Transmission line and electronic device provided with same

Abstract

The utility model provides a transmission line and an electronic device provided with the transmission line. A transmission line is provided with: an insulator having at least one insulator layer; and a first conductor pattern and a second conductor pattern which are disposed on the insulator layer and are disposed at different positions in the thickness direction of the insulator layer, the first conductor pattern having a first signal line and a second signal line extending in the signal transmission direction, and the second conductor pattern having a first counter electrode and a second counter electrode. The first counter electrode overlaps the first signal line and does not overlap the second signal line when viewed from the thickness direction, and the second counter electrode overlaps the second signal line and does not overlap the first signal line when viewed from the thickness direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a transmission line with a signal conductor and an electronic device with the transmission line. Background Art

[0002] As a conventional invention related to a transmission line, for example, there is known a coplanar waveguide structure described in Patent Document 1. The coplanar waveguide structure has a structure in which grounds are arranged on both sides to sandwich a plurality of signal lines, and floating electrodes are arranged above and / or below them.

[0003] Prior Art Literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5042327 Utility Model Content

[0006] Problems to be solved by utility models

[0007] However, in the transmission line using the coplanar waveguide structure described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that a plurality of signal lines may be isolated or coupled to cause interference.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a transmission line capable of suppressing interference between a plurality of signal lines and an electronic device including the transmission line.

[0009] Means used to solve problems

[0010] A transmission line according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0011] an insulator having at least one insulator layer; and

[0012] The first conductor pattern and the second conductor pattern are arranged on the insulating layer and are arranged at different positions in the thickness direction of the insulating layer.

[0013] The first conductor pattern has a first signal line and a second signal line extending along a signal transmission direction, respectively.

[0014] The second conductor pattern has a first counter electrode and a second counter electrode.

[0015] The first counter electrode overlaps with the first signal line and does not overlap with the second signal line when viewed from the thickness direction.

[0016] The second counter electrode overlaps with the second signal line and does not overlap with the first signal line when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0017] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention includes the above-mentioned transmission line.

[0018] Utility Model Effect

[0019] According to the transmission line and the electronic device of the present invention, interference between a plurality of signals can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is an external perspective view of the transmission line according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2A This is a plan view showing one layer of the transmission line according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2B It is a plan view showing another layer of the transmission line according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2C It is a plan view showing still another layer of the transmission line according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 AA section view.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 BB cross-sectional view.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a plan view showing one layer of the transmission line according to the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line of the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing one layer of the transmission line according to the third embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line of the third embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 9 This is a plan view showing one layer of the transmission line according to the fourth embodiment.

[0031] Fig.10 It is a plan view showing another layer of the transmission line according to the fourth embodiment.

[0032] Fig.11 This is a plan view showing one layer of a transmission line according to a modification of the fourth embodiment.

[0033] Fig.12 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line of the fifth embodiment.

[0034] Fig.13A This is a plan view showing one layer of the transmission line according to the fifth embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 13B It is a plan view showing another layer of the transmission line according to the fifth embodiment.

[0036] Fig.14 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line of the sixth embodiment.

[0037] Fig.15 It is a longitudinal sectional view of a transmission line according to a modification of the sixth embodiment.

[0038] Fig.16 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line of the seventh embodiment.

[0039] Fig.17 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line of the seventh embodiment.

[0040] Fig.18 It is a longitudinal sectional view of a transmission line according to a modification of the seventh embodiment.

[0041] Fig.19 It is a longitudinal sectional view of a transmission line according to a modification of the seventh embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 20 It is a longitudinal sectional view of a transmission line according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0043] Fig.21 It is a longitudinal sectional view of a transmission line according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 22 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line of the eighth embodiment.

[0045] Fig.23 This is a plan view showing one layer in the transmission line according to the eighth embodiment.

[0046] Fig.24 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line of the ninth embodiment.

[0047] Fig.25 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line of the tenth embodiment.

[0048] Fig.26 It is a longitudinal sectional view of a transmission line according to a modified example of the tenth embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 27 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line (unbent state) according to the eleventh embodiment.

[0050] Fig.28It is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line (unbent state) according to the eleventh embodiment.

[0051] Fig.29 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line (in a bent state) according to the eleventh embodiment.

[0052] Fig.30 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line (in a bent state) according to the eleventh embodiment.

[0053] Fig.31 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line of the twelfth embodiment.

[0054] Fig.32 It is a plan view showing one layer in the transmission line of the thirteenth embodiment.

[0055] Fig.33 This is a block diagram schematically showing an electronic device in which the transmission line according to the thirteenth embodiment is built-in (first embodiment).

[0056] Description of Reference Numerals

[0057] 12: insulator layer (insulator);

[0058] 20: first conductor pattern;

[0059] 22: first grounding conductor;

[0060] 24: second grounding conductor;

[0061] 26: First signal line;

[0062] 28: Second signal line;

[0063] 30: second conductor pattern;

[0064] 32: first counter electrode;

[0065] 34: second counter electrode;

[0066] 100: transmission line;

[0067] S: signal transmission direction;

[0068] T: thickness direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Hereinafter, the structures of the transmission line 100 and the electronic device 1380 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the appearance of the transmission line 100. Figure 2A to Figure 2C Each of them is a plan view of each layer of the transmission line 100 as viewed from the thickness direction. Figure 3 is an AA cross-sectional view of the transmission line 100, Figure 4 It is a BB cross-sectional view of the transmission line 100 .

[0070] In this specification, directions are defined as follows. First, the X-axis direction corresponds to the signal transmission direction S of the transmission line 100, the Y-axis direction corresponds to the width direction W of the transmission line 100, and the Z-axis direction corresponds to the thickness direction T of the transmission line 100. The signal transmission direction S is the direction of the signal lines 26 and 28 ( Figure 2B ) extends in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction T. The width direction W is a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the signal lines 26 and 28 extend when viewed along the thickness direction T. The thickness direction T is a stacking direction in which at least one insulating layer 12 is stacked. The thickness direction T, the width direction W, and the signal transmission direction S are mutually perpendicular. It should be noted that the thickness direction T, the width direction W, and the signal transmission direction S of the present specification may not be consistent with the thickness direction, the width direction, and the signal transmission direction of the transmission line 100 when it is actually used.

[0071] The following is an explanation of the definitions of the terms used in this specification. First, the positional relationship of the components in this specification is defined. In this specification, "A and B are electrically connected" means that there is electrical conduction between A and B. Therefore, A and B may be in contact, or A and B may not be in contact. For example, when C having conductivity is arranged between A and B, A and B are electrically connected via C even if A and B are not in contact. On the other hand, in this specification, "A and B are in contact" means that the surfaces of A and B are directly touching each other.

[0072] First, refer to Figure 1 , the structure of the transmission line 100 is described. The transmission line 100 is a transmission line for transmitting high-frequency signals. The transmission line 100 is a multilayer substrate for electrically connecting two circuits in electronic devices such as smartphones. Figure 1 As shown, the transmission line 100 of the first embodiment has a strip shape extending in the signal transmission direction S.

[0073] Figure 1 The transmission line 100 shown includes a protective film 16 a , an insulating layer 12 , and a protective film 16 b in this order along the thickness direction T.

