Ceramic Capacitors

The capacitor terminations are generally protected by a nickel barrier formed by electrolytic deposit. This barrier gives chip capacitors leaching performance far exceeding the requirements of all applicable standards. The nickel barrier guarantees a minimum resistance to soldering heat for a period of 1 minute at 260°C in a tin-lead (60/40) or tin-lead-silver (62/36/2) bath without noticeable alteration to the solderability. It also allows repeated soldering-unsoldering and the longer soldering times required by reflow techniques.

However nickel barrier amplifies thermal shock and is not recommended for chip sizes equal or greater than CNC Y (30 30) - (C 282 to C 288 - CNC 80 to CNC 94).

High temperature ceramic capacitors and high temperature mica capacitors are often used in situations that require a higher voltage or a higher power than normal. Because of the ways in which they are built, they can offer low ESR and excellent inrush current and ripple capabilities that other types of capacitors cannot. The only downside is that they tend to be physically larger than other types of capacitors.

The automotive industry is another area where high temperature capacitors are required. The temperature conditions can vary dramatically depending on what area of a car you’re talking about. The brake systems, the engine and the transmission are often the most temperature intensive areas.

Excellent temperature resistance, high volume/capacitance ratio, electrical properties and reliability make Exxelia's ceramic capacitors ideal for a wide range of fields of application including medical implants, aircraft flight controls, switched-mode power supply in harsh environments, core samplers for petroleum exploration, and space vehicles. Exxelia also offers Hyper Frequency ceramic capacitors with optimized size and very low ESR. 

These HiQ capacitors offer excellent performance levels for RF applications requiring functional reliability. Typically these applications include civil and military telecommunications (cellular base station equipment, wireless broadband service, Point to-Point or Multipoint radios, radio broadcasting equipment), and MRI coils.

Our multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) is a chip capacitor manufactured with layers of ceramic material and metal. The alternating layers can be built up to the desired capacitance range. The dielectric thickness determines the voltage rating. The capacitance is determined by multiplying the number of layers by the amount of active area and then the dielectric constant for the material. This number is then divided by the dielectric thickness. The active area is the overlap between the electrodes.

A capacitor with a thicker dielectric layer handles higher voltages than one with a thinner layer. Inversely, the thinner dielectric will have a higher capacitance rating. The MLCC design provides a significant space-saving advantage over other capacitor styles.

Ceramic chips are created with binders and solvents added to a specified ceramic powder. The slurry created is dried, forming a sheet or tape of ceramic material. Metal powder is mixed with solvents and additional ceramic material to create a liquid electrode. The liquid is then printed onto the ceramic layer. Layers of the ceramic sheets are stacked and laminated to form a solid structure.

The solid structure is cut into the desired size. Once cutting is complete, the assembly must be kiln fired. The temperature used in the firing process is critical in determining the capacitor’s characteristics. The process is similar for disc and chip styles. Disc capacitors use long leads to mount through circuit boards. Chips use surface mount technology.

A Class 1 ceramic capacitor is the best choice for applications that demand low losses and high stability. This style provides a reliable capacitance within the designated range of frequency, temperature and voltage. Class 2 series offer higher capacitance, but have wider fluctuations. The thermal stability varies by +/- 15 percent; these should be used in applications that do not require a continual exact capacitance. Exxelia uses NPO and P100 as Class 1 dielectrics ; and BX, 2C1 and X7R as Class 2 dielectrics.

Class 1 feedthrough capacitors offer high frequency noise reduction, and are excellent for use in microwave transmission, medical applications and DC supply and signal lines. Feedthrough design uses an axial-style lead for connections.

Exxelia is certified EN 9100, a quality standard specific to the aerospace, space, and defense sectors. Our facilities are also ISO 9001 certified (quality management), and some are certified ISO 13485 for medical devices. Other industry-specific standards, such as NADCAP or AQAP, may also apply depending on the products and markets.

The EN 9100 standard ensures a rigorous quality management system tailored to the critical requirements of the aerospace, space, and defense industries. It is required by major OEMs such as Airbus, Safran, Thales, or CNES. This certification guarantees product traceability, risk management, and compliance with international standards.

Yes, some of our facilities are ISO 13485 certified, the quality standard for medical devices. This certification enables Exxelia to design and manufacture components (such as coils, sensors, or capacitors) used in high-reliability medical equipment, including MRI scanners, ventilators, and imaging systems.

