Examples of Technology Application ~Product Introduction~ High Reliability and High Performance Enabled by Murata's Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor (MLCC) Lineup

Murata's Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors are compact, high-performance capacitors composed of ceramic dielectric layers and electrode layers stacked alternately. They combine high capacitance with excellent high-frequency characteristics, and are widely used as representative passive components that support the stable operation of diverse electronic devices.

Murata maintains a world-class product lineup and supply capability, serving applications across consumer electronics, automotive, industrial equipment, communication infrastructure, and medical fields. Capacitance values range from pF (picofarads) to several hundred µF (microfarads), while rated voltages span from several volts to several kV (kilovolts). Product sizes range from ultra-small chips measuring 0.16 mm × 0.08 mm to large-format components. This broad coverage enables stable supply and high reliability, from compact and lightweight devices such as mobile terminals and wearables to automotive and industrial systems that require high environmental resistance.

Murata offers a wide variety of series tailored to specific applications. In addition to general-purpose products for consumer use, Murata provides high-reliability automotive Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors compliant with AEC-Q200 standards. Murata also offers compact, high-capacitance products using high-dielectric-constant materials such as X5R, X7R, and X6S. For precision circuits, products using NP0 and C0G dielectrics provide excellent temperature stability. In addition, Murata supplies low-ESR and low-inductance types optimized for high-frequency performance, as well as high-voltage Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors capable of withstanding hundreds of volts up to the kV class.

To further expand functionality, Murata offers special structural and integrated products, including three-terminal capacitors for high-frequency noise suppression and power stabilization, as well as devices combining filter functions with ESD protection. For server and FPGA peripheral applications, Murata also provides high-capacitance types that balance fast transient response with low ESR.

The strength of Murata's Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors lies in their unmatched lineup, covering a wide range of capacitance values and voltage ratings, from ultra-small to large sizes. This strength is supported by Murata's vertically integrated manufacturing system, industry-leading materials technology, production technology, design proposal capability, and global support capability.

• Materials Technology: Murata precisely controls dielectric powders and optimally designs paste materials through in-house, end-to-end processes. This materials expertise is the foundation that enables Murata to continuously develop and supply industry-leading, high-performance, and highly reliable Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors.
  By controlling particle size at the nanometer level and optimizing composition and firing conditions, Murata can flexibly adjust capacitance characteristics, temperature behavior, and voltage endurance to meet application requirements. Murata also develops paste materials by optimally blending dielectric or metal powders with organic binders, solvents, and dispersants. This approach improves printability, lamination stability, and firing consistency, enabling the formation of extremely thin and uniform dielectric layers. As a result, high reliability is maintained even in highly miniaturized structures.

  

• Production Technology Capability: Murata possesses industry-leading high-precision multilayer fabrication technology, allowing stable formation of ultra-thin dielectric layers and fine electrode patterns. This enables simultaneous miniaturization and increased capacitance. Murata has established Murata's unique integrated production system, covering raw material formulation, component design, production equipment development, manufacturing, measurement, and inspection entirely in-house. This structure ensures exceptional quality stability and reliable supply capability.

  

• Design Proposal Capability: Murata provides comprehensive design support, from early concept stages through mass production and circuit-level optimization. By leveraging extensive product knowledge and advanced simulation and analysis technologies, Murata addresses diverse challenges such as PCB area reduction, component count reduction, PDN simulation, EMC noise mitigation, surge voltage suppression, and acoustic noise prevention. Support extends from data and sample provision to prototyping, mounting support, and after-sales service. Through these efforts, Murata maintains industry-leading proposal and solution capabilities.

  

  

• Global Capability: Murata operates production sites and development centers worldwide, allowing rapid response to local market specifications and regulatory standards. Market trends are reflected in product lineups in real time, and globally standardized evaluation facilities enable rapid noise measurement and improvement proposals. Murata provides comprehensive support, including optimal capacitor selection tailored to each application.

  

Murata's Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors have driven technological innovation for many years and boast one of the world's leading product lineups. Their history has evolved together with a product portfolio that delivers high reliability and supports diverse applications.

In the early 1970s, Murata introduced compact, high-capacitance Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors to the market and developed product lines optimized for consumer electronics such as mobile phones and PCs. Products from this period featured high layer counts and stable capacitance characteristics, contributing significantly to the miniaturization and higher functionality of electronic devices.

In the 1990s, Murata focused on developing high-temperature, high-reliability Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors for automotive and industrial equipment. A representative example is the GCM series, which used heat-resistant high-dielectric materials to meet reliability requirements in harsh environments such as engine control units (ECUs) and automotive sensors.

In the 2000s, Murata further promoted lead-free compatibility, thinner designs, and multilayer structures. These products achieved high capacitance and low ESR despite their thin profiles and were widely adopted in high-frequency circuits for smartphones and tablets. During this period, Murata also strengthened its offering of low-loss products for communications infrastructure equipment.

In recent years, Murata has advanced the development of Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors that combine high withstand voltage, high reliability, and reduced environmental impact for IoT devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems. As a result, adoption has expanded in electric vehicle power electronics and next-generation energy equipment.

Murata has also developed Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors with greatly improved high-frequency characteristics for AI- and 5G-related equipment. These products help maintain signal quality on high-speed communication boards and support the foundation of next-generation social infrastructure.

In this way, Murata's Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors have continued to meet increasingly diverse market needs, including miniaturization, higher capacitance, higher reliability, and high-frequency performance. By refining the features of each product, they have contributed to industrial development and improvements in quality of life. Looking ahead, Murata will continue accelerating environmental initiatives and new materials development while pursuing further performance improvements and a broader product lineup.

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Murata's Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors are used in a wide range of electronic devices thanks to their compact size, high performance, and high reliability.

• Consumer Electronics: In mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and notebook PCs, they are used for power stabilization, high-frequency signal bypassing, and noise suppression. This helps maintain stable high-speed processing performance and contributes to improved call quality and data transmission speed. They also support the stable operation of image processing circuits and communication modules in game consoles and digital cameras.
• Automotive Applications: In ADAS, electric powertrain control, and in-vehicle infotainment systems, they leverage high heat resistance and vibration resistance to ensure long-term reliability even in harsh environments. They are also indispensable for power stabilization and signal quality maintenance in electronic control units (ECUs) and battery management systems.
• Industrial Equipment: In FA (factory automation) equipment, machine control systems, industrial power supplies, and communication infrastructure equipment, they maintain performance even during long continuous operation and under voltage fluctuations. In particular, high-voltage and low dielectric loss products play important roles in precision control and high-frequency communication applications.
• Medical Equipment: Murata's Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors are also used in medical equipment.

Source of inserted image: Advantages of Murata Capacitors