[0074] like Figure 1As shown, the insulator layer 12 has a plate shape. Therefore, the insulator layer 12 has a first main surface 19a and a second main surface 19b separated in the thickness direction T. Alternatively, the first main surface 19a may be referred to as the upper main surface, and the second main surface 19b may be referred to as the lower main surface. The insulator layer 12 has a structure in which protective films 16a and 16b are stacked in the thickness direction T. Specifically, the protective film 16a is stacked on the first main surface 19a, and the protective film 16b is stacked on the second main surface 19b. The insulator layer 12 is, for example, a flexible dielectric sheet. The material of the insulator layer 12 is a resin. In the present embodiment, the material of the insulator layer 12 is a thermoplastic resin. Thermoplastic resins are, for example, liquid crystal polymers, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), etc. In addition, the material of the insulator layer 12 may also be polyimide.

[0075] In the first embodiment, one insulator layer 12 is provided as an insulator. The insulator layer 12 is not limited to being a single layer, and a plurality of insulator layers 12 may be stacked in the thickness direction T. A structure in which one or more insulator layers 12 are arranged / stacked in the thickness direction T may also be referred to as an "insulator".

[0076] The protective film 16a is a protective layer for protecting the conductor (first conductor pattern 20) arranged on the first main surface 19a of the insulating layer 12. The protective film 16b is a protective layer for protecting the conductor (second conductor pattern 30) arranged on the second main surface 19b of the insulating layer 12. The protective films 16a and 16b cover substantially the entire surfaces of the main surfaces 19a and 19b of the insulating layer 12, respectively. The protective films 16a and 16b of the first embodiment are barrier films made of resin applied to the insulating layer 12. However, the protective films 16a and 16b may also be covering layers attached to the insulating layer 12.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of openings 46a to 46e are provided in the protective film 16a. The openings 46a to 46e are openings for connecting the first conductor pattern 20 to the outside, and interlayer connection conductors such as via conductors (not shown) are arranged therein.

[0078] like Figure 2A As shown in FIG. 1 , a portion of the first conductor pattern 20 is exposed from openings 46a to 46e provided in the protective film 16a. Figure 2A to Figure 2C In FIG. 1 , components of different layers in the thickness direction T are distinguished by solid lines and dotted lines.

[0079] like Figure 2B As shown, the first conductor pattern 20 is a conductor pattern provided on the first main surface 19 a of the insulating layer 12 , and has a plurality of conductors extending along the signal transmission direction S. The first conductor pattern 20 has a first ground conductor 22 , a second ground conductor 24 , a third ground conductor 44 , a first signal line 26 , and a second signal line 28 .

[0080] The first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 are conductors for transmitting signals, respectively, and transmit different signals. The first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 of the first embodiment transmit high-frequency signals. Figure 2A The two openings 46a are shown to be exposed. The two ends of the second signal line 28 in the signal transmission direction S are Figure 2A The two openings 46b are shown as being exposed separately.

[0081] The first ground conductor 22, the second ground conductor 24, and the third ground conductor 44 are conductors connected to a ground potential as a reference potential. The ground conductors 22, 24, and 44 play a shielding function to suppress interference between signals in the signal lines 26 and 28. The ground conductors 22, 24, and 44 may be connected to the reference potential by any method such as frame grounding of a chassis of an electronic device (not shown) having the transmission line 100 built therein.

[0082] The two ends of the first ground conductor 22 in the signal transmission direction S are Figure 2A Similarly, the two ends of the second ground conductor 24 in the signal transmission direction S are respectively exposed from Figure 2A The two openings 46d are shown, respectively, and the two ends of the third ground conductor 44 in the signal transmission direction S are exposed. Figure 2A The two openings 46e shown are respectively exposed.

[0083] like Figure 2B As shown, the first conductor pattern 20 sequentially arranges the first ground conductor 22, the first signal line 26, the third ground conductor 44, the second signal line 28, and the second ground conductor 24 along the width direction W. The first signal line 26 is arranged between the first ground conductor 22 and the third ground conductor 44, and the second signal line 28 is arranged between the second ground conductor 24 and the third ground conductor 44.

[0084] like Figure 2B As shown, when viewed from the thickness direction T, the first conductor pattern 20 and the second conductor pattern 30 are arranged to overlap.

[0085] like Figure 2C As shown, the second conductor pattern 30 is provided on the upper surface of the protective film 16b, that is, the second main surface 19b of the insulating layer 12. The second conductor pattern 30 is fixedly provided on the second main surface 19b of the insulating layer 12 and covered by the protective film 16b.

[0086] The first conductor pattern 20 and the second conductor pattern 30 are conductor layers formed by patterning metal foil bonded to the principal surfaces 19a and 19b of the insulating layer 12. The metal foil is, for example, copper foil.

[0087] like Figure 2C As shown, the second conductor pattern 30 includes a first counter electrode 32 and a second counter electrode 34 .

[0088] The first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34 are electrodes arranged to be opposed to the first conductor pattern 20 in the thickness direction T. The first opposing electrode 32 has a plurality of conductors arranged at intervals periodically along the signal transmission direction S, and the second opposing electrode 34 also has a plurality of conductors arranged at intervals periodically along the signal transmission direction S.

[0089] In the first embodiment, each opposing electrode 32, 34 is substantially rectangular in a plan view, has a long side along the width direction W, and has a short side along the signal transmission direction S. Each opposing electrode 32, 34 is set to substantially the same size. The positions of the plurality of first opposing electrodes 32 in the width direction W are substantially the same, and the positions of the plurality of second opposing electrodes 34 in the width direction W are substantially the same.

[0090] like Figure 2B , Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of first opposing electrodes 32 are arranged to face the first ground conductor 22, the first signal line 26, and the third ground conductor 44 when viewed from the thickness direction T. The plurality of second opposing electrodes 34 are arranged to face the third ground conductor 44, the second signal line 28, and the second ground conductor 24 when viewed from the thickness direction T.

[0091] The first opposing electrode 32 overlaps with the first signal line 26 when viewed from the thickness direction T, and does not overlap with the second signal line 28. The second opposing electrode 34 overlaps with the second signal line 28 when viewed from the thickness direction T, and does not overlap with the first signal line 26. According to such a configuration, compared with a case where either one of the opposing electrodes 32 and 34 is opposed to both of the two signal lines 26 and 28, interference between the signal lines 26 and 28 via the opposing electrodes 32 and 34 can be suppressed, and isolation or coupling can be improved.

[0092] When viewed in the thickness direction T, the first counter electrode 32 and the second counter electrode 34 extend perpendicularly to the first conductive pattern 20 .

[0093] In the first embodiment, the plurality of first opposing electrodes 32 and the plurality of second opposing electrodes 34 are floating conductors. A floating conductor is a conductor connected to a floating potential. A floating conductor is not connected to a specific potential (reference potential, ground potential) such as a ground potential and a power supply potential, and is also called a floating electrode.

[0094] like Figure 2B , Figure 3 As shown, the first ground conductor 22 overlaps with the plurality of first opposing electrodes 32 when viewed along the thickness direction T, but does not overlap with the plurality of second opposing electrodes 34. The second ground conductor 24 overlaps with the plurality of second opposing electrodes 34 when viewed along the thickness direction T, but does not overlap with the plurality of first opposing electrodes 32.

[0095] The third ground conductor 44 overlaps both the first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34 when viewed in the thickness direction T. The third ground conductor 44 of the first embodiment includes one conductor portion overlapping both the first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34. The third ground conductor 44 is not limited to this case, and the third ground conductor 44 may overlap either one of the first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34 when viewed in the thickness direction T, but not overlap the other.

