SMD Ceramic Capacitors: C0G, X7R & X5R
Surface-mount ceramic capacitors by case, dielectric and effective capacitance
SMD ceramic capacitors are non-polarized, surface-mount components used for circuit capacitance in a PCB footprint. This range includes multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) offered from low-pF C0G/NP0 selections to higher-capacitance X7R and X5R nF/µF choices, alongside mixed-value sample books and assortments. Product families and shared listings cover selected 0201, 0402, 0603, 0805, 1206, 1210, 1808 and 1812 case sizes. Individual options differ in capacitance, rated voltage, dielectric and package quantity: no headline range applies to every variant.
Choose the dielectric for the job
- C0G/NP0: the Class 1 category for applications needing comparatively stable capacitance with temperature and DC bias, commonly found in these listings at pF and selected nF values. Check actual tolerance, frequency loss and the manufacturer's part data; a 100 nF or 220 nF listing labeled “NP0” must be verified at the exact variant before assuming Class 1 behavior.
- X7R and X5R: Class 2 MLCC options provide higher nominal capacitance in compact footprints, including selected 1–100 µF listings and mixed low-voltage packs. Their effective capacitance depends on DC bias, temperature and aging. X7R and X5R do not have identical temperature ranges; evaluate the circuit's operating range and the selected part's bias curves rather than replacing one from nominal µF alone.
- Assortment kits and reels: several 16-, 36-, 50- and 51–92-value kit options span pF through µF in a chosen case size, while other listings sell one value in bags or reel quantities. A kit's headline value range does not establish a common dielectric or voltage for every position. Check the actual per-value inventory and labeling.
PCB and electrical selection steps
- Identify the application: frequency-setting/timing or resonant work may need documented C0G behavior; bulk and local bypass designs often need effective, not just nominal, capacitance under their actual bias. Check circuit-specific ESR, impedance, ripple and loss requirements where relevant.
- Match the exact imperial case and pad footprint, then the value and tolerance. 0201 imperial is about 0.6 × 0.3 mm (0603 metric), 0402 imperial about 1.0 × 0.5 mm (1005 metric), 0805 imperial about 2.0 × 1.25 mm (2012 metric), and 1206 imperial about 3.2 × 1.6 mm (3216 metric). Confirm physical dimensions because package codes and listing text may mix systems.
- Check voltage on the chosen option, operating DC bias, temperature range, derating, tolerance and applicable capacitance-versus-voltage curves. Some high-voltage C0G options have 1–3 kV labels; other options in the same listing do not inherit those ratings. A high DC rating is not X/Y mains-safety certification.
- Read capacitance codes and units carefully: 101 = 100 pF, 102 = 1 nF, 103 = 10 nF, 104 = 100 nF, and 224 = 220 nF under standard three-digit pF coding. “J” conventionally denotes ±5% and “K” ±10% when used as tolerance codes, not dielectric identity. Verify any contradictory title, option or description against the manufacturer's datasheet.
- Confirm piece count, mounting method and traceable part documentation. One shared listing labels a 50/100-piece quantity selector as “Rated Voltage”; the voltage embedded in its capacitance option is the seller's claim to verify, not the quantity selector.
Buyer checklist
- Selected variant and documented manufacturer part number
- Capacitance, tolerance, C0G/NP0 versus X7R/X5R and effective DC-bias capacitance
- Imperial/metric case, actual dimensions and PCB pads
- Rated voltage, temperature limits, derating and frequency behavior
- Bag, reel or assortment quantity and per-value contents
Frequently asked questions
Does every ceramic capacitor here have the same dielectric?
No. The selected variants span C0G/NP0, X7R and X5R. An assortment may combine different values and classes; read the exact part specification.
Is a 10 µF MLCC effectively 10 µF at operating voltage?
Not necessarily. Especially with Class 2 ceramics, DC bias can reduce effective capacitance substantially; use the selected manufacturer's bias curves.
Can a 1206 C0G capacitor replace a 1206 X7R capacitor?
Matching case size and nominal value are insufficient. Compare effective capacitance, tolerance, loss, voltage and temperature behavior in the actual circuit.
Does “original” or a familiar part number in a seller title prove authenticity?
No. Request traceable part information and source documentation when provenance matters; do not infer manufacturer authorization from a headline.
