Dielectric composition having increased homogeneity and insulation resistance, method of preparing the same and multi-layer ceramic capacitor using the same

A method of preparing a dielectric composition, comprising the steps of:

• calcining a mixture of a main ingredient comprising barium-, calcium-, titanium- and zirconia-supplying compounds, and a supplementary ingredient, to prepare a dielectric component represented by the following chemical formula 1, said supplementary ingredient consisting of one member selected from among Y oxides, La oxides, Ho oxides, Dy oxides, Er oxides, Hf oxides and combinations thereof, another member selected from among Mn oxides, Co oxides, Ni oxides and combinations thereof and a further member selected from among V oxides, Nb oxides, Ta oxides and combinations thereof;
• mixing the calcined dielectric component of the chemical formula 1 with a sintering aid represented by the following chemical formula 2;
• and
• firing the mixture of the dielectric component and the sintering aid:
• (Ba1−x−yCaxAy)m(Ti1−a−b−cZraB′bB″c)O3+m Chemical Formula 1
• wherein 0.01≦x≦0.10, 0.003≦y≦0.015, 0.16≦a≦0.20, 0.003≦b≦0.015, 0≦c≦0.015, 1.000≦m≦1.010;
• the component A is selected from the group consisting of Y oxides, La oxides, Ho oxides, Dy oxides, Er oxides, Hf oxides and combinations thereof;
• the component B′ is selected from the group consisting of Mn oxides, Co oxides, Ni oxides and combinations thereof;
• and the component B″ is selected from the group consisting of V oxides, Nb oxides, Ta oxides and combinations thereof;
• zLi2O-2(1-z)SiO2(0≦z≦0.9) Chemical Formula 2.