Multilayer ceramic capacitors and circuit boards

Abstract

To provide a multilayer ceramic capacitor and a circuit board capable of reducing ESL.SOLUTION: In a multilayer ceramic capacitor, a ceramic element body includes a first internal electrode including an end surface vertical to a first axis, a side surface vertical to a second axis, and a first lead-out part paired with a first electrode body part, and a second internal electrode including a second lead-out part paired with a second electrode body part. A first external electrode is arranged on the end surface and connected to the first lead-out part. The second external electrode is arranged on the side surface and connected to the second lead-out part. At least the first electrode body part or the second electrode body part is arranged apart from an outer edge part and includes a first current limiting part in a shape greater than an aspect ratio of 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a so-called three-terminal type multilayer ceramic capacitor and a circuit board on which the same is mounted.

Background Art

[0002] Multilayer ceramic capacitors as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are known. In addition to a pair of external electrodes provided at both ends in the length direction, these multilayer ceramic capacitors also have external electrodes formed on the side surfaces, and are also referred to as three-terminal types. The three-terminal type multilayer ceramic capacitor can generally shorten the distance between external electrodes having different polarities and can connect the side surface external electrodes, which are ground electrodes, in parallel. As a result, the three-terminal type multilayer ceramic capacitor can reduce the equivalent series inductance (ESL: Equivalent Series Inductance) and is used for purposes such as noise removal in a high-frequency band.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] To achieve the above objective, a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a ceramic body, a pair of first external electrodes, and a pair of second external electrodes. The ceramic body is A pair of end faces perpendicular to the first axis, A pair of sides perpendicular to the second axis which is orthogonal to the first axis, A first internal electrode comprising a first electrode body and a pair of first lead-out portions drawn out from the first electrode body to the pair of end faces, The second electrode includes a second electrode body and a pair of second extensions drawn out from the second electrode body to the pair of sides, and the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode facing a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes, It has. The pair of first external electrodes are arranged on the pair of end faces and connected to the pair of first lead-outs. The pair of second external electrodes are arranged on the pair of sides and connected to the pair of second lead-outs. At least one of the first electrode body or the second electrode body is It has an outer edge portion and a first current regulating portion which is a cutout portion spaced apart from the outer edge portion and having a shape in which the ratio of the maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction to the maximum dimension in the short direction is greater than 1.

[0007] In the above configuration, the current generated in the electrode body can easily pass through areas other than the first current regulating section. This makes it easier for current to be induced between the outer edge and the first current regulating section, and the current density near the outer edge tends to increase. As a result, the current path length can be shortened, and ESL can be reduced.

[0008] The first current regulating section may extend as a whole in the first axial direction. This makes it possible to enhance the current induction effect of the first current regulating section in the electrode body portion, which may be elongated in the first axial direction.

[0009] In this case, the first current regulating portion may be formed obliquely with respect to the first axial direction and the second axial direction. This allows the distance between one end of the first current regulating section and the outer edge to be narrowed, thereby increasing the current density near the outer edge.

[0010] The second electrode body has a first outer region which is a region outside the first axial direction of the first imaginary line extending in the second axial direction from the side edge of the second lead portion in the first axial direction, The first electrode body has a second outer region which is a region outside the first axial direction of the second virtual line that overlaps the first virtual line in the third axial direction, The first current regulating unit may be positioned to cross a boundary line that divides the first outer region or the second outer region into two equal parts in the first axial direction. This makes it possible to more reliably reduce ESL (English as a Second Language).

[0011] The first electrode body and the second electrode body are divided into four regions by a first center line that divides the second axial direction into two equal parts and a second center line that divides the first axial direction into two equal parts. In this case, the first current regulating unit may be formed in one of the four regions. Alternatively, the first current regulating section may be formed spanning at least two of the four regions. Furthermore, the first current regulating section may be formed along the first center line or the second center line.

[0012] At least one of the first electrode body portion or the second electrode body portion having the first current regulating portion, The present invention may further include a second current regulating portion, which is a cutout portion positioned spaced apart from the outer edge portion and having a shape in which the ratio of the maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction to the maximum dimension in the short direction exceeds 1. The first and second current regulating units allow for more effective adjustment of the current density distribution in the electrode body.

[0013] The first current regulation unit and the second current regulation unit may be arranged symmetrically with respect to one of a straight line parallel to the first axial direction passing through the first lead-out portion or a straight line parallel to the second axial direction passing through the second lead-out portion. Thereby, the first current regulation unit and the second current regulation unit can act more effectively on the current that can be distributed symmetrically.

[0014] Further, the first current regulation unit and the second current regulation unit may be formed to cross each other.

[0015] At least one of the first electrode body part and the second electrode body part having the first current regulation unit and the second current regulation unit may further have third and fourth current regulation units which are cutout portions having a shape in which the ratio of the maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction to the maximum dimension in the short direction exceeds 1 and are arranged spaced apart from the outer edge portion. The current density distribution in the electrode body part can be adjusted more effectively by the four current regulation units. Further, by providing the current regulation units divided into four, a decrease in the effective electrode area can be suppressed.

[0016] The first electrode body part and the second electrode body part may be partitioned into a first region, a second region, a third region, and a fourth region by a first center line that bisects the second axial direction and a second center line that bisects the first axial direction. The first current regulation unit may be formed in the first region, the second current regulation unit may be formed in the second region, the third current regulation unit may be formed in the third region, and the fourth current regulation unit may be formed in the fourth region.

[0017] Further, the third current regulation unit and the fourth current regulation unit may be arranged symmetrically with respect to one of a straight line parallel to the first axial direction passing through the first lead-out portion or a straight line parallel to the second axial direction passing through the second lead-out portion. This allows the four current regulating units to act more effectively on currents that can be distributed symmetrically.

[0018] Furthermore, the first current regulating section, the second current regulating section, the third current regulating section, and the fourth current regulating section may be formed radially from the inside outward in the first axial direction and the second axial direction. This allows current to be induced from the inside outward in the first and second axial directions, making it possible to more effectively increase the current density at the outer edge.

[0019] The first current regulating section may be configured as a cutout section that substantially does not contain electrode material. Furthermore, the second current regulating section, the third current regulating section, and the fourth current regulating section may also be configured as cutouts that substantially do not contain electrode material. This makes it possible to form a current regulating section that can effectively control the current by adjusting the electrode pattern.

