Automotive MLCCs offer users option of greater total capacitance on the board

Knowles MLCCs have been used in automotive applications for years, but the big change being seen is the voltage rating and size of components now being used. This new revolution in MLCC technology, used in control electronics, is being driven by modern on-board charging systems - PHEV and EV where mains AC is involved. The company’s brand Syfer has responded to demands by increasing its range of 250V AC X1/Y2 Safety Certified capacitors to 10nF. Available in a 2220 case size, these X7R dielectric capacitors offer the user the option of greater total capacitance on the board, or piece part count reduction. For example, they can take the place of 2 x 4.7nF X1/Y2 capacitors connected in parallel to reduce component count, size and weight - leading to a significant reduction in cost. Their high voltage capacitor expertise means this range offers the highest capacitance / widest range available for a class X1/Y2 250Vac surface mount MLCC. All of the company’s Safety Certified capacitors comply with international UL and TÜV (UL ongoing) specifications to offer designers the option of using a surface mount ceramic multilayer capacitor to replace leaded film types. Offering the benefits of simple pick-and-place assembly, reduced board space and lower profile - they are also available in a FlexiCap version to reduce the risk of mechanical cracking. REACH, RoHS and ELV compliant. Applications also include AC-DC power supplies and plug-in charging systems where circuits are connected to mains supply systems and lightning strike or other voltage transients represent a threat to electronic equipment.