Murata has recently introduced the EVC series of multilayer monolithic ceramic capacitors (MLCC) developed specifically for the power electronics market. The main features of the series (L32mm × W40mm × T3.7mm) include higher permissive ripple current capabilities, high voltage and large capacitance, and lower ESR and ESL (when compared to its film and aluminum electrolytic counterparts). For example, the maximum rated capacitance value is rated at DC630V and has an effective capacitance of 12uF at DC400V. The allowable ripple current is 20A (r.m.s.) at 20kHz, with a dielectric withstanding voltage of 750V and maximum operating temperature of 125°C. With lower ESR and ESL, the capacitors enable downsizing and high temperature operating solutions – characteristics that are critical in the design of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicle (EVs) motors. Additional benefits of the EVC series include surface mountable, lead free termination, leads, re-flow soldering compatibility, and high resistance to thermal cycling. The line’s capacitance volume can also reach 100 times that of the present mass produced 2220 case size.
The series also surmounts some of the historic challenges that power electronics capacitors have faced – specifically that must have large capacitance under DC bias and high allowable ripple current. Until this point, it had been difficult for general purpose MLCC products to implement both characteristics with the right balance because of inherent material properties. To overcome this, Murata developed a proprietary ceramic material for the EVC series that assures both of these attributes. Further, ceramic solutions offer engineers an alternative to film or aluminum electrolytic capacitors as ceramics are free of difficulties inherent to these organic materials. Murata’s legacy knowledge of raw material development and dielectric materials provided the ability to manipulate the ceramic formulation and process steps, allowing the company to construct the capacitors with a very low loss, high dielectric constant material. The EVC series also presents space savings on the entire system, making it significant to designers of HEV and EV applications.
Murata Electronics Develops Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor for Power Electronics Applications - Small Size and Large Capacitance Make EVC Series Ideal for Hybrid and Electric Automotive Engineering
Smyrna, GA, October 20, 2008 - Murata Electronics North America, a world-leading innovator in electronics and the largest global supplier of ceramic passive components, today introduced the EVC series of multilayer monolithic ceramic capacitors (MLCC) developed specifically for the power electronics market. The main features of the series (L32mm × W40mm × T3.7mm) include higher permissive ripple current capabilities, high voltage and large capacitance, and lower ESR and ESL (when compared to its film and aluminum electrolytic counterparts). For example, the maximum rated capacitance value is rated at DC630V and has an effective capacitance of 12uF at DC400V. The allowable ripple current is 20A (r.m.s.) at 20kHz, with a dielectric withstanding voltage of 750V and maximum operating temperature of 125°C. With lower ESR and ESL, the capacitors enable downsizing and high temperature operating solutions – characteristics that are critical in the design of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicle (EVs) motors. Additional benefits of the EVC series include surface mountable, lead free termination, leads, re-flow soldering compatibility, and high resistance to thermal cycling. The line’s capacitance volume can also reach 100 times that of the present mass produced 2220 case size.
The series also surmounts some of the historic challenges that power electronics capacitors have faced – specifically that must have large capacitance under DC bias and high allowable ripple current. Until this point, it had been difficult for general purpose MLCC products to implement both characteristics with the right balance because of inherent material properties. To overcome this, Murata developed a proprietary ceramic material for the EVC series that assures both of these attributes. Further, ceramic solutions offer engineers an alternative to film or aluminum electrolytic capacitors as ceramics are free of difficulties inherent to these organic materials. Murata’s legacy knowledge of raw material development and dielectric materials provided the ability to manipulate the ceramic formulation and process steps, allowing the company to construct the capacitors with a very low loss, high dielectric constant material. The EVC series also presents space savings on the entire system, making it significant to designers of HEV and EV applications.
“With increasing concern about green environmental issues and efficient use of our limited energy resources, we are very excited about the launch of this series. It is a huge advancement,” said Mark Waugh, Senior Product Manager for Murata Electronics North America. “Our enhancements in MLCC technology provide a wide-range of solutions in the EVC series – and contribute to significant advancements in power electronics technology and environmental protection.”
Samples of Murata’s EVC (L32mm × W40mm × T3.7mm) series are available for $95USD per individual sample. For quantities greater than 10,000/month, cost is $35USD each. Lead time is approximately 10 to 12 weeks.
