Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor Electrode Segmentation for Breakdown Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilayer ceramic capacitors face a trade-off between capacitance density and breakdown voltage due to high electric field intensity at the tip ends of internal electrodes, leading to potential breakdown even at low voltages, especially in compact designs with thin dielectric layers and increased layer numbers.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a multilayer ceramic capacitor structure with internal electrode layers arranged such that the third and fourth internal electrode layers are positioned between the tip ends of the first and second internal electrode layers, allowing for different potentials to be applied, thereby reducing electric field concentration and enhancing breakdown voltage without compromising capacitance density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the dielectric layer thickness is reduced to improve capacitance density, then the capacitance density increases, but the breakdown voltage decreases due to higher electric field intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The internal electrode is divided into multiple electrode portions (first, second, third, fourth electrode portions) with different configurations. The first and second electrode portions extend in the thickness direction, while the third and fourth electrode portions are positioned at specific locations to balance electric field distribution. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions, resolving the contradiction between capacitance density and breakdown voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the capacitor are given different electrode configurations tailored to their specific needs. The first and second electrode portions are designed to maximize capacitance in their regions, while the third and fourth electrode portions are strategically positioned to reduce electric field concentration and prevent breakdown. This local optimization resolves the global contradiction between capacitance density and breakdown voltage.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of layers is increased to improve capacitance density, then the capacitance density increases, but the electric field concentration at tip ends worsens leading to lower breakdown voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The internal electrode is segmented into four distinct portions with different geometries and positions. The first and second electrode portions contribute to capacitance, while the third and fourth electrode portions are specifically designed to reduce electric field concentration at tip ends. This segmentation enables the structure to simultaneously achieve high capacitance density and low electric field concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The third and fourth electrode portions act as intermediary elements between the high-capacitance first and second electrode portions and the dielectric layers. These intermediary electrodes serve to redistribute and reduce electric field concentration, preventing direct harmful effects on the dielectric while maintaining the high capacitance provided by the other portions.
3Reliability
If a series structure is adopted to improve breakdown voltage, then the breakdown voltage increases, but the capacitance density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a series structure that divides the capacitor into multiple low-capacitance units, the invention segments the internal electrode into four portions within a single parallel structure. This allows the capacitor to maintain high capacitance density while achieving improved breakdown voltage through the specific configuration of the electrode portions, avoiding the capacitance penalty of series structures.
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 significantly improves breakdown voltage while maintaining or increasing capacitance density, overcoming the limitations of traditional series structures by reducing electric field intensity at critical points and preventing voltage breakdown.
Implementation Method 1
a multilayer body including a plurality of layered dielectric layers 14 and a plurality of layered internal electrode layers 16
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a multilayer body including dielectric layers and internal electrode layers, first and second external electrodes provided on respective opposing end surfaces, and third and fourth external electrodes provided on any side surface. The internal electrode layers include first and second internal electrode layers connected to the first and second external electrodes, respectively, and third and fourth internal electrode layers connected to the third and fourth external electrodes, respectively. The third internal electrode layer is provided at a distance from the first internal electrode layer, and the fourth internal electrode layer is provided at a distance from the second internal electrode layer.