Auto Dynamics

Murata Launches Automotive Soft-Termination MLCC: 2.2μF/100Vdc Achieved in an 0805 Package

On June 3, 2026, Murata announced the GCJ21BD72A225KE02 automotive soft-termination chip multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC), which is consistently confirmed by the sources as targeting automotive powertrain and safety systems and achieving 2.2μF/100Vdc in an 0805 package. All three sources align on the themes of a “world first” and the demand for smaller, high-voltage automotive components; details on application scenarios, technical background, and area reduction appear only in individual sources.

Jun 6, 2026

MP Materials Sues USA Rare Earth, Alleging Theft of Rare-Earth Permanent Magnet Technology

MP Materials has filed a lawsuit against USA Rare Earth, with the core allegation centering on the improper acquisition of its proprietary rare-earth permanent magnet “grain boundary diffusion” technology. The three sources align on the facts that a lawsuit has been filed and that the dispute involves grain boundary diffusion technology. On the specific leakage path, only Source 1 mentions a former employee/former engineer allegedly sharing related formulations with USAR; the other sources do not mention this detail.

May 31, 2026

BYD Unveils 4nm Smart-Driving Chip, with Three Sources Confirming Shenzhen Launch and In-House Development

BYD unveiled its in-house smart-driving chip, Xuanji A3, in Shenzhen. Three sources consistently confirm that it is a 4nm chip intended for autonomous or smart-driving applications. The sources also indicate that the move is tied to BYD’s competition in smart driving and the EV market. However, details such as “around 20% lower power consumption,” “platform integration capabilities,” and “sales pressure” cannot be confirmed from the three sources and should be treated with caution.

May 30, 2026

6.9-magnitude earthquake in northern Chile disrupts copper mine operations; Codelco says it has returned to normal

After a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Chile’s Antofagasta region, copper mining operations near Calama were temporarily affected. All three sources indicate that Codelco had briefly suspended some operations before resuming normal activity; meanwhile, BHP and Antofagasta were reported to have seen little to no operational impact. Overall losses were limited, with no reports of major casualties or serious damage to key infrastructure.

May 28, 2026

AML Wins $2 Million U.S. Defense Contract to Advance Domestic Mass Production of High-Grade Sintered NdFeB Magnets

Advanced Magnet Lab (AML) announced a two-year, $2 million contract from the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to support qualification and scale-up production of domestically made high-grade sintered NdFeB permanent magnets. Across the source set, the confirmed shared facts center on supply chain management, alloying, and permanent magnet manufacturing; some sources also mention 100% U.S.-made production, specific magnet grade optimization, and long-term cooperation with U.S. government agencies, but those details are not uniformly covered.

May 24, 2026

LG CNS Showcases Factova at IoT Tech Expo 2026 in San Jose, Targeting North America’s Smart Factory Market for SMEs

LG CNS participated in IoT Tech Expo 2026 in San Jose, California, from May 18 to 19, 2026, and, as the only Korean exhibitor, showcased its smart factory solution Factova. Three sources agree on these core facts. Their descriptions of the target market vary, using terms such as “North American SMB smart factory market,” “North American AX business,” and “North American manufacturing AI transition (AX) market,” but the exhibition participation, exclusive Korean exhibitor status, and Factova’s debut can all be cross-verified.

May 22, 2026