TDK has developed its first multilayer ceramic chip capacitor (MLCC) with settable equivalent series resistance (ESR).

ESR values can be set to a value within a specified range to control circuit impedance in smoothing and decoupling circuitry.

The result is that changes in impedance between circuit elements over a range of frequencies can be minimised. “This limits voltage variation, stabilises the current signal and eliminates effects on other circuits, without the need for additional components,” said the supplier.

The alternative has been to use multiple capacitors of different types which mean that designers must allow for minute electrical resistance elements present in the capacitors that cause interference and lower noise suppression effects.

According to TDK, setting the ESR will allow designers to avoid the use of large numbers of additional components.

The capacitors are currently available in 1608 and 2012 case sizes, measuring 1.6x0.8x0.8mm and 2.0x1.25x0.85mm respectively.

Both case sizes offer a rated voltage from 4V to 6.3V, X5R characteristics, and use a mounting method that is the same as that used for two-terminal products.

The 1608 case-size parts offer maximum capacitance values up to 1[micro]F with settable ESR from 10 to 1,200mohm. The 2012 case-size parts offer capacitance values up to 10[micro]F with settable ESR from 10 to 500mohm.