Choosing the right capacitor for your project can be a challenge. You have to consider the size, performance, and cost of each one, as well as what type of environment it will be used in. Two popular types are X7R and X5R capacitors. In this article, we’ll explore what sets them apart and explain why you should choose one over the other. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions and provide useful tips for selecting the right capacitor for your specific needs. So let’s get started!
Ceramic capacitor basics
Before we dive into the differences between X7R and X5R capacitors, let’s first review some basic capacitor terminology.
It consists of two or more layers of conductive material (typically metal) separated by an insulating material. This insulating layer is usually made from a ceramic material, hence the name. The ceramic capacitor is a passive component, meaning it cannot produce or control energy on its own.
Capacitors are used in many types of electrical circuits and devices for various purposes. They can be used to store electric charge, filter noise from signals, provide timing delays and more. When selecting a capacitor for your project, you should consider the size, performance, and cost of each one. [3]
Types of ceramic capacitor
Disc ceramic capacitor
Ceramic capacitors are made from two metal plates separated by a dielectric. There are several types of ceramic capacitors, each with its own characteristics and applications. In most cases, the dielectric material used is either X7R or X5R type ceramics. The following section explains what these terms mean and how they affect the capacitor’s performance. [1]
MLCC capacitor
MLCC stands for Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor. These capacitors are made from multiple layers of ceramic material, stacked together and then fired in a furnace. This type of capacitor is very popular because of its high capacitance value in a small package size, as well as its low cost and wide operating temperature range. [1]
Feedthrough capacitor
Feedthrough capacitors are also a type of ceramic capacitor. These capacitors have two metal layers, with the dielectric material sandwiched in between them. The metal layers are connected to electrical terminals, which allow signals to “pass through” them. Feedthrough capacitors are often used in RF applications because of their high self-resonance frequency and low insertion loss. [1]
What is the X5R Capacitor?
The X5R capacitor is also known as the “temperature-stable” type of ceramic capacitor. It is made up of a combination of two materials—a high-dielectric constant material and a low-dielectric constant material, which are sintered together. This combination prevents the capacitance from changing significantly when exposed to temperature or voltage changes. This allows the X5R capacitor to function better in applications that require stability over a wide range of temperatures or voltages. [3]
Advantages of X5R Capacitor
The X5R capacitor is known for its stability and reliability. It is a ceramic capacitor that is capable of withstanding high temperatures and has low losses, making it ideal for applications requiring long-term operation in the industrial environment. This type of capacitor also offers excellent performance in terms of dielectric absorption, which makes it suitable for use in medical devices where safety is a priority. Additionally, the X5R capacitor has a higher voltage rating compared to its counterparts, allowing it to handle high-power applications requiring low-voltage supplies. [3]
Disadvantages of X5R Capacitor
When comparing X5R capacitor vs. X7R capacitor, it’s important to understand the downsides of X5R capacitors.
The most significant disadvantage of an X5R (or other temperature-stable) capacitor is its cost. Generally speaking, X5Rs are more expensive than their more common counterparts, and this can add up quickly in a large circuit.
Furthermore, X5R capacitors have smaller values available (compared to their X7R equivalents) and tend to be physically larger. This can create space constraints, especially if you’re working on small-scale projects. Additionally, the higher cost of the X5R capacitor may also make it prohibitively expensive for some applications. [3]
What is the X7R Capacitor?
The X7R capacitor is a type of ceramic capacitor that uses an oxide material for its dielectric. It has excellent temperature stability and can tolerate voltage changes during operation. As such, it’s often used in applications where the capacitor must be able to withstand high temperatures and sudden or extreme voltage changes without losing its capacitance. The X7R also features very low leakage and high insulation resistance capabilities making it ideal for use in a wide range of applications.
More specifically, the X7R capacitor is used for bypassing, coupling, snubber networks and acoustic noise suppression. Its temperature coefficient is also relatively low compared to other ceramic capacitors, so it can be more reliable over a wider temperature range than most other types. [3]
Advantages of X7R Capacitor
The X7R capacitor is a very good choice when it comes to electrical performance. It has a wide temperature range, high insulation resistance, low dielectric absorption, and excellent voltage stability. It also offers great flexibility in size and shape so you can find the perfect fit for your project. [3]
Disadvantages of X7R Capacitor
Although X7R capacitors offer a variety of benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider as well. The main disadvantage of an X7R capacitor is its relatively lower temperature coefficient than other types of ceramic capacitors. This means that the capacitance value may change with temperature, meaning it might not be suitable for use in extreme temperature environments or applications that require very accurate values throughout a wide temperature range.
