CN116579368A - Communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

The application provides a device capable of expanding communication range. The device of one embodiment is provided with a first loop antenna that generates a second magnetic field based on electromagnetic induction generated by a first magnetic field generated by a first external device; a second loop antenna that generates an induced electromotive force based on electromagnetic induction generated by the second magnetic field; and a controller capable of operating based on an induced electromotive force generated at the second loop antenna, and directly performing communication between the second loop antenna and the first external device.

Description

Communication device

The present application is a divisional application of patent application No. 201910159716.9 entitled "semiconductor memory device" filed on 3/4 th 2019.

The present application enjoys priority of japanese patent application No. 2018-105255 (application date: 2018, 5, 31) and japanese patent application No. 2018-208406 (application date: 2018, 11, 5) as the prior applications. The present application is incorporated by reference into the prior applications in their entirety.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present application relate to a semiconductor memory device.

Background

A device is known that includes a loop antenna and performs wireless communication with an external device by electromagnetic induction generated in the loop antenna based on a magnetic field generated by the external device.

Depending on the arrangement of the loop antenna with respect to an external device, it may be difficult for magnetic flux to pass through the inside of the loop antenna, and wireless communication may be difficult.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment provides a semiconductor memory device capable of expanding a communication range.

The semiconductor memory device according to one embodiment includes a first loop antenna, a second loop antenna, and a controller. The first loop antenna generates a second magnetic field based on electromagnetic induction generated by the first magnetic field. The second loop antenna generates an induced electromotive force based on electromagnetic induction generated by the second magnetic field. The controller is operable based on the induced electromotive force generated at the second loop antenna, and performs communication with a first external device that generates the first magnetic field via the second loop antenna.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an exemplary plan view schematically showing a memory card of the first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an exemplary block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a system including the memory card of the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is an exemplary sectional view schematically showing the memory card of the first embodiment along the line F3-F3 of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an exemplary perspective view schematically showing the memory card and the wireless communication host device of the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is an exemplary perspective view schematically showing a memory card of the second embodiment.

Fig. 6 is an exemplary perspective view schematically showing an intermediate antenna of the third embodiment.

Fig. 7 is an exemplary plan view schematically showing a memory card of the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 8 is an exemplary plan view schematically showing a layer provided with an intermediate antenna of the substrate of the fifth embodiment.

Fig. 9 is an exemplary plan view schematically showing a layer provided with an intermediate antenna of the substrate of the sixth embodiment.

Description of the reference numerals

11 … memory card; 12 … host device; 13 … wireless communication host device; 22 … I/F terminals; 23 … wireless antenna; 23a … end; 24 … controller; 31 … substrate; 32 … intermediate antenna; 32a … outer edge; 33 … cover; 33a … first outer surface; 33c … first edge; 33d … second edge; 45 … conductor patterns; 51 … film; 69 … coil; 71 … wire; 71a … first extension; 71e … recess; 75 … first wire; 76 … second wire; ax1, ax2 … centers; m1 … first magnetic field; m2 … second magnetic field; l1, L2 … distances; l3 … length.

Detailed Description

(first embodiment)

The first embodiment will be described below with reference to fig. 1 to 4. In this specification, a plurality of expressions may be described in relation to the constituent elements of the embodiment and the description of the elements. Constituent elements expressed in plural numbers may be expressed in other ways not described. In addition, other expressions not described may be performed without the constituent elements for performing a plurality of expressions.

Fig. 1 is an exemplary plan view schematically showing a memory card 11 of the first embodiment. The memory card 11 is an example of a semiconductor memory device. In the present embodiment, the memory card 11 is a microSD card. The semiconductor memory device may be, for example, an SD card, a multimedia card, or another device such as a USB flash memory. Semiconductor memory devices include devices or systems having semiconductor chips.

As shown in the drawings, in the present specification, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are defined. The X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is defined along the width of the memory card 11. The Y-axis is defined along the length of the memory card 11. The Z axis is defined along the thickness of the memory card 11.

The wireless communication technology is applied to the memory card 11 of the present embodiment. For example, near field communication (Near Field Communication: NFC, near field communication) using a frequency of 13.56MHz is applied to the memory card 11. Other wireless communication techniques may also be applied to the memory card 11.

The memory card 11 to which NFC is applied induces a current in the wireless antenna by electromagnetic induction. Therefore, as described below, the memory card 11 has a wireless antenna formed in a shape that can be referred to as a coil, a spiral, or a spiral, for example.

Fig. 2 is an exemplary block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a system including the memory card 11 of the first embodiment. As shown in fig. 2, the memory card 11 is configured to be electrically connected to the host device 12. The host device 12 is an example of a second external device. The memory card 11 is configured to perform wireless communication with the wireless communication host device 13. The wireless communication host device 13 is an example of a first external device. The host device 12 and the wireless communication host device 13 are, for example, personal computers, portable computers, smartphones, mobile phones, servers, smart cards, readers/writers, or other devices, respectively.

The memory card 11 has a plurality of interface (I/F) terminals 22, a wireless antenna 23, a controller 24, and a flash memory 25. The I/F terminal 22 is an example of a terminal. The wireless antenna 23 is an example of a second loop antenna, and can be also called a coil or a secondary coil, for example.

