MLCC (multilayer ceramic) · Exterior view

Ceramic dielectric (X7R) · 0805: 2.0 × 1.25 mmSolder tab (tin)

Small beige-brown block, no text, tin-coated electrodes at both ends
0805: 2.0 × 1.25 mm · 0603: 1.6 × 0.8 mm

Capacitors

MLCC (multilayer ceramic)

In simple terms

What is this?

A tiny ceramic capacitor with very thin layers; a small bucket stacked layer by layer.

What is it for?

Absorbs sudden ripples on the supply line of the microcontroller and the regulator.

Where do you see it?

As tiny rectangles on phone and computer boards.

How do you spot it?

A small rectangular chip without leads; metal caps at both ends, usually with no text on top.

Caution:

Don't bend the board, the chip can crack; since no value is printed on it, don't mix up the packages.

Technical definition

A capacitor made by pressing many thin ceramic and metal layers on top of each other. It gives high capacitance in a small body and very low ESR. In X7R and X5R types the capacitance falls with applied DC voltage; the C0G type is stable.

Capacitance100 nF

Package0805

DielectricX7R

Schematic symbol Same in IEC and ANSI

IEC 60617: the drawing style used in Türkiye and Europe.

Pins 2

1Terminal 1Tin-plated terminal, no orientation1

2Terminal 2Tin-plated terminal, no orientation2

Features typical

Capacitance range: 1 pF – 100 µF
Voltage: 6.3–100 V (typical)
Dielectric: C0G (stable) · X7R · X5R
X7R: −55 … +125 °C, ±15%
X5R: −55 … +85 °C, ±15%
DC voltage effect: Capacitance drops on X7R/X5R
Polarity: None
Example part: 0805, 100 nF, X7R, 50 V

Common mistakes

Forgetting the DC voltage effectA 10 µF X5R in a small package can show much less capacitance than its label when operated near its rated voltage. Choose a larger package or a higher-voltage type.

Bending the boardMLCCs are fragile. If the board flexes they crack and can short over time.

Test with a multimeter

Test whether this part is good with the multimeter on the measurement screen.

Take a measurement

On real boards

USB-C Li-ion charger board
Input capacitor · Cell line capacitor · Protection supply filter

Where it is used

Microcontroller decouplingRegulator input and outputRF and oscillator circuits (C0G)