Electronic component

Abstract

This electronic component comprises an element body, a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, a first ground terminal, a directional coupling section, and a filter section. The directional coupling section includes a first signal path having one end thereof electrically connected to the first terminal, and a second signal path that has one end thereof electrically connected to the second terminal and includes a coupling section inductively coupled with the first signal path. The filter section has: a third signal path having one end thereof electrically connected to the other end of the first signal path and the other end electrically connected to the third terminal; and a first ground path having one end thereof electrically connected to the third signal path and the other end electrically connected to the first ground terminal. The other end of the second signal path is electrically connected to the first ground terminal, and a portion of the second signal path and a portion of the first ground path are disposed adjacent to each other.

Description

Electronic Components

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic components.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic component including a low-pass filter section constituted by an inductor pattern having an inductance component and a capacitor electrode having a ground capacitance component, an output terminal, a resistor connection terminal connected to a termination resistor element, a coupling pattern electromagnetically coupled to the inductor pattern, a first lead-out pattern arranged between the coupling pattern and the output terminal, and a second lead-out pattern arranged between the coupling pattern and the resistor connection terminal, the second lead-out pattern having a wiring length longer than that of the first lead-out pattern.

[0003] JP 2016-100797 A

[0004] The present disclosure describes an electronic component that can be miniaturized while still providing good characteristics.

[0005] an insulating layer and a conductive layer; a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a first ground terminal disposed on the insulating layer; a directional coupling portion formed on at least one of the conductive layers; and a filter portion formed on at least one of the conductive layers; the directional coupling portion having a first signal path electrically connected at one end to the first terminal and a second signal path electrically connected at one end to the second terminal and including a coupling portion inductively coupled to the first signal path; the filter portion having a third signal path electrically connected at one end to the other end of the first signal path and electrically connected at the other end to the third terminal; and a first ground path electrically connected at one end to the third signal path and electrically connected at the other end to the first ground terminal; the other end of the second signal path electrically connected to the first ground terminal;

[0006] According to each aspect and embodiment of the present disclosure, good characteristics can be obtained while achieving miniaturization.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic component according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a conductor pattern provided in the electronic component shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along line III-III in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the electronic component shown in Fig. 1.

[0008] [1] Overview of the embodiment (1) An electronic component according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an element body formed by stacking a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductor layers; a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a first ground terminal arranged on the element body; a directional coupling portion formed on at least one of the plurality of conductor layers; and a filter portion formed on at least one of the plurality of conductor layers, wherein the directional coupling portion has a first signal path having one end electrically connected to the first terminal and a second signal path having one end electrically connected to the second terminal and including a coupling portion that is inductively coupled to the first signal path; the filter portion has a third signal path having one end electrically connected to the other end of the first signal path and the other end electrically connected to the third terminal; and a first ground path having one end electrically connected to the third signal path and the other end electrically connected to the first ground terminal, wherein the other end of the second signal path is electrically connected to the first ground terminal, and a portion of the second signal path and a portion of the first ground path are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0009] In an electronic component according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the other end of the first signal path of the directional coupling unit is electrically connected to one end of the third signal path of the filter unit, and the other end of the second signal path of the directional coupling unit and the other end of the first ground path of the filter unit are electrically connected to a first ground terminal. In the electronic component, one end of the first signal path is electrically connected to the first terminal, the other end of the third signal path is electrically connected to the third terminal, and the other end of the second signal path and the other end of the first ground path are electrically connected to the same first ground terminal. In this way, in the electronic component, the first terminal (input terminal), the third terminal (output terminal), and the first ground terminal (ground terminal) are common to the directional coupling unit and the filter unit. This allows the electronic component to have a reduced number of terminals, thereby enabling miniaturization.

[0010] In the electronic component, the other end (output end) of the first signal path of the directional coupling section is connected to one end (input end) of the third signal path of the filter section. In this way, the electronic component does not include any other elements (such as a substrate) between the first signal path and the third signal path, thereby reducing insertion loss. Furthermore, in the electronic component, a portion of the second signal path and a portion of the first ground path are arranged adjacent to each other. In this way, by arranging the second signal path and the first ground path adjacent to each other, the impedance can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the second signal path and the first ground path. Therefore, the electronic component can achieve excellent characteristics.

[0011] (2) The electronic component according to (1), wherein the other end of the first signal path and the one end of the third signal path are electrically connected to each other on the same conductor layer among a plurality of conductor layers. In this configuration, the other end of the first signal path and the one end of the third signal path are connected to each other on the same conductor layer, which further reduces insertion loss.

[0012] (3) The electronic component according to (1) or (2), wherein the second signal path includes a first inductor formed in a first conductor layer, the same conductor layer in which the first signal path is formed, and a second conductor layer different from the first conductor layer, among the plurality of conductor layers, and the first inductor includes a first portion in the first conductor layer adjacent to the first signal path and parallel to the extending direction of the first signal path, and a second portion facing the first signal path in the stacking direction of the plurality of insulating layers. In this configuration, the first inductor is inductively coupled to the first signal path in both conductor layers. This allows the electronic component to increase the amount of inductive coupling between the first signal path and the second signal path (first inductor).

[0013] (4) The electronic component according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the second signal path includes a coupling portion that is inductively coupled to the first signal path and a first capacitor connected between the coupling portion and the first ground terminal. In this configuration, the first capacitor can adjust the impedance.

[0014] (5) The electronic component according to (4), wherein the first capacitor is disposed in a region between the second terminal and the first ground terminal in a plan view in a stacking direction of the insulating layers. In this configuration, the first capacitor is disposed in a region (dead space) between the second terminal and the first ground terminal, which allows for miniaturization.

[0015] (6) An electronic component according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the third signal path includes at least one or more second capacitors, the first ground path includes at least one or more second inductors, and the second capacitors and second inductors form a first filter.