The controller 24 includes a wireless communication controller 26, a memory controller 27, and a bridge controller 28. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication controller 26, the memory controller 27, and the bridge controller 28 are separate electronic components. However, the wireless communication controller 26, the memory controller 27, and the bridge controller 28 may be included in the controller 24 as one electronic component. In addition, for example, a plurality of electronic components and wiring and programs may constitute each of the wireless communication controller 26, the memory controller 27, and the bridge controller 28. That is, the wireless communication controller 26, the memory controller 27, and the bridge controller 28 may be each composed of one electric element, a plurality of electric elements, or one or a plurality of electric elements and programs.

The wireless communication controller 26 controls communication between the memory card 11 and the wireless communication host device 13. The wireless communication controller 26 has a storage unit 26a. The memory controller 27 controls writing and reading of data to and from the flash memory 25.

The bridge controller 28 controls the wireless communication controller 26 and the memory controller 27. Further, the bridge controller 28 controls communication between the memory card 11 and the host device 12.

When the memory card 11 is electrically connected to the host device 12, the memory card 11 operates by the power supplied from the host device 12. For example, the memory card 11 writes data by the host device 12, or reads data by the host device 12.

The memory card 11 can transmit and receive data to and from the wireless communication host device 13 without being connected to another device such as the host device 12 and without being supplied with power from the other device. For example, the memory card 11 can transmit and receive data to and from the wireless communication host device 13 by an induced electromotive force generated by the wireless antenna 23 based on electromagnetic induction. The memory card 11 performs communication based on the NFC standard at a frequency of about 13.56MHz, for example, and transmits and receives data to and from the wireless communication host device 13. In this way, the memory card 11 can operate without receiving power supply from the host device 12.

The memory card 11 of the present embodiment transmits and receives data to and from the host device 12 according to the SD interface. The memory card 11 may also use other interfaces to transmit and receive data to and from the host device 12. The memory card 11 transmits and receives data to and from the wireless communication host device 13 in accordance with the NFC interface. The memory card 11 may transmit and receive data to and from the wireless communication host device 13 using another wireless communication interface. The host device 12 and the wireless communication host device 13 may be the same device.

Fig. 3 is an exemplary sectional view schematically showing the memory card 11 of the first embodiment along the line F3-F3 of fig. 1. As shown in fig. 3, the memory card 11 further has a substrate 31, an intermediate antenna 32, and a cover 33. The intermediate antenna 32 is an example of the first loop antenna, and can be also called a coil or a booster coil, for example.

The substrate 31 is, for example, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). In the present embodiment, the substrate 31 has a plurality of layers, for example. The substrate 31 is not limited to this example. The substrate 31 has a first face 31a and a second face 31b.

The first surface 31a is a substantially flat surface facing the negative direction of the Z axis (the direction opposite to the arrow of the Z axis). The second surface 31b is a substantially flat surface located on the opposite side of the first surface 31a and oriented in the positive direction of the Z axis (direction indicated by the arrow of the Z axis).

As shown in fig. 1, the memory card 11 and the substrate 31 are each formed in a substantially rectangular shape extending in the Y-axis direction. The substrate 31 further has a first edge 31c, a second edge 31d, a third edge 31e, and a fourth edge 31f.

The first edge 31c and the second edge 31d extend in the X-axis direction, respectively. The first edge 31c is separated in the positive direction of the Y axis (the direction indicated by the arrow of the Y axis) with respect to the second edge 31 d.

The third edge 31e extends in the Y-axis direction. The fourth edge 31f extends substantially in the Y-axis direction.

The fourth edge 31f forms a notch and/or a protrusion.

The first edge 31c and the second edge 31d are shorter than the third edge 31e and the fourth edge 31f, respectively. Therefore, the first edge 31c and the second edge 31d form short sides of the substantially rectangular substrate 31. The third edge 31e and the fourth edge 31f form long sides of the substantially rectangular substrate 31.

A plurality of I/F terminals 22 and an intermediate antenna 32 are provided on a substrate 31. The plurality of I/F terminals 22 are provided on the first surface 31a, adjacent to the first edge 31c, and arranged along the first edge 31 c. The I/F terminal 22 of the present embodiment is an SD interface terminal, and ensures electrical connection to the host device 12. In other words, the I/F terminal 22 can be electrically connected to the host device 12.

The wireless antenna 23, the controller 24, and the flash memory 25 are mounted on the substrate 31. The flash memory 25 is disposed on the second side 31 b. The wireless communication controller 26, the memory controller 27, and the bridge controller 28 are disposed on the flash memory 25, and are electrically connected to pads of the second face 31b, for example, by wire bonding. Further, the installation of the wireless communication controller 26, the memory controller 27, and the bridge controller 28 is not limited to this example.

The cover 33 is, for example, a so-called mold resin (mold resin) made of a synthetic resin which is a nonmagnetic material and is an insulator. The cover 33 may also be made of other materials. The cover 33 covers the first and second surfaces 31a and 31b of the substrate 31, the wireless antenna 23, the controller 24, and the flash memory 25 to form the outer surface of the memory card 11.

As shown in fig. 3, the cover 33 is also formed in a substantially rectangular shape extending in the Y-axis direction, similarly to the memory card 11 and the substrate 31. The cover 33 has a first outer surface 33a, a second outer surface 33b, a first edge 33c, and a second edge 33d. The first outer surface 33a is an example of an outer surface. The first outer surface 33a and the second outer surface 33b are exposed outside the memory card 11, and are part of the outer surface of the memory card 11.

