Transmission line capacitors offer high customization

By Heather Hamilton, contributing writer

AVX Corp. began the new year with the introduction of a line of ultraminiature, thin-film transmission line capacitors designed for use in high-frequency links, DC blocking in the UHF range (300 MHz to 3 GHz), and RF/microwave applications requiring a high performance. The MV series of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors are highly customizable, enabling designers to optimize the parts for their specific applications.

Complete with a unique MIM structure, copper traces designed for exceptional circuit connectivity, a gold-metallized backside ground, and a transmission line wire-bond pad, the capacitors can be supplied on low-loss substrates, which include quartz, glass, silicon, and alumina. The capacitors are available in a range of capacitance values from 0.3 pF to 50 pF with a ±20% tolerance, each made with a high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) that will combat electromagnetic challenges, increase RF performance, and ensure reliability.

The line capacitors can be purchased in three standard substrate thicknesses — 5, 10, and 15 mm (0.005, 0.01, and 0.015 in.) — and two standard substrate widths — 20 and 40 mm (0.02 and 0.04 in.). Lengths are determined by transmission line dimensions, with average lengths about 20 to 80 mm (0.02 to 0.08 in.). The company notes that lengths beyond 320 mm (0.32 in.) are not uncommon.

The MV series is rated for up to 100 V, with specific capacitance values from 50 pf/mm² to 100 pF/mm² , a dissipation factor of less than 0.1%, and a TCC value of ±60 ppm/°C. The series exhibits 50-Ω standard impedance, though maximum capacitance values depend on transmission line dimensions.

The capacitors can be customized by impedance values, substrate materials, and substrate thicknesses upon request. They are RoHS-compliant and tested to MIL-STD-883-2011.8 for bond strength, MIL-STD-883-2018 for shear strength, and MIL-STD-202-108 for lifetime.

There is a variety of packaging options available, including anti-static waffle pack, tested but un-diced, and tested and diced on tape. Lead time is 14 weeks. The series is available through AVX’s distribution partner, Arrow Electronics .