The railway industry demands durability, reliability, and long service life. While a dedicated certification like EN 9100 is not required, Exxelia applies IRIS standards and complies with IEC/EN regulations specific to railway applications. Our quality processes ensure component compliance for trains, metros, and tramways, including fire safety and electromagnetic compatibility.

Yes. Exxelia meets defense industry requirements through its EN 9100 certification and compliance with military standards (MIL-STD, STANAG). Our components are qualified for critical applications such as RF systems, embedded electronics, guided munitions, or radar systems. Some products are also subject to customer-specific qualification procedures.

We offer AS9100/EN9100 qualified solutions for you inverters/DC-Link/converters/power supplies from few hundred watts to some MW with benefit of weight and volume saving

• 1200 V high temperature radial/SMD capacitors with our CF-PP140 Series (Up to 30% smaller and lighter than usual solution)
• 1200 V Bus bar Capacitors (Up to 60% smaller and lighter than usual solution)
• Film (CM HVLP) & ceramic (C48X C-series) Technology, Common mode capacitors up to 5Kv
• Smart integrated magnetics

Each solution can be manufacrtured both in Europe or in the US

Exxelia CalRamic specializes in High-Voltage Ceramic Capacitors. The core catalog includes:  

• Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCC): Radial leaded and surface mount.  
• High-Voltage Leaded Disc Capacitors.  
• SMPS Capacitors: High-voltage Switch Mode Power Supply ceramic capacitors.  
• High-Temperature Capacitors: Specialized components rated for up to 200°C (ideal for downhole and geothermal applications).

All Exxelia CalRamic products continue to be proudly manufactured in the USA at our facility in Reno, Nevada. This ensures full compliance with domestic sourcing requirements for US defense and aerospace applications.

Exxelia CalRamic Technologies LLC, is a U.S.-based High Voltage Ceramic Capacitor manufacturer with over 30 years’ experience.  Our team focuses on producing exceptional quality capacitors by using superior quality materials with a highly trained team.

Exxelia CalRamic produces a variety of components in a multitude of configurations ranging from 500VDC to 80KVDC. Our Lean Manufacturing principles provide shorter lead times, rapid prototype turnaround deliveries, multiple design derivations for your custom application, and a variety of dielectric types depending on your specific application.

Our quality control system conforms to and exceeds ISO 9001-2015 requirements.  We manufacture capacitors suitable for a wide range of applications like: Geothermal, Commercial/Industrial, Medical, Commercial Aerospace, Ground Based Military, Military Aerospace and even Hi-Reliability Space Satellite Systems.  Our manufacturing design guidelines, material choices, and precision controls result in performance-based High Voltage Capacitors for your specific application.  

The Exxelia CalRamic Technologies Leadership has created a culture that encourages personal growth and success for each team member, while building a We Succeed as a Team environment.  In addition, we look for opportunities to support our local community through non-profit involvement and Exxelia CalRamic Team events throughout the year.

We are committed to the best approaches and practices that limit environmental impact, and an extensive safety and awareness training program that limits hazardous exposures to our Team Members.  

Exxelia CalRamic Technologies LLC is fully committed to our clients’ success.  On our website we offer a full ceramic capacitor educational library with Application Notes and Product Training Modules that help our clients understand the technical nature of High Voltage Ceramic Capacitors.

No, Exxelia CalRamic Technologies does not obsolete products that have been designed for a client.  It is our objective to maintain our ceramic capacitor product mix and supply for our clients without discontinuation.

Exxelia CalRamic has an extensive Library database of application notes encompassing all aspects of high voltage ceramic capacitors. In this database you can find detailed information around Soldering Multi-Layer Capacitors AN101, Wave Soldering Multi-Layer Capacitors AN102, Soldering Rework Methods AN108 and Soldering Methods for SMPS style capacitors AN116. All these application notes and many more can be found on our Application Notes page and if more information is needed don’t hesitate to contact one of our technical team members.

Yes, Exxelia CalRamic has the ability, in most cases, to “FAST TRACK” orders when required, and sometimes lead times can be lowered to as little as 2-3 weeks ARO.  This is offered at an additional cost and one of Exxelia CalRamic’ s team members can assist with setting up your expedited order.

