Transmission line and electronic device including the same

Abstract

Provided is a transmission line comprising: an insulator having at least one insulator layer; and a first conductor pattern and a second conductor pattern arranged on the insulator layer and arranged at positions different from each other in the thickness direction of the insulator layer, wherein the first conductor pattern has a first signal line and a second signal line each extending along the signal transmission direction, the second conductor pattern has 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 in the thickness direction, and the second counter electrode overlaps the second signal line and does not overlap the first signal line when viewed in the thickness direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transmission line including a signal conductor and an electronic device including the same.

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a transmission line using the coplanar waveguide structure described in Patent Document 1, isolation or coupling of a plurality of signal lines may occur, resulting in interference.

[0005] 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 same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A transmission line according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: an insulator having at least one insulator layer; a first conductor pattern and a second conductor pattern arranged on the insulator layer and arranged at different positions in the thickness direction of the insulator layer; the first conductor pattern has a first signal line and a second signal line extending along the signal transmission direction, respectively; The second conductor pattern is Two or more that are not electrically connected to the signal line provided with a first counter electrode and Two or more that are not electrically connected to the signal line a second counter electrode, 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 from the thickness direction.

[0007] An electronic device according to an aspect of the present invention includes the transmission line.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] 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

[0009]

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[0010] Hereinafter, the structures of the transmission line 100 and the electronic device 1380 according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the transmission line 100. FIGS. 2A to 2C are top views of each layer of the transmission line 100 as viewed from the thickness direction. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the transmission line 100, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the transmission line 100.

[0011] In this specification, the 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 in which the signal lines 26 and 28 (FIG. 2B) described later extend as viewed in the thickness direction T, and is orthogonal to the thickness direction T. The width direction W is a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the signal lines 26 and 28 extend as viewed in the thickness direction T. The thickness direction T is the stacking direction in which at least one insulator layer 12 is stacked. The thickness direction T, the width direction W, and the signal transmission direction S are orthogonal to each other. Note that the thickness direction T, the width direction W, and the signal transmission direction S in this specification do not necessarily coincide with the thickness direction, the width direction, and the signal transmission direction during actual use of the transmission line 100.

[0012] The definitions of terms in this specification will be described below. First, the positional relationship of members in this specification will be defined. In this specification, "A and B are electrically connected" means that electricity can conduct between A and B. Therefore, A and B may or may not be in contact. For example, when C having conductivity is disposed between A and B, even if A and B are not in contact, A and B are electrically connected via C. On the other hand, in this specification, "A and B are in contact" means that the surfaces of A and B directly touch each other.

[0013] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the structure of transmission line 100 will be described. Transmission line 100 is a transmission line for transmitting high-frequency signals. Transmission line 100 is, for example, a multilayer substrate for electrically connecting two circuits in an electronic device such as a smartphone. As shown in FIG. 1, transmission line 100 of the first embodiment has a strip shape extending in the signal transmission direction S.

[0014] The transmission line 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes, in order along the thickness direction T, a protective film 16a, an insulator layer 12, and a protective film 16b.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, 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. 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 the protective films 16a and 16b are laminated in the thickness direction T. Specifically, the protective film 16a is laminated on the first main surface 19a, and the protective film 16b is laminated 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 resin. In this embodiment, the material of the insulator layer 12 is a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin is, for example, a liquid crystal polymer, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), or the like. Also, the material of the insulator layer 12 may be polyimide.

[0016] In the first embodiment, as the insulator, one insulator layer 12 is provided. The insulator layer 12 is not limited to being a single layer, and a plurality of insulator layers 12 may be laminated in the thickness direction T. One Or Those in which a plurality of insulator layers 12 are arranged and laminated in the thickness direction T may be referred to as "insulators".

[0017] The protective film 16a is a protective layer for protecting a conductor (first conductor pattern 20) arranged on the first main surface 19a of the insulator layer 12. The protective film 16b is a protective layer for protecting a conductor (second conductor pattern 30) arranged on the second main surface 19b of the insulator layer 12. The protective films 16a and 16b respectively cover substantially the entire surfaces of the main surfaces 19a and 19b of the insulator layer 12. The protective films 16a and 16b of the first embodiment are resin-made resists applied to the insulator layer 12. However, the protective films 16a and 16b may be coverlays pasted on the insulator layer 12.

[0018] 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.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2A, a part of the first conductor pattern 20 is exposed from the openings 46a to 46e provided in the protective film 16a. In FIGS. 2A to 2C, members of different layers in the thickness direction T are distinguished and shown by solid lines and dotted lines.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2B, the first conductor pattern 20 is a conductor pattern provided on the first main surface 19a of the insulator layer 12 and has a plurality of conductors extending in the signal transmission direction S respectively. 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.

[0021] The first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 are each conductors for transmitting signals, and transmit different signals respectively. The first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 of the first embodiment each transmit high-frequency signals. Both ends of the first signal line 26 in the signal transmission direction S are respectively exposed from the two openings 46a shown in FIG. 2A. Both ends of the second signal line 28 in the signal transmission direction S are respectively exposed from the two openings 46b shown in FIG. 2A.

[0022] The first ground conductor 22, the second ground conductor 24, and the third ground conductor 44 are each conductors connected to a ground potential which is a reference potential. The ground conductors 22, 24, 44 exhibit a shielding function for suppressing interference of signals between the signal lines 26, 28. The ground conductors 22, 24, 44 may be connected to the reference potential by any method, such as a frame ground with respect to a chassis of an electronic device (not shown) incorporating the transmission line 100.

[0023] Both ends of the first ground conductor 22 in the signal transmission direction S are respectively exposed from the two openings 46c shown in FIG. 2A. Similarly, both ends of the second ground conductor 24 in the signal transmission direction S are respectively exposed from the two openings 46d shown in FIG. 2A, and both ends of the third ground conductor 44 in the signal transmission direction S are respectively exposed from the two openings 46e shown in FIG. 2A.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2B, in the first conductor pattern 20, 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 are arranged in order 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.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2B, when viewed from the thickness direction T, the first conductor pattern 20 and the second conductor pattern 30 are arranged so as to overlap.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2C, the second conductor pattern 30 is a conductor pattern provided on the upper surface of the protective film 16b, that is, on the second main surface 19b of the insulator layer 12. The second conductor pattern 30 is covered by the protective film 16b while being fixedly provided on the second main surface 19b of the insulator layer 12.

