Murata Electronics is a leading supplier of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), with the GRM series being among the most widely adopted SMD capacitor families in the electronics industry. This guide covers the key considerations for sourcing Murata GRM MLCCs, including series variants, dielectric options, case sizes, and the RFQ process for procurement.
Murata uses a systematic naming convention for its MLCC products. The GRM series represents general-purpose multilayer ceramic capacitors suitable for a broad range of applications. Within Murata's MLCC portfolio, several sub-series address specific application requirements:
When sourcing Murata MLCCs, it is essential to identify the correct series based on the application environment. For example, Murata MLCC products span from consumer-grade GRM parts to automotive-qualified GCM and GRT variants.
Murata MLCCs are available in standard EIA case sizes. The most commonly sourced sizes include:
| Case Size (EIA) | Case Size (Metric) | Typical Capacitance Range | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0201 | 0603 | 0.1pF to 22nF (C0G) / 0.1pF to 10uF (X7R/X5R) | Smartphones, wearables |
| 0402 | 1005 | 0.1pF to 100nF (C0G) / 0.1pF to 22uF (X7R/X5R) | IoT devices, RF modules |
| 0603 | 1608 | 0.1pF to 220nF (C0G) / 0.1pF to 47uF (X7R/X5R) | Consumer electronics, automotive |
| 0805 | 2012 | 0.1pF to 470nF (C0G) / 0.1pF to 100uF (X7R/X5R) | Industrial, power supplies |
| 1206 | 3216 | 0.1pF to 1uF (C0G) / 0.1pF to 220uF (X7R/X5R) | Power electronics, automotive |
The 0603 (1608 metric) and 0402 (1005 metric) case sizes are among the most frequently requested for MLCC sourcing projects, balancing board space efficiency with available capacitance values.
The dielectric material determines the temperature coefficient, capacitance stability, and available capacitance density. Understanding these differences is critical for proper part selection and sourcing.
C0G dielectric offers the most stable capacitance characteristics, with a temperature coefficient of 0 ± 30 ppm/°C over the range of -55°C to +125°C. C0G MLCCs are ideal for RF circuits, oscillators, and precision analog applications. However, C0G has lower permittivity, resulting in lower maximum capacitance values for a given case size.
X7R provides a good balance of capacitance density and stability, with capacitance variation within ±15% over the temperature range of -55°C to +125°C. X7R is suitable for bypass, coupling, and decoupling applications where some capacitance variation is acceptable. C0G and X7R MLCCs are both widely available through independent sourcing channels.
X5R offers higher capacitance density than X7R but with a reduced temperature range of -55°C to +85°C and capacitance variation within ±15%. X5R is commonly used in power supply decoupling and energy storage applications where operating temperature is controlled.
| Dielectric | Temperature Range | Capacitance Tolerance | Relative Permittivity | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C0G (NP0) | -55°C to +125°C | ±0.25pF to ±5% | ~40 | RF, timing, precision analog |
| X7R | -55°C to +125°C | ±10% to ±20% | ~2000-3000 | General purpose, decoupling |
| X5R | -55°C to +85°C | ±10% to ±20% | ~3000-5000 | Power supply, energy storage |
Murata has developed high-capacitance MLCCs using advanced dielectric materials and thinner layer technology. These capacitors achieve capacitance values previously only possible with tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitors. High-capacitance MLCCs are particularly relevant for AI server applications and data center power distribution.
Key considerations for high-capacitance MLCC sourcing include:
| Parameter | GRM (General) | GJM (High-Q RF) | GCM (Automotive) | GRT (Automotive) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Size Range | 0201 to 1210 | 0201 to 0603 | 0402 to 1210 | 0603 to 1210 |
| Dielectric Options | C0G, X7R, X5R, Y5V | C0G, X7R | C0G, X7R, X5R | C0G, X7R, X5R |
| Voltage Rating | 6.3V to 100V | 25V to 250V | 16V to 100V | 16V to 100V |
| Capacitance Range | 0.1pF to 220uF | 0.1pF to 100nF | 10pF to 220uF | 1nF to 220uF |
| AEC-Q200 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temp | -55°C to +125°C | -55°C to +125°C | -55°C to +150°C | -55°C to +150°C |
| Application | Recommended Series | Dielectric | Case Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF matching networks | GJM | C0G | 0201, 0402 |
| Power supply decoupling | GRM, GCM | X7R, X5R | 0402 to 1206 |
| Automotive ECU | GCM, GRT | X7R, X5R | 0603 to 1210 |
| Timing circuits | GRM, GJM | C0G | 0201 to 0603 |
| AI server power | GRM, GCM | X7R, X5R | 0805, 1206 |
| Medical electronics | GRM, GCM | C0G, X7R | 0402 to 0805 |
The following Murata MLCC part numbers are available for sourcing inquiry. Click on any part number to view detailed specifications:
For additional part numbers, browse the Murata MLCC catalog or upload your BOM for a comprehensive sourcing quote.
Submit your RFQ through the MLCC RFQ form to receive sourcing support for Murata GRM and related series MLCCs.
When specific Murata part numbers are not available, alternatives from other brands may be considered. MLCC cross-reference tools can help identify equivalent parts from Samsung SEMCO, TDK, YAGEO, and other brands. Key parameters to match when cross-referencing include:
A: GRM is the general-purpose series suitable for most applications, while GJM is specifically designed for high-frequency RF applications with low ESR and high Q factor. GJM parts typically have tighter tolerance and better temperature stability for RF matching networks and filters.
A: Use C0G (NP0) for applications requiring stable capacitance over temperature, such as RF circuits and timing applications. Use X7R for general-purpose bypass and coupling where some capacitance variation is acceptable. Use X5R for power supply decoupling where high capacitance in a small case size is needed and operating temperature is controlled.
A: Lead times vary based on part availability, quantity, and current market conditions. RFQ for current stock and lead time information. AIMLCC provides independent sourcing support to help identify available inventory.
A: Yes, automotive-grade parts (GCM and GRT series) can be used in industrial and other applications. They offer enhanced reliability and wider temperature range, which may be beneficial even in non-automotive use cases.
A: High-capacitance MLCCs, particularly those using X7R and X5R dielectrics, exhibit reduced effective capacitance under DC bias. Always check the DC bias characteristic in the datasheet and consider using multiple capacitors in parallel or selecting a higher voltage rating part to mitigate this effect.
AIMLCC will check current stock, lead time and alternatives based on your part numbers or BOM.
