With the development of technology, many useful electronic products have been introduced, and the smartphone is one of them. The advent of smartphones has significantly improved communication, making it easier for people to stay connected.
From the early days when phones could only make calls and send texts to today’s smartphones that combine communication, entertainment, payments, and work functions, the performance improvements and expanded functionality have been made possible by technological advances and electronic components.
Which electronic components are so important for smartphones? Many people may have seen them. When a smartphone fails to start, it’s often sent for repair. Technicians will remove the back cover, exposing the mainboard. On the board, there are many tiny components, some even smaller than a grain of rice, which might seem insignificant but are crucial for the phone’s normal operation. One such component is the Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor (MLCC).
Why Is MLCC Called a Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor?
Unlike regular ceramic capacitors, MLCCs have a more complex design. Ceramic capacitors use ceramic materials as the dielectric, with metal electrodes applied on their surfaces to form the capacitor. They are simple in structure, with various types available, each having different characteristics.
An MLCC (Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor) is made by stacking ceramic dielectric layers with printed electrodes in an alternating fashion, followed by high-temperature sintering to form a solid ceramic body. Metal layers (external electrodes) are then added to both ends of the ceramic body. This process is why it is called a multi-layer ceramic capacitor.
MLCC vs. Regular Ceramic Capacitors: What’s the Difference?
While regular ceramic capacitors are simple and have a single-layer structure, their capacitance is usually small due to limited surface area and thickness. This makes them insufficient for modern electronic circuits that require high capacitance.
In contrast, the multi-layer structure of an MLCC is compact and efficient, increasing the surface area of the electrodes and reducing the distance between them. This enables MLCCs to achieve high capacitance within a small volume, making them suitable for modern high-performance circuits.
Why Are MLCCs So Important in Electronics?
Due to their compactness, reliability, and high capacitance, MLCCs have become essential components in many electronic devices. They are widely used in smartphones, tablets, laptops, and many other electronic products, ensuring stable performance and enhancing the functionality of these devices.
This article is provided by JYH HSU (JEC) Electronics. JEC is a research, development, production, and sales-oriented company specializing in manufacturing and selling various electronic components such as capacitors and resistors.
Post time: Nov-21-2025