Metal terminal type MLCCs offer high voltage tolerance

Murata Electronics offers two new metal terminal type MLCC series with temperature compensating U2J characteristics. The KCM line for automotive applications produces low loss and outstanding stability performance in high voltages, high temperature, and high frequencies. Similarly, the line was designed for general-purpose functions, with specific models rated at 1,250VDC. Both are intended mainly for IGBT snubber circuits commonly employed in automotive and industrial equipment.

A snubber circuit shields power supply equipment by stopping the occurrence of high-voltage spikes throughout switching. The capacitor component in the circuit soaks up surge voltage developed by the inductance of the transformer or wiring and shields switching elements and peripheral components. As the usage of compact internal modules becomes widespread in automotive and industrial equipment, there is a growing demand for miniaturised electronic components that can withstand high temperatures.

“Murata again leveraged our technological expertise to develop and deliver the new KCM and KRM product lines,” said Takanori Hibino, capacitors product manager of Murata Europe. “The outcome: these new MLCCs provide lower loss and produce less heat when compared to similar products using ceramic with a high dielectric constant. Because we used temperature compensating ceramic with minimal capacitance variation, these solutions can easily handle large voltages during switching.”