Capacitor characteristics

AN4310

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DocID024789 Rev 2

2.2

Non-zero temperature coefficient

To ensure trouble free operation over the final application operating temperature range, it is

important to select a capacitor featuring a stable temperature coefficient.

Dielectrics like PET, PEN, PPS and NPO usually have higher temperature characteristics

than normal ceramic capacitors and are thus recommended.

2.3

Dissipation factor

The dissipation factor is an indication of the energy loss, usually in the form of heat.

Capacitors with a high dissipation factor generally cause self-heating which affects the

capacitance. This change in capacitance in turn affects the number of charge transfers

needed to reach the internal reference voltage threshold.

This also emphasizes the need to choose a dielectric with a stable temperature coefficient.

Please refer to Table 2 for a comparison of the dissipation factors for the various dielectrics.