Multilayer Capacitor Dummy Electrodes ESL Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multilayer capacitors, reducing thickness to meet miniaturization demands often compromises capacitance and mechanical rigidity, and the addition of dummy electrodes to enhance rigidity can increase equivalent series inductance (ESL).
Innovation Solution
Incorporating dummy electrodes in both upper and lower cover regions of the multilayer capacitor, with their total thickness controlled to be less than 20% of the cover region and external electrode thickness, to maintain mechanical rigidity while minimizing ESL increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the thickness of the multilayer capacitor is reduced to meet miniaturization demands, then the two-dimensional mounting area is increased, but the capacitance cannot be suitably implemented and mechanical rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dummy electrodes extending in the thickness direction (third dimension) within the cover regions to enhance mechanical rigidity, while maintaining a reduced overall thickness for compact mounting area. This dimensional approach allows simultaneous optimization of both mounting footprint and structural strength.
2Strength
If dummy electrodes are added to enhance mechanical rigidity, then mechanical strength is improved, but equivalent series inductance (ESL) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy electrodes are localized specifically within the cover regions and do not extend into the active capacitor region. This localized placement provides mechanical reinforcement where needed while minimizing interference with the electrical performance and inductance characteristics of the active electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The dummy electrodes are designed with controlled dimensions where their total thickness is less than 20% of the sum of the cover region thickness and external electrode thickness. This partial action provides sufficient mechanical support while limiting the increase in equivalent series inductance.
3Device complexity
If the number of stacked internal electrodes is insufficient, then the device complexity is reduced, but it is difficult to implement high capacitance and equivalent series resistance (ESR) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy electrodes act as intermediary structural elements that provide mechanical support and stability to the capacitor body, enabling the use of fewer stacked internal electrodes while maintaining overall device reliability. The dummy electrodes compensate for the reduced number of active electrodes by reinforcing the structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer capacitor includes a body including an active region including a plurality of first and second internal electrodes alternately disposed with respective dielectric layers interposed therebetween and upper and lower cover regions, and having first and second surfaces opposing each other and third and fourth surfaces opposing each other, the first and second internal electrodes being exposed to the third and fourth surfaces, respectively, first and second external electrodes disposed on the third and fourth surfaces, respectively, and connected to the first and second internal electrodes, respectively, and a plurality of dummy electrodes disposed in the lower cover region. A total thickness of the dummy electrodes disposed in the lower cover region is less than 20% of a sum of a thickness of the lower cover region and a thickness of one of the first and second external electrodes disposed on a mounting surface of the body.