Samsung Electro-Mechanics unveils latest high-voltage capacitor for EVs

Samsung Electro-Mechanics has developed its latest high-voltage multi-layer ceramic capacitor for use in high-end EVs.

Diagram showing Samsung Electro-Mechanics' multi-layer ceramic capacitor installed on electric vehicles [SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS]

Samsung Electro-Mechanics announced its latest high-voltage multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) for electric vehicles (EVs) as it looks to expand its lineup for high-end vehicles on Tuesday.

MLCCs are components that manage a constant, stable current in electronic circuits widely used in smartphones, PCs and IT devices. The Samsung affiliate noted that an automobile requires at least 3,000 to 10,000 MLCCs for its diverse range of electronic components, from the powertrain to the infotainment system.

The newly developed MLCCs work under 1000-voltage and 630-voltage environments compared to the typical 6.3-voltage environment for most IT devices.

"They have the durability to withstand high voltage and improve battery stability by eliminating high frequency noise in the battery system," the company said in a release.

"While electric vehicle battery systems use a voltage of up to 400V, high voltage MLCCs of 630V and 1000V with more than double the safety margin are required to operate reliably in this environment."

Samsung Electro-Mechanics said the latest MLCCs come in five types, three of which guarantee a 1000-voltage environment and the remaining two for 630-voltage environments.

They will cater to the rising consumption demand of onboard chargers installed on EVs, which are increasingly requiring a high voltage for rapid charging.

"The development of high-voltage automotive MLCCs has proven Samsung Electro-Mechanics' automotive MLCC technology capabilities," said Choi Jeremy, executive vice president of the company. "Samsung Electro-Mechanics will enhance its technological competitiveness by developing and manufacturing key raw materials for MLCCs in-house and expand its market share in automotive MLCCs by internalizing facilities and strengthening production capacity."

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]