Murata Europe has launched its KCM series of chip MLCCs aimed at automotive applications. Equipped with metal pins, the capacitors have been specifically designed to have long-term resilience against substrate expansion and contraction stresses resulting from sharp temperature changes experienced in automotive environments.
Picture: Murata
Murata says the KCM/KC3 series offer higher reliability characteristics compared to discrete capacitor elements since they are able to withstand high levels of vibration and mechanical impact associated with such designs.
The series comprises capacitors with nominal operating voltages from 25 to 100 VDC, and with values in the range 4.7 to 22 uF. Measuring 6.1 x 5.3 mm, and with height varying from 2.8 to 6.4 mm dependent on value, these compact capacitors require less board space and have been achieved by stacking capacitive elements.
The KCM series will suit a wide range of automotive electronic systems, such as DC-DC converters in engine control units (ECU), in conventional automobiles as well as for the growing market for electric (EV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV).
