Advanced decoupling using ceramic MLC capacitors

The author traces the evolution of early decoupling methods to present uses and some future directions. He tries to present a broad awareness that might reduce repetition and introduce a possible solution to the decoupling problem, noting that recent developments in high-speed decoupling have been in multiple simultaneous directions. The refinement of one design or technique has not necessarily led to the discovery of the next; rather, the developments in the different methods have usually been parallel, specific-application dictated. It is the multiple specific requirements that have led to the varied venues in design and technology. Attention is given to the development and utilization of the following devices: the four-terminal power entry capacitor, the power-plane decoupling capacitor, the 10- mu F 20-pH capacitor, and interdigitated leads.<>