High-Rel 3-Terminal 0603 MLCCs for Automotive Designs
Murata has developed the NFM18HC series, a 3-terminal ceramic multilayer capacitor (MLCC) in 0603 size (1.6 x 0.8mm) for high-reliability applications in automobiles. The focus is on implementation in automobile preventive safety systems and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Specifications of the NFM18HC include: Capacitance of 1.0µF ±20%; Rated voltage of 16Vdc; Operating temperature range of -55 to 125 degrees C; Rated current of 2A; and DC resistance (max.) of 20mΩ.
A 3-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor has smaller ESL than a conventional 2-terminal MLCC, so it can reduce the impedance in a high frequency band with few components. Making use of this characteristic has resulted in wide adoption for smartphones and other devices where compactness and high density are needed for mounted high speed processors.
Use of 3-terminal MLCCs in the auto market has recently surged due to demand for high performance processors and smaller electronics, which has accompanied the increase in high-functioning multitasking onboard equipment such as ADAS, preventive safety systems, and in-vehicle infotainment (IVI).
The power circuit of the processor uses a decoupling capacitor to reduce impedance, thereby suppressing fluctuation of the power voltage and increasing stability. As the processing speed (operating frequency) of the processor increases, control of impedance in a wide frequency band is needed.
The NFM18HC Series provides a 3-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor in the company’s smallest 1.6 x 0.8mm package (previous product was 2.0 x 1.2mm) for use in high reliability automobile applications, making a contribution to further size reduction and tighter density for automotive electronics.
