Avx Corporation

Jason MacNeal

Andrew Paul Ritter

John L Galvagni

Robert H Heistand, Ii

Sriram Dattaguru

Carl L Eggerding

A method of forming a window via capacitor comprises a first step of providing a plurality of interleaved dielectric layers and paired electrode layers to create a multilayered arrangement characterized by top and bottom surfaces and a plurality pf side surfaces. First and second transition layer electrode portions are provided on a top surface of the multilayered arrangement on top of which a cover layer formed to define openings, or windows, therein is provided. The cover layer may be provided before device firing or may be printed on after firing using polymer or glass. Peripheral terminations are subsequently formed on the device periphery to connect selected electrode layers to respective transition layer electrode portions. Via terminations are formed in the cover layer openings, on top of which solder balls may be applied. Some of the terminations may be formed in accordance with various plating techniques as disclosed.

Window via capacitors

A window via capacitor comprises a stacked multilayer configuration of at least one bottom layer, a plurality of first and second layers, a transition layer and a cover layer. An alternative window via capacitor comprises a stacked configuration of a bottom window layer, a bottom transition layer, a plurality of first and second layers, followed by a top window layer and a top cover layer. Each first and second layer is preferably characterized by a sheet of dielectric material with a respective first or second electrode plate provided thereon. Adjacent first and second electrode plates form opposing active capacitor plates in the multilayer configuration. Portions of each first and second electrode plate extend to and are exposed on selected side portions of the periphery of the window via capacitor. Electrode portions of each transition layer are aligned in respective similar locations to the first and second electrode plates such that peripheral terminations can connect selected electrode portions of a first polarity together and selected portions of the opposing polarity together. In some embodiments, the connection of peripheral terminations to the electrode portions of the transition layer collect the two opposing terminations onto a single planar surface. Window vias may then be formed through windows provided in the cover layers to effect low inductance electrical connection to the active components of the window via capacitor. Solder balls may also be applied to such window vias to yield a capacitor compatible with BGA mounting technology.

Window via capacitor

Improved terminations, interconnection techniques, and inductive element features for multilayer electronic components are formed in accordance with disclosed plating techniques. Monolithic components are provided with plated terminations whereby the need for typical thick-film termination stripes is eliminated or greatly simplified. Such plated termination technology eliminates many typical termination problems and enables a higher number of terminations with finer pitch, which may be especially beneficial on smaller electronic components. The subject plated terminations are guided and anchored by exposed varying width internal electrode tabs and additional anchor tab portions. Such anchor tabs may be positioned internally or externally relative to a chip structure to nucleate additional metallized plating material. The combination of electrode tabs and anchor tabs may be exposed in respective arrangements to form generally discoidal portions of plated material. Such plated material may ultimately form generally round portions of ball limiting metallurgy (BLM) to which solder balls may be reflowed. The disclosed technology may be utilized with a plurality of monolithic multilayer components, including interdigitated capacitors, multilayer capacitor arrays, and integrated passive components. A variety of different plating techniques and materials may be employed in the formation of the subject self-determining plated terminations and inductive components.

Component formation via plating technology

A window via capacitor includes a stacked configuration of at least one bottom layer, a plurality of first and second layers, a transition layer and a cover layer. Alternatively, bottom window and transition layers, a plurality of first and second layers, followed by top window and cover layers are respectively provided. First and second layers are characterized by respective sheets of dielectric material with an electrode plate provided thereon, adjacent pairs of electrode plates forming opposing active capacitor plates. Portions of each electrode plate as well as electrode portions provided on each transition layer are exposed on side portions of the window via capacitor periphery, such that terminations can connect respective first and second polarity electrodes together. Window vias may then be formed through windows provided in the cover layers to effect low inductance electrical connection to the active components of the window via capacitor.

Growing community of inventors

Georgetown, SC, United States of America

Jason MacNeal