Patent Publication Number: US-9842700-B2

Title: Three-terminal capacitor

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a three-terminal capacitor. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     As electronic devices are becoming smaller and increasing their capacitance, there is also an increasing demand for smaller and increased-capacitance multilayer ceramic capacitors used in electronic devices. Additionally, due to the provision of higher-frequency, lower-voltage, and lower-power-consumption electronic devices, multilayer ceramic capacitors having a small equivalent series inductance (ESL) are required. As an example of a multilayer ceramic capacitor having a small ESL, a three-terminal ceramic capacitor is known. In this three-terminal ceramic capacitor, the distance between outer electrodes is decreased so as to decrease the path through which a current flows, thereby reducing the inductance of the three-terminal ceramic capacitor. 
     An example of such a three-terminal ceramic capacitor is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-144996. 
     However, if the distance between outer electrodes is small, the insulation resistance (IR) value between the side outer electrodes is likely to be reduced. Accordingly, a certain distance between outer electrodes is required. However, if the position at which a paste for forming an outer electrode is applied is displaced, the distance between outer electrodes is decreased. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a three-terminal capacitor in which insulation resistance between outer electrodes is less likely to be decreased since a distance between the side outer electrodes is maintained even if the position at which a paste for forming an outer electrode is applied is displaced. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a three-terminal capacitor includes a capacitor element including first and second surfaces extending in a length direction and in a width direction, third and fourth surfaces extending in the width direction and in a thickness direction, and fifth and sixth surfaces extending in the length direction and in the thickness direction; a first-side outer electrode that is disposed at a first end portion of the first surface in the length direction and on portions of the third, fifth, and sixth surfaces; a second-side outer electrode that is disposed at a second end portion of the first surface in the length direction and on portions of the fourth, fifth, and sixth surfaces; a center outer electrode that is disposed at a portion of the first surface between the first-side outer electrode and the second-side outer electrode in the length direction and on portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces; a plurality of first conductor layers that are disposed within the capacitor element and that include first extending portions connected to the center outer electrode; and a plurality of second conductor layers that are disposed within the capacitor element and that include first-side second extending portions connected to the first-side outer electrode and second-side second extending portions connected to the second-side outer electrode; wherein a pair of outermost conductor layers of the plurality of the first conductor layers and the plurality of the second conductor layers are disposed at both outermost ends in the width direction; a first one of the pair of outermost conductor layers next to one of the plurality of first conductor layers with an inner dielectric layer therebetween is connected to the center outer electrode; and a second one of the pair of outermost conductor layers next to one of the plurality of second conductor layers with an inner dielectric layer therebetween is connected to the first-side outer electrode and the second-side outer electrode. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a three-terminal capacitor includes an outer dielectric layer disposed adjacent to one of the fifth and sixth surfaces and next to one of the pair of outermost conductor layers; and a boundary layer including Mg and Mn is disposed between the outer dielectric layer and the one of the pair of outermost conductor layers. 
     In a three-terminal capacitor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the one of the pair of outermost conductor layers includes Ni; and the boundary layer includes Ni. 
     In a three-terminal capacitor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at a cross section of the capacitor element, a ratio of a total length of conductor particles of one of the pair of outermost conductor layers to a length of the one of the pair of outermost conductor layers is smaller than a ratio of a total length of conductor particles of a center conductor layer to a length of the center conductor layer, the center conductor layer is closest to a center of the cross section of the capacitor element in the thickness direction among the plurality of the first conductor layers and the plurality of the second conductor layers. 
     In a three-terminal capacitor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at a cross section of the capacitor element, a ratio of a total length of conductor particles of one of the pair of outermost conductor layers to a length of the one of the pair of outermost conductor layers is smaller than a ratio of a total length of conductor particles of a center conductor layer to a length of the center conductor layer, the center conductor layer is closest to a center in the thickness direction of the cross section of the capacitor element among the plurality of the first conductor layers and the plurality of the second conductor layers. 
     In a three-terminal capacitor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conductor particles of the one of the pair of outermost conductor layers include Ni; and the conductor particles of the center conductor layer include Ni. 
     In a three-terminal capacitor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a material is provided within the capacitor element, the material couples dielectric layers with one of the pair of outermost conductor layers located therebetween and includes at least one of Si, Al and BaTiO 3 . 
     In a three-terminal capacitor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of second conductor layers are exposed at the first surface and are connected to the first-side outer electrode and the second-side outer electrode at the first surface; and the plurality of second conductor layers are spaced apart from the third and fourth surfaces. 
     In a three-terminal capacitor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second one of the pair of outermost conductor layers is exposed at the first surface and is connected to the first-side outer electrode and the second-side outer electrode at the first surface; and the second one of the pair of outermost conductor layers is spaced apart from the third and fourth surfaces. 
     In a three-terminal capacitor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a length of the first-side outer electrode in the length direction is E 1 ; a length of the second-side outer electrode in the length direction is E 3 ; a length of the center outer electrode in the length direction is E 2 ; a width from an edge of the first-side second extending portion closer to the third surface to the third surface is M 1 L; a width from an edge of the first-side second extending portion closer to the fourth surface to an edge of the first-side outer electrode on the first surface is M 1 R; a width from an edge of the first extending portion closer to the third surface to an edge of the center outer electrode on the first surface closer to the third surface is M 2 L; a width from an edge of the first extending portion closer to the fourth surface to an edge of the center outer electrode on the first surface closer to the fourth surface is M 2 R; a width from an edge of the second-side second extending portion closer to the fourth surface to the fourth surface is M 3 R; a width from an edge of the second-side second extending portion closer to the third surface to an edge of the second-side outer electrode on the first surface is M 3 L; and E 1 &lt;E 2 , E 3 &lt;E 2 , M 2 L&lt;M 2 R, M 1 L&lt;M 1 R, and M 3 L&lt;M 3 R are satisfied. 
     According to various preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide three-terminal capacitors in which insulation resistance between outer electrodes is less likely to be decreased since the distance between the outer electrodes is maintained even if the position at which a paste for forming an outer electrode is applied is displaced. 
     The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an external perspective view of a three-terminal capacitor according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a capacitor element of the three-terminal capacitor shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the capacitor element shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is an external perspective view of a modified example of the three-terminal capacitor of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a modified example of the capacitor element shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of extending portions of inner electrodes disposed on a mounting surface of the capacitor element shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a first inner electrode and first extending portions of the capacitor element shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a second inner electrode and second extending portions of the capacitor element shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are schematic sectional views of another modified example of the three-terminal capacitor shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic front view of a fifth surface of a capacitor element of another modified example of the three-terminal capacitor of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  are schematic sectional views taken along lines VI-VI and VII-VII, respectively, of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates the interface between an outer dielectric layer and an outermost conductor layer with a boundary layer therebetween. 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  are schematic sectional views of the three-terminal capacitor of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is an external perspective view of a three-terminal capacitor according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a capacitor element of the three-terminal capacitor shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of the capacitor element shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is an external perspective view of a modified example of the three-terminal capacitor of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a modified example of the capacitor element shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a first inner electrode and a first extending portion of the capacitor element shown in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a second inner electrode and second extending portions of the capacitor element shown in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIGS. 21A and 21B  are schematic sectional views of another modified example of the three-terminal capacitor shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 22  is a flowchart illustrating an example of a manufacturing method for a three-terminal capacitor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 23A and 23B  illustrate a method for calculating an R amount of ridge lines. 
         FIGS. 24A through 24C  are schematic diagrams illustrating a path through which a signal and noise are transmitted when a three-terminal capacitor of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is used with a the first pattern. 
         FIGS. 25A through 25C  are schematic diagrams illustrating a path through which a signal and noise are transmitted when a three-terminal capacitor of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is used with a second pattern. 
         FIG. 26  is a graph illustrating frequency characteristics concerning the insertion loss when a three-terminal capacitor of a preferred embodiment is used with the first pattern and those when a three-terminal capacitor of a preferred embodiment is used with the second pattern. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Preferred Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  is an external perspective view of a three-terminal capacitor  100 .  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a capacitor element  102  of the three-terminal capacitor  100  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the capacitor element  102  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The three-terminal capacitor  100  includes a capacitor element  102  preferably having a rectangular or substantially rectangular parallelepiped configuration, center outer electrodes  104  and  105  located at the central portion of the surfaces of the capacitor element  102 , and outer electrodes  106 ,  107 ,  108 , and  109  located at the right and left end portions of the surfaces of the capacitor element  102 . 
