Quartz Resonator Electrode Structure for Thermal-Stable Vibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The vibration characteristics of quartz crystal resonator elements can deteriorate due to the placement of extraction electrodes in regions affected by vibration, leading to potential thermal stress and frequency/temperature characteristic issues.
Innovation Solution
The resonator element design includes quartz crystal substrates with specific electrode configurations where coupling electrodes are positioned outside the regions prone to vibration, reducing thermal stress and maintaining excellent vibration characteristics by avoiding regions Tx1 and Tx2, and allowing for a more compact size with reduced wiring resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extraction electrodes are disposed in regions easily affected by vibration characteristics (thin portion regions), then electrical coupling is improved, but vibration characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect is extracted by removing the extraction electrodes from the vibration-prone thin portion regions (Tx1 and Tx2). The electrodes are relocated to safer regions where they do not interfere with the vibration characteristics, thereby eliminating the source of thermal stress and frequency/temperature characteristic deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the specific arrangement of electrode portions on the side surface and surfaces) that mediates between the need for electrical coupling and the need to avoid vibration interference. This intermediary configuration allows electrical functionality while protecting against harmful thermal stress.
2Ease of manufacture
If extraction electrodes are placed in vibration-prone regions, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but frequency/temperature characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the placement locations of different electrode portions. The first electrode portion is specifically positioned on the side surface and first surface away from vibration regions, while other portions are placed in their respective optimal locations. This localized strategic placement ensures electrical connectivity without compromising frequency/temperature characteristics.
3Reliability
If coupling electrodes are disposed along the extension region of excitation electrodes, then electrical coupling efficiency is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes another dimension by placing the first electrode portion on the side surface of the resonator element rather than only on the top surface. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the coupling electrodes to be positioned more efficiently in space, achieving good electrical coupling without increasing the planar footprint of the device.
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 configuration effectively suppresses the reduction in vibration characteristics, resulting in a resonator element with improved temperature stability and reduced size, while maintaining efficient electrical coupling and manufacturing ease.
Implementation Method 1
A quartz crystal resonator element includes a quartz crystal substrate and an electrode disposed at the quartz crystal substrate
Implementation Method 2
a first excitation electrode disposed at an upper surface of the thick portion, a second excitation electrode disposed at a lower surface of the thick portion
Data Source
AI summary
A resonator element includes a quartz crystal substrate including a first surface along an X axis which is an electrical axis, a second surface along the X axis, and a side surface, a first excitation electrode, a second excitation electrode, a first coupling electrode, a second coupling electrode, a first extraction electrode that couples the first excitation electrode and the first coupling electrode, and a second extraction electrode that couples the second excitation electrode and the second coupling electrode. In plan view, a virtual extension region is obtained by extending the first excitation electrode along the X axis.