As industrial automation, electric vehicles, and smart energy systems rapidly evolve, motor drive technology is advancing toward higher efficiency, precision, and reliability. In this progression, breakthroughs in passive components such as resistors and capacitors have played a critical role. The performance limitations of traditional components in high-frequency, high-voltage, and harsh environments have driven innovations in materials, structures, and manufacturing processes. These new-generation resistors and capacitors enhance the stability and energy efficiency of motor drive systems while meeting the demands for miniaturization, lightweight design, and environmental sustainability. This article explores the development trends of these advanced technologies and introduces YAGEO’s product line tailored to these needs.
Resistors and capacitors are indispensable key components in motor drives
Resistors and capacitors are fundamental components in various electronic applications and play significant roles in motor drive applications. Resistors in motor drives are mainly used for current limitation and protection. Resistors can limit the current to prevent damage from excessive inrush current at motor startup. In circuits, current-limiting resistors are often used with other protective devices such as fuses or circuit breakers. Additionally, resistors can be used for voltage division and biasing. Voltage divider resistors in power drive modules assist in generating reference voltages or biases to ensure the stable operation of power devices. On the other hand, resistors can be used for detection and feedback in systems. Shunt resistors are used for precise motor current detection, enabling current or torque control in conjunction with feedback control systems. They can also dissipate excess energy. Braking resistors absorb excess energy generated during regenerative braking to protect drive modules from overvoltage.
Capacitors in motor drives serve energy storage and stabilization functions. Capacitors can smooth the supply voltage, reducing power fluctuations' impact on motor performance. They can also suppress electromagnetic interference (EMI). Decoupling capacitors can reduce high-frequency noise and protect sensitive control circuits. Capacitors in EMI filters ensure that the system meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements. Furthermore, capacitors can be used for power factor correction. In AC motor drives, compensation capacitors can improve system power factor and reduce reactive power losses. In terms of soft start and protection, in some drive designs, capacitors assist in achieving motor soft start to reduce mechanical stress.
With technological advancements, high-performance new thin-film capacitors (such as polypropylene film capacitors) feature low ESR (equivalent series resistance), high voltage tolerance, and long lifespan, making them suitable for high-power motor drive applications. Some high-precision shunt resistors are manufactured using metal foil or thick-film technology, providing higher precision and stability to meet the demands of intelligent motor drive systems.
Additionally, with the rapid development of composite materials, the packaging materials of capacitors and resistors are continuously optimized, enhancing reliability in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. As they move toward intelligence and modular integration, integrated passive device (IPD) technology modularizes resistors and capacitors, reducing PCB area and improving design efficiency.
As the electric vehicle market expands, high-voltage capacitors and high-power resistors are becoming more widely used, supporting more efficient drive and regenerative braking technologies. Resistors and capacitors are indispensable in motor drive systems. Their technological development continues to enhance motor performance and expand application fields, especially in new energy and high-efficiency drive technologies.
Automotive-grade thin-film chip resistors offer high precision and stability
YAGEO, a global leader in passive component solutions, operates production and sales facilities across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, offering customers a "one-stop-shop" service. It supplies a full range of passive components, including resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, relays, antennas, wireless components, and circuit protection devices, to meet diverse application needs across various fields.
For motor drive applications, YAGEO’s automotive-grade passive components comply with the AEC-Q200 automotive electronics industry standard. Available solutions include thick-film, thin-film, current sensors, and anti-sulfur (FOS) grades, suitable for infotainment, comfort and convenience, security, ECU, steering, power management, and lighting systems in the automotive sector.
YAGEO's RP series automotive-grade thin-film chip resistors offer high precision and stability, with excellent sulfur resistance. Compliant with the AEC-Q200 standard, they feature high precision, good stability, low TCR, and low electrical noise. These resistors use advanced sputtering technology and have a humidity sensitivity level of up to MSL 1. They are available in various package sizes, including 0402, 0603, 0805, and 1206, and are lead-free and RoHS-compliant.
These resistors feature a low-profile, ultra-thin structure with excellent heat resistance and outstanding ESD protection. Covering a wide range of resistance values and high rated voltages, they are ideal for automotive drivetrain systems and body control electronics. YAGEO's RP series thin-film automotive resistors are durable, reliable, and the perfect solution for meeting automotive demands.
Thin-film capacitors offer exceptional environmental resistance and performance
In recent years, thin-film capacitor technology has advanced rapidly. With improvements in materials science, these capacitors now utilize highly stable dielectric materials such as polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) to enhance performance. Polypropylene, in particular, is widely used for its low dielectric loss and high voltage resistance. Additionally, composite films coated with metal oxide layers or other functional materials increase the capacitors’ resistance to voltage breakdown and moisture.
