MLCC Types Explained: General, HV, RF High-Q & Non-Magnetic

MLCC Design Guide

A clear and practical breakdown of the four MLCC families engineers rely on — and how to pick the right type for your design.
Explore all MLCC series →

Multilayer Ceramic Chip Capacitors (MLCCs) sit at the core of almost every modern electronic design — from smartphones and EV inverters to RF front-ends, servers, sensors, and industrial controllers. But not all MLCCs behave the same. Dielectric systems, voltage structures, electrode materials and Q-factors dramatically change how a capacitor performs under real-world electrical stress.

This guide explains the four key MLCC types used today and when each one delivers the best performance.

• JYS — General-Purpose MLCCs
• JYT — High-Voltage MLCCs
• JYU — RF / High-Q MLCCs
• JYV — RF High-Q Non-Magnetic MLCCs

We also included a production-line walkthrough video for engineers evaluating manufacturing quality and process control.

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1. JYS — General-Purpose MLCCs

Ideal for: decoupling, filtering, bypassing, oscillators, general signal conditioning
Dielectrics: NP0/C0G, X7R, X5R, X6S, X7S, Y5V
Size range: 0201 to 2225
Capacitance: pF to tens of µF

JYS is the widely used “workhorse” MLCC series. C0G/NP0 provides exceptional frequency and temperature stability, making it a preferred choice for timing circuits, filters and low-drift signal paths. X7R/X5R variants offer high capacitance density and solid reliability for power-rail decoupling and bulk bypassing.

Product page:
https://jbcapacitors.com/product/jys-smd-multilayer-ceramic-chip-capacitors/

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2. JYT — High-Voltage MLCCs

Ideal for: EV inverters, LED drivers, SMPS, high-surge and transient-heavy nodes
Strength: reinforced ceramic layers and extended voltage robustness

JYT MLCCs handle voltage levels typically requiring larger film capacitors — but in a compact SMD form factor. These are built for high electric-field stress, repetitive surge pulses and environments where ripple and transient spikes are common. Engineers use HV MLCCs to reduce board real estate without sacrificing safety margins.

Product page:
https://jbcapacitors.com/product/jyt-smd-ceramic-chip-capacitors-high-voltage/

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3. JYU — RF / High-Q MLCCs

Ideal for: RF filters, VCOs, impedance matching, resonant tanks, microwave applications

• High Q factor for minimal energy loss
• Low ESR at RF frequencies
• Tight tolerance for predictable tuning

JYU MLCCs maintain stable capacitance and Q over RF and microwave frequencies, making them suitable for wireless modules, RF front-ends, satellite equipment and precision oscillators. The series is engineered to minimize phase distortion and thermal drift — critical for high-frequency design integrity.

Product page:
https://jbcapacitors.com/product/jyu-smd-high-q-rf-capacitors/

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4. JYV — RF High-Q Non-Magnetic MLCCs

Ideal for: MRI coils, medical imaging, RF measurement instruments
Key advantage: zero magnetic interference

Standard MLCCs contain magnetic nickel electrodes. In MRI and precision RF systems, even small magnetic signatures can distort measurements or introduce image artifacts. JYV MLCCs eliminate this issue by using non-magnetic electrodes and terminations, ensuring signal purity and accurate RF performance.

Product page:
https://jbcapacitors.com/product/jyv-radio-frequency-high-q-non-magnetic-multilayer-chip-ceramic-capacitors/

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MLCC Production Line — Full Video

Watch how MLCCs are produced — from tape casting and stacking to sintering, plating and AOI.

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Which MLCC Should You Choose?

Application	Recommended Series	Reason
General decoupling / filtering	JYS	Broad dielectric selection and stable characteristics
High-surge power paths	JYT	High-voltage ceramic structure
RF matching & tuning	JYU	High Q, low ESR, RF-stable capacitance
MRI / precision RF	JYV	Non-magnetic design eliminates interference

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Explore All MLCC Series

Find the best MLCC for your design or send us your BOM for tailored recommendations.

Looking for the right MLCC for your next project? Browse all ceramic capacitor categories or send your BOM for fast engineering support.

