104 Ceramic Capacitor 0.1UF 100NF Disc Radial CE RoHS Certification

Description

A 104 ceramic capacitor is a radial-leaded disc with a capacitance of 0.1 µF, which is the same as 100 nF or 100,000 pF. The 104 marking is a three-digit code in picofarads: the first two digits are the significant figures and the third is the number of zeros, so 10 followed by four zeros gives 100,000 pF. This is one of the most widely used values in electronics, and it is the part most often reached for when a supply rail needs decoupling or a signal needs a bypass path to ground.

104 Ceramic Capacitor Specifications

Parameter	Typical value
Capacitance	0.1 µF / 100 nF (marked 104)
Tolerance	±5% (J), ±10% (K), ±20% (M)
Rated voltage	50 V DC and 100 V DC standard; other ratings on request
Dielectric	X7R, Y5V, C0G (NP0)
Operating temperature	−55 °C to +125 °C (X7R); −30 °C to +85 °C (Y5V)
Body	Radial-leaded disc, epoxy coated
Lead spacing	P2.54 mm and P5.08 mm
Compliance	RoHS, CE

The disc is built from a ceramic dielectric (barium titanate in most cases) with silver electrodes fired onto both faces, leads attached, and an epoxy coating that insulates the body and keeps moisture out. Because the coating is part of the insulation path rather than just a cosmetic layer, a chipped or cracked coating is reason enough to reject a part.

Which Dielectric to Choose

The dielectric is what separates two capacitors that both read 104 on the body, and it is the specification most often left unstated in a bill of materials.

An X7R part holds its capacitance within ±15% from −55 °C to +125 °C, which makes it the safe choice for decoupling and general filtering where the exact value can drift a little. It is the default for most 0.1 µF decoupling positions.

Y5V reaches the same 0.1 µF in a smaller body, but its capacitance can fall by more than half at the temperature extremes and drops further under DC bias. For a decoupling cap that is usually acceptable; for anything timing related it is not.

C0G, also written NP0, is the stable option, with a temperature coefficient measured in tens of parts per million per degree and almost no voltage dependence. It is the right dielectric when the value has to stay where it was designed, such as in oscillators, filters and timing networks, but the capacitance available at 0.1 µF in a disc this size is limited.

Where a 104 Ceramic Capacitor Is Used

Decoupling and bypass on power rails, placed close to the pins of an IC to give high frequency noise a short path to ground. Filtering and smoothing in low power supplies. Coupling between stages where a DC block is needed. Snubbing small transients. Timing and oscillator circuits when a C0G part is fitted. The same value also appears across the input and output of voltage regulators, where the low equivalent series resistance of a ceramic matters more than the capacitance itself.

Reading the 104 Code

The three-digit code is the same system used across ceramic capacitors, and it always reads in picofarads. A 103 part is 10 nF, a 102 is 1 nF, and a 101 is 100 pF. An R substitutes for a decimal point on fractional values, so 4R7 means 4.7 pF. If you are matching a replacement and want the full picture of how these codes, tolerances and voltage letters work together, our guide to how to read capacitor markings covers the film capacitor codes as well.

Custom Values, Samples and Lead Forming

Beyond the standard 0.1 µF disc, we manufacture to order: other capacitances in the same code family, higher voltage ratings, tighter tolerances, and formed or cut leads for specific assembly equipment. Samples are available for qualification before a production run, and we can supply the compliance documentation your product file needs.

Quality and Compliance

Parts are produced under a documented quality control process with inspection at each stage, and they comply with the RoHS Directive, so they are free of lead, mercury and cadmium. CE marking documentation is available on request. If your project carries its own approval requirements, tell us at the quotation stage rather than after the order, and we will confirm what can be certified.

FAQ

What is the value of a 104 ceramic capacitor?

0.1 µF, which is 100 nF or 100,000 pF. The 104 code reads in picofarads: 10 followed by four zeros.

What does a 104 ceramic capacitor do?

It stores and releases charge in a circuit. In practice it is used for decoupling, bypassing, filtering and coupling, most often sitting close to an IC to keep high frequency noise off the supply rail.

What voltage is a 104 capacitor rated for?

It depends on the series, not on the code. The 104 marking says nothing about voltage. Common ratings for this value are 50 V and 100 V DC, but you should always confirm against the specific part and choose a rating above the voltage the circuit will see.

Does a 104 capacitor have polarity?

No. Ceramic capacitors are non-polarized and can be fitted either way round. That applies to the whole ceramic family, not just this value.

What is the difference between 104 and 103?

One order of magnitude. 104 is 100 nF (0.1 µF) and 103 is 10 nF (0.01 µF). Both are common, and mixing them up is one of the most frequent mistakes when reading a capacitor body.

Send Your Inquiry

For pricing, samples or technical support on the 104 ceramic capacitor, use the details below or send your requirements through our Contact Us page.

Email: coco@xuanxcapacitors.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +86-18825879082
Skype: Coco.PSH