[0016] (7) An electronic component described in (6), comprising a second ground terminal disposed on the base body, wherein the filter section has a second ground path having one end electrically connected to the third signal path and the other end electrically connected to the second ground terminal, wherein the second ground path includes at least one or more third inductors, and wherein the second capacitor and the third inductor constitute a second filter.

[0017] (8) The electronic component according to (3), wherein the first ground path includes a second inductor formed in the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer, and the first inductor and the second inductor are adjacent to each other in the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer. In this configuration, the first inductor and the second inductor are arranged adjacent to each other in the two layers, the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer, thereby adjusting impedance.

[0018] (9) An electronic component according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a directional coupling portion, a filter portion electrically connected to the directional coupling portion, first and second terminals electrically connected to the directional coupling portion, and third and fourth terminals electrically connected to the filter portion, wherein the directional coupling portion has a first line having one end connected to the first terminal and a second line having one end connected to the second terminal and inductively coupled to the first line, wherein the filter portion has a third line having one end connected to the other end of the first line and the other end electrically connected to the third terminal, and a fourth line having one end connected to the third line and the other end connected to the fourth terminal, the fourth line including a first circuit element, wherein the first circuit element includes at least one of one or more inductive elements and one or more capacitive elements, and the other end of the second line is electrically connected to the fourth terminal.

[0019] In an electronic component according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the other end of the first line of the directional coupling section is electrically connected to one end of the third line of the filter section, and the other end of the second line of the directional coupling section and the other end of the fourth line of the filter section are electrically connected to a fourth terminal. In the electronic component, one end of the first line is electrically connected to the first terminal, the other end of the third line is electrically connected to the third terminal, and the other end of the second line and the other end of the fourth line are electrically connected to the same fourth terminal. In this way, in the electronic component, the first terminal (input terminal), the third terminal (output terminal), and the fourth terminal (ground terminal) are common to the directional coupling section and the filter section. This allows the electronic component to have a reduced number of terminals, thereby enabling miniaturization.

[0020] In the electronic component, the other end (output end) of the first line of the directional coupling section is connected to one end (input end) of the third line of the filter section. Since the electronic component does not include any other elements (such as a substrate) between the first line and the third line, insertion loss can be reduced. Therefore, the electronic component can achieve excellent characteristics.

[0021] (10) The electronic component according to (9), wherein the third line includes a second circuit element, the second circuit element including at least one of one or more inductive elements and one or more capacitive elements, and a resonant circuit is formed by the at least one inductive element and the at least one capacitive element included in the first circuit element and the second circuit element. With this configuration, the resonant circuit can be formed in the filter section.

[0022] (11) The electronic component according to (9) or (10), further comprising: a fifth terminal connected to a filter section; the filter section having a fifth line having one end electrically connected to the third line and the other end electrically connected to the fifth terminal, the fifth line including a third circuit element; the third line including a first line portion including one end of the third line and a second line portion electrically connected between the first line portion and the third terminal; the third circuit element including at least one of one or more inductive elements and one or more capacitive elements; one end of the fourth line electrically connected to the first line portion, and one end of the fifth line electrically connected to the second line portion.

[0023] (12) The electronic component according to (11), wherein the second line portion includes a fourth circuit element, the fourth circuit element including at least one of one or more inductive elements and one or more capacitive elements, and a resonant circuit is formed by the at least one inductive element and the at least one capacitive element included in the third circuit element and the fourth circuit element. With this configuration, the resonant circuit can be formed in the filter portion.

[0024] (13) The electronic component according to (10), further comprising a fifth terminal connected to a filter, wherein the filter section has a fifth line having one end electrically connected to the third line and the other end electrically connected to the fifth terminal and including a third circuit element, wherein the third line includes a first line portion including one end of the third line and including a second circuit element, and a second line portion electrically connected between the first line portion and the third terminal, wherein the third circuit element includes at least one of one or more inductive elements and one or more capacitive elements, wherein one end of the fourth line is electrically connected to the first line portion, and one end of the fifth line is electrically connected to the second line portion.

[0025] (14) The electronic component according to (13), wherein the second line portion includes a fourth circuit element, the fourth circuit element including at least one of one or more inductive elements and one or more capacitive elements, and a resonant circuit is formed by the at least one inductive element and the at least one capacitive element included in the third circuit element and the fourth circuit element. With this configuration, the resonant circuit can be formed in the filter portion.

[0026] (15) The electronic component according to any one of (10) to (14), wherein the second line includes a second inductive element inductively coupled to the first inductive element included in the first line, a first capacitive element having one end electrically connected to the inductive element and the other end connected to the fourth terminal, and a resistive element having one end electrically connected to the inductive element and the other end connected to the fourth terminal, the first capacitive element and the resistive element being electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element, the second circuit element including an inductive element, and the inductive element in the second line and the inductive element of the second circuit element being inductively coupled. With this configuration, the impedance in the directional coupling section can be adjusted.

[0027] (16) An electronic component according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a directional coupling portion, a filter portion electrically connected to the directional coupling portion, first and second terminals electrically connected to the directional coupling portion, and third, fourth, and fifth terminals electrically connected to the filter portion, wherein the directional coupling portion includes a first line having one end connected to the first terminal and a second line having one end connected to the second terminal and inductively coupled to the first line, wherein the filter portion includes a third line including a first line portion electrically connected to the other end of the first line and a second line portion electrically connected between the first line portion and the third terminal, a fourth line having one end electrically connected to the first line portion and the other end electrically connected to the fourth terminal, and including a first circuit element having at least an inductive element, and a fifth line having one end electrically connected to the second line portion and the other end electrically connected to the fifth terminal, and including a second circuit element having at least an inductive element, wherein a resonant coupling is formed between the first circuit element and the second circuit element, and the other end of the second line is electrically connected to the fourth terminal.

