Balanced-to-unbalanced line converter and antenna device

Abstract

The balanced line-unbalanced line converter includes a balanced side line having a first transmission line (2) having one end (21) as a first signal end and the other end (22) which is shorted, and a second transmission line (3) having one end (31) as a second signal end and the other end (32) which is shorted, an unbalanced side line (4) having one end (41) as a third signal end and the other end (42) as an open end, and having a first transmission line portion (43) constituting a first coupled line (C1) with the first transmission line (2) and a second transmission line portion (44) constituting a second coupled line (C2) with the second transmission line (3), and a first open stub (5) connected to one end (31) of the second transmission line (3); The coupling line (C3) is connected to the unbalanced side line (4) and includes a first open stub (5) and a second open stub (6) that constitutes a third coupled line (C3).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a balanced-unbalanced converter that converts a balanced signal, a so-called differential signal, into an unbalanced signal, a so-called single-phase signal, or converts an unbalanced signal into a balanced signal. [Background technology]

[0002] Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a Marchand balun, which is a type of balanced line-unbalanced line converter. The Marchand balun shown in Non-Patent Document 1 is composed of one set of coupled transmission-line sections (hereinafter referred to as two coupled transmission lines) and two identical uncoupled transmission-line sections (hereinafter referred to as two uncoupled transmission lines).

[0003] In a Marchand balun constructed in this manner, a manufacturing gap exists between the two coupled transmission lines, resulting in a connecting segment between the two uncoupled transmission lines. As a result, parasitic inductance occurs due to the connecting segments, and the electrical characteristics of the Marchand balun deteriorate. In Non-Patent Document 1, in order to compensate for the parasitic inductance due to the connecting segments, a VIP (vertically installed planar structure) with a height wv is formed at the end of two coupled transmission lines. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Hee-Ran Ahn, “Novel Generic Asymmetric and Symmetric Equivalent Circuits of 90° Coupled Transmission-Line Sections Applicable to Marchand Baluns,” IEEE TRANSACTIONs ON MICROWAVE THEORY AND TECHNIQUES, VOL. 65, NO. 3, MARCH 2017, pp746-760 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The Marchand balun shown in Non-Patent Document 1 is configured as described above, and has a three-dimensional structure called a VIP, which makes the structure complex and difficult to apply to planar array antennas in which multiple antenna elements are arranged on the same substrate, and furthermore, the structure is not suitable for miniaturization.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and aims to provide a balanced line-unbalanced line converter that can be miniaturized while improving the passing phase difference between two transmission lines that transmit balanced signals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the present disclosure comprises a balanced side line having a first transmission line having one end designated as a first signal end and the other end shorted, and a second transmission line having one end designated as a second signal end and the other end shorted; an unbalanced side line having one end designated as a third signal end and the other end open end, and having a first transmission line section constituting a first coupled line with the first transmission line, and a second transmission line section constituting a second coupled line with the second transmission line; a first open stub connected to one end of the second transmission line; and a second open stub connected to the unbalanced side line, constituting the first open stub and the third coupled line. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a first open stub is connected to one end of the second transmission line, and a second open stub is connected to the unbalanced side line and forms a third coupled line with the first open stub. This makes it possible to improve the electrical characteristics of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter with a simple and compact configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration perspective view showing a main part of a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view (with the ground layers on the front and back layers omitted) showing a balanced side line and an unbalanced side line in a balanced-unbalanced line converter according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the back side of a dielectric substrate. [Diagram 3] 1 is a top view showing a balanced side line in a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a top view showing an unbalanced side line in a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a balanced-unbalanced line converter as a comparative example. [Figure 9] 5 is a diagram showing reflection characteristics in the balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a diagram showing the transmission characteristics of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a diagram illustrating a passing phase difference in the balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12]11 is a top view showing a part of a second transmission line and a first stub of a balanced side line in a balanced-unbalanced line converter according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a top view showing a part of a second transmission line and a first stub of a balanced side line in a balanced-unbalanced line converter according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a top view showing a balanced side line and a first stub in a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a top perspective view showing a balanced side line and an unbalanced side line in a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a top perspective view showing a balanced side line and an unbalanced side line in a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a top view showing a balanced side line in a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a top view showing an unbalanced side line in a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a top view showing a balanced side line in a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 20] 13 is a top perspective view showing a balanced side line and an unbalanced side line in a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an antenna device according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 23 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an antenna device according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an array antenna apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 23 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an array antenna apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 23 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an array antenna apparatus according to a thirteenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Embodiment 1 A balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. FIG. The balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment can be applied to any of a balanced-unbalanced line converter that converts a balanced signal, a so-called differential signal, into an unbalanced signal, a so-called single-phase signal, or a balanced signal into a balanced signal. The balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment is suitable for use as a balanced-unbalanced line converter that operates mainly at high frequencies such as the sub-terahertz band or the terahertz band. In the following description, to avoid complicating the explanation, a balanced-unbalanced converter that converts a balanced signal into an unbalanced signal will be mainly described.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the balanced line-unbalanced line converter of embodiment 1 includes a multilayer dielectric substrate 1, a balanced side line having a first transmission line 2 and a second transmission line 3, an unbalanced side line 4, a first open stub 5, a second open stub 6, a first signal line 7, a second signal line 8, and a third signal line 9.

[0012] The dielectric substrate 1 has at least a first conductor layer 11 and a second conductor layer 12 therein, a ground layer 13 on one principal surface, in this example the front surface, and a ground layer 14 on the other principal surface, in this example the rear surface. In the dielectric substrate 1, a first conductor layer 11 and a second conductor layer 12 are sequentially formed in a direction from the back surface to the front surface, i.e., an interlayer direction, that is, a vertical direction on the paper shown in Figures 5 and 6 (hereinafter referred to as the Z-axis direction). The first conductor layer 11 and the second conductor layer 12 may be formed in sequence from the front surface to the back surface.

[0013] The dielectric substrate 1 is made of a material selected from a range of materials including a resin substrate and a ceramic substrate. These materials may be selected based on cost and desired electrical properties. When the balanced-unbalanced line converter of embodiment 1 is incorporated into a multilayer dielectric substrate used in an antenna device, for example, a high-frequency package completed before the antenna element in the antenna device, an RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit), or a multilayer dielectric substrate used in a high-frequency module not including an antenna element, the first conductor layer, the second conductor layer, the front conductor layer, and the back conductor layer in the dielectric substrate other than the area in which the balanced-unbalanced line converter is incorporated are also used as wiring layers.

[0014] In this example, a four-layer dielectric substrate 1 is shown, but it is sufficient that the dielectric substrate 1 has at least a first conductor layer 11 and a second conductor layer 12 therein, and it is sufficient that the dielectric substrate 1 has four or more layers. A dielectric substrate 1 having four or more layers is appropriately selected depending on the application in which the balanced-unbalanced line converter is incorporated. For example, when a balanced-unbalanced line converter is incorporated into a dielectric substrate 1 together with a passive circuit or an active circuit, the balanced-unbalanced line converter may be incorporated into a dielectric substrate 1 having four or more layers, taking into account the wiring of the transmission lines with the passive circuit or active circuit.

[0015] The first transmission line 2 constituting the balanced side line has one end 21 serving as a first signal end and the other end 22 short-circuited. The first transmission line 2 is formed on a first conductor layer 11 of a dielectric substrate 1 . One end 21 of the first transmission line 2 is connected to a first signal line 7 formed on a first conductor layer 11 of the dielectric substrate 1 . The first transmission line 2 and the first signal line 7 are integrally formed by a continuous conductor layer. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first signal line 7 is formed in a straight line extending in the vertical direction of the paper (hereinafter referred to as the Y-axis direction), in this example, from one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 in the negative direction of the Y-axis (downward on the paper).

[0016] When one of the balanced signals from a balanced line or a balanced circuit (hereinafter, collectively referred to as a balanced line, including a balanced circuit), is input, the first signal line 7 functions as a first input signal line, and the first signal end 21 in the first transmission line 2 functions as an input end. When the first signal line 7 outputs one of the balanced signals to the balanced line, it functions as a first output signal line, and the first signal end 21 of the first transmission line 2 functions as an output end. When the first signal line 7 inputs / outputs one of the balanced signals to / from the balanced line, it functions as a first input / output signal line, and the first signal end 21 of the first transmission line 2 functions as an input / output end.

[0017] The other end 22 of the first transmission line 2 is connected to a ground layer, in this example, the ground layer 14 on the back surface, through a via Va. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first transmission line 2 has a first line portion 23 that extends outward at a right angle at one end 21 from the first signal line 7, i.e., bent toward the left side of the paper (hereinafter, the left-right direction on the paper is referred to as the X-axis direction, and the left direction is referred to as the -direction), a second line portion 24 that extends from the first line portion 23 and bent at a right angle in the + direction of the Y-axis, and a third line portion 25 that extends inward at a right angle from the second line portion 24, i.e., bent at a right angle in the + direction of the X-axis.

[0018] That is, the first line portion 23, the second line portion 24, and the third line portion 25 of the first transmission line 2 are integrally formed by a continuous conductor layer, and define three sides of a rectangle. The first line portion 23 and the third line portion 25 face each other and are arranged parallel to the X-axis. The length of the first transmission line 2, that is, the length from one end 21 to the other end 22, is at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the center frequency of the signal to be transmitted.

[0019] The second transmission line 3 constituting the balanced side line has one end 31 serving as a second signal end and the other end 32 short-circuited. The second transmission line 3 is formed on the first conductor layer 11 of the dielectric substrate 1 . One end 31 of the second transmission line 3 is connected to a second signal line 8 formed on the first conductor layer 11 of the dielectric substrate 1 . The second transmission line 3 and the second signal line 8 are integrally formed by a continuous conductor layer. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in this example, the second signal line 8 is formed in a straight line in the negative direction of the Y-axis from one end 31 of the second transmission line 3, and is arranged in parallel to the first signal line 7.

[0020] When the other balanced signal from the balanced line is input, the second signal line 8 functions as a second input signal line, and the second signal end 31 of the second transmission line 3 functions as an input end. When the second signal line 8 outputs the other signal of the balanced signals to the balanced line, it functions as a second output signal line, and the second signal end portion 31 of the second transmission line 3 functions as an output end. When the second signal line 8 inputs / outputs the other balanced signal to / from the balanced line, it functions as a second input / output signal line, and the second signal end 31 of the second transmission line 3 functions as an input / output end.

[0021] The other end 32 of the second transmission line 3 is connected to a ground layer, in this example, the ground layer 14 on the back surface, through a via Vb. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the second transmission line 3 has a first line portion 33 that extends outward at a right angle at one end 31 from the second transmission line 3, i.e., bent in the + direction of the X-axis, a second line portion 34 that extends from the first line portion 33 and bent at a right angle in the + direction of the Y-axis, and a third line portion 35 that extends inward at a right angle from the second line portion 34, i.e., bent at a right angle in the - direction of the X-axis.

[0022] That is, the first line portion 33, the second line portion 34, and the third line portion 35 of the second transmission line 3 are integrally formed by a continuous conductor layer, and define three sides of a rectangle. The first line portion 33 and the third line portion 35 face each other and are arranged parallel to the X-axis. The length of the second transmission line 3, that is, the length from one end 31 to the other end 32, is at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the center frequency of the signal to be transmitted.

[0023] An end face of one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 and an end face of one end 31 of the second transmission line 3 are disposed opposite to each other. A gap G1 is provided between the end face of one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 and the end face of one end 31 of the second transmission line 3, for example, to realize the impedance of the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3. The first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8 are also disposed with the same interval as the gap G1.

[0024] An end face of the other end 22 of the first transmission line 2 and an end face of the other end 32 of the second transmission line 3 are disposed opposite to each other with a gap therebetween. The second line portion 24 of the first transmission line 2 and the second line portion 34 of the second transmission line 3 face each other and are disposed parallel to the Y-axis. In short, the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line OO shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and have the same shape. The center line OO is an imaginary line that is located in the center between the first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8 and extends in the Y-axis direction parallel to the first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8.

[0025] The unbalanced line 4 has one end 41 serving as a third signal end and the other end 42 serving as an open end. The unbalanced side line 4 has a first transmission line section 43 that constitutes a first coupled line C1 with the first transmission line 2, a second transmission line section 44 that constitutes a second coupled line C2 with the second transmission line 3, and a connecting line section 45 that connects the first transmission line section 43 and the second transmission line section 44.

[0026] The unbalanced line 4 is formed on the second conductor layer 12 of the dielectric substrate 1 . The first transmission line portion 43 of the unbalanced side line 4 is disposed opposite to the first transmission line 2 in the Z-axis direction. The second transmission line portion 44 of the unbalanced side line 4 is disposed opposite to the second transmission line 3 in the Z-axis direction. The first transmission line portion 43 and the second transmission line portion 44 are formed continuously with a connection line portion 45 interposed therebetween.

[0027] One end 41 of the unbalanced side line 4 is disposed at a position facing the other end 22 of the first transmission line 2 in the Z-axis direction. The other end 42 of the unbalanced side line 4 is disposed at a position facing the other end 32 of the second transmission line 3 in the Z-axis direction. One end of the first transmission line portion 43 of the unbalanced side line 4 is one end 41 of the unbalanced side line 4, and the other end of the second transmission line portion 44 of the unbalanced side line 4 is the other end 42 of the unbalanced side line 4.

[0028] An end face of one end 41 of the unbalanced side line 4 is located closer to the other end 42 side than an end face of the other end 22 of the first transmission line 2 . An end face of the other end 42 of the unbalanced side line 4 is located on a plane formed together with an end face of the other end 32 of the second transmission line 3 in the Z-axis direction. The distance between the end face of one end 41 of the unbalanced side line 4 and the end face of the other end 42 is narrower than the gap G1 between the end face of one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 and the end face of one end 31 of the second transmission line 3.

[0029] The connection line portion 45 of the unbalanced side line 4 is disposed opposite to the gap G1 between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 in the Z-axis direction. The first transmission line portion 43, the second transmission line portion 44, and the connection line portion 45 in the unbalanced side line 4 are integrally formed by a continuous conductor layer, and form the four sides of a rectangle excluding the space between the end face of one end portion 41 and the end face of the other end portion 42.

[0030] One end 41 of the unbalanced line 4 is connected to a third signal line 9 formed on the second conductor layer 12 . The unbalanced line 4 and the third signal line 9 are integrally formed by a continuous conductor layer. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the third signal line 9 is formed linearly from one end 41 of the unbalanced side line 4 in the + direction of the Y axis. The third signal line 9 is located on the opposite side to the first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8 in the Y-axis direction.