Another disadvantage of the X7R capacitor is its relatively high voltage coefficient, meaning it may not be suitable for use in applications that require very accurate values over a wide voltage range. Additionally, X7R capacitors tend to have higher dissipation factors than other types of ceramic capacitors, which can result in increased power losses. [3]
Ceramic Temperature Coefficients
The X7R and X5R types of capacitors have different temperature coefficients. The X7R has a higher ceramic temperature coefficient than the X5R. This means that it’s more prone to changes in capacitance over a wide range of temperatures, while the X5R is highly stable across short-term ranges. [3]
Not All X7Rs Are Created Equal
X7R dielectrics exhibit a relatively high degree of capacitance change with applied voltage. As a result, various industry standards exist for selecting X7Rs with desired stability characteristics. For instance, the JIS C5101-1 standard categorizes X7Rs according to how they respond to rated voltage and temperature: Category 1 provides better stability than Category 2, but may be limited to a lower voltage rating.
X7R capacitors can also vary in their temperature coefficient of capacitance (TCC) and dissipation factor (DF). The TCC is an indication of how much the capacitance changes with temperature; this can range anywhere from -30% to +85%. The DF, which is also affected by temperature, is a measure of how efficiently the energy stored in the capacitor is being dissipated. Parts with a lower DF tend to be more reliable and have better long-term stability. [3]
Ceramic Capacitor Physics
As current runs through, it accumulates a charge proportional to the amount of current present. The two poles (positive and negative) of the capacitor create an electric field between them. This electric field can be used to shape or manipulate the behavior of electronic components as needed. [3]
It is all about the dipoles
X7R and X5R capacitors are often compared because of their similarities and differences. Both types consist of two dipole layers that create an electrical field. A dipole is a pair of equal-but-opposite charges separated by a small distance in the same material. So while the electric field created between these two dipoles is different for each type of capacitor, the physical structure of both types of capacitors is the same.
The main difference between X7R and X5R capacitors lies in their ability to withstand voltage changes over time, or “temperature coefficient”. The X7R type has a relatively low temperature coefficient while the X5R type exhibits a higher temperature coefficient. [2]
Designing and Engineering with Class II Ceramic Capacitors
When designing and engineering with class II ceramic capacitors, it is important to understand the differences between X7R and X5R dielectric materials. Both have advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before selecting one over the other. The main difference between these two types of ceramics is their temperature coefficient or “TC” which defines how much capacitance changes with temperature.
X7R has a ±15% TC, meaning that its capacitance changes +/- 15% when the temperature of the environment surrounding it varies between -55 and +125°C. X5R however, has a lower ±10% TC over an extended temperature range from -55 to +85°C. [2]
Capacitance Changes with Applied Voltage
One of the most important differences between X7R and X5R capacitor types is their capacitance stability.
X7R ceramic capacitors are known for exhibiting a high degree of capacitance change with applied voltage, ranging from -15% to +30%.
On the other hand, X5R ceramic capacitors have much better temperature and voltage stability, with a tolerance range of -22% to +80%.
This means that X5R capacitors are much better suited for use in high-voltage applications than their X7R counterparts. [2]
Ceramic Capacitor Aging
As with any other electronic component, ceramic capacitors also age over time. This can be caused by various factors like temperature, humidity, and vibrational fatigue. The rate of aging depends on the type of capacitor used. X7R capacitors have a higher tolerance to temperature and other environmental changes than X5R capacitors. Thus, they are more reliable in the long run and can tolerate greater peaks in temperature. On the other hand, X5R capacitors are more stable than X7R but have a smaller range of operating temperatures. [2]
Microphonics
When it comes to the microphonics of X7R vs. X5R Capacitors, there are a few differences that should be noted. The X7R type has a higher self-resonant frequency compared to the X5R. This means that it is less likely to produce any audible noises when subjected to mechanical vibrations or shocks. Additionally, the X7R has a higher insulation resistance and can handle higher temperatures than the X5R. [2]
Choosing the Right Capacitor
When it comes to selecting the right capacitor for your project, two of the most popular choices are X7R and X5R capacitors. Both types have unique properties, benefits and drawbacks. To ensure you make the best decision for your specific application, let’s take a closer look at both options. [2]
FAQ
Can I replace X5R with X7R?