[0028] In an electronic component according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the other end of the first line of the directional coupling section is electrically connected to one end of the third line of the filter section, and the other end of the second line of the directional coupling section and the other end of the fourth line of the filter section are electrically connected to a fourth terminal. In the electronic component, one end of the first line is electrically connected to the first terminal, the other end of the third line is electrically connected to the third terminal, and the other end of the second line and the other end of the fourth line are electrically connected to the same fourth terminal. In this way, in the electronic component, the first terminal (input terminal), the third terminal (output terminal), and the fourth terminal (ground terminal) are common to the directional coupling section and the filter section. This allows the electronic component to have a reduced number of terminals, thereby enabling miniaturization.

[0029] In the electronic component, the other end (output end) of the first line of the directional coupling section is connected to one end (input end) of the third line of the filter section. Since the electronic component does not include any other elements (such as a substrate) between the first line and the third line, insertion loss can be reduced. Therefore, the electronic component can achieve excellent characteristics.

[0030] (17) The electronic component according to (13), in which a capacitive element is connected between the first line portion and the second line portion.

[0031] (18) The electronic component according to (16), wherein the first circuit element includes a capacitive element electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element of the first circuit element, and the second circuit element includes a capacitive element electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element of the second circuit element.

[0032] (19) The electronic component according to (17), wherein the first circuit element includes a capacitive element electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element of the first circuit element, and the second circuit element includes a capacitive element electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element of the second circuit element.

[0033] (20) The electronic component according to (16), wherein the second line includes an inductive element inductively coupled to the first line, a first capacitive element having one end electrically connected to the inductive element and the other end connected to the fourth terminal, and a resistive element having one end electrically connected to the inductive element and the other end connected to the fourth terminal, wherein the first capacitive element and the resistive element are electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element, and the second circuit element includes an inductive element, and the inductive element in the second line and the inductive element of the first circuit element are inductively coupled.

[0034] [2] Exemplary embodiments Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic component according to one embodiment. The electronic component 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a composite electronic component. The electronic component 1 includes a directional coupler (directional coupling portion) and a filter (filter portion). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the electronic component 1 includes a substrate 2, an insulator (element body) 3, and a first terminal electrode (first terminal) 4, a second terminal electrode 5, a third terminal electrode (third terminal) 6, a fourth terminal electrode (second terminal) 7, a fifth terminal electrode (fourth terminal, first ground terminal) 8, and a sixth terminal electrode (fifth terminal, second ground terminal) 9, which are arranged on the insulator 3. In FIG. 1 , the insulator 3 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0036] The substrate 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The rectangular parallelepiped shape includes a rectangular parallelepiped shape with chamfered corners and ridges, and a rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded corners and ridges. The substrate 2 has, as its outer surfaces, a pair of opposing end faces 2 a, 2 b, a pair of opposing main faces 2 c, 2 d, and a pair of opposing side faces 2 e, 2 f.

[0037] The opposing direction in which the pair of end faces 2a, 2b face each other is the first direction D1. The opposing direction in which the pair of main faces 2c, 2d face each other is the second direction D2. The opposing direction in which the pair of side faces 2e, 2f face each other is the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the first direction D1 is the longitudinal direction of the substrate 2. The second direction D2 is the height direction of the substrate 2 and is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is the width direction of the substrate 2 and is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0038] The pair of end faces 2a, 2b extend in the second direction D2 to connect the pair of main faces 2c, 2d. The pair of end faces 2a, 2b also extend in the third direction D3. The pair of side faces 2e, 2f extend in the second direction D2 to connect the pair of main faces 2c, 2d. The pair of side faces 2e, 2f also extend in the first direction D1.

[0039] The substrate 2 is made of a material that is chemically and thermally stable, generates little stress, and can maintain a smooth surface. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, silicon single crystal, alumina, sapphire, aluminum nitride, MgO single crystal, and SrTiO ３ Single crystal, surface-oxidized silicon, glass, quartz, ferrite, etc. can be used.

[0040] The insulator 3 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The insulator 3 has, as its outer surfaces, a pair of end faces 3a, 3b facing each other, a pair of main faces 3c, 3d facing each other, and a pair of side faces 3e, 3f facing each other. The pair of end faces 3a, 3b face each other in a first direction D1. The pair of main faces 3c, 3d face each other in a second direction D2. The pair of side faces 3e, 3f face each other in a third direction D3.

[0041] The pair of end faces 3a, 3b extend in the second direction D2 to connect the pair of main faces 3c, 3d. The pair of end faces 3a, 3b also extend in the third direction D3. The pair of side faces 3e, 3f extend in the second direction D2 to connect the pair of main faces 3c, 3d. The pair of side faces 3e, 3f also extend in the first direction D1. The dimension of the insulator 3 in the first direction D1 is equal to the dimension of the substrate 2 in the first direction D1. The dimension of the insulator 3 in the third direction D3 is equal to the dimension of the substrate 2 in the third direction D3.

[0042] In this embodiment, "equivalent" does not only mean equal, but also may mean values ​​that include slight differences or manufacturing errors within a preset range. For example, if multiple values ​​are within a range of ±5% of the average value of the multiple values, the multiple values ​​are defined as equivalent.

[0043] The insulator 3 is configured by stacking multiple insulator layers. The insulator layers are made of an organic insulating material such as polyimide. The insulator layers are stacked in the second direction D2. That is, the second direction D2 is the stacking direction. In an actual insulator 3, the multiple insulator layers are integrated to the extent that the boundaries between the layers are not visible.