     The capacitor element  102  includes first and second surfaces  102   a  and  102   b  opposing each other in a thickness direction (top-bottom direction) T. The capacitor element  102  also includes third and fourth surfaces  102   c  and  102   d  opposing each other in a length direction (right-left direction) L. The capacitor element  102  also includes fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  and  102   f  opposing each other in a width direction (front-back direction) W. 
     The dimension of the three-terminal capacitor  100  in the length direction L is preferably about 2.00 to about 2.10 mm, the dimension in the thickness direction T is preferably about 0.7 to about 1.0 mm, and the dimension in the width direction W is preferably about 1.20 to about 1.40 mm, for example. 
     The dimensions of the three-terminal capacitor  100  in the length direction L, the thickness direction T, and the width direction W may be measured by using a micrometer MDC-25MX made by Mitutoyo Corporation, for example. 
     The center outer electrode  104  extends from the longitudinal central portion of the first surface  102   a  to the fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  and  102   f . The center outer electrode  105  extends from the longitudinal central portion of the second surface  102   b  to the fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  and  102   f.    
     The center outer electrode  104  includes a center outer electrode body  104   a  and first portions  104   b ,  104   b . The center outer electrode body  104   a  is electrically connected to a first extending portion  132  of a first conductor layer  120 , which will be discussed later. The first portions  104   b ,  104   b  extend from both ends of the center outer electrode body  104   a . Accordingly, the center outer electrode body  104   a  is located on the first surface  102   a , and the first portions  104   b ,  104   b  are located on the fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  and  102   f.    
     Similarly, the center outer electrode  105  includes a center outer electrode body  105   a  and first portions  105   b ,  105   b . The center outer electrode body  105   a  is electrically connected to a first extending portion  133  of the first conductor layer  120 , which will be discussed later. The first portions  105   b ,  105   b  extend from both ends of the center outer electrode body  105   a . Accordingly, the center outer electrode body  105   a  is located on the second surface  102   b , and the first portions  105   b ,  105   b  are located on the fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  and  102   f.    
     The side outer electrodes  106  and  108  are respectively disposed at the left and right end portions of the first surface  102   a  with the center outer electrode  104  therebetween. 
     More specifically, the side outer electrode  106  extends from one longitudinal end of the first surface  102   a  to the third, fifth, and sixth surfaces  102   c ,  102   e , and  102   f . The side outer electrode  108  extends from the other longitudinal end of the first surface  102   a  to the fourth, fifth, and sixth surfaces  102   d ,  102   e , and  102   f.    
     The side outer electrode  106  includes an outer electrode body  106   a , second portions  106   b ,  106   b , and a third portion  106   c . The side outer electrode body  106   a  is electrically connected to a second extending portion  134  of a second conductor layer  122 , which will be discussed later. The second portions  106   b ,  106   b  extend from both ends of the side outer electrode body  106   a . The third portion  106   c  extends from one side (toward the third surface  102   c ) of the side outer electrode body  106   a . Accordingly, the side outer electrode body  106   a  is located on the first surface  102   a , the second portions  106   b ,  106   b  are located on the fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  and  102   f , and the third portion  106   c  is located on the third surface  102   c.    
     Similarly, the side outer electrode  108  includes an outer electrode body  108   a , second portions  108   b ,  108   b , and a third portion  108   c . The side outer electrode body  108   a  is electrically connected to a second extending portion  136  of the second conductor layer  122 , which will be discussed later. The second portions  108   b ,  108   b  extend from both ends of the side outer electrode body  108   a . The third portion  108   c  extends from the other side (toward the fourth surface  102   d ) of the side outer electrode body  108   a . Accordingly, the side outer electrode body  108   a  is located on the first surface  102   a , the second portions  108   b ,  108   b  are located on the fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  and  102   f , and the third portion  108   c  is located on the fourth surface  102   d.    
     The side outer electrodes  107  and  109  are respectively disposed at the left and right end portions of the second surface  102   b  with the center outer electrode  105  therebetween. 
     More specifically, the side outer electrode  107  extends from one longitudinal end of the second surface  102   b  to the third, fifth, and sixth surfaces  102   c ,  102   e , and  102   f . The side outer electrode  109  extends from the other longitudinal end of the second surface  102   b  to the fourth, fifth, and sixth surfaces  102   d ,  102   e , and  102   f.    
     The side outer electrode  107  includes an outer electrode body  107   a , second portions  107   b ,  107   b , and a third portion  107   c . The side outer electrode body  107   a  is electrically connected to a second extending portion  135  of the second conductor layer  122 , which will be discussed later. The second portions  107   b ,  107   b  extend from both ends of the side outer electrode body  107   a . The third portion  107   c  extends from one side (toward the third surface  102   c ) of the side outer electrode body  107   a . Accordingly, the side outer electrode body  107   a  is located on the second surface  102   b , the second portions  107   b ,  107   b  are located on the fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  and  102   f , and the third portion  107   c  is located on the third surface  102   c.    
     Similarly, the side outer electrode  109  includes an outer electrode body  109   a , second portions  109   b ,  109   b , and a third portion  109   c . The side outer electrode body  109   a  is electrically connected to a second extending portion  137  of the second conductor layer  122 , which will be discussed later. The second portions  109   b ,  109   b  extend from both ends of the side outer electrode body  109   a . The third portion  109   c  extends from the other side (toward the fourth surface  102   d ) of the side outer electrode body  109   a . Accordingly, the side outer electrode body  109   a  is located on the second surface  102   b , the second portions  109   b ,  109   b  are located on the fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  and  102   f , and the third portion  109   c  is located on the fourth surface  102   d.    
     With the above-described configuration, one of the first or second surface  102   a  or  102   b  defines and serves as a mounting surface of the three-terminal capacitor  100 . 
     In this case, a width B of each of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  preferably is greater than a width A of each of the side outer electrodes  106  through  109 . More specifically, the width B of each of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  preferably is about 0.63 to about 0.67 mm, while the width A of each of the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  is about 0.35 to about 0.45 mm, for example. 
     The width B of each of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the width A of each of the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  may be measured by projecting the first or second surface  102   a  or  102   b  of the three-terminal capacitor  100  at a magnifying power of 20 by using a measuring microscope MM-60 made by Nikon Corporation, for example. 
     Each of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  preferably has a desired thickness by applying a paste once, while each of the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  preferably has a desired thickness by applying a paste twice, for example. As a result, the thickness of the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  is greater than that of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105 . 
     The thickness of each of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the thickness of each of the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  may be measured as follows. By polishing the fifth surface  102   e  of the three-terminal capacitor  100  toward the center of the width direction, cross sections of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  are exposed. Then, after edge rounding caused by polishing is removed, the cross sections of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  are projected so as to measure the thicknesses thereof. 
     In this manner, by forming the thickness of the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  to be greater than that of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105 , the three-terminal capacitor  100  is capable of being mounted on a mount board in parallel or substantially in parallel with each other. As a result, the height of the three-terminal capacitor  100  mounted on a mount board is not increased. 
       FIG. 4  is an external perspective view of a modified example of the three-terminal capacitor  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In the three-terminal capacitor  100 A shown in  FIG. 4 , a width B′ of each of the first portions  104   b  and  105   b  of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105 , respectively, is greater than a width B of each of the center outer electrode bodies  104   a  and  105   a  of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105 , respectively. Similarly, a width A′ of each of the second portions  106   b  through  109   b  of the side outer electrodes  106  through  109 , respectively, is greater than a width A of the side outer electrode bodies  106   a  through  109   a  of the side outer electrodes  106  through  109 , respectively. That is, the width B′ of each of the first portions  104   b  and  105   b  of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the width A′ of each of the second portions  106   b  through  109   b  of the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  are respectively longer in the length direction L than the width B of each of the center outer electrode bodies  104   a  and  105   a  and the width A of each of the side outer electrode bodies  106   a  through  109   a.    
     In this case, the width B′ of the first portion  104   b  of the center outer electrode  104  is maximized at a boundary portion  103   a  at which the first surface  102   a  intersects with the fifth surface  102   e  and at a boundary portion  103   b  at which the first surface  102   a  intersects with the sixth surface  102   f . Similarly, the width A′ of each of the second portions  106   b  and  108   b  of the side outer electrodes  106  and  108  is maximized at the boundary portions  103   a  and  103   b.    
     The width B′ of the first portion  105   b  of the center outer electrode  105  is maximized at a boundary portion  103   c  at which the second surface  102   b  intersects with the fifth surface  102   e  and at a boundary portion  103   d  at which the second surface  102   b  intersects with the sixth surface  102   f . Similarly, the width A′ of each of the second portions  107   b  and  109   b  of the side outer electrodes  107  and  109  is maximized at the boundary portions  103   c  and  103   d.    
     As discussed above, if the width B′ of each of the first portions  104   b  and  105   b  of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  is greater than the width B of each of the center outer electrode bodies  104   a  and  105   a  of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105 , and if the width A′ of each of the second portions  106   b  through  109   b  of the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  is greater than the width A of each of the side outer electrode bodies  106   a  through  109   a  of the side outer electrodes  106  through  109 , it is possible to increase the amount of solder that is wet and is suitably bonded with the first portions  104   b  and  105   b  and with the second portions  106   b  through  109   b . Accordingly, the area of fillets formed by solder at the lands of a mount board is decreased while maintaining the bonding strength between the three-terminal capacitor  100 A and the mount board. Thus, by mounting the three-terminal capacitor  100 A configured as described above on a mount board, the area of land patterns of the mount board is capable of being significantly reduced. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , concerning the side outer electrode  106  disposed at one end portion of the first surface  102   a  in the length direction L, if the higher one of the heights of the longitudinal central portions of the second portions  106   b ,  106   b  disposed on the fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  and  102   f  is indicated by H 2  and if the height of the widthwise central portion of the third portion  106   c  disposed on the third surface  102   c  is indicated by H 3 , the relationship between the heights H 2  and H 3  preferably satisfies H 2 &gt;H 3 . 
