阅读说明：本技术 定向耦合器及电子部件模块 (Directional coupler and electronic component module ) 是由 德田大辅 重野靖 于 2020-09-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种定向耦合器及电子部件模块,在抑制形状的大型化的同时获得大的耦合度。定向耦合器(10)具备基板(11)、主线路(121)、主线路(122)以及副线路(131)。主线路(121)以及主线路(122)包括形成于基板(11)的导体图案,且被并联连接。副线路(131)包括形成于基板(11)的导体图案。在基板(11)的俯视下,副线路(131)配置在与主线路(121)至少一部分重叠的位置。(The invention provides a directional coupler and an electronic component module, which can obtain a large coupling degree while inhibiting the large-scale shape. A directional coupler (10) is provided with a substrate (11), a main line (121), a main line (122), and a sub-line (131). The main line (121) and the main line (122) include conductor patterns formed on the substrate (11), and are connected in parallel. The sub-line (131) includes a conductor pattern formed on the substrate (11). The sub-line (131) is disposed at a position at least partially overlapping the main line (121) in a plan view of the substrate (11).)

1. A directional coupler is provided with:

a substrate having a 1 st main surface and a 2 nd main surface opposed to each other;

a 1 st main line and a 2 nd main line connected in parallel, including a conductor pattern formed in or on the substrate; and

a 1 st sub-line including a conductor pattern formed in or on the substrate,

the 1 st sub line is arranged at a position at least partially overlapping the 1 st main line in a plan view in a thickness direction orthogonal to the 1 st main surface and the 2 nd main surface.

2. The directional coupler of claim 1,

the 2 nd main line and the 1 st sub-line are disposed at the same position in the thickness direction.

3. The directional coupler according to claim 1 or 2,

the 1 st main surface is a connection surface to another substrate to which a high-frequency signal detected by a directional coupler is transmitted,

the 1 st main line is disposed on the 1 st main surface side of the 1 st sub-line.

4. The directional coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the 1 st main line and the 2 nd main line are disposed at different positions in the plan view.

5. The directional coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

at least a portion of the 1 st main line overlaps at least a portion of the 2 nd main line in the plan view.

6. The directional coupler of claim 5, wherein,

at least a portion of the 1 st sub-line is electromagnetically coupled to the 1 st main line and the 2 nd main line in the plan view.

7. The directional coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the disclosed device is provided with: a 2 nd sub-line including a conductor pattern formed in or on the substrate,

the 2 nd sub-line is disposed at a position different from the 1 st sub-line in the thickness direction.

8. The directional coupler of claim 7, wherein,

at least a part of the 2 nd sub line is disposed at a position overlapping at least a part of the 2 nd main line in the plan view.

9. The directional coupler of claim 8, wherein,

the 1 st main line and the 2 nd sub-line are arranged at the same position in the thickness direction.

10. The directional coupler according to any one of claims 7 to 9,

the 1 st and 2 nd sub-lines are connected in parallel.

11. The directional coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

the 1 st sub-line includes a plurality of conductor patterns arranged at a plurality of different positions in the thickness direction.

12. A directional coupler is provided with:

a substrate having a 1 st main surface and a 2 nd main surface opposed to each other;

a main line including a conductor pattern formed in or on the substrate; and

a 1 st sub-line and a 2 nd sub-line including conductor patterns formed in or on the substrate and connected in parallel,

the main line is arranged at a position at least partially overlapping the 1 st sub-line or the 2 nd sub-line in a plan view in a thickness direction orthogonal to the 1 st main surface and the 2 nd main surface.

13. An electronic component module is provided with:

the directional coupler of any one of claims 1 to 12; and

and an IC mounted on the 2 nd main surface and including a circuit connected to the 1 st sub-line and generating a measurement signal from a high-frequency signal flowing through the 1 st sub-line.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a directional coupler in which a main line and a sub-line are formed on a substrate, and an electronic component module including the directional coupler.

Background

Patent documents 1 and 2 disclose directional couplers. The directional couplers disclosed in patent documents 1 and 2 include a dielectric substrate, and a main line and a sub-line each including a conductor pattern. The main line and the sub-line are disposed on the same layer of the substrate.

Prior art documents

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 8-116203

Patent document 2: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2016-171398

However, in the directional couplers described in patent documents 1 and 2, it is difficult to increase the degree of coupling between the main line and the sub line without increasing the overall size. For example, in the directional couplers described in patent documents 1 and 2, in order to obtain a desired (large) degree of coupling, the portions contributing to coupling in the main line and the sub line have to be increased, and the substrate is increased in size.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a directional coupler that can easily obtain a large degree of coupling while suppressing an increase in size of the shape.

