The Murata Electronics GRM21BC81A106ME18K is a surface-mount ceramic capacitor delivering 10µF capacitance at 10V rated voltage in a compact 0805 package format. This component utilizes X6S dielectric material, positioning it between standard X5R and higher-temperature X7R formulations with temperature characteristics of ±22% capacitance variation across -55°C to +105°C operating range.
The X6S dielectric classification provides balanced performance for designs requiring moderate temperature stability without the voltage derating severity common in higher-permittivity dielectrics. At 10V rating, this capacitor maintains more stable capacitance under DC bias compared to Y5V or X5R alternatives at equivalent voltage stress levels. The 0805 footprint offers practical board density for power supply decoupling, voltage filtering, and energy storage applications where space constraints exist but performance cannot be compromised by smaller case sizes.
With 10µF nominal capacitance, the GRM21BC81A106ME18K addresses common bulk decoupling requirements in point-of-load regulation, digital power distribution networks, and analog signal conditioning circuits. The ME tolerance code indicates ±20% capacitance variation, standard for multilayer ceramic capacitors in this value range and sufficient for most non-precision filtering applications. This tolerance allows cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining predictable performance across production batches.
The component carries active production status with RoHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected classification, meeting current environmental regulations for lead-free manufacturing and restricted substance management. MSL-1 rating permits unlimited floor life exposure after package opening, simplifying inventory management and assembly planning without requiring controlled humidity environments or baking procedures prior to reflow soldering.
Standard tape and reel packaging supports automated pick-and-place assembly with consistent component orientation and minimal handling. The 0805 metric footprint (2.0mm × 1.25mm) provides compatible mounting with standard SMT processes using lead-free solder profiles up to 260°C peak reflow temperature. This package size balances sufficient pad area for reliable solder joints while maintaining density advantages over larger 1206 or 1210 case sizes.
For voltage regulation applications, this capacitor functions effectively in parallel combinations with lower-value ceramic capacitors to address both high-frequency switching noise and mid-frequency load transients. The 10µF value range suits input and output stages of DC-DC converters operating at switching frequencies from several hundred kHz to low MHz ranges. In analog circuits, it serves as bias line decoupling and power supply filtering where low ESR characteristics of ceramic technology provide superior AC performance compared to electrolytic alternatives.
The X6S dielectric maintains Class II ceramic capacitor characteristics with acceptable capacitance retention under voltage stress, making it suitable for circuits where voltage coefficient effects must be considered but do not require the stability of Class I C0G/NP0 types. Engineers should account for typical DC bias derating when operating near rated voltage, though the 10V rating provides margin in 5V and 3.3V systems common in digital and mixed-signal designs.
Replacement Planning for Murata Electronics GRM21BC81A106ME18K 10µF 10V 0805 MLCC
When a Murata Electronics GRM21BC81A106ME18K capacitor is unavailable, nearing end-of-life risk in a supply chain, or being reviewed for cost and sourcing flexibility, the replacement decision should not be based only on capacitance and case size. This part is a 10µF, 10V, 0805 multilayer ceramic capacitor using an X6S dielectric, so voltage derating, DC bias capacitance loss, temperature behavior, PCB land pattern compatibility, and reflow profile suitability all affect whether an alternative will perform correctly in the circuit.
Common replacement and equivalent part numbers to evaluate include Murata Electronics
GRM21BR61A106KE19L
, Samsung Electro-Mechanics
GRM21BR61A106KE19L
Murata Electronics
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
2000000
CL21A106KPFNNNE
, TDK C2012X5R1A106K125AC, KEMET
CL21A106KPFNNNE
Samsung Electro-Mechanics America, Inc.
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
15251
C0805C106K8PACTU
, Yageo
C0805C106K8PACTU
KEMET
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
2000000
CC0805KKX5R6BB106
, and Taiyo Yuden
CC0805KKX5R6BB106
YAGEO
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
33300
LMK212ABJ106KG-T
. These parts are generally considered 10µF 10V 0805 ceramic capacitor alternatives, but each has different tolerance, dielectric behavior, sourcing profile, and application fit.
