Electrostatic Discharge analysis of Multi Layer Ceramic capacitors

A rigorous analysis of Electrostatic Discharge susceptibility of Multi Layer Ceramic (MLC) capacitors is carried out. The impact of ESD stress applied at the connector pins of an electronic control module, protected by utilizing 0603 package MLC capacitors is evaluated. Effectiveness of MLC capacitors for protection of integrated circuits cannot be underestimated, nor should it be assumed as an effective ESD robust solution. Meanwhile, any degradation, or physical damage to MLC capacitors should not be ignored. This analysis concentrates on the permanent physical degradation to the ESD capacitors employed for the protection of active components for an automotive control module. However, this does not limit its scope to specialized automotive applications. In general, the same principles are applicable to all electronic products employing MLC capacitors as per ESD protection and filter mechanism.