Introduction

In 2018, with Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. announcing the complete discontinuation of its DHS/DHR series high voltage ceramic capacitors, the global medical imaging and industrial power supply industries faced severe supply chain disruption risks. HVC Capacitor, leveraging its self-developed N4700 dielectric technology, quickly filled this market gap.

This FAQ will provide a comprehensive analysis of HVC's alternative solution through 15 key questions and answers, covering background, technology, applications, and supply chain.

Part One: Background & Strategy

Q1: Why did Murata discontinue its high voltage ceramic capacitors? What impact does this have on existing users?

A: Murata decided in the autumn of 2018 to discontinue its high voltage series, including DHR (leaded type) and DHS (doorknob type).

• Reason: Officially, the company stated that the high-voltage equipment market was relatively shrinking, and its strategic focus was shifting towards high-growth Electric Vehicle (EV) and MLCC markets.
• Impact: This led to a "supply cut-off" for global manufacturers of CT scanners, X-ray machines, and electrostatic sprayers that relied on Murata. Finding a replacement that requires no PCB modification and offers consistent performance became a top priority.

Q2: In what aspects does HVC Capacitor achieve compatible replacement with Murata?

A: HVC achieves a Pin-to-Pin physical-level replacement.

• Voltage Coverage: Covers Murata's original range of 2kV - 50kV.
• Size Matching: Whether it's the lead pitch or the diameter, height, and thread specifications of doorknob capacitors, HVC provides 1:1 corresponding molds.
• Result: Customers can directly replace the capacitors without modifying PCB layouts or high-voltage oil tank structures.

Q3: Compared to other alternative brands, what is HVC's core advantage?

A: The biggest advantage lies in N4700 (Class I) ceramic dielectric technology and ultra-high voltage manufacturing capability.

Many low-end alternatives use cheap Y5T/Y5U (Class II) dielectrics, which have high high-frequency loss. HVC, however, insists on using the same-grade N4700 dielectric as Murata, ensuring low loss and low temperature drift. Furthermore, HVC can manufacture capacitors up to 100kV, whereas Murata's original products stopped at 50kV.

Part Two: Technology & Performance

Q4: What is N4700 dielectric? Why is it important for replacing Murata?

A: N4700 (Strontium Titanate) is a Class I ceramic dielectric.

• Characteristics: It features extremely low dielectric loss (DF < 0.2%) and excellent temperature stability.
• Importance: Murata's classic models all used this type of dielectric (code ZM). In the high-frequency voltage multiplier circuits of X-ray machines, only N4700 dielectric can withstand high-frequency high current without overheating. Ordinary Y5T capacitors would break down due to overheating under these operating conditions.

Q5: What voltage rating can HVC capacitors achieve?

A: HVC not only covers Murata's standard 20kV-50kV products but also extends up to 100kV.

This makes HVC the preferred choice for particle accelerators, Marx Generators, and smart grid equipment, filling the gap in ultra-high voltage components after Murata's discontinuation.

Q6: Which threaded terminals do your doorknob (bolt-type) capacitors support?

A: We offer dual standards to accommodate global customers.

• Metric: M4, M5, M6, suitable for Asian and European equipment.
• Imperial/UNF: #10-32 UNF, fully compatible with US-made equipment (such as early GE Healthcare CT machines).

Q7: How do HVC capacitors perform in high-frequency pulse applications?

A: Superior to the industry average.

Thanks to the N4700 dielectric and special internal electrode structure, HVC capacitors have extremely low Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR). Under 100kHz high-frequency pulses, their temperature rise is 5-10℃ lower than ordinary capacitors, significantly extending their service life.

Q8: What is the Partial Discharge (PD) level of HVC capacitors?

A: Reaches medical-grade standards.

HVC strictly controls the amount of partial discharge under high voltage. For 40kV/50kV capacitors specifically used in CT machines, the AC partial discharge at 1.5 times the rated voltage is controlled to < 5pC (picocoulombs), ensuring no voids inside the ceramic.

Part Three: Quality & Applications

Q9: What successful replacement cases does HVC have?

A: HVC has successfully entered the supply chains of several Fortune 500 companies.

• Medical Imaging: GE Healthcare, Philips, Siemens, United Imaging Healthcare (replacing DHS series).
• Industrial Inspection: Nikon, Shimadzu (replacing DHR series).
• Scientific Research & Energy: ABB, Johnson & Johnson.

Q10: Can your products be used in oil-filled environments?

A: Absolutely.

HVC's doorknob capacitors use high-density epoxy resin vacuum encapsulation, offering extremely strong oil resistance and chemical corrosion resistance. They will not swell or detach after long-term immersion in transformer oil, making them an ideal choice for high-voltage oil tanks.

Q11: What tests are performed before leaving the factory?

A: 100% full inspection is performed.

This includes capacitance/loss testing, withstand voltage testing (typically 1.5-2.0 times the rated voltage), and Insulation Resistance (IR) testing. For critical batches, X-Ray fluoroscopy and destructive breakdown testing are also performed via random sampling.

Q12: Do the products comply with environmental standards?

A: Yes.

All HVC high voltage ceramic capacitors comply with RoHS and REACH environmental directives and are free of harmful substances such as lead and cadmium.

Part Four: Supply Chain & Service

Q13: What is HVC's Lead Time?

A: Highly competitive "domestic speed."

• 1kV-6kV Standard Products: 3-5 days.
• 10kV-30kV Regular Products: 2-3 weeks.
• Doorknob/Customized Products: 4-6 weeks (Murata's original factory lead times were typically 16-24 weeks).

Q14: If I have special customization requirements (e.g., non-standard voltage or size), is that supported?

A: Yes, with a low threshold.

HVC offers "Design-in" services. We can adjust the capacitor's diameter, thickness, or lead shape based on the remaining space on your PCB. The Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for customized products is flexible; there's no need to wait half a year like with large manufacturers.

Q15: How can I obtain a specific Murata model cross-reference table?

A: We have established a comprehensive database.

For example:

• Murata DHS4E4G202KT2B \rightarrow HVC HVCT8G-40KV-DL60-202K
• Murata DHR4E4C102K2FB \rightarrow HVC HVC-15KV-DL18-F12.5-102K

Please contact our sales team directly to obtain the complete list.

Most Inquiry Alternative Items

For Murata End-of-Life (EOL) items, inquiry for HVC's Part Number and datasheet/quotation/sample:

DHR Series Cross Reference

DHS Series Cross Reference

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