[0096] As described above, the transmission line 100 of the first embodiment includes an insulator layer 12 (insulator), and a first conductor pattern 20 and a second conductor pattern 30 arranged on the insulator layer 12 and arranged at different positions in the thickness direction T of the insulator layer 12. The first conductor pattern 20 includes a first signal line 26 and a second signal line 28 extending along the signal transmission direction S, respectively, and the second conductor pattern 30 includes a first opposing electrode 32 and a second opposing electrode 34. The first opposing electrode 32 overlaps with the first signal line 26 when viewed from the thickness direction T, and does not overlap with the second signal line 28, and the second opposing electrode 34 overlaps with the second signal line 28 when viewed from the thickness direction T, and does not overlap with the first signal line 26.

[0097] According to such a structure, in the transmission line 100, when a certain opposing electrode overlaps with both the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 when viewed along the thickness direction T, the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 interfere with each other through the opposing electrode, which may deteriorate isolation or coupling. According to the structure described in this embodiment, the isolation or coupling of the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 can be improved.

[0098] In other words, the first opposing electrode 32 overlapping the first signal line 26 contributes to the isolation or coupling of the first signal line 26, and the second opposing electrode 34 overlapping the second signal line 28 contributes to the isolation or coupling of the second signal line 28. Assuming that either of the opposing electrodes 32 and 34 overlaps both the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28, the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 may interfere with each other via the opposing electrodes 32 and 34. In contrast, by configuring one opposing electrode to overlap only one signal line, the isolation or coupling between the plurality of signal lines 26 and 28 can be improved.

[0099] In the first embodiment, the first conductor pattern 20 further includes ground conductors 22 and 24. According to this configuration, the isolation or coupling between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 can be improved.

[0100] In the first embodiment, the ground conductors 22 and 24 are connected to the reference potential. According to this configuration, the shielding property is improved.

[0101] In the first embodiment, the transmission line 100 includes the first ground conductor 22 corresponding to the first signal line 26 and the second ground conductor 24 corresponding to the second signal line 28. This configuration can improve the isolation or coupling between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28.

[0102] In addition, in the first embodiment, a plurality of the first opposing electrodes 32 and the second opposing electrodes 34 are respectively provided at intervals along the signal transmission direction S. According to this structure, in the first opposing electrodes 32 and the second opposing electrodes 34, it is difficult for current to flow along the signal transmission direction S, and transmission loss can be reduced. It should be noted that it is not limited to the case where a plurality of the first opposing electrodes 32 and the second opposing electrodes 34 are provided at intervals along the signal transmission direction S, and it is also possible that a plurality of the first opposing electrodes 32 and the second opposing electrodes 34 are provided at intervals along the signal transmission direction S.

[0103] In the first embodiment, the length of the first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34 in the signal transmission direction S (short side direction) is shorter than the length in the width direction W (long side direction) when viewed from the thickness direction T. In other words, the opposing electrodes 32 and 34 (floating electrodes) have shapes extending in a direction (width direction W) different from the direction (signal transmission direction S) in which the signal lines 26 and 28 extend. According to this structure, in the first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34, it is further difficult for current to flow in the signal transmission direction S, and transmission loss can be reduced.

[0104] In the first embodiment, the lengths of the first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34 in the signal transmission direction S viewed from the thickness direction T are made sufficiently smaller than the wavelength of the signal transmitted in the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28. This can control the flow of current in the signal transmission direction S and reduce transmission loss.

[0105] In the first embodiment, the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 are used for high-frequency signals and transmit high-frequency signals. As a result, it is expected that the isolation or coupling of the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 will be improved and the transmission loss will be reduced. It should be noted that a signal different from the high-frequency signal (such as a low-frequency signal) may also be transmitted on the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28.

[0106] In addition, in the first embodiment, the first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34 are floating conductors and are not connected to the reference potential. As a result, the manufacture of the transmission line 100 including the opposing electrodes 32 and 34 becomes easy. It should be noted that the first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34 are not limited to being floating conductors, and in order to improve the shielding function, they can also be grounded conductors connected to the ground potential. In addition, it is also possible to set, for example, one of the first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34 as a floating conductor and the other opposing electrode as a grounded conductor. In other words, the first opposing electrode 32 and / or the second opposing electrode 34 can also be a floating conductor, or the first opposing electrode 32 and / or the second opposing electrode 34 can also be a grounded conductor.

[0107] In the first embodiment, the third ground conductor 44 is provided between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 when viewed in the thickness direction T. This can suppress direct interference between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 and improve isolation or coupling between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28.

[0108] In the first embodiment, the third ground conductor 44 has a conductor portion that overlaps both the first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34 when viewed from the thickness direction T. Thus, the third ground conductor 44 can be easily manufactured while improving isolation. It should be noted that the third ground conductor 44 is not limited to a single conductor portion, but may also have a plurality of conductor portions. Alternatively, the third ground conductor 44 may not be provided, so that the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 are directly opposite.

[0109] In addition, in the first embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, in the first conductor pattern 20, the first signal line 26 is sandwiched between two ground conductors 22 and 44, and the second signal line 28 is sandwiched between two ground conductors 24 and 44. According to such a waveguide structure, compared with a structure without a ground conductor 44, the noise suppression effect is higher and a higher shielding property can be achieved.

[0110] (Second Embodiment)

[0111] Hereinafter, a transmission line 200 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, descriptions of contents overlapping with those of the first embodiment will be appropriately omitted. The same also applies to the second embodiment and subsequent embodiments.

[0112] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the first main surface 19a of the insulating layer 12 in the transmission line 200. Figure 6It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (CC cross-sectional view) of the transmission line 200 .

[0113] The transmission line 200 of the second embodiment is different from the transmission line 100 of the first embodiment in that the third ground conductor 44 is divided into a plurality of ground conductors 44 a and 44 b .

[0114] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the first conductor pattern 220 of the transmission line 200 has two third ground conductors 44 a and 44 b between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 .

[0115] The third ground conductor 44a is a ground conductor that overlaps with the plurality of first opposing electrodes 32 of the second conductor pattern 30 when viewed in the thickness direction T. The third ground conductor 44b is a ground conductor that overlaps with the plurality of second opposing electrodes 34 of the second conductor pattern 30 when viewed in the thickness direction T. The third ground conductor 44a overlaps with the first opposing electrodes 32, but does not overlap with the second opposing electrodes 34. The third ground conductor 44b overlaps with the second opposing electrodes 34, but does not overlap with the first opposing electrodes 32.

[0116] According to the above structure, the third ground conductor 44a mainly has the function of absorbing noise generated from the first signal line 26 directly opposite in the width direction W, and the third ground conductor 44b mainly has the function of absorbing noise generated from the second signal line 28 directly opposite in the width direction W. By being divided into a plurality of third ground conductors 44a and 44b, direct interference between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 on the first main surface 19a can be suppressed, and isolation or coupling can be improved.

[0117] In the second embodiment, ground conductors 44a and 44b are provided corresponding to the opposing electrodes 32 and 34, respectively. Figure 6 As shown, the third ground conductor 44 a is provided at a position overlapping the first counter electrode 32 in the thickness direction T, and the third ground conductor 44 b is provided at a position overlapping the second counter electrode 34 in the thickness direction T. Thus, isolation or coupling can be further improved.

