External Electrode Oxide Barrier Against Silver Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Silver migration occurs in conductive resin layers of electronic components due to ionization under electric or thermal stress, leading to deposition on the component surface, which can cause reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an oxide layer on the edge of the conductive resin layer, particularly in the external electrode, to prevent silver migration by blocking the migration path of silver ions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conductive resin layer containing silver particles is used in the external electrode, then electrical conductivity is improved, but silver migration occurs under electric or thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
An oxide layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the silver-containing conductive resin layer and the environment. This oxide layer acts as a barrier that prevents silver ions from migrating outward while allowing the conductive resin layer to maintain its electrical conductivity function. The oxide layer mediates the interaction by blocking the harmful silver migration pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The external electrode is designed as a composite structure combining multiple materials: conductive resin particles (including silver), oxide particles, and resin matrix. This composite material approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve high electrical conductivity from the silver particles while the oxide particles provide migration resistance. The synergistic combination resolves the contradiction between conductivity and migration prevention.
2Reliability
If silver particles are used in the conductive resin layer, then electrical conductivity is enhanced, but silver ions migrate and deposit on the element body surface
Solution Approach 1:
The oxide layer serves as a protective intermediary that blocks the path of silver ions, preventing them from reaching and depositing on the element body surface. This intermediary barrier maintains the electrical conductivity benefits of silver while eliminating the harmful deposition effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful migrating component (silver ions) is effectively extracted or removed from the system by the oxide layer barrier. The oxide layer takes out the migration capability from the silver particles, allowing the silver to remain in the conductive resin layer for conductivity while preventing its harmful migration and deposition behavior.
3Ease of manufacture
If the conductive resin layer is exposed without protection, then manufacturing is simpler, but silver migration progresses under electric or thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The oxide layer is merged with the conductive resin layer to form an integrated external electrode structure. Rather than adding a separate protective coating process, the oxide particles are incorporated into the same layer as the conductive resin particles, combining the simplicity of a single-layer structure with the protective function of the oxide barrier against silver migration.
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 oxide layer effectively prevents silver migration, ensuring the reliability and longevity of the electronic component by blocking the migration path of silver ions, even in the presence of electric or thermal stress.
Implementation Method 1
The silver included in the conductive resin layer may be ionized under influence of oxygen. Generated silver ion is attracted by electric field between the external electrodes and migrates from the conductive resin layer.
Implementation Method 2
The silver included in the conductive resin layer may be ionized under influence of oxygen. An oxide is positioned on an end side of the conductive resin layer.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic component includes an element body and an external electrode. The external electrode is disposed on the element body, and includes a conductive resin layer. The conductive resin layer includes a plurality of conductive particles. The plurality of conductive particles include a metal component including silver. An oxide is positioned on an end side of the conductive resin layer.