Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Develops Smallest 0201 Monolithic Ceramic Capacitor

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 6981) (ISIN: JP3914400001) has developed the smallest 0201 size (0.25 mm x 0.125 mm) monolithic ceramic capacitor - a first in the industry. The volume of this new capacitor is approximately 25% of the 0402 size (0.4 mm x 0.2 mm) , the predominant monolithic ceramic capacitor presently used in some smartphones.

Monolithic ceramic capacitors are assembled into all kinds of electronic devices and it is said that 400 to 500 of them are used in the latest smartphones. The number of electronic components used in compact mobile devices continues to increase to enable an increasingly greater number of features. The growth in size of mobile devices is not proportional to the increase in number of features, which means that volumetric efficiency is a key factor in product design. This is driving a growing need for ultra-small components that can support high-density mounting.

Murata has been working on research and development of ceramic capacitors since its founding in 1944 and has built up its reputation in raw materials, manufacturing processes and manufacturing technologies. Compact mobile device module manufacturers are using the world's first 0402 size monolithic ceramic capacitors that Murata introduced into the market in 2004. Today, its application has expanded to the main body of the smartphone.

"Murata has successfully developed the 0201 size monolithic ceramic capacitors by combining element technologies the company has built up over the years." stated Mr. Yukio Hamaji, Executive Vice President of Murata Manufacturing. "As a leading ceramic capacitor vendor, we will continue to pursue development of ultra-small ceramic capacitors with larger capacitance and lead the electronics industry in services focusing on product quality and supply framework."

Target applications include a variety of modules for compact mobile devices with samples planned for the end of fiscal 2013.