Inductor component and component built-in substrate provided with same

Abstract

[Problem] To enable fine adjustment of inductance for each of a plurality of coil parts in an inductor component having a configuration in which the plurality of coil parts are arranged in one direction. [Solution] An inductor component 100 comprises: a magnetic element body part M; and coil parts 111-114 embedded in the magnetic element body part M and arranged in the X direction. The coil parts 111-114 include: a terminal electrode 121 having an end surface exposed on a main surface 101; a terminal electrode 122 having an end surface exposed on a main surface 102; and coil patterns C11-C14 extending in the Y direction and each having one end connected to the terminal electrode 121 and the other end connected to the terminal electrode 122. The volume of the magnetic element body part M located within a prescribed distance range P from the central axis of the coil pattern C11 is larger than the volume of the magnetic element body part M located within the prescribed distance range P from the central axis of the coil pattern C12.

Description

Inductor component and component-embedded substrate including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inductor component and a component-embedded substrate including the same, and more particularly to an inductor component having a configuration in which a plurality of coil portions are arranged in one direction and a component-embedded substrate including the same.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a stacked coil array having a configuration in which a plurality of coil conductors are arranged in one direction. The stacked coil array disclosed in Patent Document 1 adjusts the inductance between the plurality of coil conductors by reducing the number of turns of the coil conductors not located at the ends compared to the coil conductors located at the ends.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-032425

[0004] However, when the number of turns of the coil conductor is changed, the inductance changes significantly, so it is not suitable for fine adjustment of the inductance.

[0005] In the present disclosure, a technique capable of finely adjusting the inductance for each coil portion in an inductor component having a configuration in which a plurality of coil portions are arranged in one direction is described.

[0006] An inductor component according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a magnetic element portion having a first main surface and a second main surface located on the opposite side of the first main surface, and a plurality of coil portions embedded in the magnetic element portion and arranged in a first direction parallel to the first main surface. Each of the plurality of coil portions includes a first terminal electrode whose end face is exposed on the first main surface, a second terminal electrode whose end face is exposed on the second main surface, and a coil pattern extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first main surface, with one end connected to the first terminal electrode and the other end connected to the second terminal electrode. The plurality of coil portions include a first and a second coil portion, and the volume of the magnetic element portion located within a predetermined distance range from the central axis of the coil pattern included in the first coil portion is larger than the volume of the magnetic element portion located within a predetermined distance range from the central axis of the coil pattern included in the second coil portion.

[0007] According to this disclosure, a technology is provided that allows for fine adjustment of the inductance of each coil portion in an inductor component having a configuration in which multiple coil portions are arranged in one direction.

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an inductor component 100 according to a first embodiment of the technology according to this disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line A-A shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line B-B shown in Figure 1. Figures 4(a) and (b) are schematic plan views illustrating the structures of terminal electrodes 121 and 122, respectively. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the definition of the volume of the magnetic element M located around the coil pattern C11. Figures 6(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a simplified definition of the volume of the magnetic element M located around the coil patterns C11 and C12, respectively. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a component-embedded substrate 10 containing a plurality of inductor components 100. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an inductor component 200 according to a second embodiment of the technology according to this disclosure. Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an inductor component 300 according to a third embodiment of the technology according to this disclosure.

[0009] The embodiments of the technology described herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0010] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a substantially perspective view showing the configuration of an inductor component 100 according to the first embodiment of the technology of this disclosure. Figure 2 is a substantially cross-sectional view along the line A-A shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a substantially cross-sectional view along the line B-B shown in Figure 1.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the inductor component 100 according to the first embodiment comprises a magnetic element M and a plurality of coil parts 111 to 114 embedded in the magnetic element M. In this embodiment, the number of coil parts embedded in the magnetic element M is four, but the number of coil parts is not particularly limited as long as there are two or more. The magnetic element M may be made of a composite magnetic material in which magnetic particles made of a high permeability material such as ferrite or permalloy are solidified with a resin binder. The magnetic element M has main surfaces 101 and 102 that constitute the XZ plane and are located on opposite sides, side surfaces 103 and 104 that constitute the XY plane and are located on opposite sides, and side surfaces 105 and 106 that constitute the YZ plane and are located on opposite sides.

