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SMD Capacitors

156 results

SMD capacitors in 0402, 0603, 0805 packages: MLCC ceramics (X7R, X5R, NP0, Y5V), surface-mount electrolytics and a few SMD inductors for your boards and repairs.

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156 results

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Choosing the right SMD capacitor

Three things decide the choice: the package, the value and the voltage. The package (0402, 0603, 0805) must match the PCB footprint; for repairs, measure the existing pad, for design start with 0805 or 0603, which are easier to hand-solder than 0402. The rated voltage is a limit never to reach: for 5 V or 12 V, a 25 V or 50 V part has plenty of margin.

The dielectric changes the whole behavior of a ceramic capacitor:

  • NP0 / C0G (such as the 0603CG220J500NT 22pF or the CC0402JRNP09BN180 18pF): very stable, for oscillators, filters and tuning loops.
  • X7R (0603B104K500 100nF, CC0805KRX7R9BB103 10nF): the common choice for power decoupling near a microcontroller's VCC pins.
  • X5R (CL21A106KAYNNNE 10µF, GRM219R61E225KA12D 2.2µF): high capacitance in a small package, for regulator inputs/outputs.
  • Y5V (0603F105Z100CL 1µF): economical, but capacitance varies a lot with temperature and applied voltage — avoid it in a precision filter.

For large filtering capacitances, SMD electrolytics (22µF to 4700µF) are polarized: respect the cathode marking. Through-hole versions and other families can be found in the Capacitors category.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between X7R, X5R, NP0 and Y5V?

These are dielectrics classified by stability: NP0 (or C0G) is the most stable and reserved for small values, X7R is the usual compromise for decoupling, X5R holds less well over temperature but offers more capacitance, and Y5V drifts significantly with temperature and voltage. For a measurement or timing circuit, prefer NP0 or X7R.

How do I choose between a 0402, 0603 and 0805 package?

The package must first match the board footprint. For the same capacitance, 0805 generally accepts higher voltages and solders easily with an iron, 0603 is a good compromise, and 0402 is reserved for dense boards and work under magnification.

Does an SMD capacitor have polarity?

MLCC ceramics are not polarized and can be mounted in any direction. SMD electrolytics are polarized: the stripe or marking on the package indicates the negative terminal, and reversing it can cause the component to bulge or burst.

Why does the price of an SMD capacitor vary so much?

Value and voltage matter, but the dielectric and tolerance matter most: a ±5% X7R or NP0 costs more than a -20/+80% Y5V. The manufacturer (Murata, Samsung, Yageo, Walsin, Taiyo Yuden) and the packaging also affect the price.

Can I replace a 100nF 25V with a 100nF 50V?

Yes, a higher rated voltage is always acceptable as long as the package and value match. The opposite should be avoided, and it is best to keep the same dielectric type if the capacitor works in a filter or oscillator.