Electronic component

Abstract

To make it possible to adjust the inductance of multiple inductors in an electronic component that has multiple inductors built in.SOLUTION: An electronic component 10 includes inductors 100 and 200 embedded in a magnetic body 20. A distance L1 between the inductor 100 and a side surface 21 is shorter than a distance L2 between the inductor 200 and the side surface 21. The magnetic body 20 includes regions 31 and 32 that are partially surrounded by wound portions 110 and 120 of the inductor 100, respectively, and regions 33 and 34 that are partially surrounded by wound portions 210 and 220 of the inductor 200, respectively. The area difference between the regions 31 and 32 is smaller than the area difference between the regions 33 and 34.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic components. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic component that has multiple inductors built in. By using such a so-called array component, it is possible to reduce the number of components. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-032425 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this type of electronic component, variations in inductance may occur among the inductors.

[0005] This disclosure describes a technique for adjusting the inductance of multiple inductors in an electronic component that incorporates multiple inductors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electronic component according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a magnetic body, and a first inductor and a second inductor embedded in the magnetic body and arranged in a first direction, the first inductor and the second inductor both having a meandering shape when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first inductor including a first turning portion that turns in a first turning direction, which is either clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from one end to the other end, and a second turning portion that turns in a second turning direction that is opposite to the first turning direction when viewed from the second direction, and the second inductor including a first turning portion that turns in a first turning direction, which is either clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from one end to the other end, and a second turning portion that turns in a second turning direction that is opposite to the first turning direction when viewed from the second direction, and The magnetic element includes a third swivel portion that swivels in a swivel direction and a fourth swivel portion that swivels in the second swivel direction when viewed from the second direction, and the magnetic element includes a first region that is partially surrounded by the first swivel portion and has a first area when viewed from the second direction, a second region that is partially surrounded by the second swivel portion and has a second area when viewed from the second direction, a third region that is partially surrounded by the third swivel portion and has a third area when viewed from the second direction, and a fourth region that is partially surrounded by the fourth swivel portion and has a fourth area when viewed from the second direction, and the area of ​​the first region is different from at least one of the area of ​​the third region and the area of ​​the fourth region. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a technique is provided that allows for adjusting the inductance of multiple inductors in an electronic component that incorporates multiple inductors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of an electronic component 10 according to a first embodiment of the technique disclosed herein. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an XY cross-sectional view of the electronic component 10. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 10A according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 10B according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 10C according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 11 according to a second embodiment of the technique disclosed herein. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 11A according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 11B according to a second modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 12 according to a third embodiment of the technique disclosed herein. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 12A according to a modification of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 13 according to a fourth embodiment of the technique disclosed herein. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 13A according to a modification of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of an electronic component 10 according to a first embodiment of the technique disclosed herein.

[0011] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , an electronic component 10 according to the first embodiment includes a magnetic body 20 and four inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 embedded in the magnetic body 20. The magnetic body 20 may be made of a composite magnetic material in which magnetic particles made of a high-permeability material such as ferrite or permalloy are bound together with a resin binder. The magnetic body 20 has side surfaces 21 and 22 that form a YZ plane and are opposite each other in the X direction, side surfaces 23 and 24 that form an XZ plane and are opposite each other in the Y direction, and a mounting surface 25 and a top surface 26 that form an XY plane and are opposite each other in the Z direction. In this specification, the X direction may be referred to as the first direction, the Z direction as the second direction, and the Y direction as the third direction. For the sake of explanation, the direction from side 21 to side 22 may be referred to as the +X direction (the opposite direction is the -X direction), the direction from side 24 to side 23 may be referred to as the +Y direction (the opposite direction is the -Y direction), and the direction from mounting surface 25 to top surface 26 may be referred to as the +Z direction (the opposite direction is the -Z direction).

[0012] Inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 are arranged in this order in the X direction. That is, inductor 100 is located closest to the -X direction and is arranged closest to side surface 21 of magnetic body 20. Inductor 400 is located closest to the +X direction and is arranged closest to side surface 22 of magnetic body 20. Inductor 200 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between inductors 100 and 300 in the X direction. Inductor 300 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between inductors 200 and 400 in the X direction. An insulating resin or the like may be interposed between inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 and magnetic body 20.

[0013] One end of inductor 100 is connected to terminal electrode 101 exposed on mounting surface 25. The other end of inductor 100 is connected to terminal electrode 102 exposed on mounting surface 25. Terminal electrodes 101 and 102 are arranged in the Y direction. One end of inductor 200 is connected to terminal electrode 201 exposed on mounting surface 25. The other end of inductor 200 is connected to terminal electrode 202 exposed on mounting surface 25. Terminal electrodes 201 and 202 are arranged in the Y direction. One end of inductor 300 is connected to terminal electrode 301 exposed on mounting surface 25. The other end of inductor 300 is connected to terminal electrode 302 exposed on mounting surface 25. Terminal electrodes 301 and 302 are arranged in the Y direction. One end of inductor 400 is connected to terminal electrode 401 exposed on mounting surface 25. The other end of inductor 400 is connected to terminal electrode 402 exposed on mounting surface 25. Terminal electrode 401 and terminal electrode 402 are arranged in the Y direction. Terminal electrodes 101, 201, 301, and 401 are arranged in this order in the X direction. Terminal electrodes 102, 202, 302, and 402 are arranged in this order in the X direction.

[0014] With this configuration, the electronic component 10 according to this embodiment forms an array product in which the four inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 are integrated on one chip.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an XY cross-sectional view of the electronic component 10 according to this embodiment.

[0016] 2, inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 are all meandering when viewed from the Z direction. For example, assuming that an imaginary line S extends in the Y direction through the center of inductor 100 in the X direction, sections that cross imaginary line S in the −X direction and sections that cross imaginary line S in the +X direction appear alternately from one end of inductor 100 to the other end.

[0017] More specifically, inductor 100 includes sections 131, 133, and 135 extending in the X direction and sections 132 and 134 extending in the Y direction. The -X-direction end of section 131 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 132. The -Y-direction end of section 132 is connected to the -X-direction end of section 133. The +X-direction end of section 133 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 134. The -Y-direction end of section 134 is connected to the +X-direction end of section 135. The +X-direction end of section 131 is connected to terminal electrode 101 shown in FIG. 1. The -X-direction end of section 135 is connected to terminal electrode 102 shown in FIG. 1. As a result, meandering inductor 100 consisting of sections 131 to 135 is connected between terminal electrode 101 and terminal electrode 102.

[0018] Inductor 200 includes sections 231, 233, and 235 extending in the X direction, and sections 232 and 234 extending in the Y direction. The -X-direction end of section 231 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 232. The -Y-direction end of section 232 is connected to the -X-direction end of section 233. The +X-direction end of section 233 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 234. The -Y-direction end of section 234 is connected to the +X-direction end of section 235. The +X-direction end of section 231 is connected to terminal electrode 201 shown in FIG. 1. The -X-direction end of section 235 is connected to terminal electrode 202 shown in FIG. 1. As a result, meandering inductor 200 consisting of sections 231 to 235 is connected between terminal electrode 201 and terminal electrode 202.