[0027] The first conductor pattern 20 and the second conductor pattern 30 are each a conductor layer formed by patterning a metal foil attached to the main surfaces 19a, 19b of the insulator layer 12. The metal foil is, for example, a copper foil.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2C, the second conductor pattern 30 has a first counter electrode 32 and a second counter electrode 34.

[0029] The first counter electrode 32 and the second counter electrode 34 are electrodes arranged to face the first conductor pattern 20 in the thickness direction T. The first counter electrode 32 has a plurality of conductors arranged at periodic intervals along the signal transmission direction S, and similarly, the second counter electrode 34 has a plurality of conductors arranged at periodic intervals along the signal transmission direction S.

[0030] In the first embodiment, each of the counter electrodes 32, 34 is substantially rectangular in plan view, has a longitudinal direction along the width direction W, and has a short side direction along the signal transmission direction S. Each of the counter electrodes 32, 34 is set to substantially the same dimensions. The plurality of first counter electrodes 32 are each substantially the same in position in the width direction W, and the plurality of second counter electrodes 34 are each substantially the same in position in the width direction W.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3, the plurality of first counter 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 counter 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.

[0032] The first counter electrode 32 overlaps with the first signal line 26 and does not overlap with the second signal line 28 when viewed in the thickness direction T. The second counter electrode 34 overlaps with the second signal line 28 and does not overlap with the first signal line 26 when viewed in the thickness direction T. According to such an arrangement, compared with the case where either one of the counter electrodes 32 and 34 faces both of the two signal lines 26 and 28, it is possible to suppress the interference between the signal lines 26 and 28 via the counter electrodes 32 and 34, and the isolation or coupling can be improved.

[0033] The first counter electrode 32 and the second counter electrode 34 extend so as to be orthogonal to the first conductor pattern 20 when viewed in the thickness direction T.

[0034] In the first embodiment, the plurality of first counter electrodes 32 and the plurality of second counter electrodes 34 are each a floating conductor. 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 may also be referred to as a floating electrode.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3, the first ground conductor 22 overlaps with the plurality of first counter electrodes 32 but does not overlap with the plurality of second counter electrodes 34 when viewed in the thickness direction T. The second ground conductor 24 overlaps with the plurality of second counter electrodes 34 but does not overlap with the plurality of first counter electrodes 32 when viewed in the thickness direction T.

[0036] The third ground conductor 44 overlaps with both the first counter electrode 32 and the second counter electrode 34 when viewed in the thickness direction T. The third ground conductor 44 in the first embodiment is composed of one conductor portion that overlaps with both the first counter electrode 32 and the second counter electrode 34. Not limited to such a case, the third ground conductor 44 may be a case where it overlaps with either one of the first counter electrode 32 and the second counter electrode 34 and does not overlap with the other when viewed in the thickness direction T.

[0037] 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 that are disposed in the insulator layer 12 and are disposed at different positions from each other in the thickness direction T of the insulator layer 12. The first conductor pattern 20 has a first signal line 26 and a second signal line 28 that respectively extend along the signal transmission direction S, and the second conductor pattern 30 has a first counter electrode 32 and a second counter electrode 34. The first counter electrode 32 overlaps the first signal line 26 and does not overlap the second signal line 28 when viewed from the thickness direction T, and the second counter electrode 34 overlaps the second signal line 28 and does not overlap the first signal line 26 when viewed from the thickness direction T.

[0038] According to such a configuration, in the transmission line 100, when a certain counter electrode overlaps both the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 when viewed in the thickness direction T, the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 may interfere with each other through the counter electrode, resulting in deterioration of isolation or coupling. With 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.

[0039] In other words, the first counter electrode 32 that overlaps the first signal line 26 contributes to the isolation or coupling of the first signal line 26, and the second counter electrode 34 that overlaps the second signal line 28 contributes to the isolation or coupling of the second signal line 28. If either of the counter electrodes 32, 34 overlaps both the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28, there is a risk that the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 will interfere with each other through the counter electrodes 32, 34. On the other hand, by arranging one counter electrode to overlap only one signal line, the isolation or coupling between the plurality of signal lines 26, 28 can be improved.

[0040] Further, in the first embodiment, the first conductor pattern 20 further has ground conductors 22, 24. With this configuration, the isolation or coupling of the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 can be improved.

[0041] Also, in the first embodiment, the ground conductors 22 and 24 are connected to the reference potential. With this configuration, the shielding performance is improved.

[0042] Also, in the first embodiment, the transmission line 100 includes a first ground conductor 22 corresponding to the first signal line 26 and a second ground conductor 24 corresponding to the second signal line 28. With this configuration, the isolation or coupling of the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 can be improved.

[0043] Also, in the first embodiment, a plurality of the first opposing electrodes 32 and the second opposing electrodes 34 are provided at intervals along the signal transmission direction S. With this configuration, in the first opposing electrodes 32 and the second opposing electrodes 34, it becomes difficult for current to flow in the signal transmission direction S, and transmission loss can be reduced. Note that it is not limited to the case where both the first opposing electrodes 32 and the second opposing electrodes 34 are provided at intervals along the signal transmission direction S, and it may be the case where at least one of them is provided at intervals along the signal transmission direction S.

[0044] Also, in the first embodiment, when viewed from the thickness direction T, the length of each 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). In other words, the opposing electrodes 32 and 34 (floating electrodes) each have a shape extending in a direction (width direction W) different from the direction (signal transmission direction S) in which the signal lines 26 and 28 extend. With this configuration, in the first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34, it becomes even more difficult for current to flow in the signal transmission direction S, and transmission loss can be reduced.

[0045] Also, in the first embodiment, the lengths of the first opposing electrode 32 and the second opposing electrode 34 in the signal transmission direction S as viewed from the thickness direction T are made sufficiently small with respect to the wavelength of the signals transmitted through the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28. Thereby, the flow of current in the signal transmission direction S can be controlled, and transmission loss can be reduced.