[0012] The coil portions 111 to 114 are embedded in the magnetic element portion M so as to be arranged in this order in the first direction, the X direction. The terminal electrodes 121 forming one end of each coil portion 111 to 114 are exposed from the main surface 101 of the magnetic element portion M, and the terminal electrodes 122 forming the other end are exposed from the main surface 102 of the magnetic element portion M. The area and shape of the terminal electrodes 121 and 122 may be the same.

[0013] As shown in Figure 3, the coil portion 111 has two conductor layers L1 and L2 stacked in the third direction, the Z direction. The same applies to the other coil portions 112 to 114. The conductor layers L1 and L2 may both be covered with an interlayer insulating film 130 so as not to come into contact with the magnetic element portion M. An interlayer insulating film 130 also exists between adjacent conductor layers L1 and L2 in the Z direction, and therefore these conductor layers L1 and L2 are stacked in the Z direction via the interlayer insulating film 130. The conductor layers L1 and L2 are made of good conductors such as copper (Cu). The interlayer insulating film 130 is made of resin or the like.

[0014] Conductor layer L1 is a conductor layer located on one end side in the Z direction and is formed first during manufacturing. As shown in Figure 2, the conductor layer L1 constituting the coil portion 111 includes terminal patterns 141, 142 and coil pattern C11, the conductor layer L1 constituting the coil portion 112 includes terminal patterns 143, 144 and coil pattern C12, the conductor layer L1 constituting the coil portion 113 includes terminal patterns 145, 146 and coil pattern C13, and the conductor layer L1 constituting the coil portion 114 includes terminal patterns 147, 148 and coil pattern C14. The XZ end faces of terminal patterns 141, 143, 145, and 147 in the +Y direction are exposed to the main surface 101 of the magnetic element portion M. The XZ end faces of terminal patterns 142, 144, 146, and 148 in the -Y direction are exposed to the main surface 102 of the magnetic element portion M. Coil pattern C11 is a conductor pattern that extends linearly in the second direction, the Y direction, to connect terminal patterns 141 and 142. Coil pattern C12 is a conductor pattern that extends linearly in the Y direction to connect terminal patterns 143 and 144. Coil pattern C13 is a conductor pattern that extends linearly in the Y direction to connect terminal patterns 145 and 146. Coil pattern C14 is a conductor pattern that extends linearly in the Y direction to connect terminal patterns 147 and 148. However, it is not essential that the entirety of coil patterns C11 to C14 be linear conductor patterns; it is sufficient if they include a section that extends in the Y direction.

[0015] The conductor layer L2 is a conductor layer located on the other end side in the Z direction, and is formed after the conductor layer L1 during manufacturing. In the example shown in Figure 3, the conductor layer L2 constituting the coil portion 111 includes terminal patterns 149 and 140. The planar shape of terminal patterns 149 and 140 as viewed from the Z direction may be the same as the planar shape of terminal patterns 141 and 142 as viewed from the Z direction. The XZ end face of terminal pattern 149 in the +Y direction is exposed to the main surface 101 of the magnetic element portion M. The XZ end face of terminal pattern 140 in the -Y direction is exposed to the main surface 102 of the magnetic element portion M. The terminal patterns 149 and 140 are provided independently within the plane of the conductor layer L2 without being connected to other conductor patterns. In other words, the conductor layer L2 does not have a conductor pattern corresponding to the coil pattern C11, and only terminal patterns 149 and 140 exist. However, it is not essential that the terminal patterns 149 and 140 are provided independently within the plane of the conductor layer L2 without being connected to other conductor patterns; it is also acceptable for another coil pattern connecting terminal patterns 149 and 140 to be included in the conductor layer L2.

[0016] The planar shape of the conductor layer L2 constituting the coil portion 112 may be the same as the planar shape of the terminal patterns 143 and 144 as viewed from the Z direction. The planar shape of the conductor layer L2 constituting the coil portion 113 may be the same as the planar shape of the terminal patterns 145 and 146 as viewed from the Z direction. The planar shape of the conductor layer L2 constituting the coil portion 114 may be the same as the planar shape of the terminal patterns 147 and 148 as viewed from the Z direction.