Means for solving the problems

The directional coupler of the present invention comprises: the circuit board includes a substrate, a 1 st main line, a 2 nd main line, and a 1 st sub-line. The substrate has a 1 st main surface and a 2 nd main surface opposed to each other. The 1 st main line and the 2 nd main line include conductor patterns formed on a substrate and are connected in parallel. The 1 st sub-line includes a conductor pattern formed on a substrate. The 1 st sub line is disposed at a position at least partially overlapping the 1 st main line in a plan view.

In this structure, the 1 st main line and the 1 st sub-line are arranged so that the main surfaces of the conductor patterns face each other. In the conductor pattern, the area of the main surface is generally larger than the area of the side surface. This increases the electric field coupling between the 1 st main line and the 1 st sub-line, thereby improving the degree of coupling.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, a large degree of coupling can be easily obtained while suppressing an increase in size of the shape.

Drawings

Fig. 1 (a) is a schematic side sectional view showing the structure of an electronic component module according to embodiment 1, and fig. 1 (B) is a schematic side sectional view showing the main structure of a directional coupler according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of an electronic component module according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the directional coupler according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 4 is a schematic side sectional view showing another embodiment of the structure of the electronic component module according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 5 is a schematic side sectional view showing the structure of the directional coupler according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the directional coupler according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 7 is a schematic side sectional view showing another structure of the directional coupler according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 8 is a schematic side sectional view showing the structure of the directional coupler according to embodiment 3.

Fig. 9 is a schematic side sectional view showing the structure of the directional coupler according to embodiment 4.

Fig. 10 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the directional coupler according to embodiment 4.

Fig. 11 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the directional coupler according to embodiment 5.

Fig. 12 (a) is an equivalent circuit diagram of an example of the directional coupler according to embodiment 6, and fig. 12 (B) is an equivalent circuit diagram of another example of the directional coupler according to embodiment 6.

Fig. 13 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the directional coupler according to embodiment 7.

Fig. 14 is a schematic side sectional view showing the structure of the directional coupler according to embodiment 8.

Fig. 15 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the directional coupler according to embodiment 8.

Description of the reference numerals

1. 1Z: an electronic component module;

10. 10A, 10AZ, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10EA, 10EB, 10F, 10G: a directional coupler;

11. 11B, 11C: a substrate;

21. 22: a switching circuit;

80：IC；

81: a main body;

82: a solder bump;

90: a mother circuit board;

101: a 1 st main surface;

102: a 2 nd main surface;

112. 113, 114: a dielectric layer;

121. 122: a main line;

131. 132, 1311, 1312, 1313: a secondary line;

141: an external terminal conductor;

142: a land conductor;

151. 152: an interlayer connection conductor;

900: and a land conductor.

Detailed Description

[ embodiment 1 ]

A directional coupler and an electronic component module according to embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 (a) is a schematic side sectional view showing the structure of an electronic component module according to embodiment 1, and fig. 1 (B) is a schematic side sectional view showing the main structure of a directional coupler according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of an electronic component module according to embodiment 1. In fig. 1 (a), 1 (B), and 2, the dimensions are appropriately emphasized to facilitate understanding of the structure.

(construction of the Directional coupler 10)

As shown in fig. 1 (a), 1 (B), and 2, the directional coupler 10 includes a substrate 11, a main line 121, a main line 122, a sub-line 131, an external terminal conductor 141, and a land conductor 142. The main line 121 corresponds to the "1 st main line" of the present invention, and the main line 122 corresponds to the "2 nd main line" of the present invention. The sub-line 131 corresponds to the "1 st sub-line" of the present invention.

The substrate 11 is a flat plate made of an insulating material. The substrate 11 has a 1 st main surface 101 and a 2 nd main surface 102 orthogonal to the thickness direction of the flat plate shape and facing each other. The substrate 11 is realized by, for example, an insulating resin, a semiconductor substrate, an LTCC (low temperature co-fired ceramic) substrate, or the like.

The main line 121, the main line 122, and the sub-line 131 are each formed of a linear or strip-shaped conductor pattern. The external terminal conductor 141 and the land conductor 142 are each formed of, for example, a rectangular conductor pattern. The "conductor pattern" referred to herein includes a conductor pattern (such as an interlayer connection conductor) formed on the substrate 11 and extending in the thickness direction of the substrate 11, in addition to the conductor pattern formed on the substrate 11 and parallel to the 1 st main surface 101 and the 2 nd main surface 102 of the substrate 11.

The main line 121 and the main line 122 are connected in parallel. The main lines 121 and 122 are connected to the external terminal conductor 141. The sub-line 131 is connected to the land conductor 142.

