9 Chip Capacitor Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for chip capacitors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 9 chip capacitor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked chip capacitor companies as of April, 2024: 1.Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.,, 2.CalRamic Technologies, 3.Tokin America, Inc.
Table of Contents
What Is a Chip Capacitor?
Chip capacitors are small capacitors made as chip components.
First of all, chip components are small surface-mount passive components in general. Chip components are made of capacitors, resistors, fuses, inductors, transformers, etc. All have fixed electrodes. Originally, flexible lead wires were used as electrodes in electronic components to be inserted into holes in printed circuit boards. Chip components are characterized by soldering small fixed electrodes to the board surface.
Due to limitations in heat resistance performance and size, chip capacitors can only be used in a limited number of dielectrics, and the following four types have been commercialized.
- Chip aluminum electrolytic capacitor
- Chip tantalum capacitors (including conductive polymer capacitors)
- Chip multilayer ceramic capacitor
- Chip mica capacitor
Uses of Chip Capacitors
Chip capacitors are very advantageous for the miniaturization of circuit boards because of their smaller component size and their compatibility with reflow soldering compared to leaded capacitors. Because of these features, chip capacitors were initially used in small products such as notebook PCs, cellular phones, and photographic equipment. They are now widely used in home appliances and electronic equipment because of their superior productivity, including the use of chip mounters.
Chip capacitors are no different from leaded capacitors in terms of characteristics. Chip capacitors exhibit desirable characteristics because the negative effects of the inductance component of the lead wires are eliminated.
When selecting a capacitor, the following characteristics should be taken into consideration.
1. Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are capacitors that use aluminum as the electrode. An oxide film is formed on the surface of the aluminum electrode by electrolysis, and this is used as the dielectric. Because of its low cost and high capacitance, it has been widely used as a high-capacitance capacitor. However, it also has the disadvantages of poor frequency characteristics and a tendency to suffer dielectric loss due to liquid leakage. In circuits where the capacitor is constantly energized, its short life at high temperatures can also be a problem.
2. Tantalum Capacitor
Tantalum capacitors use tantalum as the anode and tantalum pentoxide as the dielectric and are characterized by their small size and light weight despite their large capacitance. They are also superior to aluminum electrolytic capacitors in terms of leakage current characteristics, frequency characteristics, temperature characteristics, etc. On the other hand, the capacitor is relatively expensive because it is made of tantalum, a rare metal.
3. Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor
Depending on the type of ceramic used for the dielectric, capacitors are classified into two types: low-dielectric constant type and high-dielectric constant type. The low dielectric constant type has a low capacitance variation but does not have a large capacitance. The high dielectric constant type provides large capacitance, but its disadvantage is that the capacitance varies depending on the applied voltage and ambient temperature. Multilayer ceramic capacitors are small and heat-resistant, but they are prone to cracking and chipping and must be handled with care.
4. Mica Capacitor
Mica, a natural mineral, is used as the dielectric. It has a high- dielectric constant, is thin and peelable, and has excellent insulation resistance, dielectric loss tangent, frequency response, and temperature characteristics, but it is expensive and large.
Chip capacitors cannot be used in power equipment with high voltage and high current because of their small size. Large capacitors, such as oil capacitors, are conventionally used for motors, transformers, generators, etc.
Features of Chip Capacitors
The structural feature of chip capacitors is the fixed electrode, as described above. To ensure good solderability, the electrode is generally nickel-plated and then covered with tin plating. It is also advantageous in terms of miniaturization since there is no lead wire as an electrode.
On the other hand, because they are designed to be soldered in a reflow oven, chip capacitors are equipped with devices to improve heat resistance so that they can withstand an atmosphere of 240°C. Even so, care must be taken when soldering them. In particular, electrolytic capacitors that are sealed with electrolytic solution and tantalum capacitors that are solidified with resin on the exterior are exposed to high temperatures during soldering, which may cause deterioration and failure of the element due to thermal expansion of the electrolytic solution and resin. Film capacitors have extremely excellent capacitor characteristics, but the reason for the lack of chip components is that the film, which is the dielectric, cannot withstand the above thermal conditions.
Other Information on Chip Capacitors
Chip Capacitors Trends
The performance of chip capacitors is improving day by day. While improvements are being made in the characteristics of all types of capacitors, the demand for chip monolithic ceramic capacitors is growing rapidly. Chip monolithic ceramic capacitors are said to account for more than 80% of all capacitor production in terms of volume, with around 500 used in smartphones and 1,000 used in notebook PCs. They have become an indispensable component not only in electronic devices but also in automobiles, which are becoming increasingly computerized. The main reasons for this are miniaturization and high capacitance. The size of chip monolithic ceramic capacitors has been getting smaller year by year, with the 0603 type (0.6 x 03 mm) now the mainstream, but the 0201 type (0.2 x 0.1 mm) has already started to be put into practical use. As miniaturization progresses and mounting density increases, the substrate area becomes smaller, contributing to product miniaturization.
Meanwhile, even in applications where large capacitors such as aluminum electrolytic and tantalum capacitors are the mainstream, chip multilayer ceramic capacitors are gradually replacing them. This is due to improvements in the dielectric constant of materials, thinner dielectric layers, multiple layers, and higher reliability. The major advantage of multilayer ceramic capacitors is they are easy to use and free from the fear of leakage in aluminum electrolytic capacitors and ignition in tantalum capacitors.
Under these circumstances, it is expected that multilayer ceramic capacitors will continue to play a leading role in chip capacitors and be used in various fields in the future.