[0019] Inductor 300 includes sections 331, 333, and 335 extending in the X direction, and sections 332 and 334 extending in the Y direction. The -X-direction end of section 331 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 332. The -Y-direction end of section 332 is connected to the -X-direction end of section 333. The +X-direction end of section 333 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 334. The -Y-direction end of section 334 is connected to the +X-direction end of section 335. The +X-direction end of section 331 is connected to terminal electrode 301 shown in FIG. 1. The -X-direction end of section 335 is connected to terminal electrode 302 shown in FIG. 1. As a result, meandering inductor 300 consisting of sections 331 to 335 is connected between terminal electrode 301 and terminal electrode 302.

[0020] Inductor 400 includes sections 431, 433, and 435 extending in the X direction, and sections 432 and 434 extending in the Y direction. The -X-direction end of section 431 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 432. The -Y-direction end of section 432 is connected to the -X-direction end of section 433. The +X-direction end of section 433 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 434. The -Y-direction end of section 434 is connected to the +X-direction end of section 435. The +X-direction end of section 431 is connected to terminal electrode 401 shown in FIG. 1. The -X-direction end of section 435 is connected to terminal electrode 402 shown in FIG. 1. As a result, meandering inductor 400 consisting of sections 431 to 435 is connected between terminal electrode 401 and terminal electrode 402.

[0021] When terminal electrode 101 is the input side of the current and terminal electrode 102 is the output side of the current, in swirling portion 110 formed by sections 131 to 133, the current swirls counterclockwise as viewed in the Z direction, whereas in swirling portion 120 formed by sections 133 to 135, the current swirls clockwise as viewed in the Z direction. Magnetic body 20 has region 31 partially surrounded by swirling portion 110 and region 32 partially surrounded by swirling portion 120. When rectangle 103 is assumed to have the smallest area that completely surrounds inductor 100 as viewed in the Z direction, region 31 is expressed, for example, as the range surrounded by swirling portion 110 and one side of rectangle 103 extending in the Y direction, and region 32 is expressed, for example, as the range surrounded by swirling portion 120 and the other side of rectangle 103 extending in the Y direction.

[0022] 2, section 133 is located approximately at the center in the Y direction of rectangle 103. Therefore, the length in the Y direction of section 132 and the length in the Y direction of section 134 are approximately the same, and the XY plane shape of inductor 100 (the shape when viewed in the XY plane from the Z-axis direction) is formed, for example, into a shape that is two-fold rotationally symmetric with respect to the center point in the X direction of section 133. In this embodiment, the area of ​​region 31 (in the XY cross section) viewed from the Z direction may be approximately the same as the area of ​​region 32 (in the XY cross section) viewed from the Z direction.

[0023] When a current flows from terminal electrode 101 to terminal electrode 102, a magnetic field in the +Z direction is generated in region 31, and a magnetic field in the -Z direction is generated in region 32. As a result, the magnetic fields generated in region 31 and region 32 reinforce each other, and the magnetic field circulates through regions 31 and 32 around the X-axis.

[0024] When terminal electrode 201 is the input side of the current and terminal electrode 202 is the output side of the current, in swirling portion 210 formed by sections 231 to 233, the current swirls counterclockwise as viewed in the Z direction, whereas in swirling portion 220 formed by sections 233 to 235, the current swirls clockwise as viewed in the Z direction. Magnetic body 20 has region 33 partially surrounded by swirling portion 210 and region 34 partially surrounded by swirling portion 220. When rectangle 203 is assumed to have the smallest area that completely surrounds inductor 200 as viewed in the Z direction, region 33 is expressed, for example, as the range surrounded by swirling portion 210 and one side of rectangle 203 extending in the Y direction, and region 34 is expressed, for example, as the range surrounded by swirling portion 220 and the other side of rectangle 203 extending in the Y direction.

[0025] 2, section 233 is disposed at a position offset in the -Y direction from the center in the Y direction of rectangle 203. Therefore, the length in the Y direction of section 232 is longer than the length in the Y direction of section 234, and the XY planar shape of inductor 200 is not formed in a rotationally symmetric shape. As a result, the area of ​​region 33 (in the XY cross section) viewed from the Z direction is larger than the area of ​​region 34 (in the XY cross section) viewed from the Z direction.

[0026] When a current flows from terminal electrode 201 to terminal electrode 202, a magnetic field in the +Z direction is generated in region 33, and a magnetic field in the -Z direction is generated in region 34. As a result, the magnetic fields generated in region 33 and region 34 reinforce each other, and the magnetic field circulates through regions 33 and 34 around the X-axis.

[0027] When terminal electrode 301 is the input side of the current and terminal electrode 302 is the output side of the current, in swirling portion 310 formed by sections 331 to 333, the current swirls counterclockwise as viewed in the Z direction, whereas in swirling portion 320 formed by sections 333 to 335, the current swirls clockwise as viewed in the Z direction. Magnetic body 20 has region 35 partially surrounded by swirling portion 310 and region 36 partially surrounded by swirling portion 320. When rectangle 303 is assumed to have the smallest area that completely surrounds inductor 300 as viewed in the Z direction, region 35 is expressed, for example, as the range surrounded by swirling portion 310 and one side of rectangle 303 extending in the Y direction, and region 36 is expressed, for example, as the range surrounded by swirling portion 320 and the other side of rectangle 303 extending in the Y direction.

[0028] 2, section 333 is disposed at a position offset in the -Y direction from the center in the Y direction of rectangle 303. Therefore, the length in the Y direction of section 332 is longer than the length in the Y direction of section 334, and the XY planar shape of inductor 300 is not formed in a rotationally symmetric shape. As a result, the area of ​​region 35 (in the XY cross section) viewed from the Z direction is larger than the area of ​​region 36 (in the XY cross section) viewed from the Z direction.

[0029] When a current flows from terminal electrode 301 to terminal electrode 302, a magnetic field in the +Z direction is generated in region 35, and a magnetic field in the -Z direction is generated in region 36. As a result, the magnetic fields generated in region 35 and region 36 reinforce each other, and the magnetic field circulates through regions 35 and 36 around the X-axis.

[0030] When terminal electrode 401 is the input side of the current and terminal electrode 402 is the output side of the current, in swirling portion 410 formed by sections 431 to 433, the current swirls counterclockwise as viewed in the Z direction, whereas in swirling portion 420 formed by sections 433 to 435, the current swirls clockwise as viewed in the Z direction. Magnetic body 20 has region 37 partially surrounded by swirling portion 410 and region 38 partially surrounded by swirling portion 420. When rectangle 403 is assumed to have the smallest area that completely surrounds inductor 400 as viewed in the Z direction, region 37 is expressed as, for example, the range surrounded by swirling portion 410 and one side of rectangle 403 extending in the Y direction, and region 38 is expressed as, for example, the range surrounded by swirling portion 420 and the other side of rectangle 403 extending in the Y direction.

[0031] 2, section 433 is located approximately at the center in the Y direction of rectangle 403. Therefore, the length in the Y direction of section 432 and the length in the Y direction of section 434 are approximately the same, and the XY plane shape of inductor 400 is formed into a shape with two-fold rotational symmetry. As a result, the area of ​​region 37 (in the XY cross section) viewed from the Z direction is approximately the same as the area of ​​region 38 (in the XY cross section) viewed from the Z direction.

