MLCC Dummy Electrode Layout for Moisture-Resistant Lamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) experience delamination issues due to decreased density of step portions during lamination, which can create moisture penetration paths and reduce reliability, especially in multi-terminal configurations with different signal and ground patterns.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer electronic component design featuring dummy electrodes that overlap exposed portions of internal electrodes, reducing the step portion and improving moisture resistance by altering the shape of lead portions and using insulating portions to cover exposed internal electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If signal patterns and ground patterns of different shapes are alternately laminated to create multi-terminal MLCCs, then the functionality and capacitance are improved, but step portions are generated during lamination which decrease in density and cause delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dummy electrodes as separate segments between signal and ground patterns. These dummy electrodes divide the step portion into smaller segments, reducing the overall step height and preventing delamination while maintaining the multi-terminal functionality of the MLCC.
Solution Approach 2:
Dummy electrodes act as intermediary elements between signal and ground patterns. They mediate the transition between different electrode shapes, reducing the step portion that would otherwise cause delamination during lamination compression.
2Reliability
If dummy electrodes are added to reduce step portion, then delamination resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy electrodes are designed with the same material composition and electrical properties as the existing signal and ground electrodes. This homogeneity allows them to be integrated into the existing electrode system without requiring new materials or processes, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external electrodes are exposed on multiple surfaces for multi-terminal configuration, then connectivity is improved, but moisture penetration paths increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies insulating portions to external electrodes before they are exposed on multiple surfaces. This beforehand cushioning with insulating material protects the electrodes from moisture penetration while maintaining their electrical connectivity functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating portions act as thin film protective layers on external electrodes. These flexible insulating films cover the exposed electrode surfaces, preventing moisture penetration while allowing the electrodes to maintain their electrical connectivity across multiple surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer electronic component includes a body with a dielectric layer and internal electrode layers alternately disposed in a first direction with the dielectric layer therebetween, the internal electrode layers including internal electrodes and dummy electrodes spaced apart from the internal electrodes, an external electrode connected to the internal electrodes, and an insulating portion disposed on a side surface of the body between the external electrodes. The dummy electrodes may overlap exposed portions of the internal electrodes.