Ceramic capacitors, ubiquitous in electronic circuits, are susceptible to changes in temperature. This phenomenon, known as the Temperature Coefficient of Capacitance (TCC), describes how the capacitance of a ceramic capacitor varies with temperature changes.
The TCC is a crucial parameter in many applications, as it directly impacts the performance and stability of electronic circuits. Understanding the TCC of different ceramic materials allows engineers to select the appropriate capacitors for specific operating environments and ensure optimal circuit performance across a wide temperature range.
This blog will delve into the intricacies of the TCC, exploring its impact on capacitor behavior and its significance in various electronic applications.
What Is Ceramic Capacitor Temperature Coefficient

The Temperature Coefficient of Capacitance (TCC) describes how the capacitance of a ceramic capacitor changes with variations in temperature.
Essentially, it quantifies the sensitivity of a capacitor’s capacitance to temperature fluctuations. A higher TCC indicates a larger change in capacitance for a given temperature change, while a lower TCC signifies greater stability over a temperature range.
Key Considerations:
- TCC is crucial in applications where stable capacitance is critical, such as high-frequency circuits, oscillators, and timing circuits.
- The TCC of a ceramic capacitor depends heavily on the type of ceramic material used.
- Class 1 ceramic capacitors generally exhibit much lower TCC compared to Class 2 capacitors.
By carefully considering the TCC of a ceramic capacitor, engineers can select the appropriate component for their specific application and ensure optimal circuit performance across a wide range of operating temperatures.
What is the Temperature Characteristics of Ceramic Capacitors
The temperature characteristics of ceramic capacitors refer to how their capacitance changes with variations in temperature. This change is primarily influenced by the type of ceramic material used in their construction.
- Class 1 Ceramics: These capacitors exhibit very stable capacitance over a wide temperature range. They have low temperature coefficients, meaning their capacitance changes minimally with temperature fluctuations. This makes them suitable for applications requiring high precision and stability, such as high-frequency circuits and oscillators.
- Class 2 Ceramics: These capacitors offer higher capacitance values per unit volume compared to Class 1, but they exhibit more significant changes in capacitance with temperature. Their temperature coefficients are higher, and their capacitance can vary considerably over a given temperature range.
Key Considerations:
- The specific temperature characteristics of a ceramic capacitor are crucial for its performance in different applications.
- Engineers must carefully select capacitors with appropriate temperature characteristics to ensure stable and reliable circuit operation across the expected operating temperature range.
What Are Temperature Compensating Ceramic Capacitors?
Temperature-compensating ceramic capacitors are a specific type of Class 1 ceramic capacitor designed to exhibit a predictable and controlled change in capacitance with temperature variations.
These capacitors utilize carefully formulated ceramic materials to achieve specific temperature coefficients, allowing them to compensate for temperature-related shifts in other components within an electronic circuit. This precise control over capacitance change makes them invaluable in applications where temperature stability is critical, such as frequency-determining circuits, oscillators, and filters.
What is the Temperature Rating of a MLCC Capacitor?
The temperature rating of an MLCC (Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor) specifies the temperature range over which the capacitor can operate reliably without experiencing significant degradation in performance or exceeding its design limits.
Key Factors:
- Dielectric Material: The type of ceramic material used in the MLCC significantly impacts its temperature rating. Class 1 materials (like C0G/NP0) generally have wider operating temperature ranges compared to Class 2 materials.
- Construction: The specific construction and manufacturing process of the MLCC also influence its temperature rating.
Common Temperature Ratings:
- -55°C to +125°C: This is a common temperature range for many MLCCs, suitable for a wide range of applications.
- -55°C to +150°C: Some high-temperature MLCCs are designed to operate within this range, suitable for more demanding environments.
- -25°C to +85°C: This range is suitable for many consumer electronics applications.
Importance of Temperature Rating:
Operating an MLCC outside its specified temperature range can lead to:
- Reduced Capacitance: The capacitance value may deviate significantly from the nominal value, impacting circuit performance.
- Increased Leakage Current: Leakage current may increase, leading to power loss and potential circuit malfunctions.
- Dielectric Breakdown: In extreme cases, exceeding the temperature rating can cause dielectric breakdown, permanently damaging the capacitor.
Always refer to the manufacturer‘s datasheet for the specific temperature rating and other critical parameters of the MLCC you are using. This will ensure that you operate the component within its safe operating limits and maintain optimal circuit performance.
Ceramic Capacitor Voltage Coefficient

The Voltage Coefficient of Capacitance (VCC) describes how the capacitance of a ceramic capacitor changes with variations in the applied DC voltage.
Many ceramic capacitors, particularly those with high dielectric constants, exhibit a decrease in capacitance as the applied voltage increases. This phenomenon is more pronounced in capacitors with higher volumetric capacitance, often leading to significant capacitance loss at rated voltage.
Key Considerations:
- VCC is a crucial parameter in circuit design, especially in applications where stable capacitance is critical, such as high-frequency circuits and oscillators.
- The magnitude of VCC varies significantly depending on the type of ceramic material used.
- Class I ceramic capacitors generally exhibit much lower VCC than Class II ones.
By carefully considering the VCC of a ceramic capacitor, engineers can select the appropriate component for their specific application and ensure optimal circuit performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the Temperature Coefficient of Capacitance (TCC) is crucial for ensuring the reliable performance of ceramic capacitors in various electronic applications.
By carefully considering the TCC of a specific ceramic material, engineers can select the appropriate components for their designs and minimize the impact of temperature variations on circuit behavior.
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