What Cornell Dubilier Electronics does

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE), founded in 1909 and operating since 2023 as a brand within Knowles Corporation's Precision Devices segment, designs and manufactures capacitors and related energy storage components. Its portfolio spans aluminum electrolytic, aluminum polymer, film and paper-film, mica, ceramic, and supercapacitor/ultracapacitor technologies, plus rechargeable batteries and custom assemblies. The product range covers sub-nanohenry pulse discharge parts up to 150 kV and 250 kA peak current, hermetically sealed aluminum electrolytic capacitors (the MLSH series being the only true glass-to-metal sealed aluminum electrolytic on the market), DC link capacitors for fast-switching power electronics, EMI/RFI suppression capacitors (X2/Y2 classes), and integrated supercapacitor modules with cell balancing.

The company's technology differentiation rests on proprietary hermetic sealing, self-healing metallized polypropylene film construction, low-ESL internal layouts, and qualification under AEC-Q200, MIL-PRF, and UL 810A standards, enabling deployment in harsh-environment, automotive, defense, and medical applications. End markets include medical devices (external defibrillators, MRI, medical power supplies), military and aerospace (radar, aircraft power, missile and space systems), industrial power electronics (motor drives, UPS, solar inverters, harmonic filters), EV charging infrastructure (Level 3 DC fast chargers, traction), renewable energy, consumer electronics, and research/laboratory pulsed power.

Cornell Dubilier monetizes through direct hardware sales and custom engineering engagements, distributing globally via authorized distributors (Arrow, DigiKey, Mouser, TTI, Master Electronics, RFMW, Richardson RFPD, Seltech, Waldom) and regional specialists, supplemented by a manufacturer's representative network across the Americas. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with custom solutions requiring direct sales engagement. Revenue from the CDE brand is not separately reported; the entity operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN).

Name

Cornell Dubilier Electronics

Legal name

Cornell Dubilier Marketing, Inc.

Website

https://cde.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1909

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Cornell Dubilier Electronics, a Knowles Corporation brand, designs and manufactures aluminum electrolytic, film, mica, and supercapacitor capacitors for medical, military/aerospace, industrial, EV charging, and renewable energy OEMs, distributed globally through major electronics distributors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electronic Components - Capacitors

NAICS

Capacitor, Resistor, Coil, Transformer, and Other Inductor Manufacturing (334416), Battery Manufacturing (33591)

SIC

Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

Capacitors (Ceramic/Film/Electrolytic/Tantalum/Supercapacitors) (HDAHANAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Passive Components (Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors, Ferrites) (IMAGAJAA), Battery Modules & Packs (Industrial/Commercial pack assembly) (IMAGAHAB)

Keywords

• Aluminum electrolytic capacitors
• Film paper-film capacitors
• Supercapacitor modules
• EMI RFI suppression capacitors
• High energy pulse discharge

Headquarters

HQ city

Liberty

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Capacitor Product Sales: Cornell Dubilier generates revenue through the sale of electronic capacitors including aluminum electrolytic, film/paper-film, mica, supercapacitors, ceramic capacitors, and rechargeable batteries. Products are sold through distributors globally and direct to customers for applications in medical devices, military/aerospace, industrial equipment, EV charging, and consumer electronics.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Cornell Dubilier Electronics designs and manufactures capacitors and capacitor-based energy storage products, including aluminum electrolytic (standard, hermetic, flatpack), aluminum polymer, film and paper-film, mica, ceramic, supercapacitor/ultracapacitor, and rechargeable battery offerings, plus custom assemblies for high-energy pulse discharge, DC link, harmonic filtering, and external defibrillator applications. Products are sold to industrial, medical, military/aerospace, EV charging, and renewable energy OEMs through authorized distributors and direct sales. The company operates as a Knowles Corporation brand focused on high-reliability, harsh-environment capacitor solutions.

