This illustration shows the typical construction of an MLCC. MLCCs can be constructed using either PME (precious metal electrode) or BME (base metal electrode) systems. Historically, MLCCs were made from PME materials in which the electrodes were made from silver palladium. Over time, as dielectrics became thinner and cost needed to be reduced, suppliers switched to BME materials in which the electrodes are made from either nickel or copper. Today, the vast majority of commercial and automotive grade MLCCs are constructed using nickel-based BME technology. To connect the internal electrodes to the outside world, a termination layer (usually made from copper) is added. Then a layer of nickel which acts as a barrier layer before the plating finish is added. The nickel layer is necessary to prevent dissolution during the soldering process. Finally, the nickel plating is plated with a tin finish to create a solderable surface.