Capacitors are crucial components in any electronic device. These components store electrical charge temporarily. Capacitors are available in different types and sizes. The development and advancement of technology has helped to achieve great success in the development of high-voltage ceramic capacitors.
In recent years, these capacitors have become an indispensable component widely used in high voltage and high power electronic devices. Therefore, they are widely known in the electronics manufacturing industry. The focus here is on high voltage ceramic capacitors.
What are Ceramic Capacitors?
A ceramic capacitor’s dielectric is made of a ceramic material. Ceramic was initially used in producing capacitors before other materials were used. To data, ceramic is still being used to produce capacitors since it is a good insulator. Ceramic capacitors comprise several geometries which include barrier layer capacitors and ceramic tubular capacitors. However, these capacitors are now obsolete because of their electrical characteristics and size.
The multi-layer ceramic capacitor is commonly integrated in modern electronics. It is also known as ceramic multi-layer chip capacitor (MLCC). This capacitor is the usually produced in large quantities. About 1000 billion of it is produced yearly. Also, MLCC is manufactured as surface mounted devices and is widely integrated in electronic devices because of its small size.
Furthermore, ceramic capacitors have small capacitance values which are usually between 1nF and 1µF. However, there can be capacitance values of about 100µF. Ceramic capacitors usually have low maximum rated voltage. However, there are some high voltage ceramic capacitors. Ceramic capacitors can connect safely to an AC source.
Furthermore, these capacitors feature a high frequency response because of their low parasitic effects like inductance or resistance.
What are High Voltage Ceramic Capacitors?
Ceramic capacitors can be designed in such a way they can withstand higher voltage. These are high voltage ceramic capacitors. They can withstand voltages within the range of 2Kv and about 100Kv.
High voltage ceramic capacitors comprise high dielectric materials and as such, they feature great volumetric efficiency. These capacitors are usually classified as Class 2 types. They are widely integrated in various applications like electricity distribution networks and therapy power supplies. A particular material solution known as K1700 is integrated in high energy pulse power applications like Pulsed High Voltage Generators.
High voltage ceramic capacitors don’t feature low dissipation factors. Also, they don’t have the stability voltage and temperature featured by Class 1 capacitors. It is important to know that the capacitance will drop for many of these materials. Furthermore, the ageing rate is usually quoted as 0 percent for every 10 hours.
High voltage ceramic capacitors are ideal for use in power circuit breakers, high voltage laser power, and induction furnaces among other. Also, these capacitors can withstand high voltage and they have disc-like shape. These capacitors remove high-frequency interferences. Therefore they are ideal for use in negative ion products like X-ray machines, igniters, power equipment, and X-ray machines.
Properties of High Voltage Ceramic Capacitors
Precision and tolerances
Ceramic capacitors are in two classes, which are Class 1 and Class 2. Class 2 capacitors are high voltage ceramic capacitors. They feature a high capacitance for each volume. Also, these capacitors are widely integrated in applications that are less sensitive. Also, the thermal stability of these capacitors is usually +-15% in operating temperature range.
On the other hand, Class 1 capacitors have a stable capacitance value in terms of applied voltage, frequency, and temperature. Also, these capacitors are very accurate.
High voltage and high power
Larger ceramic capacitors can tolerate very high voltages and these are known as power ceramic capacitors. These capacitors are usually higher than the common ones integrated on circuit boards. Also, they feature specialized terminals that ensure safe connection to voltage supply. Furthermore, power ceramic capacitors can tolerate voltages within the range of 2kV and 100kV.
Size advantages
When there is a need for high packing densities, MLCC devices have a better advantage than other capacitors. For instance, the “0402 MLCC package usually measures about 0.4mm x 0.2mm. There are more metal and ceramic layers in this kind of package.
Advantages of High Voltage Ceramic Capacitors
Smaller capacity
High voltage ceramic capacitors are beneficial in several applications. These capacitors are capable of achieving small capacity. The smallest capacity of regular film capacitors is 0.1uf. High voltage ceramic capacitors, on the other hand, are capable of achieving 0.5pf and 1pf.
Smaller pitch
Another advantage of high voltage ceramic capacitors is that they can achieve a small pitch. The pitch of these capacitors can be 7.5mm, 5mm, 2.5mm etc.
Other advantages of these capacitors include:
- High voltage resistance
- High stability and good frequency characteristics
- High rate of current ramp
- Ideal for non-inductive structure of high current loop
- Excellent series structure ideal for long-term work
- High insulation resistance
Applications of High Voltage Ceramic Capacitors
High voltage ceramic capacitors are applicable in several areas. These capacitors are available in different types and each of these capacitors has different quality. High voltage ceramic capacitors are widely integrated in stable oscillation circuits as pad capacitors. Due to their ability to get rid of high-frequency interference, they are ideal for negative-ion applications and electromechanical equipment that need high frequency.
High voltage ceramic capacitors are available in a wide range of electronic products. Also, these capacitors are ideal for use in DC converters. High voltage ceramic capacitors are specially designed to stand high voltage. Some of the applications of high voltage ceramic capacitors:
- Control and measurement equipment
- Electromechanical equipment
- X-ray machines
- Transformers
- Measurement equipment
- Electrostatic spraying
- Igniters
- Power equipment
- High voltage power laser
- Induction furnaces
Conclusion
High voltage ceramic capacitors are available in a wide range of electronic products. Also, these capacitors are ideal for use in DC converters. High voltage ceramic capacitors are specially designed to stand high voltage. Due to their properties and advantages, they are widely integrated in power systems. With the development in technology, high-voltage ceramic capacitors are now widely used in several applications.