[0046] Also, in the first embodiment, the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 are for high-frequency signals, and high-frequency signals are transmitted therethrough. As a result, improvement in isolation or coupling of the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28, and reduction in transmission loss can be expected. Note that signals different from the high-frequency signals (such as low-frequency signals) may be transmitted through the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28.

[0047] Also, in the first embodiment, the first counter electrode 32 and the second counter electrode 34 are floating conductors and are not connected to the reference potential. This facilitates the manufacture of the transmission line 100 including the counter electrodes 32 and 34. Note that the first counter electrode 32 and the second counter electrode 34 are not limited to being floating conductors, and may be ground conductors connected to the ground potential in order to improve the shielding function. Further, for example, one of the first counter electrode 32 and the second counter electrode 34 may be a floating conductor and the other may be a ground conductor. In other words, the first counter electrode 32 and / or the second counter electrode 34 may be a floating conductor, or the first counter electrode 32 and / or the second counter electrode 34 may be a ground conductor.

[0048] Also, 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. Thereby, direct interference between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 can be suppressed, and isolation or coupling of the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 can be improved.

[0049] Also, in the first embodiment, the third ground conductor 44 has one conductor portion that overlaps both the first counter electrode 32 and the second counter electrode 34 when viewed from the thickness direction T. Thereby, the third ground conductor 44 can be easily manufactured while improving isolation. Note that the third ground conductor 44 is not limited to having one conductor portion, and may have a plurality of conductor portions. Alternatively, the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 may be directly opposed without disposing the third ground conductor 44.

[0050] Also, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, 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 the structure without the ground conductor 44, the effect of suppressing noise is high, and high shielding performance can be realized.

[0051] (Second Embodiment) Hereinafter, the transmission line 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, descriptions of the contents overlapping with those of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. The same applies to the embodiments after the second embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a top view showing the layer of the first main surface 19a of the insulator layer 12 in the transmission line 200, and FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view (sectional view taken along line C-C) of the transmission line 200.

[0053] The transmission line 200 according to the second embodiment is different from the transmission line according to the first embodiment in that the third ground conductor 44 is divided into a plurality of ground conductors 44a and 44b. 100 and different.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first conductor pattern 220 of the transmission line 200 has two third ground conductors 44a and 44b between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28.

[0055] The third ground conductor 44a is a ground conductor that overlaps a plurality of first opposed 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 a plurality of second opposed electrodes 34 of the second conductor pattern 30 when viewed in the thickness direction T. The third ground conductor 44a overlaps the first opposed electrode 32 while not overlapping the second opposed electrode 34. The third ground conductor 44b overlaps the second opposed electrode 34 while not overlapping the first opposed electrode 32.

[0056] According to the above configuration, the third ground conductor 44a mainly has a function of absorbing noise generated from the first signal line 26 directly facing in the width direction W, and the third ground conductor 44b mainly has a function of absorbing noise generated from the second signal line 28 directly facing 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.

[0057] Also, in the second embodiment, ground conductors 44a and 44b are provided corresponding to the opposing electrodes 32 and 34, respectively. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a third ground conductor 44a is provided at a position overlapping with the first opposing electrode 32 in the thickness direction T, and a 3 ground conductor 44b is provided at a position overlapping with the second opposing electrode 34 in the thickness direction T. Thereby, isolation or coupling can be further improved.

[0058] (Third Embodiment) Hereinafter, the transmission line 300 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a top view showing the layer of the first main surface 19a of the insulator layer 12 in the transmission line 300, and FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view (D - D sectional view) of the transmission line 300.

[0060] The transmission line 300 according to the third embodiment is different from the transmission line 100 according to the first embodiment in that the third ground conductor 44 is not provided.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first conductor pattern 320 of the transmission line 300 does not have ground conductors 44a and 44b between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28, and the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 directly face each other in the width direction W.

[0062] According to the above configuration, by not providing a ground conductor between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28, the configuration can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Also, the outer shape of the transmission line 300 can be made smaller. In this configuration, the first ground conductor 22, the second ground conductor 24, the first counter electrode 32, and the second counter electrode 34 exert a shielding function for the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28.

[0063] (Fourth Embodiment) Hereinafter, the transmission line 400 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0064] FIG. 9 is a top view showing the layer of the first main surface 19a of the insulator layer 12 in the transmission line 400, and FIG. 10 is a top view showing the layer of the protective film 16b in the transmission line 400, that is, the layer of the second main surface 19b of the insulator layer 12.

[0065] The transmission line 400 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the transmission line 100 according to the first embodiment in that the first counter electrode 432 and the second counter electrode 434 are arranged at positions shifted from each other in the signal transmission direction S.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a plurality of first counter electrodes 432 overlapping the first signal line 26 and a plurality of second counter electrodes 434 overlapping the second signal line 28 are arranged at positions shifted from each other in the signal transmission direction S.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10, a certain first counter electrode 432a overlaps with two adjacent second counter electrodes 434a and 434b in the width direction W. The first counter electrode 432a has a region overlapping and a region not overlapping with the second counter electrode 434a in the width direction W, and similarly, has a region overlapping and a region not overlapping with the second counter electrode 434b in the width direction W.

[0068] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the pitch P1 at which a plurality of first counter electrodes 432 are arranged and the pitch P2 at which a plurality of second counter electrodes 434 are arranged are set to be approximately the same length. Also, adjacent first counter electrode 432a and second counter electrode 434a are arranged with a displacement amount Px in the signal transmission direction S. The displacement amount Px is set, for example, to be approximately half the length of the pitches P1 and P2. Not limited to such a case, the displacement amount Px may be set to any length as long as it is shorter than the pitches P1 and P2. Note that the pitch P1 is the distance between the central portions of two adjacent first counter electrodes 432, the pitch P2 is the distance between the central portions of two adjacent second counter electrodes 434, and the displacement amount Px is the distance between the central portion of the adjacent first counter electrode 432 and the central portion of the second counter electrode 434. With respect to the length along the signal transmission direction S, the widths of the individual first counter electrodes 432 and the widths of the individual second counter electrodes 434 are set to be approximately the same length. Also, the intervals (lengths of the gaps) between two adjacent first counter electrodes 432 and the intervals between two adjacent second counter electrodes 434 are also set to be approximately the same length.

