Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor Electrode Layout for Low ESR and ESL

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern electronic applications require advanced capacitors with improved performance characteristics, particularly in high-frequency applications, where existing capacitors face challenges in achieving low equivalent series resistance and inductance.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer ceramic capacitor design featuring a unique electrode configuration with a Y-shaped configuration and specific materials, resulting in low equivalent series resistance and inductance across a broad frequency range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional capacitor designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but equivalent series resistance and inductance cannot be reduced below certain thresholds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequivalent series resistanceVSAvoidelectrode configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is divided into multiple segments (first electrode segment, second electrode segment, third electrode segment) arranged in a specific spatial configuration. This segmentation allows each segment to contribute differently to the overall electrical characteristics, enabling reduced equivalent series resistance and inductance through optimized current distribution paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode configuration transitions from a conventional planar or simple three-dimensional structure to a multi-dimensional arrangement where electrode segments are positioned at different heights and lateral positions. This dimensional complexity creates multiple parallel current paths and optimizes magnetic field distribution, thereby reducing equivalent series resistance and inductance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional capacitor designs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but performance in high-frequency applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequivalent series inductanceVSAvoidelectrode configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode configuration employs asymmetric arrangement where the first, second, and third electrode segments are positioned with different dimensions and orientations. The first segment has different characteristics than the second and third segments, creating an asymmetric structure that optimizes high-frequency performance by minimizing parasitic inductance through non-uniform current distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode segments are nested in a hierarchical arrangement where smaller electrode segments are positioned within or adjacent to larger segments. This nesting creates multiple scaled current paths that reduce equivalent series inductance by providing both short and long current loops, optimizing performance across different frequency ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If high-capacitance coupling capacitors are designed for high-frequency applications, then capacitance is increased, but equivalent series resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequivalent series resistanceVSAvoidcapacitance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the capacitor structure have optimized local characteristics. The electrode segments have varying dimensions, positions, and material compositions tailored to their specific functional requirements. This local optimization allows high capacitance in certain regions while maintaining low equivalent series resistance through specialized current paths in other regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor employs composite electrode structures combining different materials with complementary properties. By integrating materials with different electrical, magnetic, and mechanical characteristics, the design achieves both high capacitance and low equivalent series resistance, as each material contributes its optimal properties to specific regions of the capacitor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11837405B2Multilayer ceramic capacitor
Publication Date: 2023.12.05 KYOCERA AVX COMPONENTS CORP
  • US11837405B2 patent drawing
  • US11837405B2 patent drawing
  • US11837405B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a multilayer ceramic capacitor. The multilayer ceramic capacitor has a first end and a second end that is spaced apart from the first end in a longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to a lateral direction wherein the lateral direction and longitudinal direction are each perpendicular to a Z-direction. The multilayer ceramic capacitor comprises a monolithic body comprising a plurality of dielectric layers and a plurality of electrode layers parallel with the lateral direction. At least one electrode layer includes a first electrode comprising a connecting portion and a central portion extending from the connecting portion in the longitudinal direction wherein the central portion includes a Z-directional edge and the connecting portion includes an edge extending in both the longitudinal direction and the Z-direction and wherein the Z-directional edge of the central portion forms a first angle of from greater than 90° to less than 180° with the edge of the connecting portion. A first external termination disposed along the first end and a second external termination disposed along the second end.