Breakdown voltages in ceramic capacitors with cracks

Breakdown voltages in 27 types of virgin and fractured X7R multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) rated to voltages from 6.3 to 100 V have been measured and analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the dielectric withstanding voltage (DWV) testing to screen-out defective parts and get more insight into breakdown specifics of MLCCs with cracks. Fractures in the parts were introduced mechanically and by thermal shock stress. To simulate exposure of internal electrodes to environments in fractured parts, breakdown testing was carried out also on cross-sectioned and polished capacitors.