Self-Damping MLCC Array Using Out-of-Phase Pulse Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MLCCs with polarized dielectrics, such as barium titanate, generate microphonic noise due to electrostriction and piezoelectric effects, which are transferred to circuit boards as audible noise, particularly in portable devices, and existing structural techniques for reducing this noise are incomplete.

Innovation Solution

An MLCC array is designed with capacitive couples in different electrical phases to internally dampen microphonic noise, using AC signals out of phase to cancel noise generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external dampers are added to MLCC arrays, then resonance and standing waves are suppressed, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonance suppressionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the damper function with the MLCC array structure by forming a damping layer that integrates with the array substrate. The damping layer is formed directly on the array substrate through coating processes, merging the structural support function with the vibration damping function into a single integrated component, thereby eliminating the need for separate external dampers and reducing assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The MLCC array structure itself provides the damping function through the integrated damping layer. The array substrate and mounting structure are designed to work together as a self-damping system, where the mounting structure's mechanical properties and the damping layer collectively suppress resonance and standing waves without requiring external damping components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If MLCC array operates at high frequency, then signal transmission speed increases, but resonance and standing waves are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission speedVSAvoidresonance and standing waves
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful resonance and standing wave effects into a controlled damping mechanism. The damping layer is specifically designed to absorb and dissipate the vibrational energy generated at high frequencies, transforming the harmful mechanical resonance into controlled energy dissipation that protects the MLCC array from damage while maintaining high-frequency signal transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 MLCC array effectively reduces microphonic noise by an order of magnitude, enhancing design flexibility and reducing audible noise in electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a damping layer 140 formed over the array substrate 104 and comprising a viscoelastic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Implementation Method 2

comprising a viscoelastic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3574514B1Self-damping MLCC array
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 KEMET ELECTRONICS CORP
  • EP3574514B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3574514B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3574514B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

An electronic component with a self-damping MLCC is provided. The electronic component comprising a pulse signal generator and a substrate comprising first traces and second traces. An MLCC is provided comprising a first capacitive couple between two first external terminations and a second capacitive couple between two second external terminations wherein each first external termination is in electrical contact with a different first trace and each second external termination is in electrical contact with a different second trace. The pulse signal generator provides a first pulse to the first traces and a second pulse to the second traces wherein the first pulse and second pulse are not in phase.