Abstract
This paper reviews the establishment of RF voltage and current rating characteristics of monolithic ceramic capacitors, using thermal balance considerations between heating of the component due to dielectric losses and heat transport through conduction by the electrodes.Maximum thermal voltages and currents, characteristic of the electric and thermal conductivities of the dielectric material, were calculated on the basis of dielectric loss-frequency characteristics determined experimentally for test devices resembling in their design those of miniature RF power capacitors, and UHF/microwave porcelain chip capacitors for applications in strip line circuits.Maximum rated RF voltages for the specific components were evaluated by consideration of the elements of dielectric strength and breakdown properties.By the establishment of the maximum internal temperatures developed within the dielectric upon the application of RF voltages which are permissible for reliable operation of the component, the RF voltage and current rating characteristics may be designated in terms of characteristic limiting impedances determining regions of the characteristics where limitations by the maximum rated voltage, power, or current obtain.Relations between rating characteristics and component design are briefly reviewed.