[0069] According to the above configuration, the first counter electrode 432 and the second counter electrode 434 are arranged with their positions shifted from each other along the signal transmission direction S, so that capacitance formation between the first counter electrode 432 and the second counter electrode 434 can be prevented. Thereby, the isolation or coupling of the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 can be improved.

[0070] Here, a transmission line 400a according to a modification of the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the second conductor pattern 430a of the transmission line 400a has a plurality of fifth counter electrodes 436 in addition to the plurality of first counter electrodes 432 and the plurality of second counter electrodes 434.

[0071] The plurality of fifth counter electrodes 436 are periodically arranged at intervals along the signal transmission direction S, similar to the counter electrodes 432 and 434, and are provided at positions adjacent in the width direction W to the second counter electrode 434.

[0072] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the pitch P3 at which a plurality of fifth counter electrodes 436 are arranged is set to be substantially the same as the pitches P1 and P2 of the counter electrodes 432 and 434. Further, the position of each fifth counter electrode 436 in the signal transmission direction S is set to a position shifted with respect to each second counter electrode 434 and substantially the same position as each first counter electrode 432. Note that the pitch P3 is the distance between the centers of two adjacent fifth 5 counter electrodes 436. Also, with regard to the length along the signal transmission direction S, the width of each 5 fifth counter electrode 436 is set to be substantially the same length as the width of each first counter electrode 432 and the width of each second counter electrode 434. Also, the interval (length of the gap) between two adjacent 5 fifth counter electrodes 436 is also set to be substantially the same length as the interval between two adjacent first counter electrodes 432 and the interval between two adjacent second counter electrodes 434.

[0073] According to the configuration shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to suppress the formation of capacitance between the counter electrodes 432 and 434 adjacent to each other in the width direction W, and to suppress the formation of capacitance between the counter electrodes 434 and 436 adjacent to each other in the width direction W. By setting the positions of the first counter electrode 432 and the fifth counter electrode 436 in the signal transmission direction S to be substantially the same so as to sandwich the second counter electrode 434, the arrangement of the counter electrodes 432, 434, and 436 can be easily determined. Also, when providing four or more rows of counter electrodes with an interval in the width direction W, by shifting the adjacent counter electrodes with respect to each other in the signal transmission direction S and setting the positions in the signal transmission direction S to be the same every other one, the arrangement of the counter electrodes can be easily determined.

[0074] (Fifth Embodiment) Hereinafter, the transmission line 500 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0075] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line 500. FIGS. 13A and 13B are top views showing each layer in the transmission line 500, respectively.

[0076] The transmission line 500 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the transmission line 100 according to the first embodiment in that it has two insulator layers 12a and 12b between the protective films 16a and 16b and further includes a third conductor pattern 530 in addition to the first conductor pattern 20 and the second conductor pattern 30.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 12, two insulator layers 12a and 12b are laminated in the thickness direction T between the protective films 16a and 16b. A first conductor pattern 20 is provided on the first main surface 519a of the insulator layer 12a, and a second conductor pattern 30 is provided on the second main surface 519b of the insulator layer 12a. A third conductor pattern 530 is provided on the third main surface 519c of the insulator layer 12b.

[0078] 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 the structure of the second conductor pattern 30. In other words, the third conductor pattern 530 is provided as a conductor pattern having the same structure as the second conductor pattern 30 on the third main surface 519c of the insulator layer 12b. In the example shown in FIG. 13A, a plurality of lands 535 are provided to draw out the first conductor pattern 20 under the conductor pattern 530. In the longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 12, the illustration of the lands 535 is omitted, and the illustration and description of the lands are also omitted in the following embodiments. 3 As shown in FIG. 13A, a plurality of third counter electrodes 532 are periodically arranged at intervals along the signal transmission direction S. Similarly, a plurality of fourth counter electrodes 534 are periodically arranged at intervals along the signal transmission direction S.

[0079] When viewed from the thickness direction T, a plurality of third counter electrodes 532 overlap 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 in FIG. 13B. Similarly, when viewed from the thickness direction T, a plurality of fourth counter electrodes 534 overlap the third ground conductor 44, the second signal line 28, and the second ground conductor 24 of the first conductor pattern 20 shown by the solid line in FIG. 13B.

[0080] When viewed from the thickness direction T, a plurality of third counter electrodes 532 overlap 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 in FIG. 13B. Similarly, when viewed from the thickness direction T, a plurality of fourth counter electrodes 534 overlap the third ground conductor 44, the second signal line 28, and the second ground conductor 24 of the first conductor pattern 20 shown by the solid line in FIG. 13B.

[0081] Each of the individual third counter electrodes 532 overlaps with each of the individual first counter electrodes 32 shown by the dotted line in FIG. 13B in the thickness direction T. Each of the individual fourth counter electrodes 534 overlaps with each of the individual second counter electrodes 34 shown by the dotted line in FIG. 13B in the thickness direction T.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 12, the first signal line 26 is sandwiched in the thickness direction T by the first counter electrode 32 and the third counter electrode 532, and the second signal line 28 is sandwiched in the thickness direction T by the second counter electrode 34 and the fourth counter electrode 534.

[0083] According to the above configuration, by providing the third counter electrode 532 and the fourth counter electrode 534 in addition to the first counter electrode 32 and the second counter electrode 34, the shielding property against unnecessary radiation can be improved. Thereby, the isolation or coupling of the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 can be improved.

[0084] Note that the third counter electrode 532 and the fourth counter electrode 534 may be floating conductors or ground conductors. Also, even when either one of the counter electrodes of the first counter electrode 32 and the third counter electrode 532 overlapping in the thickness direction T is omitted and only the other counter electrode is provided, it may be a case. Similarly, even when either one of the counter electrodes of the second counter electrode 34 and the fourth counter electrode 534 overlapping in the thickness direction T is omitted and only the other counter electrode is provided, it may be a case.

[0085] (Sixth Embodiment) Hereinafter, the transmission line 600 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0086] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line 600.

