MLCC Outer Electrode Structure for Insulation Resistance Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multilayer ceramic capacitors face issues with insulation resistance deterioration due to hydrogen absorption during plating layer formation, which affects reliability, particularly in car-mounted applications.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer electronic component design featuring a multilayer body with inner electrodes and outer electrodes, including a base electrode layer, Sn-Cu diffusion layer, Sn-Ni diffusion layer, and Ni plating layer, with gaps at the interface between the base electrode layer and the Sn-Cu diffusion layer to trap moisture and prevent hydrogen ingress, enhancing insulation resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the outer electrode structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to prevent hydrogen ingress and maintain insulation resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidinsulation resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outer electrode is segmented into multiple functional layers (base electrode layer, intermediate layer, plating layers) where each layer serves a specific purpose. This segmentation allows the structure to simultaneously achieve manufacturing feasibility and hydrogen barrier functionality without requiring complex overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the outer electrode structure are assigned different properties and functions. The barrier layer is specifically positioned and configured to provide hydrogen blocking at critical interfaces, while other regions maintain electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, achieving localized optimization without overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces or prevents insulation resistance degradation by trapping moisture and improving mechanical strength, thereby enhancing the reliability of multilayer ceramic capacitors.

Implementation Method 1

an Sn—Cu diffusion layer on the base electrode layer and including tin and copper, an Sn—Ni diffusion layer on an outer side of the Sn—Cu diffusion layer and including tin and nickel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion barrier: Diffusion Barrier

Implementation Method 2

A gap is located at an interface between the base electrode layer and the Sn—Cu diffusion layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS20250336606A1Multilayer electronic component and mounting structure for multilayer electronic component

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a multilayer body including a first surface and a second surface opposite each other, a third surface and a fourth surface opposite each other, and a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposite each other. The outer electrode is located on the fifth surface of the multilayer body. An outer electrode includes a base electrode layer on the fifth surface and connected to an inner electrode of the multilayer body, an Sn—Cu diffusion layer on the base electrode layer and including tin and copper, an Sn—Ni diffusion layer on an outer side of the Sn—Cu diffusion layer and including tin and nickel, and an Ni plating layer on the Sn—Ni diffusion layer and including nickel as a main component. A gap is located at an interface between the base electrode layer and the Sn—Cu diffusion layer.