The V series ArcShield high voltage surface mount Multilayer Ceramic Chip Capacitor in X7R dielectric is designed for use in high voltage applications susceptible to surface arcing (arc-over discharge). The phenomenon of surface arcing is caused by a high voltage gradient between the two termination surfaces or between one of the termination surfaces and the counter internal electrode structure within the ceramic body. It occurs most frequently at application voltages that meet or exceed 300V, in high humidity environments and in chip sizes with minimal bandwidth separation (creepage distance). This phenomenon can either damage surrounding components or lead to a breakdown of the dielectric material, ultimately resulting in a short-circuit condition (catastrophic failure mode). The highly reliable base metal dielectric system combined with unique internal shield electrode structure that is designed to suppress an arc-over event while increasing available capacitance.
