High Volumetric Density Distinguishes 0603-Size Ceramic Capacitors

Sept. 20, 2004

By implementing 1-µm ultra-thin dielectric films, the GRM18 series of ceramic capacitors can achieve extremely high volumetric capacitance in a 0603 case size (1.60 by 0.80 mm). Available in values ranging from 0.50 to 1000 pF in voltage ratings of 25, 50, 100, and 200 V, the capacitors feature temperature-compensating characteristics of COG, P2H, R2H, S2H, SL, T2H, and U2J.

Their small size in a wide range of values suits them for applications where space is at a premium, such as mobile phones, digital audiovisual equipment, and PCs. The tiny capacitors, which suit flow and reflow soldering, don't contain any lead and feature metal terminations that are highly resistant to migration.

"We've recognized the need for smaller monolithic ceramic capacitors with higher capacitance as electronic equipment continues to become smaller and lighter. The GRM18 series allows designers to achieve high capacitance in applications where space is limited," says Karun Malhotra, capacitor marketing manager for developer Murata Electronics North America.

The company has been mass-producing this product since April and is now developing even smaller high-capacitance case sizes. Samples are available at $0.30 each in paper or plastic embossed tape, as well as reel packaging for automatic placement equipment. Bulk-case packaging also is available. Lead time is stock to eight weeks.

Murata Electronics North Americawww.murata.com (770) 436-1300See associated figure

About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.