Miniaturized ESD Protection Device with Shared Hollow Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ESD protection devices with separate hollow portions for each ESD protection device in a multilayer body face challenges in miniaturization due to the need for significant space, leading to abnormal discharge among adjacent discharge electrodes, which can cause static electricity to transfer between transmission lines, potentially damaging connected electronic circuits.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized ESD protection device with a spark gap type configuration, featuring a multilayer body with a shared hollow portion containing a ground electrode, first and second discharge electrodes, and an auxiliary discharge electrode with conductive particles, where the auxiliary electrode is divided by a non-formation section to prevent discharge between adjacent electrodes, ensuring static electricity is discharged between the electrodes and the ground, reducing abnormal discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hollow portions are provided separately for each ESD protection device in a multilayer body, then each ESD protection device can be individually formed, but the occupation space increases making miniaturization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple ESD protection devices into a single shared hollow portion. Specifically, multiple discharge electrodes (first discharge electrode, second discharge electrode, third discharge electrode) are arranged within one hollow portion along with a single ground electrode, eliminating the need for separate hollow portions for each ESD protection device. This merging approach significantly reduces the occupation space while maintaining the ESD protection function for multiple transmission lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the lateral dimension within the hollow portion to arrange multiple discharge electrodes (first, second, and third discharge electrodes) side by side. By transitioning from a vertical stacking approach (separate hollow portions) to a lateral arrangement approach (multiple electrodes in one hollow portion), the design achieves miniaturization in the vertical direction while maintaining functionality.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple discharge electrodes are arranged adjacent to each other in a shared hollow portion, then miniaturization is achieved, but abnormal discharge among discharge electrodes occurs causing static electricity to transfer between transmission lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary discharge electrode as an intermediary element between the adjacent discharge electrodes (first, second, and third discharge electrodes). This auxiliary electrode, formed with conductive particles in the base material layer, acts as a barrier that prevents direct discharge paths between the main discharge electrodes. The auxiliary electrode maintains the necessary insulation between transmission lines while allowing the compact arrangement of multiple discharge electrodes in a shared hollow portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the conductive path by introducing the auxiliary discharge electrode that divides the hollow portion into distinct regions. This segmentation creates isolated discharge zones for each transmission line, preventing abnormal discharge from propagating between adjacent transmission lines. The auxiliary electrode effectively partitions the shared hollow portion to maintain electrical independence of each transmission line.
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
This configuration allows for the miniaturization of ESD protection devices while preventing abnormal discharge among multiple electrodes, thereby safeguarding against static electricity transfer between transmission lines, enhancing the reliability and insulation resistance of electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary discharge electrode which includes conductive particles dispersed in the base material layer, at least a portion of which is exposed at the hollow portion, and which is provided along an inner surface of the hollow portion
Data Source
AI summary
An ESD protection device includes a multilayer body including base material layers, a hollow portion inside the multilayer body, a ground electrode exposed at the hollow portion, first and second discharge electrodes exposed at the shared hollow portion and opposing the common ground electrode, and an auxiliary discharge electrode including conductive particles dispersed in the base material layer and extending along an inner surface of the hollow portion. At least the auxiliary discharge electrode in an adjacent region between the first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode is divided into a portion on the first discharge electrode side and a portion on the second discharge electrode side by a non-formation section where the auxiliary discharge electrode is not provided in the hollow portion.