CL21B103KC65PNC

The CL21B103KC65PNC is a high-reliability multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) from Samsung Electro-Mechanics’ CL Automotive series. Fully qualified to the AEC-Q200 automotive standard, this capacitor is designed to meet the rigorous reliability requirements of automotive electronics including infotainment systems, body electronics, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). This 0805-size (2.0mm × 1.25mm) surface-mount capacitor provides 10nF of capacitance rated at 100V DC, utilizing X7R Class 2 dielectric material that maintains capacitance within ±15% over the full -55°C to +125°C operating temperature range. A key feature of this part is its Open Mode technology, which is engineered to fail in an open-circuit mode rather than short-circuit, enhancing system safety and reliability—particularly important in automotive and other safety-critical applications. The nickel barrier termination with tin plating provides excellent solderability and resistance to solder leaching during reflow. Supplied in standard 7-inch tape-and-reel packaging with 4,000 pieces per reel, it is optimized for high-volume automated SMT manufacturing.

The CL21B103KC65PNC multilayer ceramic capacitor operates based on the fundamental principle of a parallel-plate capacitor, with multiple alternating layers of ceramic dielectric and internal nickel electrodes stacked within a single chip. When voltage is applied across the terminals, an electric field forms across each dielectric layer, storing charge on the electrode plates. The X7R dielectric material is a barium titanate-based ceramic that provides relatively high permittivity (high K value), enabling significant capacitance in a small physical volume. The capacitance value is determined by the number of layers, the electrode overlap area, and the thickness of each dielectric layer. The Open Mode design incorporates structural features that cause the capacitor to fail as an open circuit under extreme overvoltage or mechanical stress conditions, rather than the low-resistance short-circuit mode that can occur in standard MLCC designs. This is achieved through specific internal electrode patterning and dielectric layer design that promotes crack propagation along paths that break electrical continuity rather than creating conductive paths between electrodes. The nickel internal electrodes and nickel-barrier terminations with tin plating provide compatibility with lead-free solder processes and prevent solder leaching during assembly.

Note: MLCC capacitors are non-polarized devices — either terminal can be connected to positive or negative voltage. Termination material: nickel barrier with tin plating (Pb-free).

• Automotive Powertrain: Used in engine control units (ECU), transmission controllers, and electric vehicle power electronics for decoupling and filtering
• Automotive Infotainment: Provides signal filtering and power supply decoupling in infotainment head units, displays, and audio systems
• ADAS Systems: Utilized in camera modules, radar sensors, and LiDAR signal conditioning circuits requiring high reliability
• Body Electronics: Deployed in BCM (Body Control Modules), lighting controllers, and sensor interfaces throughout the vehicle
• DC-DC Converters: Serves as output filter capacitor and input decoupling capacitor in switching power supply circuits
• Industrial Control: Used in PLCs, motor drives, and factory automation equipment requiring long-term reliability
• Telecommunications: Power supply filtering and signal coupling in base station equipment and network infrastructure
• LED Lighting: Current smoothing and noise filtering in LED driver circuits for automotive and general lighting