The sub-line 131 is electromagnetically coupled to the main line 121 and the main line 122, respectively. In this case, the lengths of the sub-line 131, the main line 121, and the coupling portion (portion where the main electromagnetic field coupling occurs) of the main line 122 that contributes to the directional coupler are determined by the wavelength of the high-frequency signal that is transmitted to the main line 121 and the main line 122 and is the target of detection, the intensity of the required degree of coupling, and the like.

More specific positional relationships among the main line 121, the main line 122, and the sub-line 131 are as follows.

The main line 121 and the main line 122 are disposed at different positions in the thickness direction of the substrate 11. The main line 121 and the main line 122 are disposed at different positions when viewed in a thickness direction orthogonal to the 1 st main surface 101 and the 2 nd main surface 102 of the substrate 11, that is, when the substrate 11 is viewed in plan. Here, the phrase "the main line 121 and the main line 122 are disposed at different positions in the thickness direction", and in the case where the substrate 11 is a multilayer substrate in which a plurality of layers are stacked, means that the main line 121 and the main line 122 are formed in different layers from each other among the plurality of layers.

The sub line 131 overlaps the main line 121 in a plan view. Further, the sub-line 131 is arranged at the same position as the main line 122 in the thickness direction. Here, the phrase "the sub-line 131 is arranged at the same position as the main line 122 in the thickness direction", for example, when the substrate 11 is a multilayer substrate in which a plurality of layers are stacked, means that the sub-line 131 and the main line 122 are formed in the same layer among the plurality of layers. Therefore, the position in the thickness direction of the main line 121 and the position in the thickness direction of the main line 122 are not completely the same and slightly different.

Also, at least a part of the sub-line 131 is parallel with a given length with respect to the main line 121 and the main line 122. In addition, when the lines are parallel to each other, not only the lines are parallel to each other, but also the lines are substantially parallel to each other (for example, the angle between the lines is 180 ° ± 10 °).

With this configuration, the main line 121 and the sub-line 131 are arranged with their main surfaces facing each other. Here, the conductor patterns forming the main line 121 and the sub-line 131 are likely to have a larger width than a height. That is, the area of the main line 121 main surface (the surface of the main line 121 disposed in the thickness direction of the substrate 11 (the surface substantially parallel to the 1 st main surface 101 and the 2 nd main surface 102 of the substrate 11)) is larger than the area of the main line 121 side surface (the surface of the main line 121 disposed in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the substrate 11 (the surface substantially perpendicular to the 1 st main surface 101 and the 2 nd main surface 102 of the substrate 11)).

Similarly, the area of the main surface of the sub-line 131 (in the sub-line 131, the surface disposed in the thickness direction of the substrate 11 (the surface substantially parallel to the 1 st main surface 101 and the 2 nd main surface 102 of the substrate 11)) is larger than the area of the side surface of the sub-line 131 (in the sub-line 131, the surface disposed in the thickness direction of the substrate 11 (the surface substantially perpendicular to the 1 st main surface 101 and the 2 nd main surface 102 of the substrate 11)). Therefore, as compared with the conventional configuration in which the main line 121 and the sub-line 131 are arranged at the same position in the thickness direction so as to face each other on the side, large electric field coupling (capacitive coupling) is easily obtained.

The main line 121 and the sub line 131 are arranged relatively close to each other. For example, the main line 121 and the sub-line 131 are arranged at a distance of the order of thickness of the dielectric layer forming the substrate 11 (for example, the order of 15 μm to 50 μm). Thereby, the main line 121 and the sub-line 131 can obtain large magnetic field coupling (inductive coupling).

As a result, the directional coupler 10 can obtain a large electromagnetic field coupling without increasing the size of the main line 121 and the sub-line 131 as compared with the conventional configuration. That is, the directional coupler 10 can easily obtain a large degree of coupling while suppressing an increase in size.

Further, on the contrary, the directional coupler 10 can reduce the shape for obtaining the same degree of coupling as the conventional structure. That is, the directional coupler 10 can be miniaturized while obtaining the same degree of coupling as the conventional structure.

Further, the main line 122 and the sub-line 131 are disposed at the same position in the thickness direction of the substrate 11 and are disposed close to each other. For example, the main line 122 and the sub-line 131 are arranged at an interval of about 15 μm to 50 μm. The interval can be further shortened or appropriately adjusted depending on the accuracy of forming the conductor pattern. According to this structure, the main line 122 and the sub-line 131 perform electromagnetic field coupling.

Therefore, a high-frequency signal for detection obtained by electromagnetic field coupling with respect to each of the main lines 121 and 122 connected in parallel flows through the sub-line 131. This increases the high-frequency signal for detection flowing through the sub-line 131, and can substantially increase the electromagnetic field coupling. Therefore, the directional coupler 10 can obtain a coupling degree larger than that of the conventional structure while further suppressing the increase in size.

