Multilayer ceramic chip capacitors
MLCCs with a rated AC withstanding voltage 	

•	Optimized internal electrode design improves AC withstanding voltage 

July 26, 2012

TDK Corporation has developed a multilayer ceramic chip capacitor that – in addition to its rated DC voltage of 630 V – can withstand a rated AC voltage of 500 VRMS for 60 s and 600 VRMS for 3 s. Thanks to its optimized internal electrode structure the new TDK C3216 and C3225 types exhibit superior AC withstanding voltage, allowing guaranteed ratings to be given not only for the customary DC voltages but also for AC voltages.

The new MLCC is available in two form factors: 3216 and 3225 (IEC). The C3216 type is available for a capacitance range from 1.0 nF to 15.0 nF, while the C3225 type offers a capacitance value of 22.0 nF. Mass production of the new TDK MLCCs started in July 2012.

The main applications for the MLCCs are DC-DC converters and AC-DC converters, as well as noise filters requiring superior AC strength. The thermal characteristics of the new components are compliant with X7R specifications (temperature range from 
-55 °C to +125 °C, capacitance tolerance of ±15 percent).

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Glossary
•	AC withstanding voltage: the AC voltage (VRMS) that the capacitor can withstand for a defined time while maintaining its function in the application

Main applications
•	AC-DC converters between the secondary circuit and frame ground
•	DC-DC converters between the primary and secondary circuit

Main features and benefits
•	Optimized electrode structure results in superior AC voltage strength
•	Thermal characteristics are compliant with X7R specifications (temperature range from -55 °C to +125 °C, capacitance tolerance of ±15 percent)

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Key data 
Type	Dimensions
[mm]	Rated voltage
[V DC]	Rated AC withstanding voltage [VRMS]	Capacitance
[nF]	Thermal characteristics	
C3216	3.2 x 1.6 x 1.6	1.0 	500* / 600**	1.0 to 15.0	X7R	
C3225	3.2 x 2.5 x 2.3	2.2 	500* / 600**	22.0	X7R	
*		Voltage applied for 60 s
**	Voltage applied for 3 s
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About TDK Corporation
TDK Corporation is a leading electronics company based in Tokyo, Japan. It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK's current product line includes passive components, magnetic application products as well as energy devices, flash memory application devices, and others. TDK today focuses on demanding markets in the areas of information and communication technology and consumer, automotive and industrial electronics. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2012, TDK posted total sales of USD 9.9 billion and employed about 79,000 people worldwide. 

About TDK-EPC Corporation
TDK-EPC Corporation, a TDK group company, is a leading manufacturer of electronic components, modules and systems, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. TDK-EPC was founded in 2009 from the combination of the passive components business of TDK and the EPCOS Group. The portfolio includes ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, ferrites and inductors, magnets, high-frequency components such as surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter products and modules, piezo and protection components, and sensors. The company markets the product brands TDK and EPCOS. 

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Contacts for regional media
Region	Contact		Phone	Mail	
Japan	Ms. Mari KONISHI	TDK Corporation
Tokyo, Japan	+813 5201-7102	pr@jp.tdk.com	
ASEAN 	Ms. Tomoko KAMEDA	TDK Singapore (Pte) Ltd.
Singapore	+65 6273 5022	asean.inquiry@sg.tdk.com	
Greater China	Ms. Clover XU	TDK China Co., Ltd.
Shanghai, China	+86 21 61962307	pr@cn.tdk.com	
Europe 	Mr. Frank TRAMPNAU	TDK Electronics Europe GmbH
Dusseldorf, Germany	+49 211 9077 127	trampnau@eu.tdk.com	
America 	Ms. Sara M. REYNOSO	TDK Corporation of America
Irving, TX, USA	+1 972-409-4519	sara.reynoso@us.tdk.com