The first outer surface 33a is a substantially flat surface facing in the negative direction of the Z axis. The second outer surface 33b is located on the opposite side of the first outer surface 33a, and is a substantially flat surface facing the positive direction of the Z axis. The first edge 33c and the second edge 33d form short sides of the substantially rectangular cover 33, extending in the X-axis direction. The first edge 33c is separated in the positive direction of the Y axis with respect to the second edge 33d. The first edge 33c and the second edge 33d of the cover 33 overlap the first edge 31c and the second edge 31d of the substrate 31. The first edge 33c and the second edge 33d are not limited to this example.

The plurality of I/F terminals 22 are not covered by the cover 33 but are exposed at the first outer surface 33 a. The plurality of I/F terminals 22 are adjacent to the first edge 33c of the cover 33, and are arranged along the first edge 33 c. Further, an image indicating the capacity of the memory card 11 is printed on the second outer surface 33b, for example.

In the present embodiment, the wireless antenna 23 is a loop antenna having a coil spirally wound and extending in the X-axis direction. The wireless antenna 23 is wound around the magnetic body 41. The magnetic body 41 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the X-axis direction. The magnetic body 41 may be formed in another shape such as a cylindrical shape. In addition, the magnetic body 41 may be omitted.

The center Ax1 of the helical wireless antenna 23 extends in the X-axis direction. The length of the wireless antenna 23 in the X-axis direction is longer than the length of the wireless antenna 23 in the Y-axis direction and longer than the length of the wireless antenna 23 in the Z-axis direction. The size of the wireless antenna 23 is not limited to this example. The direction in which the center Ax1 of the wireless antenna 23 extends may be changed locally.

The wireless antenna 23 is a so-called chip antenna, and is mounted on the second surface 31b of the substrate 31 by surface mounting. As shown in fig. 1, the wireless antenna 23 is adjacent to the second edge 31d of the substrate 31 and the second edge 33d of the cover 33, and extends along the second edges 31d, 33 d. Therefore, the wireless antenna 23 is separated from the plurality of I/F terminals 22 in the negative direction of the Y axis (the opposite direction of the arrow of the Y axis).

As shown in fig. 2, the wireless antenna 23 is electrically connected to the wireless communication controller 26. The wireless antenna 23 supplies an induced electromotive force to the wireless communication controller 26 based on electromagnetic induction generated by the magnetic flux passing through the inside of the wireless antenna 23. In this way, the wireless antenna 23 communicates with an external device based on electromagnetic induction.

As shown in fig. 1, in the present embodiment, the intermediate antenna 32 is formed of a conductor pattern 45 provided on one layer of the substrate 31. The conductor pattern 45 is made of a conductor such as copper, and a pad, a wiring, a via, and a ground plane are formed in the substrate 31, for example. In addition, the intermediate antenna 32 may be made of other materials such as a wire.

The intermediate antenna 32 is a loop antenna formed of a spiral conductor pattern 45. The intermediate antenna 32 is formed in a substantially quadrangular ring shape. The intermediate antenna 32 may be formed in another shape such as a circular ring.

As shown in fig. 3, the intermediate antenna 32 is provided in a layer in the middle of the substrate 31, and is located in the middle of the first surface 31a and the second surface 31 b. Thus, the intermediate antenna 32 is located between the wireless antenna 23 and the first outer surface 33 a. The intermediate antenna 32 is separated from the wireless antenna 23 via an insulating layer of the substrate 31, for example.

As shown in fig. 1, the intermediate antenna 32 is adjacent to the second edge 31d and the third edge 31 e. A part of the intermediate antenna 32 overlaps a part of the wireless antenna 23 in the Z-axis direction. Further, the positions of the intermediate antenna 32 and the wireless antenna 23 are not limited to this example.

The center Ax2 of the scroll-like intermediate antenna 32 extends in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the direction in which the center Ax1 of the wireless antenna 23 extends (X-axis direction) intersects with the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends (Z-axis direction). The direction in which the center Ax1 of the wireless antenna 23 extends is orthogonal to the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends in the present embodiment, but may intersect at an angle smaller than 90 °.

The cross section of the inner side of the intermediate antenna 32 orthogonal to the direction in which the center Ax2 extends (Z-axis direction) is larger than the cross section of the inner side of the wireless antenna 23 orthogonal to the direction in which the center Ax1 extends (X-axis direction). In other words, the cross section of the inner side of the intermediate antenna 32 in the X-Y plane is larger than the cross section of the inner side of the wireless antenna 23 in the Y-Z plane. The inner cross section of the intermediate antenna 32 is a region surrounded by the spiral conductor pattern 45. The cross section of the inner side of the wireless antenna 23 is a region surrounded by the wireless antenna 23 in a spiral shape.

In a plan view as seen in the Z-axis direction as in fig. 1, the wireless antenna 23 intersects with the intermediate antenna 32. In addition, in a plan view seen in the Z-axis direction, one end 23a of the wireless antenna 23 in the X-axis direction is located inside the outer edge 32a of the intermediate antenna 32. The end 23a is an example of the first end. The outer edge 32a is formed by the outermost wire of the wireless antenna 23 wound in a spiral shape.

