A high mechanical strength Z5U dielectric for surface mount MLC capacitors

Multilayer ceramic capacitors made from dielectrics with a Z5U temperature characteristic are often perceived as offering inferior reliability as compared to those made from X7R dielectrics. In reality, the inherent reliability of Z5U and X7R dielectrics in use today are very similar. Product reliability often depends more on the design characteristics of the product than on the inherent reliability of the materials used. In this sense, products made with Z5U dielectrics may actually provide higher reliability than their X7R counterparts. One valid concern with many Z5U dielectrics is their relatively low mechanical strength as compared to X7R dielectrics. This concern is especially important in regard to surface mount components. Recently, a Z5U dielectric with a mechanical strength equivalent to that for the strongest X7R dielectrics was developed.<>