     Concerning the side outer electrode  108  disposed at the other end portion of the first surface  102   a  in the length direction L, if the higher one of the heights of the longitudinal central portions of the second portions  108   b ,  108   b  disposed on the fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  and  102   f  is indicated by H 2 ′ and if the height of the widthwise central portion of the third portion  108   c  disposed on the fourth surface  102   d  is indicated by H 3 ′, the relationship between the heights H 2 ′ and H 3 ′ preferably satisfies H 2 ′&gt;H 3 ′. 
     Concerning the side outer electrode  107  disposed at one end portion of the second surface  102   b  in the length direction L, if the higher one of the heights of the longitudinal central portions of the second portions  107   b ,  107   b  disposed on the fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  and  102   f  is indicated by H 2  and if the height of the widthwise central portion of the third portion  107   c  disposed on the third surface  102   c  is indicated by H 3 , the relationship between the heights H 2  and H 3  preferably satisfies H 2 &gt;H 3 . 
     Concerning the side outer electrode  109  disposed at the other end portion of the second surface  102   b  in the length direction L, if the higher one of the heights of the longitudinal central portions of the second portions  109   b ,  109   b  disposed on the fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  and  102   f  is indicated by H 2 ′ and if the height of the widthwise central portion of the third portion  109   c  disposed on the fourth surface  102   d  is indicated by H 3 ′, the relationship between the heights H 2 ′ and H 3 ′ preferably satisfies H 2 ′&gt;H 3 ′. 
     The three-terminal capacitor  100  preferably satisfies the relationships H 2 &gt;H 3  and H 2 ′&gt;H 3 ′, as discussed above. Thus, when the three-terminal capacitor  100  is mounted on a mount board by using the first surface  102   a  as a mounting surface, the amount of solder that is wet and is suitably bonded with the second portions  106   b  and  108   b  of the side outer electrodes  106  and  108  is greater than the amount of solder that is wet and is suitably bonded with the third portions  106   c  and  108   c  of the side outer electrodes  106  and  108 . Accordingly, the positional displacement of the three-terminal capacitor  100  is significantly reduced or prevented, and the bonding strength between the three-terminal capacitor  100  and the mount board is also maintained. 
     The center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  are preferably made of Ag, Cu, Ni, Pd, or an alloy of such metals. Additionally, a plating film is preferably located on the surface of each of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109 . The plating film protects the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  and also improves the solderability of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109 . 
     The center outer electrodes  104  and  105  may be used as ground electrodes, while the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  may be used as signal electrodes, and vice versa. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the capacitor element  102  preferably has a multilayer structure including, in the width direction W (stacking direction), a plurality of inner dielectric layers  110 , a plurality of first and second conductor layers  120  and  122  which are each disposed at the interface between inner dielectric layers  110 , outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  disposed such that they sandwich the plurality of inner dielectric layers  110  therebetween, and outer dielectric layers  112  disposed such that they sandwich the outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  therebetween. 
     The first conductor layers  120  each include a first opposing portion  128  and first extending portions  132  and  133  respectively extending from the central portion of the first opposing portion  128  downward and upward in the thickness direction T. The first extending portion  132  extends to the central portion of the first surface  102   a  of the capacitor element  102  and is exposed at the central portion so as to be electrically connected to the center outer electrode  104 . The first extending portion  133  extends to the central portion of the second surface  102   b  of the capacitor element  102  and is exposed at the central portion so as to be electrically connected to the center outer electrode  105 . 
     The second conductor layers  122  each have a second opposing portion  130 , second extending portions  134  and  135  respectively extending from the left end portion of the second opposing portion  130  downward and upward in the thickness direction T, and second extending portions  136  and  137  respectively extending from the right end portion of the second opposing portion  130  downward and upward in the thickness direction T. The second extending portion  134  extends to the left end portion of the first surface  102   a  of the capacitor element  102  and is exposed at the left end portion so as to be electrically connected to the side outer electrode  106 . The second extending portion  135  extends to the left end portion of the second surface  102   b  of the capacitor element  102  and is exposed at the left end portion so as to be electrically connected to the side outer electrode  107 . The second extending portion  136  extends to the right end portion of the first surface  102   a  of the capacitor element  102  and is exposed at the right end portion so as to be electrically connected to the side outer electrode  108 . The second extending portion  137  extends to the right end portion of the second surface  102   b  of the capacitor element  102  and is exposed at the right end portion so as to be electrically connected to the side outer electrode  109 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a modified example of the capacitor element  102  shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 6  is a schematic view of extending portions of inner electrodes (conductor layers) disposed on a mounting surface of the capacitor element  102 A shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 7  illustrates a first inner electrode (first conductor layer  120 ) and the first extending portions  132  and  133  of the capacitor element  102 A shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a second inner electrode (second conductor layer  122 ) and the second extending portions  134  through  137  of the capacitor element  102 A shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Part (I) of  FIG. 7  illustrates the first conductor layer  120  and the first extending portions  132  and  133  taken along line I-I (position in the vicinity of the outermost layer of the capacitor element  102 A) of  FIG. 5  (perspective view) and  FIG. 6  (schematic view). Part (II) of  FIG. 7  illustrates the first conductor layer  120  and the first extending portions  132  and  133  taken along line II-II (position in the vicinity of a layer disposed farther inward than the outermost layer of the capacitor element  102 A by about ¼ of the width W) of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Hereinafter, the layer shown in part (II) of  FIG. 7  will be referred to as a “¼ layer”). Part (III) of  FIG. 7  illustrates the first conductor layer  120  and the first extending portions  132  and  133  taken along line III-III (position in the vicinity of a layer disposed farther inward than the outermost layer of the capacitor element  102 A by about ½ of the width W) of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Hereinafter, the layer shown in part (III) of  FIG. 7  will be referred to as a “center layer”). 
     A width E of the exposed portions of the first extending portions  132  and  133  of the first conductor layer  120  disposed near the center layer of the capacitor element  102 A is preferably greater than a width F of the exposed portions of the first extending portions  132  and  133  of the first conductor layer  120  disposed near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  102 A. The width of the exposed portions of the first extending portions  132  and  133  is gradually increased from the position near the outermost layer to the position near the center layer. 
     Part (I) of  FIG. 8  illustrates the second conductor layer  122  and the second extending portions  134  through  137  taken along line I-I of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Part (II) of  FIG. 8  illustrates the second conductor layer  122  and the second extending portions  134  through  137  taken along line II-II of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Part (III) of  FIG. 8  illustrates the second conductor layer  122  and the second extending portions  134  through  137  taken along line III-III of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     A width G of the exposed portions of the second extending portions  134  through  137  of the second conductor layer  122  disposed near the center layer of the capacitor element  102 A is preferably greater than a width H of the exposed portions of the second extending portions  134  through  137  of the second conductor layer  122  disposed near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  102 A. The width of the exposed portions of the second extending portions  134  through  137  is gradually increased from the position near the outermost layer to the position near the center layer. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the exposed portions of the second extending portions  134  and  135  of the second conductor layer  122  disposed near the center layer of the capacitor element  102 A are separated from the third surface (end surface)  102   c  of the capacitor element  102 A by a distance C. Similarly, the exposed portions of the second extending portions  136  and  137  of the second conductor layer  122  disposed near the center layer of the capacitor element  102 A is separated from the fourth surface (end surface)  102   d  of the capacitor element  102 A by a distance C. Meanwhile, the exposed portions of the second extending portions  134  and  135  of the second conductor layer  122  disposed near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  102 A are separated from the third surface  102   c  of the capacitor element  102 A by a distance D. Similarly, the exposed portions of the second extending portions  136  and  137  of the second conductor layer  122  disposed near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  102 A are separated from the fourth surface  102   d  of the capacitor element  102 A by a distance D. The distance D is preferably greater than the distance C. 
     In order to set the distance D to be greater than the distance C, the second extending portions  134  through  137  are preferably configured as follows. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the second extending portions  134  through  137  of the second conductor layer  122  disposed near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  102 A each include an oblique section  129 , so that the exposed portions of the second extending portions  134  through  137  are positioned toward the center (inward). Then, by setting the angle of the oblique section  129  to increase from the position of the second conductor layer  122  near the outermost layer to the position of the second conductor layer  122  near the center layer, the positions of the exposed portions of the second extending portions  134  through  137  are shifted gradually toward outward. 
     Table 1 indicates examples of specific numeric values of the distances between the exposed portions of the second extending portions  134  and  135  (second extending portions  136  and  137 ) and the third surface  102   c  (fourth surface  102   d ) of the capacitor element  102 A, the widths of the exposed portions of the second extending portions  134  through  137 , and the widths of the exposed portions of the first extending portions  132  and  133 , at the position of line I-I (position near the outermost layer), the position of line II-II, and the position of line III-III (position near the center layer) of  FIG. 6 . In Table 1, α is a numeric value equal to the distance C between the exposed portions of the second extending portions  134  and  135  (second extending portions  136  and  137 ) near the center layer and the third surface  102   c  (fourth surface  102   d ) of the capacitor element  102 A. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Distance between 
                 Width of 
                 Width of 
               
