MLCC solution for resonant circuit Vol.1

In resonant circuits used for wireless chargers and DC-DC converters, film capacitors have traditionally been used. However, advancements in the capacity expansion and high voltage resistance of Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCCs) have made it possible to replace film capacitors with MLCCs in these applications. Switching from film capacitors to MLCCs offers benefits such as miniaturization and reduced losses.

Capacitor Characteristics by Type
Key Characteristics Required for Capacitors in Resonant Circuits
Evaluation Example of Wireless Chargers
- Evaluation Configuration
- Voltage & Current Waveforms Applied to the Resonant Capacitor
- Comparison of Capacitor Loss and Power Efficiency
- Comparison of Mounting Area
Summary

Capacitor Characteristics by Type

MLCCs are broadly classified into Class 1 (temperature compensating) and Class 2 (high dielectric constant) based on the ceramic material used as the dielectric.
Class 2 MLCCs are characterized by their large capacitance but have the disadvantage of a significant change rate in capacitance with temperature. On the other hand, Class 1 MLCCs (e.g. C0G), do not offer the high capacitance of high dielectric constant types but have a smaller rate of capacitance change with temperature and also exhibit superior frequency characteristics, making them suitable for use in circuits where high precision is required.
Figure 1 shows the rated voltage - capacitance range for major capacitors, including aluminum electrolytic capacitors, film capacitors, and MLCCs (Class 1 and Class 2).

Class 1 MLCCs, represented by the C0G characteristic, traditionally overlapped only slightly with the area of film capacitors. However, recent advances in high voltage resistance and increased capacitance have rapidly expanded their overlapping area.

Figure 1: Corresponding Range of Rated Voltage - Capacitance for Various Capacitors

Key Characteristics Required for Capacitors in Resonant Circuits

In resonant circuits, capacitors are key components as they resonate with coils.
The following characteristics are essential for capacitors used in resonance:

- Excellent Temperature Characteristics
The resonant frequency is expressed by f=1/(2π√LC). Therefore, changes in capacitance due to temperature variations can lead to fluctuations in the resonant frequency, causing a reduction in power efficiency.
Therefore, it is crucial to have minimal characteristic changes due to temperature variations.

- Superior Voltage Resistance Characteristics
The capacitor and coil resonate, reducing the impedance of the resonant circuit and allowing a large current to flow, resulting in a large voltage being applied to the capacitor.
Hence, capacitors must have sufficiently high voltage resistance (rated voltage) characteristics.

- Exceptional ESR Characteristics
Since large currents flow through the capacitors, outstanding ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) characteristics are necessary to minimize losses.
The smaller the capacitor's ESR or tanδ, the smaller the capacitor loss.

Polypropylene film capacitors and Class 1 MLCCs meet these conditions and have been used as capacitors for resonant circuits. Particularly, Class 1 MLCCs, with their small changes in capacitance due to temperature, low losses, compact size, and low profile, are increasingly being chosen to replace film capacitors.

Table 1: Comparison of Characteristics between Film Capacitors and MLCCs

Click here for details on Class 1 MLCC

Evaluation Example of Wireless Chargers

We introduce an evaluation example focused on resonant capacitors for wireless chargers intended for smartphones.

Evaluation Configuration
Qi-compatible wireless charger for smartphones
Input: 5V/2A
Output: 5W

We compared the changes in efficiency and mounting area of the charger when switching the type of capacitor used.
Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the wireless charger's resonant circuit and the capacitors used for evaluation.

Figure 2: Evaluation of Replacing Resonant Capacitors in Wireless Chargers with Various Capacitors

Voltage & Current Waveforms Applied to the Resonant Capacitor

Figure 3 shows the voltage and current applied to the resonant capacitor. It can be observed that the voltage and current waveforms applied to the resonant capacitor closely approximate a sine wave.
Losses occur in resonant capacitors conducting alternating current. To suppress these losses, the capacitor's ESR must be low.

Figure 3: Voltage & Current Waveforms Applied to the Resonant Capacitor

Comparison of capacitor loss and power efficiency in actual equipment

Figure 4 compares the ESR of film capacitors (PP) and A comparison of the ESR of the MLCC (Class 1), the ESR of the resonant capacitor, and the calculated loss in the entire resonant capacitor is shown. The ESR of Class 1 MLCCs is approximately an order of magnitude lower than that of film capacitors. Since capacitor loss is expressed as ESR x I², it is considered that a lower ESR in capacitors can reduce losses in the resonant circuit.

Figure 4 Comparison of ESR Characteristics Between Film Capacitor (PP) and MLCC (Class 1)

Figure 5 shows the results of measuring the power efficiency of the wireless charger. When we measured the power efficiency while changing the load current of the wireless charger, we confirmed that Class 1 MLCC has an efficiency improvement of approximately 1% compared to a film capacitor.

Figure 5: Comparison of Power Efficiency in Wireless Chargers

Comparison of Mounting Area

As shown in Figure 6, since MLCCs are smaller than film capacitors, the mounting area can be reduced.

Figure 6: Reduction in Mounting Area for Resonant Capacitors

Summary

Using resonant capacitors for wireless chargers as an example, we compared losses and mounting areas for each type of capacitor.

- Due to their low ESR, Class 1 MLCCs can reduce losses and mounting area in resonant capacitors, contributing to improved power efficiency.
- Class 1 MLCCs are more compact and have a lower profile compared to film capacitors, making it possible to further reduce the size of the assembly.

Accordingly, Class 1 MLCCs, represented by C0G, are suitable for use as resonant capacitors, enabling improvements in power efficiency and miniaturization.