[0017] In this embodiment, the thickness of the conductor layer L2 in the Z direction is greater than the thickness of the conductor layer L1 in the Z direction. Therefore, for example, with respect to the coil portion 111, the thickness of the terminal patterns 149 and 140 in the Z direction is greater than the thickness of the terminal patterns 141 and 142 in the Z direction. As a result, the thickness of the coil pattern C11 is reduced, which allows for a high inductance to be obtained, and it is also possible to secure sufficient area for the terminal electrode 121 exposed on the main surface 101 of the magnetic element portion M, and for the terminal electrode 122 exposed on the main surface 102 of the magnetic element portion M. The same applies to the other coil portions 112 to 114.

[0018] Terminal patterns 141 and 149 are connected to each other via via conductors 151 that penetrate the interlayer insulating film 130. Similarly, terminal patterns 142 and 140 are connected to each other via via conductors 152 that penetrate the interlayer insulating film 130. The via conductors 151 and 152 may be formed at the same time as the conductor layer L2, or they may be formed after the conductor layer L1 but before the conductor layer L2. In the former case, via conductor 151 becomes integrated with terminal pattern 149, and via conductor 152 becomes integrated with terminal pattern 140.

[0019] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are schematic plan views illustrating the structure of terminal electrodes 121 and 122, respectively. In the examples shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), via conductors 151 and 152 are integrated with terminal patterns 149 and 140, respectively.

[0020] In the example shown in Figure 4(a), the terminal electrode 121 is composed of a portion consisting of the XZ end faces of terminal patterns 141 and 149 exposed from the main surface 101 of the magnetic element M, and a portion consisting of the XZ end faces of via conductor 151 exposed from the main surface 101 of the magnetic element M. Of the terminal electrode 121, the portions consisting of the XZ end faces of terminal patterns 141 and 149 constitute the first portion A1 and the second portion A2, respectively. Of the terminal electrode 121, the portion consisting of the XZ end faces of via conductor 151 constitutes the third portion A3. The terminal electrode 121 having such a structure is surrounded by an interlayer insulating film 130 on the main surface 101 of the magnetic element M. The width W4 in the X direction of the via conductor 151 exposed from the main surface 101 of the magnetic element M may be 3 / 4 or more of the width W1 in the X direction of the terminal patterns 141 and 149 exposed from the main surface 101 of the magnetic element M. This makes it possible to secure a sufficient area for the terminal electrode 121.

[0021] The widths W1 of terminal patterns 141 and 149 do not need to be exactly the same; they may be different. In this case, the widths W1 of terminal patterns 141 and 149 may be defined by the average value.

[0022] In the example shown in Figure 4(b), the terminal electrode 122 is composed of a portion consisting of the XZ end faces of the terminal patterns 142 and 140 exposed from the main surface 102 of the magnetic element M, and a portion consisting of the XZ end faces of the via conductor 152 exposed from the main surface 102 of the magnetic element M. Of the terminal electrode 122, the portions consisting of the XZ end faces of the terminal patterns 142 and 140 constitute the first portion B1 and the second portion B2, respectively. Of the terminal electrode 122, the portion consisting of the XZ end faces of the via conductor 152 constitutes the third portion B3. The terminal electrode 122 having such a structure is surrounded by the interlayer insulating film 130 on the main surface 102 of the magnetic element M. The width W5 in the X direction of the via conductor 152 exposed from the main surface 102 of the magnetic element M may be 3 / 4 or more of the width W2 in the X direction of the terminal patterns 142 and 140 exposed from the main surface 102 of the magnetic element M. This makes it possible to secure a sufficient area for the terminal electrode 122. The widths W4 and W5 may be the same.

