
App note(PDF) on using Multi-layer ceramic chip(MLCC) capacitors from Altera.
Multi-layer ceramic chip (MLCC) capacitors are used quite often in dc-dc converter input and output filters instead of tantalum or aluminum electrolytics. MLCC’s have low ESR, low ESL, and low cost. They also have no major reliability problems associated with them. All these properties make them suitable for power management applications. There are still, however, some issues to consider when using these capacitors in dc-dc converter circuits. Some ceramic capacitors can lose a lot of their value under certain conditions. This lost capacitance can degrade the transient response of a dc-dc converter, or it can even make the control loop of the converter unstable.
