ROHM Develops Nanocap Technology for Capacitorless Realization
Stable control is possible even when the external capacitor capacitance is nF.


A technology has been developed to reduce the number of capacitors in power circuits.

ROHM announced on the 20th that it has established 'Nano Cap™' technology, which enables stable control even when the external capacitor capacitance of various power circuits, including automobiles and industrial equipment, is in the extremely small amount of nF (nanofarad).

External capacitors are used in power circuits to stabilize the output. In the case of a circuit consisting of a linear regulator and an MCU, a 1μF capacitor is generally required on the output side of the linear regulator and a 100nF capacitor on the input side of the MCU.

ROHM has incorporated Nano Cap Stability Control Technology, developed by integrating three analog technologies—circuit design, layout, and process—into its linear regulators. As a result, a capacitor on the output side of the linear regulator is not required, allowing operation to be stabilized with only a 100nF capacitor, thereby reducing the circuit design load.

A ROHM official stated that the company will continue to improve its nano-cap technology to realize the condenser-less concept. In addition, the company announced that it will develop products equipped with nano-cap technology for various other analog ICs, such as OP amps and LED drivers.

OP amps equipped with nanocaps have already begun shipping some samples, and linear regulators and LED drivers with built-in regulators are also scheduled to begin shipping samples in 2020.