LMK212ABJ106KG-T
Taiyo Yuden
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
1489001
What Defines the Murata Electronics GRM21BC81A106ME18K Original Capacitor
The Murata Electronics GRM21BC81A106ME18K is a surface-mount ceramic capacitor specified as 10µF, 10V, X6S dielectric, in an 0805 package. It is supplied in tape and reel packaging, is RoHS3 compliant, REACH unaffected, MSL 1 rated, and classified under ECCN EAR99. Its active product status and standard SMT format make it suitable for automated assembly and broad commercial electronics use.
Key engineering characteristics:
| Parameter | Murata Electronics GRM21BC81A106ME18K Engineering Relevance |
|---|---|
| Capacitance | 10µF nominal; commonly used for local decoupling, bulk bypassing, and low-voltage rail stabilization |
| Rated voltage | 10V; replacement should allow suitable derating for the actual circuit voltage |
| Dielectric | X6S; capacitance variation is wider than X5R/X7R over temperature, but supports operation up to 105°C |
| Package size | 0805 / 2012 metric; land pattern and placement height must be checked before substitution |
| Tolerance code | M, typically ±20%; tighter-tolerance replacements may work electrically but can affect cost and availability |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel; compatible with high-volume SMT placement workflows |
| Compliance | RoHS3, REACH unaffected, MSL 1; suitable for standard lead-free assembly and long floor life |
The original part is typically used in DC-DC converter output filtering, power rail decoupling, embedded controller boards, consumer electronics, communication modules, industrial control boards, and compact power-management circuits. In these applications, the effective capacitance under DC bias is often more relevant than the nominal 10µF rating. A replacement part with the same capacitance and voltage rating may deliver less usable capacitance if its dielectric construction has stronger DC bias reduction.
For replacement selection, the X6S dielectric is one of the main decision points. If the circuit operates near elevated temperatures, an X5R part may not be a full thermal equivalent because X5R is usually rated to 85°C, while X6S extends to 105°C. If the board operates below 85°C, X5R alternatives can often be practical replacements, especially for decoupling and bypass functions.
Candidate Alternatives to Murata Electronics GRM21BC81A106ME18K
The following table compares practical replacement candidates for the Murata Electronics GRM21BC81A106ME18K. These parts should be verified against the final datasheet, PCB footprint, voltage derating rules, and circuit-level capacitance requirements before approval.
| Manufacturer | Part Number | Key Specifications | Product Features | Typical Applications | Why It Can Replace the Original Part | Main Differences or Limitations | Recommended Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murata Electronics |
GRM21BR61A106KE19L
Murata Electronics
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
2000000
| 10µF, 10V, 0805, X5R, typically ±10% | Same manufacturer ecosystem, common GRM 0805 MLCC platform, tighter tolerance than original | Power rail decoupling, processor bypass, DC-DC converter support, compact consumer and industrial boards | Same capacitance, voltage class, and 0805 package; strong option when maintaining Murata sourcing is preferred | X5R dielectric is usually rated to 85°C rather than X6S 105°C; DC bias curve must be checked | Best first-choice substitute for circuits operating within X5R temperature limits |
| Samsung Electro-Mechanics |
CL21A106KPFNNNE
Samsung Electro-Mechanics America, Inc.
