Multilayer Capacitor Electrode Gap Layout for Low Capacitance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multilayer ceramic capacitors face challenges in achieving low electric capacitance without compromising size or increasing ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) and reducing the number of internal electrode stacks, which can lead to decreased Q value.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer capacitor design featuring internal electrodes spaced apart on the same dielectric layer with strategically arranged gaps to create floating capacitance, allowing for adjustable electric capacitance without excessive reduction in the number of internal electrode stacks, utilizing a sintered dielectric layer structure with barium titanate-based materials and non-planar electrode surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the number of internal electrode stacks is reduced to achieve low capacitance, then electric capacitance is reduced, but Q value decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric capacitanceVSAvoidQ value
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The internal electrodes are segmented into multiple stacks that are spaced apart from each other, creating gaps between adjacent electrodes. This segmentation reduces the overlapping area between electrodes, thereby reducing capacitance while maintaining sufficient electrode数量 for high Q value

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces gaps at specific locations between internal electrodes, creating non-uniform spacing. This local modification reduces capacitance in specific regions while maintaining electrode structure integrity, achieving low capacitance without excessive reduction in electrode stacks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If low-κ ceramic is used as dielectric material to achieve low capacitance, then electric capacitance is reduced, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric capacitanceVSAvoidcapacitor size
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing dielectric material properties, the patent reduces capacitance by modifying the spatial arrangement of internal electrodes in the stacking direction. By creating gaps between electrodes in the vertical dimension, capacitance is reduced without increasing the lateral footprint of the capacitor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If internal electrodes are spaced apart to reduce capacitance, then electric capacitance is reduced, but ESR increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric capacitanceVSAvoidESR
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial spacing between internal electrodes rather than complete separation. The gaps are strategically positioned and sized to reduce capacitance to the desired level while maintaining sufficient electrode overlap to keep ESR within acceptable ranges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

The design effectively achieves relatively low electric capacitance while maintaining a suitable structure for capacitance adjustment, minimizing increases in ESR and preserving the Q value, thus addressing the limitations of existing capacitors.

Implementation Method 1

a body (110) including a plurality of dielectric layers (111) disposed in a first direction, a plurality of first internal electrodes (121) disposed in the first direction, and a plurality of second internal electrodes (122) disposed in the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric polarization: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP4325538A1Multilayer capacitor
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD
  • EP4325538A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4325538A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4325538A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multilayer capacitor includes a body including a plurality of dielectric layers disposed in a first direction, a plurality of first internal electrodes disposed in the first direction, and a plurality of second internal electrodes disposed in the first direction. At least a portion of the plurality of first internal electrodes and the plurality of second internal electrodes are spaced apart from each other on a same dielectric layer among the plurality of dielectric layers to have a gap, and among at least three gaps adjacent in the first direction, a gap having a greater distance in the first direction from a reference of the body in the first direction has a greater distance in one direction from a reference of the body in the one direction.