Generally speaking, no. They have different temperature coefficients and voltages ratings. X7R are more stable and can handle higher temperatures, but they don’t work well for applications that require a consistent capacitance over a wide range of temperatures. On the other hand, X5R are better-suited for low-temperature applications because their capacitance does not change much over temperature. So, if you need a capacitor that can maintain its capacitance in different temperatures, an X5R is your best option.
What does X5R mean in capacitor?
X5R stands for “Extremely Low Loss, Temperature Stable”. It is a type of ceramic capacitor that provides stable capacitance over a wide range of temperatures (typically -55°C to +125°C). This makes them ideal for applications such as power supplies and interfacing with digital logic circuits. They also have low ESR and ESL values, which make them good for decoupling, filtering, and bypassing.
What does X7R mean in capacitor?
X7R stands for “Extremely Low Loss, Temperature Compensated”. It is a type of ceramic capacitor that provides stable capacitance over a wide range of temperatures (typically -55°C to +125°C). This makes them ideal for applications in which the capacitance must remain constant over temperature. They also have low ESR and ESL values, which make them good for decoupling, filtering, and bypassing.
Which is better: X7S and X7R?
It depends on your application. X7S capacitors are more stable than X7R, but they can only handle higher temperatures up to +125°C. On the other hand, X7R can handle temperatures from -55°C to +125°C and provide better temperature compensation. So if you need a capacitor that can maintain its capacitance over a wide range of temperatures, an X7R is your best option.
Is X8R better than X7R?
No. X8R is not necessarily better than X7R; it simply has a higher temperature coefficient. In general, X7R capacitors are preferred for most applications because they offer the best performance in terms of stability and temperature compensation. However, if you need higher temperature coefficients, then an X8R capacitor might be a better option.
What is the temperature of X5R?
The temperature range for X5R capacitors is typically -55°C to +125°C. This makes them well-suited for low-temperature applications, as their capacitance does not change much over temperature.
What is X5R vs JB?
X5R and JB are two different types of ceramic capacitors. X5R stands for “Extremely Low Loss, Temperature Stable”, meaning that it provides stable capacitance over a wide range of temperatures (typically -55°C to +125°C). JB stands for “Joule-Thompson” and is designed to be a low cost, non-electrolytic capacitor. It is suitable for applications in which the capacitance must remain constant over temperature, but it has lower stability than an X5R capacitor.
What is the temperature range of the X5R capacitor?
The temperature range for X5R capacitors is typically -55°C to +125°C. This makes them well-suited for low-temperature applications, as their capacitance does not change much over temperature.
Useful Video: Which Capacitors To Use … X5R, Y5V, NPO, X7R ? Or Something Else?
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can see that there are some key differences between X7R and X5R capacitors. The main ones being the temperature stability of X7R, its lower ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), and higher tolerance for voltage ripple. X5R has a much longer shelf life than X7R but it is not able to handle high temperatures or voltage ripple as well.
When deciding which capacitor to use in a given application, it is important to consider both the technical specifications of each type of capacitor and the intended purpose of the circuit. By understanding how X7R and X5R capacitors differ, designers can make an informed decision based on their needs.
With this knowledge, engineers and designers can make the right choice for their project, whether it be an X7R or X5R capacitor. We hope we have been able to shed some light on the topic so you feel more confident in your decision-making process.
References
- https://www.kemet.com/en/us/technical-resources/heres-what-makes-mlcc-dielectrics-different.html
- https://www.analog.com/en/technical-articles/temperature-and-voltage-variation-ceramic-capacitor.html
- https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/electronic_components/capacitors/ceramic-dielectric-types-c0g-x7r-z5u-y5v.php
