MLCC Capacitor Guide: Types, Ratings and Applications

Multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are everywhere — decoupling, filtering, timing and coupling. But an MLCC on paper is not the same as the value you get on the board. This guide explains the traps.

1. What is an MLCC

An MLCC stacks hundreds of thin ceramic layers with metal electrodes, giving high capacitance in a tiny surface-mount package. It is the default choice for decoupling and filtering because of low ESR and small size.

2. Dielectric types

Type	Characteristic	Typical use
C0G (NP0)	Stable, low loss	Timing, filtering, precision
X7R	Good, moderate change	Decoupling, general purpose
X5R	High capacitance, more change	Bulk decoupling, low cost
Y5V	Wide change, cheap	Non-critical, consumer

3. DC bias derating

MLCC capacitance drops under DC bias — especially for high-K dielectrics in small packages. A 10 µF X5R 0805 at 12 V may measure only 3–5 µF.

Design for the derated value, not the nameplate. If you need 10 µF at 12 V, use a larger package, a higher voltage rating, or a X7R/C0G part.

4. Voltage and temperature

• Voltage rating — choose 2× your operating voltage for ceramic caps (e.g. 50 V for a 24 V rail).
• Temperature — X7R works -55 to +125°C; X5R only to +85°C.

5. How to choose

• C0G for precision/timing.
• X7R for decoupling.
• Derate voltage by 50% and check DC bias curves.
• Place decoupling caps close to the IC power pins.

We stock MLCCs from 0201 to 2220, X5R / X7R / C0G, 4–100 V. Send us your rail and capacitance needs — we'll recommend the right derated value.

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