[0020] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a circuit board comprising a multilayer ceramic capacitor and a substrate body on which the multilayer ceramic capacitor is mounted. The multilayer ceramic capacitor comprises a ceramic body, a pair of first external electrodes, and a pair of second external electrodes. The aforementioned ceramic material is A pair of end faces perpendicular to the first axis, A pair of sides perpendicular to the second axis which is orthogonal to the first axis, A first internal electrode comprising a first electrode body and a pair of first lead-out portions drawn out from the first electrode body to the pair of end faces, The second electrode includes a second electrode body and a pair of second extensions drawn out from the second electrode body to the pair of sides, and the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode facing a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes, It has. The pair of first external electrodes are arranged on the pair of end faces and connected to the pair of first lead-outs. The pair of second external electrodes are arranged on the pair of sides and connected to the pair of second lead-outs. At least one of the first electrode body or the second electrode body is It has an outer edge portion and a first current regulating portion which is a cutout portion spaced apart from the outer edge portion and having a shape in which the ratio of the maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction to the maximum dimension in the short direction is greater than 1. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] As described above, the present invention provides a multilayer ceramic capacitor and a circuit board that can reduce ESL. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This figure shows a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer ceramic capacitor along the line A-A' in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer ceramic capacitor along the line B-B' in Figure 1. [Figure 4A] This is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body of the multilayer ceramic capacitor described above, showing a configuration in which the body is cut parallel to the first and second axial directions at the position of the first internal electrode. [Figure 4B] This is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body of the multilayer ceramic capacitor described above, showing a configuration in which the capacitor is cut parallel to the first and second axial directions at the position of the second internal electrode. [Figure 5A] This is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to Comparative Example 1 of this embodiment, showing a configuration in which the body is cut parallel to the first axial direction and the second axial direction at the position of the first internal electrode. [Figure 5B] This is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to Comparative Example 1 of this embodiment, showing a cross-section taken parallel to the first axial direction and the second axial direction at the position of the second internal electrode. [Figure 6A]This is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 4A of the ceramic body described above, with arrows schematically indicating the current density and direction assumed by the simulation. [Figure 6B] This is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 4B of the ceramic body described above, with arrows schematically indicating the current density and direction assumed by the simulation. [Figure 7A] This is a plan view showing a circuit board equipped with the above-mentioned multilayer ceramic capacitor. [Figure 7B] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the circuit board along the line C-C' in Figure 7A. [Figure 8A] This is a plan view showing the first internal electrode according to Comparative Example 2 of this embodiment. [Figure 8B] This is a plan view showing the second internal electrode according to Comparative Example 2 of this embodiment. [Figure 9A] This is a plan view showing the first internal electrode according to Comparative Example 3 of this embodiment. [Figure 9B] This is a plan view showing the second internal electrode according to Comparative Example 3 of this embodiment. [Figure 10A] This is a plan view showing the first internal electrode according to Comparative Example 4 of this embodiment. [Figure 10B] This is a plan view showing the second internal electrode according to Comparative Example 4 of this embodiment. [Figure 11A] This is a plan view showing the first internal electrode according to Comparative Example 5 of this embodiment. [Figure 11B] This is a plan view showing the second internal electrode according to Comparative Example 5 of this embodiment. [Figure 12A] This is a plan view showing a modified example of the second internal electrode of this embodiment. [Figure 12B] This is a plan view showing a second internal electrode according to another modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 12C] This is a plan view showing a second internal electrode according to another modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 13A] This is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a cross-section taken parallel to the first axial direction and the second axial direction at the position of the first internal electrode. [Figure 13B] The above is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body, showing a configuration in which it is cut parallel to the first and second axial directions at the position of the second internal electrode. [Figure 14A] This is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing a cross-section taken parallel to the first axial direction and the second axial direction at the position of the first internal electrode. [Figure 14B] The above is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body, showing a configuration in which it is cut parallel to the first and second axial directions at the position of the second internal electrode. [Figure 15A] This is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing a cross-section taken parallel to the first axial direction and the second axial direction at the position of the first internal electrode. [Figure 15B] The above is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body, showing a configuration in which it is cut parallel to the first and second axial directions at the position of the second internal electrode. [Figure 16A] This is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to Modification 1 of the above embodiment, showing a configuration in which the body is cut parallel to the first axial direction and the second axial direction at the position of the first internal electrode. [Figure 16B] The above is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body, showing a configuration in which it is cut parallel to the first and second axial directions at the position of the second internal electrode. [Figure 17A] This is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to a modified example 2 of the above embodiment, showing a configuration in which the body is cut parallel to the first axial direction and the second axial direction at the position of the first internal electrode. [Figure 17B] The above is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body, showing a configuration in which it is cut parallel to the first and second axial directions at the position of the second internal electrode. [Figure 18A] This is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to a modified example 3 of the above embodiment, showing a configuration in which the body is cut parallel to the first axial direction and the second axial direction at the position of the first internal electrode. [Figure 18B] The above is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body, showing a configuration in which it is cut parallel to the first and second axial directions at the position of the second internal electrode. [Figure 19A]This is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, showing a cross-section taken parallel to the first axial direction and the second axial direction at the position of the first internal electrode. [Figure 19B] The above is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body, showing a configuration in which it is cut parallel to the first and second axial directions at the position of the second internal electrode. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes as appropriate. The X, Y, and Z axes are common to all drawings.

[0024] <First Embodiment> [Configuration of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10] Figures 1-3 show a multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 along the line A-A' in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 along the line B-B' in Figure 1.

[0025] The multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 is a three-terminal type multilayer ceramic capacitor comprising a ceramic body 11, a first end-face external electrode 14a, a second end-face external electrode 14b, a first side external electrode 15a, and a second side external electrode 15b. In the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10, for example, the end face external electrodes 14a and 14b are configured as source electrodes, and the side external electrodes 15a and 15b function as ground electrodes.

[0026] The surface of the ceramic body 11 has a first end face 11a and a second end face 11b perpendicular to the X-axis, a first side face 11c and a second side face 11d perpendicular to the Y-axis, and a first main surface 11e and a second main surface 11f perpendicular to the Z-axis. In other words, the ceramic body 11 is substantially rectangular in shape. The ceramic body 11 is chamfered, and it is preferable that the edges (corners) connecting each face are composed of rounded curved surfaces. In Figure 1, the structure of the ceramic body 11 in the portion covered by the external electrode is shown by a dashed line.

[0027] The dimensions of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 are not particularly limited, but may take the following ranges, for example. The maximum dimension (length) of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 in the X-axis direction is, for example, 0.25 mm or more and 4.5 mm or less. The maximum dimension (width) of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 in the Y-axis direction is, for example, 0.125 mm or more and 3.2 mm or less. The maximum dimension (height) of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 in the Z-axis direction is, for example, 0.125 mm or more and 3.2 mm or less. The size of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10, when expressed as length × width × height, may be, for example, 1.6 mm × 0.8 mm × 0.8 mm, or 1.0 mm × 0.5 mm × 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm × 0.3 mm × 0.3 mm, or 1.2 mm × 0.9 mm × 0.5 mm.

[0028] The end face external electrodes 14a and 14b are positioned opposite each other in the X-axis direction and on the end faces 11a and 11b, respectively. Both end face external electrodes 14a and 14b are connected to the first internal electrode 12, which will be described later, and have the same polarity. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first end face external electrode 14a covers the first end face 11a and extends from the first end face 11a to the main surfaces 11e, 11f and the side surfaces 11c, 11d. Similarly, in this example, the second end face external electrode 14b covers the second end face 11b and extends from the second end face 11b to the main surfaces 11e, 11f and the side surfaces 11c, 11d.

[0029] The side external electrodes 15a and 15b are positioned opposite each other in the Y-axis direction and are located on sides 11c and 11d, respectively. Both side external electrodes 15a and 15b are connected to the second internal electrode 13, which will be described later, and have the same polarity, but different from the end face external electrodes 14a and 14b. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 3, the first side external electrode 15a is located on the first side 11c and extends from the first side 11c to the main surfaces 11e and 11f. Similarly, the second side external electrode 15b in this example is located on the second side 11d and extends from the second side 11d to the main surfaces 11e and 11f.

[0030] The end-face external electrodes 14a, 14b and the side-face external electrodes 15a, 15b are formed of a good electrical conductor. Examples of good electrical conductors forming the end-face external electrodes 14a, 14b and the side-face external electrodes 15a, 15b include metals or alloys mainly composed of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), tin (Sn), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), silver (Ag), and gold (Au). The end-face external electrodes 14a, 14b and the side-face external electrodes 15a, 15b include, for example, a sintered film formed by baking a conductive paste onto them. Furthermore, the end-face external electrodes 14a, 14b and the side-face external electrodes 15a, 15b may include one or more plating films on the sintered film.

