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The nominal capacitance specified in MLCC datasheets is typically characterized under static, low-frequency conditions, such as 120Hz/0.5Vrms or 1kHz/1Vrms.

Modern APs and CPUs increasingly operate in the GHz range, while PMICs and DC-DC converters typically function from hundreds of kHz to the MHz range. This high-frequency operational landscape renders static 1kHz/1Vrms nominal capacitance measurements insufficient. Consequently, characterizing the impedance line response of MLCCs across the MHz to GHz frequency spectra has become critical.

However, in high-frequency regions, applying a constant 1Vrms voltage across an MLCC requires an extremely large current source. Furthermore, achieving precise, synchronous voltage and current measurements is exceptionally difficult due to rapid phase and amplitude variations at these frequencies.

To address these challenges, a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) is utilized for high-frequency characteristic measurements. The VNA transmits a small-signal power input and measures both the magnitude and phase shift of the reflected and transmitted signals. This methodology evaluates the high-frequency response of the MLCC under conditions that closely mimic its performance when handling high-frequency signals in practical applications. (※ The voltage magnitude of the signal may vary depending on the measurement frequency, line impedance, and the MLCC's own impedance.)

In summary, the nominal capacitance listed in datasheets is measured under static, low-frequency conditions (1Vrms/0.5Vrms) using an LCR meter. On the other hand, the capacitance displayed in the Effective Capacitance graph is derived from impedance characteristics measured using the VNA's power source, exhibiting a trend similar to capacitance measured under small signals of several tens of mVrms.

Taking a 1005-size (metric) 1µF product as an example, under 1kHz/1Vrms conditions on the AC Voltage Characteristics graph, it shows 1.0µF, but under 1kHz/10mVrms conditions, it shows approximately 0.77µF, which is very similar to the 0.78µF shown on the Effective Capacitance graph.

In fact, observing the voltage waveform while measuring the response characteristics of a 1µF MLCC under VNA conditions (0dBm, 100kHz), you can see that voltage level of approximately 15mVrms is applied.
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When a DC voltage is applied to the MLCC, a small leakage current flows and the corresponding resistance value is called the insulation resistance (IR).
In general, the insulation resistance of an MLCC is very high, and if the insulation resistance is too low, it can cause the circuit to malfunction.

When measuring IR, the rated voltage is applied to the MLCC and the resistance value is measured at the time when the leakage current stabilizes (60 seconds or more), and SEMCO manages the IR value by specifying it for each MLCC product.

For example, the following items are listed in the specification sheet for the CLR1A103MQ1NNN model.

Test item

Judgement

Test condition

Insulation
Resistance

10,000MΩ or 50MΩ·μF
Whichever is smaller

Rated Voltage 60~120 sec

The IR value of the product is based on the smaller of 10,000 MΩ or 50 MΩ·µF (depending on the model).
For 50 MΩ·µF, you can calculate it as follows.

Since the product has a capacity of 10 nF, we can say that the IR is 50 MΩ / (0.01 µF) = 5,000 MΩ.

Therefore, the lesser of 10,000 MΩ and 5,000 MΩ is the basis for the specification, and the IR value of the CLR1A103MQ1NNN model is guaranteed to be “5,000 MΩ or more”.

Calculating the leakage current in reverse, the leakage current flowing through the MLCC when a 6.3 Vdc voltage is applied is 6.3V/5,000MΩ = 1.26 nA or less.
First, let's briefly introduce the ideal frequency characteristics of the passive elements (R, L, and C).

Resistance (R) has the property of impeding the flow of current, causing a voltage drop proportional to the magnitude of its impedance.
The impedance value is the same regardless of the frequency.

Inductance (L) has the characteristic that the current gradually increases when a voltage is applied, and the impedance increases as the frequency of the applied electrical signal increases.

Capacitive reactance (C) has the characteristic that the voltage gradually increases when current is applied, and the impedance decreases as the frequency of the applied electrical signal increases.

In a real MLCC, there are parasitic components (resistance and inductance) as well as capacitance.
Here, the resistive component of the dielectric or electrode is called the equivalent series resistance (ESR), and the inductive component of the electrode or lead wire is called the equivalent series inductance (ESL).
An equivalent model of these components can be constructed as a circuit with C, ESR, and ESL in series, as shown below.

