Patent attributes
A high-reliability electronic component without reduction in insulation resistance under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions has satisfactory solderability of external electrodes. The electronic component includes a main body and external electrodes disposed on surfaces of the main body, the external electrodes include underlying electrode layers each containing a metal, alloy layers each disposed on the corresponding underlying electrode layer, Ni plating layers each disposed on the corresponding alloy layer, Ni oxide layers each disposed on the corresponding Ni plating layers, and upper plating layers each disposed on the corresponding Ni oxide layer, each Ni oxide layer having a thickness of about 150 nm or less, and each Ni plating layer having an average particle size of Ni particles of about 2 μm or more. To form the Ni plating layers having reduced grain boundaries, heat treatment is performed at about 500° C. to about 900° C. inclusive in a reducing atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of about 100 ppm or less.