[0118] (Third Embodiment)

[0119] Hereinafter, a transmission line 300 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0120] Figure 7 is a plan view showing the first main surface 19a of the insulating layer 12 in the transmission line 300. Figure 8 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (DD cross-sectional view) of the transmission line 300 .

[0121] The transmission line 300 of the third embodiment is different from the transmission line 100 of the first embodiment in that the third ground conductor 44 is not provided.

[0122] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the first conductor pattern 320 of the transmission line 300 does not include the ground conductors 44 a and 44 b between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 , and the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 are directly opposed to each other in the width direction W.

[0123] According to the above structure, by not providing a ground conductor between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28, the structure can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, the outer shape of the transmission line 300 can be reduced. In this structure, the first ground conductor 22, the second ground conductor 24, the first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34 play a shielding function for the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28.

[0124] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0125] Hereinafter, a transmission line 400 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0126] Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the first main surface 19a of the insulating layer 12 in the transmission line 400. Fig.10 It is a plan view showing a layer of the protective film 16 b in the transmission line 400 , that is, a layer of the second main surface 19 b of the insulating layer 12 .

[0127] The transmission line 400 of the fourth embodiment is different from the transmission line 100 of the first embodiment in that the first counter electrode 432 and the second counter electrode 434 are arranged at positions offset from each other in the signal transmission direction S.

[0128] like Fig. 9 , Fig.10 As shown, the plurality of first opposed electrodes 432 overlapping the first signal lines 26 and the plurality of second opposed electrodes 434 overlapping the second signal lines 28 are arranged at positions offset from each other in the signal transmission direction S.

[0129] like Fig.10 As shown, a first opposing electrode 432a overlaps with two adjacent second opposing electrodes 434a and 434b when viewed along the width direction W. The first opposing electrode 432a has a region overlapping with the second opposing electrode 434a in the width direction W and a region not overlapping with the second opposing electrode 434a in the width direction W. Similarly, the first opposing electrode 432a has a region overlapping with the second opposing electrode 434b in the width direction W and a region not overlapping with the second opposing electrode 434b in the width direction W.

[0130] exist Fig.10 In the example shown, the pitch P1 at which the plurality of first opposing electrodes 432 are arranged and the pitch P2 at which the plurality of second opposing electrodes 434 are arranged are set to be substantially the same length. In addition, the adjacent first opposing electrodes 432a and the second opposing electrodes 434a are arranged to be offset by a position offset Px along the signal transmission direction S. The position offset Px is set, for example, to be approximately half the length of the pitches P1 and P2. This is not limited to such a case, and the position offset Px may be set to any length as long as it is a length smaller than the pitches P1 and P2. It should be noted that the pitch P1 is the distance between the central portions of the two adjacent first opposing electrodes 432, the pitch P2 is the distance between the central portions of the two adjacent second opposing electrodes 434, and the position offset Px is the distance between the central portions of the adjacent first opposing electrodes 432 and the central portions of the second opposing electrodes 434. With respect to the length along the signal transmission direction S, the width of each first opposing electrode 432 and the width of each second opposing electrode 434 are set to be substantially the same length. Furthermore, the distance (gap length) between two adjacent first counter electrodes 432 and the distance between two adjacent second counter electrodes 434 are also set to be substantially the same length.

[0131] According to the above structure, the first opposing electrode 432 and the second opposing electrode 434 are arranged to be offset from each other along the signal transmission direction S, thereby preventing the formation of capacitance between the first opposing electrode 432 and the second opposing electrode 434. Thus, the isolation or coupling between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 can be improved.

[0132] here, Fig.11 FIG. 4 shows a transmission line 400a of a modified example of the fourth embodiment. Fig.11 As shown, the second conductor pattern 430 a of the transmission line 400 a has a plurality of first opposing electrodes 432 and a plurality of second opposing electrodes 434 , and further has a plurality of fifth opposing electrodes 436 .

[0133] The plurality of fifth counter electrodes 436 are periodically arranged at intervals along the signal transmission direction S similarly to the counter electrodes 432 and 434 , and are provided at positions adjacent to the second counter electrode 434 in the width direction W.

[0134] exist Fig.11In the example shown, the pitch P3 at which the plurality of fifth opposing electrodes 436 are arranged is set to be substantially the same as the pitches P1 and P2 of the opposing electrodes 432 and 434. Furthermore, the position of each fifth opposing electrode 436 in the signal transmission direction S is set to be a position offset relative to each second opposing electrode 434 and substantially the same as each first opposing electrode 432. It should be noted that the pitch P3 is the distance between the central portions of two adjacent fifth opposing electrodes 436. In addition, with respect to the length along the signal transmission direction S, the width of each fifth opposing electrode 436 is set to be substantially the same as the width of each first opposing electrode 432 and the width of each second opposing electrode 434. In addition, the interval (length of the gap) between two adjacent fifth opposing electrodes 436 is also set to be substantially the same as the interval between two adjacent first opposing electrodes 432 and the interval between two adjacent second opposing electrodes 434.

[0135] according to Fig.11 The structure shown can suppress the formation of capacitance between the opposing electrodes 432 and 434 adjacent to each other in the width direction W, and suppress the formation of capacitance between the opposing electrodes 434 and 436 adjacent to each other in the width direction W. By setting the positions of the first opposing electrode 432 and the fifth opposing electrode 436 arranged to sandwich the second opposing electrode 434 in the signal transmission direction S to be approximately the same, the arrangement of the opposing electrodes 432, 434, and 436 can be easily determined. In addition, even when four or more opposing electrodes are arranged at intervals in the width direction W, the arrangement of the opposing electrodes can be easily determined by staggering the adjacent opposing electrodes in the signal transmission direction S and setting the positions of the signal transmission direction S to be the same for every other opposing electrode.

[0136] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0137] Hereinafter, a transmission line 500 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0138] Fig.12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line 500 . Fig.13A , Fig. 13B Each of the above diagrams shows a layer in the transmission line 500 .

[0139] The transmission line 500 of the fifth embodiment differs from the transmission line 100 of the first embodiment in that two insulating layers 12 a and 12 b are provided between protective films 16 a and 16 b , and a third conductor pattern 530 is provided in addition to the first conductor pattern 20 and the second conductor pattern 30 .

[0140] like Fig.12As shown, two insulating layers 12a and 12b are stacked between the protective films 16a and 16b in the thickness direction T. A first conductor pattern 20 is provided on the first main surface 519a of the insulating layer 12a, and a second conductor pattern 30 is provided on the second main surface 519b of the insulating layer 12a. A third conductor pattern 530 is provided on the third main surface 519c of the insulating layer 12b.

[0141] The third conductor pattern 530 includes a third counter electrode 532 and a fourth counter electrode 534. The structure of the third conductor pattern 530 is the same as that of the second conductor pattern 30. In other words, the third conductor pattern 530 is provided on the third main surface 519c of the insulating layer 12b as a conductor pattern having the same structure as the second conductor pattern 30. Fig.13A In the example shown, a plurality of pads 535 are provided to lead out the first conductor pattern 20 under the third conductor pattern 530. Fig.12 In the longitudinal cross-sectional view, the pad 535 is omitted from illustration, and the pad will also be omitted from illustration and description in subsequent embodiments.

[0142] like Fig.13A As shown, the plurality of third opposing electrodes 532 are periodically arranged at intervals along the signal transmission direction S. Similarly, the plurality of fourth opposing electrodes 534 are periodically arranged at intervals along the signal transmission direction S.

