Mixed-Stack Multilayer Capacitors for Acoustic Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilayer capacitors in electronic components generate acoustic noise due to piezoelectric vibrations, which can be perceived as device malfunctions and degrade voice output quality, especially in quiet environments, and high-frequency vibrations can cause sensor malfunctions in IT and industrial devices.
Innovation Solution
An electronic component design incorporating a substrate with both horizontally and vertically stacked multilayer capacitors, where at least one capacitor has a horizontally stacked structure and others have a vertically stacked structure, arranged in various configurations such as lines or arrays, to reduce acoustic noise by utilizing a physical wave offset effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multilayer capacitors with vertically stacked structure are used, then the device can function normally, but acoustic noise is generated in the audible frequency region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the capacitor structure into different stacking orientations - specifically using both vertically stacked and horizontally stacked multilayer capacitors. This segmentation of the capacitor array into different structural types creates diverse vibration characteristics that prevent unified acoustic noise generation while maintaining individual capacitor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by mixing capacitor stacking orientations (vertical and horizontal) rather than using a uniform structure. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that capacitors do not vibrate in unison, thereby reducing acoustic noise in the audible frequency region while preserving the piezoelectric functionality of each capacitor.
2Reliability
If multilayer capacitors are used, then the device can store and process electrical energy, but high-frequency vibrations of 20 kHz or more cause malfunctioning of sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capacitor structure into different stacking orientations to create diverse vibration frequencies and modes. This segmentation prevents the generation of uniform high-frequency vibrations that could interfere with sensors, while each individual capacitor continues to perform its electrical energy storage and processing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different capacitors within the same device - some capacitors have vertical stacking while others have horizontal stacking. This local differentiation in structural quality ensures that high-frequency vibrations are distributed and reduced, protecting sensitive sensors while maintaining overall device electrical functionality.
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 combination of horizontally and vertically stacked multilayer capacitors effectively reduces acoustic noise in the audible frequency region and high-frequency vibrations, improving device performance and reducing perceived noise and sensor malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a multilayer capacitor is made of a dielectric material, and since the dielectric material has piezoelectricity, it can be deformed in synchronization with an applied voltage
Implementation Method 2
The combination of horizontally and vertically stacked multilayer capacitors effectively reduces acoustic noise in the audible frequency region and high-frequency vibrations, improving device performance and reducing perceived noise and sensor malfunctions
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic component includes a substrate including electrode pads disposed on an upper surface; and a plurality of multilayer capacitors mounted on the substrate and including external electrodes connected to the electrode pads. At least one multilayer capacitor among the plurality of multilayer capacitors is a multilayer capacitor of a horizontally stacked structure.