[0032] When a current flows from terminal electrode 401 to terminal electrode 402, a magnetic field in the +Z direction is generated in region 37, and a magnetic field in the -Z direction is generated in region 38. As a result, the magnetic fields generated in region 37 and region 38 reinforce each other, and the magnetic field circulates through regions 37 and 38 around the X-axis.

[0033] As described above, for inductor 100 located at the end in the -X direction, the areas of region 31 and region 32 are approximately the same, with only a small difference in area. Similarly, for inductor 400 located at the end in the +X direction, the areas of region 37 and region 38 are approximately the same, with only a small difference in area. In contrast, for inductor 200 located between inductors 100 and 300 in the X direction, the area of ​​region 33 is larger than the area of ​​region 34, with the difference in area being larger than the difference in area between regions 31 and 32 and the difference in area between regions 37 and 38. Similarly, for inductor 300 located between inductors 200 and 400 in the X direction, the area of ​​region 35 is larger than the area of ​​region 36, with the difference in area being larger than the difference in area between regions 31 and 32 and the difference in area between regions 37 and 38.

[0034] Inductors located at the ends in the X direction, such as inductors 100 and 400, have a shorter shortest distance in the X direction between the side surfaces 21 and 22 of the magnetic body 20 than inductors 200 and 300. For example, the shortest distance in the X direction between the inductor 100 and the side surfaces 21 and 22 of the magnetic body 20 is L1, whereas the shortest distance in the X direction between the inductor 200 and the side surfaces 21 and 22 of the magnetic body 20 is L2, and shortest distance L1 is shorter than shortest distance L2. Furthermore, shortest distance L1 between the inductor 100 and the side surface 21 of the magnetic body 20 is shorter than shortest distance L12 in the X direction between the inductor 100 and the inductor 200. As a result, the volume of the magnetic body 20 located around the inductor 100 is smaller than the volume of the magnetic body 20 located around the inductor 200, which may cause the inductance of the inductor 100 to be lower than the inductance of the inductor 200.

[0035] In the above description, the volume of the magnetic body 20 located around the inductor 100 may be, for example, the volume of the magnetic body 20 through which magnetic flux passes when a current flows through the inductor 100, thereby affecting the inductance of the inductor 100 (hereinafter, the same may be said for the volume of the magnetic body 20 located around other inductors). Similarly, the shortest distance L4 in the X direction between the inductor 400 and the side surface 22 of the magnetic body 20 is shorter than the shortest distance L5 in the X direction between the inductor 300 and the side surface 22 of the magnetic body 20. Furthermore, the shortest distance L4 in the X direction between the inductor 400 and the side surface 22 of the magnetic body 20 is shorter than the shortest distance L34 in the X direction between the inductor 300 and the inductor 400. As a result, the volume of the magnetic body 20 located around the inductor 400 is smaller than the volume of the magnetic body 20 located around the inductor 300, which may cause the inductance of the inductor 400 to be lower than the inductance of the inductor 300.

[0036] The shortest distance L12 in the X direction between the inductor 100 and the inductor 200, the shortest distance L23 in the X direction between the inductor 200 and the inductor 300, and the shortest distance L34 in the X direction between the inductor 300 and the inductor 400 may be substantially the same. Also, the shortest distance L1 between the inductor 100 and the side surface 21 of the magnetic body 20 and the shortest distance L4 between the inductor 400 and the side surface 22 of the magnetic body 20 may be substantially the same.

[0037] In the electronic component 10 according to this embodiment, an area difference is created between regions 33 and 34 by deforming the shape of the inductor 200, which has a relatively large volume of magnetic base body 20 located around it, and therefore the effective inductance is reduced compared to the inductor 100, which has almost no area difference between these regions.

[0038] For example, if it is considered that the amount of magnetic flux circulating through regions 31 and 32 is affected by the smaller area of ​​regions 31 and 32, and the amount of magnetic flux circulating through regions 33 and 34 is affected by the smaller area of ​​regions 33 and 34, then in the example shown in FIG. 2, if the areas of regions 31 to 34 are A31 to A34, respectively, then: A34 <A31≒A32<A33 Therefore, the amount of magnetic flux circulating through regions 33 and 34 is less than the amount of magnetic flux circulating through regions 31 and 32. As a result, the inductance of inductor 200 alone, assuming that magnetic element body 20 is not present, is smaller than the inductance of inductor 100 alone, assuming that magnetic element body 20 is not present. This reduces the inductance difference between inductor 100 and inductor 200 caused by the difference in volume of the surrounding magnetic element bodies 20. Ideally, the shape of each inductor can be adjusted so that the inductances of inductor 100 and inductor 200 are approximately the same.

[0039] The above relationship also holds between the inductor 300 and the inductor 400. In other words, if the areas of the regions 35 to 38 are A35 to A38, respectively, then: A36 <A37≒A38<A35 Therefore, the amount of magnetic flux circulating through regions 35 and 36 is less than the amount of magnetic flux circulating through regions 37 and 38. As a result, the inductance of inductor 300 alone, assuming that magnetic element body 20 is not present, is smaller than the inductance of inductor 400 alone, assuming that magnetic element body 20 is not present. This reduces the inductance difference between inductors 300 and 400 caused by the difference in volume of the surrounding magnetic element bodies 20. Ideally, the shape of each inductor can be adjusted so that the inductances of inductor 300 and inductor 400 are approximately the same.

[0040] The above relationship also holds true between the inductor 100 and the inductor 300. That is, A36 <A31≒A32<A35 Therefore, the amount of magnetic flux circulating through regions 35 and 36 is less than the amount of magnetic flux circulating through regions 31 and 32. As a result, the inductance of inductor 300 alone, assuming that the magnetic element body 20 is not present, is smaller than the inductance of inductor 100 alone, assuming that the magnetic element body 20 is not present. This reduces the inductance difference between inductor 100 and inductor 300 caused by the difference in volume of the surrounding magnetic element bodies 20. Ideally, the shape of each inductor can be adjusted so that the inductances of inductor 100 and inductor 300 are approximately the same.

[0041] The above relationship also holds true between the inductor 200 and the inductor 400. That is, A34 <A37≒A38<A33 Therefore, the amount of magnetic flux circulating through regions 33 and 34 is less than the amount of magnetic flux circulating through regions 37 and 38. As a result, the inductance of inductor 200 alone, assuming that magnetic element body 20 is not present, is smaller than the inductance of inductor 400 alone, assuming that magnetic element body 20 is not present. This reduces the inductance difference between inductor 200 and inductor 400 caused by the difference in volume of the surrounding magnetic element bodies 20. Ideally, the shape of each inductor can be adjusted so that the inductances of inductor 200 and inductor 400 are approximately the same.

[0042] This reduces the variation in inductance among the inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400.

[0043] The XY plane shapes of the inductor 100 and the inductor 400 located at the ends in the X direction may be symmetrical to each other. That is, the inductor 100 and the inductor 400 may be congruent, may be rotationally symmetrical to each other, or may be mirror images of each other. This makes it possible to make the inductance of the inductor 100 and the inductor 400 approximately equal when the distance in the X direction between the inductor 100 and the side surface 21 of the magnetic body 20 and the distance in the X direction between the inductor 400 and the side surface 22 of the magnetic body 20 are approximately equal. In this case, the XY plane shapes of the inductor 100 and the inductor 400 may be approximately similar or congruent, except for slight differences due to manufacturing errors, etc.

