K250CT's LCR measurements, we can draw well-informed conclusions about its performance and form a clearer perspective on its suitability for diverse electronic designs.

Series Resistance

We analyze the Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) of Walsin Technology's 0603B104K250CT Ceramic X7R capacitor, focusing on the performance at 1 Volt and 10 Volts, comparing the component data to the statistical benchmark data of other capacitors with the same nominal value.

When operating at 1 Volt, the 0603B104K250CT capacitor performs within the benchmark range at most test frequencies. However, we notice that from 50 kHz to 1 MHz, the component falls below the statistical benchmark average. This lower ESR implies that the capacitor offers less impedance for the current, which could improve efficiency and stability for certain high-frequency applications, such as power supplies, filtering circuits, and signal processing.

At 10 Volts, the ESR of the 0603B104K250CT capacitor increases across test frequencies compared to its operation at 1 Volt. Specifically, in higher frequency bands, this capacitor's ESR notably exceeds the benchmark averages. This indicates an enhanced performance at high voltages, making it suitable for applications where a stable and efficient high-voltage operation is required. Keep in mind, however, that a higher ESR could result in increased power losses and decreased efficiency. As such, designers should assess the trade-off between high-voltage tolerance and ESR according to specific application requirements.

To summarize, the Walsin Technology's 0603B104K250CT Ceramic X7R capacitor demonstrates varying ESR performance depending on the applied voltage and frequency conditions. Its behavior under different circumstances must be thoroughly considered during the design process to optimize functionality for a particular application.

Dissipation Factor and Quality Factor

The capacitor demonstrates excellent performance in terms of both Dissipation Factor (Df) and Quality Factor (Q) over a variety of test frequencies, ensuring efficiency in energy storage, minimal power dissipation, and overall superb performance. In analyzing the Dissipation Factor, it is apparent that the capacitor maintains a consistently low Df across different frequencies, ranging from 0.019 to 0.026 at 1 Volt and 0.041 to 0.062 at 10 Volts. The low Df values are highly desirable since they signify a minimal amount of energy loss during the dielectric relaxation process, which in turn improves the capacitor's efficiency in energy storage.

Upon evaluating the Quality Factor, the capacitor excels in this performance criterion as well. It showcases a substantial Q, ranging from 38.95 to 52.84 at 1 Volt and 16.01 to 21.97 at 10 Volts. A high Q factor is indicative of a superior level of capacitor performance concerning energy storage efficiency and minimal power dissipation. It should be noted that the Q factor experiences slight fluctuations based on the applied input voltage, yet, it maintains a strong overall performance profile.

By comparing the capacitor's Df and Q to benchmark data, we can confirm its competitive performance. The consistently low Df values ensure efficient energy storage, and the high Q factors preserve the stored energy with minimal losses. Engineers seeking a reliable and high-performing component capable of minimizing losses and maximizing efficiency would be well-served to consider this capacitor for their critical designs.

Comparative Analysis

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Walsin Technology Corporation's 0603B104K250CT X7R Ceramic Capacitor, with 100n nominal capacitance and 25 V voltage rating, has demonstrated a credible performance compared to the statistical benchmark data. Looking at the measurements, the tested piece's impedance values align decently with the benchmark. However, its dissipation factors are generally higher, meaning it dissipates more energy as heat, which may not be optimal in certain applications requiring superior thermal performance.

On the other hand, the capacitor's quality factor values are often lower compared to the benchmark, reflecting higher energy losses under the given circumstances. Series resistance values also show higher measurements in our Capacitor in comparison to the statistical benchmark.

While the component exhibits adequate performance in certain operational aspects and covers a wide range of frequency and capacitance values, engineers should deliberate on its less optimal values concerning quality, dissipation factors, and series resistance before implementing it in their designs. Overall, the 0603B104K250CT Ceramic Capacitor is a reasonable option for applications that do not demand best-in-class thermal performance or minimal energy losses, but a thorough evaluation of its limitations is advisable before making a final decision.