Vishay introduces the industry's first MLCC for high frequency RF and microwave applications

     Vishay Intertechnology has announced the introduction of the industry's first surface-mount multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCC) for high frequency RF and microwave applications, the VitramonVJ HIFREQ HT series, with an operating temperature range of +200 C. For communications base stations and defense communications systems, Vishay's VitramonVJ HIFREQ HT series offers four compact sizes, all with ultra-high Q and low ESR.

     For high-power communication transmitters and high-frequency inverters exposed to temperatures of +175°C or higher, designers have previously had to rely on MLCCS limited to +150°C only. The devices announced today operate in the temperature range from -55°C to +200°C, providing high long-term reliability in such applications. To increase design flexibility, the MLCC's small 0402, 0603, 0805 and 1111 housing sizes allow placement close to highly dissipative components such as SiC and GaN switches.

     The VJ HIFREQ HT series devices are based on an ultra-stable ceramic dielectric that offers high series resonant frequencies (SRF) and parallel resonant frequencies (PRF). The MLCC has a larger operating voltage range from 16V to 500V and a larger capacitance range from 0.1pF to 3.3nF with a tolerance of only ± 0.05pF. The device offers an excellent aging rate of 0% per decade as well as high ESD resistance to protect against high voltage transients.

     These capacitors are manufactured with precious metal electrode (NME) technology using a wet manufacturing process and with a variety of RoHS compliant termination finishes, including: With 100% tinned plates, a nickel barrier for reflow soldering (code "X"), a non-magnetic copper barrier for applications sensitive to magnetic interference (code "C"), and a silver-palladium (code "E") for conductive epoxy components. The VJ HIFREQ HT series is also available with a lead (minimum 4%) terminal coating (code "L"). These devices are halogen-free and Vishay Green compliant (except for "L" terminals).