Film & Mica Capacitors

This natural mineral insulator has outstanding dielectric properties that are ideal for long-life high-stability capacitors with low loss at all frequencies, and high dielectric strength. This type of capacitor is used particularly for high frequency and delay line applications, oscillating circuits, emission devices and calibrators.

Mica dielectric capacitor technology allows for several custom design applications including: 

• High voltage capacitors (up to 50 kV)
• High temperature capacitors (up to 250°C)
• Precision capacitors (up to ± 0.1%)
• High stability capacitors (– 20 + 30 ppm/°C)
• High frequency capacitors ( up to several GHz). 

The majority of these capacitors are manufactured to comply to specifications NF-C-83120;MIL-C-5 and MIL-PRF-39001 standards.

Mica capacitors are noted for the following characteristics:

• Temperature performance
• Low loss at all frequencies
• High dielectric strength
• Stability over time

MIL-qualified capacitors meet stringent military specifications (e.g., MIL-PRF and MIL-STD standards) ensuring high reliability, durability, and performance in critical applications like aerospace, defense, and industrial electronics.

Silver mica capacitors provide superior stability and low loss when used in RF power circuits that require low pico farad (pF) and nano farad (nF) ranges. Older silver mica capacitors were manufactured in layers of mica and silver, but the layering allowed room for air gaps that reduced the stability and could also create stress fractures in the assembly.

Modern manufacturing uses silver plated to mica layers, eliminating the gaps. When the desired number of layers is obtained, the assembly is coated in an epoxy or ceramic resin. The coating reduces fracturing of the layers and seals the assembly from moisture and particles that could interfere with the capacitance value.

Mica capacitors are useful in circuits for ripple filtering and are often found in time constant, coupling or resonance circuits. In addition to radio circuits, they are used in TV transmitters and Cable TV amplification circuits. Mica is also a superior choice in high-voltage inversion and power conversion for energy absorbing snubber applications with capacitances of up to 10 nF.

Exxelia manufactures its MIL-qualified capacitors in accordance with all relevant military specifications. Capacitors are tested, marked, and validated to meet operational parameters outlined in MIL standards such as MIL-PRF-39006 and MIL-PRF-55514.

Standard silver mica capacitors are normally designed to handle voltages from 100 to 1000 volts. High-voltage RF transmitter applications can call for higher tolerances. Mica capacitors are available for voltages up to 20kV.

Our expert engineering team can create the mica capacitor with the characteristics you require. Send us your drawing or file and we will work with you to manufacture the correct size, lead style and capacitance you desire.

Exxelia offers capacitors with established reliability, achieving failure rates as low as 0.001% per 1,000 hours (S level) at a 90% confidence level. Other available levels include M (1%), P (0.1%), and R (0.01%).

Plastics come in such a wide range that they can cater to most of our technical needs. They can be used in high-temperature applications (Teflon), power (polypropylene), energy conversion (polyester), and for functions requiring high stability (polycarbonate). 

The product range extends from capacitor outputs for implementation on printed circuits, to metal housings with terminal output for power capacitors in wired circuits. Surface mounted devices (SMD) and film capacitors withstanding high temperatures are also manufactured.

Exxelia's MIL-qualified capacitors comply with key specifications such as:

• MIL-PRF-39006: Wet tantalum capacitors for high-reliability applications.
• MIL-PRF-55514: Film capacitors for DC and AC circuits.
• MIL-PRF-83421: Metallized plastic film capacitors.

Yes, Exxelia offers custom configurations and extended/intermediate values upon request. This flexibility allows for tailored solutions to meet specific application requirements and could help your design with easiest integration, cost saving, thermal management optimization, sensors or filter integrations etc...

MIL-qualified capacitors guarantee:

• Resistance to extreme conditions (temperature, vibration, humidity).
• Long operational life and low failure rates.
• Strict quality assurance processes validated by military standards.

General Electrical Specifications:

• Capacitance Range: From 1µF to 2 000µF depending on the series.
• Voltage Range: From 50V to 2000V DC.
• Operating Temperature: From -55°C to +140°C, with some derating above 125°C.
• Dissipation Factor (Tg d): Typically 60 . 10^-4
• Insulation Resistance: Minimum of 10,000 MΩ-µF at rat ed voltage and 25°C.
• Current: few Amps to hundreds of Amps (according to  the capacitor construction)

MIL specifications are publicly accessible via government websites like www.dla.mil/Land-and-Maritime 

Exxelia also provides guidance to help you select the right components for your projects.

MML capacitors are tested to meet various environmental and durability standards:

• Humidity (Steady-State): MIL-STD-202 Method 103.
• Barometric Pressure (Reduced): MIL-STD-202 Method 105.
• Thermal Shock: MIL-STD-202 Method 107.
• Life Test (Elevated Ambient Temperature): MIL-STD-202 Method 108.