[0044] The XY plane shapes of the inductors 200 and 300 that are not located at the ends in the X direction may be symmetrical to each other. Because the inductors 200 and 300 are sufficiently far apart in the X direction from the side surfaces 21 and 22 of the magnetic body 20, there is almost no difference in inductance depending on the position in the X direction within the magnetic body 20. Therefore, by making the inductors 200 and 300 symmetrical, it is possible to make the inductance of the inductor 200 and the inductor 300 nearly equal. In this case, the XY plane shapes of the inductors 200 and 300 may be substantially similar or congruent, except for slight differences due to manufacturing errors, etc.

[0045] 2, the maximum lengths of the inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 in the X direction may be equal or approximately equal, except for slight differences due to manufacturing errors, etc. Similarly, the maximum lengths of the inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 in the Y direction may be equal or approximately equal, except for slight differences due to manufacturing errors, etc. In other words, assuming that rectangles 103, 203, 303, and 403 have the smallest areas that completely surround each of the inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 as viewed in the Z direction, the areas of these rectangles may be equal or approximately equal.

[0046] Furthermore, the line lengths of the inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 may be approximately the same, and the pattern widths of the inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 may be approximately the same. If the line lengths of the inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 are approximately the same, and the pattern widths of the inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 are approximately the same, there will be almost no difference in resistance values ​​between the inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400. Alternatively, the pattern widths of the inductors 200 and 300 may be designed to be wider than the pattern widths of the inductors 100 and 400. As a result, since the pattern width of inductors 200 and 300 is wider, the total area of ​​regions 33 and 34 and the total area of ​​regions 35 and 36 are smaller than the total area of ​​regions 31 and 32 and the total area of ​​regions 37 and 38, making it possible to further reduce the inductance of inductors 200 and 300.

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the meandering directions of the meandering inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 are the same. This reduces the coupling between adjacent inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 when currents flow in the same direction through the inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400. This is because when currents flow in the same direction through the inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400, the currents circulating through the swirling portions 110, 210, 310, and 410 arranged in the X direction also circulate in the same direction, and the currents circulating through the swirling portions 120, 220, 320, and 420 arranged in the X direction also circulate in the same direction. Therefore, the pattern layout shown in FIG. 2 is suitable for reducing the coupling between adjacent inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400.

[0048] FIG. 3 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 10A according to a first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0049] An electronic component 10A according to a first modified example shown in Fig. 3 differs from the above-described electronic component 10 in that the pattern layout of inductors 200 and 300 is a mirror image of the pattern layout shown in Fig. 2. With this pattern layout, when currents flow in the same direction through inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400, the coupling between inductor 100 and inductor 200 is enhanced, and the coupling between inductor 300 and inductor 400 is also enhanced. This is because, when currents in the same direction flow through inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400, the currents circulating in the turning portions 110 and 220 adjacent to each other in the X direction will circulate in opposite directions, the currents circulating in the turning portions 120 and 210 adjacent to each other in the X direction will circulate in opposite directions, the currents circulating in the turning portions 310 and 420 adjacent to each other in the X direction will circulate in opposite directions, and the currents circulating in the turning portions 320 and 410 adjacent to each other in the X direction will circulate in opposite directions. For this reason, the pattern layout shown in FIG. 3 is suitable for when it is desired to increase the coupling between inductor 100 and inductor 200 and the coupling between inductor 300 and inductor 400.

[0050] FIG. 4 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 10B according to a second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0051] An electronic component 10B according to a second modification shown in Fig. 4 differs from the above-described electronic component 10 in that the pattern layout of inductors 200 and 400 is a mirror image of the pattern layout shown in Fig. 2. This pattern layout enhances the coupling between adjacent inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400 when currents flow in the same direction through the inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400. For this reason, the pattern layout shown in Fig. 4 is suitable for cases where it is desired to enhance the coupling between adjacent inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400.

[0052] FIG. 5 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 10C according to a third modification of the first embodiment.

[0053] An electronic component 10C according to a third modification shown in Fig. 5 differs from the above-described electronic component 10 in that the pattern layout of inductors 200, 300, and 400 is a mirror image of the pattern layout shown in Fig. 2. With this pattern layout, when currents flow in the same direction through inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400, the coupling between inductors 100 and 200 is enhanced while suppressing the coupling between inductors 200, 300, and 400. For this reason, the pattern layout shown in Fig. 5 is suitable for selectively enhancing the coupling between adjacent inductors 100 and 200.

[0054] FIG. 6 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 11 according to a second embodiment of the technique disclosed herein.

[0055] 6, electronic component 11 according to the second embodiment differs from electronic component 10 according to the first embodiment in that inductor 300 is omitted and inductor 200 and inductor 400 are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction. Since the other basic configuration is the same as that of electronic component 10 according to the first embodiment, the same elements are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted. Electronic component 11 according to the second embodiment constitutes an array product in which three inductors 100, 200, and 400 are integrated on a single chip.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 6, A34 <A31≒A32≒A37≒A38<A33 Therefore, the amount of magnetic flux circulating through regions 33 and 34 is smaller than the amount of magnetic flux circulating through regions 31 and 32 and the amount of magnetic flux circulating through regions 37 and 38. As a result, the inductance of inductor 200 alone, assuming that magnetic element body 20 does not exist, is smaller than the inductance of inductor 100, 400 alone, assuming that magnetic element body 20 does not exist. This reduces the inductance difference between inductors 100, 400 and inductor 200 due to the difference in volume of the surrounding magnetic element bodies 20, and ideally, the inductances of inductors 100, 400 and inductor 200 will be approximately the same.

[0057] As exemplified by the electronic component 11 according to the second embodiment, the electronic component according to the present disclosure may be an array product in which three inductors 100, 200, and 400 are integrated on one chip.

[0058] FIG. 7 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 11A according to a first modified example of the second embodiment.

[0059] An electronic component 11A according to a first modification shown in Fig. 7 differs from the above-described electronic component 11 in that the pattern layout of the inductor 200 is a mirror image of the pattern layout shown in Fig. 6. With this pattern layout, when currents flow in the same direction through the inductors 100, 200, and 400, the coupling between the inductors 100 and 200 is enhanced, and the coupling between the inductors 200 and 400 is also enhanced. For this reason, the pattern layout shown in Fig. 7 is suitable for cases where it is desired to enhance the coupling between the inductors 100 and 200, as well as the coupling between the inductors 200 and 400.

[0060] FIG. 8 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 11B according to a second modified example of the second embodiment.

[0061] An electronic component 11B according to a second modification shown in Fig. 8 differs from the above-described electronic component 11 in that the pattern layout of the inductors 200 and 400 is a mirror image of the pattern layout shown in Fig. 6. With this pattern layout, when currents flow in the same direction through the inductors 100, 200, and 400, the coupling between the inductors 100 and 200 is enhanced while suppressing the coupling between the inductors 200 and 400. For this reason, the pattern layout shown in Fig. 8 is suitable for cases where it is desired to selectively enhance the coupling between adjacent inductors 100 and 200.

[0062] FIG. 9 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 12 according to a third embodiment of the technique disclosed herein.

