Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd has announced the introduction of the DE5 series, a new lineup of automotive safety-certified lead-type disc ceramic capacitors that have acquired safety standard class X1/Y1 certification. Compared to the existing X1/Y2-certified DE6 series, the DE5 series delivers an increased rated voltage and impulse withstand voltage, achieving the higher-tier Y1 class certification. Mass production has already begun in July 2026.
Safety standard class refers to the classification defined under IEC 60384-14, the international standard governing the withstand voltage and flame-retardant performance of capacitors connected to commercial power sources, aiming to prevent fires and electric shocks caused by leakage current. X1/Y1 is one of the subclasses defined within this standard based on the type of insulation, and capacitors of subclass X1/Y1 are subject to the most stringent performance requirements.
Safety-certified capacitors are placed on power lines to suppress noise generated on commercial AC power lines, and are also used in on-board chargers (OBCs) of electric vehicles (EVs). The safety standard typically required for OBC applications is the Y2 class. However, applications requiring higher performance or additional safety margin beyond the Y2-class impulse test voltage rating of 5 kV may require Y1-class certification.
The newly introduced DE5 series has undergone a design review to enable operation at higher voltages in line with market needs. While the existing DE6 series supports the Y2-certified voltage of 300Vac (r.m.s.), the DE5 series supports the Y1 certified voltage of 500Vac (r.m.s.), and the test voltage for impulse withstand voltage has been significantly increased from 5kV to 12kV.
