Samsung Electro-Mechanics has developed a 2,000V multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) for electric vehicle battery management systems (BMS). (Image courtesy of Samsung Electro-Mechanics)
SEOUL, Jul. 18 (Korea Bizwire) – Samsung Electro-Mechanics announced on July 17 that it has developed a 2,000V multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) for electric vehicle battery management systems (BMS).
MLCCs are essential components in electronic circuits, ensuring stable and consistent current flow. They are widely used in various products, from smartphones to personal computers.
In automobiles, MLCCs play a crucial role in power transmission, safety systems, driving controls, and infotainment, with a single vehicle containing anywhere from 4,000 to 20,000 of these components.
The newly developed MLCCs come in two variants: a 1 nanofarad capacity product and a 2.2 nanofarad capacity product, both measuring 3.2mm by 1.6mm.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics has independently developed the raw materials for these products to ensure stable operation at high voltages and has modified their internal electrode structure.
The company reports that these new MLCCs have obtained AEC-Q200 certification, the industry standard for automotive electronic component reliability testing.
While most electric vehicles currently use 400V BMS, there is a growing trend towards 800V high-voltage systems in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV).
The 800V systems offer advantages such as reduced charging time, lighter vehicle weight, and increased design space compared to 400V systems.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics developed these new 2,000V MLCCs in anticipation of increased demand for high-voltage, high-reliability components that can operate safely in 800V electric vehicles, with a safety margin of more than double the operating voltage.
High-voltage MLCCs for electric vehicles are considered high-value products due to their need to withstand harsh environments while supplying current reliably.
The voltage environment for these components is more than 300 times higher than that of typical IT MLCCs, which operate at 6.3V. This extreme difference can lead to issues such as internal cracking and discharge within the MLCC.
To address these challenges, Samsung Electro-Mechanics has leveraged its material development expertise to improve product reliability through dielectric refinement.
The company has also implemented a voltage distribution safety design to ensure stable distribution of high voltages.
As the world’s second-largest MLCC manufacturer, Samsung Electro-Mechanics is expanding its supply to global automotive parts manufacturers and car makers.
According to market research firm Mordor Intelligence, the high-voltage MLCC market is expected to grow from $4 billion in 2024 to $11 billion in 2029, with an average annual growth rate of approximately 22%.
Choi Jaeyeol, Executive Vice President of the Component Business Unit at Samsung Electro-Mechanics, stated, “We aim to increase our market share in the automotive MLCC sector by developing products that align with electric vehicle trends and market demands.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