[0031] The third signal line 9 functions as an input signal line when an unbalanced signal is input from the unbalanced line, and the third signal end 41 of the unbalanced side line 4 functions as an input end. When the third signal line 9 outputs an unbalanced signal to the unbalanced line, it functions as an output signal line, and the third signal end 41 of the unbalanced side line 4 functions as an output end. When the third signal line 9 inputs / outputs an unbalanced signal to / from the unbalanced line, it functions as a third input / output signal line, and the third signal end 41 in the unbalanced side line 4 functions as an input / output end.

[0032] The first transmission line portion 43 of the unbalanced side line 4 has a first line portion 43a, a second line portion 43b, and a third line portion 43c that are arranged opposite the first line portion 23, the second line portion 24, and the third line portion 25 of the first transmission line 2, respectively, in the Z-axis direction via an insulating layer. The third line portion 43c extends outward from the third signal end portion 41 at one end portion 41, i.e., bent at a right angle in the negative direction of the X-axis, the second line portion 43b extends from the third line portion 43c, bent at a right angle in the negative direction of the Y-axis, and the first line portion 43a extends inward from the second line portion 43b, i.e., bent at a right angle in the positive direction of the X-axis, and the other end of the first line portion 43a becomes one end of the connection line portion 45.

[0033] The second transmission line portion 44 of the unbalanced side line 4 has a first line portion 44a, a second line portion 44b, and a third line portion 44c that are arranged opposite the first line portion 33, the second line portion 34, and the third line portion 35 of the second transmission line 3, respectively, in the Z-axis direction via an insulating layer. The third line portion 44c extends outward from the open end 42, i.e., in the + direction of the X-axis, the second line portion 44b extends bent at a right angle from the third line portion 44c in the - direction of the Y-axis, and the first line portion 44a extends inward at a right angle from the second line portion 44b, i.e., bent at a right angle in the - direction of the X-axis, and one end of the first line portion 44a becomes the other end of the connection line portion 45.

[0034] The length of the unbalanced side line 4, that is, the length from one end 41 to the other end 42 via the first transmission line portion 43, the second transmission line portion 44, and the connection line portion 45, is 180 degrees with respect to the center frequency of the signal to be transmitted.

[0035] The first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 as well as the first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8 constituting the balanced side line are formed as strip lines sandwiched between a ground layer 13 formed on the front side of the dielectric substrate 1 and a ground layer 14 formed on the back side. The first transmission line portion 43, the second transmission line portion 44, the connection line portion 45 and the third signal line 9 of the unbalanced side line 4 are formed as strip lines sandwiched between the ground layer 13 and the ground layer 14.

[0036] By forming the balanced line and the unbalanced line 4 from strip lines in this manner, the effective relative dielectric constants of the base material of the dielectric substrate 1 can be made to match between the balanced line and the unbalanced line 4. Either the balanced line or the unbalanced line 4 may be formed by a microstrip line that forms a line on the front or back surface of the dielectric substrate 1, instead of a strip line.

[0037] The first transmission line 2 and the first transmission line portion 43 of the unbalanced side line 4 that constitute the balanced side line, and the second transmission line 3 and the second transmission line portion 44 of the unbalanced side line 4 that constitute the balanced side line, completely overlap when viewed from the back surface of the dielectric substrate 1, as shown in FIG. 2. That is, the first transmission line 2, the second transmission line 3, and the unbalanced side line 4 have the same width, the first transmission line 2 and the first transmission line portion 43 have the same shape, the second transmission line 3 and the second transmission line portion 44 have the same shape, and the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction coincide.

[0038] In order to adjust the amount of coupling in the first coupled line C1 formed by the first transmission line 2 and the first transmission line portion 43 and the amount of coupling in the second coupled line C2 formed by the second transmission line 3 and the second transmission line portion 44, the degree of overlap between the first transmission line 2 and the first transmission line portion 43 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and the degree of overlap between the second transmission line 3 and the second transmission line portion 44 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction may be shifted. Furthermore, the widths of the first transmission line 2, the second transmission line 3 and the unbalanced side line 4 may be different depending on the characteristic impedance of each line.

[0039] The first open stub 5 is connected to one end 31 of the second transmission line 3 that constitutes the balanced side line. The first open stub 5 is formed on a first conductor layer 11 of the dielectric substrate 1 . That is, the first open stub 5 is connected to one end of the second transmission line 3 constituting the second coupled line C2 and the second transmission line section 44 located on the open end 42 side of the unbalanced side line 4, i.e., the end to which the second signal line 8 is connected. The first open stub 5 is formed integrally with the second transmission line 3 by the first conductor layer 11 at the end of the second transmission line 3 where the gap G1 between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 is located.

[0040] The first open stub 5 extends inward from one end of the second transmission line 3, that is, in the + direction of the Y axis. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first open stub 5 has an extension portion 51 that extends inward from one end portion 31 of the second transmission line 3, i.e., in the - direction of the X-axis, and a coupling portion 52 that extends from the extension portion 51 at a right angle in the + direction of the Y-axis and faces the second open stub 6.

[0041] A side end face of the coupling portion 52 located on one end side of the first transmission line 2 is disposed on the one end side of the first transmission line 2 with respect to the center line OO shown in FIG. The length of the first open stub 5, or more precisely the length of the coupling portion 52, is a fraction of the wavelength at the center frequency of the transmitted signal, for example, 1 / 30 to 1 / 4 wavelength.

[0042] For example, in an RFIC, a balanced side line and an unbalanced side line 4 having a first transmission line 2 and a second transmission line 3 are formed on a first conductor layer 11 and a second conductor layer 12, respectively, which are located as inner layers in a multilayer dielectric substrate 1, and if the thickness of the insulating layer between the first conductor layer 11 and the second conductor layer 12 is several microns, it is preferable that the length of the first open stub 5 be approximately 1 / 20 of the wavelength.

[0043] The second open stub 6 is connected to the unbalanced side line 4 . The second open stub 6 is formed on the second conductor layer 12 of the dielectric substrate 1 . The second open stub 6 and the first open stub 5 form a third coupled line C3. The second open stub 6 is connected to one end of the connection line portion 45 of the unbalanced side line 4 so as to contact the other end of the first line portion 43 a of the first transmission line portion 43 in the unbalanced side line 4 . The second open stub 6 extends inward from the connection line portion 45 of the unbalanced side line 4, that is, in the + direction of the Y axis.

[0044] The second open stub 6 is disposed opposite the first open stub 5 with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, and is located on the first transmission line 2 side of the first open stub 5 in the X-axis direction. The side end face of the second open stub 6 located on one end side of the second transmission line 3 is disposed on one end side of the first transmission line 2 with respect to the center line OO shown in FIG. The coupling portion 52 between the second open stub 6 and the first open stub 5 is arranged as two straight lines parallel to the Y-axis, and the coupling portion 52 between the second open stub 6 and the first open stub 5 constitutes a third coupled line C3. The joint portion 52 of the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 are disposed asymmetrically with respect to the center line OO.

[0045] Since the coupling portion 52 of the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 form a third coupled line C3 via an insulating layer, the coupling portion 52 and the second open stub 6 form a capacitor. The first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 function as capacitive elements. As a result, the capacitance of the coupling portion 52 and the second open stub 6 and the capacitance of each of the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 cancel out the parasitic inductance of the connection line portion 45 of the unbalanced side line 4.

[0046] Since the parasitic inductance due to the connection line portion 45 can be canceled out by the capacitance due to the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 that constitute the third coupled line C3, deterioration of the electrical characteristics of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter due to the parasitic inductance due to the connection line portion 45, i.e., deterioration of the passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 on the balanced side line, can be suppressed, and the passing phase difference can be improved.

[0047] In addition, since the extension portion 51 of the first open stub 5 acts to fill the gap G1 between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3, the passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 can be further improved. That is, the gap G2 between the end face of the extension portion 51 and the end face of the one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 is narrower than the gap G1, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, and the length of the connection line portion 45 of the unbalanced side line 4 can be substantially shortened. Therefore, the parasitic inductance due to the connection line portion 45 can be reduced, and the deterioration of the electrical characteristics due to the connection line portion 45 can be reduced. As a result, the passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 can be improved.

[0048] The length of the second open stub 6 is a fraction of the wavelength at the center frequency of the transmitted signal, for example, 1 / 30 to 1 / 4 wavelength. For example, in an RFIC, a balanced side line and an unbalanced side line 4 having a first transmission line 2 and a second transmission line 3 are formed on a first conductor layer 11 and a second conductor layer 12, respectively, which are located as inner layers in a multilayer dielectric substrate 1, and if the thickness of the insulating layer between the first conductor layer 11 and the second conductor layer 12 is several microns, it is preferable that the length of the second open stub 6 be approximately 1 / 20 of the wavelength.

[0049] In this way, since the length of the first open stub 5 and the length of the second open stub 6 are a fraction of the wavelength, the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 do not cause the balanced line-unbalanced line converter to become larger. Moreover, since the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 are arranged inside the balanced side line and the unbalanced side line 4, the provision of the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 does not affect the size of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter, and the balanced line-unbalanced line converter can be made more compact.

[0050] The positional relationship between the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 only needs to achieve the set coupling amount in the third coupled line C3, so they may be shifted in the X-axis direction as shown in FIG. 2, or the coupling portion 52 of the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 may overlap in the X-axis direction.

[0051] Next, the operation of the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment will be described. A balanced-to-unbalanced converter that converts a balanced signal to an unbalanced signal is described. FIG. 7 shows an equivalent circuit diagram of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment. One of the balanced signals flowing through the first signal line 7 is input to the first signal terminal 21 and flows into the first transmission line 2 . One of the signals flowing through the first transmission line 2 flows as an unbalanced signal through the first transmission line section 43 due to electromagnetic coupling between the first transmission line 2 constituting the first coupled line C1 and the first transmission line section 43 of the unbalanced side line 4, and is output from the third signal end 41 to the third signal line 9.

[0052] The other signal of the balanced signals flowing through the second signal line 8 is input to the second signal end 31 and flows into the second transmission line 3 . The other signal flowing through the second transmission line 3 flows as an unbalanced signal through the second transmission line section 44 due to electromagnetic field coupling between the second transmission line 3 constituting the second coupled line C2 and the second transmission line section 44 of the unbalanced side line 4, and is output from the third signal end section 41 to the third signal line 9 via the connecting line section 45 and the first transmission line 2.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, a third coupled line C3 constituted by a first open stub 5 and a second open stub 6 is connected in parallel to the connection line portion 45. An LC circuit formed by the inductance of the connection line portion 45 and the capacitance of the third coupling line C3 matches impedance between the other end of the first transmission line portion 43 and one end of the second transmission line portion 44 of the unbalanced side line 4, thereby improving the passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 with respect to the unbalanced side line 4.

[0054] In the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment, the improvement in the through phase difference due to the inclusion of the third coupled line C3 constituted by the first open stub and the second open stub 6 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing reflection characteristics at the third signal end 41 (output end: reflection end) of the unbalanced side line 4, which is one of the results of an electromagnetic field analysis of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter. In Figure 9, the horizontal axis indicates the frequency normalized by the center frequency of the transmitted signal, the vertical axis indicates the reflection amplitude S-Parameter: S11 [dB], the solid line ES11 indicates the reflection characteristic curve in embodiment 1, and the dashed line RS11 indicates the reflection characteristic curve in the comparative example.

[0055] The comparative example is a balanced-unbalanced line converter in which the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 are not included in the balanced-unbalanced line converter of the first embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as that of the balanced-unbalanced line converter of the first embodiment. An equivalent circuit of the comparative example is shown in FIG.

[0056] As can be seen from FIG. 9, the reflection characteristics in the first embodiment have a slight shift in resonant frequency compared to the comparative example due to the provision of the third coupled line C3 consisting of the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6, but the reflection amplitude level is the same, and the third coupled line C3 does not have a significant effect on the reflection characteristics. That is, in terms of reflection characteristics, the first embodiment bears comparison with the comparative example.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing transmission characteristics from the input end of the balanced side line to the third signal end 41 (output end) of the unbalanced side line 4, which is one of the results of an electromagnetic field analysis of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter. In FIG. 10, the horizontal axis indicates frequency normalized by the center frequency of the signal to be transmitted, and the vertical axis indicates pass amplitude S-Parameters: S21 and S31 [dB]. A solid line ES21 indicates a pass characteristic curve from the first signal end 21 (first input end) of the first transmission line 2 to the third signal end 41 (output end) of the unbalanced side line 4 in embodiment 1, a dashed line ES31 indicates a pass characteristic curve from the second signal end 31 (second input end) of the second transmission line 3 to the third signal end 41 (output end) of the unbalanced side line 4 in embodiment 1, a dot-dash line RS21 indicates a pass characteristic curve from the first input end of the first transmission line to the output end of the unbalanced side line in the comparative example, and a dot-dash line RS31 indicates a pass characteristic curve from the second input end of the second transmission line to the output end of the unbalanced side line in the comparative example.

[0058] As can be seen from FIG. 10, in the normalized frequency range of 0.7 to 1.4, the difference in passing amplitude between the passing amplitude from the first input end of the first transmission line to the output end of the unbalanced side line and the passing amplitude from the second input end of the second transmission line to the output end of the unbalanced side line is improved by approximately 2.5 dB in the first embodiment compared to the comparative example.

[0059] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 with respect to the unbalanced side line 4, which is one of the results of an electromagnetic field analysis of a balanced-unbalanced line converter. In FIG. 11, the horizontal axis indicates frequency normalized by the center frequency of the signal to be transmitted, the vertical axis indicates phase difference [deg.], the solid line E indicates the passing phase difference curve in the first embodiment, and the dashed line R indicates the passing phase difference curve in the comparative example. As can be seen from FIG. 11, the gradient of the passing phase difference in the normalized frequency range of 0.7 to 1.4 is smaller in the first embodiment than in the comparative example, and the passing phase difference in the first embodiment is approximately 180 degrees, which is considered ideal over a wide range.

[0060] As described above, the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment includes the first open stub 5 connected to one end 31 of the second transmission line 3, and the second open stub connected to the unbalanced side line 4 and constituting the third coupled line C3 with the first open stub 5. Therefore, the electrical characteristics of the balanced-unbalanced line converter can be improved with a simple and compact configuration.

[0061] In addition, the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment can improve the passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 caused by the parasitic inductance of the connection line portion 45 present in the unbalanced side line 4 by using the third coupling line C3.

[0062] In the balanced line-unbalanced line converter of embodiment 1, the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 are arranged inside the balanced side line and the unbalanced side line 4. Therefore, even if the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 that can improve the passing phase difference are provided, there is no effect on the size of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter, and the balanced line-unbalanced line converter can be made more compact.