[0143] When viewed from the thickness direction T, the plurality of third opposing electrodes 532 and Fig. 13B The first ground conductor 22, the first signal line 26, and the third ground conductor 44 of the first conductor pattern 20 shown by the solid line overlap. Similarly, when viewed from the thickness direction T, the plurality of fourth counter electrodes 534 overlap with Fig. 13B The third ground conductor 44 of the first conductor pattern 20 , the second signal line 28 , and the second ground conductor 24 indicated by the solid line overlap.

[0144] Each third counter electrode 532 is aligned with Fig. 13B Each of the first opposing electrodes 32 shown by the dotted lines overlaps with each other. Fig. 13B The second counter electrodes 34 indicated by the dotted lines overlap.

[0145] like Fig.12 As shown, the first signal line 26 is sandwiched between the first counter electrode 32 and the third counter electrode 532 in the thickness direction T, and the second signal line 28 is sandwiched between the second counter electrode 34 and the fourth counter electrode 534 in the thickness direction T.

[0146] According to the above configuration, the third opposing electrode 532 and the fourth opposing electrode 534 are provided in addition to the first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34, thereby improving the shielding property against unnecessary radiation. Thus, the isolation or coupling between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 can be improved.

[0147] It should be noted that the third opposing electrode 532 and the fourth opposing electrode 534 may be floating conductors or grounded conductors. In addition, any one of the first opposing electrode 32 and the third opposing electrode 532 overlapping in the thickness direction T may be omitted and only the other opposing electrode may be provided. Similarly, any one of the second opposing electrode 34 and the fourth opposing electrode 534 overlapping in the thickness direction T may be omitted and only the other opposing electrode may be provided.

[0148] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0149] Hereinafter, a transmission line 600 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0150] Fig.14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the transmission line 600 .

[0151] The transmission line 600 of the sixth embodiment is different from the transmission line 500 of the fifth embodiment in that the insulating layer 12 b is divided into two insulating layers 12 b 1 and 12 b 2 , and the first conductor pattern 620 is provided in a plurality of layers.

[0152] like Fig.14 As shown, two insulating layers 12b1 and 12b2 are stacked in the thickness direction T. The insulating layer 12b1 is stacked on the insulating layer 12a, the insulating layer 12b2 is stacked on the insulating layer 12b1, and the protective film 16a is stacked on the insulating layer 12b2.

[0153] The first conductor pattern 620 includes a first ground conductor 622 , a first signal line 626 , a third ground conductor 644 , a second signal line 628 , and a second ground conductor 624 .

[0154] exist Fig.14 In the illustrated example, the first ground conductor 622 and the first signal line 626 in the first conductor pattern 620 are provided in the same layer, and the third ground conductor 644 , the second signal line 628 , and the second ground conductor 624 are provided in the same layer.

[0155] like Fig.14As shown, the first main surface 619a of the insulating layer 12a is provided with a first ground conductor 622 and a first signal line 626, and the second main surface 619b of the insulating layer 12a is provided with a second conductor pattern 30. Similarly, the third main surface 619c of the insulating layer 12b2 is provided with a third ground conductor 644, a second signal line 628 and a second ground conductor 624, and the third conductor pattern 530 is provided on the fourth main surface 619d of the insulating layer 12b2.

[0156] Similar to the transmission line 500 of the fifth embodiment, the first opposing electrode 32 and the third opposing electrode 532 overlap with the first ground conductor 622, the first signal line 626, and the third ground conductor 644 when viewed from the thickness direction T. In addition, the second opposing electrode 34 and the fourth opposing electrode 534 overlap with the third ground conductor 644, the second signal line 628, and the second ground conductor 624 when viewed from the thickness direction T.

[0157] according to Fig.14 In the structure shown, the first signal line 626 and the second signal line 628 constituting the first conductor pattern 620 are arranged in different layers, so that the distance between the first signal line 626 and the second signal line 628 becomes longer, and direct interference can be suppressed. In addition, the distance between the first signal line 626 and the third opposing electrode 532 on the upper side becomes longer, and the distance between the second signal line 628 and the second opposing electrode 34 on the lower side becomes longer. As a result, interference via the opposing electrodes 32, 34, 532, 534 can also be suppressed, and the isolation or coupling between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 can be improved.

[0158] here, Fig.15 FIG. 6 shows a transmission line 600a of a modified example of the sixth embodiment. Fig.15 As shown, the first conductor pattern 620a of the transmission line 600a has two third ground conductors 644a and 644b.

[0159] like Fig.15 As shown, the third grounding conductors 644a and 644b are provided in different layers. The third grounding conductor 644a is provided in the same layer as the first grounding conductor 622 and the first signal line 626, that is, the first main surface 619a of the insulating layer 12a. The third grounding conductor 644b is formed in the same layer as the second signal line 628 and the second grounding conductor 624, that is, the third main surface 619c of the insulating layer 12b2.

[0160] according to Fig.15 In the structure shown, the isolation or coupling between the first signal line 626 and the second signal line 628 can be further improved by dividing the third ground conductor 644a and 644b and arranging the third ground conductor 644a and 644b in different layers.

[0161] (Seventh Embodiment)

[0162] Hereinafter, a transmission line 700 according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0163] Fig.16 , Fig.17 They are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the transmission line 700. Fig.16 , Fig.17 , a partially simplified structure is shown, such as the protection films 16 a and 16 b are omitted from the illustration.

[0164] The transmission line 700 of the seventh embodiment is different from the transmission line 100 of the first embodiment in that it has a stripline structure.

[0165] like Fig.16 As shown, a first signal line 726 is provided on one main surface of the insulating layer 712, and a plurality of first opposing electrodes 732 are provided on the other main surface. The plurality of first opposing electrodes 732 are periodically arranged at intervals along the signal transmission direction S, and are opposed to the first signal line 726 when viewed from the thickness direction T.

[0166] like Fig.17 As shown, a second signal line 728 is provided on one main surface of the insulating layer 712, and a plurality of second opposing electrodes 734 are provided on the other main surface. The plurality of second opposing electrodes 734 are periodically arranged at intervals along the signal transmission direction S and are opposed to the second signal line 728 when viewed from the thickness direction T.

[0167] Fig.17 The second signal line 728 and the second counter electrode 734 are arranged relative to Fig.16 The positions of the first signal lines 726 and the first counter electrodes 732 shown in FIG. 7 are offset in the width direction W. The plurality of first counter electrodes 732 overlap with the first signal lines 726 when viewed from the thickness direction T, but are not aligned with the first signal lines 726. Fig.17 The second signal lines 728 shown in FIG. 7 do not overlap. The plurality of second counter electrodes 734 overlap with the second signal lines 728 when viewed in the thickness direction T, but are not overlapped with the second signal lines 728. Fig.16 The first signal lines 726 are shown not to overlap.

[0168] like Fig.16 As shown, a stripline structure 702 and a stripline structure 704 are respectively provided at both ends of the transmission line 700 in the signal transmission direction S.

[0169] The stripline structure 702 includes a pair of ground conductors 750 and 752 ( Fig.16), and a pair of ground conductors 754 and 756 are provided at positions sandwiching the second signal line 728 in the thickness direction T ( Fig.17 The ground conductors 750 and 754 are provided on the lower main surface of the insulating layer 712, and the ground conductors 752 and 756 are provided on the upper main surface of the insulating layer 713. The ground conductors 750 and 754 are provided on the same layer as the first counter electrode 732 and the second counter electrode 734.