[0063] 9, electronic component 12 according to the third embodiment differs from electronic component 10 according to the first embodiment in that inductors 300, 400 are omitted, and that distance L1 in the X direction between inductor 100 and side surface 21 of magnetic body 20 is shorter than distance L3 in the X direction between inductor 200 and side surface 22 of magnetic body 20. Since the other basic configuration is the same as that of electronic component 10 according to the first embodiment, the same elements are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted. Electronic component 12 according to the third embodiment constitutes an array product in which two inductors 100, 200 are integrated on a single chip.

[0064] In electronic component 12 according to the third embodiment, distance L1 is shorter than distance L3, and therefore the volume of magnetic body 20 located around inductor 100 is smaller than the volume of magnetic body 20 located around inductor 200, which may result in the inductance of inductor 100 being smaller than the inductance of inductor 200. Even in such a case, by modifying the shape of inductor 200, in which the volume of magnetic body 20 located around it is relatively large, an area difference is created between region 33 and region 34. This reduces the effective inductance of inductor 200 compared to inductor 100, which has almost no area difference between them, and reduces the inductance difference between inductor 100 and inductor 200.

[0065] As exemplified by the electronic component 12 according to the third embodiment, the electronic component according to the present disclosure can also be applied to an array product in which two inductors 100, 200 are integrated on one chip.

[0066] FIG. 10 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 12A according to a modification of the third embodiment.

[0067] An electronic component 12A according to a modified example shown in Fig. 10 differs from the above-described electronic component 12 in that the pattern layout of the inductor 200 is a mirror image of the pattern layout shown in Fig. 9. This pattern layout enhances the coupling between the inductors 100 and 200 when currents flow in the same direction through the inductors 100 and 200. For this reason, the pattern layout shown in Fig. 10 is suitable for cases where it is desired to enhance the coupling between the inductors 100 and 200.

[0068] FIG. 11 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 13 according to a fourth embodiment of the technique disclosed herein.

[0069] 11 , electronic component 13 according to the fourth embodiment differs from electronic component 10 according to the first embodiment in that inductors 500, 600, and 700 are embedded in magnetic base body 20 instead of inductors 100, 200, 300, and 400. Since the other basic configurations are the same as those of electronic component 10 according to the first embodiment, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0070] The inductors 500, 600, and 700 are arranged in this order in the X direction. That is, the inductor 500 is located closest to the -X direction and is arranged closest to the side surface 21 of the magnetic body 20. The inductor 700 is located closest to the +X direction and is arranged closest to the side surface 22 of the magnetic body 20. The inductor 600 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the inductors 500 and 700 in the X direction. With this configuration, the electronic component 13 according to this embodiment forms an array product in which the three inductors 500, 600, and 700 are integrated on a single chip.

[0071] The inductor 500 includes sections 551, 553, 555, 557, and 559 extending in the X direction and sections 552, 554, 556, and 558 extending in the Y direction. The -X-direction end of section 551 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 552. The -Y-direction end of section 552 is connected to the -X-direction end of section 553. The +X-direction end of section 553 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 554. The -Y-direction end of section 554 is connected to the +X-direction end of section 555. The -X-direction end of section 555 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 556. The -Y-direction end of section 556 is connected to the -X-direction end of section 557. The +X-direction end of section 557 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 558. The -Y-direction end of section 558 is connected to the +X-direction end of section 559. Furthermore, the +X-direction end of section 551 is connected to terminal electrode 501 provided on mounting surface 25 of magnetic body 20. The -X-direction end of section 559 is connected to terminal electrode 502 provided on mounting surface 25 of magnetic body 20. As a result, meandering inductor 500 made up of sections 551 to 559 is connected between terminal electrode 501 and terminal electrode 502.

[0072] The inductor 600 includes sections 651, 653, 655, 657, and 659 extending in the X direction and sections 652, 654, 656, and 658 extending in the Y direction. The -X-direction end of section 651 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 652. The -Y-direction end of section 652 is connected to the -X-direction end of section 653. The +X-direction end of section 653 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 654. The -Y-direction end of section 654 is connected to the +X-direction end of section 655. The -X-direction end of section 655 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 656. The -Y-direction end of section 656 is connected to the -X-direction end of section 657. The +X-direction end of section 657 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 658. The -Y-direction end of section 658 is connected to the +X-direction end of section 659. Furthermore, the +X-direction end of section 651 is connected to a terminal electrode 601 provided on the mounting surface 25 of the magnetic body 20. The -X-direction end of section 659 is connected to a terminal electrode 602 provided on the mounting surface 25 of the magnetic body 20. As a result, a meandering inductor 600 made up of sections 651 to 659 is connected between terminal electrode 601 and terminal electrode 602.

[0073] The inductor 700 includes sections 751, 753, 755, 757, and 759 extending in the X direction and sections 752, 754, 756, and 758 extending in the Y direction. The -X-direction end of section 751 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 752. The -Y-direction end of section 752 is connected to the -X-direction end of section 753. The +X-direction end of section 753 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 754. The -Y-direction end of section 754 is connected to the +X-direction end of section 755. The -X-direction end of section 755 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 756. The -Y-direction end of section 756 is connected to the -X-direction end of section 757. The +X-direction end of section 757 is connected to the +Y-direction end of section 758. The -Y-direction end of section 758 is connected to the +X-direction end of section 759. Furthermore, the +X-direction end of section 751 is connected to a terminal electrode 701 provided on the mounting surface 25 of the magnetic body 20. The -X-direction end of section 759 is connected to a terminal electrode 702 provided on the mounting surface 25 of the magnetic body 20. As a result, a meandering inductor 700 made up of sections 751 to 759 is connected between the terminal electrode 701 and the terminal electrode 702.

[0074] When terminal electrode 501 is the current input side and terminal electrode 502 is the current output side, in swirling portion 510 formed by sections 551 to 553, the current swirls counterclockwise when viewed from the Z direction, in swirling portion 520 formed by sections 553 to 555, the current swirls clockwise when viewed from the Z direction, in swirling portion 530 formed by sections 555 to 557, the current swirls counterclockwise when viewed from the Z direction, and in swirling portion 540 formed by sections 557 to 559, the current swirls clockwise when viewed from the Z direction. Magnetic body 20 has region 41 partially surrounded by swirling portion 510, region 42 partially surrounded by swirling portion 520, region 43 partially surrounded by swirling portion 530, and region 44 partially surrounded by swirling portion 540. Assuming that rectangle 503 has the smallest area that completely surrounds inductor 500 when viewed from the Z direction, region 41 is represented, for example, by the range enclosed by swirling portion 510 and one side of rectangle 503 on the +X direction side that extends in the Y direction; region 42 is represented, for example, by the range enclosed by swirling portion 520 and one side of rectangle 503 on the -X direction side that extends in the Y direction; region 43 is represented, for example, by the range enclosed by swirling portion 530 and one side of rectangle 503 on the +X direction side that extends in the Y direction; and region 44 is represented, for example, by the range enclosed by swirling portion 540 and one side of rectangle 503 on the -X direction side that extends in the Y direction.