In addition, in this structure, the main line 121 and the main line 122 do not have an overlap. This reduces the imbalance in the distribution of the currents flowing through main line 121 and main line 122. Therefore, the directional coupler 10 can reduce the equivalent series resistance in the coupling portion, and can reduce the insertion loss IL.

Further, in this structure, the main line 121 and the main line 122 are connected in parallel. This substantially increases the width of the main line in the coupling portion. Therefore, the directional coupler 10 can reduce the insertion loss IL.

(concrete examples of the construction of the directional coupler 10)

The directional coupler 10 of such a structure can be realized by, for example, a structure as shown in fig. 2.

The substrate 11 includes a dielectric layer 112, a dielectric layer 113, and a dielectric layer 114. Dielectric layer 112, dielectric layer 113, and dielectric layer 114 are stacked in this order.

The main line 121 is disposed on the surface of the dielectric layer 112 on the side of the dielectric layer 113. The main line 121 is, for example, a ring-shaped conductor pattern partially missing.

The main line 122 and the sub-line 131 are disposed on the surface of the dielectric layer 113 that is in contact with the dielectric layer 114. The main line 122 and the sub line 131 are, for example, annular conductor patterns each having a portion missing.

The conductor pattern constituting the main line 122 and the conductor pattern constituting the sub-line 131 are partially parallel to each other along the direction in which the respective conductor patterns extend. According to the parallel distance, the degree of coupling of the main line 122 and the sub-line 131 is adjusted.

The conductor pattern constituting the sub-line 131 partially overlaps with the conductor pattern constituting the main line 121 in a plan view. The conductor pattern constituting the main line 121 and the conductor pattern constituting the sub-line 131 are partially parallel to each other along the direction in which the respective conductor patterns extend. The coupling degree of the main line 121 and the sub-line 131 is adjusted according to the overlapping area and the parallel distance.

In addition, since the directional coupler 10 is formed by laminating the dielectric layers on which the conductor patterns constituting the main line 121, the main line 122, and the sub-line 131 are formed, the directional coupler 10 can be manufactured by an easy manufacturing method. Further, since the main line 121, the main line 122, and the sub-line 131 are realized by arranging (forming) conductor patterns on dielectric layers, the shapes (the shapes of the conductor patterns and the thicknesses of the dielectric layers) can be adjusted, and the directional coupler 10 can easily realize a structure that obtains a desired degree of coupling.

Further, the directional coupler 10 has the following structure.

The external terminal conductor 141 is disposed on the surface of the dielectric layer 112 opposite to the surface in contact with the dielectric layer 113. In other words, the external terminal conductor 141 is disposed on the 1 st main surface 101 of the substrate 11 (see fig. 1 a).

The external terminal conductor 141 is, for example, a rectangular conductor pattern. The external terminal conductor 141 overlaps with the end portions of the conductor pattern constituting the main line 121 and the conductor pattern constituting the main line 122 in a plan view. The external terminal conductor 141 is connected to the main line 121 and the main line 122 via an interlayer connection conductor 151 extending in the thickness direction of the substrate 11.

The land conductor 142 is disposed on the surface of the dielectric layer 114 opposite to the surface in contact with the dielectric layer 113. In other words, the land conductor 142 is disposed on the 2 nd main surface 102 of the substrate 11 (see fig. 1 a).

The land conductor 142 is, for example, a rectangular conductor pattern. The land conductor 142 overlaps with an end portion of the conductor pattern constituting the sub-line 131 in a plan view. The land conductor 142 is connected to the sub-line 131 via an interlayer connection conductor 152 extending in the thickness direction of the substrate 11.

The structure shown in fig. 1 is an example. The number of dielectric layers and the positions of the conductive patterns in the directional coupler 10 may be different as long as the positional relationship among the main lines 121, 122, and 132 is maintained.

(example of Circuit configuration of Directional coupler 10)

With this structure, the directional coupler 10 realizes the circuit shown in fig. 3. Fig. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the directional coupler according to embodiment 1.

As shown in fig. 3, the directional coupler 10 includes an RF terminal P11, an RF terminal P12, a detection terminal P21, and a detection terminal P22. A parallel circuit of the main line 121 and the main line 122 is connected between the RF terminal P11 and the RF terminal P12. The sub-line 131 is connected between the detection terminal P21 and the detection terminal P22.

