For some years now, the electronics industry has been experiencing an increasing shortage of electronic components. The market for ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) is particularly affected, aggravated by technological innovations that are driving up demand. Industries such as automotive, telecommunications and consumer electronics have driven the miniaturization of MLCCs. If the 0402 or even 0603 designs are still too large for developers, component manufacturers must react. But the trend towards particularly small designs led more and more manufacturers to discontinue their medium and large ceramic capacitors. Electronics manufacturers are therefore increasingly being forced to switch to smaller sizes, which further increases the competitive pressure for small MLCCs. Downsizing might be the right choice for some applications. But if a miniaturized layout is not a priority, there is no need to compete for smallest capacitors with mobile phone manufacturers or the like. If you have special requirements for electrical performance, available capacitance or DC bias behavior, you should even consciously choose larger MLCCs. Their properties and performance are better: To achieve the same results with downsized MLCCs, more of them need to be placed. In addition, adjusting the PCB layout and placement cause extra costs. It is a complex subject. With REDEXPERT, Würth Elektronik offers an online tool for the simulation of capacitor behavior based on real measurement data. And Würth Elektronik provides personal advice. Do I have to adhere to component sizes in IC reference designs? Are aluminum polymer capacitors a better alternative for my application? Which capacitor properties are really important for my design? Würth Elektronik has answers to all of these questions and offers support. With its long-term available portfolio of MLCCs with form factors from 0402 up to 2220, Würth Elektronik is the right partner with whom you no longer have to fear component bottlenecks. More about this