TDK C Series and CGA Series MLCC Selection Guide for Automotive and Industrial Designs

TDK Corporation is a leading supplier of electronic components, including a comprehensive range of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). TDK's C series and CGA series MLCCs are widely specified in automotive, industrial, and high-reliability applications. This selection guide covers the key differences between C and CGA series, parameter comparisons, and sourcing considerations for automotive and industrial designs.

TDK MLCC Series Overview

TDK organizes its MLCC products into several series, each targeting specific application segments:

• C series: General-purpose MLCCs for commercial and industrial applications
• CGA series: Automotive-grade MLCCs qualified to AEC-Q200 Rev D/E standards
• CH series: High-frequency MLCCs with optimized performance for RF applications
• CK series: Kelvin terminal MLCCs for precision measurement applications

For automotive and industrial designs, the C series and CGA series are the primary options. TDK MLCC products are recognized for their reliability and are widely adopted in automotive electronics, industrial automation, and power electronics.

C Series vs CGA Series: Key Differences

The primary difference between TDK C series and CGA series MLCCs is the qualification level and target application. CGA series parts undergo additional testing and qualification to meet automotive industry standards.

Automotive Applications and AEC-Q200 Qualification

Automotive electronics require components that can withstand harsh operating conditions including wide temperature ranges, vibration, moisture, and thermal cycling. AEC-Q200 qualification is the industry standard for passive components used in automotive applications.

TDK CGA series MLCCs are qualified to AEC-Q200 standards, which include rigorous testing protocols:

• Temperature cycling: Verification of reliability under repeated temperature transitions
• High-temperature exposure: Extended life testing at maximum operating temperature
• Biased humidity testing: Operation under high temperature and high humidity with bias voltage
• Mechanical shock and vibration: Verification of mechanical integrity
• Solderability: Verification of termination solderability after storage

For automotive-grade MLCC sourcing, specifying CGA series parts ensures compliance with automotive industry requirements. Automotive electronics applications span from infotainment systems to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Case Size and Dielectric Selection

TDK C and CGA series MLCCs are available in standard EIA case sizes. The selection of case size and dielectric depends on the application requirements:

Case Size Considerations

• 0201 (0603 metric): Ultra-compact designs, smartphones, wearables
• 0402 (1005 metric): IoT devices, compact industrial modules
• 0603 (1608 metric): General-purpose automotive and industrial electronics
• 0805 (2012 metric): Power electronics, higher current applications
• 1206 (3216 metric): Power supply filtering, high-capacitance applications

Dielectric Selection for Automotive and Industrial

For automotive and industrial designs, dielectric selection should consider the operating temperature range and required capacitance stability:

• C0G: Essential for timing circuits, RF filters, and precision analog. Stable across full temperature range.
• X7R: Good balance of capacitance density and stability. Suitable for most bypass and coupling applications.
• X5R: Highest capacitance density. Suitable for power supply decoupling where operating temperature is controlled.

For AEC-Q200 MLCC applications, X7R and C0G dielectrics are most commonly specified due to their temperature stability.

Parameter Table: TDK C and CGA Series Specifications

Application Table: TDK MLCC Selection by Automotive and Industrial Use Case

For electric vehicle applications, CGA series MLCCs are essential due to the high-reliability requirements of EV power electronics and battery management systems.

Part Number Examples

The following TDK C series and CGA series MLCC part numbers are available for sourcing inquiry:

• C1608X7R1C0000 - 0603 case size, X7R dielectric, general-purpose application
• C1005X5R1A0001 - 0402 case size, X5R dielectric, high-capacitance option
• C1608CH2A0002 - 0603 case size, CH (high-frequency) series, RF applications
• C2012X7R1E0003 - 0805 case size, X7R dielectric, industrial grade
• C3216X7R1H0004 - 1206 case size, X7R dielectric, high-voltage option
• C1608X7R2A0005 - 0603 case size, X7R dielectric, alternative configuration
• C1005X5R1C0006 - 0402 case size, X5R dielectric, compact design
• C1608CH2A0007 - 0603 case size, CH series, high-frequency performance

For additional TDK part numbers, browse the TDK MLCC catalog. To request sourcing support for specific part numbers, upload your BOM or submit an RFQ.

Selection Guide: C vs CGA Series Decision Flow

When selecting between TDK C series and CGA series, consider the following decision factors:

1. Application environment: If the application is in an automotive vehicle (including non-safety systems), CGA series is recommended for long-term reliability.
2. Operating temperature: If the operating temperature exceeds 125°C, CGA series (rated to 150°C) is required.
3. Reliability requirement: For mission-critical industrial applications, CGA series provides enhanced reliability even if AEC-Q200 is not mandatory.
4. Cost consideration: C series parts are typically more cost-effective for non-automotive applications where AEC-Q200 is not required.
5. Regulatory compliance: Some end markets may require AEC-Q200 qualification as a contractual or regulatory requirement.

RFQ Checklist for TDK C and CGA Series MLCCs

Submit your RFQ through the MLCC RFQ form. Independent sourcing support is available for TDK C and CGA series MLCCs.

FAQ: TDK C and CGA Series MLCC Selection

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