Optimization of multi-layer ceramic capacitor geometry for maximum yield during binder burnout

Abstract

The yield during binder burnout of barium titanate multi-layer ceramic capacitors with poly(vinyl) butyral as a binder and platinum as the electrode material depends on the side length and height of the devices. In general, the yield decreases with increasing volume of the capacitor and depends on the aspect ratio of the component. For capacitors of square parallelepiped geometry, the optimum aspect ratio determined from the analysis of binder burnout yield data occurs at a height-to-length ratio of approximately 1 : 3. A methodology is presented which describes how to use the yield data obtained from binder burnout experiments to guide the optimum design of capacitor geometry. Analytical expressions were developed for capacitors of cube, square parallelepiped, rectangular parallelepiped, circular cylinder, and elliptical cylinder geometry. As the dependence of the yield on the dimensions becomes more complex, the optimum shape of the capacitor becomes more asymmetric.