[0023] The widths W2 of terminal patterns 142 and 140 do not need to be exactly the same; they may be different. In this case, the widths W2 of terminal patterns 142 and 140 may be defined by the average value.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, in a plan view from the Z direction, the area of ​​terminal patterns 143, 144, 145, and 146 constituting coil sections 112 and 113 is larger than the area of ​​terminal patterns 141, 142, 147, and 148 constituting coil sections 111 and 114. More specifically, the size of terminal patterns 143, 144, 145, and 146 in the Y direction is larger than the size of terminal patterns 141, 142, 147, and 148 in the Y direction. The size in the X direction is almost the same between terminal patterns 141 to 148. Therefore, the length D1 in the Y direction of coil patterns C11 and C14 constituting coil sections 111 and 114 is longer than the length D2 in the Y direction of coil patterns C12 and C13 constituting coil sections 112 and 113. As a result, the volume of the magnetic element M located around coil patterns C11 and C14 becomes larger than the volume of the magnetic element M located around coil patterns C12 and C13.

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the definition of the volume of the magnetic element M located around the coil pattern C11.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5, when a central axis C11A extending in the Y direction with respect to the coil pattern C11 is defined, the volume of the magnetic element M located within a predetermined distance range P from the central axis C11A is defined as the volume of the magnetic element M located around the coil pattern C11. The predetermined distance range P is an arbitrary distance range that does not reach the sides 105, 106 of the magnetic element M. In this embodiment, since the length of the coil patterns C11 and C14 in the Y direction is longer than the length of the coil patterns C12 and C13 in the Y direction, the volume of the magnetic element M located around the coil patterns C11 and C14 is greater than the volume of the magnetic element M located around the coil patterns C12 and C13.

[0027] Here, since coil sections 111 and 114 are both located at the ends in the X direction, their inductance tends to be smaller than that of coil sections 112 and 113, which are not located at the ends. In other words, when the lengths of coil patterns C11 to C14 in the Y direction are uniform, the volume of the magnetic element section M located within the distance range P is also uniform between coil sections 111 and 114. However, since coil section 111 is located closest to the side surface 105 of the magnetic element section M, and coil section 114 is located closest to the side surface 106 of the magnetic element section M, their inductance is smaller than that of coil sections 112 and 113, which are located further away from the sides 105 and 106.

[0028] However, in this embodiment, the length in the Y direction of coil patterns C12 and C13 included in coil sections 112 and 113 is shorter than the length in the Y direction of coil patterns C11 and C14 included in coil sections 111 and 114. As a result, the volume of the magnetic element section M located within the distance range P is greater for coil patterns C11 and C14 than for coil patterns C12 and C13. Moreover, since coil patterns C11 and C14 have a longer length in the Y direction than coil patterns C12 and C13, the inductance is also increased in this respect. Consequently, the difference between the inductance of coil sections 111 and 114 and the inductance of coil sections 112 and 113 due to their position in the X direction is reduced, and ideally, the inductances of coil sections 111 to 114 are almost identical.

[0029] The volume of the magnetic element M located around the coil pattern C11 can be simply defined by assuming a plane S in the XY direction passing through the central axis C11A, and defining it by the area of ​​the plane S located within a distance range P in the X direction from the central axis C11A. In other words, as shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the volume of the magnetic element M can be defined by the area of ​​the magnetic element M located in the region Q extending in the X direction from the central axes C11A and C12A of the coil patterns C11 and C12. Even with this definition, the area of ​​the magnetic element M located in the region Q extending in the X direction from the central axis C11A of the coil pattern C11 is larger than the area of ​​the magnetic element M located in the region Q extending in the X direction from the central axis C12A of the coil pattern C12.

[0030] Even more simply, the volume of the magnetic element M surrounding the coil patterns C11 to C14 can be defined by the area of ​​the magnetic element M located in the region sandwiched in the Y direction by one terminal pattern and the other terminal pattern in a plan view from the Z direction. In this case, the area of ​​the magnetic element M located in the region sandwiched in the Y direction by terminal patterns 141 and 142 as shown in Figure 6(a) is larger than the area of ​​the magnetic element M located in the region sandwiched in the Y direction by terminal patterns 143 and 144 as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0031] As described above, the inductor component 100 according to this embodiment constitutes a coil array incorporating four coil sections 111 to 114 arranged in the X direction, and the volume of the magnetic element section M located within a distance range P from the central axis of the coil patterns C11 and C14 included in coil sections 111 and 114 is larger than the volume of the magnetic element section M located within a distance range P from the central axis of the coil patterns C12 and C13 included in coil sections 112 and 113. This reduces the difference in inductance due to the X-direction position of the coil sections 111 to 114. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the only difference between coil sections 111 and 114 and coil sections 112 and 113 is the difference in the length of the coil patterns C11 to C14, fine adjustment of the inductance is easy. Fine adjustment of the inductance can be performed by fine-tuning the length of the coil patterns C11 to C14.