[0087] The transmission line 600 according to the sixth embodiment is different from the transmission line 500 according to the fifth embodiment in that the insulator layer 12b is divided into two insulator layers 12b1 and 12b2, and the first conductor pattern 620 is provided in a plurality of layers.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 14, two insulator layers 12b1 and 12b2 are laminated in the thickness direction T. The insulator layer 12b1 is laminated on the insulator layer 12a, the insulator layer 12b2 is laminated on the insulator layer 12b1, and the protective film 16a is laminated on the insulator layer 12b2.

[0089] 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.

[0090] In the example shown in FIG. 14, among the first conductor pattern 620, the first ground conductor 622 and the first signal line 626 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.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 14, the first ground conductor 622 and the first signal line 626 are provided on the first main surface 619a of the insulator layer 12a, and the second conductor pattern 30 is provided on the second main surface 619b of the insulator layer 12a. Similarly, the third ground conductor 644, the second signal line 628, and the second ground conductor 624 are provided on the third main surface 619c of the insulator layer 12b2, and the third conductor pattern 530 is provided on the fourth main surface 619d of the insulator layer 12b2.

[0092] Similar to the transmission line 500 of the fifth embodiment, the first counter electrode 32 and the third counter electrode 532 overlap the first ground conductor 622, the first signal line 626, and the third ground conductor 644 when viewed from the thickness direction T. Also, the second counter electrode 34 and the fourth counter electrode 534 overlap the third ground conductor 644, the second signal line 628, and the second ground conductor 624 when viewed from the thickness direction T.

[0093] According to the configuration shown in FIG. 14, the first signal line 626 and the second signal line 628 that constitute 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. Further, the distance between the first signal line 626 and the upper third counter electrode 532 is long, and the distance between the second signal line 628 and the lower second counter electrode 34 is long. Thereby, interference via the counter electrodes 32, 34, 532, 534 can also be suppressed, and the isolation or coupling of the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28 can be improved.

[0094] Here, a transmission line 600a according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment is shown in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 15, the first conductor pattern 620a of the transmission line 600a has two third ground conductors 644a, 644b.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 15, the third ground conductors 644a, 644b are provided in different layers. The third ground conductor 644a is provided on the same layer as the first ground conductor 622 and the first signal line 626, that is, on the first main surface 619a of the insulator layer 12a. The third ground conductor 644b is formed on the same layer as the second signal line 628 and the second ground conductor 624, that is, on the third main surface 619c of the insulator layer 12b2.

[0096] According to the structure shown in FIG. 15, by dividing into two third ground conductors 644a, 644b and arranging the third ground conductors 644a, 644b in different layers, the isolation or coupling between the first signal line 626 and the second signal line 628 can be further improved.

[0097] (Seventh Embodiment) Hereinafter, a transmission line 700 according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0098] FIGS. 16 and 17 are respectively longitudinal sectional views of the transmission line 700. FIGS. 16 and 17 show a partially simplified structure such as omitting the illustration of the protective films 16a, 16b.

[0099] The transmission line 700 according to the seventh embodiment differs from the transmission line 100 according to the first embodiment in that it has a stripline structure.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 16, a first signal line 726 is provided on one main surface of the insulator layer 712, and a plurality of first counter electrodes 732 are provided on the other main surface. The plurality of first counter electrodes 732 are periodically arranged at intervals along the signal transmission direction S and face the first signal line 726 when viewed in the thickness direction T.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 17, a second signal line 728 is provided on one main surface of the insulator layer 712, and a plurality of second counter electrodes 734 are provided on the other main surface. The plurality of second counter electrodes 734 are periodically arranged at intervals along the signal transmission direction S and face the second signal line 728 when viewed in the thickness direction T.

[0102] The second signal line 728 and the second counter electrodes 734 shown in FIG. 17 are arranged at positions shifted in the width direction W with respect to the first signal line 726 and the first counter electrodes 732 shown in FIG. 16. The plurality of first counter electrodes 732 overlap the first signal line 726 when viewed in the thickness direction T, but do not overlap the second signal line 728 shown in FIG. 17. The plurality of second counter electrodes 734 overlap the second signal line 728 when viewed in the thickness direction T, but do not overlap the first signal line 726 shown in FIG. 16.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 16, a stripline structure 702 and a stripline structure 704 are provided at both ends of the transmission line 700 in the signal transmission direction S, respectively.

[0104] The stripline structure 702 has a pair of ground conductors 750 and 752 (FIG. 16) at positions sandwiching the aforementioned first signal line 726 in the thickness direction T, and further has a pair of ground conductors 754 and 756 (FIG. 17) at positions sandwiching the second signal line 728 in the thickness direction T. The ground conductors 750 and 754 are provided on the lower main surface of the insulator layer 712, and the ground conductors 752 and 756 are provided on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 713. The ground conductors 750 and 754 are provided in the same layer as the first counter electrode 732 and the second counter electrode 734.

[0105] The stripline structure 704 has a pair of ground conductors 758 and 760 (FIG. 16) at positions sandwiching the aforementioned first signal line 726 in the thickness direction T, and further has a pair of ground conductors 762 and 764 (FIG. 17) at positions sandwiching the second signal line 728 in the thickness direction T. The ground conductors 758 and 762 are provided on the lower main surface of the insulator layer 712, and the ground conductors 760 and 764 are provided on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 714. The ground conductors 758 and 762 are provided in the same layer as the first counter electrode 732 and the second counter electrode 734.

[0106] The transmission line 700 has, as three sections, 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 counter electrode 732 and the second counter electrode 734 are arranged so as to sandwich the insulator layer 712 in the thickness direction T. Accordingly, a microstripline structure 705 is provided in the third section A3.

[0107] In the third section A3, a plurality of first counter electrodes 732 and second counter electrodes 734 are arranged at intervals in the signal transmission direction S, and the thickness is thinner than that in the first section A1 and the second section A2. Therefore, in the third section A3, it is easier to bend in the thickness direction T, and the transmission line 700 as a multilayer substrate has high flexibility. In particular, compared with the case where the counter electrodes 732 and 734 are composed of one long conductor in the signal transmission direction S, the stress applied to the second conductor pattern can be reduced, and the ease of bending in the third section A3 can be realized.