Structural and process improvements have further enhanced thin-film capacitors. Self-healing technology allows them to repair damage quickly when local dielectric breakdown occurs, maintaining functionality and extending lifespan. Ultra-thin film technology reduces volume while increasing capacitance per unit volume, addressing miniaturization needs. Modular designs integrate multiple capacitors into a single module, simplifying installation and improving reliability.
Thin-film capacitors exhibit high environmental resistance, with improved packaging and internal structures enabling stable operation in temperatures above 85°C and high-humidity conditions. Designed for high-voltage and high-current applications, these capacitors can withstand hundreds to thousands of volts, making them ideal for high-power motor drive applications. To meet energy efficiency and green technology demands, these capacitors use eco-friendly materials and efficient manufacturing processes, reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable development.
KEMET, a brand under the YAGEO Group and a global leader in electronic components, aims to be a technology leader in key market segments by lowering customers' total cost of ownership and building competitive barriers. KEMET’s thin-film capacitors, designed for harsh environments, offer long life and high reliability in extreme conditions. The product line includes highly miniaturized pinhole and SMD models. These capacitors are ideal for powertrains and onboard technologies in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and industrial converters, offering a comprehensive product portfolio for demanding applications.
KEMET’s thin-film capacitors feature low ESR, enabling higher ripple current ratings without compromising capacitance. Their high-rated voltage makes them suitable for DC link and high-power applications, while the combination of low ESR, high-efficiency CV, and high-rated voltage is valuable for energy storage and EMI filtering. The product range includes radial films, can films, SMD chip films, axial films, door knob film, and dual-in-line film capacitors, providing a complete solution to meet diverse industry needs.
New solid-state electrolytic capacitors gradually replacing liquid electrolytic capacitors
On the other hands, electrolytic capacitors have also experienced significant advancements in material innovation and structural improvements. High-purity aluminum foil and advanced anodizing techniques enhance the uniformity and stability of the anodized layer, improving voltage resistance. The emergence of new electrolytes, including hybrid and solid-state options, is gradually replacing traditional liquid electrolytes. This shift reduces leakage current and enhances temperature resistance.
In structural optimization, new types of solid-state electrolytic capacitors have gradually replaced liquid electrolytic capacitors, as they offer higher stability and durability. These capacitors are ideal for high-frequency and high-temperature applications, as solid-state technology mitigates the risk of electrolyte drying, thereby extending lifespan. Multilayered stacked anode aluminum foil techniques enable higher capacitance density, meeting miniaturization demands.
Performance-wise, electrolytic capacitors now offer high-temperature resistance, with advanced materials and packaging technologies supporting stable operation at 105°C or even 125°C. They also feature enhanced ripple current handling capabilities and lifespans exceeding 10,000 hours. New structural designs effectively lower equivalent series resistance (ESR), making them suitable for higher-frequency applications. In response to environmental and sustainability requirements, electrolytic capacitors now incorporate low-toxicity, recyclable materials, comply with global environmental regulations, and reduce carbon emissions during manufacturing.
KEMET’s aluminum electrolytic capacitors deliver excellent ripple current carrying capacity and extended lifespans, making them ideal for high-energy and high-power applications. Their high capacitance and ripple current ratings are particularly suitable for DC link applications in power converters. KEMET’s comprehensive aluminum electrolytic capacitor product line includes: Horizontal Crown SMD Aluminum, Vertical Crown SMD Aluminum, Axial Aluminum, Radial Crown Aluminum, Module Aluminum, Rectangular Aluminum, Press-Fit Aluminum, Snap-In Aluminum, Screw Terminal Aluminum, SMD Can Aluminum, Radial Aluminum, SMD Chip Aluminum, Motor Start Aluminum. This extensive product range meets diverse application needs, offering reliable solutions across various industries.
Conclusion
With the continuous evolution of motor drive technology, new resistor and capacitor technologies are becoming the core drivers for enhancing system performance and efficiency. Through material innovation, structural optimization, and intelligent integration, these components successfully address the challenges of high-frequency, high-voltage, and high-temperature applications, providing strong support for industrial automation, electric vehicles, and smart energy systems. In the future, as demand diversifies and technological breakthroughs continue, resistor and capacitor technologies will demonstrate greater potential in areas such as high performance, low power consumption, and sustainable design. These advancements will drive motor drive applications toward smarter and more reliable directions, supporting the global transition to green energy and the progress of intelligent technologies. YAGEO’s resistor and capacitor product lines will become the ideal partner for motor drive applications.