[0170] The stripline structure 704 has a pair of ground conductors 758 and 760 ( Fig.16 ), and a pair of ground conductors 762 and 764 are provided at positions sandwiching the second signal line 728 in the thickness direction T ( Fig.17 The ground conductors 758 and 762 are provided on the lower main surface of the insulating layer 712, and the ground conductors 760 and 764 are provided on the upper main surface of the insulating layer 714. The ground conductors 758 and 762 are provided on the same layer as the first counter electrode 732 and the second counter electrode 734.

[0171] The transmission line 700 has three sections, namely, a first section A1, a second section A2, and a third section A3. The first section A1 is a section where the stripline structure 702 is provided, the second section A2 is a section where the stripline structure 704 is provided, and the third section A3 is a section between the first section A1 and the second section A2. In the third section A3, the first signal line 726 and the second signal line 728 and the first opposing electrode 732 and the second opposing electrode 734 are arranged to sandwich the insulating layer 712 in the thickness direction T. Thus, the microstrip line structure 705 is provided in the third section A3.

[0172] In the third section A3, the plurality of first opposing electrodes 732 and the second opposing electrodes 734 are arranged at intervals in the signal transmission direction S, and the thickness is thinner than that of the first section A1 and the second section A2. As a result, it is easy to bend in the thickness direction T in the third section A3, and the transmission line 700 as a multi-layer substrate has high flexibility. In particular, compared with the case where the opposing electrodes 732 and 734 include a conductor that is longer in the signal transmission direction S, the stress applied to the second conductor pattern can be reduced, and the bending ease in the third section A3 can be achieved.

[0173] It should be noted that the case where the stripline structures 702 and 704 are provided on both sides of the transmission line 700 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and a case where either of the two stripline structures 702 and 704 is omitted and only the other stripline structure is provided may also be provided.

[0174] It should be noted that the first signal line 726 and the second signal line 728 are described as being a line extending along the signal transmission direction S, but are not limited to such a case. Each signal line may also be a structure obtained by connecting two or more lines arranged in different layers via an interlayer connecting conductor such as a via conductor.

[0175] here, Fig.18 , Fig.19 A transmission line 700a according to a modified example of the seventh embodiment is shown. Fig.18 , Fig.19 Each of them is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the transmission line 700a.

[0176] Fig.18 , Fig.19 The transmission line 700a shown corresponds to Fig.16 , Fig.17 The transmission line 700 shown has a structure in which the insulating layers 713 and 714 and the ground conductors 752 and 760 are removed.

[0177] In the transmission line 700a, a series of microstrip line structures are formed in sections A1 to A3: a microstrip line structure 702a is formed in the first section A1, a microstrip line structure 704a is formed in the second section A2, and a microstrip line structure 705 is formed in the third section A3.

[0178] It should be noted that in Fig.18 , Fig.19 In the example shown, microstrip line structures 702a and 704a are provided on both sides of the transmission line 700a, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and either of the two microstrip line structures 702a and 704a may be omitted and only the other stripline structure may be provided.

[0179] That is, according to the transmission line 700, 700a, in the extending direction of the signal lines 726, 728 (signal transmission direction S), at least one side or the other side of the first opposing electrode 732 and the second opposing electrode 734 may have a stripline structure or a microstrip line structure. Thus, the transmission line 700, 700a with high flexibility can be realized.

[0180] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0181] Hereinafter, a transmission line 800 according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0182] Fig. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the transmission line 800, Fig.23 is a top view showing one layer in the transmission line 800 .

[0183] The transmission line 800 of the eighth embodiment is different from the transmission line 100 of the first embodiment in that a plurality of signal lines, ground conductors, and counter electrodes (floating electrodes) are provided one by one.

[0184] like Fig. 22 As shown, the transmission line 800 has a first conductor pattern 820 and a second conductor pattern 830 .

[0185] The first conductor pattern 820 includes a signal line 829 in addition to the two signal lines 26 and 28 , and includes a ground conductor 846 in addition to the three ground conductors 22 , 44 , and 24 .

[0186] The second conductor pattern 830 includes a counter electrode 836 in addition to the two counter electrodes 32 and 34 .

[0187] The signal line 829 is sandwiched between the two ground conductors 24 and 846 in the width direction W. When viewed in the thickness direction T, the counter electrode 836 overlaps with one signal line 829 and the two ground conductors 24 and 846 .

[0188] According to such a structure, the number of signal lines is increased to three signal lines 26, 28, and 829, and isolation can be improved by using the ground conductors 22, 44, 24, and 846 and the counter electrodes 32, 34, and 836 (floating electrodes).

[0189] like Fig.23 As shown, the configuration of the three opposing electrodes 32, 34, 836 in the second conductor pattern 830 can also be the same as Fig.11 The configuration of the transmission line 400a of the modified example of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. Specifically, the opposing electrodes 32 and 34 adjacent in the width direction W are arranged at positions offset from each other along the signal transmission direction S, and the opposing electrodes 34 and 836 adjacent in the width direction W are arranged at positions offset from each other along the signal transmission direction S. Thus, the formation of capacitance between the opposing electrodes 32, 34, and 836 can be suppressed.

[0190] (Ninth Embodiment)

[0191] Hereinafter, a transmission line 900 according to a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0192] Fig.24 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the transmission line 900 .

[0193] The transmission line 900 of the ninth embodiment is different from the transmission line 800 of the eighth embodiment in that it does not include the ground conductor 846 and the counter electrode 836 .

[0194] like Fig.24As shown, the transmission line 900 includes a first conductor pattern 920, and the first conductor pattern 920 includes a signal line 929. When viewed in the thickness direction T, the signal line 929 does not overlap with any of the counter electrodes 32 and 34.

[0195] It is not limited to the case where any signal line overlaps with the opposing electrode (floating electrode) in the thickness direction T as in the transmission line 800 of the eighth embodiment, but it may also be the case where a part of the signal lines 26 and 28 overlaps with the opposing electrodes 32 and 34 in the thickness direction T and a part of the signal line 929 does not overlap with the opposing electrodes 32 and 34 in the thickness direction T as in the transmission line 900 of the ninth embodiment.

[0196] (Tenth Embodiment)

[0197] Hereinafter, a transmission line 1000 according to a tenth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0198] Fig.25 is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line 1000 .

[0199] The transmission line 1000 of the tenth embodiment is different from the transmission line 100 of the first embodiment in that it has a laminated structure using an adhesive 1002 .

[0200] like Fig.25 As shown, the transmission line 1000 has an adhesive 1002. The adhesive 1002 is provided between the insulating layer 12 and the protective film 16b to bond the insulating layer 12 and the protective film 16b to each other. With such a structure, the adhesive 1002 can also be used to bond copper foil.

[0201] (Variation of the Tenth Embodiment)

[0202] Fig.26 It is a longitudinal sectional view of a transmission line 1000a according to a modification of the tenth embodiment.

[0203] Fig.26 The transmission line 1000a shown has a laminated structure using an adhesive 1004, and the first insulating layer 12a and the second insulating layer 12b are bonded to each other by the adhesive 1004. With such a structure, a single-sided copper coating can also be laminated using the adhesive 1004.

