Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor Intermitting Part Circuit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are prone to short-circuits and electrical overloads, which can damage connected circuits due to high equivalent series inductance (ESL) and low equivalent series resistance (ESR), leading to potential damage of entire electronic products.
Innovation Solution
The MLCC design incorporates a ceramic body with dielectric layers, internal and external electrodes, land patterns, and an intermitting part, such as a fuse or resistive pattern, to increase ESR and minimize ESL, thereby preventing over-currents by opening the circuit in case of a short-circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional MLCC structure is used, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but over-current can damage connected circuits due to low ESR and high ESL
Solution Approach 1:
The external electrodes are divided into multiple segments (first, second, third, and fourth external electrodes) with specific connection configurations. The first and second external electrodes are spaced apart on one end surface, while the third and fourth external electrodes are spaced apart on the other end surface, creating segmented current paths that increase ESR and reduce ESL for circuit protection
Solution Approach 2:
Land patterns are introduced as intermediary conductive elements connecting the external electrodes to the internal electrodes. The land patterns (first, second, third, and fourth land patterns) are formed on the end surfaces and facilitate controlled electrical connections, enabling the electrode structure to increase ESR while minimizing ESL through optimized current distribution
2Reliability
If ESR is increased to prevent over-current, then circuit protection improves, but electrical characteristics deteriorate due to increased ESL
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the electrode structure are designed with different properties: the external electrodes are spaced apart at the ends to increase ESR, while the land patterns and internal electrode connections are optimized to minimize ESL. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of over-current protection and low inductance characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode connections extend across multiple dimensions and surfaces of the ceramic body. External electrodes are positioned on opposite end surfaces, land patterns are formed on lateral surfaces, and internal electrodes are stacked within the ceramic body, creating a three-dimensional current path that optimizes both ESR and ESL characteristics
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 design effectively prevents over-currents from damaging connected circuits by increasing ESR and minimizing ESL, allowing for the protection of entire electronic products connected to the MLCC.
Implementation Method 1
an intermitting part formed on the other main surface of the ceramic body and connecting the third and fourth external electrodes to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes: a ceramic body; first and second internal electrodes disposed so as to be alternately exposed to both end surfaces of the ceramic body with each of dielectric layers; first and second external electrodes formed so as to be extended onto portions of one main surface of the ceramic body, respectively; third and fourth external electrodes formed on both side surfaces of the ceramic body, respectively, so as to be extended onto portions of both main surfaces of the ceramic body, respectively; an intermitting part connecting the third and fourth external electrodes to one another; first and second land patterns formed so as to be connected to the first and third external electrodes, respectively; and a third land pattern formed so as to be connected to both of the second and fourth external electrodes.