Dear designers,

We're switching from tantalum to multi-layer ceramic (MLC) capactors, and we're
having a little debate over capacitor voltage ratings on MLC caps. (The answer
to the same question about aluminum electrolytic would also be handy).

Some people say the "6 V" rating is for normal working conditions -- a "6 V" cap
works fine on the output of a 5V regulator; higher voltage ratings there would
be overkill.

Some people say that the "6 V" rating is for marketing purposes -- it can hold
that absolute maximum voltage for a little while, but long-term reliability is
shot -- for example, the cap on the output of a 5 V regulator really needs to
have a minimum rating of at least 10 V.

Anyone have any pointers to good reliability studies ?

--
David Cary

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