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a component-embedded circuit board 10 containing multiple inductor components 100 according to this embodiment.

[0033] The component-embedded substrate 10 shown in Figure 7 comprises insulating layers 11 to 15 stacked in this order, a plurality of wiring patterns 20 formed on the surfaces of the insulating layers 11 to 15, and two inductor components 100 embedded in the insulating layer 13. The wiring patterns 20 include eight wiring patterns 21 located between the insulating layer 13 and the insulating layer 14, and eight wiring patterns 22 located between the insulating layer 12 and the insulating layer 13. Each of the eight wiring patterns 21 is positioned to overlap with the terminal electrode 121 of the inductor component 100, and each is connected to the corresponding terminal electrode 121 via a substrate via conductor 31. Similarly, each of the eight wiring patterns 22 is positioned to overlap with the terminal electrode 122 of the inductor component 100, and each is connected to the corresponding terminal electrode 122 via a substrate via conductor 32.

[0034] Thus, the inductor component 100 according to this embodiment is not used by mounting it on the surface of a circuit board using solder or the like, but is used by embedding it in a component-embedded substrate 10. For this reason, the end faces of the terminal patterns 141 and 149 exposed from the main surface 101 of the magnetic element M are used as terminal electrodes 121, and the end faces of the terminal patterns 142 and 140 exposed from the main surface 102 of the magnetic element M are used as terminal electrodes 122. Furthermore, in this embodiment, not only the end faces of the conductor layer L1 having coil patterns C11 to C14 but also the end faces of the conductor layer L2 without coil patterns are exposed, making it possible to secure a sufficient area for the terminal electrodes 121 and 122.

[0035] Furthermore, since not only the end faces of the terminal patterns 141 and 149 but also the end faces of the via conductors 151 are exposed from the main surface 101 of the magnetic element M, the terminal electrodes 121 are not divided into multiple parts by the interlayer insulating film 130 on the main surface 101 of the magnetic element M. Similarly, since not only the end faces of the terminal patterns 142 and 140 but also the end faces of the via conductors 152 are exposed from the main surface 102 of the magnetic element M, the terminal electrodes 122 are not divided into multiple parts by the interlayer insulating film 130 on the main surface 102 of the magnetic element M.

[0036] Furthermore, since the terminal electrodes 121 and 122 are surrounded by the interlayer insulating film 130 on the main surfaces 101 and 102 of the magnetic element M, it is possible to increase the dielectric breakdown voltage between adjacent terminal electrodes 121 in the X direction, and between adjacent terminal electrodes 122 in the X direction. Also, if the surface of the terminal electrode 121 is recessed below the main surface 101 of the magnetic element M, the connection reliability between the terminal electrode 121 and the substrate via conductor 31 can be improved. Similarly, if the surface of the terminal electrode 122 is recessed below the main surface 102 of the magnetic element M, the connection reliability between the terminal electrode 122 and the substrate via conductor 32 can be improved.

[0037] Furthermore, unlike inductor components that are mounted on the surface of a circuit board using solder or the like, the inductor component 100 according to this embodiment does not have external electrodes on the sides 103 to 106, and the entire surface of the sides 103 to 106 is composed of a magnetic element M. Therefore, when the inductor component 100 according to this embodiment is embedded in the component-embedded substrate 10, unintended short-circuit failures between other wiring patterns and terminal electrodes 121 and 122 are less likely to occur. Moreover, since no external electrodes are added to the main surfaces 101 and 102, it is possible to form the substrate via conductors 31 and 32 shown in Figure 7 with a narrow pitch.

[0038] <Second Embodiment> Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an inductor component 200 according to a second embodiment of the technology of this disclosure.

