The demand for Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor (MLCC), a core component of electronic devices, is increasing significantly with the advancement of IT devices. In recent years, automotive MLCC is drawing attention as the "new staple of the industry" as it is expected to drive the growth of the overall MLCC market.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics offers top global automotive MLCC manufacturing with core raw material technology
Samsung Electro-Mechanics has been working with Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCC) technology since 1986 and has been producing industrial and automotive MLCCs since 2016. With a strong focus on increasing their industrial and automotive MLCC portfolio, Samsung Electro-Mechanics has been actively nurturing the automotive MLCC market by establishing a dedicated manufacturing line for automotive MLCCs in Busan. In 2020, they developed MLCCs for automotive powertrains and ABS and established a full lineup of automotive MLCCs as part of a focus on the automotive MLCC market. This elevated focus on the high technical skills needed for automotive MLCCs has boosted Samsung Electro-Mechanics as one of top global automobile MLCC manufacturers.
Currently, very few companies can develop and internalize core raw materials for MLCC technologies and Samsung Electro-Mechanics aims to become the No. 2 in the automotive MLCC sector by 2022. This goal will be met by developing and manufacturing core raw materials for MLCCs, strengthening technological competitiveness, and expanding the business in the automotive MLCC market with in-house facilities and enhanced production capacity.
MLCC, the staple of the electronics industry, is now driven by automobiles
Automotive MLCCs have historically been considered the "new staple of the industry” and continue to be in demand today. As a core component of electronic devices, the demand for automotive MLCCs has steadily increased with the advancement of IT devices, and it’s expected to continue driving growth of the overall MLCC market.
About MLCCs: Advanced technology in the thickness of hair
The MLCC stores and reliably supplies electricity as needed by active components, like semiconductors (AP and IC), so that chips can operate seamlessly. Much like a dam that holds and controls water levels, the MLCC supplies a measured and constant current to prevent damage to parts. MLCCs are installed in most products with electronic circuits, such as TVs, smartphones, home appliances, and automobiles.
The size of MLCC products varies. MLCCs can be as slim as 0.4mm x 0.2mm, which is thinner than the average human hair and invisible to the naked eye, and as think as 5.7mm x 5.0mm. For reference, around 1,000 MLCCs are used in a latest smartphone, 10,000 MLCCs are used in an automobile, and as many as 30,000 MLCCs are used in a luxury car.
MLCCs require the most difficult tech skill at the micro-level
As one of the smallest electronic components, the MLCC is a high-tech product containing 500 to 600 dielectric and electrode layers. To successfully manufacture MLCCs, you need to know how to stack many dielectrics in a small space. This is because the more layers you stack, the more electricity you can store.
In other words, it’s essential to understand how to create thin and small dielectric sheets with material technology, and how to stack uniform layers with the right manufacturing technology. This results in a high level of entry for understanding the microtechnology needed to properly manufacture MLCCs.
The automotive MLCC market is growing with “10,000 MLCCs per vehicle”
Because automotive MLCCs are essential for safety, they require high levels of reliability and durability. To meet the harsh test environment of automobiles, it’s essential to develop materials that can withstand high temperatures and high voltages, and to develop microstructure design technology that enhances vibration and moisture resistance.
The higher technological barrier for manufacturing automotive MLCCs keeps these components in a supplier’s market. As vehicle convenience features improve, the demand for MLCCs will continue to grow. One example can be found in the increase of electronic control units (ECU) installed for Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).
As the number of ECUs per vehicle has increased from 30 to more than 100, the MLCC requirement per vehicle is expected to increase by more than 10,000 per vehicle. Furthermore, as data processing and power consumption rise with the development of autonomous driving capabilities, so too will the quantities of high-performance MLCCs.
According to Morgan Stanley's research, the global MLCC market is forecast to grow to $15.75 billion (about KRW 18.83 trillion) by 2025, and the annual MLCC production is expected to surge to 5.13 trillion.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics awarded the Bosch Global Supplier Award 2021
Samsung Electro-Mechanics has received the Bosch Global Supplier Award for outstanding performance in the manufacture and supply of raw materials, product and services, notably in quality of costs, innovation and logistics. Among its roughly 23,000 suppliers, Bosch singled out 46 suppliers from 16 countries for this award.
Dr. Arne Flemming, head of supply chain management at Bosch said of this award, "With the Bosch Global Supplier Award, we pay tribute to our best suppliers around the world. As partners in development and innovation, they play a major part in helping Bosch stay competitive".
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