[0204] (Eleventh Embodiment)

[0205] Hereinafter, a transmission line 1100 according to an eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0206] Fig. 27 , Fig.28 , Fig.29 , Fig.30Each of them is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the transmission line 1100 . Fig. 27 , Fig.28 The transmission line 1100 is shown in a state where it is not bent. Fig.29 , Fig.30 The transmission line 1100 is shown in a bent state.

[0207] The transmission line 1100 of the eleventh embodiment is different from the transmission line 700 of the seventh embodiment in that counter electrodes 1132 , 1133 , 1134 , and 1135 (floating electrodes) are provided above and below signal lines 1126 and 1128 , respectively.

[0208] like Fig. 27 As shown, first signal lines 1126a, 1126b, and 1126c are provided as first signal lines 1126 on one main surface of the insulating layer 1112. A plurality of first counter electrodes 1132 and ground conductors 1150 and 1154 are provided on the other main surface of the insulating layer 1112.

[0209] The first signal lines 1126a and 1126b are located at different positions in the thickness direction T and are connected via a via conductor 1170. The first signal lines 1126b and 1126c are located at different positions in the thickness direction T and are connected via a via conductor 1172.

[0210] The first signal line 1126 is provided on one principal surface of the insulating layer 1113. A plurality of sixth counter electrodes 1133 and ground conductors 1152 and 1156 are provided on the other principal surface of the insulating layer 1113.

[0211] like Fig.28 As shown, second signal lines 1128a, 1128b, and 1128c are provided as second signal lines 1128 on one principal surface of the insulating layer 1112. A plurality of second counter electrodes 1134 and ground conductors 1158 and 1162 are provided on the other principal surface of the insulating layer 1112.

[0212] The second signal lines 1128a and 1128b are located at different positions in the thickness direction T and are connected via a via conductor 1174. The second signal lines 1128b and 1128c are located at different positions in the thickness direction T and are connected via a via conductor 1176.

[0213] The second signal line 1128 is provided on one principal surface of the insulating layer 1113. A plurality of seventh counter electrodes 1135 and ground conductors 1160 and 1164 are provided on the other principal surface of the insulating layer 1113.

[0214] Fig. 27The first signal line 1126, the first counter electrode 1132 and the sixth counter electrode 1133 are arranged relative to Fig.28 The second signal line 1128, the second counter electrode 1134, and the seventh counter electrode 1135 are shown at positions offset in the width direction W. The plurality of first counter electrodes 1132 overlap with the first signal line 1126b when viewed from the thickness direction T, but are not aligned with the first signal line 1126b. Fig.28 The second signal lines 1128b shown in FIG. 1 do not overlap. The plurality of second counter electrodes 1134 overlap with the second signal lines 1128b when viewed from the thickness direction T, but are not overlapped with the second signal lines 1128b. Fig. 27 The first signal lines 1126b are shown as not overlapping.

[0215] like Fig. 27 As shown, a stripline structure 1102 and a stripline structure 1104 are provided at both ends of the transmission line 1100 in the signal transmission direction S. Another stripline structure 1105 is provided between the stripline structure 1102 and the stripline structure 1104 .

[0216] The stripline structure 1102 includes a pair of ground conductors 1150 and 1152 at positions sandwiching the first signal line 1126a in the thickness direction T ( Fig. 27 ), and a pair of ground conductors 1158 and 1160 are provided at positions sandwiching the second signal line 1128a in the thickness direction T ( Fig.28 ).

[0217] The stripline structure 1104 includes a pair of ground conductors 1154 and 1156 ( Fig. 27 ), and a pair of ground conductors 1162 and 1164 are provided at positions sandwiching the second signal line 1128c in the thickness direction T ( Fig.28 ).

[0218] The transmission line 1100 has three sections, namely, a first section A4, a second section A5, and a third section A6. The first section A4 is a section where the stripline structure 1102 is provided, the second section A5 is a section where the stripline structure 1104 is provided, and the third section A6 is a section where the stripline structure 1105 is provided between the first section A4 and the second section A5.

[0219] In the third section A6, the plurality of first opposing electrodes 1132, the plurality of second opposing electrodes 1134, the plurality of sixth opposing electrodes 1133, and the plurality of seventh opposing electrodes 1135 are arranged at intervals in the signal transmission direction S, and the thickness is thinner than that of the first section A4 and the second section A5. Therefore, in the third section A6, it is easy to bend in the thickness direction T, such as Fig.29 , Fig.30As shown, the transmission line 1100 as a multilayer substrate has high flexibility. According to such a structure, for example, compared with the case where a conductor longer in the signal transmission direction S is used instead of the counter electrodes 1132, 1133, 1134, 1135, the stress applied to the transmission line 1100 can be reduced, and soft bending can be achieved.

[0220] like Fig. 27 , Fig.28 As shown, in the transmission line 1100 of the eleventh embodiment, insulating layers 1112 and 1113 are arranged with symmetrical thicknesses above and below the first signal line 1126 and the second signal line 1128. This can further stabilize the signal transmission function of the transmission line 1100.

[0221] (Twelfth Embodiment)

[0222] Hereinafter, a transmission line 1200 according to a twelfth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0223] Fig.31 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the transmission line 1200 .

[0224] The transmission line 1200 of the twelfth embodiment is different from the transmission line 500 of the fifth embodiment in that the third conductor pattern 1230 has one ground conductor 1232 .

[0225] Fig.31 The ground conductor 1232 shown is a so-called "full-surface GND" and is arranged to overlap with electrodes constituting the first conductor pattern 20 and the second conductor pattern 30 in the thickness direction T. When viewed from the thickness direction T, the ground conductor 1232 overlaps with the ground conductors 22, 44, 24 and the signal lines 26, 28 of the first conductor pattern 20, and overlaps with the opposing electrodes 32, 34 of the second conductor pattern 30.

[0226] According to such a structure, the transmission line 1200 is divided into a plurality of opposing electrodes 32 and 34 on one side in the thickness direction T, and a ground conductor 1232 is used as the entire surface GND on the other side, thereby effectively suppressing fractures caused by bending. Specifically, when the transmission line 1200 is bent in the bending direction R1 so that the opposing electrodes 32 and 34 are on the outside, the opposing electrodes 32 and 34 are divided in the width direction W, so that fractures (disconnection) caused by stretching can be less likely to occur.

[0227] (Thirteenth embodiment)

[0228] Hereinafter, a transmission line 1300 according to a thirteenth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0229] Fig.32is a top view showing one layer in the transmission line 1300, Fig.33 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an electronic device 1380 in which the transmission line 1300 is built.

[0230] The transmission line 1300 of the thirteenth embodiment is different from the transmission line 100 of the first embodiment in that the ground conductors 1322 , 1324 , and 1344 constituting the first conductor pattern 1320 are integrally configured.

[0231] like Fig.32 As shown, the first conductor pattern 1320 includes signal lines 26 , 28 and ground conductors 1322 , 1324 , 1344 .

[0232] The ground conductors 1322 , 1324 , and 1344 are integrally formed and are electrically connected to each other. The first signal line 26 is disposed between the ground conductor 1322 and the ground conductor 1344 , and the second signal line 28 is disposed between the ground conductor 1344 and the ground conductor 1324 .