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CTA (short): Find the right MLCC today

SMD MLCC & Thick Film Resistor Guide｜General, High Voltage, RF, Automotive, High Power

Design Guide · SMD MLCC & Thick Film Chip Resistors

Surface-mount multilayer ceramic capacitors (SMD MLCCs) and thick film chip resistors appear in every modern PCB. Their interaction directly affects noise, EMC, stability, surge behaviour and long-term reliability. This guide explains how to choose jb MLCC + resistor combinations for general-purpose, high voltage, RF, automotive and high-power applications.

1. Why the MLCC + thick film resistor pairing matters

MLCCs lose capacitance under DC bias and temperature, while thick film resistors heat up under load or surge. These real-world effects change RC timing, filtering and impedance behaviour. Using matched jb components ensures alignment in derating, surge performance and qualification data.

2. Key application areas

2.1 General-purpose logic & control

General-purpose MLCCs provide decoupling; jb resistors set bias, pull-ups and timing constants.

2.2 High voltage rails

High voltage MLCCs handle dv/dt and EMI. High-value resistors discharge capacitors and divide DC buses.

2.3 RF & high-frequency

Low-loss MLCCs support matching networks; precision resistors maintain stable impedance and termination.

2.4 Automotive & harsh environments

AEC-Q200 MLCCs and anti-sulfur resistors withstand vibration, humidity and long-term stress.

2.5 High power & surge-intensive applications

Surge-rated resistors and ripple-capable MLCCs protect LED drivers, motor control and industrial power stages.

3. Quick selection checklist

• Define RC role: decoupling, timing, sensing, snubbing or protection.
• Select MLCC voltage with DC-bias derating (2× recommended).
• Check resistor pulse-load and surge capability.
• Review layout: creepage, clearance and thermal spacing.

4. Understanding real-world behaviour in MLCC + resistor networks

Most design issues appear not on the schematic, but on the PCB when components operate under real electrical and environmental stress. MLCC capacitance can drop by 40–80% under DC bias depending on dielectric type, case size and temperature. This reduction directly affects timing circuits, EMI filters and snubber networks, causing overshoot, ringing or emissions peaks during compliance testing.

Thick film resistors also behave differently under load. Power dissipation causes temperature rise, which shifts resistance value depending on TCR. For precision circuits—such as ADC networks, bias ladders or sensor conditioning—this drift can accumulate and push systems outside accuracy targets.

Selecting jb MLCC + jb resistors with aligned derating curves and pulse-load data enables accurate worst-case prediction instead of optimistic paper analysis, reducing redesign cycles and validation failures.

5. Layout practices that improve RC reliability

Even with correct components, PCB placement heavily influences performance. For high-speed and high-frequency nodes, reducing loop area between MLCC, resistor and IC greatly improves impedance stability. In high-voltage designs, proper creepage and clearance prevent partial discharge and long-term insulation degradation.

Mechanical stress also matters. MLCCs near board edges or mounting holes may crack under flex. jb MLCCs with robust terminations reduce this risk, especially when paired with resistors that limit surge energy.

• Place MLCC as close as possible to IC pins.
• Minimise lead length on resistors to reduce parasitics.
• Use symmetrical layout for voltage-sharing resistor strings.
• Maintain regulatory creepage/clearance on HV rails.

6. Designing for long-term stability & manufacturability

Industrial and automotive electronics require reliability under continuous stress. High-power supplies, EV modules, LED drivers and controllers may run 24/7 for years. In such cases, drift after 1,000–10,000 hours is more important than initial values.

jb MLCCs and resistors include load-life and humidity-bias data, allowing estimation of end-of-life performance. Matching MLCC voltage derating with resistor power derating ensures both components age consistently without creating single-point failure risks.

Manufacturing alignment is another advantage: consistent solder profiles and termination metallurgy across jb parts improve solder-joint reliability and minimise ESR/ESL drift after reflow.

7. When to choose alternative MLCC dielectrics or resistor types

While general-purpose MLCCs and thick film resistors cover many applications, specialised circuits need higher-grade components. RF networks use NP0/C0G for ultra-low loss, while precision filters rely on X7R for better stability under DC bias.

For resistors, thin-film options provide low TCR and tight tolerance. High-voltage dividers may require special film construction, and surge-heavy power circuits benefit greatly from jb’s pulse-rated resistor families.