[0031] The ceramic body 11 has an electrode stacking section 16 and a pair of cover sections 17. The electrode stacking section 16 has a configuration in which a first internal electrode 12 and a second internal electrode 13 are alternately stacked in the Z-axis direction via a ceramic layer. The pair of cover sections 17 cover the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode stacking section 16 in the Z-axis direction, respectively.

[0032] The internal electrodes 12 and 13 are good electrical conductors and are formed from a metal conductor. Examples of materials for forming the internal electrodes 12 and 13 include metals or alloys mainly composed of nickel (Ni). The number of layers of the internal electrodes 12 and 13 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, 20 to 1200.

[0033] The ceramic base body 11 is formed, for example, by stacking ceramic green sheets to create an unfired laminated chip, and then firing this laminated chip. The portion of the laminated chip corresponding to the electrode stacking section 16 is formed by alternately stacking ceramic green sheets with electrode patterns corresponding to the first internal electrode 12 and ceramic green sheets with electrode patterns corresponding to the second internal electrode 13. The electrode patterns are formed, for example, by printing conductive paste. The portion of the laminated chip corresponding to the cover section 17 is formed by stacking ceramic green sheets without electrode patterns on the upper and lower surfaces of the laminate in the Z-axis direction for forming the electrode stacking section 16.

[0034] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body 11, showing a configuration in which the body is cut parallel to the XY plane at the position of the first internal electrode 12. As shown in Figure 4A, the first internal electrode 12 includes a first electrode body portion 121 and a pair of first lead portions 122. The first electrode body portion 121 faces the second electrode body portion 131 of the second internal electrode 13, which will be described later, in the Z-axis direction. The pair of first lead portions 122 extend from the first electrode body portion 121 to the first end face 11a and the second end face 11b, respectively. As a result, these first lead portions 122 are connected to the end face external electrodes 14a and 14b, respectively.

[0035] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the ceramic body 11, showing a configuration cut parallel to the XY plane at the position of the second internal electrode 13. As shown in Figure 4B, the second internal electrode 13 includes a second electrode body 131 and a pair of second lead-outs 132. The second electrode body 131 faces the first electrode body 121 of the first internal electrode 12 in the Z-axis direction. The pair of second lead-outs 132 extend from the second electrode body 131 to the first side surface 11c and the second side surface 11d, respectively. As a result, these second lead-outs 132 are connected to the side external electrodes 15a and 15b, respectively.

[0036] In the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10, when a voltage is applied between the end face external electrodes 14a, 14b and the side external electrodes 15a, 15b, a voltage is applied to multiple ceramic layers between the first internal electrode 12 and the second internal electrode 13. As a result, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 stores charge corresponding to the voltage between the end face external electrodes 14a, 14b and the side external electrodes 15a, 15b.

[0037] In the ceramic body 11, a dielectric ceramic with a high dielectric constant is used to increase the capacitance of each ceramic layer between the internal electrodes 12 and 13. The dielectric ceramic can be mainly composed of a ceramic material having a perovskite structure represented by the general formula ABO3. Note that the perovskite structure is an ABO3 structure that deviates from the stoichiometric composition. 3-α It may also contain. Examples of ceramic materials having a perovskite structure include materials containing barium (Ba) and titanium (Ti), such as barium titanate (BaTiO3). Specifically, for example, Ba 1-x-y Ca x Sr y Ti 1-z Zr z One example is O3 (0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, 0≦z≦1).

[0038] Furthermore, dielectric ceramics may also be composed of elements such as strontium titanate (SrTiO3), calcium titanate (CaTiO3), magnesium titanate (MgTiO3), calcium zirconate (CaZrO3), calcium zirconate titanate (Ca(Ti,Zr,Ti)O3), barium calcium zirconate titanate ((Ba,Ca)(Ti,Zr)O3), barium zirconate (BaZrO3), and titanium dioxide (TiO2).

[0039] The thickness dimension of the ceramic layer between the internal electrodes 12 and 13 along the Z-axis can be set considering the desired capacitance, the number of layers of the internal electrodes 12 and 13, the material of the ceramic layer, the size of the ceramic body 11, etc., and can be, for example, about 0.3 μm to 3.0 μm. The thickness dimension of each internal electrode 12, 13 along the Z-axis can be, for example, approximately 0.3 μm to 2.0 μm.

[0040] [Internal electrode configuration] The detailed configuration of the internal electrodes 12 and 13 will be explained using Figures 4A and 4B. In the following description, the first center line Lx is a virtual line that divides the electrode body parts 121 and 131 in the Y-axis direction and extends in the X-axis direction. The second center line Ly is a virtual line that divides the electrode body parts 121 and 131 in the X-axis direction and extends in the Y-axis direction. "Outward in the X-axis direction" means the side away from the second centerline Ly. "Inward in the X-axis direction" means the side approaching the second centerline Ly. "Outward in the Y-axis direction" means the side away from the first centerline Lx. "Inward in the Y-axis direction" means the side approaching the first centerline Lx.

[0041] The electrode body portions 121 and 131 are substantially rectangular and are spaced apart from the end faces 11a and 11b and the side surfaces 11c and 11d. The first electrode body portion 121 includes an outer edge portion E1 that forms the outer edge of the first lead-out portion 122 other than the base portion. The second electrode body portion 131 includes an outer edge portion E2 that forms the outer edge of the second lead-out portion 132 other than the base portion. In this embodiment, the corners of the electrode body portions 121 and 131 are configured as rounded curved portions Ea.

[0042] A pair of first lead-out portions 122 of the first internal electrode 12 extend outward in the X-axis direction from the outer edge E1 of the first electrode body portion 121. The width of the first lead-out portions 122 in the Y-axis direction is not particularly limited; for example, the first lead-out portions 122 may be formed between opposing curved portions Ea in the Y-axis direction, or they may have a width equivalent to the width of the first electrode body portion 121 in the Y-axis direction.

[0043] The pair of second lead-out portions 132 of the second internal electrode 13 extend outward in the Y-axis direction from the outer edge E2 of the second electrode body portion 131. The width of the second lead-out portions 132 in the X-axis direction is not particularly limited and can be, for example, 5% to 50% of the length of the second electrode body portion 131 in the X-axis direction.

[0044] Furthermore, the portion of the outer edge E1 of the first electrode body 121 that faces the base of the second lead-out portion 132 in the Z-axis direction is designated as the second lead-out opposing portion 123. Similarly, the portion of the outer edge E2 of the second electrode body 131 that faces the base of the first lead-out portion 122 in the Z-axis direction is designated as the first lead-out opposing portion 133.

[0045] In this embodiment, the internal electrodes 12 and 13 are configured symmetrically with respect to the first center line Lx and the second center line Ly, respectively. Therefore, the first center line Lx passes through a position that approximately bisects the end face external electrodes 14a and 14b in the Y-axis direction, and the second center line Ly passes through a position that approximately bisects the side external electrodes 15a and 15b in the Y-axis direction. The four regions demarcated by the first center line Lx and the second center line Ly are designated as the first region R1, the second region R2, the third region R3, and the fourth region R4, respectively.

[0046] The first region R1 is the region on the first end face 11a and the first side surface 11c. The second region R2 is the region on the second end face 11b and the first side surface 11c. The third region R3 is the region on the second end face 11b and the second side surface 11d. The fourth region R4 is the region on the first end face 11a and the second side surface 11d.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electrode bodies 121 and 131 are provided with the following configuration in order to restrict the current path in the internal electrodes 12 and 13 and reduce the equivalent series inductance (ESL).