               
                   
                 exposed portions of 
                 exposed 
                 exposed 
               
               
                   
                 second extending 
                 portions of 
                 portions of 
               
               
                   
                 portions and end 
                 second 
                 first 
               
               
                   
                 surfaces of 
                 extending 
                 extending 
               
               
                   
                 capacitor element 
                 portions 
                 portions 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Position of line I-I 
                 α + 40 μm(=D) 
                 230 μm(=H) 
                 460 μm(=F) 
               
               
                 Position of II-II 
                 α + 20 μm 
                 240 μm 
                 480 μm 
               
               
                 Position of III-III 
                 α μm(=C) 
                 250 μm(=G) 
                 500 μm(=E) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     By setting the distance D to be greater than the distance C in this manner, it is possible to obtain a three-terminal capacitor  100  in which cracks are less likely to occur near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  102 A. 
     If the width G of the exposed portion of the second extending portions  134  through  137  of the second conductor layer  122  disposed near the center layer of the capacitor element  102 A is preferably greater than the width H of the exposed portion of the second extending portions  134  through  137  of the second conductor layer  122  disposed near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  102 A, cracks are even less likely to occur near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  102 A. 
     If the width E of the exposed portions of the first extending portions  132  and  133  of the first conductor layer  120  disposed near the center layer of the capacitor element  102 A is preferably greater than the width F of the exposed portions of the first extending portions  132  and  133  of the first conductor layer  120  disposed near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  102 A, the electrical distance between the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  near the center of the capacitor element  102 A is decreased so as to be equal or substantially equal to the electrical distance between the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  102 A. As a result, the equivalent series inductance (ESL) becomes uniform, and also, it is decreased. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are schematic sectional views of another modified example of the three-terminal capacitor  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9A , the first extending portion  132  may include a double-sided oblique section  170   a  at a position closer to the first opposing portion  128  and a straight-line section  170   b  at a position closer to the first surface  102   a . The double-sided oblique section  170   a  extends obliquely in two directions toward the second extending portions  134  and  136 . Similarly, the first extending portion  133  may include a double-sided oblique section  171   a  at a position closer to the first opposing portion  128  and a straight-line section  171   b  at a position closer to the second surface  102   b . The double-sided oblique section  171   a  extends obliquely in two directions toward the second extending portions  135  and  137 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9B , the second extending portion  134  may include a single-sided oblique section  172   a  at a position closer to the second opposing portion  130  and a straight-line section  172   b  at a position closer to the first surface  102   a . The single-sided oblique section  172   a  extends obliquely in one direction toward the first extending portion  132 . Similarly, the second extending portion  135  may include a single-sided oblique section  173   a  at a position closer to the second opposing portion  130  and a straight-line section  173   b  at a position closer to the second surface  102   b . The single-sided oblique section  173   a  extends obliquely in one direction toward the first extending portion  133 . The second extending portion  136  may include a single-sided oblique section  174   a  at a position closer to the second opposing portion  130  and a straight-line section  174   b  at a position closer to the first surface  102   a . The single-sided oblique section  174   a  extends obliquely in one direction toward the first extending portion  132 . The second extending portion  137  may include a single-sided oblique section  175   a  at a position closer to the second opposing portion  130  and a straight-line section  175   b  at a position closer to the second surface  102   b . The single-sided oblique section  175   a  extends obliquely in one direction toward the first extending portion  133 . 
     Accordingly, the first extending portions  132  and  133  preferably include the double-sided oblique sections  170   a  and  171   a  extending obliquely toward the second extending portions  134  through  137 , while the second extending portions  134  through  137  include the single-sided oblique sections  172   a  through  175   a  extending obliquely toward the first extending portions  132  and  133 . Thus, the electrical distance between the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  (for example, the distance in a path: center outer electrode  104 →first extending portion  132 →first conductor layer  120 →dielectric layer  110 →second conductor layer  122 →second extending portion  136 →and outer electrode  108 ) is decreased. As a result, it is possible to decrease the ESL. 
     Additionally, the first extending portions  132  and  133  include the straight-line sections  170   b  and  171   b , and the second extending portions  134  through  137  include the straight-line sections  172   b  through  175   b . Accordingly, even if the position at which the outer shape of the first extending portions  132  and  133  and the second extending portions  134  through  137  is cut is displaced in the thickness direction T, the widths of the exposed portions of the first extending portions  132  and  133  and the second extending portions  134  through  137  remain the same and are not increased. Thus, the exposed portions of the first extending portions  132  and  133  and the second extending portions  134  through  137  are not connected to thin portions of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109 . As a result, it is unlikely that moisture will permeate into the three-terminal capacitor  100  at positions at which the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  are located, thus more than sufficient ensuring moisture sealing characteristics. 
     The first conductor layer  120  and the second conductor layer  122  oppose each other in the width direction W with the inner dielectric layer  110 , which is made of a dielectric material, therebetween. At the portion at which the first and second conductor layers  120  and  122  oppose each other with the inner dielectric layer  110  therebetween (portion at which the first opposing portion  128  of the first conductor layer  120  opposes the second opposing portion  130  of the second conductor layer  122 ), electrostatic capacitance is produced. The first and second conductor layers  120  and  122  are preferably made of Ag, Cu, Ni, Pd, or an alloy of such metals. The inner dielectric layer  110  and the outer dielectric layer  112  a preferably made of, for example, a barium titanate material or a strontium titanate material. The average thickness of the first and second conductor layers  120  and  122  preferably is about 1.0 mm or smaller, for example. For ensuring electrical continuity, the average thickness of the first and second conductor layers  120  and  122  is about 0.3 mm or greater, for example. 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic front view of the fifth surface  102   e  of the capacitor element  102  of another modified example of the three-terminal capacitor  100  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 11A  is a schematic sectional view taken along line IV-IV of  FIG. 10 , and  FIG. 11B  is a schematic sectional view taken along line V-V of  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 12  illustrates the interface between the outer dielectric layer  112  ( 212 ) and the outermost conductor layer  124  ( 126 ) with a boundary layer  127  therebetween. 
     The thickness of the outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  preferably is smaller than that of the first or second conductor layer  120  or  122  positioned near the center of the width direction W. The thickness of the central portions of the outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  preferably is about 0.8 mm or smaller, for example. For ensuring electrical continuity, the average thickness of the outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  preferably is about 0.3 mm or greater, for example. 
     The coverage of the conductor layers tends to be gradually thinner from the center to both sides in the width direction W. Accordingly, the coverage of the outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  is thinner than that of the first or second conductor layer  120  or  122 . The coverage is defined by the ratio of the total length of conductor particles in cross section to the total length of a conductor layer in cross section. To calculate the coverage, measurements are made by exposing a side surface in the L direction and the thickness direction T (LT surface) of the three-terminal capacitor  100 B and by polishing the exposed side surface, for example. 
     Preferably, the coverage of the outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  is, for example, about 0.4 to about 0.85 times as large as the coverage of the first or second conductor layer  120  or  122  near the center in the thickness direction T. In this manner, due to the intermittent concentration of conductor particles, the coverage of the outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  is decreased, and as a result, a missing portion  126   a  is produced, as shown in  FIG. 11B . If the coverage of the outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  is less than about 0.4 times as large as the coverage of the first or second conductor layer  120  or  122  near the center in the thickness direction T, for example, it is difficult to secure electrical continuity. Conversely, if the coverage of the outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  is more than about 0.85 times as large as the coverage of the first or second conductor layer  120  or  122 , for example, the interlayer adhesion force is not sufficiently enhanced. 
     In the missing portion  126   a , a pillar  110   a  that couples the dielectric layers with the outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  therebetween is provided. This pillar  110   a  preferably contains at least one of Si, Al, and barium titanate (BaTiO 3 ) segregated from the dielectric layers. Such segregated material contained in the pillar  110   a  may be analyzed and observed by a field emission wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (FE-WDX), for example. 
     In order to enhance the formation of a pillar  110   a  that couples the inner dielectric layers  110 , SiO 2  is preferably added to the inner dielectric layers  110 . The ratio of Si to Ti in the inner dielectric layers  110  is preferably about 1.3 mol % or higher, and in order to secure the function of a capacitor, it is preferably about 3.0 mol % or lower, for example. In order to enhance the formation of a pillar  110   a  that couples dielectric layers, Al is preferably added to the dielectric layers. In order to enhance the formation of a pillar  110   a  that couples dielectric layers, barium titanate (BaTiO 3 ), which is the same material for the dielectric layers, is preferably added to conductor layers. 
     The outermost conductor layer  124  is connected to the center outer electrodes  104  and  105 , as in the first conductor layer  120  disposed adjacent to the outermost conductor layer  124  with the inner dielectric layer  110  therebetween. The outermost conductor layer  126  is connected to the side outer electrodes  106  through  109 , as in the second conductor layer  122  disposed adjacent to the outermost conductor layer  126  with the inner dielectric layer  110  therebetween. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the boundary layer  127  in which Mg, Mn, and Ni coexist is disposed between the outermost conductor layer  124  or  126  and the outermost dielectric layer  112 . The boundary layer  127  can be formed by Mg and Mn diffused into the outermost conductor layer  124  or  126  including Ni, so as to include a Mg—Mn—Ni coexistence region. 
     Preferably, the boundary layer  127  occupies about 69% or higher of the boundary space between the outer dielectric layer  112  and the outermost conductor layer  124  or  126 , for example. The ratio of the boundary layer  127  is calculated by the expression (the total length of the boundary layer in which Mg and Mn are contained)/(the length of the conductor layer)×100. In this case, the length of the conductor layer in the above-described expression is a length of the conductor layer from which a portion of the conductor layer which is missing due to voids or the segregation of Si is removed. 
     In the Mg—Mn—Ni coexistence region, the molar ratio of Mg and Mn to Ni is preferably about 0.1 to about 0.8, and the areal ratio of Mg and Mn to Ni is preferably about 30% or higher, and more preferably, about 70% or higher, for example. 
     In this manner, if the thickness of the outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  is smaller than that of the first or second conductor layer  120  or  122 , the interlayer adhesion force between dielectric layers adjacent to each other with the outermost conductor layer  124  or  126  therebetween is enhanced. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce or prevent the occurrence of cracks and to significantly reduce or prevent a decrease in the function of a capacitor. 