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
15251
| 10µF, 10V, 0805, X5R, typically ±10% | Widely used high-volume MLCC series, good availability across distributors | Consumer electronics, wireless modules, portable equipment, general low-voltage decoupling | Electrical class and footprint are close to the original; suitable for many 10V 0805 MLCC replacement cases | Temperature range and DC bias behavior may differ from Murata X6S; qualification testing recommended | Suitable where supply continuity and volume availability are priorities |
| TDK | C2012X5R1A106K125AC | 10µF, 10V, 0805 / 2012 metric, X5R, ±10% | Established TDK C-series MLCC, compact 1.25mm-class profile option depending on suffix | DC rail bypassing, embedded systems, power-management circuits, communication equipment | Same nominal capacitance, voltage rating, and package size; compatible for many board-level decoupling designs | X5R upper temperature limit is lower than X6S; effective capacitance under bias should be compared | Good alternative when TDK qualification or approved vendor lists are preferred |
| KEMET |
C0805C106K8PACTU
KEMET
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
2000000
| 10µF, 10V, 0805, X5R, ±10% | Commercial-grade SMD ceramic capacitor, standard reel packaging options | Industrial controls, I/O modules, power filtering, general-purpose bypass networks | Matches the core 10µF 10V 0805 requirement and provides tighter tolerance than the original ±20% device | Electrical aging, DC bias, and ESR profile may not match Murata exactly; confirm operating temperature | Practical substitute for general decoupling where exact dielectric family is not mandatory |
| Yageo |
CC0805KKX5R6BB106
YAGEO
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
33300
| 10µF, 10V, 0805, X5R, ±10% | Cost-efficient high-volume MLCC option, broad commercial use | Consumer products, adapter circuits, low-voltage control boards, non-safety-critical filtering | Same capacitance, rated voltage, dielectric class alternative, and package outline | May have different capacitance retention and long-term sourcing dynamics depending on region | Suitable for cost-sensitive designs after electrical validation |
| Taiyo Yuden |
LMK212ABJ106KG-T
Taiyo Yuden
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
1489001
| 10µF, 10V, 0805, X5R, ±10% | Taiyo Yuden LMK series, recognized for compact MLCC designs and stable manufacturing quality | Mobile devices, IoT boards, low-voltage DC rails, compact embedded electronics | Same nominal electrical rating and 0805 footprint make it a realistic Murata GRM21BC81A106ME18K replacement | X5R temperature rating differs from X6S; mechanical thickness and capacitance bias should be verified | Suitable where compact power decoupling and supplier diversification are needed |
Among these options, Murata Electronics
GRM21BR61A106KE19L
is the closest sourcing-family alternative, while Samsung
GRM21BR61A106KE19L
Murata Electronics
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
2000000
CL21A106KPFNNNE
, TDK C2012X5R1A106K125AC, KEMET
CL21A106KPFNNNE
Samsung Electro-Mechanics America, Inc.
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
15251
C0805C106K8PACTU
, Yageo
C0805C106K8PACTU
KEMET
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
2000000
CC0805KKX5R6BB106
, and Taiyo Yuden
CC0805KKX5R6BB106
YAGEO
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
33300
LMK212ABJ106KG-T
provide broader manufacturer diversification. For a true engineering replacement, the comparison should include circuit voltage, operating temperature, capacitance loss under DC bias, and whether the capacitor is used in a noise-sensitive power rail or a less demanding bulk bypass position.
LMK212ABJ106KG-T
Taiyo Yuden
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
1489001
Engineering Trade-Off Comparison for Murata Electronics GRM21BC81A106ME18K Replacements
A replacement for the Murata Electronics GRM21BC81A106ME18K should be evaluated by function in the circuit. A capacitor used directly at a switching regulator output may require closer ESR, ripple current, and effective capacitance comparison than one used as local IC bypassing. The table below focuses on practical replacement trade-offs rather than only nominal datasheet values.