[0048] In other words, the electrode body portions 121 and 131 in this embodiment each have a first current regulating section P1, a second current regulating section P2, a third current regulating section P3, and a fourth current regulating section P4. In this embodiment, the first current regulating section P1 is located, for example, in the first region R1. The second current regulating section P2 is located, for example, in the second region R2. The third current regulating section P3 is located, for example, in the third region R3. The fourth current regulating section P4 is located, for example, in the fourth region R4.

[0049] In the following explanation, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first current regulating unit P1, the second current regulating unit P2, the third current regulating unit P3, and the fourth current regulating unit P4, each of them will also be referred to as "current regulating unit P".

[0050] In this embodiment, the current regulating portion P is a cutout within the electrode body portions 121 and 131 that is substantially free of electrode material. In other words, the current regulating portion P is an insulating portion that does not conduct current, formed spaced apart from the outer edges E1 and E2 of the electrode body portions 121 and 131. Such a current regulating portion P is formed, for example, by adjusting the shape of the screen or mask used when printing conductive paste onto a ceramic green sheet, so that conductive paste does not adhere to the area corresponding to the current regulating portion P. In the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10, the cutout may be an air gap, or it may be composed of adjacent ceramic layers in the Z-axis direction. Alternatively, the cutout may be composed of a mixture of air gaps and ceramic layers. Note that "substantially free of electrode material" includes embodiments in which a small amount of electrode material is present due to the adhesion or diffusion of some electrode material during the manufacturing process, etc.

[0051] To explain the effects of the current regulating unit P, we will first describe the relationship between the ESL and the current path in the internal electrodes 12 and 13 using the configuration of a conventional three-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor.

[0052] Figures 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of the ceramic body 11A of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10A according to Comparative Example 1 of this embodiment. Figure 5A shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the first internal electrode 12A, and Figure 5B shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the second internal electrode 13A.

[0053] The multilayer ceramic capacitor 10A has the same configuration as the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10, except that the internal electrodes 12A and 13A do not have a current regulating section P. Specifically, the first internal electrode 12A, like the first internal electrode 12, includes a first electrode body portion 121A including an outer edge portion E1 and a pair of first lead-out portions 122A, but does not have a current regulating portion P. The second internal electrode 13A includes a first electrode body portion 131A including an outer edge portion E2 and a pair of second lead portions 132A, but does not have a current regulating portion P.

[0054] In the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10A, when an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency is applied between the end face external electrodes 14a, 14b and the side external electrodes 15a, 15b (not shown in Figures 5A, B), charge moves in the internal electrodes 12A, 13A with a period corresponding to the frequency, generating a current. In this case, in the first to fourth regions R1 to R4 of the electrode body portions 121A, 131A, current flows through paths connecting adjacent lead portions 122A, 132A and lead-opposing portions 123A, 133A, respectively, separated by a curved portion Ea (corner). In other words, the current distribution in each of the first to fourth regions R1 to R4 is symmetrical with respect to the center lines Lx, Ly.

[0055] The current path length in the internal electrodes 12A and 13A has a positive correlation with the resistance value in those electrodes. Therefore, in a three-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor 10A, the current path length is shorter and the ESL can be lower compared to a two-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor in which a pair of external electrodes are located at the X-axis end.

[0056] On the other hand, in recent years, with the increasing sophistication of electronic components, multilayer ceramic capacitors 10A are sometimes used in high-frequency bands, such as above 1 GHz. Therefore, there is a need for a configuration that can further reduce ESL even in such high-frequency bands.

[0057] Therefore, in order to investigate such a configuration, the present inventors performed a simulation to visualize the current vectors in the internal electrodes 12A and 13A using a model having the same configuration as the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10A of Comparative Example 1 described above.

[0058] In this simulation, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10A with the above configuration was mounted on a substrate that included a signal electrode connected to a signal source and a ground electrode. This substrate had the same configuration as the main substrate 110 of the circuit board 100 shown in Figure 7.

[0059] The end-face external electrodes 14a and 14b were connected to the signal electrodes, and the side external electrodes 15a and 15b were connected to the ground electrodes. Assuming that a voltage of 1 GHz was applied to the signal electrodes, the distribution and time-dependent changes of the current vectors in the internal electrodes 12A and 13A were analyzed.

[0060] The arrows in Figures 5A and 5B schematically represent the current density and direction based on the current vector distribution obtained in this simulation. The thick arrow schematically represents current C1 in the high current density region. The thin arrow schematically represents current C2 in the low current density region. In reality, the direction of the current fluctuates over time, and currents with a phase difference of approximately 180 degrees occur in the internal electrodes 12A and 13A. Therefore, the direction of the arrows in Figures 5A and 5B should be considered as an example of the current direction at a given point in time.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 5A, the currents C1 and C2 flowing inward in the Y-axis direction from the second lead-out section 123A change direction outward in the X-axis direction and reach the first lead-out section 122A. Similarly, in the example shown in Figure 5B, the currents C1 and C2 flowing inward in the X-axis direction from the first lead-out section 133A change direction outward in the Y-axis direction and reach the second lead-out section 132A. In other words, the paths of these currents C1 and C2 may be curved between adjacent lead-out sections 122A, 132A and opposing lead-out sections 123A, 133A.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown by currents C1 and C2, it was found that the current density is high near the outer edges E1 and E2 in both the internal electrodes 12A and 13A. This suggests that by further increasing the current density near the outer edges E1 and E2, the increase in current path length can be suppressed and ESL can be further reduced.

[0063] Therefore, in order to restrict current paths that pass through regions away from the outer edges E1 and E2, such as current C2, the current restricting section P in this embodiment is positioned spaced apart from the outer edges E1 and E2 and has a long shape extending in a predetermined longitudinal direction, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. The "longitudinal direction" of the current restricting section P is defined as the direction in which the current restricting section P extends.

[0064] In one current regulating section P, when the ratio of the maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction to the maximum dimension in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is defined as the aspect ratio, this aspect ratio is, for example, greater than 1. This aspect ratio may be, for example, 3 or greater, or 1000 or less. In the examples shown in Figures 4A and 4B, each current regulating section P is formed in a continuous straight line, but is not limited to this. For example, the current regulating section P can take any shape, such as a straight line, curved line, wavy line, rectangular line, elliptical line, or dashed line.

[0065] By providing the current regulating section P, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the current C3 passing through the electrode body sections 121 and 131 is distributed to avoid the current regulating section P and is more likely to concentrate near the outer edges E1 and E2. For example, the current regulating section P prevents current from diverting from the high-current-density region and moving away from the outer edges E1 and E2, allowing the current to be guided along the current regulating section P. This allows the current C3 to be guided to have a shorter path length without obstructing the current C3 heading towards the first extraction section 122 or the second extraction section 132. Therefore, the current density near the outer edges E1 and E2 can be increased, and ESL can be reduced.

[0066] In fact, the inventors performed a simulation similar to that in Comparative Example 1 using a model of a circuit board on which the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 of this embodiment was mounted. As a result, it was found that the internal electrodes 12 and 13 of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 of this embodiment could have a higher current density near the outer edges E1 and E2 compared to the internal electrodes 12A and 13A of Comparative Example 1. Furthermore, the circuit board 100 of this embodiment had a lower ESL value compared to the circuit board of Comparative Example 1, indicating that the ESL can be reduced as a characteristic of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 itself.