• NP0/C0G MLCCs → RF, oscillators, precision filters.
• X7R MLCCs → general stable decoupling.
• Thin-film resistors → precision analogue & measurement.
• Surge-rated resistors → power supplies, motor drives, LED drivers.

8. Summary: A unified MLCC + resistor strategy improves design confidence

Treating MLCCs and resistors as a unified design block—not isolated components—helps achieve predictable, EMC-compliant and highly reliable performance. jb’s matched MLCC and resistor families offer aligned derating curves, consistent qualification data and strong manufacturability support across consumer, industrial, automotive and high-power designs.

Selecting the correct combination early greatly reduces redesign cycles, accelerates validation and enhances long-term product reliability.

Need help selecting the correct SMD MLCC + resistor combination?
Explore jb resistor families or contact us to get application support for your design.

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JBR Series – High Power & Precision Components for Modern Electronics

Video Showcase: JBR Series – High Power & Precision for Modern Electronics

In industrial design and automation systems, resistors and potentiometers play a decisive role in power regulation, load balancing, and precise signal adjustment. The jb JBR Series combines high power wirewound technology with precision trimming control, delivering reliability under demanding thermal and electrical environments. Whether you’re building motor drives, power inverters, or measurement instruments, JBR ensures stability, repeatability, and long-term endurance.

Bridging high-power dissipation with precision control — jb JBR Series for industrial applications.

This video highlights how the JBR Series integrates high load capacity and precision adjustability to achieve better thermal balance, current stability, and fine-tuned resistance — essential for engineers designing efficient and stable power systems.

Within the series, JBR-BT, JBR-BS, and JBR-BQ models handle high surge and continuous dissipation for load banks and inverter systems, while JBR-BH and JBR-BJ provide fine resistance trimming for test equipment and control boards. For interface applications, JBR-BM, JBR-BN, and JBR-BP feature smooth rotational torque and digital knob operation, ideal for control consoles and instrument panels.

Related Videos

Video Title	Focus Area
JBR High Power Wirewound Overview	Thermal management, surge endurance, inverter test systems
Precision Potentiometers & Digital Knobs	Signal calibration, analog control, panel adjustment

High-reliability trimming potentiometers and wirewound resistors from JBR Series – built for engineering precision.

Explore Full JBR Series → Contact jb Capacitors

Learn more about jb’s JBR Series components designed for precision control, load management, and industrial stability.

jb® SMD Capacitors – Compact Design, Reliable Performance

jb® Home › SMD Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

SMD Aluminum Electrolytic | Low ESR | SMPS | DC/DC

Switch-mode power supplies and compact electronics require low ESR, optimized impedance, and long endurance in limited PCB space. jb® SMD Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors are engineered for DC/DC converters, SMPS rails, LED drivers, and telecom equipment, delivering stable ripple suppression and robust power integrity with competitive total cost of ownership.

At a glance. Compared with standard radial capacitors, SMD types enable automated SMT assembly, support high-density layouts, and improve vibration tolerance and mechanical stability. These advantages translate into cleaner transients, lower self-heating, and more reliable operation across consumer, industrial, and networking platforms.

Why SMD Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors Improve Power Integrity

In switching power architectures, ripple current flowing through the capacitor’s ESR converts to heat and shortens lifetime. Selecting low-ESR SMD capacitors reduces AC loss and temperature rise, which improves efficiency and minimizes undershoot/overshoot during load transients. Designers typically start from an allowable ripple target and derive an ESR budget using ESRmax ≈ ΔVripple / Iripple, then validate across frequency and temperature on the bench.

High-reliability SMD electrolytics support low impedance across the SMPS switching band.

Series Overview and Typical Use Cases

Series	Temp	Load Life	Target Features	Main Applications
JCS	85°C	2000h	Standard ESR	Home electronics, cost-sensitive SMPS
JCK	105°C	1000–2000h	Low ESR	DC/DC, chargers, TV power boards
JCD	105°C	2000h	Low impedance	Telecom, PoE, networking gear
JCF	105°C	2000–5000h	Ultra-low impedance	LED drivers, industrial SMPS

Production Line Preview

See how jb® ensures consistent manufacturing quality and process control for SMD electrolytics.

