Suntan Ceramic Chip Capacitors Reliability
A well constructed multilayer ceramic capacitor chip is extremely reliable and, for all practical purposes, has no wearout mechanism when used within the maximum voltage and temperature ratings. Most failures occur as a result of mechanical or thermal damage during mounting on the board, or during subsequent testing.
Capacitor failure may also be induced by sustained operation at voltages that exceed the rated DC voltage, voltage spikes or transients that exceed the dielectric's voltage capability, sustained operation at temperatures above the maximum rated temperature, internal defects, or excessive temperature rise due to power dissipation.
As with any practical device, multilayer ceramic capacitors also possess an inherent, although low, failure rate when operated within rated conditions.The primary failure mode is by short-circuit or low insulation.
resistance, resulting from cracks or from dielectric breakdown at a defect site. Suntan monitors reliability with a periodic sampling program for selected values.