[0075] 11, section 555 is located approximately at the center in the Y direction of rectangle 503. Section 553 is located approximately at the center in the Y direction between sections 551 and 555. Section 557 is located approximately at the center in the Y direction between sections 555 and 559. Therefore, sections 552, 554, 556, and 558 have approximately the same length in the Y direction, and the XY plane shape of inductor 500 is formed into a shape with two-fold rotational symmetry. As a result, the areas of regions 41 to 44 (in the XY cross section) viewed from the Z direction are approximately the same.

[0076] When terminal electrode 601 is the current input side and terminal electrode 602 is the current output side, in swirling portion 610 formed by sections 651 to 653, the current swirls counterclockwise when viewed from the Z direction, in swirling portion 620 formed by sections 653 to 655, the current swirls clockwise when viewed from the Z direction, in swirling portion 630 formed by sections 655 to 657, the current swirls counterclockwise when viewed from the Z direction, and in swirling portion 640 formed by sections 657 to 659, the current swirls clockwise when viewed from the Z direction. Magnetic body 20 has region 51 partially surrounded by swirling portion 610, region 52 partially surrounded by swirling portion 620, region 53 partially surrounded by swirling portion 630, and region 54 partially surrounded by swirling portion 640. Assuming that rectangle 603 has the smallest area that completely surrounds inductor 600 when viewed from the Z direction, region 51 is represented, for example, by the range enclosed by swirling portion 610 and one side of rectangle 603 on the +X direction side that extends in the Y direction; region 52 is represented, for example, by the range enclosed by swirling portion 620 and one side of rectangle 603 on the -X direction side that extends in the Y direction; region 53 is represented, for example, by the range enclosed by swirling portion 630 and one side of rectangle 603 on the +X direction side that extends in the Y direction; and region 54 is represented, for example, by the range enclosed by swirling portion 640 and one side of rectangle 603 on the -X direction side that extends in the Y direction.

[0077] 11, section 655 is disposed at a position offset in the -Y direction from the center of rectangle 603 in the Y direction. The position of section 653 in the Y direction is the same as the position of section 553 in the Y direction, and the position of section 657 in the Y direction is the same as the position of section 557 in the Y direction. Therefore, the length of section 654 in the Y direction is longer than the length of section 656 in the Y direction, and the XY planar shape of inductor 600 is not formed to be rotationally symmetric. As a result, the area of ​​region 52 (in the XY cross section) viewed from the Z direction is larger than the area of ​​region 53 (in the XY cross section) viewed from the Z direction. Furthermore, the length of section 652 in the Y direction and the length of section 658 in the Y direction are approximately the same, and as a result, the area of ​​region 51 (in the XY cross section) viewed from the Z direction and the area of ​​region 54 (in the XY cross section) viewed from the Z direction are approximately the same.

[0078] When terminal electrode 701 is the current input side and terminal electrode 702 is the current output side, in swirling portion 710 formed by sections 751 to 753, the current swirls counterclockwise when viewed from the Z direction, in swirling portion 720 formed by sections 753 to 755, the current swirls clockwise when viewed from the Z direction, in swirling portion 730 formed by sections 755 to 757, the current swirls counterclockwise when viewed from the Z direction, and in swirling portion 740 formed by sections 757 to 759, the current swirls clockwise when viewed from the Z direction. Magnetic body 20 has region 61 partially surrounded by swirling portion 710, region 62 partially surrounded by swirling portion 720, region 63 partially surrounded by swirling portion 730, and region 64 partially surrounded by swirling portion 740. Assuming that rectangle 703 has the smallest area that completely surrounds inductor 700 when viewed from the Z direction, region 61 is represented, for example, by the range enclosed by swirling portion 710 and one side of rectangle 703 on the +X direction side that extends in the Y direction; region 62 is represented, for example, by the range enclosed by swirling portion 720 and one side of rectangle 703 on the -X direction side that extends in the Y direction; region 63 is represented, for example, by the range enclosed by swirling portion 730 and one side of rectangle 703 on the +X direction side that extends in the Y direction; and region 64 is represented, for example, by the range enclosed by swirling portion 740 and one side of rectangle 703 on the -X direction side that extends in the Y direction.

[0079] 11, section 755 is located approximately at the center in the Y direction of rectangle 703. Section 753 is located approximately at the center in the Y direction between sections 751 and 755. Section 757 is located approximately at the center in the Y direction between sections 755 and 759. Therefore, sections 752, 754, 756, and 758 have approximately the same length in the Y direction, and the XY plane shape of inductor 700 is formed into a shape with two-fold rotational symmetry. As a result, the areas of regions 61 to 64 (in the XY cross section) viewed from the Z direction are approximately the same.

[0080] As described above, for inductor 500 located at the end in the -X direction, the areas of regions 41 to 44 are approximately the same, and the difference between these areas is slight. Similarly, for inductor 700 located at the end in the +X direction, the areas of regions 61 to 64 are approximately the same, and the difference between these areas is slight. In contrast, for inductor 600 located between inductors 500 and 700 in the X direction, the area of ​​region 52 is larger than the area of ​​region 53, and the difference between these areas is larger than the difference between the areas of regions 41 to 44 and regions 61 to 64. Furthermore, the area of ​​region 52 is larger than the area of ​​each of regions 51 and 54, and the area of ​​region 54 is smaller than the area of ​​each of regions 51 and 54. As a result, in inductor 600, the magnetic flux passing through region 53 is smaller than the magnetic flux passing through regions 41 to 44 and 61 to 64.

[0081] As a result, the inductance of the inductor 600 alone, assuming that the magnetic element body 20 is not present, is smaller than the inductance of the inductors 500, 700 alone, assuming that the magnetic element body 20 is not present. This reduces the difference in inductance between the inductors 500, 700, which have small volumes of magnetic element bodies 20 located around them, and the inductance of the inductor 600, which has large volumes of magnetic element bodies 20 located around them.

[0082] As exemplified by electronic component 13 according to the fourth embodiment, electronic components according to the present disclosure may include three or more convolutions in each inductor. In this case, for example, the area difference between regions 51 to 54 may be represented by the area difference between the smallest region 53 and the largest region 52, or may be represented by the largest area difference between two regions adjacent in the Y direction.

[0083] FIG. 12 is an XY cross-sectional view of an electronic component 13A according to a modification of the fourth embodiment.

[0084] Electronic component 13A according to a modified example shown in FIG. 12 differs from electronic component 13 described above in that sections 653 and 657 of inductor 600 are shifted in the −Y direction. As a result, sections 652 and 654 have approximately the same length in the Y direction, and as a result, the area of ​​region 51 and the area of ​​region 52 are approximately the same. Similarly, sections 656 and 658 have approximately the same length in the Y direction, and as a result, the area of ​​region 53 and the area of ​​region 54 are approximately the same. The areas of regions 51 and 52 are each larger than the areas of regions 53 and 54. Even with this pattern layout, the inductance of inductor 600 itself is reduced, thereby reducing the inductance difference between inductors 500 and 700 and inductor 600.

[0085] As described above, according to the technology of the present disclosure, the inductance of each inductor can be adjusted by adjusting the shape of each inductor included in the array inductor. This also makes it possible to reduce variations in inductance among the inductors included in the array inductor, for example. This also makes it possible to provide an array inductor in which the inductance of each inductor is relatively uniform.

[0086] The above describes embodiments of the technology according to the present disclosure, but the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the technology, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included within the scope of the technology according to the present disclosure.