     If the coverage of the outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  is about 0.4 to about 0.85 times as large as the coverage of the first or second conductor layer  120  or  122  near the center in the thickness direction T, the coverage is decreased due to the intermittent concentration of conductor particles, thus producing a missing portion  126   a , as shown in  FIG. 11B . In the missing portion  126   a , a pillar  110   a  is configured by a dielectric layer containing, for example, barium titanate or silica. The presence of the pillar  110   a  enhances coupling between the dielectric layers disposed adjacent to each other with the outermost conductor layer  124  or  126  therebetween through particles of the outermost conductor layer  124  or  126 , thus enhancing the interlayer adhesion force therebetween. As a result, the occurrence of cracks is significantly reduced or prevented and the function of a capacitor is less likely to be decreased. 
     The outermost conductor layer  124  is connected to the center outer electrodes  104  and  105 , as in the first conductor layer  120  adjacent to the outermost conductor layer  124  with the inner dielectric layer  110  therebetween. The outermost conductor layer  126  is connected to the side outer electrodes  106  through  109 , as in the second conductor layer  122  adjacent to the outermost conductor layer  126  with the inner dielectric layer  110  therebetween. In this case, the outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  do not substantially contribute to the generation of electrostatic capacitance. Accordingly, even if cracks occur in or near the outermost conductor layer  124  or  126 , the function of a capacitor is less likely to be decreased. 
     If the boundary layer  127  disposed between the outermost conductor layer  124  or  126  and the outermost dielectric layer  112  includes a Mg—Mn—Ni coexistence region in which Mg and Mn are segregated, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the boundary layer  127 , which contains an oxide compound of Mg, Mn, and Ni, has a strong adhesion with a dielectric layer. As a result, the occurrence of cracks is significantly reduced or prevented and the function of a capacitor is less likely to be decreased. The detection of a boundary layer is conducted by observing a cross section including the boundary layer by using a FE-WDX, for example. 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  are schematic sectional views of the three-terminal capacitor  100 B of the first preferred embodiment. The center outer electrode  105  and the side outer electrodes  107  and  109  located on the second surface  102   b  are similar to the counterparts located on the first surface  102   a , and thus, they are not shown. 
     The length of the side outer electrode  106  in the length direction L is indicated by E 1 , the length of the center outer electrode  104  in the length direction L is indicated by E 2 , and the length of the side outer electrode  108  in the length direction L is indicated by E 3 . The distance between the side outer electrode  106  and the center outer electrode  104  is indicated by ME 1 , and the distance between the side outer electrode  108  and the center outer electrode  104  is indicated by ME 2 . The width from an edge of the second extending portion  134  closer to the third surface  102   c  to the third surface  102   c  is indicated by M 1 L, and the width from an edge of the second extending portion  134  closer to the fourth surface  102   d  to the edge of the side outer electrode  106  on the first surface  102   a  is indicated by M 1 R. The width from an edge of the first extending portion  132  closer to the third surface  102   c  to an edge of the center outer electrode  104  on the first surface  102   a  closer to the third surface  102   c  is indicated by M 2 L, and the width from an edge of the first extending portion  132  closer to the fourth surface  102   d  to an edge of the center outer electrode  104  on the first surface  102   a  closer to the fourth surface  102   d  is indicated by M 2 R. The width from an edge of the second extending portion  136  closer to the third surface  102   c  to the edge of the side outer electrode  108  on the first surface  102   a  is indicated by M 3 L, and the width from an edge of the second extending portion  136  closer to the fourth surface  102   d  to the fourth surface  102   d  is indicated by M 3 R. Although the dimension of each of the center outer electrode  105  and the side outer electrodes  106  and  108  may vary in the thickness direction, the dimensions E 1 , E 2 , E 3 , ME 1 , ME 2 , M 1 L, M 1 R, M 2 L, M 2 R, M 3 L, and M 3 R are all measured in the same cross section. 
     In this case, the three-terminal capacitor  100 B satisfies the following conditions. The total dimension of E 1 +ME 1 +E 2 +ME 2 +E 3  is greater than the dimension of the capacitor element  102  in the length direction L (hereinafter will be referred to as the “L dimension”). The side outer electrode  106  includes the third portion  106   c  on the third surface  102   c , while the side outer electrode  108  includes the third portion  108   c  on the fourth surface  102   d . In this case, the three-terminal capacitor  100 B preferably satisfies |ME 1 −ME 2 |&lt;about 50 μm, and also preferably satisfies M 2 L&lt;M 2 R, and M 1 R&gt;M 1 L, or M 2 L&gt;M 2 R and M 1 R&lt;M 1 L. 
     It is preferable that the ratio of each of M 1 R, M 2 L, M 2 R, and M 3 L to the L dimension is about 1.5% or higher, for example. 
     The dimensions E 1 , E 2 , E 3 , ME 1 , ME 2 , M 1 L, M 1 R, M 2 L, M 2 R, M 3 L, and M 3 R are measured as follows. In the state in which a side surface in the length direction L and the thickness direction T (LT surface) of the three-terminal capacitor  100 B is exposed, the three-terminal capacitor  100 B is fixed. Then, the three-terminal capacitor  100 B is polished until the depth of about ½ in the width direction W by using a polishing machine so as to expose the first and second conductor layers  120  and  122 . Then, after the polished surfaces of the first and second conductor layers  120  and  122  are worked so as to eliminate edge rounding, they are observed from the fifth surface  102   e  of the three-terminal capacitor  100 B by using an optical microscope, thereby measuring the dimensions, for example. 
     In the three-terminal capacitor  100 B configured as described above, the first and second conductor layers  120  and  122  preferably are disposed perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the first surface  102   a  or the second surface  102   b  (in other words, the mounting surface) of the three-terminal capacitor  100 B, and the stacking direction is parallel or substantially parallel with the first or second surface  102   a  or  102   b  (in other words, the mounting surface). 
     Second Preferred Embodiment 
       FIG. 14  is an external perspective view of a three-terminal capacitor  200 , which is a multilayer ceramic electronic component.  FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a capacitor element  202  of the three-terminal capacitor  200  shown in  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of the capacitor element  202  shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     The three-terminal capacitor  200  is similar to the three-terminal capacitor  100  of the first preferred embodiment from which the first extending portion  133  of the first conductor layer  120  and the second extending portions  135  and  137  of the second conductor layer  122  are removed or are never provided. Accordingly, the three-terminal capacitor  200  is similar to the three-terminal capacitor  100  from which the center outer electrode  105  and the side outer electrodes  107  and  109  are removed or are never provided. 
     The three-terminal capacitor  200  includes a capacitor element  202  preferably having a rectangular or substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a center outer electrode  204  located at the central portion of the surface of the capacitor element  202 , and end outer electrodes  206  and  208  respectively located at the left and right end portions of the surface of the capacitor element  202 . 
     The capacitor element  202  includes first and second surfaces  202   a  and  202   b  opposing each other in a thickness direction (top-bottom direction) T. The capacitor element  202  also includes third and fourth surfaces  202   c  and  202   d  opposing each other in a length direction (right-left direction) L. The capacitor element  202  also includes fifth and sixth surfaces  202   e  and  202   f  opposing each other in a width direction (front-back direction) W. 
     The dimension of the three-terminal capacitor  200  in the length direction L is preferably about 2.00 mm to about 2.10 mm, the dimension in the thickness direction T is preferably about 0.7 mm to about 1.0 mm, and the dimension in the width direction W is preferably about 1.20 mm to about 1.40 mm, for example. 
     The dimensions of the three-terminal capacitor  200  in the length direction L, the thickness direction T, and the width direction W may be measured by using a micrometer MDC-25MX made by Mitutoyo Corporation, for example. 
     The center outer electrode  204  extends from the longitudinal central portion of the first surface  202   a  to the fifth and sixth surfaces  202   e  and  202   f.    
     The center outer electrode  204  includes a center outer electrode body  204   a  and first portions  204   b ,  204   b . The center outer electrode body  204   a  is electrically connected to a first extending portion  232  of a first conductor layer  220 , which will be discussed later. The first portions  204   b ,  204   b  extend from both ends of the center outer electrode body  204   a . Accordingly, the center outer electrode body  204   a  is located on the first surface  202   a , and the first portions  204   b ,  204   b  are located on the fifth and sixth surfaces  202   e  and  202   f.    
     The side outer electrodes  206  and  208  are respectively disposed at the left and right end portions of the first surface  202   a  with the center outer electrode  204  therebetween. 
     More specifically, the side outer electrode  206  extends from one longitudinal end of the first surface  202   a  to the third, fifth, and sixth surfaces  202   c ,  202   e , and  202   f . The side outer electrode  208  extends from the other longitudinal end of the first surface  202   a  to the fourth, fifth, and sixth surfaces  202   d ,  202   e , and  202   f.    
     The side outer electrode  206  includes an outer electrode body  206   a , second portions  206   b ,  206   b , and a third portion  206   c . The side outer electrode body  206   a  is electrically connected to a second extending portion  234  of a second conductor layer  222 , which will be discussed later. The second portions  206   b ,  206   b  extend from both ends of the side outer electrode body  206   a . The third portion  206   c  extends from one side (toward the third surface  202   c ) of the side outer electrode body  206   a . Accordingly, the side outer electrode body  206   a  is located on the first surface  202   a , the second portions  206   b ,  206   b  are located on the fifth and sixth surfaces  202   e  and  202   f , and the third portion  206   c  is located on the third surface  202   c.    
     Similarly, the side outer electrode  208  includes an outer electrode body  208   a , second portions  208   b ,  208   b , and a third portion  208   c . The side outer electrode body  208   a  is electrically connected to a second extending portion  236  of the second conductor layer  222 , which will be discussed later. The second portions  208   b ,  208   b  extend from both ends of the side outer electrode body  208   a . The third portion  208   c  extends from the other side (toward the fourth surface  202   d ) of the side outer electrode body  208   a . Accordingly, the side outer electrode body  208   a  is located on the first surface  202   a , the second portions  208   b ,  208   b  are located on the fifth and sixth surfaces  202   e  and  202   f , and the third portion  208   c  is located on the fourth surface  202   d.    
     With the above-described configuration, the first surface  202   a  defines and serves as a mounting surface of the three-terminal capacitor  200 . 
     In this case, as shown in  FIG. 17 , a width B of the center outer electrode  204  is preferably greater than a width A of each of the side outer electrodes  206  and  208 . 
     The center outer electrode  204  is preferably defined by applying a paste for forming outer electrodes once, while each of the side outer electrodes  206  and  208  is preferably defined by applying a paste for forming outer electrodes twice, for example. As a result, the thickness of the side outer electrodes  206  and  208  is greater than that of the center outer electrode  204 . 
     A plating film is located on the surface of each of the center outer electrode  204  and the side outer electrodes  206  and  208 . 
       FIG. 17  is an external perspective view of a modified example of the three-terminal capacitor  200  shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     Concerning the second surface  202   b , which is the top surface of the three-terminal capacitor  200 A shown in  FIG. 17 , the corners of ridge lines  203   a  and  203   b  in the length direction L may be polished into rounded portions with an R amount of about 70 μm or smaller, and more preferably, with an R amount of about 30 μm to about 70 μm, for example. The phrase “R amount” indicates a radius of the respective rounded portion. 
     In this manner, if the R amount of rounded portions of the ridge lines  203   a  and  203   b  in the length direction L on the top surface (second surface  202   b ) of the three-terminal capacitor  200 A is about 70 μm or smaller, the area required to suck the three-terminal capacitor  200 A to a mount board by using a suction nozzle is reliably secured on the top surface (second surface  202   b ). As a result, when mounting the three-terminal capacitor  200 A on a mount board, it makes it easy for a suction nozzle to suck the top surface (second surface  202   b ) of the three-terminal capacitor  200 A, thus reducing the possibility that a suction nozzle will fail to correctly suck the three-terminal capacitor  200 A. 
     If the R amount of rounded portions of the ridge lines  203   a  and  203   b  in the length direction L on the top surface (second surface  202   b ) of the three-terminal capacitor  200 A is about 30 μm or greater, the ridge lines  203   a  and  203   b  do not become angular, and are less likely to chip even if a mechanical impact is applied to the ridge lines  203   a  and  203   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the capacitor element  202  has a multilayer structure including, in the width direction W (stacking direction), a plurality of inner dielectric layers  210 , a plurality of first and second conductor layers  220  and  222  which are each disposed at the interface between inner dielectric layers  210 , outermost conductor layers  224  and  226  disposed such that they sandwich the plurality of inner dielectric layers  210  therebetween, and outer dielectric layers  212  disposed such that they sandwich the outermost conductor layers  224  and  226  therebetween. 