[0067] The configuration of the circuit board 100 will be described below. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the circuit board 100 of this embodiment. Figure 7A is a plan view of the circuit board 100 as seen from the Z-axis direction. Figure 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of the circuit board 100 along the line C-C' in Figure 7A. The circuit board 100 includes a multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 and a board body 110 on which the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 is mounted.

[0068] The substrate body 110 has a mounting surface 110a, a signal electrode 111, a ground electrode 112, a signal conductor layer 113, a ground conductor layer 114, a pair of first vias V1, and a pair of second vias V2.

[0069] The mounting surface 110a faces the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 in the Z-axis direction. The signal electrode 111 is positioned on the mounting surface 110a and connected to the end face external electrodes 14a and 14b. The signal conductor layer 113 is located inside the substrate body 110 and is connected to the signal electrode 111 via a pair of first vias V1. The signal conductor layer 113 is connected to a signal source (not shown). A pair of first vias V1 are provided corresponding to a pair of end-face external electrodes 14a and 14b, and connect the signal electrode 111 and the signal conductor layer 113, respectively.

[0070] The ground electrode 112 is positioned on the mounting surface 110a and connected to the side external electrodes 15a and 15b. The ground conductor layer 114 is located inside the substrate body 110 and is connected to the ground electrode 112 via a pair of second vias V2. A pair of second vias V2 are provided corresponding to a pair of side external electrodes 15a and 15b, and connect the ground electrode 112 and the ground conductor layer 114.

[0071] In the above configuration, the end face external electrodes 14a and 14b are both connected to the same signal source, and the side external electrodes 15a and 15b are both connected to the same ground potential. By connecting the side external electrodes 15a and 15b in parallel, the ESL of the circuit board 100 can be suppressed.

[0072] Furthermore, the above simulation showed that when a 1 GHz AC voltage is input to the signal conductor layer 113 (signal electrode 111) of the circuit board 100 of this embodiment, the ESL can be reduced more effectively than in Comparative Example 1. Therefore, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 in this embodiment, with its current regulating section P, can more effectively reduce ESL and remove noise even in high-frequency bands. The multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 in this embodiment can be used, for example, in the high-frequency range of 0.5 GHz to 5 GHz.

[0073] The effects of the current regulating section P being spaced apart from the outer edges E1 and E2 will be explained in more detail with reference to comparative examples. Figures 8 to 11 are plan views showing the first and second internal electrodes according to Comparative Examples 2 to 5 of this embodiment. In these figures, the electrode portions other than the current regulating section are hatched with diagonal lines, similar to those in Figures 4A and 4B.

[0074] The first and second internal electrodes 12B and 13B of Comparative Example 2, shown in Figures 8A and 8B, each include a current restricting portion Pb. This current restricting portion Pb extends along the Y-axis to the outer edges E1 and E2 of the second region R2. In this case, as shown by the arrows in Figures 8A and 8B, current passing near the outer edges E1 and E2 in the second region R2 is obstructed. This increases the current path length in the second region R2, which can increase the ESL.

[0075] In Comparative Example 3, shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the first and second internal electrodes 12C and 13C include a first current regulating section Pc1 similar to the current regulating section Pb, as well as a second current regulating section Pc2 that extends along the Y-axis to the outer edges E1 and E2 of the fourth region R4. In this case as well, as shown by the arrows in Figures 9A and 9B, current passing near the outer edges E1 and E2 is obstructed in both the second region R2 and the fourth region R4, and the ESL may increase as the current path length becomes longer.

[0076] The first and second internal electrodes 12D and 13D of Comparative Example 4 shown in Figures 10A and B include a single first current regulating section Pd. This first current regulating section Pd extends diagonally with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis directions, from the corners of the outer edges E1 and E2 of the second region R2 to the corners of the outer edges E1 and E2 of the fourth region R4. In this case as well, as shown in Figures 10A and B, current passing near the outer edges E1 and E2 in the second region R2 and the fourth region R4 is obstructed, and the current path length increases, which can increase the ESL.

[0077] The first and second internal electrodes 12E and 13E of Comparative Example 5 shown in Figures 11A and B include a single first current restricting section Pe. This first current restricting section Pe extends in the X-axis direction along the first center line Lx and divides the first and second internal electrodes 12E and 13E in the Y-axis direction. In this case, the first current restricting section Pe1 is formed on a part of the first lead-out section 122E, and the resistance of the connection with the end-face external electrodes 14a and 14b, which are the source electrodes, increases. This can increase the ESL.

[0078] In contrast, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, in the first and second internal electrodes 13A according to this embodiment, neither current regulating section P reaches the outer edges E1 and E2, thus ensuring a current path between the outer edges E1 and E2 and the current regulating section P. As a result, the current density near the outer edges E1 and E2 increases, which can reduce the ESL.

[0079] Furthermore, since each current regulating section P does not reach the outer edges E1 and E2, and is not located in the center of the electrode body sections 121 and 131 in the X and Y directions, the reduction in electrode area due to the current regulating section P can be suppressed. As a result, the capacitance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 can be sufficiently maintained.

[0080] [Detailed configuration of the current regulation unit] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, in this embodiment, each current regulating unit P extends in the X-axis direction as a whole, and for example, extends diagonally with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis directions. "The current regulating section P extends in the X-axis direction as a whole" means that the current regulating section P is formed to be long in the X-axis direction such that its dimension along the X-axis direction is larger than its dimension along the Y-axis direction.

[0081] In addition, each current regulating section P shown in Figures 4A and 4B extends from the inside to the outside in the X-axis direction and from the inside to the outside in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the first to fourth current regulating sections P1 to P4 extend radially from the inside to the outside in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. From the viewpoint of obtaining the above effects, for example, the angle between the direction parallel to the X-axis direction and each current regulating section P is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 25 degrees or more and 65 degrees or less.

[0082] As a result, as shown in Figure 6A, for example, the current that spreads diagonally from the second extraction opposing portion 123 (or the second extraction portion 132) inward in the Y-axis direction and outward in the X-axis direction is guided outward in the Y-axis direction and outward in the X-axis direction by the current regulating portion P. This promotes curvature of the current path in the first to fourth regions R1 to R4, making it easier for the current to be guided toward the outer edges E1 and E2. Furthermore, the current passing between the outer edges E1 and E2 and the current regulating portion P can have a higher density toward the first extraction portion 122 (or the first extraction opposing portion 133). Therefore, in this embodiment, the current density in the region along the outer edges E1 and E2 can be increased, and the ESL can be reduced.

[0083] The current regulating section P may have symmetry with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Specifically, the first current regulating section P1 and the second current regulating section P2 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the second center line Ly, which is a straight line passing through the second lead-out section 132 and parallel to the Y-axis direction. Similarly, the third current regulating section P3 and the fourth current regulating section P4 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the second center line Ly. The first current regulating section P1 and the fourth current regulating section P4, and the second current regulating section P2 and the third current regulating section P3 are each arranged symmetrically with respect to the first center line Lx.

[0084] This makes it possible to increase the current density near the outer edges E1 and E2 in any of the two adjacent external electrodes among the end face external electrodes 14a and 14b and the side external electrodes 15a and 15b. Therefore, the effect of reducing ESL can be more effectively enhanced.

[0085] To arrange the current regulating section P at a preferred angle and to achieve the above-mentioned symmetry, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the current regulating section P may be arranged along diagonals D1 and D2 connecting the corners 11g of the ceramic body 11 in a cross section parallel to the XY plane that passes through the first and second internal electrodes 12 and 13.

