IEC 60063:2015

Overview

IEC 60063:2015 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies preferred number series for resistors and capacitors. This standard defines standardized series of values for the resistance of resistors and the capacitance of capacitors, forming the foundation for consistent component marking and coding per IEC 60062. The 2015 edition updates relationships between numerical series (E series) and component tolerances, and adds guidance on deducing E series and tolerances from component markings.

The preferred number series ensure interoperability and uniformity in electronic design and manufacturing by standardizing component values based on geometric progressions. These series simplify inventory management, component selection, and compatibility across international markets.

Key Topics

• Preferred Number Series (E Series):
  The standard details several E series, such as E3, E6, E12, E24, E48, E96, and E192, indicating the number of standard values within a decade. For example, E24 has 24 preferred values per decade. Each series is formed by intervals based on geometric progression, rounded to two or three significant digits.

• Number Series with Two Significant Digits:

  • E3, E6, E12, and E24 series provide decimal multiples and submultiples with two significant digits.
  • The E24 series, widely used in precision resistors and capacitors, is based on a geometric progression rounded to two digits.

• Number Series with Three Significant Digits:

  • Detailed series such as E48, E96, and E192 offer finer numeric resolution for applications requiring tight precision.
  • These series support tighter tolerances and higher accuracy in component values.

• Tolerance and E Series Relationship:

  • The standard relates tolerances with specific E series to avoid overlap of tolerance ranges between adjacent values.
  • For instance, E3 corresponds to ±20% tolerance, E6 to ±10%, E12 to ±5%, E24 to ±2%, and so forth, enabling manufacturers and designers to select components with appropriate precision.

• Marking and Coding Guidance:

  • IEC 60063 includes advice for deducing the associated E series and tolerance directly from a component's marking or coding following IEC 60062, facilitating easier identification in manufacturing and maintenance.

Applications

IEC 60063:2015 plays a crucial role in the electronics industry by enabling:

• Standardized Component Selection:
  Engineers utilize the preferred number series to select resistor and capacitor values compatible with standardized tolerances, ensuring product quality and performance consistency.

• Manufacturing and Inventory Control:
  The use of preferred numeric values simplifies stock management and reduces complexity in component sourcing worldwide.

• Electronic Design Automation (EDA):
  Software tools for circuit simulation and hardware design often incorporate E series preferred values for defining component libraries aligned with industry standards.

• Marking and Identification:
  Applying standardized codes and numeric resolutions as per IEC 60063 and IEC 60062 aids manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users in component verification and traceability.

Related Standards

• IEC 60062 – Marking Codes for Resistors and Capacitors:
  This standard complements IEC 60063 by providing the coding systems used for marking component values based on the preferred number series.

• ISO/IEC Directives Part 2:
  Governs the preparation and drafting of IEC standards, ensuring harmonization across international electrotechnical standards.

• Other IEC Standards on Passive Components:
  Related IEC standards covering aspects like performance, reliability, and testing of resistors and capacitors often reference IEC 60063 for value selection and coding.

By adhering to IEC 60063:2015, electronics manufacturers and designers ensure that their resistor and capacitor components conform to internationally recognized value series and tolerances, enhancing product interoperability, quality control, and customer confidence in electronic devices.