Thermistor Element Electrode Overlap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing thermistor elements, particularly in electromagnetic wave sensors, face reliability issues due to insufficient contact area between electrodes and the thermistor film, leading to inconsistent resistance values and reduced sensor reliability.
Innovation Solution
A thermistor element design featuring a CPP structure with a pair of first electrodes and an insulation film, where the electrodes have overlapping and non-overlapping regions, increasing the contact area with the thermistor film and improving reliability by optimizing the resistance value and film quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrode contacts the thermistor film through an opening portion passing through an insulating film, then the electrode can be electrically connected to the thermistor film, but the contact area between the electrode and the thermistor film is insufficient leading to reliability problems
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure transitions from a single-plane contact through an opening to a multi-dimensional configuration where the electrode extends in both overlapping and non-overlapping regions relative to the opening portion, effectively increasing the contact area by utilizing spatial dimensionality
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is divided into multiple regions (overlapping region and non-overlapping region) relative to the opening portion, allowing each region to contribute differently to the electrical connection and heat dissipation, thereby optimizing both contact area and functional performance
2Reliability
If a CIP structure is used with high resistance value, then the thermistor film can function as a temperature sensor, but the contact area between electrode and thermistor film is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the electrode are designed with different functional qualities: the overlapping region provides stable electrical connection with controlled resistance, while the non-overlapping region enhances contact area and heat dissipation, allowing each part to optimize its local function
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 enhanced contact area between electrodes and the thermistor film increases the reliability of the thermistor element, stabilizes resistance values, and improves the accuracy of temperature detection in electromagnetic wave sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical resistance of a thermistor film included in a thermistor element changes in accordance with a change in temperature of the thermistor film
Implementation Method 2
a temperature of a thermistor film changes when infrared rays (electromagnetic waves) incident on the thermistor film are absorbed by the thermistor film
Implementation Method 3
according to the Stefan-Boltzmann's law, there is a correlation between a temperature of a measurement target and the infrared rays (radiant heat) emitted from the measurement target through thermal radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A thermistor element includes: a thermistor film; a pair of first electrodes in contact with one surface of the thermistor film; an insulation film opposite to a contact side of the pair of first electrodes, the contact side on which the pair of first electrodes is in contact with the thermistor film; and at least one opening portion located in a region which overlaps each of the first electrodes when viewed in a plan view and passing through the insulation film. Each first electrode has a first portion located where each of the first electrodes and the opening portion overlap when viewed in a plan view and a second portion outside of where each of the first electrodes and the opening portion overlap when viewed in a plan view and is over the first portion and second portion to be in contact with the one surface of the thermistor film.