[0044] The substrate 2 and the insulator 3 are integrally formed. The substrate 2 and the insulator 3 are arranged such that the main surface 2c and the main surface 3d face each other. A planarizing layer 40 is arranged between the substrate 2 and the insulator 3. The planarizing layer 40 is arranged between the main surface 2c of the substrate 2 and the main surface 3d of the insulator 3. The planarizing layer 40 may be made of alumina, silicon oxide, or the like.

[0045] 1 and 3 , the first terminal electrode 4, the second terminal electrode 5, the third terminal electrode 6, the fourth terminal electrode 7, the fifth terminal electrode 8, and the sixth terminal electrode 9 are arranged on the main surface 3 c of the insulator 3. In this embodiment, the first terminal electrode 4 is an input terminal. The third terminal electrode 6 is an output terminal. The fourth terminal electrode 7 is a coupling terminal. The second terminal electrode 5, the fifth terminal electrode 8, and the sixth terminal electrode 9 are ground terminals.

[0046] The first terminal electrode 4, the second terminal electrode 5, the third terminal electrode 6, the fourth terminal electrode 7, the fifth terminal electrode 8, and the sixth terminal electrode 9 have a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. The rectangular shape includes a shape in which the corners and ridges are chamfered, and a shape in which the corners and ridges are rounded. The first terminal electrode 4, the third terminal electrode 6, the fourth terminal electrode 7, and the sixth terminal electrode 9 have a shape in which one corner is rounded (curved).

[0047] The first terminal electrode 4 is disposed near the end face 3a and near the side face 3e. The second terminal electrode 5 is disposed between the end faces 3a and 3b and near the side face 3e. The third terminal electrode 6 is disposed near the end face 3b and near the side face 3e. The fourth terminal electrode 7 is disposed near the end face 3a and near the side face 3f. The fifth terminal electrode 8 is disposed between the end faces 3a and 3b and near the side face 3f. The sixth terminal electrode 9 is disposed near the end face 3b and near the side face 3f.

[0048] The first terminal electrode 4, the second terminal electrode 5, and the third terminal electrode 6 are arranged at intervals in the first direction D1. The fourth terminal electrode 7, the fifth terminal electrode 8, and the sixth terminal electrode 9 are arranged at intervals in the first direction D1. The first terminal electrode 4 and the fourth terminal electrode 7 are arranged at intervals in the third direction D3. The second terminal electrode 5 and the fifth terminal electrode 8 are arranged at intervals in the third direction D3. The third terminal electrode 6 and the sixth terminal electrode 9 are arranged at intervals in the third direction D3. The intervals between the terminal electrodes may be adjusted as appropriate depending on the specifications required for the electronic component 1.

[0049] The first terminal electrode 4, the second terminal electrode 5, the third terminal electrode 6, the fourth terminal electrode 7, the fifth terminal electrode 8 and the sixth terminal electrode 9 can be formed of a suitable conductor (e.g., gold, nickel, copper, silver, etc.).

[0050] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the conductor pattern provided in the electronic component 1 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, in the electronic component 1, layers are arranged in the order shown as layer A, layer B, layer C, and layer D in Fig. 2 from the substrate 2 side (the side of the main surface 3d of the insulator 3). As shown in Fig. 2, the electronic component 1 includes a first conductor layer 10, a second conductor layer 11, a third conductor layer 12, and a terminal layer 13. The first conductor layer 10, the second conductor layer 11, the third conductor layer 12, and the terminal layer 13 are arranged on different layers in the second direction D2.

[0051] 2, the first conductor layer 10 has conductor patterns 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21. The conductor patterns 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 can be formed of an appropriate conductor (such as copper).

[0052] The conductor pattern 15 includes a first pattern portion 15A, a second pattern portion 15B, a third pattern portion 15C, and a fourth pattern portion 15D. The first pattern portion 15A, the second pattern portion 15B, the third pattern portion 15C, and the fourth pattern portion 15D are electrically connected and may be integrally formed. The first pattern portion 15A has an extending portion 15Aa extending along the first direction D1. The first pattern portion 15A forms a first signal path. The second pattern portion 15B is disposed closer to the end face 3a and the side face 3e. One end of the first pattern portion 15A is connected to the second pattern portion 15B. The other end of the first pattern portion 15A is connected to the third pattern portion 15C.

[0053] The conductor pattern 16 includes a first pattern portion 16A, a second pattern portion 16B, and a third pattern portion 16C. The first pattern portion 16A, the second pattern portion 16B, and the third pattern portion 16C are electrically connected and may be integrally formed. The first pattern portion 16A has an extending portion (first portion) 16Aa extending along the first direction D1. The extending portion 16Aa is disposed adjacent to and parallel to the extending portion 15Aa of the first pattern portion 15A of the conductor pattern 15. The extending portion 16Aa is inductively coupled to the extending portion 15Aa of the first pattern portion 15A of the conductor pattern 15. The first pattern portion 16A forms a second signal path. The second pattern portion 16B is disposed closer to the end face 3a and the side face 3f. One end of the first pattern portion 16A is connected to the second pattern portion 16B. The third pattern portion 16C is disposed in a region between the fourth terminal electrode 7 and the fifth terminal electrode 8 in the first direction D1 in plan view in the second direction D2.

[0054] Conductive pattern 17 is disposed adjacent to conductive pattern 16. Conductive pattern 18 is disposed at the center of first conductor layer 10. Conductive pattern 18 includes first pattern portion 18A, second pattern portion 18B, and third pattern portion 18C. A portion of first pattern portion 18A is disposed adjacent to first pattern portion 16A of conductive pattern 16.

[0055] The conductor pattern 19 includes a first pattern portion 19A and a second pattern portion 19B. The first pattern portion 19A and the second pattern portion 19B are electrically connected and may be formed integrally. The conductor pattern 20 includes a first pattern portion 20A and a second pattern portion 20B. The first pattern portion 20A and the second pattern portion 20B are electrically connected and may be formed integrally. The first pattern portion 20A is disposed at a position closer to the end face 3b and the side face 3e. The conductor pattern 21 includes a first pattern portion 21A, a second pattern portion 21B, and a third pattern portion 21C.