The other end 23b of the wireless antenna 23 in the X-axis direction is located outside the outer edge 32a of the intermediate antenna 32. The end 23b is an example of the second end, and is located on the opposite side of the end 23 a. The two end portions 23a, 23b of the wireless antenna 23 may be located outside the outer edge 32a of the intermediate antenna 32.

One end 23a of the wireless antenna 23 is closer to the third edge 31e than the fourth edge 31f of the substrate 31. The other end 23b of the wireless antenna 23 is closer to the fourth edge 31f than the third edge 31 e. In the X-axis direction, the distance between one end 23a of the wireless antenna 23 and the third edge 31e is longer than the distance between the other end 23b and the fourth edge 31 f.

As shown in fig. 2, the intermediate antenna 32 is electrically separated from the circuit C1 including the I/F terminal 22, the wireless antenna 23, the controller 24, and the flash memory 25. In other words, the intermediate antenna 32 is electrically independent from the wireless antenna 23.

The terminal of the intermediate antenna 32 is connected to a capacitor 49. Thereby, the intermediate antenna 32 forms a resonance circuit C2 independent from the circuit C1. Further, the intermediate antenna 32 is not limited to this example. For example, the intermediate antenna 32 or the conductor pattern 45 connected to the intermediate antenna 32 may be formed in a plurality of layers of the substrate 31, whereby a capacitance may be formed between the conductor patterns 45 in the plurality of layers. The capacitance formed by such a conductor pattern 45 and/or other capacitances can form the resonance circuit C2 together with the intermediate antenna 32, not limited to the capacitor 49.

The magnetic flux passes through the inside of the intermediate antenna 32, thereby generating electromagnetic induction in the intermediate antenna 32, and causing a current to flow in the intermediate antenna 32. The passing current flows in the intermediate antenna 32, and the intermediate antenna 32 generates a magnetic flux passing through the inside of the intermediate antenna 32.

In the memory card 11 of the present embodiment to which NFC is applied, the resonance frequency of the intermediate antenna 32 is set to be 10MHz or more and 20MHz or less. For example, the resonance frequency of the intermediate antenna 32 is set to about 13.56MHz. The resonant frequency of the intermediate antenna 32 is adjusted, for example, by a capacitor 49.

In the memory card 11 described above, when receiving radio waves transmitted from the wireless communication host device 13, the wireless antenna 23 of fig. 2 generates a current or a voltage by electromagnetic induction. The wireless antenna 23 supplies the generated power to the wireless communication controller 26.

The wireless antenna 23 of the present embodiment is set in correspondence with a predetermined frequency or frequency band corresponding to NFC. For example, the resonance frequency of the wireless antenna 23 is set to about 13.56MHz.

The wireless antenna 23 transmits data received from the wireless communication host device 13 to the wireless communication controller 26. The wireless antenna 23 transmits data received from the wireless communication controller 26 to the wireless communication host device 13.

The wireless communication controller 26 can communicate with the wireless communication host device 13 via the wireless antenna 23. The wireless communication controller 26 controls NFC using the wireless antenna 23 for the wireless communication host device 13.

The wireless communication controller 26 can operate using electric power generated by the wireless antenna 23 based on the electromagnetic induction described above. The wireless communication controller 26 receives a signal or data represented by a current or voltage generated at the wireless antenna 23 based on a radio wave from the wireless communication host device 13, and operates in accordance with the signal or data. For example, the wireless communication controller 26 receives data from the wireless communication host device 13 via the wireless antenna 23 at a predetermined frequency corresponding to NFC and writes the data to the storage unit 26a in operation. The wireless communication controller 26 reads out the data written in the storage unit 26a during operation, and transmits the data to the wireless communication host device 13 via the wireless antenna 23. More specifically, the wireless communication controller 26 can perform NFC-based communication when receiving a signal of a predetermined frequency corresponding to NFC via the wireless antenna 23.

Bridge controller 28 is capable of communicating with host device 12 via I/F terminals 22. In writing to the flash memory 25, the bridge controller 28 transmits data received from the host device 12 via the I/F terminal 22 to the memory controller 27. In reading out for the flash memory 25, the bridge controller 28 transmits data received from the memory controller 27 to the host device 12 via the I/F terminal 22.

For example, when the memory card 11 is electrically connected to the host device 12, sufficient power is supplied to the wireless communication controller 26. In this case, the wireless communication controller 26 may write data received from the wireless communication host device 13 through the wireless antenna 23 by NFC to the flash memory 25 through the bridge controller 28 and the memory controller 27.

When the wireless communication controller 26 is supplied with sufficient power, the wireless communication controller 26 may read out data written in the flash memory 25 via the bridge controller 28 and the memory controller 27 to generate data, and write the data in the storage unit 26a.

When a sufficient amount of power is supplied to the wireless communication controller 26, the wireless communication controller 26 may read out a part or all of the data written to the flash memory 25 via the bridge controller 28 and the memory controller 27, and transmit the read data to the wireless communication host device 13 via the wireless antenna 23.

The storage unit 26a is a low power consumption memory capable of operating with the power generated by the wireless antenna 23. The power consumption for writing and reading data to and from the storage unit 26a is smaller than the power consumption for writing and reading data to and from the flash memory 25.

The storage unit 26a is, for example, a nonvolatile memory. The storage unit 26a stores data based on the control of the wireless communication controller 26. The storage unit 26a may be a memory for temporarily storing data. The storage unit 26a is, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 26a may be another memory.