[0063] When the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment is applied to an RFIC in order to enhance the functionality of the RFIC, the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment may be formed by utilizing two different wiring layers in an RFIC having multiple wiring layers. Furthermore, the RFIC may be configured using a redistribution layer, which is a post-processing technology for semiconductor processing, and the balanced-unbalanced line converter of embodiment 1 may be formed by utilizing two different wiring layers, the wiring layer of the RFIC and the redistribution layer. Furthermore, in the case of an RFIC having multiple redistribution layers, the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to embodiment 1 may be formed using different layers in the redistribution layer while separating the various circuits formed in the RFIC from the redistribution layer.

[0064] Embodiment 2 Second Embodiment A balanced-unbalanced line converter according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the balanced-unbalanced line converter of the first embodiment, a first open stub 5 has an extension portion 51 extending in the negative direction of the X-axis and a coupling portion 52 bent at a right angle from the extension portion 51 and extending in the positive direction of the Y-axis. In contrast, the balanced-unbalanced line converter of embodiment 2 differs from the balanced-unbalanced line converter of embodiment 1 in that it has a notch 53 on the outside of the bent portion between the extension portion 51 and the coupling portion 52, but is otherwise the same. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0065] The following mainly describes the first open stub 5, which is a difference from the balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment, and the description of the other components is omitted. The first open stub 5 has an extension portion 51 that extends inward from one end of the second transmission line 3, i.e., in the negative direction of the X-axis, and a coupling portion 52 that is bent and extends from the extension portion 51 in the positive direction of the Y-axis and faces the second open stub 6.

[0066] The first open stub 5 has a notch 53 in the extending portion 51 on the outside of the bent portion between the extending portion 51 and the joint portion 52 . The notch 53 is a linear notch having an inner angle of 45 degrees from the contact point located on the outside of the extending portion 51 and the connecting portion 52 toward the outer side of the extending portion 51 .

[0067] The electrically excessive capacitive state caused by the bends in the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 and the unbalanced side line 4 that constitute the balanced side line can be adjusted by providing a notch 53 on the outside of the bend between the extension portion 51 and the coupling portion 52, in other words, by removing a portion of the bend, thereby adjusting the electrical characteristics. In particular, when handling high frequencies, the provision of the notch 53 can adjust an electrically excessive capacitive state that affects high frequencies. The interior angle of the notch 53 is not limited to 45 degrees, but may be any angle less than 90 degrees in accordance with the amount of capacitance adjustment.

[0068] The side end face of the coupling portion 52 located on one end side of the first transmission line 2 is disposed on the one end side of the first transmission line 2 with respect to the center line OO shown in FIG. 3, similar to the coupling portion 52 in the first embodiment. The length of the first open stub 5, or more precisely the length of the coupling portion 52, is a fraction of the wavelength at the center frequency of the transmitted signal, for example, 1 / 30 to 1 / 4 wavelength.

[0069] The positional relationship between the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 may be configured such that they are shifted in the X-axis direction, as described in the first embodiment, or such that the joint portion of the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 overlap in the X-axis direction.

[0070] The balanced line-unbalanced line converter of the second embodiment configured in this manner has the same effects as the balanced line-unbalanced line converter of the first embodiment. In addition, by providing the first open stub 5 with the notch 53, the electrically excessive capacitive state caused by the bent parts of the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 and the unbalanced line 4 constituting the balanced side line can be easily adjusted, and the electrical characteristics can be adjusted.

[0071] Embodiment 3 A balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the balanced-unbalanced line converter of the first embodiment, a first open stub 5 has an extension portion 51 extending in the negative direction of the X-axis and a coupling portion 52 bent at a right angle from the extension portion 51 and extending in the positive direction of the Y-axis. In contrast, the balanced-unbalanced line converter of embodiment 3 differs from the balanced-unbalanced line converter of embodiment 1 in that it has an arc-shaped notch 53 on the outside of the bend between the extension portion 51 and the coupling portion 52, but is otherwise the same. In FIG. 13, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0072] The following mainly describes the first open stub 5, which is a difference from the balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment, and the description of the other components is omitted. The first open stub 5 has an extension portion 51 that extends inward from one end of the second transmission line 3, i.e., in the negative direction of the X-axis, and a coupling portion 52 that is bent and extends from the extension portion 51 in the positive direction of the Y-axis and faces the second open stub 6.

[0073] The first open stub 5 has an arc-shaped notch 53 in the extending portion 51 on the outside of the bent portion between the extending portion 51 and the coupling portion 52 . The notch 53 is a quarter arc cut from the contact point between the extending portion 51 and the connecting portion 52 located on the outside toward the outer side of the extending portion 51 .

[0074] Since the first open stub 5 has the notch 53, the electrically excessive capacitive state caused by the bending points of the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 and the unbalanced side line 4 constituting the balanced side line can be easily adjusted, and the electrical characteristics can be adjusted. Moreover, since the notch 53 is arc-shaped, the parasitic capacitance component that constitutes the excess capacitive load can be further reduced. The shape of the notch 53 is not limited to a quarter arc, but may be any shape with rounded corners in accordance with the amount of capacitance adjustment.

[0075] The side end face of the coupling portion 52 located on one end side of the first transmission line 2 is disposed on the one end side of the first transmission line 2 with respect to the center line OO shown in FIG. 3, similar to the coupling portion 52 in the first embodiment. The length of the first open stub 5, or more precisely the length of the coupling portion 52, is a fraction of the wavelength at the center frequency of the transmitted signal, for example, 1 / 30 to 1 / 4 wavelength.

[0076] The positional relationship between the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 may be configured such that they are shifted in the X-axis direction, as described in the first embodiment, or such that the joint portion of the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 overlap in the X-axis direction.

[0077] The balanced line-unbalanced line converter of the third embodiment configured in this manner has the same effects as the balanced line-unbalanced line converter of the first embodiment. In addition, by providing the first open stub 5 with an arc-shaped notch 53, the parasitic capacitance components that constitute an electrically excessive capacitive state due to the bends in the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3, which constitute the balanced side line, and the unbalanced side line 4, can be alleviated and easily adjusted, thereby making it possible to adjust the electrical characteristics.

[0078] Embodiment 4 A balanced-unbalanced line converter according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the balanced-unbalanced line converter of the first embodiment, a first open stub 5 has an extension portion 51 extending in the negative direction of the X-axis and a coupling portion 52 bent at a right angle from the extension portion 51 and extending in the positive direction of the Y-axis. In contrast, the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the fourth embodiment differs from the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment in that the first open stub 5 extends from one end 31 of the second transmission line 3, bent at a right angle in the + direction of the Y axis, and has a straight shape facing the second open stub 6. The other points are the same. In FIG. 14, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0079] The following mainly describes the first open stub 5, which is a difference from the balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment, and the description of the other components is omitted. The first open stub 5 extends from one end 31 of the second transmission line 3 inwardly from the first line portion 33, that is, bent at a right angle toward the + direction of the Y axis. The first open stub 5 is continuous with the second signal line 8 along the Y-axis. The length of the first open stub 5 is a fraction of the wavelength at the center frequency of the transmitted signal, for example, 1 / 30 to 1 / 4 wavelength.

[0080] The first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 have approximately the same length. The positional relationship between the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 may be configured such that they are shifted in the X-axis direction, as described in the first embodiment, or the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 may be configured to overlap in the X-axis direction.

[0081] The balanced-unbalanced line converter of the fourth embodiment configured in this manner has the same effects as the balanced-unbalanced line converter of the first embodiment, and in addition, the structure formed by the second transmission line 3, the second signal line 8, and the first open stub 5 can be simplified.

[0082] Embodiment 5. A balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the balanced-unbalanced line converter of the first embodiment, a first transmission line 2 and a second transmission line 3, a first open stub 5, a first signal line 7 and a second signal line 8 constituting the balanced side line are formed on a first conductor layer 11 of a dielectric substrate 1, and an unbalanced side line 4, a second open stub 6 and a third signal line 9 are formed on a second conductor layer 12 of the dielectric substrate 1. That is, in the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment, the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 constituting the balanced side line are broadside coupled to the unbalanced side line 4.

[0083] In contrast, the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the fifth embodiment differs from the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment in that the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3, the first open stub 5, the first signal line 7, and the second signal line 8, which constitute the balanced side line, and the unbalanced side line 4, the second open stub 6, and the third signal line 9 are formed on the same conductor layer of the dielectric substrate 1, but is otherwise the same.

[0084] That is, in the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the fifth embodiment, the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 constituting the balanced side line are coplanarly coupled to the unbalanced side line 4 . In this case, the distance between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 constituting the balanced side line and the unbalanced side line 4 is not large, but is designed to be a distance that allows the functionality and characteristics of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter to be obtained. In FIG. 15, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0085] The following description will focus on the differences from the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment. The shapes of the first transmission line 2 and the first signal line 7 are similar to those of the first transmission line 2 and the first signal line 7 in the first embodiment. That is, it is configured as follows. One end 21 of the first transmission line 2 is connected to the first signal line 7, and the other end 22 of the first transmission line 2 is connected to the ground layer through a via Va.

[0086] The first transmission line 2 has a first line portion 23 extending outward from the first signal line 7, a second line portion 24 extending from the first line portion 23 and bent at a right angle, and a third line portion 25 extending inward from the second line portion 24 and bent at a right angle. The first signal line 7 is formed integrally with the first transmission line 2 by a conductor layer that is continuous with the first transmission line 2, and is bent at a right angle from one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 to form a straight line in the negative direction of the Y axis.

[0087] The shapes of the second transmission line 3 and the second signal line 8 are similar to those of the second transmission line 3 and the second signal line 8 in the first embodiment. That is, it is configured as follows. One end 31 of the second transmission line 3 is connected to the second signal line 8, and the other end 32 of the second transmission line 3 is connected to the ground layer through a via Vb. An end face of one end 31 of the second transmission line 3 is disposed opposite to an end face of one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 via a gap G1.

[0088] The first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8 are also disposed with the same interval as the gap G1. The second transmission line 3 has a first line portion 33 extending outward from the second signal line 8, a second line portion 34 extending from the first line portion 33 and bent at a right angle, and a third line portion 35 extending inward from the second line portion 34 and bent at a right angle. The second signal line 8 is formed integrally with the second transmission line 3 by a conductor layer that is continuous with the second transmission line 3, and is bent at a right angle from one end 31 of the second transmission line 3 to form a straight line in the negative direction of the Y axis.

[0089] The shape of the unbalanced line 4 is similar to that of the unbalanced line 4 in the first embodiment. That is, it is configured as follows. The unbalanced side line 4 is formed on the same conductor layer as the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3, and is arranged opposite the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 within the area surrounded by the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3. The unbalanced side line 4 has a first transmission line section 43 and a second transmission line 3 which constitute the first coupled line C1 with the first transmission line 2, a second transmission line section 44 which constitutes the second coupled line C2, and a connecting line section 45 which is interposed between the first transmission line section 43 and the second transmission line section 44 to continuously form the first transmission line section 43 and the second transmission line section 44.

[0090] One end 41 of the unbalanced line 4 is connected to the third signal line 9, and the other end 42 of the unbalanced line 4 is an open end. An end face of one end 41 of the unbalanced line 4 is disposed opposite an end face of the other end 42 of the unbalanced line 4, and the unbalanced line 4 has a rectangular shape. One end 41 and the other end 42 of the unbalanced side line 4 are disposed at positions facing the other end 22 of the first transmission line 2 and the other end 32 of the second transmission line 3 . One end of the first transmission line portion 43 of the unbalanced side line 4 is one end 41 of the unbalanced side line 4, and the other end of the second transmission line portion 44 of the unbalanced side line 4 is the other end 42 of the unbalanced side line 4.

[0091] The third signal line 9 is formed linearly in the + direction of the Y axis, which is outward from one end 41 of the unbalanced side line 4, and extends outward from between the other end 22 of the first transmission line 2 and the other end 32 of the second transmission line 3. The first transmission line portion 43 of the unbalanced side line 4 has a first line portion 43a, a second line portion 43b, and a third line portion 43c. The first line portion 43a, the second line portion 43b, and the third line portion 43c of the first transmission line portion 43 are arranged to face the first line portion 21, the second line portion 22, and the third line portion 23 of the first transmission line 2, respectively.

[0092] The second transmission line portion 44 of the unbalanced side line 4 has a first line portion 44a, a second line portion 44b, and a third line portion 44c. The first line portion 44a, the second line portion 44b, and the third line portion 44c of the second transmission line portion 44 are arranged to face the first line portion 31, the second line portion 32, and the third line portion 33 of the second transmission line 3, respectively.

[0093] The first open stub 5 is connected to one end of the second transmission line 3 that constitutes the balanced side line. The first open stub 5 is formed integrally with the second transmission line 3 at an end of the second transmission line 3 where a gap G1 between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 is located. The first open stub 5 extends outward from one end of the second transmission line 3, that is, in the negative direction of the Y-axis, and is interposed between the first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8.

[0094] The first open stub 5 has an extension portion 51 that extends inward from one end of the second transmission line 3, i.e., in the - direction of the X-axis, and a coupling portion 52 that extends from the extension portion 51 and is bent at a right angle in the - direction of the Y-axis, facing the second open stub 6. The length of the first open stub 5, or more precisely the length of the coupling portion 52, is a fraction of the wavelength at the center frequency of the transmitted signal, for example, 1 / 30 to 1 / 4 wavelength.

[0095] The second open stub 6 is connected to the unbalanced side line 4 . The second open stub 6 and the first open stub 5 form a third coupled line C3. The second open stub 6 is connected to the connection line portion 45 of the unbalanced side line 4 . The second open stub 6 extends outward from the connection line portion 45 of the unbalanced side line 4, i.e., in the negative direction of the Y-axis, and is located between the first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8, facing the coupling portion 52 of the first open stub 5. The length of the second open stub 6, more precisely the length of the portion arranged opposite the coupling portion 52 of the first open stub 5, is a fraction of the wavelength at the center frequency of the transmitted signal, for example, 1 / 30 to 1 / 4 wavelength.

[0096] The thus configured balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the fifth embodiment has the same effects as the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment. In addition, the balanced side line and the unbalanced side line 4 may be formed of strip lines, the balanced side line and the unbalanced side line 4 may be formed of microstrip lines, or one of the balanced side line and the unbalanced side line 4 may be formed of a strip line and the other of the balanced side line and the unbalanced side line 4 may be formed of a microstrip line.

[0097] Embodiment 6 A balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the balanced-unbalanced line converter of the first embodiment, the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 each have a shape that defines three sides of a rectangle, the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 are arranged opposite each other to define the four sides of the rectangle, and the unbalanced side line 4 has a shape that defines the four sides of a rectangle.

