Segmented External Electrode Structure for Low-ESR MLCCs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multilayer ceramic capacitors face challenges in achieving low equivalent series resistance (ESR) and high flexural strength due to the degradation of electrical connectivity caused by organic layers used to improve bending strength.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of conductive resin layers between electrode and plating layers at connection portions and organic layers between electrode and plating layers at band portions, which enhances electrical connectivity and flexural strength while maintaining low ESR.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If an organic layer is disposed between the electrode layer and plating layer to improve bending strength, then flexural strength is improved, but electrical connectivity between the electrode layer and plating layer is degraded, resulting in increased equivalent series resistance (ESR)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexural strengthVSAvoidelectrical connectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The external electrode is divided into two functional regions: the connection portion (where conductive resin layer is used for low ESR) and the band portion (where organic layer is used for flexural strength). This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different material layers are applied to different locations of the external electrode: conductive resin layer at the connection portion for electrical conductivity, and organic layer at the band portion for mechanical strength. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing appropriate properties at each location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the organic layer is extended to the connection portion to improve flexural strength, then bending strength is enhanced, but equivalent series resistance (ESR) increases due to degraded electrical connectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending strengthVSAvoidequivalent series resistance (ESR)
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The external electrode structure is segmented into connection portion and band portion, with different protective layers applied to each. The connection portion uses conductive resin layer to minimize ESR, while the band portion uses organic layer to maximize flexural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different material properties to different locations: conductive resin at the connection portion for electrical performance, and organic material at the band portion for mechanical performance. This localized approach eliminates the harmful effect of ESR increase while maintaining flexural strength improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11735367B2Multilayer electronic component
Publication Date: 2023.08.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD
  • US11735367B2 patent drawing
  • US11735367B2 patent drawing
  • US11735367B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multilayer electronic component includes an external electrode having a connection portion and a band portion. An organic layer is disposed between an electrode layer and a plating layer of the band portion of the external electrode, and a conductive resin layer is disposed between the electrode layer and the plating layer of the connection portion of the external electrode.