As described above, the wireless communication controller 26 and the storage unit 26a can operate using electric power induced to the wireless antenna 23 by the radio wave from the wireless communication host device 13. However, when the memory card 11 is supplied with power from the host device 12, the wireless communication controller 26 and the memory unit 26a may operate with power supplied from the host device 12.

The flash memory 25 is, for example, a NAND type flash memory. The memory card 11 may have other nonvolatile memories such as NOR-type flash memory, magnetoresistive memory (Magnetic Random Access Memory: MRAM, magnetoresistive random access memory), phase-change memory (Phase Change Random Access Memory: PRAM, phase-change random access memory), resistance-change memory (Resistive Random Access Memory: reRAM, resistive random access memory), or ferroelectric memory (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory: feRAM, ferroelectric random access memory) instead of the flash memory 25.

The memory controller 27 controls writing and reading of data to and from the flash memory 25. More specifically, when a write command and data are received from the host device 12 via the I/F terminal 22 and the bridge controller 28, the memory controller 27 writes the data to the flash memory 25. When a read command is received from the host device 12 via the I/F terminal 22 and the bridge controller 28, the memory controller 27 reads data from the flash memory 25 and transfers the data to the host device 12 via the bridge controller 28 and the I/F terminal 22.

For example, when the memory card 11 is electrically connected to the host device 12, sufficient power is supplied to the memory controller 27. In this case, the memory controller 27 may write data received from the wireless communication host device 13 via the wireless antenna 23, the wireless communication controller 26, and the bridge controller 28 to the flash memory 25. When a sufficient amount of power is supplied to the memory controller 27, the memory controller 27 may transmit the data read from the flash memory 25 to the wireless communication host device 13 via the bridge controller 28, the wireless communication controller 26, and the wireless antenna 23.

The flash memory 25 and the memory controller 27 operate by power supplied from the host device 12.

The data may be, for example, data transmitted and received between the wireless communication host device 13 and the memory card 11 according to the NFC interface, data to be written into the flash memory 25, data received from the wireless communication host device 13 via the wireless antenna 23 by the wireless communication controller 26, data related to the flash memory 25, or data related to the memory card 11. More specifically, the data is, for example, data to be written to a part (for example, first or last) of the image data of the flash memory 25, thumbnail data, management information of the data to be written to the flash memory 25, memory capacity of the flash memory 25, remaining capacity of the flash memory 25, names of files that have been written to the flash memory 25, generation time of the data, shooting time data in the case where the data is the image data, the number of files written to the flash memory 25.

In the present embodiment, the write instruction and data from the host device 12 are received by the bridge controller 28 first, and then received by the memory controller 27. This is to determine whether the bridge controller 28 has received the write instruction and data from the host device 12 or the write instruction and data from the wireless communication host device 13, and then switch the operation according to the determination result.

In the present embodiment, for example, the memory card 11 and the wireless communication host device 13 transmit and receive data (hereinafter referred to as data of a lock function) related to permission or prohibition of writing and reading of data to and from the flash memory 25. The data of the lock function is stored in the storage unit 26a. The memory card 11 and the storage unit 26a are not limited to this example.

The wireless communication controller 26 writes the data of the lock function to the storage section 26a based on the data received from the wireless communication host device 13. The bridge controller 28 refers to the data of the lock function stored in the storage unit 26a when receiving the data from the host device 12. When the write and read of data to and from the flash memory 25 is prohibited, the bridge controller 28 does not transmit and receive data to and from the memory controller 27. When the write and read of data to and from the flash memory 25 is permitted, the bridge controller 28 transmits and receives data to and from the memory controller 27 as described above.

The electromagnetic induction of the wireless antenna 23 will be described in detail below. Fig. 4 is an exemplary perspective view schematically showing the memory card 11 and the wireless communication host device 13 of the first embodiment. As shown in fig. 4, the wireless communication host device 13 has an antenna 13a. The antenna 13a can also be referred to as a primary coil, for example.

The antenna 13a is, for example, a spiral loop antenna. The antenna 13a is formed in a substantially quadrangular ring shape. The antenna 13a may be formed in another shape such as a circular ring. The inner side of the antenna 13a may have a larger cross section than the inner side of the intermediate antenna 32. The size of the antenna 13a is not limited to this example.

The antenna 13a generates a first magnetic field M1 having a frequency of about 13.56MHz, for example, by emitting electric waves. The antenna 13a of the wireless communication host device 13 may generate only the first magnetic field M1. Fig. 4 and 3 schematically show the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 by arrows. In general, the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 passes through the inside of the antenna 13a and spreads substantially radially from the antenna 13 a.

In the case of performing wireless communication with the wireless communication host device 13, the memory card 11 is disposed above the antenna 13a such that the direction in which the center of the antenna 13a extends is substantially parallel to the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends. For example, the memory card 11 is disposed at the first position P1 or the second position P2 of fig. 4 with respect to the antenna 13 a.

The wireless antenna 23 of the memory card 11 at the first position P1 intersects with the antenna 13a when viewed in plan from the Z-axis direction. In this case, the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 can pass through the inside of the wireless antenna 23.

The wireless antenna 23 generates an induced electromotive force based on electromagnetic induction generated by the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 passing through the inside of the wireless antenna 23. The wireless communication controller 26 operates based on the induced electromotive force generated in the wireless antenna 23, and performs communication with the wireless communication host device 13 via the wireless antenna 23.

