Porous Silicon Capacitor Structure for Higher Areal Capacitance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capacitors using silicon substrates have limited electrostatic capacitance per substrate unit area.

Innovation Solution

The capacitor design includes porous parts in both opening and non-opening regions of the silicon substrate, with terminals overlapping these porous parts, increasing the electrode area and enhancing electrostatic capacitance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If porous parts are provided in the silicon substrate to increase electrostatic capacitance, then the electrostatic capacitance per substrate unit area is improved, but the substrate strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic capacitanceVSAvoidsubstrate strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing porous parts only in specific regions (opening regions and non-opening regions) of the silicon substrate rather than uniformly throughout. This localized porosity increases electrostatic capacitance in areas where it is needed while preserving substrate strength in other areas. The porous parts are strategically positioned to maximize capacitance without compromising overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining porous silicon regions with solid silicon regions in the substrate. This composite approach allows the porous parts to provide high electrostatic capacitance while the solid parts maintain mechanical strength. The conductor layers and dielectric layers further contribute to this composite structure, creating a multi-material system that optimizes both electrical and mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If the electrode area is increased to enhance electrostatic capacitance, then the electrostatic capacitance per substrate unit area is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic capacitanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent increases electrode area by utilizing the vertical dimension through porous parts that extend into the substrate thickness direction. This three-dimensional electrode configuration allows for significantly increased surface area without proportionally increasing the planar footprint. The porous structure creates multiple interfaces between conductor and dielectric layers, effectively multiplying the capacitive area within a compact volume.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where conductor layers and dielectric layers are alternately stacked within the porous parts of the substrate. This nested arrangement of multiple layers within the porous regions maximizes the use of available space, creating a compact high-capacitance structure that fits within the substrate without requiring excessive lateral expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 effectively increases electrostatic capacitance per substrate unit area while maintaining substrate strength, reducing Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) and Equivalent Series Inductance (ESL), and allowing integration into electronic components with multiterminal geometry.

Implementation Method 1

a dielectric layer, a conductive portion, and a second terminal 32. The silicon substrate 2 has a principal surface 21 and a porous part 23

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic induction: Electrostatic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12451290B2Capacitor
Publication Date: 2025.10.21 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US12451290B2 patent drawing
  • US12451290B2 patent drawing
  • US12451290B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A capacitor includes a silicon substrate, a first terminal, a dielectric layer, a conductive portion, and a second terminal. The silicon substrate has a principal surface and a porous part. The principal surface includes an opening region and a non-opening region other than the opening region. The porous part has an opening in the opening region. The first terminal is electrically connected to the silicon substrate. The dielectric layer is formed on an inner surface of the porous part. The conductive portion is filled, on the dielectric layer, in the porous part. The second terminal is electrically connected to the conductive portion. At least one of the first terminal or the second terminal overlaps at least part of the porous part in the normal direction of the principal surface.