“Continuous development as the number one electronic device parts supplier”

MLCC, 50% of the automotive market, undisputed No. 1 in the world market
Smart farming solutions, energy savings and increased yields

[Editor's Note] Murata Electronics Korea participated in the 'Korea Electronics Show (KES 2023)' and attracted attention by exhibiting smart agricultural solutions in addition to its main field of automotive. Murata has dominated the global market with its diverse lineup and high-reliability products, and in particular, Murata's multilayer ceramic capacitors are ranked first in the world with a market share of over 50% in the automotive market. In addition, Murata introduced a smart agricultural solution that simultaneously satisfies both energy savings and increased yields by utilizing IoT technology. Our magazine interviewed Seongwon Seo, Manager of Murata Electronics Korea, who participated in KES 2023, to hear about Murata's automotive and smart agricultural solutions.

▲Seongwon Seo, Manager of Murata Electronics Korea

■ Please introduce Murata Electronics Korea.

Murata Electronics Korea is a Korean corporation with Murata Manufacturing of Japan as its parent company.

Murata is a Japanese electronic components company founded in 1944 that supplies essential components for electronic products, including various capacitors, EMI filters, SAW filters, RF modules, and various sensors.

In particular, Murata's 'multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC)', which integrates multiple capacitor functions into an ultra-small size, is the undisputed number one in the global market.

With a diverse product lineup and high reliability, Murata's products and services are responsible for the safety and convenience of our lives, from mobile phones to rockets.

Murata is a global No. 1 component manufacturer that makes up all electronic devices, and is a company with great potential for continued growth in the future.

■ I am curious about the reason for participating in the 2023 Korea Electronics Show.

Murata is a company that deals with B2B, and we believe that its name recognition in Korea is not very high outside of the electronics market.

As the trend of the times is that all markets, including IoT, automobiles, medical, and wellness, are related to electronics/communications/sensors, we decided to participate in the electronics exhibition to make Murata known to a wider audience.

▲Murata Korea Electronics Show booth overview

Many people do not know Murata, and even those who do know it often only know it as a capacitor maker or module maker.

Through this exhibition, I would like to show that Murata, a company, has a wide variety of items and supply capabilities to the point that it can be called a department store for electronic components.

■ I am curious about Murata's competitiveness, supply capacity, and main products in the automotive sector, which is its main market.

At Murata, we consider electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and safety as our basic concepts for the automobile market.

Murata has the know-how to supply various items for a long period of time, and has the technology and process capabilities to produce high-reliability products required for automobiles.

Accordingly, the main items being promoted are high-voltage/high-current items, sensors such as 6-axis sensors, 60G radars, and communication modules.

In the case of MLCC, it has a market share of over 50% in the automobile market, so I think that the cars you own are equipped with Murata products.>
■ Agricultural products were also exhibited at the 2023 Korea Electronics Show. A demonstration utilizing both a CO2 sensor and a Cat. M1 Module was also exhibited. Please introduce it.

It can create synergy in that it can provide a smart agricultural solution that is not restricted by time, place, or environment through CO2 and soil sensors and LTE Cat.M1 modules.

CO2 sensors measure the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, which is essential in BEMS (Building and Energy Management Systems) and agriculture.

In BEMS, air can be automatically ventilated, and in agriculture, the CO2 concentration required for photosynthesis of crops can be controlled.

If the sensor is located in a location that is difficult to access or is placed in a hot and humid environment, errors in the measurement values often occur.

However, Murata CO2 sensors have the advantage of being able to provide stable and accurate measurements over the long term due to their excellent durability and automatic correction function.

■ Cat. M1 Module It appears that the use of IoT has been expanded to agriculture with the communication module. I am curious about the advantages of the displayed modules and the market response.

LTE Cat.M1 is one of the LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication technologies and is suitable for outdoor IoT devices located in wide areas that require low-power communication.

In particular, our Cat.M1 module has the advantage of being ultra-small in size and can be applied regardless of device shape.

Traditionally, the agricultural sector has relied largely on experience.

However, by collecting and managing crop-related data through IoT technology, it will contribute to saving energy and increasing yields by using resources such as water and fertilizer appropriately.

■ A sensor that can obtain information about the soil was also exhibited. I am curious about what the Soil Sensor detects, what the advantages are of using it, and the market response.

Soil sensors measure temperature, humidity, and EC (Electrical Conductivity) values and monitor the condition of soil or water quality. In agriculture, they are used to control irrigation and manage fertilizer supply.

In particular, the EC value has a high level of uncertainty in the measurement depending on the soil material, moisture content, etc., making it difficult to measure, but Murata's soil sensor is receiving positive reviews for its high accuracy as it is the first in the industry to apply nine electrodes and a proprietary algorithm.

Additionally, our Soil sensor encapsulates the sensor element in a robust case, making it IP68 rated for water and dust resistance.

Low-voltage and corrosion-resistant metal materials are used to prevent corrosion of the electrodes.

This ensures excellent quality that can withstand long-term use underground or underwater.

■ I understand that you are actively seeking to secure business opportunities in new markets through this exhibition. What areas are you looking at as new markets, and please introduce the products along with the market outlook.

In today's world, everything people do is connected to communication and becoming electronic.

Murata has focused its business on the mobile phone, home appliance, automobile, and semiconductor markets in the past, but it is challenging to enter a wider market in the future, so it seems that we will be able to see Murata in markets such as WELLNESS, environment, and robotics.

Murata will work to connect you with all the devices you use.

■ A word to the readers

Although only a few Murata items will be on display at this exhibition, Murata has almost every type of electronic component.

If you have any items that you would like to have made, please feel free to contact Murata first.

We will respond actively. Thank you.