High-reliability passive components for aerospace electronics
KYOCERA AVX presents capacitor technologies at CMSE 2026 to address size, weight, and power constraints in military and space systems.
global.kyocera.com
KYOCERA AVX is presenting advanced passive component technologies at the Components for Military & Space Electronics (CMSE) Conference 2026 in Los Angeles, focusing on capacitor performance and reliability for aerospace and defense applications.
Context of the technology deployment
Military and aerospace electronic systems operate under constraints related to size, weight, and power (SWaP), while requiring high reliability under thermal, mechanical, and radiation stress. Passive components such as capacitors, inductors, and resistors are critical for power conditioning, signal integrity, and electromagnetic compatibility.
The CMSE conference provides a technical platform for addressing these challenges, bringing together component manufacturers, system integrators, and engineers working on avionics, space systems, and defense electronics.
Capacitor technologies and technical scope
KYOCERA AVX’s contributions include two technical presentations focused on capacitor classification and performance:
The first presentation defines distinctions between multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) product grades, including Consumer, Automotive, COTS+, and high-reliability (Hi-Rel) variants. These classifications are linked to qualification standards such as MIL specifications and screening levels, which determine suitability for mission-critical applications.
The second presentation introduces low-inductance bulk capacitors (LIBC), designed to support circuits with high transient current demands (high di/dt). By reducing equivalent series inductance (ESL), these capacitors improve voltage stability and reduce noise in high-speed power delivery systems. The use of non-ceramic dielectric systems enables alternative electrical and thermal characteristics compared to conventional MLCCs.
Component portfolio and system integration
The exhibited components are engineered to meet established qualification standards, including MIL-PRF-32535 and MIL-PRF-55365, as well as Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) qualification requirements. These standards define performance criteria such as reliability levels, environmental resistance, and failure rates.
Key component categories include:
- MLCCs with NP0 dielectric for temperature stability and low loss
- Tantalum capacitors with low equivalent series resistance (ESR) and multi-anode configurations
- Polymer capacitors with statistical screening for performance consistency
- RF and microwave capacitors for high-frequency applications
- Thin-film inductors with controlled tolerances and high Q factors
- EMI filters for suppression of conducted interference
- Resistors using FLEXITERM® structures to mitigate mechanical stress
Oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs) are also included, providing frequency stability for timing-critical systems through temperature-regulated operation.
Applications and use cases
These components are intended for integration into:
- Avionics control systems
- Satellite communication and payload electronics
- Radar and RF subsystems
- Power management circuits in defense platforms
In these environments, component selection directly affects system reliability, electromagnetic compatibility, and long-term operational stability.
Technical impact and performance considerations
Reducing inductance and ESR in capacitors supports improved transient response and power integrity in high-speed circuits. High-reliability screening and qualification processes reduce failure rates in mission-critical deployments.
The availability of multiple qualification grades allows engineers to balance cost and reliability by selecting components aligned with specific risk and performance requirements. This approach supports optimized system design within constrained SWaP parameters.
Edited by an industrial journalist, Lekshman Ramdas, with AI assistance.
www.kyocera.com