[0039] As shown in Figure 8, in the inductor component 200 according to the second embodiment, the width W3 in the X direction of the coil patterns C11 and C14 constituting the coil sections 111 and 114 is narrower than the width W6 in the X direction of the coil patterns C12 and C13 constituting the coil sections 112 and 113. The shapes of the terminal patterns 141 to 148 are substantially the same, and therefore the lengths of the coil patterns C11 to C14 in the Y direction are substantially the same. The other basic configurations are the same as those of the inductor component 100 according to the first embodiment, so the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0040] In the inductor component 200 according to the second embodiment, the volume of the magnetic element portion M located within the distance range P is greater for coil patterns C11 and C14 than for coil patterns C12 and C13. Moreover, coil patterns C11 and C14 are narrower in the X direction than coil patterns C12 and C13, thereby increasing their inductance. As a result, the difference in inductance between coil portions 111 and 114 and coil portions 112 and 113 due to their position in the X direction is reduced, and ideally, the inductances of coil portions 111 to 114 are almost identical.

[0041] <Third Embodiment> Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an inductor component 300 according to the third embodiment of the technology according to the present disclosure.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 9, in the inductor component 300 according to the third embodiment, the thickness T1 of the interlayer insulating film 130 covering the coil patterns C11 and C14 included in the coil portions 111 and 114 is thinner than the thickness T2 of the interlayer insulating film 130 covering the coil patterns C12 and C13 included in the coil portions 112 and 113. The shapes of the coil portions 111 to 114 themselves are substantially the same as each other. Since the other basic configurations are the same as those of the inductor component 100 according to the first embodiment, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0043] Also in the inductor component 300 according to the third embodiment, the volume of the magnetic element portion M located in the distance range P is larger for the coil patterns C11 and C14 than for the coil patterns C12 and C13. As a result, the difference in inductance between the coil portions 111 and 114 and the coil portions 112 and 113 due to the X-direction position is reduced, and ideally, the inductances of the coil portions 111 to 114 are substantially the same.

[0044] As described above, the embodiments of the technology according to the present disclosure have been described. However, the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that those are also included in the scope of the technology according to the present disclosure.

[0045] The technology according to the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following configuration examples.

[0046] An inductor component according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a magnetic element portion having a first main surface and a second main surface located on the opposite side of the first main surface, and a plurality of coil portions embedded in the magnetic element portion and arranged in a first direction parallel to the first main surface. Each of the plurality of coil portions includes a first terminal electrode whose end face is exposed on the first main surface, a second terminal electrode whose end face is exposed on the second main surface, and a coil pattern extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first main surface, with one end connected to the first terminal electrode and the other end connected to the second terminal electrode. The plurality of coil portions include first and second coil portions, and the volume of the magnetic element portion located within a predetermined distance range from the central axis of the coil pattern included in the first coil portion is larger than the volume of the magnetic element portion located within a predetermined distance range from the central axis of the coil pattern included in the second coil portion. According to this, fine adjustment of the inductance becomes possible.

[0047] In the above inductor component, the length of the coil pattern included in the first coil portion in the second direction may be longer than the length of the coil pattern included in the second coil portion in the second direction. According to this, fine adjustment of the inductance due to the length of the coil pattern also becomes possible.

[0048] In the above inductor component, the width of the coil pattern included in the first coil portion in the first direction may be thinner than the width of the coil pattern included in the second coil portion in the first direction. According to this, fine adjustment of the inductance due to the width of the coil pattern also becomes possible.

[0049] The above inductor component further includes an interlayer insulating film located between the magnetic element portion and the plurality of coil portions, and the thickness of the interlayer insulating film covering the coil pattern included in the first coil portion may be thinner than the thickness of the interlayer insulating film covering the coil pattern included in the second coil portion. According to this, it becomes possible to finely adjust the inductance without changing the shape of the coil pattern.

[0050] In the above-described inductor component, the magnetic element further has a first side surface perpendicular to the first direction, and the first coil portion may be positioned closest to the first side surface among a plurality of coil portions. This makes it possible to reduce the difference in inductance due to the position in the first direction.

