This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Silicon Capacitors category on DigiKey.com
Silicon and thin-film capacitors are specialty devices produced using tools, methods, and materials more commonly employed for semiconductor device manufacturing. The extreme precision and control offered thereby allows production of near-ideal capacitors with excellent parameter stability, within a relatively limited range of values and at a cost that is quite high compared to the ceramic-based devices with which they most directly compete.
SelectionCharacteristics
Capacitance: A measurement of the device’s ability to store an electrical charge. It is measured in Farads (F) and uses the metric system for values.
Tolerance: Characterizes the extent of permitted variability of overall device value among samples of a given part number, resulting from variations in manufacturing.
Voltage - Breakdown: Indicates the manufacturer’s rated dielectric breakdown voltage for the device.
ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance): The ESR of Electrolytic capacitors is an important factor to consider in circuits where current levels are relatively high. Also under some circumstances the current sourced from them needs to have a low source impedance, for example: when the capacitor is being used in a power supply circuit as a reservoir capacitor. Under these conditions, it is necessary to consult the manufacturer’s data sheets to discover whether the electrolytic capacitor chosen will meet the requirements for the circuit. If the ESR is high, then it will not be able to deliver the required amount of current in the circuit without a voltage drop resulting from the ESR which will be seen as a source resistance.
ESL (Equivalent Series Inductance): Manufacturer’s reported ESL. Observed values are implementation-dependent and vary with measurement technique and conditions.
Applications: Identifies the type of equipment, environment, or function for which the device is intended for use.
Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as high reliability.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Package / Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the supplier’s device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
Height: The overall height of the device.
Size / Dimension: The physical dimensions of the main body of the device. Typically listed as length x width.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | 9018RK-20 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 1465-9018RK-20-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | MACOM Technology Solutions |
| DESCRIPTION | 18 pF Silicon Capacitor Nonstandard SMD |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | SC01000912 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 863-1618-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Skyworks Solutions Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | 10 pF Silicon Capacitor Nonstandard |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
SchematicSymbol
Schematic symbol courtesy of Scheme-it. Please see their website for more information and symbols.
MediaLinks
Videos
MURATA - Silicon Capacitors
Articles
What Is a Capacitor and What Are the Different Types?
Product Training Modules
3D Silicon Capacitor Overview
TechForum
Silicon & Thin Film Capacitors