List of 9 Chip Capacitor Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Japan
- Taiwan
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Tokin America, Inc
Multilayer ceramic capacitor
Manufacturer Overview
Tokin America Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, is a supplier of passive electronic components in North, South, and Central America and is a subsidiary of Tokin Corporation. Its diverse product range includes capacitors, noise countermeasure components, and sensors used in several industries, including telecommunication, automotive electronics, and digital home appliances. The company also provides specialized design support and works with several distributors within the United States, including Future Electronics, WPG Americas, and Bravo Electronics.
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CalRamic Technologies
High Voltage Multi-Layer Chip Capacitors
Manufacturer Overview
CalRamic Technologies LLC, founded in 2002 with headquarters in the USA, is a specialist manufacturer of ceramic capacitors. The company's range of products includes HV MLC leaded capacitors for space applications, HV leaded disc capacitors for commercial applications, HV leaded disc capacitors for military applications, and HV chip capacitors for military applications. CalRamic Technologies LLC serves the military, telecommunications, consumer products, and many other industries. The company also provides customized design, engineering, and production of custom products to meet client-specific requirements.
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Johanson Dielectrics, Inc.
Chip Capacitor
Manufacturer Overview
Johanson Dielectrics Inc, established in 1993, and based in California, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of capacitors. The product portfolio includes a diverse range of capacitors which are ceramic SMT, lead high voltage and high temperature, dual and multi capacitor, low inductance, arrays, and switch mode. All the products are ISO-certified and safety certified. The products are used in various industries which include electrical circuits, power supply, automotive, and energy management.
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Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.,
Chip Capacitor
Manufacturer Overview
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (Vishay) was incorporated in 1962 and is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania. The company serves the industrial, automotive, telecommunications, consumer products, and medical end markets and sells its products under numerous brand names inlcuding Siliconix, Draloric, Beyschlag, UltraSource, and Applied Thin-Film Products. The company manufactures and sells discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components in globally while operating in six market segments: MOSFETs, diodes, optoelectronic components, resistors, inductors, and capacitors.
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TDK Corporation.
Multilayer Ceramic Chip Capacitors
Manufacturer Overview
TDK Corporation, established in 1935, is a manufacturer of electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. The company is a part of the TDK Group, which has over 250 locations in more than 30 countries worldwide and employs over 103,000 people. They offer a wide range of products, including sensors, power supplies, and magnetic application products. The robotics industry is evolving at a rapid pace, and they are now offering , a robot development platform equipped with a variety of sensors essential to the accurate operation of robots, enabling more efficiency across a wide range of robot development.
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Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Ceramic Capacitors
Manufacturer Overview
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Murata Manufacturing) was founded in 1944 and is headquartered in Nagaokakyo, Japan. Murata Manufacturing designs, manufactures, and sells ceramic-based passive electronic components and solutions globally. The company operates through components, modules, and others segments, serving communications, mobility, industrial, healthcare, and personal electronics customers. They company's product offerings include noise suppression products, quartz devices,RFID devices, phase shifters, and wireless connectivity platforms. Services such as webinars and video library are also available for existing and potential customers alike.
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Viking Tech Corporation
Chip Capacitor
Manufacturer Overview
Viking Tech Corporation, established in 1997, is a Taiwanese manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, headquartered in Hukou, Hsinchu. The company’s product lineup comprises resistors, inductors, capacitors, and supercapacitors. These products, particularly the resistors, find applications in various industries. In the medical sector, these resistors are integrated into hospital equipment like X-ray machines, ultrasonography devices, portable defibrillators, and more. Similarly, in the automotive industry, resistors are integrated into electric vehicle (EV) engine control and body control systems, car navigation systems, and other applications. Additionally, the communication industry uses resistors for smartphones and similar devices.
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SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS
MLCC
Company Overview
SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS, established in 1973 and based in Suwon, South Korea, is a manufacturer and supplier of MLCCs (Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors). The company's product portfolio includes chip resistors, camera modules, and MLCCs with high bending strength. These products are used in various industries, including consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications. The company is ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certified for its quality, safety, and environmental management, with a global network in various countries including the United States, Singapore, and India.
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Kingtronics International Company
Kingtronics MLCC Capacitors and Tantalum Capacitors
Distributor Overview
Kingtronics International Company was established in 1990 in Hong Kong and has several factories across China manufacturing electronic components such as bridge rectifiers. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and works with several distributors around the world including KORE, Prod. El, DTDS, and others. The company produces two kinds of electronics components: passive components such as aluminum electrolytic capacitors including radial type and axial type, and active components such as diodes, transistors, and bridge rectifiers.
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Chip Capacitor Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CalRamic Technologies |
25.0%
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| 2 | Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., |
18.8%
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| 3 | Johanson Dielectrics, Inc. |
18.8%
|
| 4 | Kingtronics International Company |
12.5%
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| 5 | Tokin America, Inc |
12.5%
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| 6 | TDK Corporation. |
6.3%
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| 7 | Viking Tech Corporation |
6.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the chip capacitor page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- TDK Corporation.: 116,808
- Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.: 77,581
Newly Established Company
- Kingtronics International Company: 1990 (34 years ago)
- Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.: 1944 (80 years ago)
- TDK Corporation.: 1935 (89 years ago)
Company with a History
- TDK Corporation.: 1935 (89 years ago)
- Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.: 1944 (80 years ago)
- Kingtronics International Company: 1990 (34 years ago)
Chip Capacitor Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Chip Capacitor Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
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4 | 57.1% |
Japan
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2 | 28.6% |
Taiwan
|
1 | 14.3% |