[0098] In contrast, the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the sixth embodiment differs from the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment in that the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 are each linear, and the unbalanced side line 4 and the third signal line 9 are also linear. In other respects, the two are the same. 16 to 18, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0099] The following mainly describes the differences from the balanced-unbalanced line converter of the first embodiment, that is, the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3, and the unbalanced side line 4 and the third signal line 9. As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 , the balanced-unbalanced line converter of the sixth embodiment includes a multilayer dielectric substrate 1, a balanced side line having a first transmission line 2 and a second transmission line 3, an unbalanced side line 4, a first open stub 5, a second open stub 6, a first signal line 7, a second signal line 8, and a third signal line 9.

[0100] The first transmission line 2 constituting the balanced side line has one end 21 serving as a first signal end and the other end 22 short-circuited. The first transmission line 2 is formed on a first conductor layer 11 of a dielectric substrate 1 . As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the first transmission line 2 is formed linearly in the negative direction of the X-axis outward from one end 21.

[0101] One end 21 of the first transmission line 2 is connected to a first signal line 7 formed on a first conductor layer 11 of the dielectric substrate 1 . The first transmission line 2 and the first signal line 7 are integrally formed by a continuous conductor layer. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the first signal line 7 is bent at a right angle from one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 and formed linearly in the negative direction of the Y-axis. The other end 22 of the first transmission line 2 is connected to a ground layer, in this example, the ground layer 14 on the back surface, through a via Va. The length of the first transmission line 2, that is, the length from one end 21 to the other end 22, is approximately 90 degrees with respect to the center frequency of the signal to be transmitted.

[0102] The second transmission line 3 constituting the balanced side line has one end 31 serving as a second signal end and the other end 32 short-circuited. The second transmission line 3 is formed on the first conductor layer 11 of the dielectric substrate 1 . As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the second transmission line 3 is formed linearly in the + direction of the X-axis outward from one end portion 31.

[0103] An end face of one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 and an end face of one end 31 of the second transmission line 3 are disposed opposite to each other. A gap G1 is provided between the end face of one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 and the end face of one end 31 of the second transmission line 3, for example, to realize the impedance of the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3. The first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 are arranged so that the transmission directions of the electromagnetic waves are opposite to each other.

[0104] One end 31 of the second transmission line 3 is connected to a second signal line 8 formed on the first conductor layer 11 of the dielectric substrate 1 . The second transmission line 3 and the second signal line 8 are integrally formed by a continuous conductor layer. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the second signal line 8 is bent at a right angle from one end 31 of the second transmission line 3 and formed linearly in the negative direction of the Y-axis, and is disposed in parallel to the first signal line 7. The first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8 are also disposed with the same interval as the gap G1.

[0105] The other end 32 of the second transmission line 3 is connected to a ground layer, in this example, the ground layer 14 on the back surface, through a via Vb. The length of the second transmission line 3, that is, the length from one end 31 to the other end 32, is approximately 90 degrees with respect to the center frequency of the signal to be transmitted.

[0106] The unbalanced line 4 has one end 41 serving as a third signal end and the other end 42 serving as an open end. The unbalanced side line 4 has a first transmission line section 43 that constitutes a first coupled line C1 with the first transmission line 2, a second transmission line section 44 that constitutes a second coupled line C2 with the second transmission line 3, and a connecting line section 45 that connects the first transmission line section 43 and the second transmission line section 44. The unbalanced line 4 is formed on the second conductor layer 12 of the dielectric substrate 1 .

[0107] The first transmission line portion 43 of the unbalanced side line 4 is disposed opposite to the first transmission line 2 in the Z-axis direction with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. The second transmission line portion 44 of the unbalanced side line 4 is disposed opposite the second transmission line 3 in the Z-axis direction via an insulating layer. The first transmission line portion 43 and the second transmission line portion 44 are formed continuously with a connection line portion 45 interposed therebetween.

[0108] One end 41 of the unbalanced line 4 is disposed at a position facing the other end 22 of the first transmission line 2 in the Z-axis direction with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. The other end 42 of the unbalanced line 4 is disposed at a position facing the other end 32 of the second transmission line 3 in the Z-axis direction with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. One end of the first transmission line portion 43 of the unbalanced side line 4 is one end 41 of the unbalanced side line 4, and the other end of the second transmission line portion 44 of the unbalanced side line 4 is the other end 42 of the unbalanced side line 4.

[0109] An end face of one end 41 of the unbalanced side line 4 is located on a plane formed in the Z-axis direction together with an end face of the other end 22 of the first transmission line 2 . An end face of the other end 42 of the unbalanced side line 4 is located on a plane formed together with an end face of the other end 32 of the second transmission line 3 in the Z-axis direction. The connection line portion 43 of the unbalanced side line 4 is disposed opposite the gap G1 between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 in the Z-axis direction with an insulating layer interposed therebetween.

[0110] The first transmission line portion 43, the second transmission line portion 44, and the connection line portion 43 in the unbalanced side line 4 are integrally formed by a continuous conductor layer, and are formed in a straight line parallel to the X-axis from one end portion 41 to the other end portion 42, as shown in Figures 16 and 18. One end 41 of the unbalanced line 4 is connected to a third signal line 9 formed on the second conductor layer 12 . The unbalanced line 4 and the third signal line 9 are integrally formed by a continuous conductor layer. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, the third signal line 9 is formed linearly from one end 41 of the unbalanced line 4 in the negative direction of the X-axis.

[0111] The length of the unbalanced side line 4, that is, the length from one end 41 to the other end 42 via the first transmission line portion 43, the second transmission line portion 44, and the connection line portion 45, is approximately 180 degrees with respect to the center frequency of the signal to be transmitted.

[0112] The first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 as well as the first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8 constituting the balanced side line are formed as strip lines sandwiched between a ground layer 13 formed on the front side of the dielectric substrate 1 and a ground layer 14 formed on the back side. The first transmission line portion 43, the second transmission line portion 44, the connection line portion 45 and the third signal line of the unbalanced side line 4 are formed as strip lines sandwiched between the ground layer 13 and the ground layer 14. Either the balanced line or the unbalanced line 4 may be formed by a microstrip line that forms a line on the front or back surface of the dielectric substrate 1, instead of a strip line.

[0113] The first transmission line 2 and the first transmission line portion 43 of the unbalanced side line 4 that constitute the balanced side line, and the second transmission line 3 and the second transmission line portion 44 of the unbalanced side line 4 that constitute the balanced side line, completely overlap when viewed from the back surface of the dielectric substrate 1, as shown in FIG. 16 . That is, the first transmission line 2, the second transmission line 3 and the unbalanced side line 4 have the same width and are arranged linearly along the X-axis. Since the first transmission line 2, the second transmission line 3, and the unbalanced side line 4 are linear, the effects of discontinuity in the propagation paths for balanced and unbalanced signals can be eliminated, and the parasitic inductance due to the connection line portion 45 of the unbalanced side line 4 can be made smaller than in the case of the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to embodiment 1, thereby improving the electrical characteristics.

[0114] In order to adjust the amount of coupling in the first coupled line C1 formed by the first transmission line 2 and the first transmission line portion 43, and the amount of coupling in the second coupled line C2 formed by the second transmission line 3 and the second transmission line portion 44, the degree of overlap in the Y-axis direction between the first transmission line 2 and the first transmission line portion 43, and the degree of overlap in the Y-axis direction between the second transmission line 3 and the second transmission line portion 44 may be shifted. Furthermore, the widths of the first transmission line 2, the second transmission line 3 and the unbalanced side line 4 may be different depending on the characteristic impedance of each line.

[0115] The first open stub 5 is connected to one end 31 of the second transmission line 3 that constitutes the balanced side line. The first open stub 5 is formed on a first conductor layer 11 of the dielectric substrate 1 . The first open stub 5 is formed integrally with the second transmission line 3 by the first conductor layer 11 at the end of the second transmission line 3 where the gap G1 between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 is located.

[0116] The first open stub 5 extends from one end of the second transmission line 3 in the + direction of the Y axis, that is, on the opposite side to the second signal line 8. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the first open stub 5 has an extension portion 51 that extends in the - direction of the X-axis from one end portion 31 of the second transmission line 3, and a coupling portion 52 that extends from the extension portion 51 at a right angle in the + direction of the Y-axis and faces the second open stub 6.

[0117] The side end face of the coupling portion 52 located on one end side of the first transmission line 2 is disposed on the one end side of the first transmission line 2 with respect to the center line OO shown in FIG. The length of the first open stub 5, or more precisely the length of the coupling portion 52, is a fraction of the wavelength at the center frequency of the transmitted signal, for example, 1 / 30 to 1 / 4 wavelength.

[0118] For example, in an RFIC, a balanced side line and an unbalanced side line 4 having a first transmission line 2 and a second transmission line 3 are formed on a first conductor layer 11 and a second conductor layer 12, respectively, which are located as inner layers in a multilayer dielectric substrate 1, and if the thickness of the insulating layer between the first conductor layer 11 and the second conductor layer 12 is several microns, it is preferable that the length of the first open stub 5 be approximately 1 / 20 of the wavelength.

[0119] The second open stub 6 is connected to the unbalanced side line 4 . The second open stub 6 is formed on the second conductor layer 12 of the dielectric substrate 1 . The second open stub 6 and the first open stub 5 form a third coupled line C3. The second open stub 6 is connected to one end of the connection line portion 45 of the unbalanced side line 4 . The second open stub 6 extends from the connection line portion 45 of the unbalanced side line 4 in the + direction of the Y axis.

[0120] The second open stub 6 is disposed opposite the first open stub 5 with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, and is located on the first transmission line 2 side of the first open stub 5 in the X-axis direction. The side end face of the second open stub 6 located on one end side of the second transmission line 3 is disposed on one end side of the first transmission line 2 with respect to the center line OO shown in FIG. The coupling portion 52 of the second open stub 6 and the first open stub 5 are arranged as two straight lines parallel to the Y-axis, and together with the coupling portion 52 of the first open stub 5, form a coupled line C3.

[0121] Since the parasitic inductance due to the connection line portion 45 can be canceled out by the capacitance due to the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 that constitute the third coupled line C3, deterioration of the electrical characteristics of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter due to the parasitic inductance due to the connection line portion 45, i.e., deterioration of the passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 on the balanced side line, can be suppressed, and the passing phase difference can be improved.

[0122] In addition, since the extension portion 51 of the first open stub 5 acts to fill the gap G1 between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3, the passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 can be further improved. The length of the second open stub 6 is a fraction of the wavelength at the center frequency of the transmitted signal, for example, 1 / 30 to 1 / 4 wavelength.

[0123] For example, in an RFIC, a balanced side line and an unbalanced side line 4 having a first transmission line 2 and a second transmission line 3 are formed on a first conductor layer 11 and a second conductor layer 12, respectively, which are located as inner layers in a multilayer dielectric substrate 1, and if the thickness of the insulating layer between the first conductor layer 11 and the second conductor layer 12 is several microns, it is preferable that the length of the second open stub 6 be approximately 1 / 20 of the wavelength.

[0124] The positional relationship between the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 only needs to achieve the set amount of coupling in the third coupled line C3, so they may be shifted in the X-axis direction as shown in FIG. 16, or the coupling portion 52 of the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 may overlap in the X-axis direction.

[0125] The operation of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the sixth embodiment will be described. A balanced-to-unbalanced converter that converts a balanced signal to an unbalanced signal is described. The equivalent circuit diagram of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment is the same as the equivalent circuit diagram of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and the operation of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment is basically the same as that of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the first embodiment.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 7, a third coupled line C3 constituted by a first open stub 5 and a second open stub 6 is connected in parallel to the connection line portion 45. An LC circuit formed by the inductance of the connection line portion 45 and the capacitance of the third coupling line C3 matches impedance between the other end of the first transmission line portion 43 and one end of the second transmission line portion 44 of the unbalanced side line 4, thereby improving the passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 with respect to the unbalanced side line 4.

[0127] Furthermore, the gap G2 between the end face of the extension portion 51 of the first open stub 5 and the end face of the one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 is narrower than the gap G1, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, and the length of the connection line portion 45 of the unbalanced side line 4 can be substantially shortened. Therefore, the parasitic inductance due to the connection line portion 45 can be reduced, and the degradation of the electrical characteristics due to the connection line portion 45 can be reduced. As a result, the passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 can be improved.

[0128] As described above, the balanced-unbalanced line converter of the sixth embodiment includes the first open stub 5 connected to one end 31 of the second transmission line 3, and the second open stub connected to the unbalanced side line 4 and constituting the third coupled line C3 with the first open stub 5. Therefore, the passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 caused by the parasitic inductance of the connecting line portion 45 present in the unbalanced side line 4 can be improved by the third coupled line C3, and the electrical characteristics of the balanced-unbalanced line converter can be improved with a simple and compact configuration.

[0129] Moreover, in the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the sixth embodiment, the first transmission line 2, the second transmission line 3, and the unbalanced side line 4 are linearly arranged, and therefore the influence of discontinuity in the propagation paths for balanced and unbalanced signals can be eliminated, and the electrical characteristics can be improved.

[0130] When the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the sixth embodiment is applied to an RFIC in order to enhance the functionality of the RFIC, the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the sixth embodiment may be formed by utilizing two different wiring layers in an RFIC having multiple wiring layers. Moreover, the RFIC may be configured using a redistribution layer, which is a post-processing technology of the semiconductor process, and the balanced line-unbalanced line converter of embodiment 6 may be formed by utilizing two different wiring layers, the wiring layer of the RFIC and the redistribution layer. Furthermore, in the case of an RFIC having multiple redistribution layers, the balanced-unbalanced line converter of embodiment 6 may be formed using different layers in the redistribution layer while separating the various circuits formed in the RFIC from the redistribution layer.

[0131] Furthermore, the shape of the first open stub 5 may be such that it has a notch 53 on the outside of the bent portion between the extension portion 51 and the joint portion 52, as shown in embodiment 2, or it may be such that it has an arc-shaped notch 53 on the outside of the bent portion between the extension portion 51 and the joint portion 52, as shown in embodiment 3.

[0132] In addition, similar to the idea shown in embodiment 4, the first open stub 5 may be bent at a right angle from one end 31 of the second transmission line 3 to extend in the + direction of the Y-axis and have a straight line shape facing the second open stub 6. That is, the first open stub 5 may extend from one end of the second transmission line 3 in the positive direction of the Y axis, i.e., in the opposite direction to the second signal line 8, bent at a right angle, and be continuous with the second signal line 8 along the Y axis. In this case, the length of the first open stub 5 is the same as that of the second open stub 6, and is a fraction of the wavelength at the center frequency of the transmitted signal, for example, 1 / 30 to 1 / 4 of the wavelength.

