Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor Side Electrode Thickness for Crack Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilayer ceramic capacitors with a three-terminal structure are prone to cracking at the outermost layer and face installation challenges due to unsatisfactory mounting properties on installation boards.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a multilayer ceramic component with side outer electrodes having greater electrode thickness than the center outer electrode, and specific configurations such as convex portions and thickest portions on the side surfaces to distribute stress and ensure stable installation, reducing cracking and improving mounting reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the three-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor structure is used with center outer electrode and side outer electrodes, then the capacitor can be electrically connected to the installation board, but cracking easily occurs at or near the outermost layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the side outer electrodes thicker than the center outer electrode. Specifically, the side outer electrodes have a first thickness in the lamination direction that is greater than the second thickness of the center outer electrode. This localized thickness variation strengthens the outermost layer at critical stress points (side electrodes) while maintaining the electrical connection function of all electrodes to the installation board.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thickness parameter of the outer electrodes to resolve the contradiction. By increasing the thickness of the side outer electrodes relative to the center outer electrode, the structural strength and crack resistance are improved without compromising the electrical connection functionality, as all electrodes remain properly connected to the installation board.
2Reliability
If the three-terminal multilayer ceramic capacitor structure is used, then electrical connection is achieved, but satisfactory installation properties are not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating thickest portions at specific locations of the side outer electrodes. The side outer electrodes have a first thickness in the lamination direction that is greater than the second thickness of the center outer electrode, with thickest portions positioned at predetermined locations. This localized thickness variation improves installation properties by providing better mechanical support and alignment during mounting, while maintaining electrical connection reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform electrode thickness is used for all outer electrodes, then manufacturing is simplified, but cracking occurs at the outermost layer and installation properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing local quality through non-uniform electrode thickness. The side outer electrodes have a first thickness in the lamination direction that is greater than the second thickness of the center outer electrode. This differentiated thickness design improves crack resistance and installation properties while remaining manufacturable through standard ceramic layering and electrode application processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer ceramic electronic component includes a multilayer ceramic element, a center outer electrode at a center portion of a surface of the multilayer ceramic element, side outer electrodes interposing the center outer electrode therebetween, first inner electrodes inside the multilayer ceramic element and electrically connected to the outer electrode via center extending portions, and second inner electrodes electrically connected to the side outer electrodes via first and second-side extending portions. Exposed ends of the first-side extending portions of the second inner electrodes near a center layer of the multilayer ceramic element are spaced from an end surface of the multilayer ceramic element by a distance C. Exposed ends of the first-side extending portions of the second inner electrodes disposed near an outermost layer of the multilayer portion are spaced from the end surface of the multilayer ceramic element by a distance D greater than the distance C.