The main line 121 and the main line 122 and the sub-line 131 are electromagnetically coupled. With this configuration, the directional coupler 10 receives a high-frequency signal of a detection target from the RF terminal P11, and outputs the high-frequency signal of the detection target from the RF terminal P12. The directional coupler 10 outputs a high-frequency signal (input measurement signal) excited by the high-frequency signal input from the RF terminal P11 from the detection terminal P22, and outputs a high-frequency signal (reflection measurement signal) excited by a reflection signal of the high-frequency signal input from the RF terminal P12 from the detection terminal P21.

The directional coupler 10 may output a high-frequency signal (input measurement signal) excited by the high-frequency signal input from the RF terminal P12 from the detection terminal P22, and output a high-frequency signal (reflection measurement signal) excited by a reflection signal of the high-frequency signal input from the RF terminal P12 from the detection terminal P21. That is, the directional coupler 10 has no limitation on the connection direction of the external circuit with respect to the main line. Therefore, a directional coupler with excellent usability can be realized.

Specifically, in this measurement, a coupling output terminal or a terminator is connected to the detection terminal P21 and the detection terminal P22 at the time of measurement of the input measurement signal and the time of measurement of the reflection measurement signal. The coupling output terminal is a terminal for outputting the detection signal transmitted through the sub-line of the directional coupler 10 to an external circuit such as a detection circuit, and the terminator is a circuit for terminating a signal in the opposite direction to the detection signal transmitted through the sub-line of the directional coupler 10.

For example, in the measurement in which the measurement signal is input, the coupling/output terminal is connected to the detection terminal P21, and the terminator is connected to the detection terminal P22. On the other hand, in the measurement of the reflection measurement signal, the coupling output terminal is connected to the detection terminal P22, and the terminator is connected to the detection terminal P21.

In addition, the terminator may also be variable. Further, in addition to the above, an attenuator, a matching circuit, a filter, and the like may be connected between the sub-line and the coupling output terminal. The attenuation, impedance, and pass band of each of the attenuator, matching circuit, and filter may be variable.

In addition, in such a circuit configuration, by providing the directional coupler 10 with the above configuration, it is possible to increase the levels of the input measurement signal and the reflection measurement signal while suppressing an increase in the size of the circuit configuration. Therefore, the directional coupler 10 can reliably output the input measurement signal and the reflection measurement signal, compared to the conventional configuration.

(Structure of electronic component Module 1)

As shown in fig. 1 (a) and 2, the electronic component module 1 includes a directional coupler 10 and an IC 80. The directional coupler 10 has the above-described structure.

The IC80 functionally includes a circuit or the like for generating the input measurement signal and the reflection measurement signal from the high-frequency signal propagating through the sub-line 131. For example, the IC80 includes the above-described coupling output terminal, a variable terminator, and a switch circuit for switching connection therebetween. IC80 may not include all of them, or may include some of them.

The IC80 is structurally provided with a main body 81 including a semiconductor or the like and solder bumps 82. The main body 81 is formed with the above-described main circuits. IC80 is mounted to directional coupler 10. More specifically, the IC80 is mounted on the 2 nd main surface 102 of the substrate of the directional coupler 10 by bonding the solder bumps 82 with the land conductors 142.

The electronic component module 1 having such a configuration is mounted on a mother circuit board 90 that transmits a high-frequency signal to be detected. More specifically, the external terminal conductor 141 disposed on the 1 st main surface 101 of the directional coupler 10 and the land conductor 900 of the mother circuit board 90 are bonded by a conductive bonding material such as solder.

In this configuration, the main line 121 is disposed closer to the mother circuit board 90 than the sub-line 131, and the connection distance between the main line 121 and the mother circuit board 90 is shortened. This can shorten the transmission distance of the high-frequency signal (high-frequency signal to be detected) transmitted through the directional coupler 10, and the directional coupler 10 can reduce the insertion loss IL of the high-frequency signal (high-frequency signal to be detected).

In this configuration, the sub-line 131 is arranged closer to the IC80 than the main line 121, and the connection distance between the sub-line 131 and the IC80 is shortened. This can shorten the transmission distance of the high-frequency signal excited in the sub-line 131 (the signal that serves as the basis of the input measurement signal and the reflection measurement signal), and the directional coupler 10 can reduce the insertion loss IL of the high-frequency signal excited in the sub-line 131 (the signal that serves as the basis of the input measurement signal and the reflection measurement signal).

In the above description, the main line 121 and the sub-line 131 are completely overlapped in the width direction. However, the main line 121 and the sub-line 131 may partially overlap in the width direction.

In the above description, the main line 122 and the sub-line 131 are arranged at the same position in the thickness direction. However, the main line 122 and the sub-line 131 may be different in position in the thickness direction as long as they are electromagnetically coupled.

