CM0103 Monolithic Capacitor – 10nF (0.01µF) 103, 50V X7R, 5mm Pitch

The CM0103 10nF (0.01µF) 50V Monolithic Ceramic Capacitor is a compact and reliable through-hole capacitor suitable for filtering, decoupling, bypassing, signal coupling, and general electronic applications. Featuring an X7R dielectric, ±10% tolerance, and a wide operating temperature range, it provides good capacitance stability for general-purpose circuit designs.

Its 5mm lead spacing and non-polarised construction make it easy to incorporate into printed circuit boards, breadboards, electronic kits, repairs, and classroom projects. The common 103 marking also makes the CM0103 a useful component for teaching students how to identify and interpret capacitor values.

Key Features

• 10nF (0.01µF) capacitance
• 50V DC voltage rating
• ±10% tolerance
• X7R ceramic dielectric
• Common 103 capacitor marking
• 5mm lead spacing
• Monolithic multilayer ceramic construction
• Non-polarised for easy installation
• Wide operating temperature range
• Through-hole PCB mounting

What’s Included

• 1 × CM0103 10nF 50V X7R Monolithic Ceramic Capacitor

Understanding the Capacitor Value

The CM0103 capacitance can be expressed in several equivalent ways:

• 0.01µF
• 10nF
• 10,000pF

The 103 marking is a standard capacitor value code. The first two digits represent 10, while the third digit indicates three additional zeros when expressed in picofarads.

10 + 3 zeros = 10,000pF = 10nF = 0.01µF

What is a Monolithic Ceramic Capacitor?

A monolithic or multilayer ceramic capacitor uses multiple layers of ceramic dielectric and conductive material to provide useful capacitance in a compact package.

These capacitors are commonly used in electronic circuits because of their small size, reliability, and non-polarised construction. As there is no positive or negative lead, the CM0103 can be installed in either direction.

About the X7R Dielectric

X7R is a commonly used ceramic dielectric that provides a useful balance between capacitance, physical size, and temperature stability.

The X7R designation specifies operation across a temperature range of approximately -55°C to +125°C, with capacitance variation within the dielectric’s specified temperature characteristics.

Compared with general-purpose Y5V and Z5U ceramic capacitors, X7R capacitors typically provide better capacitance stability, making them suitable for a broader range of filtering, bypassing, and decoupling applications.

Common Applications

• Signal filtering
• Power supply decoupling
• Bypass circuits
• Noise suppression
• Signal coupling
• Digital electronics
• Microcontroller circuits
• Audio and signal circuits
• General electronic circuit construction

Classroom Use / Learning Outcomes

Students can use the CM0103 to:

• Identify monolithic ceramic capacitors
• Understand the 103 capacitor marking
• Convert between µF, nF and pF
• Learn about capacitor dielectric types
• Compare X7R, Y5V, ceramic and polyester capacitors
• Investigate filtering and decoupling circuits
• Understand non-polarised components
• Practise breadboard construction and PCB soldering

Teacher Benefits

• Useful general-purpose capacitor for electronics classes
• X7R dielectric provides good stability for many applications
• Non-polarised construction reduces assembly errors
• Excellent for teaching capacitor identification codes
• Suitable for breadboards and PCB projects
• Useful with PICAXE, Arduino-compatible and other microcontroller circuits

Perfect For

• Electronic kits
• PICAXE projects
• Arduino-compatible projects
• Microcontroller circuits
• Digital electronics
• Signal filtering
• Breadboard experiments
• PCB assembly
• Repairs and prototyping
• Classroom electronics