[0108] Although the case where the strip line structures 702 and 704 are provided on both sides of the transmission line 700 has been described, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and either one of the two strip line structures 702 and 704 may be omitted and only the other strip line structure may be provided.

[0109] Although the case where the first signal line 726 and the second signal line 728 are each a single line extending in the signal transmission direction S has been described, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and each signal line may have a structure in which two or more lines arranged in different layers are connected via an interlayer connection conductor such as a via conductor.

[0110] Here, the transmission line 700a according to the modification of the seventh embodiment is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. FIGS. 18 and 19 are respectively longitudinal sectional views of the transmission line 700a.

[0111] The transmission line 700a shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 corresponds to the configuration in which the insulator layers 713 and 714 and the ground conductors 752 and 760 are removed from the transmission line 700 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0112] In the transmission line 700a, a series of microstrip line structures are formed in the sections A1 to A3. In the first section A1, a microstrip line structure 702a is formed, in the second section A2, a microstrip line structure 704a is formed, and in the third section A3, a microstrip line structure 705 is formed.

[0113] In the examples shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, strip line structures 702a and 704a are provided on both sides of the transmission line 700a. However, this is not limited to such a case, and either one of the two microstrip line structures 702a and 704a may be omitted, and only the other strip line structure may be provided. Micro That is, according to the transmission lines 700 and 700a, on at least one side of the first counter electrode 732 and the second counter electrode 734 in the extending direction (signal transmission direction S) of the signal lines 726 and 728

[0114] on the other side, it may have a strip line structure or a microstrip line structure. Thereby, transmission lines 700 and 700a having high flexibility can be realized. Or

[0115] (Eighth Embodiment) Hereinafter, the transmission line 800 according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0116] FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line 800, and FIG. 23 is a top view showing one layer in the transmission line 800.

[0117] The transmission line 800 according to the eighth embodiment is different from the transmission line 100 according to the first embodiment in that one more signal line, one more ground conductor, and one more counter electrode (floating electrode) are provided respectively.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 22, the transmission line 800 has a first conductor pattern 820 and a second conductor pattern 830.

[0119] The first conductor pattern 820 further has a signal line 829 in addition to the two signal lines 26 and 28, and further has a ground conductor 846 in addition to the three ground conductors 22, 44, and 24.

[0120] The second conductor pattern 830 further has a counter electrode 836 in addition to the two counter electrodes 32 and 34. ​

[0121] The signal line 829 is sandwiched in the width direction W by two ground conductors 24 and 846. The counter electrode 836 overlaps one signal line 829 and two ground conductors 24 and 846 when viewed in the thickness direction T.

[0122] According to such a configuration, the number of signals Of the wire is Of the signal lines 26, 28, 829 increased to three, and the isolation performance can be enhanced by the ground conductors 22, 44, 24, 846 and the counter electrodes 32, 34, 836 (floating electrodes).

[0123] As shown in FIG. 23, the arrangement of the three counter electrodes 32, 34, 836 in the second conductor pattern 830 may be the same as the arrangement of the transmission line 400a according to the modification of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 11. Specifically, the counter electrodes 32 and 34 adjacent to each other in the width direction W are arranged at positions shifted along the signal transmission direction S, and the counter electrodes 34 and 836 adjacent to each other in the width direction W are arranged at positions shifted along the signal transmission direction S. Thereby, the capacitance formation between the counter electrodes 32, 34, 836 can be suppressed.

[0124] (Ninth Embodiment) Hereinafter, the transmission line 900 according to the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0125] FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line 900.

[0126] The transmission line 900 according to the ninth embodiment is different from the transmission line 800 according to the eighth embodiment in that it does not have the ground conductor 846 and the counter electrode 836.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 24, the transmission line 900 has a first conductor pattern 920, and the first conductor pattern 920 has a signal line 929. The signal line 929 does not overlap any of the counter electrodes 32 and 34 when viewed in the thickness direction T.

[0128] As in the transmission line 800 according to the eighth embodiment, not limited to the case where any signal line overlaps the counter electrode (floating electrode) in the thickness direction T, as in the transmission line 900 according to the ninth embodiment, even when some of the signal lines 26, 28 overlap the counter electrodes 32, 34 in the thickness direction T and some of the signal lines 929 do not overlap the counter electrodes 32, 34 in the thickness direction T.

[0129] (Tenth Embodiment) Hereinafter, the transmission line 1000 according to the tenth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0130] FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line 1000.

[0131] The transmission line 1000 according to the tenth embodiment is different from the transmission line 100 according to the first embodiment in that it has a laminated structure using an adhesive 1002.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 25, the transmission line 1000 has an adhesive 1002. The adhesive 1002 is provided between the insulator layer 12 and the protective film 16b and adheres the insulator layer 12 and the protective film 16b to each other. With such a configuration, copper foil may be joined using the adhesive 1002.

[0133] (Modification of the Tenth Embodiment) FIG. 26 is a longitudinal sectional view of a transmission line 1000a according to a modification of the tenth embodiment.

[0134] The transmission line 1000a shown in FIG. 26 has a laminated structure using an adhesive 1004, Adhesive 1004 joins the first insulator layer 12a and the second insulator layer 12b to each other. With such a configuration, single-sided copper-clad lamination may be performed using the adhesive 1004.

[0135] (Eleventh Embodiment) Hereinafter, the transmission line 1100 according to the eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0136] FIG. 27, FIG. 28, FIG. 29, and FIG. 30 are longitudinal sectional views of the transmission line 1100, respectively. FIGS. 27 and 28 show the state where the transmission line 1100 is not bent, and FIGS. 29 and 30 show the state where the transmission line 1100 is bent.

[0137] The transmission line 1100 according to the 11th embodiment is different from the transmission line 700 according to the 7th embodiment in that counter electrodes 1132, 1133, 1134, 1135 (floating electrodes) are respectively provided above and below the signal lines 1126 and 1128.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 27, on one main surface of the insulator layer 1112, first signal lines 1126a, 1126b, and 1126c are provided as the first signal line 1126. On the other main surface of the insulator layer 1112, a plurality of first counter electrodes 1132 and ground conductors 1150 and 1154 are provided.

