Samsung Electro-Mechanics develops 2000V MLCC for EVs

Multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) for electric vehicles. [Courtesy of Samsung Electro-Mechanics]

Samsung Electro-Mechanics announced the development of a 2000V multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) specifically designed for electric vehicles. MLCCs are crucial components in electronic circuits, ensuring the stable flow of current, with up to 20,000 units installed in a single vehicle.

The company said on Wednesday that it has developed the 2000V MLCC for use in electric vehicle battery management systems (BMS). The BMS is responsible for managing the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery. With the trend toward higher voltage usage to accelerate the charging of high-capacity batteries, Samsung Electro-Mechanics introduced the 2000V MLCC to meet these demands.

The 400V BMS was standard in electric vehicles previously, but the use of 800V BMS is becoming more common in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The company expects the demand and proportion of 2000V high-voltage, high-reliability MLCCs with a safety margin that is over double the previous level to increase in line with the latest trends.

To manufacture the high-voltage MLCCs, Samsung Electro-Mechanics applied voltage distribution safety designs. The new products come in two types, both sized 3216 (3.2mm x 1.6mm), with capacities of 1nF (nanofarad) and 2.2nF. Market research firm Mordor Intelligence projects that the high-voltage MLCC market will grow from $4 billion this year to $11 billion by 2029.

The company is also targeting the AI server MLCC market. TrendForce, another market research firm, said that orders for AI servers significantly increased in the first half of 2024, and the demand for high-capacity MLCCs surged, benefiting suppliers in South Korea and Japan.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics boasts the capability to develop and manufacture MLCC raw materials independently. While Japan’s Murata Manufacturing dominates the automotive MLCC market, Samsung Electro-Mechanics is narrowing the gap and currently has a 24 percent market share compared to Murata’s 34 percent.

The average selling price (ASP) of MLCCs is also expected to rise. NH Investment & Securities analyst Lee Kyu-ha predicted a nearly 10 percent price increase in 2025, with MLCC volumes anticipated to grow by 10 percent on-year due to improved demand and inventory accumulation.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics’ MLCC production rates are also increasing. The operating rate in the first quarter of 2024 was 80 percent, rising to 85 percent in the second quarter, and is expected to hit 90 percent in the third quarter. Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee recently visited Samsung Electro-Mechanics’ Suwon plant, in a strong show of support for the division.

Lee inquired about the development status of next-generation technologies such as the three-terminal MLCC during a staff meeting, calling for “sure success.” The three-terminal MLCC, with an additional grounding terminal compared to standard MLCCs, reduces high-frequency power noise and can replace three to four conventional MLCCs, thus enhancing space efficiency. These MLCCs can potentially be used in humanoid robots as well as the aerospace and energy industries.