[0087] For example, the meander shape of each inductor is not limited to the shapes exemplified in the above embodiments, but may be other shapes (e.g., a semicircle, a part of an ellipse, a part of a rounded rectangle, a triangular shape (sawtooth shape), etc., arranged continuously).

[0088] The technology according to the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following configuration examples.

[0089] An electronic component according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a magnetic body, and a first inductor and a second inductor embedded in the magnetic body and arranged in a first direction, the first inductor and the second inductor both having a meandering shape when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first inductor including a first turning portion that turns in a first turning direction, which is either clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from one end to the other end, and a second turning portion that turns in a second turning direction that is opposite to the first turning direction when viewed from the second direction, and the second inductor including a first turning portion that turns in a first turning direction, which is either clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from one end to the other end, and a second turning portion that turns in a second turning direction that is opposite to the first turning direction when viewed from the second direction, and The magnetic element includes a third turning portion turning in a turning direction and a fourth turning portion turning in a first turning direction when viewed from the second direction, and the magnetic element includes a first region partially surrounded by the first turning portion and having a first area when viewed from the second direction, a second region partially surrounded by the second turning portion and having a second area when viewed from the second direction, a third region partially surrounded by the third turning portion and having a third area when viewed from the second direction, and a fourth region partially surrounded by the fourth turning portion and having a fourth area when viewed from the second direction, wherein the area of ​​the first region is different from at least one of the areas of the third region and the fourth region. This makes it possible to adjust the difference between the inductance of the first inductor and the inductance of the second inductor by adjusting the area of ​​the first region.

[0090] In the electronic component, the area of ​​the second region may be different from at least one of the area of ​​the third region and the area of ​​the fourth region, thereby making it possible to adjust the difference between the inductance of the first inductor and the inductance of the second inductor by adjusting the area of ​​the second region.

[0091] In the electronic component, the difference between the first area and the second area may be smaller than the difference between the third area and the fourth area. The difference between the first area and the second area and the difference between the third area and the fourth area makes it possible to adjust the difference between the inductance of the first inductor and the inductance of the second inductor.

[0092] In the electronic component, one of the third area and the fourth area may be smaller than either the first area or the second area, thereby making it possible to reduce the inductance of the second inductor.

[0093] In the electronic component, the maximum length of the first inductor in the first direction may be approximately equal to the maximum length of the second inductor, and the maximum length of the first inductor in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions may be approximately equal to the maximum length of the second inductor, thereby reducing the difference in inductance between the first inductor and the second inductor.

[0094] In the above electronic component, the volume of a region of the magnetic body that is arranged around the first inductor and through which magnetic flux passes when a current flows through the first inductor may be smaller than the volume of a region that is arranged around the second inductor and through which magnetic flux passes when a current flows through the second inductor. In this way, when the planar shapes of the first inductor and the second inductor are congruent, the inductance of the first inductor is smaller than the inductance of the second inductor.

[0095] In the electronic component, the magnetic body has a first side surface and a second side surface located opposite each other in a first direction, the first inductor is disposed closest to the first side surface in the first direction, the second inductor is disposed adjacent to the first inductor in the first direction, and the shortest distance between the first inductor and the first side surface may be shorter than the shortest distance between the first inductor and the second inductor in the first direction. In this way, when the planar shapes of the first inductor and the second inductor are congruent, the inductance of the first inductor is smaller than the inductance of the second inductor.

[0096] The electronic component further includes a third inductor embedded in the magnetic body, the second inductor being sandwiched between the first inductor and the third inductor in a first direction, the third inductor being meandering when viewed from a second direction, and the third inductor including, from one end to the other, a fifth turning portion turning in a first turning direction when viewed from the second direction and a sixth turning portion turning in a second turning direction when viewed from the second direction, the magnetic body including a fifth region partially surrounded by the fifth turning portion and having a fifth area when viewed from the second direction, and a sixth region partially surrounded by the sixth turning portion and having a sixth area when viewed from the second direction, the difference between the fifth area and the sixth area being smaller than the difference between the third area and the fourth area. This makes it possible to adjust the difference between the inductance of the second inductor and the inductance of the third inductor in an array including three or more inductors.

[0097] In the electronic component, one of the third area and the fourth area may be smaller than any of the first area, the second area, the fifth area, and the sixth area, thereby making it possible to reduce the inductance of the second inductor.

[0098] In the electronic component, the shortest distance between the first inductor and the first side surface may be shorter than the shortest distance in the first direction between the second inductor and the third inductor. In this way, when the planar shape of the first inductor is congruent with the planar shapes of the second and third inductors, the inductance of the first inductor is smaller than the inductances of the second and third inductors.

[0099] The electronic component further includes a fourth inductor embedded in the magnetic body, the third inductor being sandwiched between the second inductor and the fourth inductor from the first direction, both of the fourth inductors being meander-shaped when viewed from the second direction, and the fourth inductor including, from one end to the other, a seventh turning portion turning in the first turning direction when viewed from the second direction and an eighth turning portion turning in the second turning direction when viewed from the second direction, the magnetic body including a seventh region partially surrounded by the seventh turning portion and having a seventh area when viewed from the second direction, and an eighth region partially surrounded by the eighth turning portion and having an eighth area when viewed from the second direction, the difference between the seventh area and the eighth area being smaller than the difference between the fifth area and the sixth area, thereby making it possible to provide an array product including four inductors.

[0100] In the above electronic component, one of the third area and the fourth area may be smaller than any of the first area, the second area, the seventh area, and the eighth area, and one of the fifth area and the sixth area may be smaller than any of the first area, the second area, the seventh area, and the eighth area. This makes it possible to reduce the inductance of the second and third inductors.

[0101] In the above electronic component, the first inductor and the fourth inductor may be symmetrical, and the second inductor and the third inductor may be symmetrical, thereby reducing the difference in inductance between the first inductor and the fourth inductor, and also reducing the difference in inductance between the second inductor and the third inductor.

[0102] In the above electronic component, when viewed in a plan view from the second direction, the pattern forming the first inductor and the pattern forming the fourth inductor may be formed to be approximately similar in shape, and the pattern forming the second inductor and the pattern forming the third inductor may be formed to be approximately similar in shape, thereby reducing the difference in inductance between the first inductor and the fourth inductor, and also reducing the difference in inductance between the second inductor and the third inductor.

[0103] In the above electronic component, the first inductor includes a first section extending in a first direction, a second section having one end connected to one end of the first section and extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, a third section having one end connected to the other end of the second section and extending in the first direction, a fourth section having one end connected to the other end of the third section and extending in the second direction, and a fifth section having one end connected to the other end of the fourth section and extending in the first direction; and the second inductor includes a sixth section extending in the first direction and a fifth section having one end connected to one end of the sixth section and extending in the third direction. the first winding portion may be made up of the first, second, and third sections, the second winding portion may be made up of the third, fourth, and fifth sections, the third winding portion may be made up of the sixth, seventh, and eighth sections, and the fourth winding portion may be made up of the eighth, ninth, and tenth sections. This increases the inductance of the first and second meandering inductors.