In the case where the directional coupler is formed on a semiconductor substrate, the IC80 may not be provided. Fig. 4 is a schematic side sectional view showing another embodiment of the structure of the electronic component module according to embodiment 1.

As shown in fig. 4, in the electronic component module 1Z, only the substrate 11Z including the conductor pattern of the directional coupler 10 is mounted on the mother circuit substrate 90. Although not shown, a coupling/output terminal, a variable terminator, a switch circuit for switching connection of the coupling/output terminal and the variable terminator formed in the IC80 are formed on the substrate 11Z.

[ 2 nd embodiment ]

A directional coupler according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a schematic side sectional view showing the structure of the directional coupler according to embodiment 2. Fig. 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the directional coupler according to embodiment 2.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, a directional coupler 10A according to embodiment 2 is different from the directional coupler 10 according to embodiment 1 in that a sub-line 132 is added. Other structures of the directional coupler 10A are the same as those of the directional coupler 10, and descriptions of the same parts are omitted.

As shown in fig. 5, the sub-line 132 includes a linear or strip-shaped conductor pattern and is disposed on the substrate 11. The sub-line 132 overlaps the main line 122 when the substrate 11 is viewed from above. The sub-line 132 is disposed at the same position as the main line 121 in the thickness direction of the substrate 11. The sub line 132 corresponds to the "2 nd sub line" of the present invention.

The sub-line 132 is electromagnetically coupled to both the main line 122 and the main line 121.

As shown in fig. 6, the sub-line 132 is connected in parallel with the sub-line 131.

With this configuration, the directional coupler 10A includes a plurality of main lines and a plurality of sub-lines, and performs electromagnetic field coupling. This further enhances electromagnetic field coupling between the main line and the sub line as the whole directional coupler 10A. Therefore, the directional coupler 10A can obtain a coupling degree larger than that of the conventional structure while further suppressing the increase in size.

In the above description, the main line 122 and the sub-line 131 are arranged at the same position in the thickness direction, and the main line 121 and the sub-line 132 are arranged at the same position in the thickness direction. However, the main line 122 and the sub-line 131 may be different in position in the thickness direction as long as they are electromagnetically coupled. Note that the main line 121 and the sub-line 132 may be positioned at different positions in the thickness direction as long as they are electromagnetically coupled.

Fig. 7 is a schematic side sectional view showing another structure of the directional coupler according to embodiment 2. For example, as shown in fig. 7, in the directional coupler 10AZ, the main line 122 and the main line 121 may be disposed closer to the mother circuit substrate 90 than the sub-line 131 and the sub-line 132. In fig. 7, the positional relationship between the main line 122 and the main line 121 may be reversed, and similarly, the positional relationship between the sub-line 131 and the sub-line 132 may be reversed.

[ embodiment 3 ]

A directional coupler according to embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is a schematic side sectional view showing the structure of the directional coupler according to embodiment 3.

As shown in fig. 8, a directional coupler 10B according to embodiment 3 is different from the directional coupler 10A according to embodiment 2 in the positional relationship between the main line 121 and the main line 122. Other structures of the directional coupler 10B are the same as those of the directional coupler 10A, and descriptions of the same parts are omitted.

The main line 121 and the main line 122 partially overlap in a plan view of the substrate 11. More specifically, the end portion on the sub-line 132 side in the main line 121 overlaps with the end portion on the sub-line 131 side in the main line 122.

In such a configuration, in the directional coupler 10B, the main line 122 and the sub line 132 can be arranged closer to the sub line 131 and the main line 121 than in the directional coupler 10A. Therefore, as shown in fig. 6, when the size of the region on the side surface side of the substrate 11B with respect to the main line 122 and the sub-line 132 is made the same as that of the substrate 11, the shape of the substrate 11B can be reduced. That is, the directional coupler 10B becomes further compact.

[ 4 th embodiment ]

A directional coupler according to embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 9 is a schematic side sectional view showing the structure of the directional coupler according to embodiment 4. Fig. 10 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the directional coupler according to embodiment 4.

As shown in fig. 9 and 10, a directional coupler 10C according to embodiment 4 is different from the directional coupler 10A according to embodiment 2 in that it includes a sub-line 1311, a sub-line 1312, and a sub-line 1313. Other structures of the directional coupler 10C are the same as those of the directional coupler 10A, and descriptions of the same parts are omitted.

As shown in fig. 9, the directional coupler 10C includes a substrate 11C, a sub-line 1311, a sub-line 1312, and a sub-line 1313.

The sub-line 1311, the sub-line 1312, and the sub-line 1313 each include a linear or strip-shaped conductor pattern, and are disposed on the substrate 11C. The sub-line 1311, the sub-line 1312, and the sub-line 1313 overlap the main line 121 in a plan view of the substrate 11C.

