Multilayer ceramic electronic component and method of manufacturing the same

A multilayer ceramic electronic component, comprising:

• a ceramic body including dielectric layers therein;
• a plurality of internal electrodes facing each other with the dielectric layer interposed therebetween;
• and
• external electrodes electrically connected to the plurality of internal electrodes,
• wherein, when a thickness of the dielectric layer is denoted by td, td≦0.6 μm is satisfied, and
• when, in a cross-section of the ceramic body taken in length and thickness (L-T) directions, cut through a central portion of the ceramic body in a width (W) direction thereof, a distance, in the length direction, of a central portion of an internal electrode grain closest to a disconnected portion of the internal electrode is denoted by Tc, and a distance, in the length direction, of the internal electrode grain at a point equal to 25% of a thickness thereof above or below the central portion thereof is denoted by Tl, 0.7≦Tl/Tc≦1.3 is satisfied.

A method of manufacturing a multilayer ceramic electronic component, the method comprising:

• preparing ceramic green sheets including dielectric layers;
• forming internal electrode patterns on the ceramic green sheets, by using a conductive paste for internal electrodes, containing a conductive metal powder and a ceramic powder;
• and
• laminating and sintering the ceramic green sheets having the internal electrode patterns formed thereon, to thereby form a ceramic body including a plurality of internal electrodes disposed to face each other with the dielectric layer interposed therebetween,
• wherein, in a cross-section of the ceramic body taken in length and thickness (L-T) directions, cut through a central portion of the ceramic body in a width (W) direction thereof, a distance, in the length direction, of a central portion of an internal electrode grain closest to a disconnected portion of the internal electrode is denoted by Tc, and a distance, in the length direction, of the internal electrode grain at a point equal to 25% of a thickness thereof above or below the central portion thereof is denoted by Tl, 0.7≦Tl/Tc≦1.3 is satisfied.