[0056] 2, the second conductor layer 11 has conductor patterns 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32. The conductor patterns 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32 can be formed of an appropriate conductor (such as copper, for example).

[0057] The conductor pattern 22 is disposed at a position closer to the end face 3 a and the side face 3 e, and electrically connects the second pattern portion 15B of the conductor pattern 15 on the first conductor layer 10 to a conductor pattern 34 (described later) on the third conductor layer 12.

[0058] The conductor pattern 23 includes a first pattern portion 23A and a second pattern portion 23B. The first pattern portion 23A and the second pattern portion 23B are electrically connected and may be integrally formed. The first pattern portion 23A has an extending portion 23Aa extending along the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 3 , the extending portion 23Aa is disposed opposite the extending portion 15Aa of the first pattern portion 15A of the conductor pattern 15 on the first conductor layer 10 in the second direction D2. The first pattern portion 23A is electrically connected to the conductor pattern 17 on the first conductor layer 10. One end of the first pattern portion 23A is electrically connected to the other end of the first pattern portion 16A of the conductor pattern 16 on the first conductor layer 10. The other end of the first pattern portion 23A is connected to the second pattern portion 23B.

[0059] The conductor pattern 24 is disposed at a position closer to the end face 3a and closer to the side face 3f. The conductor pattern 24 electrically connects the second pattern portion 16B of the conductor pattern 16 on the first conductor layer 10 to a conductor pattern 35 (described later) on the third conductor layer 12. The conductor pattern 25 electrically connects the conductor pattern 15 on the first conductor layer 10 to a second pattern portion 18B of the conductor pattern 18. One end of the conductor pattern 26 is electrically connected to the conductor pattern 17 on the first conductor layer 10. The other end of the conductor pattern 26 is electrically connected to the second pattern portion 19B of the conductor pattern 19 on the first conductor layer 10.

[0060] One end of the conductor pattern 27 is electrically connected to one end of a first pattern portion 18A of the conductor pattern 18 on the first conductor layer 10. The other end of the conductor pattern 27 is connected to one end of a second pattern portion 37B of a conductor pattern 37 (described later) on the third conductor layer 12. A portion of the conductor pattern 27 is disposed adjacent to a portion of the first pattern portion 23A of the conductor pattern 23. The conductor pattern 28 is disposed at a center position in the first direction D1 and near the side surface 3e. The conductor pattern 28 electrically connects a third pattern portion 15C of the conductor pattern 15 on the first conductor layer 10 to a conductor pattern 36 (described later) on the third conductor layer 12. The conductor pattern 29 is disposed at a center position in the first direction D1 and near the side surface 3f. The conductor pattern 29 electrically connects a first pattern portion 19A of the conductor pattern 19 on the first conductor layer 10 to a first pattern portion 37A (described later) of a conductor pattern 37 (described later) on the third conductor layer 12.

[0061] The conductor pattern 30 is disposed between the conductor pattern 28 and the conductor pattern 32. The conductor pattern 31 electrically connects the third pattern portion 18C of the conductor pattern 18 on the first conductor layer 10 to the second pattern portion 21B of the conductor pattern 21. The conductor pattern 32 is disposed closer to the end face 3b and the side face 3e. The conductor pattern 32 includes a first pattern portion 32A and a second pattern portion 32B. The first pattern portion 32A electrically connects the first pattern portion 20A of the conductor pattern 20 on the first conductor layer 10 to a conductor pattern 38 (described later) on the third conductor layer 12. The second pattern portion 32B is electrically connected to the third pattern portion 21C of the conductor pattern 21 on the first conductor layer 10. One end of the conductor pattern 33 is electrically connected to one end of the conductor pattern 21 on the first conductor layer 10. The other end of the conductor pattern 33 is electrically connected to one end of a second pattern portion 39 B of a conductor pattern 39 (described later) on the third conductor layer 12 .

[0062] 2, the third conductor layer 12 has conductor patterns 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39. The conductor patterns 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39 can be formed of an appropriate conductor (such as copper).

[0063] The conductor pattern 34 is disposed at a position closer to the end face 3 a and closer to the side face 3 e. The conductor pattern 34 electrically connects the conductor pattern 22 of the second conductor layer 11 to the first terminal electrode 4. The conductor pattern 35 is disposed at a position closer to the end face 3 a and closer to the side face 3 f. The conductor pattern 35 electrically connects the conductor pattern 24 of the second conductor layer 11 to the fourth terminal electrode 7. The conductor pattern 36 is disposed at a central position in the first direction D1 and closer to the side face 3 e. The conductor pattern 36 electrically connects the conductor pattern 28 of the second conductor layer 11 to the second terminal electrode 5.

[0064] The conductor pattern 37 is disposed at a central position in the first direction D1. The conductor pattern 37 includes a first pattern portion 37A and a second pattern portion 37B. The first pattern portion 37A and the second pattern portion 37B are electrically connected and may be formed integrally. The first pattern portion 37A electrically connects the conductor pattern 29 of the second conductor layer 11 to the fifth terminal electrode 8. The conductor pattern 38 is disposed at a position closer to the end face 3b and the side face 3e. The conductor pattern 38 electrically connects the conductor pattern 32 of the second conductor layer 11 to the third terminal electrode 6. The conductor pattern 39 is disposed at a position closer to the end face 3b and the side face 3f. The conductor pattern 39 includes a first pattern portion 39A and a second pattern portion 39B. The first pattern portion 39A and the second pattern portion 39B are electrically connected and may be formed integrally. The first pattern portion 39A electrically connects the conductor pattern 33 of the second conductor layer 11 and the sixth terminal electrode 9 .