| Replacement Part | Electrical Compatibility | Mechanical Compatibility | Performance Differences | Reliability and Qualification Factors | Package Availability | Cost Considerations | Suitable Application Scenarios | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murata Electronics GRM21BR61A106KE19L | Strong match for 10µF, 10V, 0805 requirements; tighter tolerance than original | Same 0805 class; verify height and land pattern | X5R may show different temperature behavior versus X6S; likely acceptable below 85°C | Same manufacturer family may simplify internal approval | Generally available in reel formats | May be mid-range depending on market conditions | Designs already qualified with Murata GRM series, low-voltage decoupling | Closest brand-family substitute, good documentation continuity | Not a full X6S temperature equivalent |
| Samsung Electro-Mechanics CL21A106KPFNNNE | Good nominal compatibility for 10µF 10V replacement | Standard 0805 footprint; height confirmation required | DC bias and capacitance retention should be reviewed for regulator output use | Strong global MLCC supplier; suitable for high-volume qualification | Broad distributor availability | Often competitive in volume | Consumer, communication, and portable electronics | Good sourcing flexibility and common availability | Not identical dielectric rating to original X6S |
| TDK C2012X5R1A106K125AC | Good match for common 10V low-voltage rails | 2012 metric / 0805 compatible; confirm thickness | Stable option for bypassing; effective capacitance curve should be compared | TDK C-series is widely qualified in industrial and commercial designs | Common tape-and-reel supply | Pricing varies with approval level and stock | Industrial control boards, embedded systems, telecom modules | Strong supplier reputation and common AVL acceptance | X5R temperature ceiling may restrict high-temperature designs |
| KEMET C0805C106K8PACTU | Compatible where ±10% 10µF 10V X5R is acceptable | Standard 0805 mounting; check solder pad and height | Good for general filtering; exact impedance profile may vary | Suitable where KEMET is already approved | Usually available through mainstream supply channels | Can be attractive for alternate sourcing | General-purpose decoupling and power filtering | Practical commercial substitute with tighter tolerance | Requires validation for high-ripple or temperature-sensitive rails |
| Yageo CC0805KKX5R6BB106 | Electrically suitable for many 10µF 10V bypass functions | Standard 0805 package; confirm assembly profile | Adequate for many non-specialized rails; compare DC bias loss | Qualification should include supplier-specific capacitance and aging data | Broad high-volume availability | Often favorable for cost-sensitive builds | Consumer electronics, auxiliary rails, general bypassing | Cost-effective and widely sourced | Less ideal where exact capacitance retention is required without testing |
| Taiyo Yuden LMK212ABJ106KG-T | Good 10µF 10V 0805 compatibility | 0805-compatible; verify mechanical height | Suitable for compact boards; check capacitance under bias | Well-established MLCC supplier; good option for vendor diversification | Common reel packaging | May vary by region and allocation cycle | IoT devices, mobile electronics, compact embedded boards | Good quality reputation and compact MLCC support | X5R limitation versus original X6S operating range |
For designs operating near 105°C, the original Murata Electronics GRM21BC81A106ME18K X6S rating should be treated carefully because most listed alternatives are X5R devices. In circuits operating below 85°C, the X5R alternatives may be acceptable, and their ±10% tolerance can provide tighter nominal capacitance control than the original ±20% part. For switching regulator outputs, compare impedance, effective capacitance at working voltage, and any stability requirements in the regulator datasheet. For simple local decoupling, footprint, rated voltage, temperature range, and availability often drive the final selection.
For quotations, availability checks, and sourcing support for Murata Electronics GRM21BC81A106ME18K replacement parts such as
GRM21BR61A106KE19L
,
GRM21BR61A106KE19L
Murata Electronics
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
2000000
CL21A106KPFNNNE
, C2012X5R1A106K125AC,
CL21A106KPFNNNE
Samsung Electro-Mechanics America, Inc.
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
15251
C0805C106K8PACTU
,
C0805C106K8PACTU
KEMET
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
2000000
CC0805KKX5R6BB106
, and
CC0805KKX5R6BB106
YAGEO
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
33300
LMK212ABJ106KG-T
, obtain quotes through IC-Components.com or email Info@IC-Components.com.
LMK212ABJ106KG-T
Taiyo Yuden
CAP CER 10UF 10V X5R 0805
1489001
