Integrated Capacitor-Varistor Package for EMI and ESD Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The need for miniaturization and increased functionality in electronic components, particularly in applications where space is limited, such as on circuit boards, is not adequately addressed by existing technologies, which often require multiple discrete components that occupy valuable space and increase inductance and equivalent series resistance.

Innovation Solution

An integrated component combining a multilayer capacitor and a discrete varistor, with specific terminations and electrode configurations, is formed to provide both filtering and EMI/ESD protection in a single package, allowing for reduced size and complexity by eliminating the need for multiple discrete components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete components are used to provide filtering and EMI/ESD protection, then functionality is achieved, but space occupation increases and inductance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a capacitor and varistor into a single integrated component with a shared terminal structure. The capacitor and varistor are positioned adjacent to each other and share a common terminal, allowing both filtering and EMI/ESD protection functions to be provided in one component rather than requiring separate discrete components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated component performs multiple functions simultaneously - it provides both filtering (through the capacitor) and EMI/ESD protection (through the varistor) while occupying a single component footprint on the circuit board. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple discrete components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete components are used to provide filtering and EMI/ESD protection, then functionality is achieved, but inductance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidinductance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor and varistor are integrated into a single component structure with shared terminals and adjacent positioning. This merging eliminates the inter-connecting traces and additional terminals required for separate discrete components, thereby reducing the overall inductance of the protection circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared terminal acts as an intermediary that directly connects both the capacitor and varistor to the circuit board trace, eliminating the need for additional inter-connecting traces between discrete components. This reduces the parasitic inductance in the signal path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete components are used, then functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the capacitor and varistor into a single integrated component package with shared terminals. This reduces the number of separate components, solder joints, and mounting operations required, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining both filtering and EMI/ESD protection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Area of stationary object

If component size is reduced for miniaturization, then space occupation decreases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupationVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The varistor is positioned adjacent to and in close proximity with the capacitor within the same component package. This nested-like arrangement allows both components to share space efficiently, achieving miniaturization while maintaining adequate manufacturing tolerances through the integrated construction approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12148575B2Integrated component including a capacitor and discrete varistor

Publication Date: 2024.11.19 KYOCERA AVX COMPONENTS CORP

AI summary

An integrated component may include a multilayer capacitor include a first active termination, a second active termination, at least one ground termination, and a pair of capacitors connected in series between the first active termination and the second active termination. The integrated component may include a discrete varistor comprising a first external varistor termination connected with the first active termination and a second external varistor termination connected with the second active termination of the multilayer capacitor.