[0065] As shown in layer D of FIG. 2 , the terminal layer 13 has a first terminal electrode 4, a second terminal electrode 5, a third terminal electrode 6, a fourth terminal electrode 7, a fifth terminal electrode 8, and a sixth terminal electrode 9.

[0066] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the electronic component 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the electronic component 1 includes an input port P1, an output port P2, a coupling port P3, grounds (isolation) Gnd1, Gnd2, and Gnd3, a directional coupler CP, and a filter F. The filter F is, for example, a high-pass filter.

[0067] The input port P1 is formed by a first terminal electrode 4. The output port P2 is formed by a third terminal electrode 6. The coupling port P3 is formed by a fourth terminal electrode 7. The ground Gnd1 is formed by a second terminal electrode 5. The ground Gnd2 is formed by a fifth terminal electrode 8. The ground Gnd3 is formed by a sixth terminal electrode 9.

[0068] The directional coupler CP has a first line S1, an inductor (first inductor) formed on a second line S2, a capacitor (first capacitor) C1, a capacitor (first capacitor) C2, and a resistor R.

[0069] One end of the first line S1 is electrically connected to the input port P1. The other end of the first line S1 is connected to the filter F. One end of the second line S2 is electrically connected to the coupling port P3. The other end of the second line S2 is electrically connected to the ground Gnd2.

[0070] The first line S1 and the second line S2 are inductively coupled. Schematically, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , an inductive element (first inductive element) L11 included in the first line S1 and an inductive element (second inductive element, sometimes referred to as a first inductor) L12 included in the second line S2 are inductively coupled to form a directional coupler CP. The inductive element L11 may be formed by a first pattern portion 15A (extension portion 15Aa) of the conductor pattern 15 on the first conductor layer 10. The inductive element L12 may be formed by a first pattern portion 16A (extension portion 16Aa) of the conductor pattern 16 on the first conductor layer 10 and a first pattern portion 23A (extension portion 23Aa) of the conductor pattern 23 on the second conductor layer 11.

[0071] The second line S2 is provided with a capacitor C1, a capacitor C2, and a resistor R. The capacitor C1 is electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element L12. The capacitor C1 is formed by the third pattern portion 16C of the conductor pattern 16 on the first conductor layer 10 and the conductor pattern 26 on the second conductor layer 11. The capacitor C2 is electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element L12. The capacitor C2 is formed by the second pattern portion 19B of the conductor pattern 19 on the first conductor layer 10 and the second pattern portion 23B of the conductor pattern 23 on the second conductor layer 11. The resistor R is electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element L12 and the capacitor C2. The resistor R is formed by the conductor pattern 17 on the first conductor layer 10.

[0072] The filter F includes a third line S3, a fourth line S4, a fifth line S5, an inductor (second inductor, first circuit element) L2, an inductor (third inductor, fourth circuit element) L3, a capacitor (second capacitor, second circuit element) C3, a capacitor (second capacitor, second circuit element) C4, a capacitor (second capacitor, second circuit element) C5, a capacitor (second capacitor, third circuit element) C6, a capacitor (second capacitor, third circuit element) C7, and a capacitor (second capacitor, third circuit element) C8.

[0073] One end of the third line S3 is electrically connected to the other end of the first line S1 of the directional coupler CP. The other end of the third line S3 is electrically connected to the output port P2. The third line S3 includes a first line portion S31 and a second line portion S32. One end of the first line portion S31 is electrically connected to the other end of the first line S1. The other end of the first line portion S31 is electrically connected to one end of the second line portion S32. One end of the second line portion S32 is electrically connected to the other end of the first line portion S31. The other end of the second line portion S32 is electrically connected to the output port P2.

[0074] The first line portion S31 of the third line S3 is provided with capacitors C3, C4, and C5. The capacitors C3, C4, and C5 are electrically connected in parallel. The capacitors C4 and C5 are electrically connected in series.

[0075] Capacitor C3 is formed by the fourth pattern portion 15D of the conductor pattern 15 on the first conductor layer 10 and the conductor pattern 30 on the second conductor layer 11. Capacitor C4 is formed by the first pattern portion 18A and the second pattern portion 18B of the conductor pattern 18 on the first conductor layer 10. Capacitor C5 is formed by the first pattern portion 18A and the third pattern portion 18C of the conductor pattern 18 on the first conductor layer 10.

[0076] The second line portion S32 of the third line S3 is provided with capacitors C6, C7, and C8. The capacitors C6, C7, and C8 are electrically connected in parallel. The capacitors C7 and C8 are electrically connected in series.

[0077] Capacitor C6 is formed by the second pattern portion 20B of the conductor pattern 20 on the first conductor layer 10 and the conductor pattern 30 on the second conductor layer 11. Capacitor C7 is formed by the first pattern portion 21A and the second pattern portion 21B of the conductor pattern 21 on the first conductor layer 10. Capacitor C8 is formed by the first pattern portion 21A and the third pattern portion 21C of the conductor pattern 21 on the first conductor layer 10.

[0078] One end of the fourth line S4 is electrically connected to the first line portion S31 of the third line S3. The other end of the fourth line S4 is electrically connected to ground Gnd2. The fourth line S4 is provided with an inductor L2. The inductor L4 is formed by a first pattern portion 18A of the conductor pattern 18 on the first conductor layer 10, a conductor pattern 27 on the second conductor layer 11, and a second pattern portion 37B of the conductor pattern 37 on the third conductor layer 12.

[0079] One end of the fifth line S5 is electrically connected to the second line portion S32 of the third line S3. The other end of the fifth line S5 is electrically connected to ground Gnd3. The fifth line S5 is provided with an inductor L2. The inductor L5 is formed by the first pattern portion 21A of the conductor pattern 21 on the first conductor layer 10, the conductor pattern 33 on the second conductor layer 11, and the second pattern portion 39B of the conductor pattern 39 on the third conductor layer 12.