[0133] Embodiment 7 A balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the sixth embodiment is formed such that the first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8 extend from one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 and one end 31 of the second transmission line 3, respectively, in the same direction, that is, the negative direction of the Y axis. In contrast, the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the seventh embodiment differs from the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the sixth embodiment in that the first signal line 7 extends from one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 in the + direction of the Y axis, and the second signal line 8 extends from one end 31 of the second transmission line 3 in the - direction of the Y axis. In other respects, the two are the same. In FIG. 19, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0134] The following mainly describes the differences from the balanced-unbalanced line converter of embodiment 6, namely, the relationship between the first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8 and the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 as well as the first stub 5, and omits a description of the other components. The first signal line 7 is formed integrally with the first transmission line 2 by a conductor layer that is continuous with the first transmission line 2, and is bent at a right angle from one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 to form a straight line in the + direction of the Y axis. The second signal line 8 is formed integrally with the second transmission line 3 by a conductor layer that is continuous with the second transmission line 3, and is bent at a right angle from one end 31 of the second transmission line 3 to form a straight line in the negative direction of the Y axis. The first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8 extend parallel to the Y-axis on opposite sides to each other with respect to a straight line along the X-axis on which the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 are arranged.

[0135] The distance between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3, i.e., the distance between the side surfaces of the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 facing each other in the X-axis direction, is the same as the gap G1 between the end face of one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 and the end face of one end 31 of the second transmission line 3.

[0136] The first open stub 5 has an extension portion 51 extending in the negative direction of the X-axis from one end portion 31 of the second transmission line 3, and a coupling portion 52 bent at a right angle from the extension portion 51 to the positive direction of the Y-axis and facing the second open stub 6. The coupling portion 52 of the first signal line 7 and the first open stub 5 is disposed in parallel with a gap therebetween.

[0137] The thus configured balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the seventh embodiment has the same effects as the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the sixth embodiment. Alternatively, the first signal line 7 may be formed linearly in the negative direction of the Y axis, and the coupling portion 52 of the second signal line 8 and the first open stub 5 may be formed linearly in the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0138] In addition, the shape of the first open stub 5 may be such that it has a notch 53 on the outside of the bent portion between the extension portion 51 and the joint portion 52, as shown in embodiment 2, or it may be such that it has an arc-shaped notch 53 on the outside of the bent portion between the extension portion 51 and the joint portion 52, as shown in embodiment 3. Furthermore, similar to the idea shown in embodiment 4, the first open stub 5 may be bent at a right angle from one end 31 of the second transmission line 3 to extend in the + direction of the Y-axis and have a straight line shape facing the second open stub 6.

[0139] Embodiment 8 Eighth embodiment A balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the balanced-unbalanced line converter of the sixth embodiment, the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3, the first open stub 5, the first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8 constituting the balanced side line are formed on the first conductor layer 11 of the dielectric substrate 1, and the unbalanced side line 4, the second open stub 6 and the third signal line 9 are formed on the second conductor layer 12 of the dielectric substrate 1. That is, in the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the sixth embodiment, the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 constituting the balanced side line are broadside coupled to the unbalanced side line 4.

[0140] In contrast, the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the eighth embodiment differs from the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the sixth embodiment in that the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3, the first open stub 5, the first signal line 7, and the second signal line 8, which constitute the balanced side line, and the unbalanced side line 4, the second open stub 6, and the third signal line 9 are formed on the same conductor layer of the dielectric substrate 1, but is otherwise the same. That is, in the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the eighth embodiment, the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 constituting the balanced side line are coplanarly coupled to the unbalanced side line 4 . In this case, the distance between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 constituting the balanced side line and the unbalanced side line 4 is not large, but is designed to be a distance that allows the functionality and characteristics of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter to be obtained. In FIG. 20, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0141] The following description will focus on the differences from the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the sixth embodiment. The shapes of the first transmission line 2 and the first signal line 7 are similar to those of the first transmission line 2 and the first signal line 7 in the sixth embodiment. That is, it is configured as follows. One end 21 of the first transmission line 2 is connected to the first signal line 7, and the other end 22 of the first transmission line 2 is connected to the ground layer through a via Va. The first transmission line 2 is formed linearly in the negative direction of the X-axis, ie, outward from one end 21 . The first signal line 7 is formed integrally with the first transmission line 2 by a conductor layer that is continuous with the first transmission line 2, and is bent at a right angle from one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 to form a straight line in the negative direction of the Y axis.

[0142] The shapes of the second transmission line 3 and the second signal line 8 are similar to those of the second transmission line 3 and the second signal line 8 in the sixth embodiment. That is, it is configured as follows. One end 31 of the second transmission line 3 is connected to the second signal line 8, and the other end 32 of the second transmission line 3 is connected to the ground layer through a via Vb. An end face of one end 31 of the second transmission line 3 is disposed opposite to an end face of one end 21 of the first transmission line 2 via a gap G1.

[0143] The second transmission line 3 is formed linearly in the + direction of the X-axis outward from one end 31 . The second signal line 8 is formed integrally with the second transmission line 3 by a conductor layer that is continuous with the second transmission line 3, and is bent at a right angle from one end 31 of the second transmission line 3 to form a straight line in the negative direction of the Y axis. The first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8 are also disposed with the same interval as the gap G1.

[0144] The shape of the unbalanced line 4 is similar to that of the unbalanced line 4 in the sixth embodiment. That is, it is configured as follows. The unbalanced side line 4 is formed in the same conductor layer as the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 . One end 41 of the unbalanced line 4 is connected to the third signal line 9, and the other end 42 of the unbalanced line 4 is an open end.

[0145] The unbalanced side line 4 has a first transmission line section 43 that constitutes a first coupled line C1 with the first transmission line 2, a second transmission line section 44 that constitutes a second coupled line C2 with the second transmission line 3, and a connecting line section 45 that connects the first transmission line section 43 and the second transmission line section 44. The unbalanced side line 4 is formed linearly parallel to the X-axis from one end 41 to the other end 42, and the first transmission line portion 43, the second transmission line portion 44 and the connection line portion 45 are formed linearly.

[0146] The first transmission line portion 43 is arranged opposite the first transmission line 2 in the Y-axis direction, the second transmission line portion 44 is arranged opposite the second transmission line 3 in the Y-axis direction, and the connection line portion 45 is arranged opposite the gap G1 between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 in the Y-axis direction. The third signal line 9 is formed integrally with the unbalanced line 4 by a conductor layer that is continuous with the unbalanced line 4, and extends linearly from one end 41 of the unbalanced line 4 in the negative direction of the X-axis.

[0147] The first open stub 5 has an extension portion 51 that extends in the negative direction of the X-axis from one end of the second transmission line 3, and a coupling portion 52 that extends from the extension portion 51 while being bent at a right angle in the negative direction of the Y-axis and is interposed between the first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8. The second open stub 6 extends in the negative direction of the Y axis from the connection line portion 45 of the unbalanced side line 4 and faces the coupling portion 52 of the first open stub 5 and is interposed between the first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8. The first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6 form a third coupled line C3.

[0148] The thus configured balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the eighth embodiment has the same effects as the balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the sixth embodiment. In addition, the balanced side line and the unbalanced side line 4 may be formed of strip lines, the balanced side line and the unbalanced side line 4 may be formed of microstrip lines, or one of the balanced side line and the unbalanced side line 4 may be formed of a strip line and the other of the balanced side line and the unbalanced side line 4 may be formed of a microstrip line.

[0149] Embodiment 9 The antenna device according to the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The antenna apparatus according to the ninth embodiment includes an antenna element 200A, a signal source 300A, and a balanced-unbalanced line converter 100A. The balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100A is a balanced line-unbalanced line converter that converts a balanced signal, i.e., a differential signal, into an unbalanced signal, i.e., a single-phase signal, and is the balanced line-unbalanced line converter shown in any one of the first to eighth embodiments.

[0150] In the following description, the antenna device will be described as a transmitting system. As for the receiving system, the only difference is the components of the active circuit connected to the antenna element, i.e., the receiving circuit 300 that processes the signal converted by the balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100 from the received signal based on the radio waves received by the antenna element 200, and the configuration is the same.

[0151] An unbalanced signal is input to the antenna element 200A, and the antenna element 200A transmits a radio wave based on the input unbalanced signal. The antenna element 200A is a patch antenna or a slot antenna. The antenna element 200A may be an antenna other than a patch antenna or a slot antenna as long as it satisfies the design specifications. The antenna element 200A is connected to a third signal line 9 that functions as an output signal line, and receives the unbalanced signal from the balanced-unbalanced line converter 100A.

[0152] The signal source 300A outputs a balanced signal for the radio wave transmitted by the antenna element 200A. Signal source 300A is an active circuit, which refers to active components such as amplifiers or mixers. Power for radio waves transmitted from antenna element 200A is supplied to the active circuit from an input line arranged in the preceding stage of the active circuit, and the input power is transmitted through the active circuit and output as a balanced signal. The signal source 300A is connected to a first signal line 7 and a second signal line 8 which function as input signal lines.

[0153] One of the balanced signals from the signal source 300A is input via a first signal line 7 to the first transmission line 2 of the balanced-unbalanced line converter 100A. One of the balanced signals from the signal source 300A and the other signal having a differential signal relationship are input via a second signal line 8 to the second transmission line 3 of the balanced-unbalanced line converter 100A.

[0154] In the balanced-unbalanced line converter 100A, one of the balanced signals input to the first transmission line 2 flows as an unbalanced signal in the first transmission line section 43 due to electromagnetic coupling with the first transmission line section 43 of the unbalanced side line 4 that constitutes the first coupled line C1, and the other of the balanced signals input to the second transmission line 3 flows as an unbalanced signal in the second transmission line section 4 due to electromagnetic coupling with the second transmission line section 44 of the unbalanced side line 4 that constitutes the second coupled line C2, and the passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 is improved by the third coupled line C3 constituted by the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6, and the signal is output to the third signal line 9 as an unbalanced signal.

[0155] In the antenna device of the ninth embodiment configured in this manner, a balanced signal from the signal source 300A is output as an unbalanced signal to the antenna element 200A by the balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100A shown in any of the first to eighth embodiments. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100A and improve the electrical characteristics. This makes it possible to miniaturize the antenna device and improve the electrical characteristics of the antenna device.

[0156] In the antenna device according to the ninth embodiment, the balanced-to-unbalanced line converter 100A and the active circuit constituting the signal source 300A may be incorporated in the same multi-layer dielectric substrate 1. Alternatively, the balanced-to-unbalanced converter 100A may be formed on multiple dielectric layers (treated as a dielectric substrate in this embodiment) provided on a printed circuit board, and the active circuit constituting the signal source 300A may be incorporated into an RFIC. In this case, the dielectric layer on which the balanced-unbalanced line converter 100A is formed and the RFIC incorporating the active circuit may be electrically connected by wire bonding, or the RFIC may be flip-chip mounted on a printed circuit board using a conductive material such as a solder ball.

[0157] The antenna element 200A may also be mounted on an RFIC incorporated in the same multi-layer dielectric substrate 1 as the balanced-to-unbalanced converter 100A and the active circuit constituting the signal source 300A, to form an on-chip antenna. The antenna element 200A may be formed on a printed circuit board on which the balanced-to-unbalanced converter 100A is formed on a dielectric layer.

[0158] Embodiment 10 The antenna device according to the tenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The antenna apparatus according to the tenth embodiment includes an antenna element 200B, a signal source 300B, and a balanced-to-unbalanced line converter 100B. The balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100B is a balanced line-unbalanced line converter that converts an unbalanced signal, a so-called single-phase signal, into a balanced signal, a so-called differential signal, and is the balanced line-unbalanced line converter shown in any one of the first to eighth embodiments.

[0159] In the following description, the antenna device will be described as a transmitting system. As for the receiving system, the only difference is the components of the active circuit connected to the antenna element, i.e., the receiving circuit 300 that processes the signal converted by the balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100 from the received signal based on the radio waves received by the antenna element 200, and the configuration is the same.

[0160] A balanced signal is input to the antenna element 200B, and the antenna element 200B transmits a radio wave based on the input balanced signal. The antenna element 200B is either a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, or a Vivaldi antenna. The antenna element 200B only needs to satisfy the design specifications, and may be an antenna other than a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, or a Vivaldi antenna. The antenna element 200B is connected to a first signal line 7 and a second signal line 8 which function as output signal lines, and receives the balanced signal from the balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100B.

[0161] The signal source 300B outputs an unbalanced signal for the radio wave transmitted by the antenna element 200B. Signal source 300B is an active circuit, which refers to active components such as amplifiers or mixers. Power for the radio waves transmitted from antenna element 200B is supplied to the active circuit from an input line arranged in the preceding stage of the active circuit, and the input power is transmitted through the active circuit and output as an unbalanced signal. The signal source 300B is connected to a third signal line 9 which functions as an input signal line.

[0162] An unbalanced signal from the signal source 300B is input via a third signal line 9 to the unbalanced side line 4 of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100B. In the balanced-unbalanced line converter 100B, an unbalanced signal input to the unbalanced side line 4 flows as one side of a balanced signal in the first transmission line 2 due to electromagnetic coupling between the first transmission line section 43 and the first transmission line 2 constituting the first coupled line C1, and flows as the other side of the balanced signal in the second transmission line 3 due to electromagnetic coupling between the second transmission line section 44 and the second transmission line 3 constituting the second coupled line C2. The passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 is improved by the third coupled line C3 constituted by the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6, and the signal is output to the first signal line 7 and the second signal line 8 as a balanced signal.

[0163] In the antenna device of the tenth embodiment configured in this manner, an unbalanced signal from the signal source 300B is output as a balanced signal to the antenna element 200B by the balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100B shown in any of the first to eighth embodiments. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100B and improve the electrical characteristics. This makes it possible to miniaturize the antenna device and improve the electrical characteristics of the antenna device.

[0164] In the antenna device according to the tenth embodiment, the balanced-to-unbalanced line converter 100B and the active circuit constituting the signal source 300B may be incorporated in the same multi-layer dielectric substrate 1. Moreover, the balanced-to-unbalanced converter 100B may be formed on multiple dielectric layers provided on a printed circuit board, and the active circuit constituting the signal source 300B may be incorporated in an RFIC.

[0165] In this case, the dielectric layer on which the balanced-unbalanced line converter 100B is formed and the RFIC incorporating the active circuit may be electrically connected by wire bonding, or the RFIC may be flip-chip mounted on a printed circuit board using a conductive material such as a solder ball.

[0166] The antenna element 200B may also be mounted on an RFIC incorporated in the same multi-layer dielectric substrate 1 as the balanced-to-unbalanced converter 100B and the active circuit constituting the signal source 300B, forming an on-chip antenna. The antenna element 200B may be formed on a printed circuit board on which the balanced-to-unbalanced converter 100A is formed on a dielectric layer.

