Capacitors provide dc smoothing and noise reduction in LED applications

Murata Electronics North America announces its release of a new series of capacitors designed to provide superior DC smoothing and acoustic noise reduction in light-emitting diodes (LED) lighting applications. Traditionally, decreased capacitive values and a piezo-electronic phenomenon within capacitors have caused light flickering and acoustic noise, which are significant engineering challenges.

Due to these issues, many designers avoided the use of ceramics in these applications, regardless of their small size and high temperature reliability. The GR3 and RDE (X7T) multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) were developed to overcome these flickering and noise issues. The GR3 family is suitable for reflow soldering use, while the RDE series provides radial leaded insertion production capabilities.

In comparison to standard ceramic capacitors, there is a 10 dB acoustic noise reduction with the GR3 line, with further decreases achieved by incorporating RDE leaded parts. The GR3 is available in 250, 450, or 630 Vdc rating and popular capacitances from 10 to 1,000 nF for the 250 V; 560 nF for the 450 V; and 270 nF for the 630 V. Package sizes include 0805, 1206, 1210, 1812, and 2220. The RDE leaded series has the same voltage rating as the GR3 series, with capacitances beginning at 33 nF to a maximum of 2.2 uF for the 250 V; 1.2 uF for the 450 V; and 560 nF for the 630 V.

For more information, contact Murata Electronics North America Inc., 2200 Lake Park Dr., Smyrna, GA 30080. Phone: (800) 241-6574.