Vishay Launches First Automotive Y1-Rated Ceramic Capacitors in SMD Package

Designers working on automotive power electronics have traditionally had to use through-hole Y1 safety capacitors for EMI and RFI suppression. While effective, through-hole components require extra clearance, restrict mechanical design, and add production steps compared to surface-mount parts.

Vishay’s new SMDY1 Automotive Series addresses that limitation by introducing the industry’s first Y1-rated ceramic capacitors in a surface-mount package. Rated for 500 VAC (1500 VDC) with capacitance values up to 4.7 nF, these capacitors meet stringent EMI filtering requirements while allowing fully automated reflow soldering and a lower profile on the PCB.

Space-Saving, Cost-Effective Design

Because the SMDY1 capacitors can be placed using standard pick-and-place equipment, they reduce production cost and eliminate the clearance space required by leaded components. Their flat profile also enables designs with thinner housings or backside PCB mounting, which is valuable for high-density automotive assemblies.

Built for Harsh Environments

The devices are AEC-Q200 qualified and carry a Class IIB humidity grade per IEC60384-14 annex I. They pass the demanding 85 °C/85 % RH/1000 h test, making them suitable for use in on-board chargers, traction inverters, battery management systems, e-compressors, and AC/DC converters in EV, HEV, and PHEV platforms.

Package Options and Specifications

The SMDY1 series is available in two case sizes: the C case with 10 mm creepage distance and the D case with 14.5 mm creepage distance. Devices use a Y5U dielectric and offer capacitance from 470 pF to 4.7 nF with ± 20 % tolerance. They are RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and encapsulated in flame-resistant epoxy resin meeting UL 94 V-0 standards.

Samples and production quantities are available now, with typical lead times of 12 weeks. For designers seeking a way to replace through-hole safety capacitors with a fully automated, low-profile solution, the SMDY1 series provides a practical path forward.

Learn more and read the original article on www.vishay.com