On the other hand, when viewed in plan from the Z-axis direction, the wireless antenna 23 of the memory card 11 at the second position P2 extends parallel to the antenna 13 a. In this case, the center Ax1 of the wireless antenna 23 is orthogonal to the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1, and the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 hardly passes through the inside of the wireless antenna 23. Even if electromagnetic induction is generated in the wireless antenna 23 by the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1, the induced electromotive force may be insufficient due to the operation of the wireless communication controller 26.

The wireless antenna 23 is wound long in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the directivity of the wireless antenna 23 is stronger than that of the intermediate antenna 32, for example, and the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 is difficult to pass through the inside. In addition, the exclusive area of the wireless antenna 23 on the substrate 31 is small.

As shown in fig. 3, the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 can pass through the inside of the intermediate antenna 32. Further, the intermediate antenna 32 can collect the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 by resonance. Electromagnetic induction is generated in the intermediate antenna 32 by the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 passing through the inside of the intermediate antenna 32.

If a current flows in the intermediate antenna 32 based on electromagnetic induction, the intermediate antenna 32 generates a second magnetic field M2. Fig. 3 schematically shows the magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 with arrows. The magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 passes through the inside of the intermediate antenna 32, and spreads substantially radially from the intermediate antenna 32.

The wireless antenna 23 intersects with the intermediate antenna 32 when viewed in plan from the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 can pass through the inside of the wireless antenna 23. The wireless antenna 23 generates induced electromotive force based on electromagnetic induction generated by the magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 passing through the inside of the wireless antenna 23. That is, when electromagnetic induction is generated in the intermediate antenna 32, electromagnetic induction is generated in the wireless antenna 23 in a chain. The wireless communication controller 26 operates based on the induced electromotive force generated in the wireless antenna 23, and performs communication with the wireless communication host device 13 via the wireless antenna 23.

The magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 passes through the inside of the intermediate antenna 32 by resonance and changes direction so as to radially spread from the intermediate antenna 32. The magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1, which changes direction, can pass through the inside of the wireless antenna 23. Therefore, the magnetic flux density inside the wireless antenna 23 may increase, and the induced electromotive force at the wireless antenna 23 may increase.

As described above, the wireless antenna 23 can directly transmit and receive radio waves and magnetic fields to and from the antenna 13a of the wireless communication host device 13, and can indirectly transmit and receive radio waves and magnetic fields to and from the antenna 13a via the intermediate antenna 32. That is, the memory card 11 can communicate with the wireless communication host device 13 at a position where electromagnetic induction is generated by the intermediate antenna 32, in addition to a position where electromagnetic induction is generated by the wireless antenna 23.

The memory card 11 may communicate with another wireless communication host device 13 in a state of being accommodated in a connector of the host device 12, for example. In this case, the intermediate antenna 32 is covered with the metal housing of the host device 12 and/or the connector, and therefore the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 is difficult to pass through the inside of the intermediate antenna 32. However, the wireless antenna 23 is located near the open end of the connector. Therefore, the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 can pass through the inside of the wireless antenna 23, and the memory card 11 can communicate with the wireless communication host device 13.

For example, when the memory card 11 is electrically connected to the host device 12 and sufficient power is supplied to the wireless communication controller 26, the wireless communication controller 26 may function as a reader/writer. In this case, the wireless communication controller 26 supplies a current or voltage representing a signal or data to the wireless antenna 23. Thereby, the radio antenna 23 generates the third magnetic field M3 by transmitting radio waves, for example.

The intermediate antenna 32 generates the second magnetic field M2 based on electromagnetic induction generated by the third magnetic field M3. When electromagnetic induction is generated in the antenna 13a by the second magnetic field M2, the wireless communication host device 13 receives a signal or data represented by a current or voltage generated in the antenna 13a, and operates based on the signal or data.

In the memory card 11 of the first embodiment described above, the intermediate antenna 32 generates the second magnetic field M2 based on electromagnetic induction generated by the first magnetic field M1. The wireless antenna 23 generates an induced electromotive force based on electromagnetic induction generated by the second magnetic field M2. The wireless communication controller 26 of the controller 24 is operable to communicate with the wireless communication host device 13 via the wireless antenna 23 based on the induced electromotive force generated by the wireless antenna 23. That is, the intermediate antenna 32 converts the first magnetic field M1 into a second magnetic field M2 suitable for electromagnetic induction of the wireless antenna 23. In the present embodiment, the intermediate antenna 32 switches between the first magnetic field M1 and the second magnetic field M2 which are oriented differently from each other. This can expand the communication range of the memory card 11 as compared with the case where the intermediate antenna 32 is absent.

The second loop antenna can generate an induced electromotive force based on electromagnetic induction generated by the first magnetic field M1. That is, the wireless communication controller 26 can communicate with the wireless communication host device 13 both when the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 passes directly through the inside of the wireless antenna 23 and when the magnetic flux passing through the first magnetic field M1 passes through the inside of the intermediate antenna 32, and when the intermediate antenna 32 generates the second magnetic field M2 and the magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 passes through the inside of the wireless antenna 23. This can expand the communication range of the memory card 11 as compared with the case where the intermediate antenna 32 is absent.