[0086] Furthermore, the inner ends of the current regulating section P in the X-axis and Y-axis directions are defined as the inner ends Pt. The imaginary line extending in the Y-axis direction from the side edge 132a in the X-axis direction of the second lead-out section 132 is defined as the first imaginary line (first central imaginary line) Lv1 in the second electrode body section 131. Similarly, in the first electrode body section 121, the imaginary line that overlaps with the first imaginary line (first central imaginary line) Lv1 in the Z-axis direction in the second electrode body section 131 is defined as the first imaginary line (second central imaginary line) Lv1 in the first electrode body section 121. For example, the inner end Pt of the current regulating section P may be located in the outer region R5, which is the region outside the X-axis direction of the first virtual line Lv1. This allows the current extending diagonally from the second lead-out section 132 in the Y-axis direction inward and the X-axis direction outward to be regulated at the inner end Pt of the current regulating section P and reliably guided. In the examples shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the inner end Pt is located on the second virtual line Lv2, which extends parallel to the X-axis direction from the intersection Q of the first virtual line Lv1 and the diagonals D1 and D2 (in the illustrated example, the intersection Q is the intersection of the first virtual line Lv1 and the diagonal D2).

[0087] Furthermore, the outer ends of the current regulating section P located on the outside in the X-axis and Y-axis directions are defined as the outer ends Ps. For example, it is preferable that the outer ends Ps of the current regulating section P are at an appropriate distance from the outer edges E1 and E2. In the examples shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the outer ends Ps are located on the intersection of the diagonals D1 and D2 and a third virtual line Lv3 that extends parallel to the Y-axis direction and passes through the inner X-axis endpoint Eb of the curved section Ea located at the corner of the internal electrodes 12 and 13.

[0088] The width of the current regulating section P can be determined by considering that a clear cutout pattern is formed and that the electrode area is not significantly reduced and the capacitance is not greatly affected. The width of the current regulating section P referred to here is the maximum width in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of each current regulating section. The width of the current regulating section P is not particularly limited, but for example it is 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, or for example it is 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less. Furthermore, the ratio of the width in the short direction to the length in the longitudinal direction of the current regulating section P is, for example, 0.1% or more and 80% or less, or for example, 1% or more and 70% or less.

[0089] Furthermore, in a simulation to visualize the current density distribution of the internal electrodes 12 and 13 as described above, it was found that, as shown in Figure 4, the current density in the central part in the Y-axis direction is greater in the outer region obtained by further dividing the outer region R5 of the electrode body parts 121 and 131, which are located outside the first virtual line Lv1 in the X-axis direction, into two equal parts in the X-axis direction. For this reason, it is considered that the current flowing into the central part in the Y-axis direction increases near the boundary line Lv4 that divides the outer region R5 into two equal parts in the X-axis direction. For this reason, it is more preferable that at least one of the current regulating parts P extending in the X-axis direction is positioned to cross the boundary line Lv4.

[0090] Next, we will describe examples of preferred lengths for each of the current regulating sections P. The inventors performed a simulation to measure the ESL using a model of a multilayer ceramic capacitor equipped with internal electrodes 12 and 13 having current-regulating sections P of different lengths, as shown in Figures 12A to C. Although Figures 12A to C show an example configuration of the second internal electrode 13, the first internal electrode 12 also has a current-regulating section P arranged in a similar manner. The current regulating section P was positioned to cross the aforementioned boundary line Lv4. The electrode body sections 121 and 131 were sized to have a length of approximately 1000 μm in the X-axis direction and a width of approximately 500 μm in the Y-axis direction.

[0091] In the example shown in Figure 12A, the length of the current regulating section P in the extension direction was 50 μm, and its length in the X-axis direction was 45 μm. Furthermore, the ratio of the length of the current regulating section P in the X-axis direction to the length of the outer region R5 in the X-axis direction was approximately 10%. In the example shown in Figure 12B, the length of the current regulating section P in the extension direction was 100 μm, and its length in the X-axis direction was 90 μm. Furthermore, the ratio of the length of the current regulating section P in the X-axis direction to the length of the outer region R5 in the X-axis direction was approximately 18%. In the example shown in Figure 12C, the length of the current regulating section P in the extending direction was 350 μm, and its length in the X-axis direction was 310 μm. Furthermore, the ratio of the length of the current regulating section P in the X-axis direction to the length of the outer region R5 in the X-axis direction was approximately 63%. The length of the short side of these current-regulating sections P, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (extension direction), was set to 35 μm in all cases.

[0092] A simulation was performed using a model of a circuit board 100 on which a multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 having such internal electrodes was mounted, and the ESL value was measured when the voltage was varied at a frequency of 1 GHz. As a result, the ESL values ​​were 241 pH in the example in Figure 12A, 233 pH in the example in Figure 12B, and 238 pH in the example in Figure 12C. In other words, as shown in Figure 12B, it was found that the ESL can be effectively reduced by making the current regulating section P appropriately long and ensuring a sufficient distance from the outer edges E1 and E2.

[0093] Based on these results, the ESL can be further reduced by setting the ratio of the length of the current regulating section P in the X-axis direction to the length of the outer region R5 in the X-axis direction to, for example, 15% to 70%.

[0094] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, all four current regulating sections extended diagonally with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis directions, but the invention is not limited to this, and for example, the current regulating sections may extend parallel to the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. In the following embodiments, components similar to those in the previously described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0095] Figures 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views of a multilayer ceramic capacitor 10F (ceramic body 11F) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13A shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the first internal electrode 12F. Figure 13B shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the second internal electrode 13F.

[0096] The first internal electrode 12F includes a first electrode body portion 121F having substantially the same external shape as in the first embodiment, and a pair of first lead-out portions 122F. Similarly, the second internal electrode 13F includes a second electrode body portion 131F having substantially the same external shape as in the first embodiment, and a pair of second lead-out portions 132F.

[0097] Furthermore, the electrode body sections 121F and 131F each have a first current regulating section Pf1, a second current regulating section Pf2, a third current regulating section Pf3, and a fourth current regulating section Pf4, respectively, which differ from those of the first embodiment. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first current regulating section Pf1, the second current regulating section Pf2, the third current regulating section Pf3, and the fourth current regulating section Pf4, each of them will also be referred to as "current regulating section Pf".

[0098] The first current regulating section Pf1 and the second current regulating section Pf2 extend substantially parallel to the X-axis direction and are formed along the first center line Lx. The first current regulating section Pf1 is formed spanning the first region R1 and the fourth region R4. The second current regulating section Pf2 is formed spanning the second region R2 and the third region R3. The third current regulating section Pf3 and the fourth current regulating section Pf4 extend substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction and are formed along the second centerline Ly. The third current regulating section Pf3 is formed spanning the first region R1 and the second region R2. The fourth current regulating section Pf4 is formed spanning the third region R3 and the fourth region R4.

[0099] In other words, in the above configuration, the first current regulating section Pf1 and the second current regulating section Pf2 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the second center line Ly, which is a straight line passing through the second lead section 132F and parallel to the Y-axis direction. The third current regulating section Pf3 and the fourth current regulating section Pf4 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first center line Lx, which is a straight line passing through the first lead section 122F and parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0100] Furthermore, "extending substantially parallel" to a certain direction means that it extends in a direction where the angle it makes with that direction is 10 degrees or less.