Cross-Reference and Sourcing Continuity

jb® maintains a broad SMD lineup that maps to leading brands, enabling drop-in or spec-matched replacements to reduce supply chain risk. Request our cross-reference to accelerate qualification and secure stable production.

Browse SMD Series Request a Quote Ask for Cross-Reference

Always validate product selection with the official datasheet during design qualification. For high-temperature ambient above 60 °C, consider voltage derating.

Low Leakage & Long Life Super Capacitors for Energy Retention

jb Super Capacitors are designed to deliver both ultra-low leakage current and long cycle life for applications in smart meters, IoT sensor nodes, memory backup systems, and industrial controls. They combine low ESR, stable voltage, and robust aging performance to ensure energy retention over extended periods.

Fundamentals of Low Leakage & Self-Discharge

Supercapacitors inherently exhibit self-discharge (leakage) due to ion migration, charge redistribution, and faradaic side reactions. Industry white papers report that leakage current typically decays with time (hours–days) and is temperature-dependent [1]. Modeling leakage with a parallel resistance in the RC network yields more realistic behavior predictions [2].

Recent studies analyze suppression mechanisms—Ohmic, Faradaic, and redistribution—and propose mitigation strategies [3]. Analytical, leakage-aware formulas further improve prediction of voltage–time curves under load [2].

Materials, Electrolytes & ESR Tradeoffs

Electrode, electrolyte, and separator choices impact both ESR and leakage. Reviews highlight that high ionic conductivity reduces ESR but impurities or side reactions can raise leakage [4]. Novel electrolyte systems and purification techniques aim to balance conductivity, stability, and leakage suppression [5].

Aging mechanisms matter: over time, capacitance may decrease while ESR rises. Elevated voltage or temperature accelerates degradation—binder breakdown, contact resistance growth, and electrolyte decomposition [6]. Long-life studies survey failure modes and durability pathways in supercapacitors [7].

Modeling & Lifetime Prediction

For design confidence, lifetime estimation is essential. Data-driven and physics-based models are used to forecast remaining useful life (RUL) [8]. Incorporating a leakage branch (parallel resistance) improves accuracy under partial states of charge and non-ideal conditions [2].

In practice, some standards and handbooks consider end-of-life when capacitance falls to ~70–80% of rated value or ESR doubles [9]. Robust designs aim to minimize leakage, maintain structural stability, and control internal heating across duty cycles.

Applications & Real-World Use Cases

• Smart Meters / Grid — months-long retention without voltage drop.
• IoT / Sensor Nodes — minimal self-discharge extends duty cycles and harvest intervals.
• Memory & RTC Backup — preserve data during outages and cold starts.
• Industrial / Automation — bridge transient loads and absorb regenerative pulses.

Hybrid battery–supercapacitor systems let the SC supply high-power spikes, reducing battery stress and extending battery life—common in EV and power electronics literature [10].

Demo Video

Transient load performance and ESR behavior during pulse discharge.

Open on YouTube

Hero Image

Overview: low leakage & long life supercapacitor architecture.

Series Gallery

Datasheets & Support for Design Engineers

Consult datasheets for ESR vs frequency, leakage current curves, lifetime modeling, and thermal behavior. Validate with system-level simulation to ensure leakage over months remains within thresholds. Our team can help you choose among coin, combined, and module types by voltage, temperature, and retention needs.

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References

1. Vishay. How to Manage Leakage Current and Self-Discharge of EDLC Capacitors. 2025. PDF — supercapacitor self-discharge & leakage current control (Vishay)
2. Ali, Z. M.; Calasan, M.; Aleem, S. H. E. A.; Hasanien, H. M. (2023). On the Exact Analytical Formulas of Leakage-Current-Based Supercapacitor Model Operating in Industrial Applications. Energies 16(4):1903 (MDPI). leakage-aware supercapacitor modeling (MDPI)
3. Shang, W. et al. (2023). Insight into the Self-Discharge Suppression of Supercapacitors. review — mechanisms & suppression strategies (ScienceDirect)
4. Dissanayake, K. et al. (2024). A Review of Supercapacitors: Materials, Technology, Challenges, and Applications. materials, ESR & leakage trade-offs (ScienceDirect)
5. Mendhe, A. et al. (2023). A Review on Electrolytes for Supercapacitor Device. Springer. electrolytes & purification for low ESR / low leakage (Springer)
6. Chen, X. et al. (2023). Aging and Degradation of Supercapacitors: Causes, Mechanisms and Prevention. open-access review — ageing under high V/T (PMC)
7. Pameté, W. et al. (2023). The Many Deaths of Supercapacitors: Degradation, Aging, and Performance Fading. Advanced Energy Materials. PDF mirror — failure modes & durability (AEM)
8. Yi, Z. et al. (2022). Prediction of the Remaining Useful Life of Supercapacitors: A Review. Hindawi. RUL models — data-driven & physics-based (open PDF)
9. Wikipedia contributors. (updated). Supercapacitor — overview & typical EOL criteria (capacitance drop / ESR rise). supercapacitor fundamentals & end-of-life (Wikipedia)
10. Vishay. Power Management Solution: Constant Voltage (CV) Pulse Charging of Hybrid Capacitors. Application Note, 2018. hybrid battery–supercapacitor systems & lifetime (Vishay)

