Accu-P
Thin-Film Technology
This accuracy sets apart these Thin-Film capacitors from
THE IDEAL CAPACITOR
ceramic capacitors so that the term Accu has been
The non-ideal characteristics of a real capacitor can be
employed as the designation for this series of devices, an
ignored at low frequencies. Physical size imparts inductance
abbreviation for accurate.
to the capacitor and dielectric and metal electrodes result in
resistive losses, but these often are of negligible effect on the
circuit. At the very high frequencies of radio communication
THIN-FILM TECHNOLOGY
(>100MHz) and satellite systems (>1GHz), these effects
Thin-film technology is commonly used in producing semi-
become important. Recognizing that a real capacitor will
conductor devices. In the last two decades, this technology
exhibit inductive and resistive impedances in addition to
has developed tremendously, both in performance and in
capacitance, the ideal capacitor for these high frequencies is
process control. Todays techniques enable line definitions of
an ultra low loss component which can be fully characterized
below 1m, and the controlling of thickness of layers at 100
in all parameters with total repeatability from unit to unit.
-2
(10 m). Applying this technology to the manufacture of
Until recently, most high frequency/microwave capacitors
capacitors has enabled the development of components
were based on fired-ceramic (porcelain) technology. Layers
where both electrical and physical properties can be tightly
of ceramic dielectric material and metal alloy electrode paste
controlled.
are interleaved and then sintered in a high temperature oven.
The thin-film production facilities at AVX consist of:
This technology exhibits component variability in dielectric
Class 1000 clean rooms, with working areas under
quality (losses, dielectric constant and insulation resistance),
laminar-flow hoods of class 100, (below 100 particles
variability in electrode conductivity and variability in physical
per cubic foot larger than 0.5m).
size (affecting inductance). An alternate thin-film technology
has been developed which virtually eliminates these vari-
High vacuum metal deposition systems for high-purity
ances. It is this technology which has been fully incorporated
electrode construction.
into Accu-P and Accu-P to provide high frequency capaci-
Photolithography equipment for line definition down to
tors exhibiting truly ideal characteristics.
2.0m accuracy.
The main features of Accu-P may be summarized as follows: Plasma-enhanced CVD for various dielectric deposi-
tions (CVD=Chemical Vapor Deposition).
High purity of electrodes for very low and repeatable
ESR. High accuracy, microprocessor-controlled dicing saws
for chip separation.
Highly pure, low-K dielectric for high breakdown field,
high insulation resistance and low losses to frequencies High speed, high accuracy sorting to ensure strict
above 40GHz. tolerance adherence.
Very tight dimensional control for uniform inductance,
unit to unit.
Very tight capacitance tolerances for high frequency
signal applications.
Orientation Marking
Alumina (Al O )
2 3
Electrode
Seal
(SiNO)
Dielectric (SiO / SiNO)
2
Electrode
Alumina (Al O )
2 3
Terminations
ACCU-P CAPACITOR STRUCTURE
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Accu-P
Thin-Film Chip Capacitors
APPLICATIONS
ACCU-P TECHNOLOGY
Cellular Communications Radar Systems
The use of very low-loss dielectric materials, silicon dioxide and
silicon oxynitride, in conjunction with highly conductive elec-
CT2/PCN (Cordless Video Switching
trode metals results in low ESR and high Q. These
Telephone/Personal Comm.
Test & Measurements
high-frequency characteristics change at a slower rate with
Networks)
Filters
increasing frequency than for ceramic microwave capacitors.
Satellite TV
VCO's
Because of the thin-film technology, the above-mentioned
Cable TV
frequency characteristics are obtained without significant
Matching Networks
GPS (Global Positioning Systems)
compromise of properties required for surface mounting.
RF Amplifiers
Vehicle Location Systems
The main Accu-P properties are:
Vehicle Alarm Systems
Internationally agreed sizes with excellent dimensional
APPROVALS
control.
Paging
ISO 9001
Ultra small size chip capacitors (01005) are available.
Military Communications
Ultra tight capacitance tolerances.
Low ESR at VHF, UHF and microwave frequencies.
Enhanced RF power handling capablity.
High stability with respect to time, temperature, frequency
and voltage variation.
Nickel/solder-coated terminations to provide excellent sol-
derability and leach resistance.
ACCU-P FEATURES
Accu-P meets the fast-growing demand for low-loss
(high-Q) capacitors for use in surface mount technology espe-
cially for the mobile communications market, such as cellular
radio of 450 and 900 MHz, UHF walkie-talkies, UHF cordless
telephones to 2.3 GHz, low noise blocks at 11-12.5 GHz and
for other VHF, UHF and microwave applications.
Accu-P is currently unique in its ability to offer very
low capacitance values (0.05pF) and very tight capacitance
tolerances (0.01pF).
The RF power handling capability of the Accu-P allows
for its usage in both small signal and RF power applica-
tions.
Thin Film Technology guarantees minimal batch to batch
variability of parameters at high frequency.
Inspection test and quality control procedures in accor-
dance with ISO 9001, CECC, IECQ and USA MIL
Standards yield products of the highest quality.
Hand soldering Accu-P : Due to their construction utilizing
relatively high thermal conductivity materials, Accu-Ps
have become the preferred device in R & D labs and pro-
duction environments where hand soldering is used.
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