[0101] In this embodiment as well, each current regulating section Pf is positioned spaced apart from the outer edges E1 and E2 and has a shape with an aspect ratio greater than 1. As a result, the current in each region R1 to R4 is guided toward the outer edges E1 and E2, avoiding the central part in the X-axis direction and the central part in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, it is possible to regulate currents that flow diagonally across the center lines Lx and Ly. Therefore, the current density near the outer edges E1 and E2 can be increased, and ESL can be reduced.

[0102] <Third Embodiment> In the first and second embodiments described above, the four current regulating units were separated at the central portion in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, but the invention is not limited to this, and for example, two current regulating units may intersect at the central portion.

[0103] Figures 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views of a multilayer ceramic capacitor 10G (ceramic body 11G) according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14A shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the first internal electrode 12G. Figure 14B shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the second internal electrode 13G.

[0104] The first internal electrode 12G includes a first electrode body portion 121G similar to that of the second embodiment and a pair of first lead-out portions 122G. Similarly, the second internal electrode 13G includes a second electrode body portion 131G similar to that of the second embodiment and a pair of second lead portions 132G.

[0105] Furthermore, the electrode body portions 121G and 131G each have a first current regulating portion Pg1 and a second current regulating portion Pg2, respectively, which differ from those in the embodiments described above. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first current regulating portion Pg1 and the second current regulating portion Pg2, each of them will also be referred to as "current regulating portion Pg".

[0106] The first current regulating section Pg1 extends substantially parallel to the X-axis direction and is formed along the first center line Lx. The first current regulating section Pg1 is formed across each region R1 to R4. The second current regulating section Pg2 extends substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction and is formed along the second centerline Ly. The second current regulating section Pg2 is formed across each region R1 to R4. These current regulating sections Pg intersect with each other in the central part in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0107] In this embodiment as well, each current regulating section Pg is positioned spaced apart from the outer edges E1 and E2 and has a shape with an aspect ratio greater than 1. As a result, the current in each region R1 to R4 is guided towards the outer edges E1 and E2, avoiding the central part in the X-axis direction and the central part in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the current density near the outer edges E1 and E2 can be increased, and ESL can be reduced.

[0108] [Differentiation] The first current regulating section P1 and the second current regulating section P2 may extend diagonally with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis directions, respectively. Even with such a configuration, the same effects and advantages as those of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 according to the third embodiment can be obtained.

[0109] <Fourth Embodiment> Furthermore, the electrode body is not limited to having multiple current regulating units, but may have only one current regulating unit.

[0110] Figures 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views of a multilayer ceramic capacitor 10H (ceramic element 11H) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15A shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the first internal electrode 12H. Figure 15B shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the second internal electrode 13H.

[0111] The first internal electrode 12H includes a first electrode body portion 121H similar to that of the second embodiment and a pair of first lead-out portions 122H. Similarly, the second internal electrode 13H includes a second electrode body portion 131H similar to that of the second embodiment, and a pair of second lead-out portions 132H.

[0112] Furthermore, the electrode body portions 121H and 131H each have a first current regulating portion Ph1 (current regulating portion Ph) that differs from the embodiment described above. The current regulating portion Ph extends substantially parallel to the X-axis direction and is formed along the first center line Lx from the first end face 11a side to the second end face 11b side. The current regulating portion Ph is formed across each region R1 to R4.

[0113] In this embodiment as well, the current regulating section Ph is positioned spaced apart from the outer edges E1 and E2 and has a shape with an aspect ratio greater than 1. This makes it easier for the current to be guided towards the outer edges E1 and E2, avoiding the central part in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, it is possible to regulate currents that flow diagonally across the first center line Lx. Therefore, the current density near the outer edges E1 and E2 can be increased, and ESL can be reduced.

[0114] [Example 1] Figures 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views of a multilayer ceramic capacitor 10K (ceramic body 11K) according to Modification 1 of this embodiment. Figure 16A shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the first internal electrode 12K. Figure 16B shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the second internal electrode 13K.

[0115] As shown in these figures, the first current regulating section Pk1 (current regulating section Pk) extends diagonally with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis, for example, from the first region R1 toward the third region R3. Even with this configuration, it is possible to induce current toward the outer edges E1 and E2, particularly in the first region R1 and the third region R3, thereby reducing ESL.

[0116] [Differentiation 2] Figures 17A and 17B are cross-sectional views of a multilayer ceramic capacitor 10M (ceramic body 11M) according to a modified example 2 of this embodiment. Figure 17A shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the first internal electrode 12M. Figure 17B shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the second internal electrode 13M.

[0117] As shown in these figures, the first current regulating section Pm1 (current regulating section Pm) extends substantially parallel to the X-axis direction along the center line Lx and is positioned only on the first and fourth regions R1 and R4 sides. Even with this configuration, the first and fourth regions R1 and R4 can exert an effect of guiding the current towards the outer edges E1 and E2, thereby reducing ESL.

[0118] [Difference 3] Figures 18A and 18B are cross-sectional views of a multilayer ceramic capacitor 10N according to Modification 3 of this embodiment. Figure 18A shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the first internal electrode 12N. Figure 18B shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the second internal electrode 13N.

[0119] As shown in these figures, the first current regulating section Pn1 (current regulating section Pn) extends diagonally with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis directions and is located only in the first region R1. Even with this configuration, the first region R1 can exert an effect of guiding the current towards the outer edges E1 and E2, thereby reducing ESL.

[0120] <Fifth Embodiment> In the embodiments described above, a configuration having a current regulating portion extending at least in the X-axis direction has been described, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0121] Figures 19A and 19B are cross-sectional views of a multilayer ceramic capacitor 10P (ceramic element 11P) according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19A shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the first internal electrode 12P. Figure 19B shows a cross-section parallel to the XY plane at the position of the second internal electrode 13P.

[0122] The first internal electrode 12P includes a first electrode body portion 121P having an external shape similar to that of the first embodiment, and a pair of first lead-out portions 122P. Similarly, the second internal electrode 13P includes a second electrode body portion 131P having an external shape similar to that of the first embodiment, and a pair of second lead-out portions 132P.

[0123] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19B, the second electrode body 131P has a first current regulating section Pp1 and a second current regulating section Pp2, which differ from those in the embodiment described above. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first current regulating section Pp1 and the second current regulating section Pp2, each of them will also be referred to as "current regulating section Pp".

[0124] The first current regulating section Pp1 and the second current regulating section Pp2 each extend substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction and are positioned on either side of the second centerline Ly. In the example shown in Figure 19B, these current regulating sections Pp are positioned on the first virtual line Lv1 which extends parallel to the Y-axis direction from the side edge 132Pa of the second lead-out section 132P.

[0125] In this embodiment as well, each current regulating section Pp is positioned spaced apart from the outer edges E1 and E2 and has a shape with an aspect ratio greater than 1. This allows current to be induced between the end of the current regulating section Pp and the outer edges E1 and E2, thereby increasing the current density near the outer edges E1 and E2 and reducing ESL.

[0126] The length of the current regulating portion Pp along its extending direction is not particularly limited; for example, it can be 20% to 80% of the length of the second electrode body portion 131P in the Y-axis direction. The width of the current regulating section Pp perpendicular to the direction of extension is, similar to the first embodiment, for example, 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and for example, 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

[0127] Furthermore, the current regulating section Pp may be located on either the first internal electrode 12P or the second internal electrode 13P. In the example shown in Figures 19A and 19B, the current regulating section Pp is located only on the second internal electrode 13P. This allows for an increase in the current density near the outer edges E1 and E2 on the internal electrode where the current regulating section Pp is located. The opposing internal electrode is also affected by the current density distribution of the internal electrode where the current regulating section Pp is located. Therefore, even with this configuration, the ESL of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 10P can be reduced.