These capacitors are ideal for industries requiring high reliability, such as:

• Aerospace and aviation
• Defense and military equipment
• High-performance industrial electronics

Reliability and performance are key in many industries. Exxelia's mica dielectric capacitors are designed to offer:

• Stable Performance: Unlike other capacitor technologies, mica capacitors maintain consistent performance over time and across temperature variations, ensuring reliability in critical applications.
• High Q Factor: These capacitors provide a high Q factor, minimizing energy loss and improving efficiency in RF applications.
• Wide Operating Range: With voltage ratings up to 1kV DC and temperature tolerance up to +150°C, they are suited for demanding environments.
• Optimized Lead Times: Improved production processes ensure faster delivery compared to industry standards.
• No Risk of Obsolescence
• Custom Design Options

Unrivaled performance for critical environments

Exxelia’s CMR capacitors are designed to meet the highest expectations of engineers operating in extreme conditions:

• Low temperature coefficient: Stability across a broad range of temperatures ensures minimal drift, a key factor for mission-critical systems.
• Outstanding resistance: Exxelia CMR capacitors excel under vibration, shock, and mechanical stress, maintaining performance where other components may falter.
• Wide range of values: From 1 pF to 91 nF with voltage ratings up to 500V, the CMR series addresses a broad scope of demanding applications.

Precision manufacturing and certifications

Each CMR capacitor is meticulously crafted with high-quality silvered mica, delivering exceptional stability and reliability. Fully compliant with MIL-PRF-39001, these capacitors are rigorously tested to meet the highest standards of performance for the most stringent applications, including:

• Flight computers and avionics
• Missile guidance systems
• High-end radar and communication equipment
• Satellites and space exploration technology

Faster delivery to keep your projects on track

One of the significant challenges faced by engineers today is the availability of high-reliability capacitors. Long lead times from suppliers can stall projects and increase costs. This is where Exxelia sets itself apart:

• Reduced lead times: Our optimized manufacturing process ensures significantly faster deliveries, enabling you to stay ahead of deadlines.
• Dedicated support: Exxelia works closely with engineers to meet custom design requirements, providing tailored solutions without compromise.

Why choose Exxelia CMR over alternatives?

While other manufacturers may offer components for general-purpose applications, Exxelia’s CMR capacitors focus exclusively on high-reliability performance:

• Stability and precision: Unparalleled temperature performance with extremely low drift compared to competitors.
• High-grade materials: Use of silvered mica ensures higher insulation resistance and stability over time.
• Long-term reliability: Proven in applications where failure can have significant consequences, such as defense and space technologies.

A commitment to engineering excellence

At Exxelia, we combine decades of expertise with a deep understanding of our customers' challenges. Our CMR capacitors are the result of meticulous research, superior materials, and a relentless focus on performance and reliability.

When precision matters and time is critical, Exxelia delivers.

MIL/DSCC-qualified capacitors are passive components that meet military (MIL). These certifications ensure high reliability and performance for aerospace, defense, and other demanding applications.

Yes, Exxelia can develop custom MIL QPL qualified capacitors based on specific customer requirements, including special form factors, capacitance values, and voltage ratings.

MIL-PRF (Performance Specification) is a military qualification defining performance requirements. DSCC specifications are managed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and often reference MIL standards while including additional performance parameters or screening processes.

Exxelia's MIL QPL capacitors can be ITAR-compliant if required. Please contact us for details on specific part numbers and compliance regulations.

Exxelia follows rigorous manufacturing and screening processes, including:

• 100% electrical testing
• Burn-in procedures
• Environmental stress screening (ESS)
• Lot acceptance testing (LAT)

These capacitors are widely used in:

• Military and commercial aerospace systems
• Radar and RF applications
• Power electronics and energy storage
• Avionics and electronic warfare systems

The operating temperature depends on the specific capacitor type but generally ranges from -55°C to +125°C or higher, depending on the MIL specification.

Qualification certificates are available upon request. Customers can also find documentation on Exxelia’s website or by contacting customer support.

Exxelia is certified EN 9100, a quality standard specific to the aerospace, space, and defense sectors. Our facilities are also ISO 9001 certified (quality management), and some are certified ISO 13485 for medical devices. Other industry-specific standards, such as NADCAP or AQAP, may also apply depending on the products and markets.

The EN 9100 standard ensures a rigorous quality management system tailored to the critical requirements of the aerospace, space, and defense industries. It is required by major OEMs such as Airbus, Safran, Thales, or CNES. This certification guarantees product traceability, risk management, and compliance with international standards.

Yes, some of our facilities are ISO 13485 certified, the quality standard for medical devices. This certification enables Exxelia to design and manufacture components (such as coils, sensors, or capacitors) used in high-reliability medical equipment, including MRI scanners, ventilators, and imaging systems.

The railway industry demands durability, reliability, and long service life. While a dedicated certification like EN 9100 is not required, Exxelia applies IRIS standards and complies with IEC/EN regulations specific to railway applications. Our quality processes ensure component compliance for trains, metros, and tramways, including fire safety and electromagnetic compatibility.

Yes. Exxelia meets defense industry requirements through its EN 9100 certification and compliance with military standards (MIL-STD, STANAG). Our components are qualified for critical applications such as RF systems, embedded electronics, guided munitions, or radar systems. Some products are also subject to customer-specific qualification procedures.