A graphical representation of the MLCC's impedance (Z) as a function of frequency shows two distinct regions centered on the self-resonant frequency (SRF) as shown below.
In the low frequency region, capacitive reactance dominates, and dielectric loss is also observed.
The impedance of parasitic components such as ESL is small enough and can be neglected.
However, in the high frequency region, the parasitic inductance can no longer be neglected, and resistive losses due to the skin effect and proximity effect of the current also start to appear.
The frequency at which the capacitive and inductive reactance components cancel out is called the self-resonant frequency (SRF).

Capacitors whose function is to remove noise from the power line and suppress voltage fluctuations are often required to have a specific target impedance in high frequency noise sensitive applications such as PDN.
In general, MLCCs have lower ESL and ESR characteristics than electrolytic capacitors and film capacitors, allowing for more efficient noise cancellation by using MLCCs in these locations.
As the performance requirements of the APs increase, MLCCs are often used in parallel or placed as close to the AP as possible to achieve smaller ESL and ESR characteristics.
In addition, Samsung Electro-Mechanics has 3-terminal MLCCs and Reverse type MLCCs in the Low ESL product family, which provide a solution that saves space with a smaller mounting area than typical MLCCs, and reduces the number of components to be placed.
MLCC (Class II) product has the characteristic that capacitance is decreased when DC voltage is applied, This could be measured using the typical LCR meter.

- Measurement equipment : LCR meter E4980A + Test Fixture 16034G/E (Keysight Technologies Corp.)

- Test conditions
1) Frequency : refer to SPEC sheet for each product (e.g., 1kHz, 120Hz)
2) AC voltage: refer to SPEC sheet for each product (e.g., 1Vrms, 0.5Vrms)
3) DC voltage : from 0Vdc to Rated voltage, keep time(60sec) by each point
4) ambient temperature : 25℃ ± 3 ℃

※ Caution
1) Measurement should be proceeded after ‘pre-treatment at 150℃ for 1hour and keep at room temperature for 24hour’
　 *refer to FAQ “MLCC Aging phenomenon”

2) Because the voltage source of LCR meter has internal resistor, the voltage between DUT terminals may differ from setting voltage. This equipment(E4980A) provides ALC(Auto level control) function to control DUT voltage. Therefore, capacitance should be measured while ALC function is activated. If ALC function is not activated, the capacitance value may be a little low. (Figure a, b, c, d)

3) Since parasitic of the test fixture can affect on capacitance value, Short status and Open status of fixture and cable length must be properly corrected. (figure e, f)

Please refer to the user guide of the equipment for detailed measurement setting methods.

[Reference]
- Impedance Measurement Handbook, Keysight Technologies Corp. 6th Edition, 2020
The BGA production base is the domestic Sejong Plant, and the FCBGA products are produced at the domestic Busan Plant and the overseas Vietnamese production base.
FCBGA is used in a variety of fields from PC and game device to Data Center and automobiles, etc.
- Client: CPU and GPU for Desktop and Note PC, SoC for Game Console
- HPC: CPU for Server, ASIC for AI accelerator
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When you go to the Contact us on the main page or the Product page, you can ask questions about technologies and purchases by each region.
1) Searches can be done through Samsung Electro-Mechanics’ website > Product Search.

2) Product searches can also be done through the Google search window. Input passive component P/N in the search window > Click on the ‘Samsung Electro-Mechanics : Product Information’ from among the search results > Relevant product page opened
If the product you want has been discontinued, our website allows you to search for substitute products. For example, if you’re looking for a substitute for CL10A106MP8NNNC with the same size and capacity, you can follow these steps.

1)First, you need to understand the Part Numbering System rules. If you don’t remember, click the question mark icon on the Product Search menu, and an information window about the Part Numbering System will pop up.
2)The numeric values included in a Part Number indicate certain attributes.

Size is indicated by the third and fourth digits in the number. '10' corresponds to 0603(1608), which means 1.6 mm × 0.8 mm. Capacity is indicated by the sixth through eighth digits. '106' means 6th power of 10×10; that is, 10,000,000 pF = 10.㎌.

With the spec. information you gave, it is difficult to share the exact part.(need size tol and additional info.)
I recommend you to use our web library.
If you use our library below, you can select the model you want to check the electrical performance.

http://weblib.samsungsem.com

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