[0051] In the above-described inductor component, the multiple coil sections further include a third coil section, and the volume of the magnetic element section located within a predetermined distance range from the central axis of the coil pattern included in the third coil section is greater than the volume of the magnetic element section located within a predetermined distance range from the central axis of the coil pattern included in the second coil section, and the magnetic element section further has a second side surface that is perpendicular to the first direction and located opposite the first side surface, and the third coil section may be positioned closest to the second side surface among the multiple coil sections. This makes it possible to reduce the difference in inductance due to the position in the first direction.

[0052] In the above-described inductor component, each of the plurality of coil sections has a plurality of conductor layers, including first and second conductor layers, which are stacked in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the first main surface, and each of the plurality of coil sections includes a first terminal pattern whose end face is exposed to the first main surface and which constitutes a first part of the first terminal electrode, a second terminal pattern whose end face is exposed to the second main surface and which constitutes a first part of the second terminal electrode, and at least a part of the coil pattern, and each of the plurality of coil sections includes a second conductor layer whose end face is exposed to the first main surface, and The coil includes a third terminal pattern that constitutes the second part of a single terminal electrode, and a fourth terminal pattern whose end face is exposed to the second main surface and which constitutes the second part of a second terminal electrode. The first and third terminal patterns included in each of the multiple coil sections may be connected to each other via a first via conductor that has its end face exposed to the first main surface and constitutes the third part of the first terminal electrode, while the second and fourth terminal patterns included in each of the multiple coil sections may be connected to each other via a second via conductor that has its end face exposed to the second main surface and constitutes the third part of the second terminal electrode. This makes it possible to secure a sufficient exposed area of ​​the terminal electrodes.

[0053] In the above-described inductor component, the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer, each included in multiple coil sections, are each covered at least in part by an interlayer insulating film. The first terminal electrodes, each included in multiple coil sections, may be surrounded by the interlayer insulating film on the first main surface, and the second terminal electrodes, each included in multiple coil sections, may be surrounded by the interlayer insulating film on the second main surface. This increases the dielectric breakdown voltage between the first terminal electrodes on the first main surface, and between the second terminal electrodes on the second main surface.

[0054] In the above-described inductor component, the third terminal pattern may be provided independently within the plane of the second conductor layer without being connected to other conductor patterns, and the fourth terminal pattern may also be provided independently within the plane of the second conductor layer without being connected to other conductor patterns. In this case, the third and fourth terminal patterns function as auxiliary patterns.

[0055] In the above-described inductor component, the thickness of the second conductor layer in the third direction may be greater than the thickness of the first conductor layer in the third direction. This makes it possible to increase the inductance of the coil pattern while ensuring sufficient exposed area for the first and second terminal electrodes.

[0056] In the above-described inductor component, the surface of the first terminal electrode included in each of the multiple coil sections may be recessed compared to the first main surface. This improves the adhesion between the first terminal electrode and the substrate via conductor when the component is embedded in a substrate.

[0057] A component-embedded substrate according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a component-embedded substrate in which the above-mentioned inductor component is embedded, comprising: a plurality of first wiring patterns; a plurality of second wiring patterns; a plurality of first substrate via conductors connecting the plurality of first wiring patterns and the plurality of element portions, respectively, to each other; and a plurality of second substrate via conductors connecting the plurality of second wiring patterns and the plurality of element portions, respectively, to each other. With this, a sufficient contact area between the first terminal electrode and the first substrate via conductor can be secured, and a sufficient contact area between the second terminal electrode and the second substrate via conductor can be secured.

[0058] This application claims the interests of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-190826, filed on 30 October 2024, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] 10 Component-embedded substrate 11-15 Insulating layer 20-22 Wiring pattern 31, 32 Substrate via conductor 100, 200, 300 Inductor component 101 First main surface 102 Second main surface 103-106 Side surface 111-114 Coil section 121, 122 Terminal electrode 130 Interlayer insulating film 140-149 Terminal pattern 151, 152 Via conductor C11-C14 Coil pattern C11A, C12A Central axis L1, L2 Conductor layer M Magnetic element section P Distance range Q Region S Plane

Claims

1. An inductor component comprising: a magnetic element having a first main surface and a second main surface located opposite to the first main surface; and a plurality of coil portions embedded in the magnetic element and arranged in a first direction parallel to the first main surface, wherein each of the plurality of coil portions includes a first terminal electrode whose end face is exposed to the first main surface, a second terminal electrode whose end face is exposed to the second main surface, and a coil pattern extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first main surface, with one end connected to the first terminal electrode and the other end connected to the second terminal electrode, wherein the plurality of coil portions include first and second coil portions, and the volume of the magnetic element located within a predetermined distance range from the central axis of the coil pattern included in the first coil portion is greater than the volume of the magnetic element located within the predetermined distance range from the central axis of the coil pattern included in the second coil portion.

