SMD Capacitor Size Chart: Guide

Tantalum surface mount capacitors

Capacitors are one of the most common types of passive components used in electronics. Due to their various uses, selecting the right capacitor for your design can be a challenging task. However, your selection has a direct impact on PCB performance, manufacturing efficiency, and overall design success. In many cases, it is advantageous to opt for surface-mount technology (SMT) over through-hole technology (THT) components, including capacitors. A SMD capacitor size chart is a valuable resource for understanding the relationship between package dimensions and application requirements, enabling engineers to optimize their designs for reliability, cost-effectiveness, and space efficiency.

Essential SMD Capacitor Size Chart

SMD (Surface Mount Device) capacitors represent the dominant capacitor technology in modern electronics, offering significant advantages over traditional through-hole components. These miniaturized components mount directly onto PCB surfaces without requiring drilled holes, enabling higher component density and facilitating automated assembly processes. A comprehensive SMD capacitor size chart, including typical types and common applications, is shown below.

SMD Capacitor Size Chart
Package Size	Dimensions (mm)	Dimensions (inches)	Typical Capacitor Types	Common Applications
01005	0.4 × 0.2	0.016 × 0.008	Ceramic (MLCC)	Ultra-miniature RF modules, implantable medical devices
0201	0.6 × 0.3	0.024 × 0.012	Ceramic (MLCC)	Smartphones, wearables, and high-density digital circuits
0402	1.0 × 0.5	0.040 × 0.020	Ceramic, Low-value Tantalum	Consumer electronics, automotive modules, IoT devices
0603	1.6 × 0.8	0.063 × 0.031	Ceramic, Tantalum	General-purpose electronics, computer motherboards
0805	2.0 × 1.25	0.079 × 0.049	Ceramic, Tantalum, Small Electrolytic	Power modules, DC-DC converters, audio circuits
1206	3.2 × 1.6	0.126 × 0.063	Ceramic, Tantalum, Electrolytic	Automotive systems, industrial controls, and power filtering
1210	3.2 × 2.5	0.126 × 0.098	High-capacitance Ceramic, Electrolytic	Power filtering, high-current applications
1812	4.5 × 3.2	0.177 × 0.126	High-voltage Ceramic, Electrolytic	Automotive electronics, communication equipment
2220	5.6 × 5.0	0.224 × 0.197	High-capacitance MLCC, Electrolytic	LED drivers, power supplies, and bulk energy storage

Common SMD Capacitor Types and Applications

As listed in the SMD capacitor size chart above, ceramic, tantalum, and electrolytic capacitors are the most common surface-mount capacitors.

Ceramic Capacitors (MLCCs)

Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), such as the GRM1555C1H1R5BA01D from Murata below, dominate SMD applications due to their excellent frequency response, temperature stability, and cost-effectiveness. Available in packages from 01005 to 2220, MLCCs serve as the workhorse components for decoupling, bypassing, and high-frequency filtering applications.

Murata GRM1555C1H1R5BA01D

Key Advantages: Non-polarized design, low ESR, excellent high-frequency performance, wide temperature range operation, and automated assembly compatibility.
Primary Applications: Power supply decoupling, signal filtering, RF circuits, timing circuits, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression across all electronic segments.

Tantalum Capacitors

Tantalum SMD capacitors, such as the Kemet T491B107K006AT shown below, offer superior capacitance density compared to ceramic alternatives, making them ideal for space-constrained applications that require higher capacitance values. Available in standardized sizes from A (3.2×1.6mm) to larger packages, tantalum capacitors provide stable performance in critical applications.

Kemet T491B107K006AT

Key Advantages: Offers the highest capacitance values available, is cost-effective for bulk storage, and features a wide range of voltage ratings.
Primary Applications: Power supply filtering, motor drives, audio amplifiers, and energy storage in switching power supplies.

Electrolytic Capacitors

SMD electrolytic capacitors, such as the Nichicon UWT1H221MNL1GS shown below, offer the highest capacitance values in surface-mount packages, making them essential for bulk energy storage and power filtering applications. While larger than ceramic or tantalum alternatives, they offer unmatched capacitance density for high-value applications.

Nichicon UWT1H221MNL1GS

Key Advantages: Offers the highest capacitance values available, is cost-effective for bulk storage, and features a wide range of voltage ratings.
Primary Applications: Power supply filtering, motor drives, audio amplifiers, and energy storage in switching power supplies.

Why SMD Capacitor Size Selection Matters

SMD capacitor size is important as it can impact electrical performance, space optimization, the PCB manufacturing process, and thermal management. Important factors to consider when choosing the best size for your SMD capacitor(s) are:

SMD Capacitor Size Selection Factors

Voltage rating requirements
Capacitance value(s)
Operating frequency
Environmental conditions
Manufacturing capabilities

Optimizing Your SMD Capacitor Size Chart Utilization

An SMD capacitor size chart can be a valuable asset when designing boards that utilize surface-mount technology. Following the guidelines below will help you optimize your capacitor selection(s) and usage.

Guidelines for SMD Capacitor Selection Optimization

Start with electrical requirements- Define minimum capacitance, maximum ESR, voltage rating, and frequency response specifications before considering package constraints
Evaluate space constraints realistically- Balance miniaturization goals against manufacturing capabilities and cost implications of ultra-small packages
Consider manufacturing tolerances – Account for component placement accuracy, reflow soldering process variations, and quality control requirements when selecting package sizes
Plan for component availability – Verify long-term supply chain stability for selected package sizes and maintain approved alternative options
Assess total cost implications – Include component costs, manufacturing complexity, yield impacts, and test requirements when evaluating package size options
Design for thermal management – Select package sizes that provide adequate heat dissipation for expected power levels and operating temperatures
Standardize where possible – Minimize the number of different package sizes to reduce inventory complexity and manufacturing setup requirements
Validate through prototyping – Test selected package sizes through complete manufacturing processes before committing to production designs
Document selection rationale – Maintain clear records of size selection criteria for future reference and design iteration processes
Plan for design evolution – Consider potential future requirements and ensure selected packages can accommodate design modifications and upgrades

SMD capacitor size selection requires a careful balance between electrical performance, physical constraints, manufacturing requirements, and cost considerations. By understanding the relationship between package dimensions and electrical characteristics, engineers can optimize their designs for reliability, efficiency, and manufacturability. The key lies in systematically evaluating all relevant factors rather than defaulting to the smallest available package size.

If you’re looking for CAD models for common components or a comprehensive SMD capacitor size chart and how to choose the best size for your application, Ultra Librarian helps by compiling all your sourcing and CAD information in one place.

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