10/28/2026 2:02:01 AM
The CL05A225KA5NUNC is a general-purpose multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) from Samsung Electro-Mechanics' CL series. Its parameter combination is worth noting: it delivers 2.2μF of capacitance within an 0402 (1005 metric) package, rated at 25V DC, with X5R dielectric and ±10% tolerance. Fitting 2.2μF into an 0402 footprint is not a demonstration of "small size, big capacitance" for its own sake. It addresses a common tension in high-density PCB layouts: the inability to have both space and capacitance.
The device operates from -55°C to +85°C and measures 1.00mm × 0.50mm × 0.50mm (L × W × T). The "C" suffix corresponds to a 7-inch cardboard reel with a standard quantity of 10,000 pieces per reel.
A 2.2μF capacitor traditionally requires an 0603 or even 0805 package. By compressing that capacitance into 0402, the CL05A225KA5NUNC allows designers working on smartphone mainboards, wearables, and TWS earbud charging cases to preserve decoupling capacitance while reducing board area. For power pins on chip-scale packages (CSP) or system-in-package (SiP) modules, the 1.0mm × 0.5mm footprint permits the capacitor to be placed immediately adjacent to the pin, shortening the high-frequency return path and reducing the parasitic inductance that degrades decoupling effectiveness.
The 25V rating may appear oversized for a 3.3V or 5V rail, but it carries practical value in battery-powered portable devices. A lithium-ion battery rail can reach 4.2V, and USB PD fast-charging scenarios may expose the rail to higher transient voltages. The 25V rating provides margin, and higher-voltage MLCCs typically exhibit gentler DC-bias derating at low operating voltages.
X5R is an EIA Class 2 high-dielectric-constant ceramic whose temperature specification guarantees a capacitance change within ±15% from -55°C to +85°C. Compared with X7R, which extends to 125°C, X5R's lower upper limit means it is not intended for engine bays or industrial motor drives. For consumer electronics, communication equipment, and most indoor applications, the 85°C ceiling is sufficient.
It is important to recognize that Class 2 dielectrics vary with DC bias and AC signal amplitude. At a 25V rating, derating at 3.3V or 5V operating voltages is typically moderate, but designers should consult Samsung's DC-bias characteristic curves-the official product page provides measured |Z|, ESR, TCC, and DC-bias data-rather than relying solely on the nominal 2.2μF. For precision filtering or timing circuits, the effective capacitance under actual bias should drive the design; for power-supply decoupling and general bypass, the nominal value remains a useful reference.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Samsung Electro-Mechanics |
| Series | CL (General Purpose) |
| Capacitance | 2.2 μF |
| Tolerance | ±10% |
| Voltage Rating | 25 V DC |
| Dielectric | X5R (EIA) |
| Package / Size | 0402 (1005 Metric) / 1.00 × 0.50 × 0.50 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -55°C to +85°C |
| Temperature Characteristic | ±15% over full range |
| Packaging (C suffix) | 7-inch cardboard reel, 10,000 pcs/reel |
| RoHS / REACH | Compliant |
Q: What is the practical difference between X5R and X7R dielectric in the CL05A225KA5NUNC?
A: The most direct difference is the temperature ceiling. X5R guarantees ±15% capacitance variation from -55°C to +85°C, while X7R extends that ceiling to 125°C. For consumer electronics and communication equipment, 85°C is usually sufficient. However, if the circuit is near a heat source such as a power module or RF power amplifier, or if ambient temperature may exceed 85°C, X5R's capacitance stability is no longer guaranteed, and X7R or a higher grade should be used. The two dielectrics have similar permittivity and volumetric efficiency; X5R is often slightly more cost-effective.
Q: Does 2.2μF in an 0402 package imply more severe DC-bias derating?
A: High-density MLCCs often have thinner dielectric layers or more stacked layers, and DC-bias derating can indeed be more pronounced than in lower-density parts with the same dielectric. However, the CL05A225KA5NUNC's 25V rating provides a voltage headroom buffer: at 3.3V or 5V operation, the bias ratio relative to the rated voltage is low, and the derating is typically less severe than with 6.3V or 10V rated parts. The Samsung DC-bias curve should be consulted for the specific application.
Q: Is this capacitor suitable for switching power supply output filtering?
A: It can be part of an output filter, but its ESR and ripple-current capability must be evaluated. A 2.2μF/25V/0402 has limited ESR and allowable ripple current, and is insufficient on its own for high-current switching supply output filtering. Its more common role is as a parallel element alongside larger capacitors, providing low-impedance bypass at mid-to-high frequencies where electrolytic or large MLCC impedance rises. The official ESR-frequency curve is a useful reference for designing the parallel decoupling network.
Q: What does the "C" suffix indicate, and what should be noted during procurement?
A: "C" corresponds to a 7-inch cardboard reel with a standard quantity of 10,000 pieces per reel. Samsung's CL series offers several packaging codes, including "J" (1mm pitch), "O" (10-inch), and "D" (13-inch). Procurement should match the reel size and packaging format to the pick-and-place feeder specifications and production batch requirements to avoid line stoppages.
The CL05A225KA5NUNC is primarily used in space-constrained consumer electronics and communication devices. On smartphone mainboards, it serves as a decoupling capacitor at processor power pins, often in parallel with 100nF and 10nF parts to form a broadband bypass network. In wearables-smartwatches, TWS earbuds, health-monitoring patches-the 0402 footprint allows placement close to the chip, accommodating flexible or rigid-flex boards. In RF modules and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth power filtering, the combination of 2.2μF and 25V offers a balance between capacitance and voltage margin. Portable medical devices and IoT sensor nodes also benefit from its small size and 25V rating.
The value of the CL05A225KA5NUNC is not in maximizing capacitance density or temperature range. It lies in providing a reliable 2.2μF/25V capacitor option within an 0402 micro-package. The 25V rating offers margin for low-voltage systems, the X5R dielectric maintains predictable temperature behaviour from -55°C to +85°C, and the 10,000-piece reel suits high-volume consumer production. For portable designs that need effective decoupling and bypass within minimal board area, it is a market-proven, general-purpose building block.
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