     The first conductor layers  220  each have a first opposing portion  228  and a first extending portion  232  extending from the central portion of the first opposing portion  228  downward in the thickness direction T. The first extending portion  232  extends to the central portion of the first surface  202   a  of the capacitor element  202  so as to be electrically connected to the center outer electrode  204 . 
     The second conductor layers  222  each have a second opposing portion  230 , a second extending portion  234  extending from the left end portion of the second opposing portion  230  downward in the thickness direction T, and a second extending portion  236  extending from the right end portion of the second opposing portion  230  downward in the thickness direction T. The second extending portion  234  extends to the left end portion of the first surface  202   a  of the capacitor element  202  so as to be electrically connected to the side outer electrode  206 . The second extending portion  236  extends to the right end portion of the first surface  202   a  of the capacitor element  202  so as to be electrically connected to the side outer electrode  208 . 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a modified example of the capacitor element  202  shown in  FIG. 15 .  FIG. 19  illustrates a first inner electrode (first conductor layer  220 ) and the first extending portion  232  of the capacitor element  202 A shown in  FIG. 18 .  FIG. 20  illustrates a second inner electrode (second conductor layer  222 ) and the second extending portions  234  and  236  of the capacitor element  202 A shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     Part (I) of  FIG. 19  illustrates the first conductor layer  220  and the first extending portion  232  taken along line I-I (position in the vicinity of the outermost layer of the capacitor element  202 A) of  FIG. 18 . Part (II) of  FIG. 19  illustrates the first conductor layer  220  and the first extending portion  232  taken along line II-II (position in the vicinity of a layer disposed farther inward than the outermost layer of the capacitor element  202 A by about ¼ of the width W) of  FIG. 18 . Part (III) of  FIG. 19  illustrates the first conductor layer  220  and the first extending portion  232  taken along line III-III (position in the vicinity of a center layer of the capacitor element  202 A) of  FIG. 18 . 
     A width E of the exposed portion of the first extending portion  232  of the first conductor layer  220  disposed near the center layer of the capacitor element  202 A is preferably greater than a width F of the exposed portion of the first extending portion  232  of the first conductor layer  220  disposed near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  202 A. The width of the exposed portion of the first extending portion  232  is gradually increased from the position near the outermost layer to the position near the center layer. 
     Part (I) of  FIG. 20  illustrates the second conductor layer  222  and the second extending portions  234  and  236  taken along line I-I of  FIG. 18 . Part (II) of  FIG. 20  illustrates the second conductor layer  222  and the second extending portions  234  and  236  taken along line II-II of  FIG. 18 . Part (III) of  FIG. 20  illustrates the second conductor layer  222  and the second extending portions  234  and  236  taken along line III-III of  FIG. 18 . 
     A width G of the exposed portions of the second extending portions  234  and  236  of the second conductor layer  222  disposed near the center layer of the capacitor element  202 A is preferably greater than a width H of the exposed portions of the second extending portions  234  and  236  of the second conductor layer  222  disposed near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  202 A. The width of the exposed portions of the second extending portions  234  and  236  is gradually increased from the position near the outermost layer to the position near the center layer. 
     A description will further be given with reference to  FIG. 6  used for the first preferred embodiment. The exposed portion of the second extending portion  234  of the second conductor layer  222  disposed near the center layer of the capacitor element  202 A is separated from the third surface (end surface)  202   c  of the capacitor element  202 A by a distance C. Similarly, the exposed portion of the second extending portion  236  of the second conductor layer  222  disposed near the center layer of the capacitor element  202 A is separated from the fourth surface (end surface)  202   d  of the capacitor element  202 A by a distance C. Meanwhile, the exposed portion of the second extending portion  234  of the second conductor layer  222  disposed near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  202 A is separated from the third surface  202   c  of the capacitor element  202 A by a distance D. Similarly, the exposed portion of the second extending portion  236  of the second conductor layer  222  disposed near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  202 A is separated from the fourth surface  202   d  of the capacitor element  202 A by a distance D. The distance D is preferably greater than the distance C. 
     In order to set the distance D to be greater than the distance C, the second extending portions  234  and  236  are configured as follows. As shown in  FIG. 20 , the second extending portions  234  and  236  of the second conductor layer  222  disposed near the outermost layer of the capacitor element  202 A each include an oblique section  229 , so that the exposed portions of the second extending portions  234  and  236  are positioned toward the center (inward). Then, by setting the angle of the oblique section  229  to increase from the position of the second conductor layer  222  near the outermost layer to the position of the second conductor layer  222  near the center layer, the positions of the exposed portions of the second extending portions  234  and  236  are shifted gradually toward outward. 
       FIGS. 21A and 21B  are schematic sectional views of another modified example of the three-terminal capacitor  200  shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 21A , the first extending portion  232  may include a double-sided oblique section  270   a  at a position closer to the first opposing portion  228  and a straight-line section  270   b  at a position closer to the first surface  202   a . The double-sided oblique section  270   a  extends obliquely in two directions toward the second extending portions  234  and  236 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 21B , the second extending portion  234  may include a single-sided oblique section  272   a  at a position closer to the second opposing portion  230  and a straight-line section  272   b  at a position closer to the first surface  202   a . The single-sided oblique section  272   a  extends obliquely in one direction toward the first extending portion  232 . The second extending portion  236  may include a single-sided oblique section  274   a  at a position closer to the second opposing portion  230  and a straight-line section  274   b  at a position closer to the first surface  202   a . The single-sided oblique section  274   a  extends obliquely in one direction toward the first extending portion  232 . 
     The first conductor layer  220  and the second conductor layer  222  oppose each other in the width direction W with the inner dielectric layer  210 , which is made of a dielectric material, therebetween. At the portion at which the first and second conductor layers  220  and  222  oppose each other with the inner dielectric layer  210  therebetween (portion at which the first opposing portion  228  of the first conductor layer  220  opposes the second opposing portion  230  of the second conductor layer  222 ), electrostatic capacitance is generated. 
     The thickness of each of the outermost conductor layers  224  and  226  is smaller than that of the first or second conductor layer  220  or  222  positioned near the center of the width direction W. The thickness of each of the central portions of the outermost conductor layers  224  and  226  preferably is about 0.8 mm or smaller, for example. For ensuring electrical continuity, the average thickness of each of the outermost conductor layers  224  and  226  preferably is about 0.3 mm or greater, for example. 
     The coverage of the conductor layers tends to be gradually thinner from the center to both sides in the width direction W. Accordingly, the coverage of the outermost conductor layers  224  and  226  is thinner than that of the first or second conductor layer  220  or  222 . The coverage is defined by the ratio of the total length of conductor particles in cross section to the total length of a conductor layer in cross section. 
     Preferably, the coverage of the outermost conductor layers  224  and  226  is about 0.4 mm to about 0.85 times as large as the coverage of the first or second conductor layer  220  or  222  near the center in the thickness direction T, for example. A pillar  110   a  that couples the dielectric layers disposed with the outermost conductor layer  224  or  226  therebetween contains at least one of Si, Al, and barium titanate (BaTiO 3 ) segregated from the dielectric layers. 
     The outermost conductor layer  224  is connected to the center outer electrode  204 , as in the first conductor layer  220  disposed adjacent to the outermost conductor layer  224  with the inner dielectric layer  210  therebetween. The outermost conductor layer  226  is connected to the side outer electrodes  206  and  208 , as in the second conductor layer  222  disposed adjacent to the outermost conductor layer  226  with the inner dielectric layer  210  therebetween. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , a boundary layer  227  disposed between the outermost conductor layer  224  or  226  and the outermost dielectric layer  212  includes a Mg—Mn—Ni coexistence region in which Mg and Mn are segregated. 
     In the three-terminal capacitor  200  configured as described above, the first and second conductor layers  220  and  222  are disposed perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the first surface  202   a  (in other words, the mounting surface) of the three-terminal capacitor  200 , and the stacking direction is parallel or substantially parallel with the first surface  202   a  (in other words, the mounting surface). 
     A non-limiting example of a manufacturing method for the above-described three-terminal capacitors  100 ,  100 A,  100 B,  200 , and  200 A will be described below with reference to the flowchart of  FIG. 22 . In the following description, a non-limiting example of a manufacturing method for the three-terminal capacitor  100  will be discussed mainly. 
     In step S 1 , slurry for forming sheets is made by adding an organic binder, a dispersant, and a plasticizer to ceramic powder made of a barium titanate material or a strontium titanate material. Then, the slurry is formed into inner layer and outer layer ceramic green sheets by a doctor blade method. 
     Then, in step S 2 , an Ag-containing paste for forming conductor layers is applied onto the inner layer ceramic green sheets by a screen printing method so as to form conductor paste films which will be used as the first and second conductor layers  120  and  122 . 
     Then, in step S 3 , a plurality of inner layer ceramic green sheets on which conductor paste films are formed are stacked and fixed on each other with pressure such that the conductor paste films forming the first conductor layers  120  and the conductor paste films forming the second conductor layers  122  are alternately disposed. Then, a plurality of outer layer ceramic green sheets are stacked and fixed on each other with pressure so as to sandwich the stacked inner layer ceramic green sheets therebetween. The resulting multilayer ceramic sheets are cut into a size of individual capacitor elements  102 , thereby forming a plurality of unfired capacitor elements  102 . 
     In step S 3 , if necessary, in the state in which the mounting surface (first surface  202   a ) of the unfired capacitor element  202  is held in a holder, the ridge lines  203   a  and  203   b  of the top surface (second surface  202   b ) in the length direction L are barrel-polished for a predetermined time until the R amount of rounded portions of the ridge lines  203   a  and  203   b  will be about 70 μm, for example. Thereafter, the ridge lines  203   a  and  203   b  may be further polished by sandblast polishing for a predetermined time until a desired R amount of rounded portion will be obtained. 
     In this case, for determining the conditions for barrel polishing and sandblast polishing, a sample of the capacitor element  202  is fabricated and the R amount of rounded portions is measured in the following manner by using VHX series digital microscope made by KEYENCE Corporation as a measuring device, for example. 
     The mounting surface (first surface  202   a ) of the sample of the capacitor element  202  is molded with a resin, and then, the ridge lines  203   a  and  203   b  of the top surface (second surface  202   b ) in the length direction L are barrel-polished or sandblast-polished for a predetermined time. 
     Then, as shown in  FIG. 23A , the polished ridge lines  203   a  and  203   b  are observed with a measuring device so as to specify a start point P 1  and an end point P 2  of a rounded portion. Then, a center point P 3  between the start point P 1  and the end point P 2  is specified. 
     Then, as shown in  FIG. 23B , after a circle Q passing the start point P 1 , the center point P 3 , and the end point P 2  is drawn, the radius of the circle Q is measured so as to calculate the R amount of rounded portion. 
     Referring back to the flowchart of  FIG. 22 , in step S 4 , after the unfired capacitor element  102  is subjected to debinding processing, it is fired so as to be formed into a sintered capacitor element  102 . The inner layer and outer layer ceramic green sheets and the conductor paste films are fired at the same time. As a result, the inner layer ceramic green sheets are formed into the inner layer dielectric layers  110 , while the outer layer ceramic green sheets are formed into the outer layer dielectric layers  112 . The conductor paste films are formed into the first and second conductor layers  120  and  122  (first and second inner electrodes). 
