Mica capacitors are stable, reliable, and high precision capacitors. They are available from low voltages to high voltages and have capacitance values ranging from 20 pF to 10 µF. Mica capacitors are mostly used in applications where high accuracy and low capacitance change over time is desired.
The largest capacitance capacitors can attain values of 1µF, even though these are unusual. Silver mica capacitors are typically rated for voltages between 100 & 1000 volts, though there are particular high-voltage mica capacitors designed for RF TX employ which are rated at up to 10 kV.
The advantages and disadvantages of mica capacitors mainly include; Stable capacitance, Operates at high temperatures, Withstand at very high voltages, Low losses, Highly accurate and Dielectric provides good insulation, High cost and Proper sealing is required
Also, there are various types of ceramic capacitors with different operating properties. If a ceramic capacitor is a "general purpose/temperature stable" type it can be usually be replaced with a mica or film capacitor...but "temperature-compensating types" of ceramic caps should be replaced with same type.
The values of smallest tolerance of a silver mica capacitor can be as low as ±1%. This is much superior than almost all other kinds of capacitors. In contrast, positive ceramic capacitors can include tolerances of up to ±20%. Stability These capacitors are very constant and very precise. Their capacitance changes small over time.
IR vs. Capacitance Marking is in accordance with EIA RS153B and includes “CDM” as our manufacturer’s symbol, nominal capacitance in pF, capacitance tolerance, and dc working voltage followed by V, if other than 500 Vdc. Capacitors will meet the requirements of MIL-STD-202, Method 106F as outlined here and diagrammed below.