1µF Box Film Capacitors and Finding a Good Size

[Cybercow]

Oftentimes we encounter builds that call for 1µF box film caps. And while they're not hard to find, finding a small enough 1µF film cap can be a challenge. How many times have we tried placing a 1µF box film that encroaches far enough outside its footprint to interfere with the placement of adjacent components?

In my experience, most 1µF caps are found solely in the signal path; and whether electrolytic or non-polar (film) are specified, I've found that 99% of the time, a 1µF MLC cap will do just fine and without issue. However, some of us prefer to use a decent box film instead of an MLCC. To that end, I give you some photos with embedded notes about 6 different 1µF box film caps and where to find them. Typically, box film caps with a value below 220nF are 7.3mm wide, 8.0mm high and 3.5mm thick. Tayda has two different flavors. Surprisingly, the smallest of the 1µF box film caps from Mouser (notably 7.3mm wide, 8.0mm high and 3.5mm thick) is the most expensive. The top photo has embedded notes with exact part number to search for on the 2 for Tayda and the other 4 for Mouser.

 

[Nostradoomus]

I definitely just use MLCC caps most of the time. If I do get film, I get the small wima's from digikey, but buy 50 to bring the price down more

https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/wima/MKS2B041001C00MSSD/19130113 the picture is deceiving, they aren't the chonks

 

[MattG]

This is great, thanks for putting this together, @Cybercow.

Even putting aside the film versus ceramic in the signal path debate, quality 1uF and up ceramics are actually kinda expensive. I mean, you can get cheap ones, but if I’m using one in the signal path, I like to go 50v or even 100v, X7R, 5% tolerance, and as physically large as possible. And if it’s an AC coupling cap, I’ll usually up the capacitance as well, e.g. 4u7 instead of 1uF. But now we’re looking at something that’s probably 2x more than film. But the small size sure is nice.

 

[Stickman393]

Good little resource. I typically use the Kemets, personally.

I'm always gonna prefer a film over a mlcc on this range. At least until C0G is available in a 1uf package.

Though I've been known to go a little crazy and grab a PPS or a polypro in this range.

Because...fuck it. I do what I want.

 

[KR Sound]

Damn, I paid twice that for 10 63v WIMAs from
Mouser. Guess I should’ve shopped around. Oh well.

Thanks for the info!

 

[falco_femoralis]

The Wima 50v ones are small. If you want smaller than that, an MLCC, Tantalum, or low ESR electro is your best bet. Just watch the polarity, esp on the tantalum