When the direction in which the center Ax1 of the wireless antenna 23 extends is parallel to the line of the antenna 13a, and the direction in which the center Ax1 of the wireless antenna 23 extends is orthogonal to the direction of the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1, as in the first position P1, the magnetic flux hardly passes through the inside of the wireless antenna 23, and electromagnetic induction is hardly generated in the wireless antenna 23. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends intersects with the direction in which the center Ax1 of the wireless antenna 23 extends. Accordingly, the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 can pass through at least one of the intermediate antenna 32 and the wireless antenna 23, and electromagnetic induction can be generated in at least one of the intermediate antenna 32 and the wireless antenna 23. This allows the controller 24 to communicate with the wireless communication host device 13 more reliably, and can expand the communication range of the memory card 11.

One end 23a of the wireless antenna 23 is located inside the outer edge 32a of the intermediate antenna 32 in a plan view along the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends. As a result, the magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 passing through the inside of the intermediate antenna 32 easily enters the inside of the wireless antenna 23 from the one end 23a of the wireless antenna 23, and electromagnetic induction is easily generated in the wireless antenna 23. In addition, the magnetic flux of the third magnetic field M3 generated by the wireless antenna 23 easily enters the inside of the intermediate antenna 32. Therefore, the controller 24 can more reliably communicate with the wireless communication host device 13, and the communication range of the memory card 11 can be widened.

The cross section of the inner side of the intermediate antenna 32 orthogonal to the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends is larger than the cross section of the inner side of the wireless antenna 23 orthogonal to the direction in which the center Ax1 of the wireless antenna 23 extends. As a result, the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 easily passes through the inside of the intermediate antenna 32, and electromagnetic induction is easily generated in the intermediate antenna 32. Therefore, the controller 24 can more reliably communicate with the wireless communication host device 13, and the communication range of the memory card 11 can be widened.

The intermediate antenna 32 and the wireless antenna 23 are electrically separated from each other. Thus, for example, even if the intermediate antenna 32 is covered with an electric conductor, the controller 24 can communicate with the wireless communication host device 13 as long as the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 passes through the inside of the wireless antenna 23. Therefore, a reduction in the communication range of the memory card 11 can be suppressed.

The intermediate antenna 32 is located between the wireless antenna 23 and the first outer surface 33a where the plurality of I/F terminals 22 are exposed. The memory card 11 as a microSD card is generally operated in a direction away from the user such that the first outer surface 33a provided with the I/F terminal 22 faces downward. Accordingly, it can be considered that the user operates the memory card 11 in such a manner that the first outer surface 33a faces the wireless communication host device 13. By such an operation, the intermediate antenna 32 is arranged between the wireless antenna 23 and the wireless communication host device 13. The magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 generated by the wireless communication host device 13 passes through the inside of the intermediate antenna 32 by resonance, for example, and changes direction so as to radially spread from the intermediate antenna 32. The magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 having changed direction and the magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 generated by the intermediate antenna 32 pass through the inside of the wireless antenna 23, thereby generating electromagnetic induction in the wireless antenna 23, and the controller 24 can communicate with the wireless communication host device 13. In this way, the intermediate antenna 32 changes the direction of the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1, so that the magnetic flux density inside the wireless antenna 23 can be increased, and the wireless antenna 23 can generate electromagnetic induction more reliably. Therefore, the controller 24 can more reliably communicate with the wireless communication host device 13, and the communication range of the memory card 11 can be widened.

The conductor pattern 45 provided on the substrate 31 forms the intermediate antenna 32. This allows the intermediate antenna 32 to be provided without increasing the number of components, and can suppress an increase in cost of the memory card 11.

The wireless antenna 23 is mounted on the substrate 31. Thus, for example, the wireless antenna 23 is easily arranged such that the direction in which the center Ax1 of the wireless antenna 23 extends and the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends intersect with each other.

The resonance frequency of the intermediate antenna 32 is 10MHz or more and 20MHz or less. The frequency of the magnetic field according to the NFC standard is 13.56MHz. Therefore, the intermediate antenna 32 resonates with the first magnetic field M1 having a frequency (13.56 MHz) according to the NFC standard, and thus the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 is easily concentrated. Therefore, the intermediate antenna 32 can easily generate the second magnetic field M2 by the first magnetic field M1, and the controller 24 can more reliably communicate with the wireless communication host device 13, and the communication range of the memory card 11 can be widened.

A conductor such as a bonding pad may be provided inside the intermediate antenna 32 in a plan view along the Z-axis direction. Even if a conductor is present, the magnetic flux passing through the first magnetic field M1 passes through the inside of the intermediate antenna 32, thereby generating electromagnetic induction in the intermediate antenna 32.

(second embodiment)

The second embodiment will be described below with reference to fig. 5. In the following description of the plurality of embodiments, the same reference numerals as those of the above-described components are given to components having the same functions as those of the above-described components, and the description thereof may be omitted. The plurality of constituent elements denoted by the same reference numerals are not limited to the common functions and properties, and may have functions and properties different according to the respective embodiments.

Fig. 5 is an exemplary perspective view schematically showing the memory card 11 of the second embodiment. As shown in fig. 5, in the second embodiment, the memory card 11 also has a film (film) 51. The film 51 can also be referred to as a sheet (sheet), for example.

The film 51 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, but may be made of other materials such as paper. In the second embodiment, the intermediate antenna 32 is provided to the film 51. Further, the capacitor 49 of fig. 2 is also provided to the film 51 and connected to the terminal of the intermediate antenna 32.

