Multilayer Capacitor External Electrodes for Thin High-Rigidity MLCCs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilayer ceramic capacitors face challenges in maintaining electrical characteristics and mechanical strength when thinned for reduced thickness, leading to difficulties in securing sufficient electrical performance and structural stability.
Innovation Solution
The multilayer capacitor design includes external electrodes with a first layer containing metal particles with an element A, an oxide of an element Z, and an A-Z intermetallic compound phase, where element Z has a higher ionization tendency, and a copper plating layer, enhancing adhesion and electrical conductivity, while the oxide of element A on the surface reduces nickel oxide formation and improves conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the multilayer ceramic capacitor is thinned to reduce thickness, then the size is reduced, but the electrical characteristics and mechanical strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The external electrode uses a composite structure with metal particles (element A), oxide of element Z, and A-Z intermetallic compound phase. This composite material composition enhances electrical conductivity and adhesion strength even in thinned capacitors, resolving the contradiction between reduced thickness and maintained electrical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxide of element Z is specifically positioned on the surface of metal particles within the external electrode, creating localized functional regions. This local quality enhancement at the electrode surface improves electrical characteristics without requiring overall thickness increase, allowing thin design while maintaining performance.
2Volume of moving object
If the external electrode is thinned to reduce capacitor thickness, then the size is reduced, but the mechanical strength of the external electrode deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The external electrode incorporates A-Z intermetallic compound phase formed between element A metal particles and oxide of element Z. This intermetallic compound acts as a strengthening phase that enhances mechanical strength and adhesion to internal electrodes, allowing the external electrode to be thinner while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the external electrode by introducing element Z with higher ionization tendency than element A. This parameter change in material composition creates oxide layers and intermetallic compounds that significantly improve mechanical strength and adhesion properties without increasing thickness.
3Volume of moving object
If the dielectric layer and internal electrodes are thinned to reduce capacitor size, then the thickness is reduced, but the electrical characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The external electrode uses a composite material system comprising metal particles of element A, oxide of element Z on particle surfaces, and A-Z intermetallic compound phase. This composite structure provides enhanced electrical conductivity and contact quality, compensating for the reduced thickness of dielectric and internal electrode layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxide of element Z is localized on the surface of metal particles in the external electrode, creating high-quality electrical contact interfaces. This local enhancement at critical contact points improves overall electrical characteristics without requiring proportional increases in overall component thickness.
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
This design improves the structural stability and electrical characteristics of the multilayer capacitor, making it suitable for miniaturized components with small thickness, maintaining high rigidity and performance even at reduced dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
an oxide of an element Z, disposed on the metal particle, and an A-Z intermetallic compound phase
Implementation Method 2
an A-Z intermetallic compound phase, where the element Z has a higher ionization tendency than the element A
Implementation Method 3
The second layer may be a copper (Cu) plating layer
Implementation Method 4
The second layer may include a diffusion region of the element A. The diffusion region may exist at a grain boundary of a metal component included in the second layer
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer capacitor includes a body including a dielectric layer and a plurality of internal electrodes stacked on each other with the dielectric layer interposed therebetween; and external electrodes disposed externally on the body, and respectively including a first layer connected to the internal electrode and a second layer covering the first layer, wherein the first layer includes a metal particle including an element A, an oxide of an element Z, formed on the metal particle, and an A-Z intermetallic compound phase, and here, the element Z has a higher ionization tendency than the element A.