Sulfur-Protected MLCC Base Electrodes Against Plating Cracks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multilayer ceramic capacitors face issues with moisture resistance due to the dissolution of glass components during the plating process, leading to cracks in the base electrode layer and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer ceramic capacitor design that includes a protective layer of sulfur between the glass in the base electrode layers and the plated layers, enhancing moisture resistance by preventing glass erosion during plating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the plating process is performed on the base electrode layer containing glass, then the plated layer is formed on the external electrode, but the glass component is dissolved by the plating solution causing cracks in the base electrode layer and reduced moisture resistance
Solution Approach 1:
A protective layer comprising sulfur is introduced as an intermediary between the glass-containing base electrode layer and the plated layer. This protective layer prevents direct contact between the plating solution and glass components, eliminating glass dissolution and crack formation while allowing the plating process to proceed normally. The sulfur layer acts as a barrier that mediates the interaction between the plating solution and the base electrode layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer comprising sulfur is formed on the base electrode layer before the plating process is performed. This preliminary action prepares the surface by preventing glass dissolution in advance, ensuring that the base electrode layer maintains its integrity throughout the subsequent plating process and throughout the product's service life.
2Reliability
If the base electrode layer includes glass to improve electrical properties, then the electrode performance is enhanced, but the glass dissolves during plating leading to cracks and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The sulfur-containing protective layer serves as a mediator that shields the glass components in the base electrode layer from the harmful plating solution. This allows the glass to remain in the base electrode layer for electrical performance enhancement without suffering from dissolution, as the protective layer blocks the harmful chemical interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of glass dissolution into a benefit by using the plating solution's chemical reactivity to form a protective sulfur layer that actually protects the glass. The plating solution, which would normally dissolve the glass, is instead used to create a protective barrier through the sulfur component.
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 sulfur protective layer effectively improves the moisture resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitors, reducing the risk of cracks and maintaining performance under humid conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a protective layer including sulfur is provided between the glass included in the base electrode layers and the plated layers
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a multilayer body including dielectric layers and internal electrode layers alternately laminated therein, base electrode layers respectively provided on both end surfaces of the multilayer body in a length direction intersecting a lamination direction, and each connected to the internal electrode layers and each including glass and copper, and plated layers respectively provided on an outer side of the base electrode layers. A protective layer including sulfur is provided between the glass included in the base electrode layers and the plated layers.