Electronic Component Electrode Layout to Prevent Migration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Migration occurs in the conductive resin layer of electronic components due to ionization of metal in the electrode layer under an electric field, leading to deposition on the element body surface.

Innovation Solution

The electronic component design includes external conductors located between external electrodes, with conductor layers that are less prone to migration, reducing the electric field concentration on the electrode layers and preventing migration progression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conductive resin layer is used in the external electrode, then the electrode can be formed with good manufacturability and electrical connection, but migration of metal particles occurs under electric field leading to reliability degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary between the conductive resin layer and the dielectric layer. This barrier layer prevents metal particles from the conductive resin from migrating into the dielectric layer while maintaining electrical conductivity. The barrier layer acts as a mediator that blocks the harmful migration path without compromising the electrical function of the external electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The external electrode is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers including the conductive resin layer and the barrier layer. This composite material approach combines the advantages of the conductive resin (good electrical conductivity and manufacturability) with the protective properties of the barrier layer (migration prevention), thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If metal particles are used in the electrode layer for conductivity, then electrical connection is achieved, but metal ionization and migration occur under electric field causing short-circuiting

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidmigration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer serves as a protective intermediary that blocks the migration path of metal ions from the conductive resin layer into the dielectric layer. This prevents short-circuiting while allowing the metal particles in the conductive resin to maintain their electrical conductivity function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier layer is designed to interact with metal particles in a way that converts the harmful migration behavior into a beneficial contained structure. The metal particles are prevented from migrating harmful distances but can still perform their electrical conduction function within the external electrode structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The design effectively prevents migration by distributing the electric field across conductor and electrode layers, thereby reducing the occurrence of metal ion deposition and potential short-circuiting.

Implementation Method 1

When an electric field acts on the electrode layer, the electric field acts not only on the electrode layer but also on the conductor layer electrically connected to the electrode layer. The electric field tends not to be concentrated on the electrode layer, and the conductor layer reduces the electric field acting on the electrode layer.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

An electric field acts on the electrode layer, and metal included in the electrode layer is ionized. Generated metal ion is attracted by an electric field between the external electrodes and migrates from the electrode layer.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

The electrode layer included in the first external electrode and the conductor layer included in the first external conductor are electrically connected to each other, and the electrode layer included in the second external electrode and the conductor layer included in the second external conductor are electrically connected to each other.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12488942B2Electronic component having element body and internal conductors and electronic component device

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 TDK CORP

AI summary

An electronic component includes: an element body including first and second end surfaces opposing each other and a side surface coupling the first and second end surfaces; first and second internal conductors in the element body; a first external electrode on the first end surface; a second external electrode on the second end surface; and first and second external conductors on the side surface. The first and second external conductors are separated from the first and second external electrodes. The first internal conductor is electrically connected to the first external electrode and the first external conductor. The second internal conductor is electrically connected to the second external electrode and the second external conductor. The first external conductor is located between the first external electrode and the second external conductor. The second external conductor is located between the second external electrode and the first external conductor.