2. The inductor component according to claim 1, wherein the length of the coil pattern included in the first coil portion in the second direction is longer than the length of the coil pattern included in the second coil portion in the second direction.

3. The inductor component according to claim 1, wherein the width of the coil pattern included in the first coil portion in the first direction is narrower than the width of the coil pattern included in the second coil portion in the first direction.

4. The inductor component according to claim 1, further comprising an interlayer insulating film located between the magnetic element portion and the plurality of coil portions, wherein the thickness of the interlayer insulating film covering the coil pattern included in the first coil portion is thinner than the thickness of the interlayer insulating film covering the coil pattern included in the second coil portion.

5. The inductor component according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic element portion further has a first side surface perpendicular to the first direction, and the first coil portion is the portion of the plurality of coil portions that is closest to the first side surface.

6. The inductor component according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of coil portions further include a third coil portion, the volume of the magnetic element portion located within a predetermined distance range from the central axis of the coil pattern included in the third coil portion is greater than the volume of the magnetic element portion located within a predetermined distance range from the central axis of the coil pattern included in the second coil portion, the magnetic element portion further has a second side surface that is perpendicular to the first direction and located opposite to the first side surface, and the third coil portion is the one of the plurality of coil portions that is closest to the second side surface.

7. Each of the plurality of coil sections has a plurality of conductor layers, including first and second conductor layers, which are stacked in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the first main surface, and each of the plurality of coil sections includes a first terminal pattern whose end face is exposed to the first main surface and constitutes a first part of the first terminal electrode, a second terminal pattern whose end face is exposed to the second main surface and constitutes a first part of the second terminal electrode, and at least a part of the coil pattern, and each of the plurality of coil sections includes a second terminal pattern whose end face is exposed to the first main surface and constitutes a second part of the first terminal electrode, and a fourth terminal pattern whose end face is exposed to the second main surface and constitutes a second part of the second terminal electrode, and the first terminal pattern and the third terminal pattern included in each of the plurality of coil sections are connected to each other via a first via conductor whose end face is exposed to the first main surface and constitutes a third part of the first terminal electrode. The inductor component according to claim 1, wherein the second terminal pattern and the fourth terminal pattern, each included in the plurality of coil portions, have their end faces exposed to the second main surface and are connected to each other via a second via conductor that constitutes a third portion of the second terminal electrode.

8. The inductor component according to claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer, each included in the plurality of coil portions, is covered by an interlayer insulating film, the first terminal electrode, each included in the plurality of coil portions, is surrounded by the interlayer insulating film on the first main surface, and the second terminal electrode, each included in the plurality of coil portions, is surrounded by the interlayer insulating film on the second main surface.

9. The inductor component according to claim 7, wherein the third terminal pattern is provided independently within the plane of the second conductor layer without being connected to other conductor patterns, and the fourth terminal pattern is provided independently within the plane of the second conductor layer without being connected to other conductor patterns.

10. The inductor component according to claim 9, wherein the thickness of the second conductor layer in the third direction is greater than the thickness of the first conductor layer in the third direction.

11. The inductor component according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the first terminal electrode included in each of the plurality of coil portions is recessed compared to the first main surface.

12. A component-embedded substrate having an inductor component according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: a plurality of first wiring patterns; a plurality of second wiring patterns; a plurality of first substrate via conductors connecting the plurality of first wiring patterns and the first terminal electrodes included in each of the plurality of coil portions; and a plurality of second substrate via conductors connecting the plurality of second wiring patterns and the second terminal electrodes included in each of the plurality of coil portions.

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