Murata Begins Mass Production of World’s Smallest Three-Terminal Low-ESL MLCCs
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has announced the start of mass production of its new LLD series, described by the company as the world’s smallest three-terminal low-equivalent series inductance (ESL) multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). Measuring just 0201-inch, or 0.6 × 0.3 mm, the new components are designed to deliver improved power-supply stability while occupying significantly less space on printed circuit boards (PCBs).
According to Murata, the new 0201-inch three-terminal MLCCs reduce the required mounting area by approximately 64% compared with its previous smallest 0402-inch three-terminal products, which measure 1.0 × 0.5 mm. The significant reduction in component size is intended to address the growing demand for smaller and more powerful electronic devices, particularly smartphones, wearable devices and other space-constrained applications.
Addressing Power Supply Challenges in Advanced Devices
Modern smartphones and wearable electronics increasingly rely on high-performance integrated circuits (ICs) to support advanced processing, connectivity, artificial intelligence, displays and other demanding functions. As IC performance increases, however, maintaining a stable power supply becomes more challenging.
High-speed IC operation can cause rapid changes in current demand. These fluctuations can result in variations in the voltage supplied to the IC, potentially affecting the stability and reliability of the device. Effective power decoupling close to the IC is therefore essential for managing these rapid changes and maintaining a stable operating voltage.
Three-terminal capacitors are designed to address this challenge by providing lower equivalent series inductance than conventional two-terminal capacitors. Their structure incorporates four shorter current paths, allowing high-frequency noise and power-supply fluctuations to be managed more effectively.
By reducing ESL, three-terminal MLCCs can help stabilize the voltage supplied to ICs, particularly during high-speed operation. Murata’s new LLD series combines this low-ESL performance with an extremely compact 0201-inch form factor.
Smaller Components for Space-Constrained Designs
As electronic products become thinner and more compact, PCB space has become increasingly valuable. Designers are required to accommodate more components and functionality within smaller areas, creating a need for miniaturized passive components that do not compromise electrical performance.
Although conventional two-terminal MLCCs have been successfully miniaturized over the years, reducing the size of three-terminal capacitors has presented additional challenges. Three-terminal devices require more complex internal and external electrode structures than conventional two-terminal components. Maintaining electrical performance while shrinking these structures requires precise control of materials, electrode design and manufacturing processes.
Murata says it overcame these challenges by optimizing the electrode structure and advancing its manufacturing technologies. These developments enabled the company to produce three-terminal MLCCs in the 0201-inch size while maintaining the characteristics required for high-frequency power-supply stabilization.
The compact form factor allows the components to be mounted closer to ICs, potentially improving power integrity while giving circuit designers greater flexibility in PCB layout. It can also create additional space for other components or functions within compact electronic products.
Two Models Available
The LLD series initially includes two models, both offering a capacitance of 1 µF while providing different voltage and temperature specifications.
The LLD033R60G105ME01 offers a capacitance of 1 µF and a rated voltage of 4 Vdc. It is designed to operate across a temperature range of -55°C to +85°C, making it suitable for applications requiring compact, high-frequency power-supply stabilization within this operating range.
The second model, LLD033D80E105ME01, also provides a capacitance of 1 µF but has a rated voltage of 2.5 Vdc. Its operating temperature range extends from -55°C to +105°C, providing a wider temperature capability for applications exposed to higher operating temperatures.
Together, the two models provide designers with options based on the voltage and temperature requirements of their specific circuits.
Supporting High-Density PCB Mounting
The introduction of the 0201-inch three-terminal MLCCs reflects the broader trend toward higher component density in electronic equipment. As manufacturers continue to integrate more functionality into increasingly compact products, reducing the physical footprint of individual components can have a significant impact on overall PCB design.
The approximately 64% reduction in mounting area compared with Murata’s previous 0402-inch products can provide additional flexibility when arranging components around high-performance ICs. Designers can potentially place the capacitor closer to the power terminals of an IC, helping reduce the effects of parasitic inductance associated with longer electrical paths.
This capability is particularly relevant to high-speed electronic systems, where rapid changes in current demand can make power integrity more difficult to maintain. By combining a low-ESL structure with a miniature package, Murata aims to provide a solution that addresses both electrical and mechanical design constraints.
Enabling Further Device Miniaturization
The development of the LLD series highlights the growing importance of advanced passive components in next-generation electronics. While processors, sensors, communication systems and other active components continue to become more capable, passive components such as capacitors must also evolve to meet the requirements of these systems.
Smaller MLCCs can contribute to PCB miniaturization without requiring designers to sacrifice essential power-management functionality. In mobile and wearable devices, where PCB area and overall product dimensions are tightly constrained, such components can support more efficient use of available space.
Murata said it will continue developing compact, high-performance MLCCs for mobile and wearable applications. The company aims to contribute to the continued miniaturization and performance improvements of electronic equipment through advances in ceramic materials, component design and manufacturing technologies.
The new LLD series represents another step toward integrating high-frequency power-supply stabilization into increasingly smaller component packages. By combining a 0201-inch footprint with a three-terminal low-ESL configuration, the products are designed to help engineers meet the challenges associated with high-density PCB layouts and increasingly demanding IC power requirements.
Murata states that the LLD series is the world’s smallest three-terminal low-ESL MLCC based on its research as of September 29, 2026.
About Murata Manufacturing
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is a global manufacturer of ceramic-based passive electronic components and solutions, communication modules and power supply modules. The company develops electronic materials, components and high-density multifunctional modules for a wide range of applications.
With manufacturing facilities and employees located around the world, Murata focuses on developing technologies that support the evolving requirements of modern electronics. Its portfolio includes products designed for mobile devices, automotive systems, communications equipment, industrial applications and other electronic technologies.
Through continued development of advanced materials and manufacturing processes, Murata aims to provide increasingly compact and high-performance components that enable the next generation of electronic devices.
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