The sub-line 1311, the sub-line 1312, and the sub-line 1313 are arranged at different positions in the thickness direction of the substrate 11C. More specifically, the sub-line 1311 is disposed at the same position as the main line 122 in the thickness direction of the substrate 11C. The sub-line 1312 is disposed on the 2 nd main surface 102 side of the sub-line 1311, and the sub-line 1313 is disposed on the 2 nd main surface 102 side of the sub-line 1312. Preferably, the sub-line 1312 and the sub-line 1313 are disposed at least at a distance that enables electromagnetic field coupling with the main line 121 and at a distance that enables electromagnetic field coupling with the main line 122.

As shown in fig. 10, the sub-line 1311, the sub-line 1312, and the sub-line 1313 are connected in series. The series circuit is connected in parallel with the sub-line 132.

In such a configuration, the number of sub-lines electromagnetically coupled to the main line 121 increases. Therefore, the directional coupler 10C can obtain further strong electromagnetic field coupling, enabling a greater degree of coupling.

In this configuration, for example, the lengths of the portions contributing to electromagnetic field coupling in the sub-line 1311, the sub-line 1312, and the sub-line 1313 are made different, whereby the directional coupler 10C can make the frequencies of the excited high-frequency signals different. Therefore, the directional coupler 10C can obtain a large degree of coupling in a wide frequency band. That is, the directional coupler 10C can widen a frequency band in which a desired degree of coupling can be obtained, and can broaden the frequency characteristics.

In this configuration, the sub-line 1311, the sub-line 1312, and the sub-line 1313 are disposed on the same side as the main line 121 in the thickness direction of the substrate 11. This makes it easy to increase the coupling degree of the directional coupler 10C as a whole. The sub-line 1311, the sub-line 1312, and the sub-line 1313 are disposed on the 2 nd main surface 102 side with respect to the main line 121 in the thickness direction of the substrate 11. This shortens the distance between the sub-line 1311, the sub-line 1312, and the sub-line 1313 and the land conductor (see the land conductor 142 in fig. 1) on which the IC80 is mounted. Therefore, the directional coupler 10C can reduce the insertion loss IL of the high-frequency signal that is the basis of the input measurement signal and the reflection measurement signal.

[ 5 th embodiment ]

A directional coupler according to embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the directional coupler according to embodiment 5.

As shown in fig. 11, a directional coupler 10D according to embodiment 5 is different from the directional coupler 10A according to embodiment 2 in the connection method between the sub-line 131 and the sub-line 132. Other structures of the directional coupler 10D are the same as those of the directional coupler 10A, and descriptions of the same parts are omitted.

The sub-line 131 and the sub-line 132 are not connected in parallel. More specifically, the directional coupler 10D includes a detection terminal P211, a detection terminal P221, a detection terminal P212, and a detection terminal P222. The sub-line 131 is connected between the detection terminal P211 and the detection terminal P221. The sub-line 132 is connected between the detection terminal P212 and the detection terminal P222.

In this structure, for example, the degree of coupling of the sub-line 131 with the main line 121 and the main line 122 is different from the degree of coupling of the sub-line 132 with the main line 121 and the main line 122. This can be achieved, for example, by making the positional relationship of the sub-line 131 with respect to the main line 121 and the main line 122 different from the positional relationship of the sub-line 132 with respect to the main line 121 and the main line 122.

Thus, the directional coupler 10D can obtain the input measurement signal and the reflection measurement signal from a plurality of different types of coupling degrees.

Further, in this structure, for example, the lengths of the portions of the sub-line 131 and the sub-line 132 contributing to electromagnetic field coupling are different. This can be achieved, for example, by making the length of the conductor pattern constituting the sub-line 131 and the length of the conductor pattern constituting the sub-line 132 different.

Thus, the directional coupler 10D can obtain an input measurement signal and a reflection measurement signal for high-frequency signals of different frequencies. The directional coupler 10D can output an input measurement signal and a reflection measurement signal of each frequency from separate terminals.

[ 6 th embodiment ]

A directional coupler according to embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 (a) is an equivalent circuit diagram of an example of the directional coupler according to embodiment 6, and fig. 12 (B) is an equivalent circuit diagram of another example of the directional coupler according to embodiment 6.

As shown in fig. 12 (a), the directional coupler 10EA according to embodiment 6 has a structure in which the directional coupler 10C according to embodiment 4 and the directional coupler 10D according to embodiment 5 are combined. Except for this combination, the structure of the directional coupler 10EA is the same as that of the directional coupler 10C or the directional coupler 10D, and the description of the same parts is omitted.

