I've got a bulk pack of Ceramic Disc Capacitors here that I got from China. A good bunch of them have unreadable values.

I see Ceramic Disc Capacitors being used in our type of circuits (drivers) a lot - so does this mean they're ideal, or is it just because they're cheap?

While I'm on the subject, how do these Philips/Mullard old type Ceramic type fare in RF & general purpose circuits? I used to see a lot of these in RF circuits way back in the 80s & 90s but no longer see them used.

Are they more suitable, & what do the coloured tips denote? IE - black, orange, etc

As far as i know?
Ceramic capacitors are the simplest construction (excluding multilayer) which offer decent stability and voltage handling! So i guess your point of cost is pretty accurate.

Im sure there are more elaborate and expensive versions claiming better specs available?

Interestingly i have noticed that recently the big suppliers (UK) seem to stock less disc ceramics unless its rated for the KV ranges?

Multilayer leaded and SMT versions are more common.

Cheers Sinus.

I was meant to reply sooner, but everytime I log on the kids distract me.

I've noticed the lower availability of low voltage Ceramic discs, too.

I've been doing a little more research, and it seems Silver Mica is about the best.

Do you know what the coloured tips on the old Philip's Capacitors I posted denote?

Temperature coefficient. Black is normally NP0, other colors other values.

Top man, cheers Krakatoa

seems to me copy of PHILIPS capacitor , what a shame from thoses chineses

Silver film high frequency ceramic capacitor are the ones to use for high performance applications that require the most accuracy and dependability.

rigmo wrote: ↑Sun May 23, 2021 10:31 am Silver film high frequency ceramic capacitor are the ones to use for high performance applications that require the most accuracy and dependability.

I always thought they were called "Ceramic Plate" - usually manufactured back in the day by Philips & Mullard.

Maybe Albert H can shed some light on this?

In exciters, use Capacitors with C0G dielectric (NPO) and you will be fine.

Bton-FM wrote: ↑Sun May 23, 2021 11:57 am In exciters, use Capacitors with C0G dielectric (NPO) and you will be fine.

Cheers mate.

Yeah, I've been doing some swatting up on this subject & what you say is right - COG/NPO with black tips.

I managed to source a load of new old stock Hitano NPO ceramic disc Capacitors of different values for about 2p each, so I bought them.

I've also got some NPO ceramic plate Philips/Mullard type.