     Then, in step S 5 , a first step of applying a paste for forming outer electrodes (Ag—Pd alloy paste) to the surface of the sintered capacitor element  102  is performed. In this first step, a paste for forming the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  is applied, and a paste for partially forming the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  is applied. 
     When applying a paste for partially forming the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  to the surface of the capacitor element  102  in the first step, it is applied such that the center of a paste for forming the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  is separated from the third surface  102   c  and the fourth surface  102   d  of the capacitor element  102  toward the inward direction. By applying a paste in this manner, the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  can be formed so as to satisfy H 2 &gt;H 3  and H 2 ′&gt;H 3 ′. 
     In the first paste-applying step, a paste for forming the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  is applied, and also, a paste for partially forming the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  is applied. In this manner, the side outer electrodes are formed efficiently. 
     Then, in step S 6 , the paste applied to the capacitor element  102  to form the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the paste applied to the capacitor element  102  to partially form the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  in step S 5  are baked. As a result, the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  are formed, and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  are partially formed. In this case, the thickness of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  is thicker, while the thickness of the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  is thinner. 
     Step S 6  may be omitted so as to directly shift the process from step S 5  to step S 7 , and the paste for forming the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the paste for partially forming the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  may be baked all together in step S 8 . 
     Then, in step S 7 , a second step of applying a paste for forming outer electrodes (Ag—Pd alloy paste) to the surface of the sintered capacitor element  102  is performed. In the second paste-applying step, a paste only for forming the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  is applied. 
     When applying a paste to the surface of the capacitor element  102  to form the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  in the second step, it is applied such that the center of a paste for the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  is separated from the third surface  102   c  and the fourth surface  102   d  of the capacitor element  102  toward the inward direction. By applying a paste in this manner, the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  can be formed so as to preferably satisfy H 2 &gt;H 3  and H 2 ′&gt;H 3 ′. 
     Then, in step S 8 , the paste applied to the capacitor element  102  to form the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  in step S 7  is baked. As a result, the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  are formed. Then, the thickness of the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  is formed thicker than that of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105 . 
     Then, in step S 9 , a Ni-plated layer and a Sn-plated layer are sequentially formed by wet plating on the surface of each of the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109 . As a result, the three-terminal capacitor  100  ( 100 A,  100 B,  200 ,  200 A) is manufactured. 
     As discussed above, in the three-terminal capacitor  100  of the first preferred embodiment, the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  may be used as signal electrodes, while the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  may be used as ground electrodes, and vice versa. 
     The value of the insertion loss incurred when the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  are used as signal electrodes and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  are used as ground electrodes (hereinafter such a pattern will be referred to as a “the first pattern”) is indicated by IL 1 . Conversely, the value of the insertion loss incurred when the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  are used as ground electrodes and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  are used as signal electrodes (hereinafter such a pattern will be referred to as a “second pattern”) is indicated by IL 2 . In this case, when the three-terminal capacitor  100  is preferably configured to be used in a frequency band of about 10 MHz, the relationship between the insertion loss of the first pattern and that of the second pattern represented by IL 1 &lt;IL 2  is satisfied, and when the three-terminal capacitor  100  is preferably configured to be used in a frequency band of about 100 MHz, the relationship between the insertion loss of the first pattern and that of the second pattern represented by IL 1 &gt;IL 2  is satisfied. That is, in the 100 MHz band, the value of the insertion loss is smaller when the three-terminal capacitor  100  is used with the second pattern than that when the three-terminal capacitor  100  is used with the first pattern. 
     The reason why the frequency characteristics concerning the insertion loss when the three-terminal capacitor  100  is used with the first pattern are different from those when the three-terminal capacitor  100  is used with the second pattern is that the path through which a signal and noise are transmitted is different between the first pattern and the second pattern. This will be discussed below in detail. 
       FIGS. 24A through 24C  are schematic diagrams illustrating the path through which a signal and noise are transmitted when the three-terminal capacitor  100  is used with a first pattern.  FIG. 24A  is a schematic diagram of the three-terminal capacitor  100  as viewed from the outside.  FIG. 24B  is a schematic diagram of the first conductor layer  120 .  FIG. 24C  is a schematic diagram of the second conductor layer  122 . In  FIGS. 24A through 24C , the solid arrows indicate the flow of a signal, while the dashed arrows indicate the flow of noise. 
     When the three-terminal capacitor  100  is used with the first pattern, as shown in  FIG. 24A , a signal input into the three-terminal capacitor  100  through the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  is transmitted through the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  and is output from the center outer electrodes  104  and  105 . Meanwhile, as shown in  FIGS. 24B and 24C , noise produced in the first pattern flows to a ground through the second extending portions  134  through  137  of the second conductor layer  122 . 
       FIGS. 25A through 25C  are schematic diagrams illustrating the path through which a signal and noise are transmitted when the three-terminal capacitor  100  is used with a second pattern.  FIG. 25A  is a schematic diagram of the three-terminal capacitor  100  as viewed from the outside.  FIG. 25B  is a schematic diagram of the first conductor layer  120 .  FIG. 25C  is a schematic diagram of the second conductor layer  122 . In  FIGS. 25A through 25C , the solid arrows indicate the flow of a signal, while the dashed arrows indicate the flow of noise. 
     When the three-terminal capacitor  100  is used with the second pattern, as shown in  FIGS. 25A and 25C , a signal input into the three-terminal capacitor  100  through the side outer electrodes  106  and  107  at one side is output from the side outer electrodes  108  and  109  at the other side through the second extending portions  134  through  137  of the second conductor layer  122 . Meanwhile, as shown in  FIG. 25B , noise produced in the second pattern flows to a ground through the first extending portions  132  and  133  of the first conductor layer  120 . 
     As a result of conducting an extensive study, the present inventors have discovered and conceived that, by considering the fact that the frequency characteristics concerning the insertion loss when the three-terminal capacitor  100  is used with the first pattern are different from those when the three-terminal capacitor  100  is used with the second pattern, the first pattern or the second pattern may be selected depending on a required frequency band. Thus, the present inventors have conducted an experiment for checking that a desirable value of insertion loss may be obtained by using the single signal three-terminal capacitor  100  by changing the pattern to be used, that is, the first pattern or the second pattern, depending on a required frequency band. A description will be given below of an experiment for examining the frequency characteristics concerning the insertion loss when the three-terminal capacitor  100  is used with the first pattern and those when the three-terminal capacitor  100  is used with the second pattern. 
       FIG. 26  is a graph illustrating the result of this experiment. The horizontal axis indicates the frequency (MHz) and the vertical axis indicates the insertion loss (dB). The first pattern is indicated by the solid line, while the second pattern is indicated by the broken line. 
     The graph of  FIG. 26  shows that the first pattern exhibits lower insertion loss than the second pattern when the frequency is around 10 MHz. Accordingly, if a required frequency is about 10 MHz, it is preferable that the three-terminal capacitor  100  is used with the first pattern (that is, the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  are used as signal electrodes and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  are used as ground electrodes, as shown in  FIG. 24A ). 
     On the other hand, the graph of  FIG. 26  shows that the second pattern exhibits lower insertion loss than the first pattern when the frequency is around 100 MHz. Accordingly, if a required frequency is about 100 MHz, it is preferable that the three-terminal capacitor  100  is used with the second pattern (that is, the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  are used as ground electrodes and the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  are used as signal electrodes, as shown in  FIG. 25A ). 
     That is, by changing the pattern to be used, that is, the first pattern or the second pattern, depending on the required frequency band, a desirable value of insertion loss is obtained by using the single three-terminal capacitor  100 . 
     Although an explanation is not given here, advantages similar to those obtained for the three-terminal capacitor  100  of the first preferred embodiment are achieved for the three-terminal capacitor  200  of the second preferred embodiment, and the other three-terminal capacitors  100 A,  100 B,  200 A of various preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
     The three-terminal capacitor  100  ( 200 ) preferably satisfies the following conditions. The total dimension of E 1 +ME 1 +E 2 +ME 2 +E 3  is greater than the dimension of the capacitor element in the length direction L. The side outer electrode  106  ( 206 ) includes the third portion  106   c  ( 206   c ) on the third surface  102   c  ( 202   c ), while the side outer electrode  108  ( 208 ) includes the third portion  108   c  ( 208   c ) on the fourth surface  102   d  ( 202   d ). The three-terminal capacitor  100  ( 100 A,  100 B,  200 ,  200 A) preferably satisfies |ME 1 −ME 2 |&lt;about 50 μm, and also preferably satisfies M 2 L&lt;M 2 R, and M 1 R&gt;M 1 L, or M 2 L&gt;M 2 R and M 1 R&lt;M 1 L. With this configuration, the center outer electrode  104  ( 204 ) and the side outer electrodes  106  ( 206 ) and  108  ( 208 ) are always displaced toward determined end surfaces. As a result, the insulation resistance between outer electrodes is less likely to be decreased. 
     In this three-terminal capacitor  100  ( 100 A,  100 B,  200 ,  200 A), if the ratio of each of M 1 R, M 2 L, M 2 R, and M 3 L to the dimension of the capacitor element in the length direction L is about 1.5% or higher, for example, it is possible to more reliably cover the first extending portion  132  ( 232 ) and the second extending portions  134  ( 234 ) and  136  ( 236 ) by the center outer electrode  104  ( 204 ) and the side outer electrodes  106  ( 206 ) and  108  ( 208 ), respectively. As a result, the insulation resistance between outer electrodes is even less likely to be decreased. 
     In an experiment, samples of three-terminal capacitors were fabricated in the following manner. 
     In this experiment, a sample of a three-terminal capacitor of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and a sample of a three-terminal capacitor of a comparative example for evaluating three-terminal capacitors were fabricated by using the above-described manufacturing method on the basis of the conditions indicated in Table 2 and Table 3. The three-terminal capacitor of the present preferred embodiment and that of the comparative example have the same structure in terms of the design, except for the length L and the dimensions E 1 , E 2 , E 3 , ME 1 , ME 2 , M 1 R, M 2 L, M 2 R, and M 3 L of the three-terminal capacitors. 
     The insulation resistance between the center outer electrode and the side outer electrodes of the preferred embodiment and that of the comparative example were measured, and when the insulation resistance was lower than 10 7 Ω, it was determined that a decrease in the insulation resistance was observed. 
     A humidity load test was also conducted on the three-terminal capacitor of the present preferred embodiment and that of the comparative example in the following manner. The three-terminal capacitors were left in an atmosphere of a relative humidity of 100% RH at a temperature of 120° C. for 400 hours while a voltage of 6.3 V was being applied. Then, the insulation resistance IR was measured, and when the insulation resistance IR preferably satisfies Log(IR)&lt; 5 , it was determined that the three-terminal capacitor was broken. 
     The evaluation of the insulation resistance characteristics is shown in Table 2, and the evaluation of the humidity resistance characteristics is shown in Table 3. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 L 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 |ME1 − 
                 E1 + ME1 + 
                 Insulation 
               