Product overview

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE), a Knowles company, is a manufacturer of capacitors and electronic components operating as a product portfolio of distinct capacitor types and custom solutions. The core product line includes aluminum electrolytic capacitors (standard, hermetic, and flatpack types), aluminum polymer capacitors, film/paper-film capacitors, mica capacitors, supercapacitors/ultracapacitors, rechargeable batteries, and ceramic capacitors. The company also offers custom solutions including high-energy storage and pulse discharge capacitors, custom supercapacitor modules, aluminum electrolytic custom assemblies, DC link assemblies, and external defibrillator capacitors. Key product series include the MLSH Hermetic Slimpack (world's only hermetic aluminum electrolytic capacitor), BLS DC Link capacitors for harsh environments, 944L low inductance DC link for fast switching, MLPS Flatpack series for high-temperature applications, and the DSF/DGH three-cell supercapacitors. The company serves markets including automotive, medical, military/aerospace, industrial, and consumer electronics through direct distribution and manufacturer representatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors Full range of aluminum electrolytic capacitors including motor start, motor run, photo flash, strobe, and general purpose types for industrial and commercial electronics manufacturers.
• Aluminum Polymer Capacitors Aluminum polymer capacitors offering improved ESR and lifetime characteristics compared to standard electrolytic capacitors, for power electronics and high-reliability applications.
• Film, Paper-Film Capacitors Film and paper-film capacitors including power film, snubber, resonant, and harmonic filtering types for power electronics applications across industrial, EV, and renewable energy markets.
• Mica Capacitors Mica capacitors for RF and high-frequency applications requiring excellent stability and precision.
• Rechargeable Batteries Rechargeable battery solutions for energy storage applications.
• Supercapacitors (Ultracapacitors) Supercapacitors (ultracapacitors and electric double layer capacitors / EDLC) with capacitance values greater than any other capacitor type for energy storage, backup, and pulse power applications.
• Ceramic Capacitors Ceramic capacitors for various electronic applications.
• Type MLSH 125°C Hermetic Slimpack The world's only hermetic aluminum electrolytic capacitor featuring a true glass-to-metal seal preventing electrolyte dry-out. Provides 5,000-hour life at 125°C for military and aerospace applications. Available in nine values from 120 µF to 3,200 µF with ratings up to 250 Vdc; 80G vibration rating.
• MLPS Flatpack Series Low-profile aluminum electrolytic capacitors tested and rated for 10,000 hours at 105°C. Voltage ratings from 7.5 Vdc to 450 Vdc and capacitance values from 120 to 51,000 µF. Welded covers provide near-hermetic seals that resist electrolyte dry-out.
• Type BLS DC Link Capacitors 125°C rated DC link capacitors for harsh environments with high capacitance, high ripple current, and self-healing low-loss construction. THB 85°C/85% RH 2000h at rated voltage. AEC-Q200 qualified. For solar, EV inverters, backup, UPS, motor drives, and transportation systems.
• Type 944L Low Inductance DC Link Low-inductance DC link capacitors for fast switching applications using unique low-inductance internal construction and low-loss metallized polypropylene film dielectric. Up to 60% lower ESL with high ripple current capability. For DC fast charging, solar inverters, motor drives, induction heating, and lasers.
• TYPE MXH X2 EMI/RFI Suppression Capacitors X2 across-the-line capacitors for harsh environments. AEC-Q200 qualified with 2,000-hour THB life test. Capacitance values from 0.1 to 15 µF at 305 Vac. Operating temperature -40°C to +110°C. Multiple international safety agency approvals.
• Type MYH Y2 Class Interference Suppression Capacitors Y2 EMI/RFI suppression capacitors designed for harsh environments. AEC-Q200 qualified with 2,000-hour THB life test. Capacitance values from 0.001 to 1 µF at 300 Vac. Operating temperature -40°C to +110°C. Multiple agency approvals including UL, CSA, VDE.
• TYPE MXT X2 EMI/RFI Suppression Capacitors Metallized polypropylene film capacitor designed to suppress conducted EMI/RFI at a circuit's power input. Capacitance values from 0.1 to 40 µF at 305 Vac. Operating temperature -40°C to +110°C. Class X2 across-the-line capacitor with self-healing property.
• 3-Cell DSF & DGH Supercapacitors Three-cell radial leaded supercapacitors offering higher energy potential and power output than single or dual-cell parts. Voltage ratings up to 9.0 WVDC. Capacitance values from 0.33 to 5 Farads. Internal cell balancing, high energy density, low ESR, and 500,000+ charge/discharge cycles, with operating life up to 10 years.
• DSM Standard Supercapacitor Modules Standard supercapacitor modules providing easy application of supercapacitors for large energy storage. Available in 3, 6, or 10 cells for 9V, 18V, 30V, and 60V outputs. Capacitance from 0.15 to 36.6 Farads. Integrated cell balancing and insulated construction, UL 810A recognized.
• Type QAS Arc Suppressor/Snubber Network Noise and arc suppression device providing RC snubber network functionality for relay contact protection, noise reduction on controllers and drives, EMI/RFI reduction, and dv/dt suppression. Coated with flame retardant epoxy.
• High Energy Storage, Pulse Discharge Capacitors (Custom) Custom high-energy discharge capacitors for medical, military, research, and commercial pulsed energy applications. Capacitance from 5 nF to 50,000 µF, voltage up to 150 kV, peak current up to 250 kA, and inductance less than 10 nH.
• Custom AC Resonant and Harmonic Filter Solutions Custom-designed resonant and harmonic filter capacitor solutions for power electronics, power quality, and industrial filtering applications.
• Custom Aluminum Electrolytic Assemblies Custom aluminum electrolytic capacitor assemblies tailored to specific application form factors, voltage, and capacitance requirements for industrial, military/aerospace, and medical markets.
• Custom DC Link, DC Filtering Assemblies Custom DC link and DC filtering capacitor assemblies engineered for solar inverters, motor drives, UPS, EV charging, and other power conversion applications.
• Custom Supercapacitor Modules Custom-designed supercapacitor modules addressing different form factors, mounting options, cell balancing, protection, and connectivity requirements for energy storage and backup applications.
• External Defibrillator Capacitors (Custom) Custom capacitors designed for external defibrillator applications meeting medical device quality, reliability, and regulatory requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10,000 hour load life at 105°C for MLPS Flatpack series
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and general.

