Dual Layer-Electrode Structure for MLCC Contact and Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-layered ceramic capacitors face challenges in achieving high capacitance while maintaining excellent contact and protection of internal electrodes from the external environment, particularly due to increased internal electrode ratio and external electrode density requirements.

Innovation Solution

A dual layer-electrode structure is formed by applying a dual layer of electrode paste, with first external electrodes made of copper or copper-nickel alloys and second external electrodes made of silver or silver epoxy, to enhance electrode density and contact between internal and external electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a single layer of electrode paste is applied to form external electrodes, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the electrode density and contact quality between internal and external electrodes are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode density and contact qualityVSAvoidelectrode structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The external electrode is divided into two distinct layers: a first external electrode layer directly contacting the internal electrode, and a second external electrode layer forming the outermost surface. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function - the first layer for electrical contact and the second layer for environmental protection and additional contact area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs different paste compositions for the two electrode layers. The first external electrode uses a paste formulation optimized for bonding to internal electrodes, while the second external electrode uses a different paste composition that provides enhanced density and environmental resistance. This composite approach combines the advantages of different materials in a single electrode structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If the capacitance of the multi-layered ceramic capacitor is increased, then the internal electrode ratio increases, but the contact area and protection of internal electrodes from the external environment become insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecapacitanceVSAvoidinternal electrode protection and contact
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing internal electrode area in a single plane, the patent extends the electrode structure into a second dimension by adding multiple layers. The first external electrode layer provides contact on one surface, while the second external electrode layer provides additional contact area and protection on the opposite surface, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to maintain reliability as capacitance increases.

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

Data Source

PatentUS8917490B2Multilayered ceramic capacitor having dual layer-electrode structure
Publication Date: 2014.12.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD
  • US8917490B2 patent drawing
  • US8917490B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a multi-layered ceramic capacitor having a dual layer-electrode structure formed by applying a dual layer of electrode paste to the multi-layered ceramic capacitor. The multi-layered ceramic capacitor having a dual layer-electrode structure includes a capacitor body having a preset length and width and having a plurality dielectric layers stacked therein, an internal electrode unit formed on the plurality of dielectric layers and having a preset capacitance, and an external electrode unit including first external electrodes respectively formed on both sides of the capacitor body to be electrically connected to internal electrodes, and second external electrodes formed on the first external electrodes.