multilayer capacitor

A multilayer capacitor (MLC) is an electronic component that stores electrical energy. It achieves this by interleaving layers of dielectric material with electrode layers. This construction allows for large capacitances within a small size, making MLCs cost-effective and suitable for high-frequency applications and surface mounting on circuit boards.1

MLCs are often made using ceramic materials, such as barium titanate, which act as the dielectric. These materials are poor electrical conductors but can become electrically polarized when an electric field is applied, increasing the capacitor's ability to store charge. The dielectric constant measures how effectively a material can store charge compared to a vacuum. MLCs are increasingly used in electronic circuitry, often replacing older disk capacitor designs.12