Switching Noise
Effective Use of Decoupling Capacitors Point 2
2018.12.06
Points of this article
・There are two main points to consider for the effective use of decoupling capacitors: (1) Use of multiple capacitors, and (2) lowering capacitor ESL values.
・By lowering the capacitor ESL, high-frequency characteristics are improved, and high-frequency noise can be more effectively attenuated.
・There are capacitors which, even for the same capacitance, have ESL values that are lowered through innovations in the size and structure.
In the previous article, as Point 1 in “Effective Use of Decoupling Capacitors”, we explained “Use of multiple decoupling capacitors”. In this article, we move on to Point 2.
- Effective Use of Decoupling (Bypass) Capacitors Point 1
- Point 2: Reducing the capacitor ESL (equivalent series inductance)
- Other matters to be noted
Point 2: Reducing the capacitor ESL
The second point in the effective use of decoupling capacitors is the approach of lowering the capacitor ESL, or equivalent series inductance. However, the ESL of a capacitor cannot itself be changed, and so lowering the ESL in effect means using a capacitor with the same electrostatic capacitance, but with a lower ESL. By lowering the ESL, the high-frequency characteristics are improved, and high-frequency noise can be more effectively decreased.
・Using a capacitor that has the same value but is smaller in size
Some multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are made available as products having the same capacitance value, but in different-size packages. The ESL depends on the structure of the terminal portions. Smaller-size capacitors necessarily have smaller terminals, and so normally the ESL is smaller.
In noise countermeasures, when it is necessary to attenuate the noise at higher frequencies, one method is to select capacitors of smaller sizes.
・Using a capacitor with a lowered ESL
Among multilayer ceramic capacitors, there are types the ESL of which is lowered through innovations in the shape and structure.
As shown in the graphic image, capacitors generally have electrodes on the short-edge sides; in contrast, LW reversed type capacitors have the electrodes on the long-edge sides. The name derives from the fact that the length (L) and the width (W) edges are reversed. By increasing the electrode width, the ESL is lowered.
A three-terminal capacitor is a capacitor obtained by modifying structure of a general (two-terminal) capacitor to improve the frequency characteristic. In a three-terminal capacitor, the other end of one of the terminals (electrodes) of a two-terminal capacitor is passed to the outside as a feed-through terminal, and the other terminal is used as a GND terminal. In the diagram above, the input/output electrodes correspond to a penetrating terminal both ends of which are drawn out, and the left and right electrodes are of course conducting. A dielectric is present between the input/output electrodes (feed-through terminals) and the GND electrode, so that the device functions as a capacitor.
The input/output terminals are connected in series with a power supply and a signal line (one of the input/output terminals is connected to the input side, and the other is connected to the output side), and the GND electrode is connected to ground. As a result, the ESL of the input/output terminals is not included on the ground side, and so the ground impedance is extremely low. Moreover, series insertion into the noise path means that the ESL of the input/output terminals contributes to reduce noise (increase the insertion loss).
By arranging a pair of GND electrodes on the long-edge sides, the ESL is kept small, and by using a parallel connection, the ESL is halved.
Using such a structure, a three-terminal capacitor can be designed with the ESR held low in addition to the extremely small ESL, the frequency characteristic can be improved dramatically compared with a two-terminal capacitor having the same capacitance value.
In the next article, we will explain a number of related points that should be noted.
【Download Documents】Switching Power Supply Basic of EMC and Noise Countermeasures
This is a handbook on the basics of EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) and noise countermeasures for switching power supplies. Based on the understanding of the basics of noise, it explains the noise countermeasures using capacitors and inductors in switching power supplies.
List of articles related to the「Effective Use of Decoupling Capacitors Point 2」
- Dealing with Noise Using Capacitors
- Understanding the Frequency Characteristics of Capacitors, Relative to ESR and ESL
- Measures to Address Noise Using Capacitors
- Effective Use of Decoupling (Bypass) Capacitors Point 1
- Effective Use of Decoupling Capacitors, Other Matters to be Noted
- Effective Use of Decoupling Capacitors, Summary
Download Technical Documents
Downloadable materials, including lecture materials from ROHM-sponsored seminars and a selection guide for DC-DC converters, are now available.
Switching Noise
- Procedures in Noise Countermeasures
- What is EMC?
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Dealing with Noise Using Capacitors
- Understanding the Frequency Characteristics of Capacitors, Relative to ESR and ESL
- Measures to Address Noise Using Capacitors
- Effective Use of Decoupling (Bypass) Capacitors Point 1
- Effective Use of Decoupling Capacitors Point 2
- Effective Use of Decoupling Capacitors, Other Matters to be Noted
- Effective Use of Decoupling Capacitors, Summary
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Dealing with Noise Using Inductors
- Frequency-Impedance Characteristics of Inductors and Determination of Inductor’s Resonance Frequency
- Basic Characteristics of Ferrite Beads and Inductors and Noise Countermeasures Using Them
- Dealing with Noise Using Common Mode Filters
- Points to be Noted: Crosstalk and Noise from GND Lines
- Summary of Dealing with Noise Using Inductors
- Other Noise Countermeasures
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Basics of EMC – Summary