[0080] In the filter F, the capacitors C3, C4, and C5 and the inductor L2 form a resonant circuit RC1. The capacitors C6, C7, and C8 and the inductor L3 form a resonant circuit RC2. In the filter F, the inductors L2 and L3 are resonantly coupled.

[0081] As described above, in the electronic component 1 according to this embodiment, the other end of the first line S1 (first signal path) of the directional coupler CP is electrically connected to one end of the third line S3 (third signal path) of the filter F, and the other end of the second line S2 (second signal path) of the directional coupler CP and the other end of the fourth line S4 (first ground path) of the filter are electrically connected to the fifth terminal electrode 8. In the electronic component 1, one end of the first line S1 is electrically connected to the first terminal electrode 4, the other end of the third line S3 is electrically connected to the third terminal electrode 6, and the other ends of the second line S2 and the fourth line S4 are electrically connected to the same fifth terminal electrode 8. In this way, in the electronic component 1, the first terminal electrode 4 (input terminal), the third terminal electrode 6 (output terminal), and the fifth terminal electrode 8 (ground terminal) are common to the directional coupler CP and the filter F. This allows the electronic component 1 to have a reduced number of terminals, thereby enabling miniaturization.

[0082] In the electronic component 1, the other end (output end) of the first line S1 of the directional coupler CP is connected to one end (input end) of the third line S3 of the filter F. In this manner, the electronic component 1 does not include any other elements (such as a substrate) between the first line S1 and the third line S3, thereby reducing insertion loss. Furthermore, in the electronic component 1, a portion of the second line S2 (conductor pattern 16, conductor pattern 23) and a portion of the fourth line S4 (conductor pattern 18, conductor pattern 27) are arranged adjacent to each other. In this manner, in the electronic component 1, the second line S2 and the fourth line S4 are arranged adjacent to each other, thereby adjusting the distance between the second line S2 and the fourth line S4 to adjust the impedance. Therefore, the electronic component 1 can achieve excellent characteristics.

[0083] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the filter F shown in Fig. 4 is a high-pass filter. However, the filter may be a low-pass filter or a band-pass filter.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the third line S3 includes the capacitors C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, and C8. However, the number of capacitors in the third line S3 may be less than six or more than six.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the third line S3 of the filter F shown in Fig. 4 includes capacitors C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, and C8. However, the third line S3 does not necessarily have to include capacitors. In this configuration, it is sufficient that inductors and capacitors are provided in the fourth line S4 and the fifth line S5, for example.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the third line S3 has the first line portion S31 and the second line portion S32 in the filter F shown in Fig. 4. However, it is sufficient that the third line S3 has at least one of the first line portion S31 and the second line portion S32.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the filter F shown in FIG. 4 has been described as an example in which capacitors C3, C4, and C5 are provided in the first line portion S31 of the third line S3, and capacitors C6, C7, and C8 are provided in the second line portion S32. However, capacitors C3, C4, and C5 do not necessarily have to be provided in the first line portion S31. That is, in the third line S3, no capacitors may be provided in the first line portion S31, and one or more capacitors (e.g., one or more of capacitors C6, C7, and C8) may be provided only in the second line portion S32. Furthermore, capacitors C6, C7, and C8 do not necessarily have to be provided in the second line portion S32. That is, in the third line S3, one or more capacitors (e.g., one or more of capacitors C3, C4, and C5) may be provided only in the first line portion S31.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the fourth line S4 includes the inductor L2 in the filter F shown in Fig. 4. However, the fourth line S4 may further include a capacitor electrically connected in parallel to the inductor L2. Similarly, the fifth line S5 may further include a capacitor electrically connected in parallel to the inductor L3.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the filter F shown in Fig. 4 has been described as having the third line S3, the fourth line S4, and the fifth line S5 as an example. However, the filter F does not necessarily have to have the fifth line S5.

[0091] 1...electronic component, 3...insulator (element body), 4...first terminal electrode (first terminal), 6...third terminal electrode (third terminal), 7...fourth terminal electrode (second terminal), 10...first conductor layer, 11...second conductor layer, 16Aa...extension portion (first portion), C1, C2...capacitor (first capacitor), F...filter, L11...inductive element, L12...inductive element (first inductor), RC1, RC2...resonant circuit, S1...first line (first signal path), S2...second line (second signal path), S3...third line (third signal path), S4...fourth line (first ground path), S5...fifth line, S31...first line portion, S32...second line portion.

Claims

1. An electronic component comprising: an element body formed by stacking a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductor layers; a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a first ground terminal disposed on the element body; a directional coupling portion formed on at least one of the plurality of conductor layers; and a filter portion formed on at least one of the plurality of conductor layers, wherein the directional coupling portion has: a first signal path having one end electrically connected to the first terminal; and a second signal path having one end electrically connected to the second terminal and including a coupling portion that is inductively coupled to the first signal path; the filter portion has: a third signal path having one end electrically connected to the other end of the first signal path and the other end electrically connected to the third terminal; and a first ground path having one end electrically connected to the third signal path and the other end electrically connected to the first ground terminal, wherein the other end of the second signal path is electrically connected to the first ground terminal; 2. The electronic component according to claim 1, wherein the other end of the first signal path and the one end of the third signal path are electrically connected on the same conductor layer among the plurality of conductor layers.

3. An electronic component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second signal path includes a first inductor formed in a first conductor layer, of the plurality of conductor layers, that is the same as the conductor layer in which the first signal path is formed, and in a second conductor layer different from the first conductor layer, and the first inductor includes a first portion that is adjacent to the first signal path in the first conductor layer and is parallel to the extension direction of the first signal path, and a second portion that faces the first signal path in the stacking direction of the plurality of insulating layers.

