Multi-layer type over-current and over-temperature protection structure and method for manufacturing the same

A multi-layer type over-current and over-temperature protection structure, comprising:

• a plurality of over-current and over-temperature protection elements, wherein each over-current and over-temperature protection element has a top electrode layer, a bottom electrode layer, a positive temperature coefficient material layer disposed between the top electrode layer and the bottom electrode layer, and each over-current and over-temperature protection element has a power input portion, a power output portion, and a plurality of insulative portions for limiting currents in each over-current and over-temperature protection element to only flow from the power input portion to the power output portion through the positive temperature coefficient material layer;
• a plurality of insulative elements respectively disposed between each two over-current and over-temperature protection elements for insulating the over-current and over-temperature protection elements from each other;
• and
• a lateral conductive unit having a plurality of lateral conductive layers insulated from each other, wherein each lateral conductive layer is formed from top to bottom on lateral sides of the two over-current and over-temperature protection elements and the insulative elements, and each lateral conductive layer is electrically connected with one of the power input portions or one of the power output portions.

A method for manufacturing a multi-layer type over-current and over-temperature protection structure, comprising:

• providing a top cover insulating layer that has a plurality of top cover conductive pads formed on a top surface thereof and insulated from each other;
• providing at least two over-current and over-temperature protection elements, wherein each over-current and over-temperature protection element has a top electrode layer, a bottom electrode layer, a positive temperature coefficient material layer disposed between the top electrode layer and the bottom electrode layer, and each over-current and over-temperature protection element has a power input portion, a power output portion, and a plurality of insulative portions for limiting currents in each over-current and over-temperature protection element to only flow from the power input portion to the power output portion through the positive temperature coefficient material layer;
• providing an insulative element disposed between the two over-current and over-temperature protection elements for insulating the two over-current and over-temperature protection elements from each other;
• providing a bottom cover insulating layer that has a plurality of bottom cover conductive pads formed on a bottom surface thereof and insulated from each other;
• making the top cover insulating layer, a combination of the two over-current and over-temperature protection elements and the insulative element, and the bottom cover insulating layer stacked together in sequence;
• and
• forming a plurality of lateral conductive layers insulated from each other, wherein each lateral conductive layer is formed on lateral sides of the top cover insulating layer, the combination of the two over-current and over-temperature protection elements and the insulative element, and the bottom cover insulating layer in sequence, and each lateral conductive layer is electrically connected with the corresponding top conductive pad, the corresponding bottom conductive pad, and one of the power input portions or one of the power output portions.

A method for manufacturing a multi-layer type over-current and over-temperature protection structure, comprising:

• providing a top cover insulating layer that has a plurality of top cover conductive pads formed on a top surface thereof and insulated from each other;
• providing a plurality of over-current and over-temperature protection elements, wherein each over-current and over-temperature protection element has a top electrode layer, a bottom electrode layer, a positive temperature coefficient material layer disposed between the top electrode layer and the bottom electrode layer, and each over-current and over-temperature protection element has a power input portion, a power output portion, and a plurality of insulative portions for limiting currents in each over-current and over-temperature protection element to only flow from the power input portion to the power output portion through the positive temperature coefficient material layer;
• providing a plurality of insulative elements respectively disposed between each two over-current and over-temperature protection elements for insulating the over-current and over-temperature protection elements from each other;
• providing a bottom cover insulating layer that has a plurality of bottom cover conductive pads formed on a bottom surface thereof and insulated from each other;
• making the top cover insulating layer, a combination of the over-current and over-temperature protection elements and the insulative elements, and the bottom cover insulating layer stacked together in sequence;
• and
• forming a plurality of lateral conductive layers insulated from each other, wherein each lateral conductive layer is formed on lateral sides of the top cover insulating layer, the combination of the over-current and over-temperature protection elements and the insulative elements, and the bottom cover insulating layer in sequence, and each lateral conductive layer is electrically connected with the corresponding top, conductive pad, the corresponding bottom conductive pad, and one of the power input portions or one of the power output portions.