Multilayer ceramic electronic component and method of manufacturing the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multilayer ceramic capacitors face issues with insulation resistance deterioration due to hydrogen occlusion during plating, and current leakage becomes a concern with the miniaturization of components, necessitating a solution to prevent these failures.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves forming a diffusion region on the outer peripheral portions of internal electrodes using metals like Pt, Pd, Au, Ag, Cu, Sn, Fe, Zn, or Al, which are different from the main component, to suppress hydrogen penetration and current leakage, with specific size constraints on the diffusion region to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plating is performed on external electrodes, then electrical connection is improved, but hydrogen is occluded in internal electrodes causing insulation resistance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
A metal containing portion (intermediary layer) is introduced between the external electrode and the internal electrode. This intermediary layer selectively absorbs hydrogen during plating, preventing hydrogen from reaching and damaging the internal electrode, while still allowing electrical connection to be established.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful hydrogen gas generated during plating is converted into a beneficial effect by using it to fill and define the metal containing portion structure. The hydrogen that would otherwise damage the internal electrode is instead utilized to create the protective intermediary structure through selective absorption and volume expansion.
2Productivity
If component size is reduced for miniaturization, then productivity and market demand are met, but current leakage becomes a concern
Solution Approach 1:
The metal containing portion is strategically positioned at the peripheral regions where internal electrodes are led out, creating local protection zones. This localized approach addresses current leakage risks specifically at the vulnerable electrode terminals without requiring overall component enlargement.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure is segmented into discrete metal containing portions positioned at specific locations rather than a continuous barrier. This segmentation allows the component to maintain miniaturized dimensions while providing targeted protection against current leakage at critical points.
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 effectively prevents insulation resistance deterioration and current leakage, even in miniaturized capacitors, by forming a diffusion region that suppresses hydrogen occlusion and enhances electrode reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the internal electrode includes a diffusion region including a metal different from a main component of the internal electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer ceramic electronic component includes a ceramic element having dielectric layers and internal electrodes alternately laminated in a first axis direction, a pair of main surfaces facing each other along the first axis direction, a pair of side surfaces facing each other in a second axis direction orthogonal to the first axis direction, and a pair of end surfaces facing each other in a third axis direction orthogonal to the first axis direction and the second axis direction, and a pair of external electrodes respectively provided at end portions of the ceramic element in the third axis direction and electrically connected to the internal electrodes. The internal electrode includes a diffusion region including a metal different from a main component of the internal electrode in at least a portion of an outer peripheral portion thereof.