Parallel Capacitor Element Layout for Low-ESL Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitors face challenges in achieving both low equivalent series inductance (ESL) and downsizing, as existing designs often compromise on one or the other.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor design comprising two solid electrolytic capacitor elements with specific terminal arrangements and a resin part that overlaps cathodes and anodes, allowing for parallel connection and reduced magnetic interference, thereby minimizing ESL and optimizing space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional capacitor designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the equivalent series inductance (ESL) is high and downsizing is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is divided into multiple capacitor elements (first capacitor element, second capacitor element, etc.) arranged in a specific pattern. Each element has its own anode, cathode, and dielectric layer, allowing independent current paths that cancel magnetic fields and reduce ESL while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor elements are arranged in both first and second directions orthogonal to each other, creating a two-dimensional layout. This dimensional expansion allows for magnetic field cancellation patterns and optimized current paths without significantly increasing vertical height, achieving downsizing in the planar dimensions
2Volume of moving object
If capacitor size is reduced, then downsizing is achieved, but ESL increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple segmented capacitor elements create parallel current paths that are spatially distributed. The alternating arrangement of anodes and cathodes in different directions ensures that magnetic fields from adjacent elements cancel each other, maintaining low ESL even as overall capacitor volume is reduced
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful magnetic fields generated by compact capacitor elements into a beneficial cancellation effect. By strategically positioning elements with alternating polarities in the first and second directions, the magnetic fields interfere destructively, reducing total ESL while enabling smaller form factor
3Reliability
If multiple capacitor elements are arranged to cancel magnetic fields, then ESL is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple capacitor elements share common terminal structures and are integrated within a single resin part housing. The anodes and cathodes of adjacent elements are positioned to share boundary regions, and the resin part provides unified structural support, reducing the complexity increase that would normally result from multiple discrete components
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 achieves low ESL and downsizing by canceling out magnetic fields and reducing dead space, enhancing capacitance per unit volume and improving positional accuracy, thus reducing impedance and increasing current path efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a resin part covering the first capacitor element and the second capacitor element, the resin part exposing the first anode terminal, the second anode terminal, the first cathode terminal, and the second cathode terminal
Implementation Method 2
The first dielectric layer covers the first end surface of the first anode, the second end surface of the first anode, and the outer peripheral surface of the first anode
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitor includes a first capacitor element, a second capacitor element, a first anode terminal plate, a second anode terminal plate, a first cathode terminal plate, a second cathode terminal plate, and a resin part. The second capacitor element is adjacent to the first capacitor element in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction. The first capacitor element includes a first outer lead part of a first anode lead and a first cathode that are disposed side by side in this order in the first direction. The second capacitor element includes a second cathode and a second outer lead part of a second anode lead that are disposed side by side in this order in the first direction. The first outer lead part overlaps the second cathode at side view in the second direction. The second outer lead part overlaps the first cathode at the side view.