sponsoredGrain-sized components Technological advancement demonstrated in 55 seconds

Modern electronics determine our everyday life. Whether on the wrist, in the pocket, or on the desk—they accompany us everywhere and generally make our lives easier. However, no matter how smart the devices are, inside they require passive as well as active components.

Whether in smartphones, wearables, electric vehicles, or industrial PCs, nothing works without components like capacitors and inductors. However, behind these inconspicuous components lies a rarely known field of research: materials science. At TAIYO YUDEN, the quality of their products begins at the molecular level—in their in-house material development.

Material development: The key to perfection

A crucial aspect of product development is the choice of raw materials. Therefore, TAIYO YUDEN not only develops its products but also engages in material development. This is especially true for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) and inductors. This approach not only benefits product quality but also allows TAIYO YUDEN to specifically address the increasing demands of the electronics industry. The performance of the components is primarily determined by the materials used.

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The science behind the dielectrics and core materials

At the center of material development for MLCCs is the dielectric. This ceramic material enables the storage and release of electrical charges. Its composition determines the essential parameters of a capacitor, with capacitance, voltage resistance, and temperature stability being the most important. Thus, TAIYO YUDEN invests significant resources in researching and optimizing these materials. The goal is to create a dielectric that offers the highest possible capacitance in the smallest space. This is achieved by developing ultra-thin ceramic layers, each only a few micrometers thick and thus almost transparent.

In addition to capacitors, material research in the field of inductors is also a core competency of TAIYO YUDEN. Depending on the design, these are either produced in wire-wound construction (Wire-Wound Inductors) or manufactured as stacked multilayer inductors (Multilayer Chip Inductors). Just like with capacitors, the key to their performance lies in the material. Specially developed ferrite materials, which impress with high permeability and low losses, are crucial here. TAIYO YUDEN is the only manufacturer that produces the raw materials for both capacitances and inductances in-house.

Material development meets process technology

However, material development is only part of the success story. Equally crucial is the ability to implement these materials in a highly precise and highly automated manufacturing process. To ensure that each component is manufactured with the highest precision, TAIYO YUDEN relies on state-of-the-art technologies.

In a production line for MLCCs, the various ceramic layers are stacked in a complex process and sintered at high temperatures. Precise control of the production parameters ensures consistent quality. Depending on capacity, MLCCs can have well over 1,000 layers.

For inductors, special winding and coating techniques are used to ensure that the magnetic properties are optimally utilized. Here, TAIYO YUDEN's many years of experience pay off just as much as the close collaboration between material scientists and engineers.

Wide product portfolio

In addition to passive components, developers have access to other products such as piezo elements. These open up exciting application possibilities. For example, haptic feedback can be generated on sensor buttons. Furthermore, the elements can turn surfaces into speakers.

Piezo elements also require high material expertise. They consist of crystalline or ceramic materials. SAW and FBAR filters, among other filter elements, can also be made from these ceramic materials. In addition, chip antennas are part of TAIYO YUDEN's portfolio.

The hourglass as a symbol of technological precision

The passage of time brings many changes, and one of them was impressively demonstrated by Taiyo Yuden at the electronica trade fair in Munich: An hourglass filled with a million tiny capacitors fascinated the visitors. These components, in the 008004 package size, are scarcely larger than grains of sand and flow through the hourglass in just 55 seconds. They measure only 0.25 mm × 0.125 mm and have capacitance values of up to 22 pF. Thus, these small particles are a perfect example of the development of miniaturization in the electronics industry.

From sand, silicon is formed—the foundation of modern microelectronics. Now sand itself becomes a symbol of technological precision.

Diversification in industries

Mobility demands powerful and compact components. Reliability and durability under extreme conditions are crucial here. A special epoxy resin coating, enriched with silver particles, makes the components more resistant to mechanical stress by reducing mechanical strains. This also enables AEC-Q200 qualification for ceramic components.

In addition to the automotive industry, TAIYO YUDEN's products are often found in consumer products or mobile network base stations.

Quality begins with raw materials

TAIYO YUDEN demonstrates the importance of material development in the electronics industry. The ability to influence every detail of the production process is an invaluable competitive advantage. For customers, this translates not only to the highest quality and reliability but also to perfectly tailored products. TAIYO YUDEN serves as an example of how innovation, precision, and sustainability go hand in hand. They support users with technologically advanced products.

Quality begins with the raw materials

TAIYO YUDEN demonstrates how important material development is for the electronics industry. The ability to influence every detail in the production process is an invaluable competitive advantage. For customers, this means not only the highest quality and reliability but also perfectly tailored products. TAIYO YUDEN is thus an example of how innovation, precision, and sustainability go hand in hand. They support users with technologically leading products.