[0167] Embodiment 11 An antenna device according to an eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The antenna device according to the eleventh embodiment includes a plurality of antenna elements 2001 to 200 n The array antenna device is provided with: That is, the antenna apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment is an antenna apparatus including n sets of antenna apparatuses, each set including the antenna element 200A, the signal source 300A, and the balanced-unbalanced line converter 100A shown in the ninth embodiment, where n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2 and is plural. In the following description, the antenna device will be described as a transmitting system. As for the receiving system, the only difference is the components of the active circuit connected to the antenna element, i.e., the receiving circuit 300 that processes the signal converted by the balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100 from the received signal based on the radio waves received by the antenna element 200, and the configuration is the same.

[0168] The antenna device according to the eleventh embodiment includes a plurality of antenna elements 2001 to 200 n A group of antenna elements having a plurality of signal sources 3001 to 300 n A group of signal sources having the same structure and a plurality of balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 n and a control unit 400. Balanced line to unbalanced line converter 1001~100 n and antenna elements 2001 to 200 n and signal sources 3001 to 300 n They are provided corresponding to each other, and each constitutes a set similar to the antenna element 200A, the signal source 300A, and the balanced-unbalanced line converter 100A shown in the ninth embodiment.

[0169] That is, the balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001 to 1000 constitute a converter group. n Each of them is a balanced line-unbalanced line converter that converts a balanced signal, so-called differential signal, into an unbalanced signal, so-called single-phase signal, and is a balanced line-unbalanced line converter shown in any of the first to eighth embodiments.

[0170] Antenna elements 2001 to 200 constituting the antenna element group n Each of the third signal lines 91 to 9 functions as an output signal line. nThe balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 are connected to the respective n An unbalanced signal from each is input. Antenna elements 2001-200 n Each corresponds to a balanced line-unbalanced line converter 1001 to 100 n Each transmits radio waves based on the unbalanced signal input. Antenna elements 2001-200 n Each of them is similar to the antenna element 200A in the ninth embodiment.

[0171] Signal sources 3001 to 300 that make up the signal source group n Each of the antenna elements 3001 to 300 constitutes an antenna element group. n Corresponds to each one. Signal source 3001~300 n Each corresponds to an antenna element 2001 to 200 n Each outputs a balanced signal for the radio wave it transmits as an output signal. Signal source 3001~300 n The corresponding first signal lines 71 to 7 function as input signal lines. n and the second signal lines 81 to 8 n are connected to each other.

[0172] Signal source 3001~300 n One of the balanced signals from each of the first signal lines 71 to 7 n The corresponding balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 are connected through the respective n The signal is input to each of the first transmission lines 2. Signal source 3001~300 n One of the balanced signals from each of the two terminals and the other signal in a differential signal relationship are transmitted through the corresponding second signal lines 81 to 8 n The corresponding balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 are connected through the respective n The inputs are input to the respective second transmission lines 3 . Signal source 2001~200 nEach of them is similar to signal source 200A in the ninth embodiment.

[0173] Balanced line to unbalanced line converter 1001~100 n In each of these, one of the balanced signals input to the first transmission line 2 flows as an unbalanced signal in the first transmission line section 43 due to electromagnetic coupling with the first transmission line section 43 of the unbalanced side line 4 that constitutes the first coupled line C1, and the other of the balanced signals input to the second transmission line 3 flows as an unbalanced signal in the second transmission line section 4 due to electromagnetic coupling with the second transmission line section 44 of the unbalanced side line 4 that constitutes the second coupled line C2, and the passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 is improved by the third coupled line C3 constituted by the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6, and the signal is output to the third signal line 9 as an unbalanced signal.

[0174] The control unit 400 controls the signal sources 3001 to 300 n Each of them is controlled by signal sources 3001 to 300 n It controls the supply of power to each and the timing of the output as a balanced signal relative to the input power. Under the control of the control unit 400, the antenna elements 2001 to 200 constituting the antenna element group are n The transmission of radio waves from each is controlled, and the antenna device functions as an array antenna device.

[0175] The antenna device according to the eleventh embodiment thus configured includes n sets of antenna elements, signal sources, and balanced-unbalanced line converters. n The balanced signals from each of the balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 shown in any one of the first to eighth embodiments are n The antenna elements 2001 to 200 correspond to unbalanced signals, respectively. n Since each output is output, the balanced line to unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 n The size of the converter group is reduced to form balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001-100. nSince the electrical characteristics of each element can be improved, the array antenna device can be made smaller and its electrical characteristics can be improved.

[0176] In the antenna device according to the eleventh embodiment, the active circuits constituting the converter group and the signal source group may be incorporated in the same multi-layer dielectric substrate 1 . Alternatively, the transducers may be formed on multiple dielectric layers on a printed circuit board, and the active circuitry constituting the signal sources may be incorporated in an RFIC. In this case, the dielectric layer on which the balanced-unbalanced line converter 100A is formed and the RFIC incorporating the active circuit may be electrically connected by wire bonding, or the RFIC may be flip-chip mounted on a printed circuit board using a conductive material such as a solder ball.

[0177] The antenna elements may also be mounted on an RFIC incorporated in the same multi-layer dielectric substrate 1 as the active circuits constituting the converters and signal sources, forming an on-chip array antenna. Alternatively, the antenna elements may be formed on a printed circuit board having transducers formed on a dielectric layer.

[0178] The antenna apparatus of embodiment 11 includes n sets of antenna apparatuses, each set including the antenna element 200A, the signal source 300A, and the balanced-unbalanced line converter 100A shown in embodiment 9. However, the antenna apparatus may include n sets of antenna apparatuses, each set including the antenna element 200B, the signal source 300B, and the balanced-unbalanced line converter 100B shown in embodiment 10, and be controlled by the control unit 400.

[0179] In this case, the balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001 to 1000 constitute a converter group. n Each of them is a balanced line-unbalanced line converter that converts an unbalanced signal, a so-called single-phase signal, into a balanced signal, a so-called differential signal, and is the balanced line-unbalanced line converter shown in any of the first to eighth embodiments. Antenna elements 2001 to 200 constituting the antenna element group n Each of them corresponds to a balanced line-unbalanced line converter 1001 to 100 n Each transmits radio waves based on a balanced signal input thereto, and is similar to the antenna element 200B in the tenth embodiment. Signal sources 3001 to 300 that make up the signal source group n Each corresponds to an antenna element 2001 to 200 n The unbalanced signal corresponding to the radio wave to be transmitted is output as an output signal to the balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100. n The signal source 200B outputs signals to the respective inputs, and is similar to the signal source 200B in the tenth embodiment.

[0180] Embodiment 12 The antenna device according to the twelfth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The antenna device according to the twelfth embodiment includes a plurality of antenna elements 2001 to 200 n The array antenna device is provided with: The antenna device according to the eleventh embodiment includes antenna elements 2001 to 200 n For each of them, balanced line to unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 n and signal sources 3001 to 300 n These are configured as a pair in one-to-one correspondence.

[0181] In contrast, the antenna device according to the twelfth embodiment has antenna elements 2001 to 200 n For each, a balanced line to unbalanced line converter 100 11 , 100 12 ~100 n1 , 100 n2 and signal source 300 11 , 300 12 ~300 n1 , 300 n is configured as a pair that corresponds to one pair of p (p is a natural number greater than or equal to 2). In this example, p=2. In the following description, the antenna device will be described as a transmitting system. As for the receiving system, the only difference is the components of the active circuit connected to the antenna element, i.e., the receiving circuit 300 that processes the signal converted by the balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100 from the received signal based on the radio waves received by the antenna element 200, and the configuration is the same.

[0182] The antenna device according to the twelfth embodiment includes a plurality of antenna elements 2001 to 200 n and a plurality of signal sources 300 11 , 300 12 ~300 n1 , 300 n2 A signal source group having a plurality of signal source groups each having a balanced line to unbalanced line converter 100. 11 , 100 12 ~100 n1 , 100 n2 a control unit 400; and a plurality of power combining circuits 5001 to 500. n The signal processing circuit includes a synthesis circuit group having the following components:

[0183] Antenna elements 2001-200 n Each of the signal source groups and each of the transducer groups are provided correspondingly. Each converter group includes, in this example, two balanced-to-unbalanced converters 100. 111 , 100 12 ~100 n1 100 n2 Let us consider one group. Balanced line to unbalanced line converter 100 11 , 100 12 ~100 n1 , 100 n2 Each of them is a balanced line-unbalanced line converter that converts a balanced signal, so-called differential signal, into an unbalanced signal, so-called single-phase signal, and is a balanced line-unbalanced line converter shown in any of the first to eighth embodiments.

[0184] A plurality of power combining circuits 5001 to 500 constituting a combining circuit group n Each of the antenna elements 2001 to 200n Each of them has a first input end, a second input end and an output end. Power combining circuit 5001~500 n Each of them combines the same unbalanced signals input to the first input terminal and the second input terminal, respectively, and outputs the result as a single unbalanced signal to the output terminal.

[0185] Power combining circuit 5001~500 n Each of the first input terminal and the second input terminal is connected to two balanced-unbalanced converters 100 in each of the corresponding converter groups. 11 , 100 12 ~100 n1 , 100 n2 Two corresponding third signal lines 9 functioning as output signal lines through which unbalanced signals from the unbalanced side line 4 are output. 11 , 9 12 ~9 n1 , 9 n2 are connected to each other.

[0186] Antenna elements 2001 to 200 constituting the antenna element group n Each of the power combiner circuits 5001 to 500 n Two balanced-to-unbalanced converters 100 connected to the respective output terminals of the corresponding converter groups 11 , 100 12 ~100 n1 , 100 n2 The two unbalanced signals from each are combined and input.

[0187] Antenna elements 2001-200 n Each transmits radio waves based on an unbalanced signal that is a combination of two unbalanced signals. Antenna elements 2001-200 n The amount of power each is calculated by the power combiner circuits 5001 to 500 n Each results in twice the power of the unbalanced signal. Antenna elements 2001-200 n Each of them is similar to the antenna element 200A in the ninth embodiment.

[0188] Each of the signal source groups constituting the signal source group includes antenna elements 3001 to 3002 constituting the antenna element group. n Corresponds to each one. Each signal source group includes two signal sources 300 in this example. 11 , 300 12 ~300 n1 , 300 n2 Let us consider one group. Each signal source group is made up of two signal sources 300 11 , 300 12 ~300 n1 , 300 n2 Each corresponds to an antenna element 2001 to 200 n Each outputs a balanced signal for the radio wave it transmits as an output signal.

[0189] Each signal source group is made up of two signal sources 300 11 , 300 12 ~300 n1 , 300 n2 Two first signal lines 7 each functioning as an input signal line corresponding to a respective one of the signal source groups 11 , 7 12 ~7 n1 , 7 n2 and the second signal line 8 11 , 8 12 ~8 n1 , 8 n2 are connected to each other. Each signal source group is made up of two signal sources 300 11 , 300 12 ~300 n1 , 300 n2 One of the balanced signals from each of the signal source groups is fed to the first signal line 7 corresponding to each of the signal source groups. 11 , 7 12 ~7 n1 , 7 n2 The balanced line-unbalanced line converters 100 of the converter groups corresponding to the signal source groups through the respective 11 , 100 12 ~100 n1 , 100n2 The signal is input to each of the first transmission lines 2.

[0190] Each signal source group is made up of two signal sources 300 11 , 300 12 ~300 n1 , 300 n2 The other of the balanced signals from each of the signal sources is fed to a second signal line 8 corresponding to each of the signal source groups. 11 , 8 12 ~8 n1 , 8 n2 The balanced line-unbalanced line converters 100 of the converter groups corresponding to the signal source groups through the respective 11 , 100 12 ~100 n1 , 100 n2 The inputs are input to the respective second transmission lines 3 . signal source 300 11 , 300 12 ~300 n1 , 300 n2 Each of them is similar to signal source 300A in the ninth embodiment.

[0191] Balanced line to unbalanced line converter 100 11 , 100 12 ~100 n1 , 100 n2 In each of these, one of the balanced signals input to the first transmission line 2 flows as an unbalanced signal in the first transmission line section 43 due to electromagnetic coupling with the first transmission line section 43 of the unbalanced side line 4 that constitutes the first coupled line C1, and the other of the balanced signals input to the second transmission line 3 flows as an unbalanced signal in the second transmission line section 4 due to electromagnetic coupling with the second transmission line section 44 of the unbalanced side line 4 that constitutes the second coupled line C2, and the passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 is improved by the third coupled line C3 constituted by the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6, and the signal is output to the third signal line 9 as an unbalanced signal.

[0192] The control unit 400 controls the signal sources 300 that make up the signal source group. 11 , 300 12 ~300n1 , 300 n2 Each of the signal source groups is controlled, and the signal source 300 11 , 300 12 ~300 n1 , 300 n2 It controls the supply of power to each and the timing of the output as a balanced signal relative to the input power. Under the control of the control unit 400, the antenna elements 2001 to 200 constituting the antenna element group are n The transmission of radio waves from each is controlled, and the antenna device functions as an array antenna device.

[0193] The antenna apparatus according to the twelfth embodiment thus configured includes n sets of configurations each including a signal source group having an antenna element and a plurality of signal sources and a converter group having a plurality of balanced line-unbalanced line converters, and the n sets of configurations each including a signal source 300 controlled in units of the signal source group. 11 , 300 12 ~300 n1 , 300 n2 The balanced signals from each of the signal source groups shown in any one of the first to eighth embodiments are fed to the balanced line-unbalanced line converters 100 of the converter groups corresponding to each of the signal source groups shown in any one of the first to eighth embodiments. 11 , 100 12 ~100 n1 , 100 n2 The antenna elements 2001 to 200 corresponding to each of the converter groups are connected to each other as unbalanced signals. n Since the outputs are respectively, the balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100 11 , 100 12 ~100 n1 , 100 n2 The size of the converter group is reduced to obtain a balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100. 11 , 100 12 ~100 n1 , 100 n2 The electrical characteristics of each of the antenna elements 2001 to 200 can be improved. n Since the amount of power supplied to each element can be increased, the array antenna device can be made smaller. nBy increasing the power transmitted from each antenna, the electrical characteristics of the array antenna apparatus can be improved.

[0194] In the antenna device according to the twelfth embodiment, the active circuits constituting the converter group and the signal source group and the combiner circuit group may be incorporated in the same multi-layer dielectric substrate 1. Alternatively, the converters may be formed on multiple dielectric layers provided on a printed circuit board, the active circuits constituting the signal sources may be incorporated in an RFIC, and the combiner circuits may be formed on the printed circuit board. In this case, the dielectric layer on which the transducers are formed and the RFIC incorporating the active circuitry may be electrically connected by wire bonding, or the RFIC may be flip-chip mounted to a printed circuit board using conductive material such as solder balls.

