Murata Unveils World’s First 2.2µF 100V Soft-Termination MLCC in 0805 Size for Automotive Use
Murata Manufacturing has introduced a new automotive-grade multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC), the GCJ21BD72A225KE02, designed to meet the growing demands of electrified and software-defined vehicles. The newly developed soft-termination chip MLCC delivers a world-first combination of 2.2µF capacitance at 100Vdc in an ultra-compact 0805-inch (2.0 × 1.25 mm) package, setting a new benchmark for size and performance in automotive passive components.
Meeting the Demands of Modern Automotive Electronics
The automotive industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by vehicle electrification, the expansion of 48V electrical architectures, and the increasing complexity of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) technologies. These developments are placing unprecedented pressure on electronic systems to deliver higher performance while occupying significantly less space.
At the same time, modern vehicles require a growing number of electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, and power management circuits. This has made PCB (printed circuit board) miniaturization a critical engineering priority. However, shrinking board space must not come at the cost of reliability, especially in automotive environments where components are exposed to vibration, thermal cycling, and mechanical stress.
Murata’s latest MLCC directly addresses these challenges by combining high capacitance, high voltage tolerance, and enhanced mechanical durability in a significantly reduced footprint.
Industry-First Performance in a Compact Form Factor
The GCJ21BD72A225KE02 is the first MLCC in the world to achieve 2.2µF capacitance at a 100Vdc rating in an 0805-inch package. Traditionally, achieving this level of capacitance and voltage performance required a larger 1206-inch (3.2 × 1.6 mm) component size.
By enabling the same electrical performance in a smaller package, Murata has achieved a major advancement in capacitor miniaturization. The new design reduces mounting area by approximately 51% compared to previous 2.2µF/100Vdc solutions, allowing automotive engineers to significantly optimize PCB layouts and increase design flexibility.
Additionally, compared to Murata’s earlier 0805-size 100Vdc MLCC offerings, the new product delivers approximately 2.2 times higher capacitance, representing a substantial improvement in energy storage capability within the same footprint.
Advanced Material Technology and Design Innovation
The breakthrough performance of the GCJ21BD72A225KE02 is made possible through Murata’s proprietary ceramic material technologies. These include fine particle size control and improved uniformity in ceramic layer structure, which together enhance capacitance density without compromising voltage endurance or reliability.
MLCC performance is highly dependent on internal layer uniformity and dielectric quality. By refining the ceramic composition and internal electrode structure, Murata has been able to increase capacitance while maintaining stable electrical characteristics under high-voltage automotive conditions.
This innovation is particularly important for next-generation vehicles, where compact power delivery systems must support increasingly demanding electronic loads such as radar systems, infotainment units, domain controllers, and high-performance computing platforms.
Soft-Termination Technology for Enhanced Reliability
One of the key features of the new MLCC is its soft-termination structure, which is specifically engineered to improve mechanical reliability under real-world automotive conditions.
In traditional MLCCs, mechanical stress caused by PCB flexure—often resulting from vibration, thermal expansion, or assembly processes—can lead to microcracks in the ceramic layer. These cracks may cause long-term reliability issues or even component failure.
Murata’s soft-termination design addresses this issue by introducing a flexible conductive layer between the external terminal and ceramic element. This layer acts as a mechanical buffer, absorbing stress and reducing the likelihood of crack formation during board flexure or impact.
As a result, the GCJ21BD72A225KE02 offers improved durability in harsh automotive environments, making it particularly suitable for critical applications such as powertrain control systems, safety electronics, and advanced driver-assistance modules where failure is not an option.
Designed for Harsh Automotive Conditions
The new MLCC is engineered to operate reliably across a wide temperature range of -55°C to +125°C, ensuring stable performance in extreme automotive environments. It also complies with X7T temperature characteristics as defined by EIA standards, confirming its suitability for demanding under-hood and high-temperature electronic systems.
These specifications make the component ideal for use in environments exposed to rapid temperature fluctuations, such as engine compartments, battery management systems in electric vehicles (EVs), and high-power electronic modules used in hybrid and electric drivetrains.
Enabling Next-Generation Vehicle Architectures
As automotive design evolves toward centralized computing architectures and higher-voltage electrical systems, component miniaturization and reliability are becoming increasingly critical. The adoption of 48V systems, in particular, is accelerating the need for capacitors that can handle higher voltage loads while maintaining compact size.
Murata’s new MLCC supports these trends by enabling engineers to reduce board space without compromising electrical performance or durability. This allows greater integration of functions into smaller ECUs and supports the development of lighter, more efficient vehicle platforms.
In ADAS and autonomous driving systems, where multiple sensors and processors must operate simultaneously, the ability to increase capacitance density in compact spaces can improve power stability and reduce noise in sensitive electronic circuits.
Strategic Importance for Murata’s Automotive Portfolio
The launch of the GCJ21BD72A225KE02 reinforces Murata’s position as a leading supplier of advanced passive components for the automotive industry. As vehicles become increasingly software-defined and electronically complex, demand for high-performance MLCCs continues to grow rapidly.
Murata has consistently focused on developing components that combine miniaturization, high capacitance, high voltage resistance, and long-term reliability. This latest product extends that strategy and strengthens its presence in the fast-growing automotive electronics segment.
Murata has indicated that it will continue expanding its automotive MLCC portfolio to meet the evolving requirements of next-generation vehicles. Future developments are expected to focus on further miniaturization, higher capacitance density, and improved durability for increasingly complex automotive systems.
With innovations like the GCJ21BD72A225KE02, Murata is positioning itself at the forefront of electronic component technology that will underpin the future of electric mobility, autonomous driving, and advanced automotive safety systems.
Source Link:https://www.businesswire.com/
