In 2018, Murata announced the discontinuation of leaded ceramic capacitors in the market. In people's perception, leaded ceramic capacitors are considered old-fashioned products, with the trend in new technology favoring surface mount device (SMD) types used in devices like laptops, smartphones, wireless phone chargers, and electric cars. Leaded ceramic capacitors, however, still find applications in specific areas such as high voltage machinery, X-ray machines, safety certificates, and situations requiring lead-containing epoxy resin for better feasibility and reliable protection of the capacitors. Therefore, leaded ceramic capacitors are expected to maintain their position in the industry. Well-known ceramic capacitor brands like AVX, KEMET, TDK, PANASONIC, among others, are discontinuing many of their leaded capacitor series. Despite this, end consumers are still seeking these outdated and obsolete products, hoping for good alternatives and replacements.
UF Capacitors is a specialized manufacturer of ceramic capacitors with a product range that includes:
Low-voltage and high-voltage ceramic disc capacitors, ranging from low to medium voltage (1KV to 6KV), and high voltage, indicating 10KV, 15KV, and above.
Safety-certified ceramic capacitors, such as Y1 and Y2 capacitors, with rated voltages of 250VAC and 400VAC. The product line has been upgraded to support 500VAC.
Radial output MLCC (Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor). These capacitors feature a ceramic capacitor chip internally, along with epoxy resin and solder wire. UF capacitors have extensive experience in replacing Murata high-voltage ceramic capacitors, including radial MLCCs and safety capacitors.
For design engineers, replacing ceramic capacitors can indeed be a challenging task. Many capacitors may appear identical in shape, but their performance can vary significantly. For instance, in high-voltage multiplier circuits for CT X-ray machines, using Murata DHR4E4C102K2FB (15KV 1000PF ZM) yields good results, but using other brands' 15KV 1000PF capacitors may lead to failures or even capacitor burnouts.
Ideal replacements should have:
The same or better-grade dielectric materials.
Similar diameters and lead spacings.
Abundant application experience to select appropriate components.
These manufacturers offer various types of ceramic capacitors suitable for different applications and circuit design requirements. When selecting replacements, it's important to consider the following factors:
Grade and Specifications: Ensure that the chosen alternatives have similar or better grades and specifications compared to the original capacitors, including dielectric material, voltage rating, capacitance, etc.
Physical Dimensions: Ensure that the physical dimensions (diameter, lead spacing, etc.) of the replacements match those of the original capacitors to fit into the existing circuit board layout.
Performance Characteristics: Consider the performance characteristics of the capacitors, such as temperature characteristics, leakage current, loss, etc., to ensure that the chosen alternatives can meet the expected performance in specific applications.
Availability: Make sure that the selected alternatives are still available in the market, and the supply chain is stable.
Application Experience of Alternatives: If possible, choose alternatives that have been validated in similar applications to reduce uncertainty during the replacement process.
Below are common searches by end-users for end-of-life (EOL) ceramic capacitors:
AVX frequently seeks obsolete/EOL components, referring to large-diameter MLCCs and 3KV (low voltage) radial capacitors. AVX is a popular brand for leaded ceramic capacitors.
Kemet often searches for models such as 0.1UF Radial MLCC in 50/100V. The 0.1UF or "104 Radial" is the most commonly used radial MLCC, with a usage rate close to 60%. The 104 radial MLCC is mainly used for handheld devices, measuring devices, and miniature motors as a noise filter for smoothing.
TDK frequently seeks legacy/EOL components, with specifications differences observed in 440VAC and 250VAC Y1/Y2 capacitors (1000pf, 2000pf, 4700pf). TDK safety capacitors are popular consumables in DC-DC and DC-AC power supplies, widely used in Japanese white and black brand home appliances. An EOL model that is popular can be replaced with UF Capacitors safety capacitors.
Surprisingly, Panasonic EOL leaded ceramic capacitors still appear in popular search lists. This is applicable to some 440VAC protective capacitors and 1KV-2KV low-voltage capacitors. The Panasonic brand was previously popular in the global market for Japanese brand household appliances, especially in TVs and microprinting. However, Panasonic has left this market, and Murata now dominates nearly 40% of the market.
Murata EOL ceramic capacitors cover a considerable range, from low voltage (2KV, 3.15KV, full capacity 6.3KV) to high voltage (10KV to 15KV). As Murata holds the leading market share in leaded ceramic capacitors, the announcement of Murata ceasing production has led many end-users to seek alternatives to continue their existing projects.