[0195] The antenna elements may also be mounted on an RFIC incorporated in the same multi-layer dielectric substrate 1 as the active circuits and combiner circuits constituting the converters and signal sources, to form an on-chip array antenna. Alternatively, the antenna elements may be formed on a printed circuit board having transducers formed on a dielectric layer.

[0196] The antenna apparatus of embodiment 12 is an antenna apparatus including n sets of antenna apparatuses, each set including the antenna element 200A and a signal source group having a plurality of signal sources 300A shown in embodiment 9, and a converter group having a plurality of balanced line-unbalanced line converters 100A. However, another antenna apparatus may be an antenna apparatus including n sets of antenna apparatuses, each set including the antenna element 200B and a signal source group having a plurality of signal sources 300B shown in embodiment 10, and a converter group having a plurality of balanced line-unbalanced line converters 100B, and controlled by the control unit 400.

[0197] In this case, the balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100 constituting the converter group 11 , 100 12 ~100 n1 , 100 n2Each of them is a balanced line-unbalanced line converter that converts an unbalanced signal, a so-called single-phase signal, into a balanced signal, a so-called differential signal, and is the balanced line-unbalanced line converter shown in any of the first to eighth embodiments.

[0198] Antenna elements 2001 to 200 constituting the antenna element group n A plurality of balanced-unbalanced converters 100 each constituting a corresponding converter group. 11 , 100 12 ~100 n1 , 100 n2 Each transmits radio waves based on a balanced signal input thereto, and is similar to the antenna element 200B in the tenth embodiment.

[0199] Signal source 300 constituting the signal source group 11 , 300 12 ~300 n1 , 300 n2 Each of the antenna elements 2001 to 200 corresponds to a signal source group. n The balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100 of the converter group corresponding to the signal source group uses the unbalanced signal for the radio wave to be transmitted as the output signal. 11 , 100 12 ~100 n1 , 100 n2 The signal source 200B outputs signals to the respective inputs, and is similar to the signal source 200B in the tenth embodiment.

[0200] Embodiment 13 The antenna device according to the thirteenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The antenna device according to the thirteenth embodiment includes a plurality of antenna elements 2001 to 200 n The array antenna device is provided with: The antenna device according to the eleventh embodiment includes antenna elements 2001 to 200 n For each of them, balanced line to unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 n and signal sources 3001 to 300 n These are configured as a pair in one-to-one correspondence.

[0201] In contrast, the antenna device according to the thirteenth embodiment has antenna elements 2001 to 200 n For each of them, balanced line to unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 m and signal sources 3001 to 300 m are configured as a pair in a 1:1 / q correspondence. q is a natural number greater than or equal to 2, that is, plural, and m is n / q. In this example, q=2. In the following description, the antenna device will be described as a transmitting system. As for the receiving system, the only difference is the components of the active circuit connected to the antenna element, i.e., the receiving circuit 300 that processes the signal converted by the balanced line-unbalanced line converter 100 from the received signal based on the radio waves received by the antenna element 200, and the configuration is the same.

[0202] The antenna device according to the thirteenth embodiment includes a plurality of antenna elements 2001 to 200 n and a plurality of signal sources 3001 to 3002 corresponding to the plurality of antenna element groups. m and a plurality of balanced-unbalanced converters 1001 to 100 corresponding to a plurality of antenna element groups. m A converter group having the above, a control unit 400, and a plurality of power distribution circuits 6001 to 600 m The power supply circuit includes a distribution circuit group having:

[0203] A plurality of antenna element groups and a plurality of signal sources 3001 to 300 m Each of the balanced line to unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 m Each of them is provided correspondingly. A plurality of antenna element groups and a plurality of signal sources 3001 to 300 are received correspondingly. m Each of the balanced line to unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 m Each of them constitutes one sub-array. In this example, a sub-array is formed by two antenna elements, one signal source, and one balanced-unbalanced converter, and an array antenna is formed by m sub-arrays.

[0204] Balanced line to unbalanced line converter 1001~100 m Each of them is a balanced line-unbalanced line converter that converts a balanced signal, so-called differential signal, into an unbalanced signal, so-called single-phase signal, and is a balanced line-unbalanced line converter shown in any of the first to eighth embodiments. A plurality of power distribution circuits 6001 to 600 constituting a distribution circuit group m Each of the antenna elements corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of antenna element groups, and has an input end, a first output end and a second output end. Power distribution circuit 6001~600 m Each of them splits an unbalanced signal input to its input end into two unbalanced signals, and outputs the same unbalanced signal to each of the first and second output ends.

[0205] Power distribution circuit 6001~600 m Each input terminal is provided with a corresponding one of a plurality of balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 m The corresponding third signal lines 91 to 9 function as output signal lines through which unbalanced signals from the respective unbalanced side lines 4 are output. m are connected to each other. Antenna elements 2001 to 200 constituting the antenna element group n Each of the distribution circuits 6001 to 6000 corresponds to each of the antenna element groups. m Balanced-unbalanced converters 1001 to 1000 are connected to the first output terminal and the second output terminal of each of the antenna element groups. m The unbalanced signals from each of the distribution circuits 6001 to 600 m Each is divided into two and input.

[0206] Antenna elements 2001-200 n Each of the distribution circuits 6001 to 6000 corresponds to each of the antenna element groups.m Each transmits radio waves based on an unbalanced signal split into two. Antenna elements 2001-200 n Each of them transmits radio waves based on the same unbalanced signal for each antenna element group, that is, for each subarray. In this example, each antenna element group includes two antenna elements 2001 to 200 n Let us consider one group. Antenna elements 2001-200 n Each of them is similar to the antenna element 200A in the ninth embodiment.

[0207] Signal sources 3001 to 300 that make up the signal source group m Each of them corresponds to a plurality of antenna element groups constituting the antenna element group. Signal source 3001~300 m Two first signal lines 71 to 7 function as corresponding input signal lines, respectively. m and the second signal lines 81 to 8 m are connected to each other.

[0208] Signal source 3001~300 m One of the balanced signals from each of the balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 m The signal is input to each of the first transmission lines 2. Signal source 3001~300 m The other signal of the balanced signal from each of the balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 m The inputs are input to the respective second transmission lines 3 . Signal source 3001~300 m Each of them is similar to signal source 200A in the ninth embodiment.

[0209] Balanced line to unbalanced line converter 1001~100 mIn each of these, one of the balanced signals input to the first transmission line 2 flows as an unbalanced signal in the first transmission line section 43 due to electromagnetic coupling with the first transmission line section 43 of the unbalanced side line 4 that constitutes the first coupled line C1, and the other of the balanced signals input to the second transmission line 3 flows as an unbalanced signal in the second transmission line section 4 due to electromagnetic coupling with the second transmission line section 44 of the unbalanced side line 4 that constitutes the second coupled line C2, and the passing phase difference between the first transmission line 2 and the second transmission line 3 is improved by the third coupled line C3 constituted by the first open stub 5 and the second open stub 6, and the signal is output to the third signal line 9 as an unbalanced signal.

[0210] The control unit 400 controls the signal sources 3001 to 300 m Each of them is controlled by signal sources 3001 to 300 m It controls the supply of power to each and the timing of the output as a balanced signal relative to the input power. Under the control of the control unit 400, the antenna elements 2001 to 200 constituting the antenna element group are n The transmission of radio waves from each of the antenna element groups is controlled for each antenna element group, and the antenna device functions as an array antenna device in which each antenna element group acts as a sub-array.

[0211] The antenna apparatus according to the thirteenth embodiment thus configured includes n sets of configurations each including a plurality of antenna element groups, a signal source, and a balanced-unbalanced line converter, and acts as a sub-array for each antenna element group. m The balanced signals from each of the above are transmitted to the corresponding balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 shown in any of the first to eighth embodiments. m Each of the antenna elements 2001 to 200 is connected to each of the antenna element groups 2001 to 2000 as an unbalanced signal. n Since each output is output, the balanced line to unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 m The size of the converter group is reduced to form balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001-100. mSince the electrical characteristics of each element can be improved, the array antenna device can be made smaller and its electrical characteristics can be improved.

[0212] In the antenna device according to the thirteenth embodiment, the active circuits constituting the converter group and the signal source group and the distribution circuit group may be incorporated in the same multi-layer dielectric substrate 1. Alternatively, the converters may be formed on multiple dielectric layers provided on a printed circuit board, the active circuits constituting the signal sources may be incorporated in an RFIC, and the distribution circuits may be formed on the printed circuit board. In this case, the dielectric layer on which the transducers are formed and the RFIC incorporating the active circuitry may be electrically connected by wire bonding, or the RFIC may be flip-chip mounted to a printed circuit board using conductive material such as solder balls.

[0213] The antenna elements may also be mounted on an RFIC incorporated in the same multi-layer dielectric substrate 1 as the active circuits and distribution circuits constituting the converters and signal sources, to form an on-chip array antenna. Alternatively, the antenna elements may be formed on a printed circuit board having transducers formed on a dielectric layer.

[0214] The antenna apparatus of embodiment 13 includes n antenna apparatuses, each of which includes a plurality of antenna elements 200A, signal source 300A, and balanced-to-unbalanced line converter 100A as shown in embodiment 9 constituting an antenna element group. However, the antenna apparatus may include n antenna apparatuses, each of which includes antenna elements 200B, signal source 300B, and balanced-to-unbalanced line converter 100B as shown in embodiment 10 constituting an antenna element group, as another antenna apparatus, and be controlled by control unit 400.

[0215] In this case, the balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001 to 1000 constitute a converter group. mEach of them is a balanced line-unbalanced line converter that converts an unbalanced signal, a so-called single-phase signal, into a balanced signal, a so-called differential signal, and is a balanced line-unbalanced line converter shown in any of the first to eighth embodiments.

[0216] Antenna elements 2001 to 200 constituting the antenna element group n Each of the balanced line-unbalanced line converters 1001 to 1000 corresponds to each antenna element group. m Each transmits radio waves based on a balanced signal input thereto, and is similar to the antenna element 200B in the tenth embodiment.

[0217] Signal sources 3001 to 300 that make up the signal source group m Each of the antenna elements 2001 to 200 corresponds to a corresponding antenna element group. n The signal sources 3001 to 300 output unbalanced signals corresponding to the radio waves to be transmitted. m Balanced line to unbalanced line converters 1001 to 100 m The signal source 200B outputs signals to the respective inputs, and is similar to the signal source 200B in the tenth embodiment.

[0218] It should be noted that the embodiments may be freely combined, or any of the components in each embodiment may be modified, or any of the components in each embodiment may be omitted. [Industrial Applicability]

[0219] The balanced-unbalanced line converter according to the present disclosure is suitable for use as a balanced-unbalanced line converter that operates primarily at high frequencies such as the sub-terahertz band or the terahertz band. The balanced-unbalanced converter according to the present disclosure is suitable for use in high-frequency devices such as communications and radar. [Explanation of symbols]

[0220] 100A, 100B, 1001~100 n , 100 11 , 10012 ~100 n1 , 100 n2 Balanced line-unbalanced line converter, 1 dielectric substrate, 11 first conductor layer, 12 second conductor layer, 13, 14 ground layer, 2 first transmission line, 23 first line portion, 24 second line portion, 25 third line portion, 3 second transmission line, 33 first line portion, 34 second line portion, 35 third line portion, 4 unbalanced side line, 43 first transmission line portion, 43a first line portion, 43b second line portion, 43c third line portion, 44 second transmission line portion, 44a first line portion, 44b second line portion, 44c third line portion, 45 connecting line portion, 5 first open stub, 51 extension portion, 52 coupling portion, 53 notch, 6 Second open stub, 7, 71-7 n , 7 11 , 7 12 ~7 n1 , 7 n2 1st signal line, 8, 81~8 n , 8 11 , 8 12 ~8 n1 , 8 n2 Second signal line, 9, 91-9 n , 9 11 , 9 12 ~9 n1 , 9 n2 A third signal line, C1 a first coupling line, C2 a second coupling line, C3 a third coupling line, 200A, 200B, 2001 to 200 n Antenna elements, 300A, 300B, 3001-300 n , 300 11 , 300 12 ~300 n1 , 300 n2 Active circuit, 400 Control section, 5001-500 n Power synthesis circuit, 6001~600 m Power distribution circuit.

Claims

1. a balanced side line having a first transmission line, one end of which is a first signal end and the other end of which is short-circuited, and a second transmission line, one end of which is a second signal end and the other end of which is short-circuited; an unbalanced side line having one end portion serving as a third signal end portion and the other end portion serving as an open end, the unbalanced side line including a first transmission line portion constituting a first coupled line with the first transmission line, and a second transmission line portion constituting a second coupled line with the second transmission line; a first open stub connected to one end of the second transmission line; a second open stub connected to the unbalanced side line and constituting a third coupled line with the first open stub; A balanced line to unbalanced line converter comprising:

2. A multi-layer dielectric substrate having a first conductor layer and a second conductor layer that is a different layer from the first conductor layer, the balanced side line and the first open stub are formed on the first conductor layer, the unbalanced side line and the second open stub are formed on the second conductor layer.

2. The balanced-to-unbalanced converter according to claim 1.

3. a first transmission line portion of the unbalanced side line is disposed opposite to a first transmission line portion of the balanced side line in an interlayer direction; the second transmission line portion of the unbalanced side line is disposed opposite to the second transmission line of the balanced side line in the interlayer direction; the unbalanced-side line has a connection line portion disposed in a gap between a first transmission line and a second transmission line of the balanced-side line so as to face each other in an interlayer direction, the second open stub is connected to a connection line portion of the unbalanced side line; 3. The balanced-to-unbalanced converter according to claim 2.