[0233] Ground conductors 1322, 1324, 1344 are as follows Fig.32 As shown in the ground connection 1382 of FIG. 1382, for example, a Fig.33 The frame of the chassis of the electronic device 1380 shown in the figure is grounded. Although the illustration is omitted in the first to twelfth embodiments, the ground conductor may also be connected to the ground conductor. Fig.32 The ground conductors 1322, 1324, and 1344 are connected to the reference potential in the same manner.

[0234] The electronic device 1380 is an electronic device having a built-in transmission line 1300, and transmits a signal such as a high-frequency signal using the transmission line 1300. The electronic device 1380 may be any type of electronic device such as a mobile phone.

[0235] According to the above configuration, the ground conductors 1322 , 1324 , and 1344 can be easily connected to the reference potential.

[0236] (Other embodiments)

[0237] The transmission line of the present invention is not limited to the transmission lines 100 to 1300, and can be modified within the scope of the gist thereof. In addition, the structures of the transmission lines 100 to 1300 can be arbitrarily combined. For example, an interlayer connection conductor or an external electrode not shown in the figure can be provided.

[0238] The interlayer connection conductor penetrates the insulating layer 12 in the thickness direction in the transmission line 100 of the first embodiment, for example. In the transmission line 100, openings 46a and 46b are provided that are connected to the first main surface 19a of the insulating layer 12 provided with the first signal line 26. In contrast, for example, an interlayer connection conductor that is connected to both ends of the first signal line 26 and penetrates in the thickness direction T toward the second main surface 19b side of the insulating layer 12 may be provided, and an opening is provided in the second main surface 19b of the insulating layer 12. In this case, for example, an external electrode electrically connected to the first signal line 26 via the interlayer connection conductor is exposed from the opening. It should be noted that the interlayer connection conductor is formed, for example, by filling a conductive paste into a through hole that penetrates the insulating layer 12, and curing the conductive paste by heating.

[0239] The external electrode is, for example, a conductor layer formed by patterning the metal foil attached to the main surface of the insulating layer 12 in the transmission line 100 of the first embodiment. The metal foil is, for example, copper foil. The external electrode may also be electrically connected to an external circuit not shown. The external circuit is a circuit provided outside the transmission line 100. The external electrode is provided, for example, at the end of the second main surface 19b of the insulating layer 12. A connector not shown in the figure may also be installed on the external electrode by solder. The connector may also be connected to a connector of a circuit substrate not shown in the figure. Thus, the transmission line 100 may also be electrically connected to a circuit substrate not shown in the figure. It should be noted that the transmission line 100 may also be connected to a circuit substrate such as an external circuit by surface mounting instead of a connector.

[0240] It should be noted that the insulating layer such as the insulating layer 12 does not necessarily have to have flexibility.

[0241] It should be noted that the material of the insulating layer such as the insulating layer 12 may be a resin other than a thermoplastic resin, or an insulating material other than a resin. Examples of the insulating material other than a resin include ceramics.

[0242] It should be noted that each of the opposing electrodes such as the first opposing electrode 32 does not need to be a plurality of conductors, and may have one or more conductors, including a single conductor.

[0243] It should be noted that the first counter electrode 32 and other counter electrodes may not be connected to the same potential. For example, some of the first counter electrodes 32 may be grounded conductors, and the remaining first counter electrodes 32 may be floating conductors.

[0244] It should be noted that the line width of each conductor pattern such as the first conductor pattern 20 may not be uniform. In addition, in one conductor pattern, all conductors and electrodes do not need to be located in the same layer, and may be located in different layers.

[0245] It should be noted that the transmission line 100 may also include a power supply line and a third signal line for low-frequency signals instead of the third ground conductor 44. Fig. 20 As shown in the transmission line 100a, a power supply line and a third signal line 102a for low-frequency signals are arranged between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28. This improves the degree of freedom in design. Fig. 20 In the example shown in the figure, the third signal line 102a is arranged instead of the third ground conductor 44, but the present invention is not limited to this case. Fig.21 As shown in FIG. 1 , the third signal line 102b may be arranged together with the third ground conductor 44b. By arranging the third signal line 102b together with the third ground conductor 44b, the shielding function can be improved.

[0246] The above-described modified examples can also be applied to any embodiment.

Claims

1. A transmission line, characterized in that: have: an insulator having at least one insulator layer; and The first conductor pattern and the second conductor pattern are arranged on the insulating layer and are arranged at different positions in the thickness direction of the insulating layer. The first conductor pattern has a first signal line and a second signal line extending along a signal transmission direction, respectively. The second conductor pattern has a plurality of first opposing electrodes and a plurality of second opposing electrodes, wherein the plurality of first opposing electrodes and the plurality of second opposing electrodes are respectively floating conductors, and the floating conductors are conductors connected to a floating potential. The first counter electrode overlaps with the first signal line and does not overlap with the second signal line when viewed from the thickness direction. The second counter electrode overlaps with the second signal line and does not overlap with the first signal line when viewed in the thickness direction.

2. The transmission line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first conductor pattern further includes a ground conductor.

3. The transmission line according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ground conductor is connected to a reference potential.

4. The transmission line according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The ground conductor includes a first ground conductor corresponding to the first signal line and a second ground conductor corresponding to the second signal line.

5. The transmission line according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The ground conductor includes one or more third ground conductors arranged between the first signal line and the second signal line when viewed in the thickness direction.

6. The transmission line according to claim 5, characterized in that: The third ground conductor includes one conductor portion overlapping with both the first counter electrode and the second counter electrode when viewed in the thickness direction.

7. The transmission line according to claim 5, characterized in that: The transmission line further includes a plurality of third ground conductors arranged between the first signal line and the second signal line when viewed in the thickness direction.

8. The transmission line according to claim 1, characterized in that: When viewed in the thickness direction, the third ground conductor is not arranged between the first signal line and the second signal line.

9. The transmission line according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first counter electrode and / or the second counter electrode are not connected to a reference potential.

10. The transmission line according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first signal line and the second signal line are for high-frequency signals.

11. The transmission line according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: At least one of the first opposing electrode and the second opposing electrode is provided in plurality at intervals along the signal transmission direction.

12. The transmission line according to claim 11, characterized in that: When a direction intersecting the signal transmission direction when viewed from the thickness direction is set as a width direction, A length of the first counter electrode in the signal transmission direction is shorter than a length of the first counter electrode in the width direction.

13. The transmission line according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first counter electrode and the second counter electrode are arranged so that their positions along the signal transmission direction are offset from each other.

14. The transmission line according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The transmission line further includes a third conductor pattern, the third conductor pattern being arranged on the opposite side of the second conductor pattern with respect to the first conductor pattern in the thickness direction. The third conductor pattern has at least one of one or more third opposing electrodes and one or more fourth opposing electrodes, wherein the one or more third opposing electrodes overlap with the first signal line when observed along the thickness direction and do not overlap with the second signal line, and the one or more fourth opposing electrodes overlap with the second signal line when observed along the thickness direction and do not overlap with the first signal line.

15. The transmission line according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In the extending direction of the first signal line, at least one side or the other side of the first counter electrode and the second counter electrode has a stripline structure or a microstrip line structure.

16. The transmission line according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The transmission line also has a power line, The power line is arranged between the first signal line and the second signal line when viewed in the thickness direction.

17. The transmission line according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The transmission line also has a third signal line for low-frequency signals. The third signal line is arranged between the first signal line and the second signal line when viewed from the thickness direction.

18. The transmission line according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The signal transmission direction is orthogonal to the thickness direction.

19. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device includes the transmission line according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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