JBR-BA ~ JBR-BG Wirewound Potentiometer Explained – From Single to Multi-Turn Precision

Ever turned a potentiometer and wondered why some keep spinning while others stop after one twist?
That’s exactly the difference between single-turn and multi-turn wirewound types. The jb® JBR-BA ~ JBR-BG Series provides precise, stable adjustment across all applications—from quick manual tuning to fine industrial calibration.

Why Choose Wirewound Potentiometers?

Wirewound potentiometers use a coiled resistance wire instead of a carbon film. This construction ensures high accuracy, excellent heat stability, and minimal drift—ideal for measurement systems, audio tuning, and control panels that demand reliability.

Meet the JBR Series Family

The JBR-BA ~ JBR-BG family includes models from compact single-turn to precision 10-turn types. Below is a quick comparison for easier model selection:

Series	Turns	Power	Resistance Range	Recommended Application
JBR-BC	1 Turn (Trimming)	1 W	50 Ω – 2 MΩ	PCB trimming, fine tuning
JBR-BD	1 Turn	1 W	50 Ω – 10 kΩ	Quick panel adjustment
JBR-BE	5 Turns	1 W	100 Ω – 47 kΩ	Compact control modules
JBR-BA / BB / BF / BG	10 Turns	2 W	100 Ω – 100 kΩ	Industrial calibration & automation

Video Demonstration

Explore JBR Series Request Free Samples

Frequently Asked Questions

Wirewound types are more stable, accurate, and durable under temperature and mechanical stress, ensuring consistent performance over years.

Yes, as long as your circuit accommodates more turns. The JBR-BG offers finer control for sensitive calibration points.

Yes. The JBR family offers multiple mounting and shaft options suitable for both front and rear panel installations.

You can contact us here — our team will respond within 24 hours.

Why Audio Engineers Choose JPX/JSX/JFX Capacitors

Watch the JPX / JSX / JFX series introduction and learn why engineers choose these capacitors.

Reliable Alternatives Without Overspending

Engineers and DIY audio builders often face the same problem: high costs and strict order quantities when sourcing capacitors from well-known brands like Mundorf, Jantzen, or Auricap. The jb® JPX, JSX, and JFX series of axial polypropylene film capacitors solve this challenge by offering professional-grade audio performance with lower minimum order quantities and more accessible pricing.

Official jb® product photo of JPX, JSX, JFX axial polypropylene film capacitors.

Technical Highlights

JPX Supreme stands out with detailed midrange, fast transient response, and stable low frequencies. JSX Superior offers a compact form factor with clean highs and strong mids, making it a favorite among DIY users. JFX Premium is designed as a cost-effective workhorse, combining reliability with low ESR and DF.

Practical DIY Applications

In real projects, one hobbyist reported a noticeable improvement after replacing crossover capacitors with JSX Superior 630V, describing a wider soundstage and clearer vocals. Another builder tested JPX Supreme in the signal path of a DIY headphone amplifier, noting enhanced bass control and a warmer midrange. These cases show how small-batch orders make it possible to experiment and refine designs without financial risk.

Ready to Experience Better Sound?

Test JPX / JSX / JFX in your next DIY or professional audio project. Order a free sample or start with a small batch today.

Free Sample Order Now

All information is based on jb® datasheets and field feedback.