Murata starts production of 0201-inch three-terminal MLCC

Murata Manufacturing has begun mass production of a three-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor measuring 0.6mm by 0.3mm. The LLD-series component uses the 0201-inch package size and is intended for power-supply decoupling around high-speed processors and other integrated circuits. Murata describes it as the world’s smallest three-terminal MLCC, based on its research as of 29 September 2026. Three-terminal capacitors differ from conventional two-terminal MLCCs by using feed-through current paths and separate ground electrodes. The construction reduces the inductance associated with the terminals and current path, allowing the capacitor to maintain a lower impedance at higher frequencies. Murata said the new component requires 64% less PCB mounting area than its previous smallest three-terminal device, which used a 0402-inch package. Reducing equivalent series inductance is particularly important where a capacitor is placed close to an IC power pin. As processor switching speeds and load-transition rates increase, the physical distance between the IC and its decoupling components becomes part of the power-distribution-network impedance. A smaller package can shorten the connection to the power and ground planes. The three-terminal construction is also intended to suppress high-frequency noise more effectively than an equivalent conventional two-terminal capacitor. Murata said the component is entering mass production following advances in ceramic formulation, thin-layer construction and high-precision external-electrode processing. The company is initially positioning the LLD series for servers, telecommunications equipment and other products using high-speed digital ICs. Detailed capacitance, voltage and temperature options are provided in the individual part specifications.