SMD Capacitor Code Calculator

3/4 digit and EIA-198 capacitor markings

Operating Mode

Required Parameters

Marking

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Quick Answer

SMD capacitor codes are in picofarads: the last digit is the multiplier (number of zeros). 104 = 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF. EIA-198 codes use a letter-digit-letter format for 1% precision parts.

Documentation

Calculateur de Code CMS de Condensateurs

Decodez les marquages sur les condensateurs CMS.

Systeme a 3 Chiffres

104 = 100 nF
473 = 47 nF
222 = 2,2 nF

Outils Associes

Calculateur de Code CMS de Resistances
Calculateur de Condensateurs Serie/Parallele

Design Notes

Most SMD ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are unmarked. When marked, digit codes give capacitance in picofarads. The biggest practical concern is not the marking but the dielectric type: C0G/NP0 ceramics are stable but limited to small values, while X7R and X5R offer high capacitance but lose value with DC bias and temperature.

Common Mistakes

1
Assuming an unmarked SMD component is a capacitor — it could be a resistor, inductor, or even a diode in some packages.
2
Forgetting that MLCC capacitance drops significantly under DC bias (X5R 10µF at 10V may only be 3-4µF with 8V applied).
3
Using Y5V/Z5U dielectrics where stable capacitance is needed — their value can change by 80% with temperature.

Engineering Handbox

1. First two digits: 10 (significant figures in pF) 2. Last digit: 4 (add four zeros) 3. Raw: 10 + 0000 = 100,000 pF 4. Convert: 100,000 pF = 100 nF = 0.1 µF

VerificationThe code 104 = 100 nF (0.1 µF) — the standard decoupling capacitor.

Knowledge Base

Comment lire le marquage d'un condensateur CMS ?

La plupart des condensateurs céramiques CMS ne portent aucun marquage. Seuls les tantale et certains électrolytiques CMS indiquent la valeur et la tension. Utilisez un capacimètre ou référez-vous au plan d'implantation.

Que signifie le code 104 sur un condensateur ?

10 × 10⁴ pF = 100 000 pF = 100 nF = 0,1 µF. C'est le condensateur de découplage standard utilisé sur chaque broche d'alimentation des circuits intégrés.

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