Non-overlapping External Electrodes for MLCC Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multilayer ceramic capacitors face reliability issues due to simultaneous breakdown of capacitor elements connected in series when warping cracking occurs at the ends of external electrodes, leading to a loss of electrical insulation and increased equivalent series inductance (ESL).
Innovation Solution
The design includes a laminate with dielectric and internal electrode layers alternately laminated, featuring a configuration where capacitor elements are connected in series without overlapping external electrodes, preventing simultaneous breakdown by maintaining electrical insulation through non-overlapping effective portions, and reducing ESL by eliminating extra wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capacitor elements are connected in series with overlapping external electrodes, then electrical insulation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to simultaneous breakdown when warping cracking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the capacitor structure into distinct segments where the effective portions of capacitor elements are spatially separated. By segmenting the electrode connections so that external electrodes do not overlap, the patent ensures that warping cracking at one location does not simultaneously affect multiple capacitor elements, thus maintaining reliability while preserving electrical insulation properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary internal electrode layer that connects to the ground external electrode. This intermediary structure acts as a mediator that provides electrical insulation without requiring overlapping external electrodes, thereby preventing simultaneous breakdown while maintaining the necessary electrical isolation between signal paths.
2Reliability
If capacitor elements are connected in series without overlapping external electrodes, then reliability is improved by preventing simultaneous breakdown, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the grounding function into the internal electrode structure by having the intermediary internal electrode layer connect to the ground external electrode. This integration eliminates the need for separate grounding structures and simplifies the overall configuration while maintaining the reliability benefits of non-overlapping external electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal electrode layers serve multiple functions: they form capacitor elements, provide electrical insulation, and connect to ground. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate structures, thereby decreasing device complexity while achieving reliable breakdown prevention through non-overlapping external electrode configuration.
3Reliability
If external electrodes are positioned to prevent overlapping, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring that the critical non-overlapping condition is met only in the specific regions where external electrodes are positioned, while other areas of the capacitor can have more flexible electrode arrangements. This localized approach to electrode positioning reduces the overall manufacturing precision requirements while still achieving reliable simultaneous breakdown prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitor component includes a laminate including dielectric layers and internal electrode layers, first and second external electrodes respectively provided on first and second end surfaces of the laminate, and a third external electrode provided on at least one of first and second lateral surfaces of the laminate. The internal electrode layers include a first internal electrode layer connected to the first external electrode and not connected to either the second or the third external electrode; a second internal electrode layer connected to the second external electrode and not connected to either the first or the third external electrode; a third internal electrode layer not connected to any of the first, the second, or the third external electrode; and a fourth internal electrode layer connected to the third external electrode and not connected to either the first or the second external electrode.