Automotive MLCCs Market Trends

Automotive MLCCs Market Trends

MLCCs are advancing to support wide-band gap semiconductors like silicon carbide and gallium nitride. These semiconductors, which operate at higher temperatures and voltages, require specialized capacitors. Manufacturers are developing MLCCs with better thermal stability, lower equivalent series resistance, and improved high-frequency performance. The focus is on creating capacitors optimized for these applications, enhancing power electronics efficiency in electric and hybrid vehicles.
 

For instance, in October 2023, Samsung Electro-Mechanics introduced a new multilayer ceramic capacitor to enhance the portfolio of compact, high-capacitance solutions for automotive system manufacturers. The CL31B106KBK6PJ# model, measuring 1206 inches (3.2 x 1.6 mm), offers a 10µF rating at 50V. As vehicles become more electrified and feature-rich, the demand for MLCCs is surging. Modern vehicles now incorporate thousands of these critical components, which are essential for ensuring the stability and reliability of on-board circuits, thereby enhancing overall vehicle safety.
 

Automotive OEM requires MLCCs to be highly reliable under extreme conditions. These capacitors must work in -55°C to +150°C temperature range and withstand mechanical stress, vibration, and harsh electromagnetic environments. As the testing standards get more stringent, manufacturers must go through the long qualification process. This requires the development of special materials, an advanced manufacturing process, and a comprehensive testing protocol. Zero defect expectation in safety-critical automotive applications is a big engineering challenge and hence big investment in R&D.