[0104] In the above electronic component, the other end of the first section may constitute one end of the first inductor, the other end of the fifth section may constitute the other end of the first inductor, the other end of the sixth section may constitute one end of the second inductor, and the other end of the tenth section may constitute the other end of the second inductor. This makes it possible to form the first and second inductors using conductor patterns having an S-shaped layout.

[0105] In the electronic component, the line length of the first inductor and the line length of the second inductor may be the same, and the pattern width of the first inductor and the pattern width of the second inductor may be the same, thereby reducing the difference in resistance between the first inductor and the second inductor.

[0106] In the electronic component, the pattern width of the second inductor may be wider than the pattern width of the first inductor, which makes it possible to reduce the inductance of the second inductor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10, 10A~10C, 11, 11A, 11B, 12, 12A, 13, 13A Electronic Components 20 Magnetic element 21-24 sides 25 Mounting surface 26 Top side 31~38,41~44,51~54,61~64 area 100,200,300,400,500,600,700 inductors 101,102,201,202,301,302,401,402,501,502,601,602,701,702 Terminal electrode 110,120,120,220,310,320,410,420,510,520,530,540,610,620,630,640,710,720,730,740 Swivel section 103,203,303,403,503,603,703 rectangle 131~135, 231~235, 331~335, 431~435, 551~559, 651~659, 751~759 Section L1~L5,L12,L23,L34 distance

Claims

1. A magnetic element; a first inductor and a second inductor embedded in the magnetic body and arranged in a first direction; Equipped with the first inductor and the second inductor are both meandering when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first inductor includes a first swirling portion that swirls from one end to the other end in a first swirling direction that is either clockwise or counterclockwise as viewed from the second direction, and a second swirling portion that swirls in a second swirling direction that is opposite to the first swirling direction as viewed from the second direction, the second inductor includes, from one end to the other end, a third swirling portion that swirls in the first swirling direction when viewed from the second direction, and a fourth swirling portion that swirls in the second swirling direction when viewed from the second direction, the magnetic body includes a first region partially surrounded by the first swirl portion and having a first area when viewed from the second direction, a second region partially surrounded by the second swirl portion and having a second area when viewed from the second direction, a third region partially surrounded by the third swirl portion and having a third area when viewed from the second direction, and a fourth region partially surrounded by the fourth swirl portion and having a fourth area when viewed from the second direction, The area of ​​the first region is different from at least one of the area of ​​the third region and the area of ​​the fourth region. Electronic components.

2. The area of ​​the second region is different from at least one of the area of ​​the third region and the area of ​​the fourth region. The electronic component according to claim 1 .

3. a difference between the first area and the second area is smaller than a difference between the third area and the fourth area; The electronic component according to claim 1 .

4. one of the third area and the fourth area is smaller than both the first area and the second area; The electronic component according to claim 1 .

5. a maximum length of the first inductor in the first direction is approximately equal to a maximum length of the second inductor, and a maximum length of the first inductor in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction is approximately equal to a maximum length of the second inductor; The electronic component according to claim 1 .

6. a volume of a region of the magnetic element that is arranged around the first inductor and through which magnetic flux passes when a current flows in the first inductor is smaller than a volume of a region that is arranged around the second inductor and through which magnetic flux passes when a current flows in the second inductor; The electronic component according to claim 1 .

7. the magnetic body has a first side surface and a second side surface positioned opposite to each other in the first direction, the first inductor is disposed closest to a first side surface in the first direction; the second inductor is disposed adjacent to the first inductor in the first direction; a shortest distance between the first inductor and the first side surface is shorter than a shortest distance between the first inductor and the second inductor in the first direction; The electronic component according to claim 1 .

8. further comprising a third inductor embedded in the magnetic body; the second inductor is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the first inductor and the third inductor from the first direction; the third inductor has a meandering shape when viewed from the second direction, the third inductor includes, from one end to the other end, a fifth turning portion that turns in the first turning direction when viewed from the second direction, and a sixth turning portion that turns in the second turning direction when viewed from the second direction; the magnetic body includes a fifth region that is partially surrounded by the fifth turning portion and has a fifth area when viewed from the second direction, and a sixth region that is partially surrounded by the sixth turning portion and has a sixth area when viewed from the second direction, a difference between the fifth area and the sixth area is smaller than a difference between the third area and the fourth area; The electronic component according to claim 3 .

9. one of the third area and the fourth area is smaller than any of the first area, the second area, the fifth area, and the sixth area; The electronic component according to claim 8.

10. a shortest distance between the first inductor and the first side surface is shorter than a shortest distance between the second inductor and the third inductor in the first direction; The electronic component according to claim 8.

11. further comprising a fourth inductor embedded in the magnetic body; the third inductor is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the second inductor and the fourth inductor from the first direction; the fourth inductor has a meandering shape when viewed from the second direction, the fourth inductor includes, from one end to the other end, a seventh turning portion that turns in the first turning direction when viewed from the second direction, and an eighth turning portion that turns in the second turning direction when viewed from the second direction, the magnetic body includes a seventh region that is partially surrounded by the seventh turning portion and has a seventh area when viewed from the second direction, and an eighth region that is partially surrounded by the eighth turning portion and has an eighth area when viewed from the second direction, a difference between the seventh area and the eighth area is smaller than a difference between the fifth area and the sixth area; The electronic component according to claim 8.

12. one of the third area and the fourth area is smaller than any of the first area, the second area, the seventh area, and the eighth area; one of the fifth area and the sixth area is smaller than any of the first area, the second area, the seventh area, and the eighth area; The electronic component according to claim 11.

13. the first inductor and the fourth inductor are symmetrical; the second inductor and the third inductor are symmetrical; The electronic component according to claim 11.

14. a pattern forming the first inductor and a pattern forming the fourth inductor are formed to have substantially similar shapes when viewed in a plan view from the second direction; a pattern for forming the second inductor and a pattern for forming the third inductor are formed to have substantially similar shapes; The electronic component according to claim 11.

15. the first inductor includes a first section extending in the first direction, a second section having one end connected to one end of the first section and extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, a third section having one end connected to the other end of the second section and extending in the first direction, a fourth section having one end connected to the other end of the third section and extending in the second direction, and a fifth section having one end connected to the other end of the fourth section and extending in the first direction; the second inductor includes a sixth section extending in the first direction, a seventh section having one end connected to one end of the sixth section and extending in the third direction, an eighth section having one end connected to the other end of the seventh section and extending in the first direction, a ninth section having one end connected to the other end of the eighth section and extending in the second direction, and a tenth section having one end connected to the other end of the ninth section and extending in the first direction; the first turning section is constituted by the first, second, and third sections, the second turning section is constituted by the third, fourth, and fifth sections, the third turning section is constituted by the sixth, seventh, and eighth sections, The fourth turning section is composed of the eighth, ninth and tenth sections. The electronic component according to claim 1 .

16. the other end of the first section constitutes the one end of the first inductor, the other end of the fifth section constitutes the other end of the first inductor, the other end of the sixth section constitutes the one end of the second inductor, the other end of the tenth section constitutes the other end of the second inductor. The electronic component according to claim 15.

17. the line length of the first inductor and the line length of the second inductor are the same; The pattern width of the first inductor and the pattern width of the second inductor are the same. The electronic component according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. a pattern width of the second inductor is wider than a pattern width of the first inductor; The electronic component according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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