[0139] The first signal lines 1126a and 1126b are at different positions in the thickness direction T and are connected via a via conductor 1170. The first signal lines 1126b and 1126c are at different positions in the thickness direction T and are connected via a via conductor 1172.

[0140] The first signal line 1126 is provided on one main surface of the insulator layer 1113. On the other main surface of the insulator layer 1113, a plurality of sixth counter electrodes 1133 and ground conductors 1152 and 1156 are provided.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 28, on one main surface of the insulator layer 1112, second signal lines 1128a, 1128b, and 1128c are provided as the second signal line 1128. On the other main surface of the insulator layer 1112, a plurality of second counter electrodes 1134 and ground conductors 1158 and 1162 are provided.

[0142] The second signal lines 1128a and 1128b are at different positions from each other in the thickness direction T and are connected via via conductors 1174. The second signal lines 1128b and 1128c are at different positions from each other in the thickness direction T and are connected via via conductors 1176.

[0143] The second signal line 1128 is provided on one main surface of the insulator layer 1113. On the other main surface of the insulator layer 1113, a plurality of seventh counter electrodes 1135 and ground conductors 1160 and 1164 are provided.

[0144] The first signal line 1126, the first counter electrode 1132, and the sixth counter electrode 1133 shown in FIG. 27 are arranged at positions shifted in the width direction W with respect to the second signal line 1128, the second counter electrode 1134, and the seventh counter electrode 1135 shown in FIG. 28. The plurality of first counter electrodes 1132 overlap the first signal line 1126b when viewed from the thickness direction T, but do not overlap the second signal line 1128b shown in FIG. 28. The plurality of second counter electrodes 1134 overlap the second signal line 1128b when viewed from the thickness direction T, but do not overlap the first signal line 1126b shown in FIG. 27.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 27, 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, respectively. Another stripline structure 1105 is provided between the stripline structure 1102 and the stripline structure 1104.

[0146] The stripline structure 1102 has a pair of ground conductors 1150 and 1152 (FIG. 27) at a position sandwiching the aforementioned first signal line 1126a in the thickness direction T, and further has a pair of ground conductors 1158 and 1160 (FIG. 28) at a position sandwiching the second signal line 1128a in the thickness direction T.

[0147] The stripline structure 1104 has a pair of ground conductors 1154 and 1156 (FIG. 27) at positions sandwiching the aforementioned first signal line 1126c in the thickness direction T, and further has a pair of ground conductors 1162 and 1164 (FIG. 28) at positions sandwiching the second signal line 1128c in the thickness direction T.

[0148] The transmission line 1100 has three sections: 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.

[0149] In the third section A6, a plurality of first opposing electrodes 1132, a plurality of second opposing electrodes 1134, a plurality of sixth opposing electrodes 1133, and a plurality of seventh opposing electrodes 1135 are arranged at intervals in the signal transmission direction S, and the first section A4 and the second section A5 are thinner than those in the third section A6. As a result, the third section A6 is more easily bent in the thickness direction T, and as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the transmission line 1100 as a multilayer substrate has high flexibility. According to such a configuration, for example, compared with the case of using one conductor long in the signal transmission direction S instead of the opposing electrodes 1132, 1133, 1134, and 1135, the stress applied to the transmission line 1100 can be reduced, and flexible bendability can be realized.

[0150] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, in the transmission line 1100 according to the 11th embodiment, insulator layers 1112 and 1113 are arranged with symmetric thicknesses above and below the first signal line 1126 and the second signal line 1128. Thereby, the signal transmission function by the transmission line 1100 can be further stabilized.

[0151] (12th Embodiment) Hereinafter, the transmission line 1200 according to the 12th embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0152] FIG. 31 is a longitudinal sectional view of the transmission line 1200.

[0153] The transmission line 1200 according to the 12th embodiment is different from the transmission line 500 according to the 5th embodiment in that the third conductor pattern 1230 has one ground conductor 1232.

[0154] The ground conductor 1232 shown in FIG. 31 is a so-called “solid GND” and is arranged so as to overlap in the thickness direction T with any of the electrodes constituting the first conductor pattern 20 and the second conductor pattern 30. Ground conductor As viewed from the thickness direction T, 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.

[0155] According to such a configuration, by dividing into a plurality of opposing electrodes 32, 34 on one side in the thickness direction T of the transmission line 1200 and using the ground conductor 1232 which is a solid GND on the other side, breakage due to bending can be effectively suppressed. Specifically, when the transmission line 1200 is bent in the bending direction R1 such that the opposing electrodes 32, 34 are on the outside, the opposing electrodes 32, 34 are in the width direction W By being divided, breakage (open circuit) due to pulling can be made less likely to occur.

[0156] (13th embodiment) Hereinafter, the transmission line 1300 according to the 13th embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0157] FIG. 32 is a top view showing one layer in the transmission line 1300, and FIG. 33 is a block diagram schematically showing an electronic device 1380 incorporating the transmission line 1300.

[0158] The transmission line 1300 according to the 13th embodiment is different from the transmission line 100 according to the 1st embodiment in that the ground conductors 1322, 1324, 1344 constituting the first conductor pattern 1320 are integrally formed.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 32, the first conductor pattern 1320 has signal lines 26 and 28 and ground conductors 1322, 1324, and 1344.

[0160] The ground conductors 1322, 1324, and 1344 are integrally formed and 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.

[0161] The ground conductors 1322, 1324, and 1344 are connected to a reference potential as shown by the ground connection 1382 in FIG. 32. As the ground connection 1382, for example, any method such as a frame ground using the chassis of the electronic device 1380 shown in FIG. 33 may be used. Although not shown in the first to twelfth embodiments, the ground conductor may be connected to the reference potential in the same manner as the ground conductors 1322, 1324, and 1344 in FIG. 32.

[0162] The electronic device 1380 is an electronic device incorporating the transmission line 1300 and transmits signals such as high-frequency signals using the transmission line 1300. The electronic device 1380 may be any type of electronic device such as a mobile phone.

[0163] According to the above configuration, the ground conductors 1322, 1324, and 1344 can be easily connected to the reference potential.