Custom designs and catalog product modifications are 40% of what we manufacture to help our clients in their specific High Voltage requirements.  Sometimes this can be done at no additional cost to the client.

Yes. Exxelia-CalRamic offers customized ceramic capacitor capabilities, including custom designs and modifications to catalog products. Custom and modified products represent approximately 40% of our manufacturing activity and are developed to support customers with demanding high-voltage application requirements. Depending on the scope of the modification and the technical requirements involved, certain customizations may be available with little or no additional cost.

Standard ceramic capacitor lead times typically range from 8 to 14 weeks, depending on the product type, configuration, and manufacturing requirements. Leaded and coated  disc capacitors and leaded and coated multilayer capacitors may have different production timelines. Space-level capacitors, enhanced testing, and additional screening requirements may extend lead times slightly. Exxelia-CalRamic is committed to dependable delivery performance and has a strong track record of meeting agreed upon schedules.

Exxelia CalRamic has a variety of High Voltage Ceramic Capacitor inventory that are in-stock and can ship same-day upon receipt of your order. If you are looking for prototype quantities, or initial LRIP quantities, contact us for part specific availability.  We can sometimes ship the same day ARO.

Exxelia-CalRamic offers a range of screening options for high-voltage ceramic capacitors, using MIL-PRF-49467 as a reference basis where applicable. Available screening may include full Group A, Partial Discharge, and additional electrical or environmental testing based on customer requirements. When more extensive qualification is needed, Group B screening can also be supported, including fully rated life testing for up to 4,000 hours. Ultrasonic C-SAM screening is available when required for enhanced inspection. CalRamic can also incorporate many customer-specific screening specifications into the manufacturing and test process. For detailed options, pricing, and lead-time impact, please contact Exxelia-CalRamic’s technical team.

• MOQ: There are no minimum order quantities; we support everything from single-prototype units to large production runs.  
• Lead Times: Standard lead times range from 10 to 14 weeks. However, a "Fast Track" expedited option is available for urgent requirements, reducing lead times to as little as 2 to 3 weeks. Same-day shipping is also available for in-stock inventory.

Exxelia CalRamic capacitors can be screened based on MIL-PRF-49467 standards. Available testing options include:  

• Full Group A and Group B Screening (including up to 4,000 hours of fully rated life testing).  
• Partial Discharge Screening.  
• Ultrasonic C-SAM Inspection. 

Yes. In many cases, Exxelia-CalRamic can support expedited production through a FastTrack order process when customer schedules require accelerated delivery.  Depending on the product, configuration, material availability and screening requirements, lead times may be reduced to as little as 2 to 3 weeks after after orders are received. Expedited production is subject to review and may involve additional costs. An Exxelia-CalRamic team member can assist with evaluating feasibility, confirming the revised schedule, and coordinating the expedited order process.

Exxelia-CalRamic boasts a comprehensive technical team, with their entire manufacturing facility based in Reno, Nevada. For more than 25 years, Exxelia-CalRamic has delivered same-day responses, top-quality products, and support to ensure shared success with clients. Their aim is to offer the best experience and products available in the market.

Yes. Exxelia-CalRamic maintains an extensive technical brochure and application note database covering a broad range of topics related to high-voltage ceramic capacitors. Available resources include guidance on soldering multilayer capacitors, wave soldering, solder rework methods, and soldering methods for SMPS-style capacitors, including application notes such as AN101, AN102, AN108, and AN116. These documents, along with additional technical resources, are available through Exxelia-CalRamic’s Application Notes page. If further assistance is needed, Exxelia-CalRamic’s technical team is available to provide additional guidance and support.

No. Exxelia-CalRamic Technologies does not routinely obsolete products that have been designed for or qualified by a customer. Our objective is to maintain long-term product availability and provide consistent support for customer-specific ceramic capacitor solutions. This commitment helps customers protect qualified designs, maintain continuity of supply, and avoid unnecessary redesign or requalification efforts.

Exxelia-CalRamic maintains inventory for a range of high-voltage ceramic capacitors, with select products available for same-day shipment upon receipt of order.  Availability varies by part number, quantity, and current demand. For prototype builds, engineering samples, or initial low-rate initial production (LRIP) requirements, please contact Exxelia-CalRamic directly so our team can confirm part-specific stock status, lead time, and shipment options. In many cases, available inventory can ship the same day after receipt of order.