[0128] <Other Embodiments> Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, embodiments of the present invention can be embodiments that combine the embodiments described above.

[0129] The current regulating section is not limited to being provided on all first internal electrodes and / or all second internal electrodes, but may be provided on some of the first internal electrodes and / or some of the second internal electrodes.

[0130] In the embodiments described above, the first centerline Lx was given as an example of a "straight line passing through the first lead-out portion and parallel to the X-axis direction," and the second centerline Ly was given as an example of a "straight line passing through the second lead-out portion and parallel to the Y-axis direction." However, the axis of symmetry is not limited to the centerlines Lx and Ly. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0131] 10, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10K, 10M, 10N, 10P Multilayer ceramic capacitors 11, 11F, 11G, 11H, 11K, 11M, 11N, 11P Ceramic Body 12,12F,12G,12H,12K,12M,12N,12P 1st internal electrode (internal electrode) 13,13F,13G,13H,13K,13M,13N,13P 2nd internal electrode (internal electrode) 121,121F,121G,121H,121K,121M,121N,121P 1st electrode body part (electrode body part) 131,131F,131G,131H,131K,131M,131N,131P 2nd electrode body part (electrode body part) 12,12F,12G,12H,12K,12M,12N,12P 1st drawer part (drawer part) 132,132F,132G,132H,132K,132M,132N,132P 2nd drawer part (drawer part) P1, Pf1, Pg1, Ph1, Pk1, Pm1, Pn1, Pp1 First current regulating unit P2, Pf2, Pg2, Pp2 Second current regulating section P3,Pf3 3rd current regulation section P4, Pf4 Third current regulation section E1, E2 outer edge 100 circuit boards 110 Main board

Claims

1. A pair of end faces perpendicular to the first axis, A pair of sides perpendicular to the second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis, A first internal electrode comprising a first electrode body and a pair of first lead-out portions drawn out from the first electrode body to the pair of end faces, The second internal electrode includes a second electrode body and a pair of second extensions extending from the second electrode body to the pair of sides, and the second internal electrode faces the first internal electrode in a direction along a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes, A ceramic body having, A pair of first external electrodes are arranged on the pair of end faces and connected to the pair of first lead-out portions, A pair of second external electrodes are arranged on the pair of sides and connected to the pair of second lead-out portions, It is equipped with, At least one of the first electrode body or the second electrode body is It comprises an outer edge portion, a first current regulating portion which is a cutout portion spaced apart from the outer edge portion and having a shape in which the ratio of the maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction to the maximum dimension in the short direction exceeds 1, and a conductive region formed continuously around the first current regulating portion. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

2. A multilayer ceramic capacitor according to claim 1, The first current regulating unit extends in the first axial direction as a whole. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

3. A multilayer ceramic capacitor according to claim 2, The first current regulating section is formed obliquely with respect to the first axial direction and the second axial direction. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

4. A multilayer ceramic capacitor according to claim 2 or 3, The second electrode body has a first outer region which is the region outside the first axial direction of the first central imaginary line extending in the second axial direction from the side edge of the second lead-out portion in the first axial direction. The first electrode body has a second outer region which is an area outside the first axial direction of the second central virtual line that overlaps the first central virtual line in the third axial direction, The first current regulating unit is positioned to cross a boundary line that divides the first outer region or the second outer region into two equal parts in the first axial direction. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

5. A multilayer ceramic capacitor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first electrode body and the second electrode body are divided into four regions by a first center line that divides the second axial direction into two equal parts and a second center line that divides the first axial direction into two equal parts. The first current regulating section is formed in one of the four regions mentioned above. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

6. A multilayer ceramic capacitor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first electrode body and the second electrode body are divided into four regions by a first center line that divides the second axial direction into two equal parts and a second center line that divides the first axial direction into two equal parts. The first current regulating unit is formed spanning at least two of the four regions. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

7. A multilayer ceramic capacitor according to claim 6, The first current regulating section is formed along the first center line or the second center line. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

8. A multilayer ceramic capacitor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, At least one of the first electrode body portion or the second electrode body portion having the first current regulating portion, The present invention further comprises a second current regulating portion, which is a cutout portion positioned spaced apart from the outer edge portion and having a shape in which the ratio of the maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction to the maximum dimension in the short direction exceeds 1. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

9. A multilayer ceramic capacitor according to claim 8, The first electrode body and the second electrode body are divided into four regions by a first center line that divides the second axial direction into two equal parts and a second center line that divides the first axial direction into two equal parts. The first current regulating section is formed in one of the four regions, and the second current regulating section is formed in the other region. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

10. A multilayer ceramic capacitor according to claim 8 or 9, The first current regulating unit and the second current regulating unit are The arrangement is symmetrical with respect to either a straight line passing through the first extension portion and parallel to the first axis direction, or a straight line passing through the second extension portion and parallel to the second axis direction. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

11. A multilayer ceramic capacitor according to any one of claims 8 to 10, The first current regulating section and the second current regulating section are formed to intersect each other. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

12. A multilayer ceramic capacitor according to any one of claims 8 to 11, At least one of the first electrode body or the second electrode body having the first current regulating unit and the second current regulating unit is, The system further includes a third current restricting portion and a fourth current restricting portion, which are cutout portions spaced apart from the outer edge portion and having a shape in which the ratio of the maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction to the maximum dimension in the short direction exceeds 1. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

13. A multilayer ceramic capacitor according to claim 12, The first electrode body and the second electrode body are divided into a first region, a second region, a third region, and a fourth region by a first center line that divides the second axial direction into two equal parts and a second center line that divides the first axial direction into two equal parts. The first current regulating section is formed in the first region, the second current regulating section is formed in the second region, the third current regulating section is formed in the third region, and the fourth current regulating section is formed in the fourth region. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

14. A multilayer ceramic capacitor according to claim 13, The third current regulating unit and the fourth current regulating unit are The arrangement is symmetrical with respect to either a straight line passing through the first extension portion and parallel to the first axis direction, or a straight line passing through the second extension portion and parallel to the second axis direction. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

15. A multilayer ceramic capacitor according to any one of claims 12 to 14, The first current regulating section, the second current regulating section, the third current regulating section, and the fourth current regulating section are formed radially from the inside outward in the first axial direction and the second axial direction. Multilayer ceramic capacitor.

16. Multilayer ceramic capacitors, The device comprises a substrate body on which the aforementioned multilayer ceramic capacitor is mounted, The aforementioned multilayer ceramic capacitor is A pair of end faces perpendicular to the first axis, A pair of sides perpendicular to the second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis, A first internal electrode comprising a first electrode body and a pair of first lead-out portions drawn out from the first electrode body to the pair of end faces, The second internal electrode includes a second electrode body and a pair of second extensions extending from the second electrode body to the pair of sides, and the second internal electrode faces the first internal electrode in a direction along a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes, A ceramic body having, A pair of first external electrodes are arranged on the pair of end faces and connected to the pair of first lead-out portions, A pair of second external electrodes are arranged on the pair of sides and connected to the pair of second lead-out portions, It has, At least one of the first electrode body or the second electrode body is An outer edge portion, a first current regulating portion which is a cutout portion spaced apart from the outer edge portion and having a shape in which the ratio of the maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction to the maximum dimension in the short direction exceeds 1, and a conductive region formed continuously around the first current regulating portion, has Circuit board.

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