4. The electronic component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second signal path includes a first capacitor connected between the coupling portion inductively coupled to the first signal path and the first ground terminal.

5. The electronic component according to claim 4, wherein the first capacitor is disposed in a region between the second terminal and the first ground terminal in a plan view in the stacking direction of the insulating layers.

6. The electronic component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third signal path includes at least one or more second capacitors, the first ground path includes at least one or more second inductors, and the second capacitors and the second inductors form a first filter.

7. The electronic component according to claim 6, further comprising a second ground terminal disposed on the base body, wherein the filter section has a second ground path having one end electrically connected to the third signal path and the other end electrically connected to the second ground terminal, wherein the second ground path includes at least one or more third inductors, and wherein the second capacitor and the third inductors constitute a second filter.

8. The electronic component according to claim 3, wherein the first ground path includes a second inductor formed in the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer, and the first inductor and the second inductor are adjacent to each other in the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer.

9. An electronic component comprising: a directional coupling section; a filter section electrically connected to the directional coupling section; first and second terminals electrically connected to the directional coupling section; and third and fourth terminals electrically connected to the filter section, wherein the directional coupling section has: a first line having one end connected to the first terminal; and a second line having one end connected to the second terminal and inductively coupled to the first line, wherein the filter section has: a third line having one end connected to the other end of the first line and the other end electrically connected to the third terminal, and a fourth line having one end connected to the third line and the other end connected to the fourth terminal and including a first circuit element, wherein the first circuit element includes at least one of one or more inductive elements and one or more capacitive elements, and the other end of the second line is electrically connected to the fourth terminal.

10. The electronic component according to claim 9, wherein the third line includes a second circuit element, the second circuit element includes at least one of one or more inductive elements and one or more capacitive elements, and a resonant circuit is formed by the at least one inductive element and the at least one capacitive element included in the first circuit element and the second circuit element.

11. The electronic component according to claim 9, further comprising a fifth terminal connected to the filter section, wherein the filter section has a fifth line having one end electrically connected to the third line and the other end electrically connected to the fifth terminal and including a third circuit element, wherein the third line includes a first line portion including the one end of the third line and a second line portion electrically connected between the first line portion and the third terminal, wherein the third circuit element includes at least one of one or more inductive elements and one or more capacitive elements, wherein one end of the fourth line is electrically connected to the first line portion, and one end of the fifth line is electrically connected to the second line portion.

12. The electronic component according to claim 11, wherein the second line portion includes a fourth circuit element, the fourth circuit element includes at least one of one or more inductive elements and one or more capacitive elements, and a resonant circuit is formed by the at least one inductive element and the at least one capacitive element included in the third circuit element and the fourth circuit element.

13. The electronic component according to claim 10, further comprising a fifth terminal connected to the filter, wherein the filter section has a fifth line having one end electrically connected to the third line and the other end electrically connected to the fifth terminal and including a third circuit element, wherein the third line includes a first line portion including the one end of the third line and including the second circuit element, and a second line portion electrically connected between the first line portion and the third terminal, wherein the third circuit element includes at least one of one or more inductive elements and one or more capacitive elements, wherein one end of the fourth line is electrically connected to the first line portion, and one end of the fifth line is electrically connected to the second line portion.

14. The electronic component according to claim 13, wherein the second line portion includes a fourth circuit element, the fourth circuit element includes at least one of one or more inductive elements and one or more capacitive elements, and a resonant circuit is formed by at least one of the inductive elements and at least one of the capacitive elements included in the third circuit element and the fourth circuit element.

15. The electronic component according to claim 10, wherein the second line comprises: a second inductive element inductively coupled to a first inductive element included in the first line; a first capacitive element having one end electrically connected to the inductive element and the other end connected to the fourth terminal; and a resistive element having one end electrically connected to the inductive element and the other end connected to the fourth terminal, the first capacitive element and the resistive element being electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element, the second circuit element including an inductive element, and the inductive element in the second line and the inductive element of the second circuit element being inductively coupled.

16. A filter section electrically connected to the directional coupling section, comprising: a directional coupling section; a first terminal and a second terminal electrically connected to the directional coupling section; and a third terminal, a fourth terminal and a fifth terminal electrically connected to the filter section, wherein the directional coupling section has: a first line having one end connected to the first terminal; and a second line having one end connected to the second terminal and inductively coupled to the first line, wherein the filter section has: a third line including a first line section electrically connected to the other end of the first line and a second line section electrically connected between the first line section and the third terminal, a fourth line having one end electrically connected to the first line section and the other end electrically connected to the fourth terminal, and including a first circuit element having at least an inductive element, and a fifth line having one end electrically connected to the second line section and the other end electrically connected to the fifth terminal, and including a second circuit element having at least an inductive element, wherein a resonant coupling is formed by the first circuit element and the second circuit element, The other end of the second line is electrically connected to the fourth terminal.

17. The electronic component according to claim 13, wherein a capacitive element is connected between the first line portion and the second line portion.

18. The electronic component according to claim 16, wherein the first circuit element includes a capacitive element electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element of the first circuit element, and the second circuit element includes a capacitive element electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element of the second circuit element.

19. The electronic component according to claim 17, wherein the first circuit element includes a capacitive element electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element of the first circuit element, and the second circuit element includes a capacitive element electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element of the second circuit element.

20. The electronic component of claim 16, wherein the second line comprises: an inductive element inductively coupled to the first line; a first capacitive element having one end electrically connected to the inductive element and the other end connected to the fourth terminal; and a resistive element having one end electrically connected to the inductive element and the other end connected to the fourth terminal; the first capacitive element and the resistive element are electrically connected in parallel to the inductive element; the second circuit element includes an inductive element; and the inductive element in the second line and the inductive element of the first circuit element are inductively coupled.

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