In the world of PCB design, Passive Components rarely get the spotlight. Yet, if you are designing a 5V or 3.3V power rail, the 10µF Capacitor is arguably the most critical component on your Bill of Materials (BOM).
The Samsung CL31B106KOHNNNE is the industry standard for this job.
It is a Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor (MLCC) that strikes the perfect balance between capacity, voltage handling, and temperature stability. This guide breaks down exactly what this part number means and why engineers choose it over smaller alternatives.
Table of Contents
- 1. Decoding the Part Number
- 2. Technical Specifications
- 3. The Engineering Debate: Why 1206 Size? (DC Bias)
- 4. Applications
- 5. Conclusion
1. Decoding the Part Number
Samsung's part numbering system is logical but dense. Here is the translation for CL31B106KOHNNNE:
| Code Segment | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CL | Series | Samsung MLCC (Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor). |
| 31 | Size | 1206 (Imperial) / 3216 (Metric). Dimensions: 3.2mm x 1.6mm. |
| B | Dielectric | X7R. (Stable Capacitance from -55°C to +125°C). |
| 106 | Capacitance | 10,000,000 pF = 10 µF. |
| K | Tolerance | ± 10%. |
| O | Voltage | 16V Rated. |
| H | Thickness | 1.6mm. (Standard thickness for this capacitance). |
| N | Termination | Standard (Ni/Cu/Ni/Sn). |
| E | Packaging | Embossed Tape & Reel (7-inch). |
Pro Tip: If you see a part number with an "A" in the 3rd position (e.g., CL31A...), that is X5R. X5R is cheaper but only rated to 85°C. The "B" (X7R) used here is superior for industrial and automotive environments.
2. Technical Specifications
- Capacitance: 10 µF
- Rated Voltage: 16V DC
- Dielectric: X7R
- Operating Temp: -55°C ~ +125°C
- TCC (Temp Coefficient): ±15% max change over temperature range.
3. The Engineering Debate: Why 1206 Size? (DC Bias)
You might ask: "Why use a big 1206 capacitor when I can buy a 10µF capacitor in a tiny 0603 package?"
The answer is DC Bias Characteristic.
Ceramic capacitors lose capacitance when you apply DC voltage to them.
- A 0603 10µF cap at 12V might actually only provide 2µF of real capacitance (dropping 80%!).
- The 1206 (CL31) package is physically larger. This allows for thicker dielectric layers and less stress on the material.
The Result: The CL31B106KOHNNNE retains much more of its rated 10µF at 5V or 12V compared to smaller chips. If stability matters, size matters.
4. Applications
1. Power Supply Output Filtering
This is the standard capacitor placed at the output of LM1117 or similar LDO regulators. It provides the bulk energy storage to handle sudden load spikes from the MCU.
2. DC-DC Buck Converters
Used on the input side of 12V-to-5V converters to smooth out the ripple current. The X7R dielectric handles the heat generated by ripple current better than Y5V caps.
3. General Decoupling
Placed near power entry points on a PCB to shunt high-frequency noise to ground.
5. Conclusion
The Samsung CL31B106KOHNNNE is a "safe bet" component. It offers the high capacity (10µF) needed for modern power rails, the voltage headroom (16V) for 12V systems, and the temperature stability (X7R) for tough environments.
Sourcing Samsung MLCCs Need to fill a reel order for production? Visit Aichiplink.com to search for verified stock of CL31B106KOHNNNE and compatible Murata/Yageo alternatives.
Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic components distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers, and many of our in-stock parts is available to ship same day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What type of capacitor is CL31B106KOHNNNE?
It is a Samsung X7R multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) rated at 10µF and 16V.
Q2: What package size is CL31B106KOHNNNE?
This capacitor uses a 1206 (3216 metric) package, measuring 3.2mm × 1.6mm.
Q3: Why choose X7R instead of X5R for this capacitor?
X7R offers better temperature stability up to 125°C and more reliable performance in industrial applications.
Q4: How does DC bias affect this 10µF capacitor?
DC voltage reduces effective capacitance, but the 1206 size retains more usable capacitance than smaller packages.
Q5: What are common applications for CL31B106KOHNNNE?
It is widely used for power rail decoupling, LDO outputs, and DC-DC converter filtering.