More specifically, the configuration is provided in which the sub-line 131 in the directional coupler 10D according to embodiment 5 is replaced with a series circuit of the sub-line 1311, the sub-line 1312, and the sub-line 1313 in the directional coupler 10C according to embodiment 4. That is, the sub-line 1311, the sub-line 1312, and the sub-line 1313 are connected in series between the detection terminal P211 and the detection terminal P221.

With such a configuration, the directional coupler 10EA can exhibit the operational effect of the directional coupler 10C and the operational effect of the directional coupler 10D.

As shown in fig. 12 (B), the directional coupler 10EB according to embodiment 6 differs from the directional coupler 10EA shown in fig. 12 (a) in the connection structure of the sub-line 1311, the sub-line 1312, and the sub-line 1313. Except for this connection structure, the structure of the directional coupler 10EB is the same as that of the directional coupler 10EA, and the description of the same parts is omitted.

The sub-line 1311 and the sub-line 1312 are connected in series between the detection terminal P211A and the detection terminal P221A. The sub-line 1313 is connected between the detection terminal P211B and the detection terminal P221B.

Even with such a configuration, the directional coupler 10EB can exhibit the same operational effects as the above-described directional coupler 10 EA. Further, the directional coupler 10EB can cope with further various degrees of coupling and frequencies.

In the directional coupler 10EB, the sub-line 1311 and the sub-line 1312 are connected in series. However, the detection terminal connected to the sub-line 1311 and the detection terminal connected to the sub-line 1312 may be different.

The directional coupler shown in fig. 10EA and 10EB may further include a switch capable of selecting one or more sub-lines from among a plurality of sub-lines provided. By switching the length and the like of the sub-line 13 using this switch, an appropriate degree of coupling can be obtained in a wide frequency band.

[ 7 th embodiment ]

A directional coupler according to embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 13 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the directional coupler according to embodiment 7.

As shown in fig. 13, a directional coupler 10F according to embodiment 7 is different from the directional coupler 10A according to embodiment 2 in that a switch circuit 21 and a switch circuit 22 are added. The other structure of the directional coupler 10F is the same as that of the directional coupler 10A, and the description of the same parts is omitted.

The directional coupler 10F includes a switch circuit 21 and a switch circuit 22. The switch circuit 21 selectively connects the sub-line 131 or the sub-line 132 to the detection terminal P21F. The switch circuit 22 selectively connects the sub-line 131 or the sub-line 132 to the detection terminal P22F. When the switch circuit 21 connects the detection terminal P21F and the sub-line 131, the switch circuit 22 connects the detection terminal P22F and the sub-line 131. When the switch circuit 21 connects the detection terminal P21F and the sub-line 132, the switch circuit 22 connects the detection terminal P22F and the sub-line 132.

The switching circuit 21 and the switching circuit 22 are formed on, for example, an IC 80.

With such a configuration, the directional coupler 10F can switch between the output of the sub-line 131 and the output of the sub-line 132. Thus, for example, when the lengths of the sub-line 131 and the sub-line 132 are different, the directional coupler 10F can selectively output the input measurement signal and the reflection measurement signal for a plurality of types of high-frequency signals having different frequencies.

Further, the directional coupler 10F can connect the detection terminal P21F to both the sub-line 131 and the sub-line 132 via the switch circuit 21, and connect the detection terminal P22F to both the sub-line 131 and the sub-line 132 via the switch circuit 22.

[ 8 th embodiment ]

A directional coupler according to embodiment 8 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 14 is a schematic side sectional view showing the structure of the directional coupler according to embodiment 8. Fig. 15 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the directional coupler according to embodiment 8.

As shown in fig. 14 and 15, a directional coupler 10G according to embodiment 8 is different from the directional coupler 10 according to embodiment 1 in that the number of main lines and the number of sub-lines are reversed. Other structures of the directional coupler 10G are the same as those of the directional coupler 10, and descriptions of the same parts are omitted.

The directional coupler 10G includes a main line 121, a sub-line 131, and a sub-line 132. The main line 121 and the sub-line 131 overlap each other when the substrate 11 is viewed from above. The main line 121 and the sub-line 132 are disposed at the same position in the thickness direction of the substrate 11. The sub-line 131 and the sub-line 132 are connected in parallel.

Even with such a configuration, the directional coupler 10G can exhibit the same effect as the directional coupler 10.

The number of main lines and the number of sub-lines are not limited to the above, and the number of main lines and the number of sub-lines can be appropriately set within a range applicable to the concept of each embodiment.

The structures described in the above embodiments can be combined as appropriate. Further, the respective combinations can exhibit the operational effects.