[0164] (Other Embodiments) The transmission line according to the present invention is not limited to the transmission lines 100 to 1300 and can be modified within the scope of the gist thereof. Also, the structures of the transmission lines 100 to 1300 may be arbitrarily combined. For example, it may have interlayer connection conductors or external electrodes not shown.

[0165] The interlayer connection conductor penetrates the insulator 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 communicate with the first main surface 19a of the insulator layer 12 where the first signal line 26 is provided. On the other hand, for example, it has 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 insulator layer 12, and an opening may be provided in the second main surface 19b of the insulator layer 12. In this case, for example, an external electrode electrically connected to the first signal line 26 is exposed from the opening via the interlayer connection conductor. Note that the interlayer connection conductor is formed, for example, by filling a through hole penetrating the insulator layer 12 with a conductive paste and solidifying the conductive paste by heating.

[0166] The external electrode is, for example, a conductor layer formed by patterning a metal foil attached to the main surface of the insulator layer 12 in the transmission line 100 of the first embodiment. The metal foil is, for example, a copper foil. The external electrode may be electrically connected to an external circuit (not shown). The external circuit is an electric 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 insulator layer 12. A connector (not shown) may be mounted on the external electrode by soldering. This connector may be connected to a connector on a circuit board (not shown). Thereby, the transmission line 100 and a circuit board such as an external circuit may be electrically connected. Note that the transmission line 100 may be connected to a circuit board such as an external circuit by surface mounting without going through a connector.

[0167] Note that the insulator layer such as the insulator layer 12 does not necessarily have flexibility.

[0168] Note that the material of the insulator layer such as the insulator layer 12 may be a resin other than a thermoplastic resin, or may be an insulating material other than a resin. Examples of the insulating material other than a resin include ceramics.

[0169] Note that the counter electrodes such as the first counter electrode 32 do not have to be a plurality of conductors respectively, and it is sufficient to have one or more conductors, such as the case where they are composed of one conductor.

[0170] Note that the counter electrodes such as the first counter electrode 32 do not have to be connected to the same potential respectively. For example, some of the first counter electrodes 32 may be ground conductors, and the remaining first counter electrodes 32 may be floating conductors.

[0171] Note that the conductor patterns such as the first conductor pattern 20 do not have to have uniform line widths respectively. Also, in one conductor pattern, all conductors and electrodes do not have to be in the same layer, and they may be in different layers.

[0172] Note that in the transmission line 100, instead of the third ground conductor 44, a power line or a third signal line for low-frequency signals may be further provided. Specifically, as in the transmission line 100a shown in FIG. 20, a power line or a third signal line 102a for low-frequency signals may be arranged between the first signal line 26 and the second signal line 28. Thereby, the degree of freedom in design is improved. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the third signal line 102a is arranged instead of the third ground conductor 44, but it is not limited to such a case. As shown in FIG. 21, 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.

[0173] The above modification examples may be applied to any embodiment.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0174] 12: Insulator layer (insulator) 20: First conductor pattern 22: First ground conductor 24: Second ground conductor 26: First signal line 28: Second signal line 30: Second conductor pattern 32: First counter electrode 34: Second counter electrode 100: Transmission line S: Signal transmission direction T: Thickness direction

Claims

1. An insulator having at least one insulator layer, a first conductor pattern and a second conductor pattern disposed in the insulator layer and 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 along the signal transmission direction, the second conductor pattern having two or more first counter electrodes not electrically connected to a signal line formed of a conductor pattern including the first signal line and the second signal line, and two or more second counter electrodes not electrically connected to the signal line including the first signal line and the second signal line, the first counter electrode overlapping the first signal line and not overlapping the second signal line when viewed from the thickness direction, the second counter electrode overlapping the second signal line and not overlapping the first signal line when viewed from the thickness direction, a transmission line.

2. The first conductor pattern further has a ground conductor, The transmission line according to Claim 1.

3. The ground conductor is connected to a reference potential, The transmission line according to Claim 2.

4. The ground conductor has a first ground conductor corresponding to the first signal line and a second ground conductor corresponding to the second signal line, The transmission line according to Claim 2.

5. The ground conductor has one or more third ground conductors disposed between the first signal line and the second signal line when viewed from the thickness direction, The transmission line according to Claim 2.

6. The third ground conductor has one conductor portion overlapping both the first counter electrode and the second counter electrode when viewed from the thickness direction, The transmission line according to Claim 5.

7. Further comprising a plurality of third ground conductors disposed between the first signal line and the second signal line when viewed from the thickness direction, The transmission line according to Claim 5.

8. No third ground conductor is disposed between the first signal line and the second signal line when viewed from the thickness direction, The transmission line according to Claim 1.

9. The first counter electrode and / or the second counter electrode is not connected to a reference potential, The transmission line according to Claim 1.

10. The first signal line and the second signal line are for high-frequency signals, The transmission line according to Claim 1.

11. At least one of the first counter electrode and the second counter electrode is provided in plurality at intervals along the signal transmission direction, The transmission line according to Claim 1.

12. When the direction intersecting the signal transmission direction is defined as the width direction when viewed from the thickness direction, the length of the first opposed electrode in the signal transmission direction is shorter than the length of the first opposed electrode in the width direction, The transmission line according to claim 11.

13. The first opposed electrode and the second opposed electrode are arranged such that their positions along the signal transmission direction are shifted from each other, The transmission line according to claim 11.

14. Further comprising a third conductor pattern disposed 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 opposed electrodes that overlap the first signal line and do not overlap the second signal line when viewed in the thickness direction; and one or more fourth opposed electrodes that overlap the second signal line and do not overlap the first signal line when viewed in the thickness direction, The transmission line according to claim 1.

15. In the extending direction of the first signal line, having a stripline structure or a microstripline structure on at least one side or the other side of the first opposed electrode and the second opposed electrode, The transmission line according to claim 1.

16. Further comprising a power line, the power line is disposed between the first signal line and the second signal line when viewed from the thickness direction, The transmission line according to claim 1.

17. Further comprising a third signal line for low-frequency signals, the third signal line is disposed between the first signal line and the second signal line when viewed from the thickness direction, The transmission line according to claim 1.

18. The signal transmission direction is orthogonal to the thickness direction, The transmission line according to claim 1.

19. An electronic device comprising the transmission line according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images