               
                   
                 dimension 
                 E1 
                 E2 
                 E3 
                 M1L 
                 M1R 
                 ME1 
                 M2L 
                 M2R 
                 ME2 
                 M3L 
                 M3R 
                 ME2| 
                 E2 + 
                 resistance 
               
               
                   
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 ME2 + E3 
                 characteristics 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Preferred 
                 2005 
                 462.21 
                 672.81 
                 471.8 
                 57.2 
                 79.4 
                 242 
                 30.5 
                 60.5 
                 250 
                 35.2 
                 115.3 
                 8 
                 2098.82 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                 embodiment 
               
               
                 Comparative 
                 2097 
                 442.4 
                 685.4 
                 457.2 
                 85.2 
                 55.5 
                 210 
                 62.5 
                 28.5 
                 272 
                 32.5 
                 95.1 
                 62 
                 2067 
                 X 
               
               
                 example 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 L 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 dimension 
                 M1R 
                 M2L 
                 M2R 
                 M3L 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 (μm) 
                 M1R/L 
                 M2R/L 
                 M2L/L 
                 M3L/L 
                 Humidity resistance characteristics 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Preferred embodiment 
                 2005 
                 57.2 
                 30.5 
                 60.5 
                 35.2 
                 2.85% 
                 1.52% 
                 3.02% 
                 1.76% 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                 Comparative example 
                 2017 
                 15.8 
                 72.3 
                 20.5 
                 60.5 
                 0.78% 
                 3.58% 
                 1.02% 
                 3.00% 
                 X 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The results of Table 2 show that the comparative example does not satisfy the relationships E 1 +ME 1 +E 2 +ME 2 +E 3 &gt;L, |ME 1 −ME 2 |&lt;50 μm, and M 2 L&lt;M 2 R and M 1 R&gt;M 1 L, or M 2 L&gt;M 2 R and M 1 R&lt;M 1 L. That is, the distance between the center outer electrode and the side outer electrodes is small, thus decreasing the insulation resistance therebetween. 
     The results of Table 3 show that, in the comparative example, M 1 R/L is about 0.78% and M 2 L/L is about 1.02%, while, in the preferred embodiment, M 1 R/L, M 2 R/L, M 2 L/L, and M 3 L/L are all about 1.5% or higher so as to obtain good humidity resistance characteristics. Concerning the evaluations of the insulation resistance characteristics, the same results indicated in Table 2 were obtained. 
     The present invention is not restricted to the above-described preferred embodiments, and may be modified in various manners within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     In the three-terminal capacitor  100  ( 100 A,  100 B,  200 ,  200 A) of the first (second) preferred embodiment, concerning the side outer electrode  106  ( 206 ) disposed at one end portion of the first surface  102   a  ( 202   a ) in the length direction L, if the higher one of the heights of the longitudinal central portions of the second portions  106   b ,  106   b  ( 206   b ,  206   b ) disposed on the fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  ( 202   e ) and  102   f  ( 202   f ) is indicated by H 2  and if the height of the widthwise central portion of the third portion  106   c  ( 206   c ) disposed on the third surface  102   c  ( 202   c ) is indicated by H 3 , the relationship between the heights H 2  and H 3  preferably satisfies H 2 &gt;H 3 . However, this is only an example. 
     Concerning the side outer electrode  108  ( 208 ) disposed at the other end portion of the first surface  102   a  ( 202   a ) in the length direction L, if the higher one of the heights of the longitudinal central portions of the second portions  108   b ,  108   b  ( 208   b ,  208   b ) disposed on the fifth and sixth surfaces  102   e  ( 202   e ) and  102   f  ( 202   f ) is indicated by H 2 ′ and if the height of the widthwise central portion of the third portion  108   c  ( 208   c ) disposed on the fourth surface  102   d  is indicated by H 3 ′, the relationship between the heights H 2 ′ and H 3 ′ preferably satisfies H 2 ′&gt;H 3 ′. However, this is only an example. 
     In the three-terminal capacitor  100  ( 100 A,  100 B,  200 ,  200 A) of the first (second) preferred embodiment, the thickness of the outermost conductor layers  124  and  126  ( 224  and  226 ) is smaller than that of the first and second conductor layers  120  and  122  ( 220  and  222 ) positioned near the center of the W direction. However, this is only an example. 
     In the three-terminal capacitor  100  ( 100 A,  100 B,  200 ,  200 A) of the first (second) preferred embodiment, the outermost conductor layer  124  ( 224 ) is connected to the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  ( 204 ), as in the first conductor layer  120  ( 220 ) disposed adjacent to the outermost conductor layer  124  ( 224 ) with the inner dielectric layer  110  ( 210 ) therebetween. However, this is only an example, and the outermost conductor layer  124  ( 224 ) may be connected to the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  ( 206  and  208 ). Similarly, the outermost conductor layer  126  ( 226 ) is connected to the side outer electrodes  106  through  109  ( 206  and  208 ), as in the second conductor layer  122  ( 222 ) disposed adjacent to the outermost conductor layer  126  ( 226 ) with the inner dielectric layer  110  ( 210 ) therebetween. However, this is only an example, and the outermost conductor layer  126  ( 226 ) may be connected to the center outer electrodes  104  and  105  ( 204 ). 
     While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.