Three-terminal MLCC packs high capacitance in small package

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd. has announced a new capacitor performance benchmark with the introduction of its NFM15HC435D0E3 multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) for automotive applications. The company claims the first automotive-grade three-terminal MLCC to provide a capacitance of 4.3 µF in a 0402 (1.0 × 0.5 mm) package size.

(Source: Murata)

Key specifications include a capacitance of 4.3 µF with a +/-20% tolerance, a rated voltage of 2.5 VDC, and DC resistance of 30 mΩ. The operating temperature range is -55°C to 125°C.

 The small MLCC with greater capacitance and enhanced high-frequency characteristics was achieved by using the company’s proprietary thin-layer forming technology and high-precision lamination process “to deliver improved atomization and equalization of the ceramic and electrode materials,” according to the company. The capacitor also enables lower impedance in the high frequency band via fewer components, said Murata.

In addition, by using a three-terminal arrangement, the capacitor offers lower equivalent series inductance (ESL) than two-terminal components. It also translates into stable circuit operation and reduces the footprint.

Murata also said the new MLCC offers enhanced power decoupling and noise removal, which meet design requirements in mobility applications such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving functions.

The company also recently introduced an ultra-thin LW-reversed, low ESL MLCC for 4-VDC–rated automotive applications that helps lower impedance. Targeting in-vehicle ADAS applications, the LLC152D70G105ME01 decoupling offers a capacitor  capacitance value of 1.0 µF ±20%.