4. a multi-layer dielectric substrate having a first conductor layer, a second conductor layer that is a layer different from the first conductor layer, and a ground layer that is a layer different from the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer; the first transmission line is formed on the first conductor layer, one end of the first transmission line is connected to a first signal line formed on the first conductor layer, the other end of the first transmission line is connected to the ground layer, and the first transmission line has a first line portion extending outward, a second line portion bent at a right angle from the first line portion and extending, and a third line portion bent at a right angle from the second line portion and extending inward, the second transmission line is formed on the first conductor layer, one end of the second transmission line is connected to a second signal line formed on the first conductor layer, the other end of the second transmission line is connected to the ground layer, an end face of one end of the second transmission line is disposed opposite to an end face of one end of the first transmission line via a gap, the second transmission line has a first line portion extending outward, a second line portion bent at a right angle to extend from the first line portion, and a third line portion bent at a right angle to extend inward from the second line portion, the unbalanced-side line is formed on the second conductor layer, one end of the unbalanced-side line is connected to a third signal line formed on the second conductor layer, an end face of the one end of the unbalanced-side line is arranged opposite to an end face of the other end of the unbalanced-side line, and the one end and the other end of the unbalanced-side line are arranged at positions opposite to the other end of the first transmission line and the other end of the second transmission line, one end of the first transmission line portion of the unbalanced side line is one end of the unbalanced side line, the other end of the second transmission line portion of the unbalanced side line is the other end of the unbalanced side line, the first transmission line portion and the second transmission line portion of the unbalanced side line are formed continuously, the first transmission line portion of the unbalanced side line has a first line portion, a second line portion and a third line portion arranged opposite the first line portion, the second line portion and the third line portion of the first transmission line, respectively, and the second transmission line portion of the unbalanced side line has a first line portion, a second line portion and a third line portion arranged opposite the first line portion, the second line portion and the third line portion of the second transmission line, respectively; the first open stub is formed on the first conductor layer and extends inward from one end of the second transmission line; the second open stub is formed on the second conductor layer and extends inward from a line portion of the unbalanced side line arranged at a position facing one end of the unbalanced side line to face the first open stub.

2. The balanced-to-unbalanced converter according to claim 1.

5. 5. The balanced-to-unbalanced line converter according to claim 4, wherein the first open stub has an extension portion extending inward from one end of the second transmission line and a coupling portion bending inwardly and extending from the extension portion and facing the second open stub.

6. 6. The balanced-unbalanced line converter according to claim 5, wherein the first open stub has a notch on the outside of a bent portion between the extension portion and the coupling portion.

7. 6. The balanced-to-unbalanced line converter according to claim 5, wherein the first open stub has an arc-shaped notch on the outside of a bent portion between the extension portion and the coupling portion.

8. 5. The balanced-to-unbalanced line converter according to claim 4, wherein the first open stub extends inward from one end of the second transmission line and has a coupling portion facing the second open stub.

9. 9. The balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to claim 1, wherein the length of each of the first open stub and the second open stub is 1 / 30 to 1 / 4 of a wavelength at a center frequency of a signal to be transmitted.

10. a multi-layer dielectric substrate having a first conductor layer, a second conductor layer that is a layer different from the first conductor layer, and a ground layer that is a layer different from the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer; the first transmission line is formed linearly on the first conductor layer, one end of the first transmission line is connected to a first signal line formed on the first conductor layer, and the other end of the first transmission line is connected to the ground layer; the second transmission line is formed linearly on the first conductor layer, one end of the second transmission line is connected to a second signal line formed on the first conductor layer, the other end of the second transmission line is connected to the ground layer, an end face of one end of the second transmission line faces an end face of one end of the first transmission line via a gap, and the second transmission line and the first transmission line are arranged in a straight line, the unbalanced-side line is formed linearly on the second conductor layer, one end of the unbalanced-side line is connected to a third signal line formed on the second conductor layer, one end and the other end of the unbalanced-side line are arranged at a position opposing the other end of the first transmission line and the other end of the second transmission line, one end of a first transmission line portion of the unbalanced-side line is one end of the unbalanced-side line, the other end of the second transmission line portion of the unbalanced-side line is the other end of the unbalanced-side line, the first transmission line portion and the second transmission line portion of the unbalanced-side line are formed continuously, the first transmission line portion of the unbalanced-side line is arranged opposing the first transmission line, and the second transmission line portion of the unbalanced-side line is arranged opposing the second transmission line, the first open stub is formed on the first conductor layer and extends from one end of the second transmission line in a direction perpendicular to the second transmission line; the second open stub is formed on the second conductor layer, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the unbalanced line in a central portion of the unbalanced line so as to face the first open stub; 2. The balanced-to-unbalanced converter according to claim 1.

11. 11. The balanced-to-unbalanced line converter according to claim 10, wherein the first open stub has an extension portion extending from an end face of one end of the second transmission line so as to fill a gap between an end face of one end of the first transmission line and an end face of one end of the second transmission line, and a coupling portion bent at a right angle from the extension portion and extending to face the second open stub.

12. 12. The balanced-unbalanced line converter according to claim 11, wherein the first open stub has a notch on the outside of a bent portion between the extension portion and the coupling portion.

13. 12. The balanced-to-unbalanced line converter according to claim 11, wherein the first open stub has a circular arc-shaped notch on the outside of a bent portion between the extension portion and the coupling portion.

14. 11. The balanced-to-unbalanced line converter according to claim 10, wherein the first open stub is bent at a right angle to extend from one end of the second transmission line and has a coupling portion facing the second open stub.

15. The balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the length of each of the first open stub and the second open stub is 1 / 30 to 1 / 4 of a wavelength at a center frequency of a signal to be transmitted.

16. 2. The balanced-unbalanced line converter according to claim 1, wherein the balanced side line, the unbalanced side line, the first open stub, and the second open stub are formed on the same conductor layer.

17. an antenna element that receives an unbalanced signal and transmits radio waves based on the input unbalanced signal; a signal source that outputs a balanced signal for the radio wave transmitted by the antenna element; a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, claims 10 to 14, and claim 16, which receives a balanced signal from the signal source, converts the input balanced signal into an unbalanced signal, and outputs the unbalanced signal to the antenna element; An antenna device comprising:

18. An antenna element that receives an unbalanced signal and transmits radio waves based on the input unbalanced signal; a signal source that outputs a balanced signal for the radio wave transmitted by the antenna element; a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to claim 9, which receives a balanced signal from the signal source, converts the input balanced signal into an unbalanced signal, and outputs the unbalanced signal to the antenna element; An antenna device comprising:

19. An antenna element to which an unbalanced signal is input and which transmits radio waves based on the input unbalanced signal; a signal source that outputs a balanced signal for the radio wave transmitted by the antenna element; a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to claim 15, which receives a balanced signal from the signal source, converts the input balanced signal into an unbalanced signal, and outputs the unbalanced signal to the antenna element; An antenna device comprising:

20. an antenna element that receives a balanced signal and transmits radio waves based on the input balanced signal; a signal source that outputs an unbalanced signal corresponding to the radio wave transmitted by the antenna element; a balanced line-unbalanced line converter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, claims 10 to 14, and claim 16, which receives an unbalanced signal from the signal source, converts the input unbalanced signal into a balanced signal, and outputs the balanced signal to the antenna element; An antenna device comprising:

21. An antenna element to which a balanced signal is input and which transmits radio waves based on the input balanced signal; a signal source that outputs an unbalanced signal corresponding to the radio wave transmitted by the antenna element; a balanced line-to-unbalanced line converter according to claim 9, which receives an unbalanced signal from the signal source, converts the input unbalanced signal into a balanced signal, and outputs the balanced signal to the antenna element; An antenna device comprising:

22. An antenna element to which a balanced signal is input and which transmits radio waves based on the input balanced signal; a signal source that outputs an unbalanced signal corresponding to the radio wave transmitted by the antenna element; a balanced-to-unbalanced line converter according to claim 15, which receives an unbalanced signal from the signal source, converts the input unbalanced signal into a balanced signal, and outputs the balanced signal to the antenna element; An antenna device comprising:

23. an antenna element group including a plurality of antenna elements each of which receives an unbalanced signal or a balanced signal as an input signal and transmits radio waves based on the input signal; a signal source group including a plurality of signal sources each corresponding to a plurality of antenna elements of the antenna element group, each outputting one of the unbalanced signal and the balanced signal in response to a radio wave transmitted by the corresponding antenna element as an output signal; a converter group having a plurality of balanced line-unbalanced line converters according to any one of claims 1 to 8, claims 10 to 14, and claim 16, each converter corresponding to a plurality of antenna elements of the antenna element group and a plurality of signal sources of the signal source group, each converter receiving an output signal from a corresponding signal source, converting one of the input unbalanced signal or the balanced signal into the other of the unbalanced signal or the balanced signal, and outputting the converted signal to the corresponding antenna element; An antenna device comprising:

24. An antenna element group having a plurality of antenna elements, each of which receives an unbalanced signal or a balanced signal as an input signal and transmits radio waves based on the input signal; a signal source group including a plurality of signal sources each corresponding to a plurality of antenna elements of the antenna element group, each outputting one of the unbalanced signal and the balanced signal in response to a radio wave transmitted by the corresponding antenna element as an output signal; a converter group having a plurality of balanced line-unbalanced line converters according to claim 9, each converter corresponding to a plurality of antenna elements of the antenna element group and a plurality of signal sources of the signal source group, each converter receiving an output signal from a corresponding signal source, converting one of the input unbalanced signal or the balanced signal into the other of the unbalanced signal or the balanced signal, and outputting the converted signal to the corresponding antenna element; An antenna device comprising:

25. An antenna element group having a plurality of antenna elements, each of which receives an unbalanced signal or a balanced signal as an input signal and transmits radio waves based on the input signal; a signal source group including a plurality of signal sources each corresponding to a plurality of antenna elements of the antenna element group, each outputting one of the unbalanced signal and the balanced signal in response to a radio wave transmitted by the corresponding antenna element as an output signal; a converter group having a plurality of balanced line-unbalanced line converters according to claim 15, each converter corresponding to a plurality of antenna elements of the antenna element group and a plurality of signal sources of the signal source group, each converter receiving an output signal from a corresponding signal source, converting the input one of the unbalanced signal or the balanced signal into the other of the unbalanced signal or the balanced signal, and outputting the converted signal to the corresponding antenna element; An antenna device comprising:

26. an antenna element group including a plurality of antenna elements each of which receives an unbalanced signal or a balanced signal as an input signal and transmits radio waves based on the input signal; a signal source group including a plurality of signal source groups each including a plurality of signal sources, each of which corresponds to a plurality of antenna elements of the antenna element group, and each of which outputs, as an output signal, one of the unbalanced signal and the balanced signal in response to a radio wave transmitted by the corresponding antenna element; a converter group including a plurality of converter groups having a plurality of balanced line-unbalanced line converters according to any one of claims 1 to 8, claims 10 to 14, and claim 16, each of which corresponds to a plurality of antenna elements of the antenna element group and a plurality of signal source groups of the signal source group, and each of which receives output signals from a plurality of signal sources of the corresponding signal source group, converts one of the input unbalanced signal or the balanced signal to the other of the unbalanced signal or the balanced signal, and outputs the converted signal to the corresponding antenna element via a corresponding power combiner circuit; An antenna device comprising:

27. ​​An antenna element group having a plurality of antenna elements, each of which receives an unbalanced signal or a balanced signal as an input signal and transmits radio waves based on the input signal; a signal source group including a plurality of signal source groups each including a plurality of signal sources, each of which corresponds to a plurality of antenna elements of the antenna element group, and each of which outputs, as an output signal, one of the unbalanced signal and the balanced signal in response to a radio wave transmitted by the corresponding antenna element; a converter group including a plurality of converter groups having a plurality of balanced line-unbalanced line converters according to claim 9, each of which corresponds to a plurality of antenna elements of the antenna element group and a plurality of signal source groups of the signal source group, and each of which receives output signals from a plurality of signal sources of the corresponding signal source group, converts one of the input unbalanced signal or the balanced signal into the other of the unbalanced signal or the balanced signal, and outputs the converted signal to the corresponding antenna element via a corresponding power combiner circuit; An antenna device comprising:

28. An antenna element group having a plurality of antenna elements, each of which receives an unbalanced signal or a balanced signal as an input signal and transmits radio waves based on the input signal; a signal source group including a plurality of signal source groups each including a plurality of signal sources, each of which corresponds to a plurality of antenna elements of the antenna element group, and each of which outputs, as an output signal, one of the unbalanced signal and the balanced signal in response to a radio wave transmitted by the corresponding antenna element; a converter group including a plurality of converter groups having a plurality of balanced line-unbalanced line converters according to claim 15, each of which corresponds to a plurality of antenna elements of the antenna element group and a plurality of signal source groups of the signal source group, and each of which receives output signals from a plurality of signal sources of the corresponding signal source group, converts one of the input unbalanced signal or the balanced signal into the other of the unbalanced signal or the balanced signal, and outputs the converted signal to the corresponding antenna element via a corresponding power combiner circuit; An antenna device comprising:

29. an antenna element group including a plurality of antenna element groups each having a plurality of antenna elements that receive the other of the unbalanced signal or the balanced signal as an input signal and transmit radio waves based on the input signal; a signal source group including a plurality of signal sources each corresponding to a plurality of antenna element groups of the antenna element group, each outputting one of the unbalanced signal and the balanced signal in response to radio waves transmitted by the plurality of antenna elements of the corresponding antenna element group as an output signal; a converter group having a plurality of balanced line-unbalanced line converters according to any one of claims 1 to 8, claims 10 to 14, and claim 16, each of which corresponds to a plurality of antenna element groups of the antenna element group and a plurality of signal sources of the signal source group, each of which receives an output signal from a corresponding signal source, converts one of the input unbalanced signal or the balanced signal to the other of the unbalanced signal or the balanced signal, and outputs the converted signal to a plurality of antenna elements of the corresponding antenna element group via a power distribution circuit; An antenna device comprising:

30. An antenna element group including a plurality of antenna element groups, each of which receives an input signal, either an unbalanced signal or a balanced signal, and has a plurality of antenna elements that transmit radio waves based on the input signal; a signal source group including a plurality of signal sources each corresponding to a plurality of antenna element groups of the antenna element group, each outputting one of the unbalanced signal and the balanced signal in response to radio waves transmitted by the plurality of antenna elements of the corresponding antenna element group as an output signal; a converter group having a plurality of balanced line-unbalanced line converters according to claim 9, each converter corresponding to a plurality of antenna element groups of the antenna element group and a plurality of signal sources of the signal source group, each converter receiving an output signal from a corresponding signal source, converting the input one of the unbalanced signal or the balanced signal into the other of the unbalanced signal or the balanced signal, and outputting the converted signal to a plurality of antenna elements of the corresponding antenna element group via a power distribution circuit; An antenna device comprising:

31. An antenna element group including a plurality of antenna element groups, each of which receives an unbalanced signal or a balanced signal as an input signal and has a plurality of antenna elements that transmit radio waves based on the input signal; a signal source group including a plurality of signal sources each corresponding to a plurality of antenna element groups of the antenna element group, each outputting one of the unbalanced signal and the balanced signal in response to radio waves transmitted by the plurality of antenna elements of the corresponding antenna element group as an output signal; a converter group having a plurality of balanced line-unbalanced line converters according to claim 15, each converter corresponding to a plurality of antenna element groups of the antenna element group and a plurality of signal sources of the signal source group, each converter receiving an output signal from a corresponding signal source, converting one of the input unbalanced signal or the balanced signal into the other of the unbalanced signal or the balanced signal, and outputting the converted signal to a plurality of antenna elements of the corresponding antenna element group via a power distribution circuit; An antenna device comprising:

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