IEC 60384-22:2019

Overview

IEC 60384-22:2019 is the IEC sectional specification for fixed unencapsulated surface mount multilayer capacitors of ceramic dielectric, Class 2 intended for electronic equipment. It covers SMD capacitors with metallized connecting pads or soldering strips designed for mounting on printed circuit boards (PCBs) or directly on substrates for hybrid circuits. EMI-suppression capacitors are excluded (see IEC 60384-14). The document prescribes preferred ratings and characteristics and selects from IEC 60384-1 the appropriate quality-assessment procedures, tests and measuring methods, plus general performance requirements.

This 2019 edition was restructured to align with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, harmonized with IEC 60384-21, removed a non‑applicable description of permissible reactive power, and added the 0201M dimension in Annex A.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope & applicability: Unencapsulated multilayer ceramic SMD capacitors, Class 2; mounting and soldering considerations for PCB and hybrid substrates.
• Preferred ratings & characteristics: Rated/categorized voltages, nominal capacitance ranges, temperature characteristics, and standard dimensions.
• Quality assessment procedures: Primary manufacturing checks, qualification approval, lot release and conformance inspection procedures.
• Test and measurement methods (selected):
  • Visual examination and dimensional checks
  • Electrical tests: capacitance, tangent of loss angle (tan δ), insulation resistance, voltage proof, impedance, ESR
  • Environmental and mechanical tests: temperature characteristic of capacitance, shear test, substrate bending, resistance to soldering heat, solderability, rapid temperature changes, climatic sequence (damp heat, dry heat, cold), endurance
  • Special preconditioning and recovery procedures where applicable
• Performance levels: Detail specifications referencing this sectional specification must specify test severities equal to or higher than those in IEC 60384-22; lower severities are not permitted.
• Marking, packaging and documentation: Requirements for marking on body and packaging, and information to be provided in detail specifications.

Practical Applications and Users

Who uses IEC 60384-22:

• Capacitor manufacturers for design, datasheets, and product qualification
• Quality assurance and test laboratories for conformance testing and qualification approval
• OEMs and electronic designers specifying SMD multilayer ceramic capacitors for PCBs and hybrid circuits
• Procurement and compliance engineers ensuring component specifications meet international standards

Practical value:

• Ensures consistent electrical and mechanical performance of Class 2 SMD capacitors
• Standardizes test methods and acceptance criteria for reliable supply and long-term performance in consumer, industrial and automotive electronics

Related Standards

• IEC 60384-1 – General rules for fixed capacitors (quality assessment selection)
• IEC 60384-14 – Capacitors for electromagnetic interference suppression (excluded from Part 22)
• IEC 60384-21 – Related sectional specification harmonized in structure

Keywords: IEC 60384-22, surface mount multilayer capacitors, ceramic dielectric Class 2, SMD capacitors, quality assessment, capacitor testing, PCB capacitors, solderability, endurance testing.