Abstract

As the number of smartphones and other mobile devices with super-fast charging capabilities continues to grow, so does the need for high-quality, reliable MLCCs for use in their charging ports.
We introduce you the adoption outlook of 35V-class medium-voltage MLCCs driven by the expansion of high-power fast charging, as well as Samsung Electro-Mechanics' Flying Capacitor MLCCs featuring high-capacitance/Low ESR characteristics suitable for high-efficiency Charge Pump circuits.

1. Adopting 35V Medium-Voltage MLCCs: An outlook amid the expansion of Super Fast Charging

Devices including smartphones equipped with 60W or 100W+ super fast charging capabilities continue to increase in numbers. Following this tendency, the MLCCs used in power management ICs (PMIC) and charging circuits are also going through rising needs to transition their rated voltage from 25V → 35V to enhance power efficiency and secure component reliability.

 

 

1) Why 35V?

① Increase in input voltage (USB PD 3.0/3.1 standards applied)

In order to supply power of 60W or higher, there must be an increase of voltage or current according to the formula P = VI. However, higher currents mean an increase in heat and loss. Thus, high-power chargers apply a voltage level of around 20V.

② Assurance of the voltage margin

When designing circuits, it is recommended to derate the operating voltage to 50–60% of the rated voltage to account for surge voltages or transient responses. Accordingly, a medium-voltage device rated at 35V or higher is required in a 20V environment.

 

2) Future Outlook

As smartphone charging systems evolve from low-voltage, high-current designs to high-voltage, low-current configurations (or high-voltage charge pumps), 35 V-class MLCCs are expected to become the standard specification for both flagship and mid- to low-end models.

2. Super Fast Charging and Flying Capacitors

Smartphone batteries are generally charged at around 5V. However, to deliver high power of 60W or higher through a charging cable, voltage must be increased (e.g., 10V~20V) to reduce heat generation. At this time, the internal Charge Pump of the smartphone lowers the high input voltage by half while doubling the current, and the Flying Capacitor plays the role of an "energy carrier (basket)" that stores and transfers electrical energy in this process.

1) Why Flying capacitors?

① High efficiency

Generally, DC-DC converters use inductors to achieve high efficiency, whereas Charge Pump circuits convert voltage in integer multiples (2:1, 4:1) using Flying Capacitors without inductors, minimizing switching loss and voltage redistribution loss to achieve ultra-high efficiency of 97~98% or higher. This is the core technology that allows smartphones to stably accommodate high power of 60W or higher without excessive heat generation. In particular, Samsung Electro-Mechanics Flying Capacitors secure Low ESR characteristics, making them more advantageous for higher efficiency.

② Space Saving

Instead of using bulky and heavy Inductors, relatively small and thin Capacitors (MLCC) are used, making them highly suitable for devices with limited internal space such as smartphones.

③ Safety

Flying Capacitor performs the role of a 'stepping stone' by dividing the voltage by 1/2, thereby also serving as protection to prevent external high voltage from directly reaching the battery.

 

 

※ Why it is called the 'Flying Capacitor'

A general MLCC has one terminal fixed to the ground. A Flying Capacitor, on the other hand, switches between different voltage levels at both terminals, switching between the input and output depending on the alternating operation. It appears to float and move in the air within the circuit, thus it is named 'Flying Capacitor'.

 

 

Product Lineup

CL10A106ML6NRN#, CL10A106ML86RN#, CL05A156MPENZN# product information: Size, Capacitance, Related Voltage, TCC, Thickness, Data Sheet, Sample, Remarks.

Samsung	Size (inch/mm)	Capacitance	Related Voltage	TCC	Thickness	Data Sheet	Sample	Remarks
CL10A106ML6NRN#	0603/1608	10㎌	35Vdc	X5R	0.8Tmax	-	Available	-
CL10A106ML86RN#	0603/1608	10㎌	35Vdc	X5R	1.0Tmax	-	Available	Metal Epoxy
CL05A156MPENZN#	0402/1005	15㎌	10Vdc	X5R	0.8Tmax	↓	Available	Flying Capacitor

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