Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has begun mass production of the LLD series, the world’s smallest three-terminal low-equivalent series inductance (ESL) multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). The capacitors measure 0201-inch size (0.6 × 0.3 mm) and reduce mounting area by approximately 64% compared with Murata’s previous smallest 0402-inch size (1.0 × 0.5 mm).
As smartphones and wearables incorporate increasingly powerful ICs, maintaining a stable power supply becomes more challenging. High-speed operation causes current demand to change rapidly, which can lead to fluctuations in the voltage supplied to the IC. Minimizing this instability is essential for reliable performance. Three-terminal capacitors provide lower ESL than conventional two-terminal parts through their four shorter current paths, helping maintain a stable power supply to the IC.
Thinner and smaller electronic devices require efficient use of limited PCB space. Miniaturizing three-terminal capacitors has been difficult because their internal and external electrode structures are more complex than those of conventional two-terminal types. Murata addressed this by optimizing the electrode design and advancing its manufacturing processes. The resulting 0201-inch products enable high-density mounting while stabilizing the power supply voltage near ICs, even at high frequencies. This provides designers greater flexibility in component placement and circuit design around ICs.
Two models are available. The LLD033R60G105ME01 has a capacitance of 1 µF, a rated voltage of 4 Vdc, and an operating temperature range of -55 to +85°C. The LLD033D80E105ME01 has a capacitance of 1 µF, a rated voltage of 2.5 Vdc, and an operating temperature range of -55 to +105°C.
Murata will continue developing compact, high-performance MLCCs for mobile and wearable devices.