• Knowles CorporationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Cornell Dubilier Electronics was acquired by Knowles Corporation in Q3 2023. The company now operates as Knowles' Cornell Dubilier brand within the Specialty Components segment. This acquisition integrated CDE's capacitor expertise with Knowles' broader precision devices portfolio including audio, capacitors, inductors, and RF/microwave components.
• Arrow ElectronicscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal authorized distributor for Cornell Dubilier capacitors, providing stock availability and technical support for electronics manufacturers worldwide.
• DigiKeycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal authorized distributor offering online ordering and rapid delivery of Cornell Dubilier capacitor products to engineers and manufacturers.
• Mouser ElectronicscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal authorized distributor and stockist of Cornell Dubilier electronic components with same-day shipping capabilities.
• TTIcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor specializing in passive components including Cornell Dubilier capacitors for industrial and commercial applications.
• Master ElectronicsgeneralChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor offering Cornell Dubilier products with focus on quick-turn requirements and technical support.
• RFMWgeneralChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialized distributor focused on RF and microwave markets offering Cornell Dubilier capacitors for high-frequency applications.
• Richardson RFPDgeneralChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor specializing in RF, wireless, and power management markets offering Cornell Dubilier capacitor solutions.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Vishay Intertechnology: Major manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and passive components, including a broad capacitor portfolio spanning aluminum, film, ceramic, and tantalum types — directly competing with CDE in industrial, automotive, military/aerospace, and power electronics end markets.
• KYOCERA AVX: Major capacitor manufacturer offering tantalum, ceramic, film, and supercapacitor products with comparable AEC-Q200 and MIL-SPEC qualifications, directly competing with CDE in automotive, defense, aerospace, and industrial power electronics.
• WIMA GmbH: German specialist in metallized film capacitors for audio, power electronics, and harsh-environment applications — directly competing with CDE's film/paper-film capacitor lines in industrial and renewable energy power conversion.
• Murata Manufacturing: World's largest MLCC capacitor manufacturer with growing presence in aluminum electrolytic and power film capacitors; competes with CDE across automotive electrification, industrial power electronics, and consumer applications with significantly greater scale.
• Nichicon Corporation: Specialist Japanese aluminum electrolytic capacitor maker competing directly with CDE's aluminum electrolytic portfolio in industrial, automotive, and renewable energy applications, with comparable focus on high-reliability and harsh-environment grades.
• Nippon Chemi-Con: Leading Japanese aluminum electrolytic capacitor manufacturer with strong overlap to CDE's core aluminum electrolytic business, serving automotive, industrial, telecom, and power electronics markets with comparable technology and qualification profiles.
• YAGEO Corporation (KEMET): YAGEO acquired KEMET in 2020, creating the world's largest passive component manufacturer with overlapping product portfolios in film, aluminum electrolytic, and tantalum capacitors serving the same industrial, automotive, and aerospace customers as Cornell Dubilier.

Others

• Knowles Corporation: Parent company of Cornell Dubilier since 2023, operating a Precision Devices segment that includes capacitors, audio components, and RF/microwave devices — relevant as both owner and operator of overlapping precision component capabilities.

Broad incumbents

• Panasonic Industry: Major aluminum electrolytic and film capacitor manufacturer within Panasonic's broader electronic components portfolio, competing directly with CDE in industrial, EV, and consumer applications while also offering sensors, relays, and resistive components.
• TDK Corporation: Global electronics leader with capacitor operations (including TDK/EPCOS) covering film, aluminum electrolytic, and ceramic capacitors, plus broader passive components, sensors, and power solutions — competing with CDE in automotive, industrial, and renewable energy power conversion.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCymCtn7cicn_Gchpts_9olg
• Facebookfacebook.com/cornell.dubilier
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cornell-dubilier-electronics
• Xx.com/CornellDubilier

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cornell Dubilier Electronics