AI Infrastructure Boom Drives High-Capacitance MLCC into a New Growth Cycle

2026-02-28

Amid the global surge in AI infrastructure investment, leading Japanese electronic component manufacturer Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is reportedly evaluating another round of price increases for its high-end MLCC (Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor) products.

This move reflects a fundamental shift in the electronics supply chain: MLCCs are no longer low-profile passive components — they are becoming critical enablers of next-generation AI infrastructure.

Ⅰ. AI Servers: Explosive Demand for High-Capacitance MLCC

MLCCs are core components for power stabilization. AI servers, due to extremely high power consumption, require massive quantities of capacitors to maintain power integrity.

A single AI server can consume tens of thousands of MLCCs.

As the world's largest MLCC supplier, Murata holds:

1. Over 40% global MLCC market share
2. Nearly 70% share in high-end AI server MLCC applications

According to industry sources, demand for advanced MLCCs has already reached twice the current production capacity, with customers requesting volumes that are nearly impossible to fully satisfy.

This is not simply a price increase cycle — it signals a structural reshuffling of the electronic component ecosystem.

Ⅱ. High-Capacitance MLCC: From “High-End Optional” to “Mission-Critical”

With continuous advancements in materials and manufacturing processes, high-capacitance MLCCs are rapidly replacing tantalum capacitors, aluminum electrolytic capacitors, and even certain film capacitors in high-end systems.

They are becoming the standard configuration for advanced electronics.

AI Servers & GPU Clusters: Power Integrity at the Extreme

Modern AI chips such as NVIDIA H100 and NVIDIA GB200 exhibit extremely high transient current change rates (di/dt).

To handle these fluctuations:

1. Large quantities of 100μF-level MLCCs are deployed for local energy storage.
2. Response speed is significantly faster than tantalum or aluminum capacitors.
3. Non-polarity design improves safety.
4. Longer lifespan and superior vibration resistance.

A single GB200 NVL72 rack can use over 50,000 high-capacitance MLCCs (22μF–100μF) — 5 to 10 times the value used in traditional servers.

Global AI server shipments are projected to grow at a CAGR exceeding 30% from 2024–2030, potentially driving the high-capacitance MLCC market beyond USD 2 billion by 2030.

Ⅲ. 5G / 6G and Communication Infrastructure

As global 5G deployment deepens and 6G research begins, power and RF systems face dual challenges of high frequency and high power density.

Applications include:

1. Base Station Power Units (PSU)
   High-efficiency GaN power supplies require high-capacitance MLCCs for input/output filtering under wide temperature conditions (-40°C to +125°C).
2. Active Antenna Units (AAU)
   High-density RF channels require compact 0603 / 0805 MLCCs with capacitance ≥22μF to save PCB space.
3. Small cells and Open RAN systems pushing for cost-effective localization alternatives.

Expected CAGR: 8–10% annually.

Ⅳ. Industrial & Renewable Energy Applications

Under global carbon neutrality targets and Industry 4.0 transformation, demand is accelerating.

Industrial PLC & Servo Drives

1. Require X8R high-cap MLCC (-55°C to +150°C)
2. Lifetime requirements exceeding 100,000 hours

Photovoltaic Inverters & Energy Storage

1. 1500V DC bus filtering
2. High voltage (≥1000V) MLCC replacing bulky film capacitors

Wind Power Converters

1. Salt spray resistance
2. High vibration tolerance

Estimated CAGR 2025–2030: 9–11%

Ⅴ. Consumer Electronics: Premium Segment Upgrade

Although overall smartphone MLCC usage is stabilizing, flagship models continue increasing high-capacitance deployment:

1. 100W+ fast charging power management
2. Multi-camera stabilization systems
3. AR/VR wearable miniaturized 0402 high-cap MLCC solutions

Ⅵ. Market Outlook

By 2028:

1. Global MLCC demand expected to reach 5.95 trillion pieces
2. Market size projected to exceed RMB 140 billion

High-capacitance MLCC is no longer a basic filtering component — it has become a cornerstone of system performance, reliability, and safety.

Ⅶ. Hongda Capacitors: Your Reliable MLCC Partner in the AI Era

As global demand tightens and supply chains restructure, partnering with a stable and flexible MLCC supplier is more important than ever.

At Hongda Capacitors, we focus on delivering high-performance MLCC solutions designed for AI servers, industrial systems, and communication infrastructure.

Our Advantages

✅ Wide capacitance range (including high-capacitance 22μF–100μF solutions)
✅ Multiple dielectric types: X5R, X7R, NPO
✅ Compact case sizes: 0402, 0603, 0805, 1206 and beyond
✅ High voltage options for industrial and renewable energy applications
✅ Stable supply capacity with competitive lead time
✅ Strict quality control and reliability testing

With the rapid expansion of AI computing and new energy infrastructure, supply stability and technical support are critical. Hongda Capacitors is committed to providing:

1. Consistent performance
2. Reliable long-term supply
3. Flexible customization support
4. Cost-effective alternatives to leading global brands

Here is MLCC datasheet for you review: https://hongdacap.com.hk/pdf/HLC-Chip_Ceramic_Capacitors-MLCC.pdf

Ⅷ. Conclusion

The AI wave is not just driving semiconductor innovation — it is reshaping the entire passive component ecosystem.

High-capacitance MLCCs have evolved from optional upgrades to essential building blocks of modern electronic systems.

Companies that secure stable, high-quality MLCC supply today will gain a decisive advantage in tomorrow’s competitive landscape.

If you are evaluating MLCC solutions for AI servers, telecom infrastructure, industrial control, or renewable energy systems, Hongda Capacitors is ready to support your next project.

Contact us today to discuss your High-Voltage MLCC needs.

Email: cherry@hongdacap.com.hk

Mobile: +86 150 1478 9190 (Wechat/Whatsapp)