The film 51 is attached to the first outer surface 33a of the cover 33, for example, by an adhesive applied to the film 51. The film 51 may be attached to the first outer surface 33a by other means such as a double-sided tape.

In the memory card 11 of the second embodiment described above, the film 51 provided with the intermediate antenna 32 is stuck to the first outer surface 33a where the I/F terminal 22 is exposed. Thereby, the intermediate antenna 32 can be easily provided. Further, an appropriate distance is easily provided between the intermediate antenna 32 and the wireless antenna 23, and the magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 generated by the intermediate antenna 32 easily passes through the inside of the wireless antenna 23. Thus, the controller 24 can more reliably communicate with the wireless communication host device 13, and the communication range of the semiconductor memory device can be widened.

(third embodiment)

A third embodiment will be described below with reference to fig. 6. Fig. 6 is an exemplary perspective view schematically showing the intermediate antenna 32 of the third embodiment. As shown in fig. 6, the intermediate antenna 32 has a plurality of first portions 61, a plurality of second portions 62, and a plurality of third portions 63.

The first portion 61 is formed by the conductor pattern 45 provided in the first layer 65 of the substrate 31. The second portion 62 is formed by the conductor pattern 45 provided in the second layer 66 of the substrate 31. The third portion 63 is formed by the conductor pattern 45 provided in the third layer 67 of the substrate 31.

The second layer 66 is located between the first layer 65 and the third layer 67. Further, another layer may be interposed between the first layer 65 and the second layer 66 and/or between the second layer 66 and the third layer 67. The second portions 62 are electrically connected to the first portion 61 and the third portion 63, respectively, by vias 68.

The plurality of first portions 61, the plurality of second portions 62, and the plurality of third portions 63, which are connected to each other by the via holes 68, form a plurality of coils 69 connected in series. In other words, the intermediate antenna 32 includes a plurality of coils 69. The plurality of coils 69 are arranged in a matrix on the X-Y plane. Further, the configuration of the plurality of coils 69 is not limited to this example.

The plurality of coils 69 are formed of the first portion 61, the second portion 62, and the third portion 63, respectively. The first portion 61, the second portion 62, and the third portion 63 are provided in the first layer 65, the second layer 66, and the third layer 67 of the substrate 31, whereby the coil 69 is formed in a spiral shape. The plurality of coils 69 may be formed in a spiral shape.

If the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 passes through any one of the plurality of coils 69, electromagnetic induction is generated in the intermediate antenna 32 including the plurality of coils 69. Thereby, the plurality of coils 69 generate the second magnetic field M2.

In the memory card 11 of the third embodiment described above, the wireless antenna 23 includes the plurality of coils 69 connected in series. As a result, the space inside the wireless antenna 23 becomes smaller than in the case where the wireless antenna 23 formed of one large coil is provided in the intermediate layer of the substrate 31. Therefore, the occurrence of bubbles in the substrate 31 can be suppressed in the wireless antenna 23, and the reduction in yield of the memory card 11 can be suppressed.

(fourth embodiment)

A fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an exemplary plan view schematically showing the memory card 11 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in fig. 7, the memory card 11 of the fourth embodiment has two intermediate antennas 32. The two intermediate antennas 32 are electrically separated from each other. The two intermediate antennas 32 form separate resonant circuits C2, respectively.

One end 23a of the wireless antenna 23 is located inside the outer edge 32a of one intermediate antenna 32 when viewed in plan along the Z-axis direction. The other end 23b of the wireless antenna 23 is located inside the outer edge 32a of the other intermediate antenna 32.

The memory card 11 of the fourth embodiment described above has two intermediate antennas 32 electrically separated from each other. When viewed in plan along the Z-axis, one end 23a of the wireless antenna 23 is located inside the outer edge 32a of one intermediate antenna 32, and the other end 23b is located inside the outer edge 32a of the other intermediate antenna 32. Thus, if the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 passes through one of the two intermediate antennas 32, electromagnetic induction can be generated in the wireless antenna 23. This can expand the communication range of the memory card 11.

(fifth embodiment)

A fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to fig. 8. Fig. 8 is an exemplary plan view schematically showing a layer of the substrate 31 of the fifth embodiment provided with the intermediate antenna 32. In fig. 8, the wireless antenna 23 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

As shown in fig. 8, the intermediate antenna 32 of the fifth embodiment is designed to be larger than the intermediate antenna 32 of the first embodiment. For example, the length of the intermediate antenna 32 in the X-axis direction is longer than the length of the wireless antenna 23 in the X-axis direction. By designing the intermediate antenna 32 larger, the cross section of the inner side of the intermediate antenna 32 will be larger and the inductance of the intermediate antenna 32 will be increased. This can expand the communication range of the memory card 11.

The intermediate antenna 32 has a wire 71 formed of a conductor pattern 45. The wire 71 has a first extension 71a, a second extension 71b, a third extension 71c, and a fourth extension 71d. The first extension 71a is an example of a portion of the lead.

The first extension 71a is adjacent to the second edge 31d of the substrate 31 and the second edge 33d of the cover 33, and extends along the second edges 31d, 33d in the X-axis direction. The second extension 71b is separated from the first extension 71a in the positive direction of the Y axis and extends in the X axis direction.

The third extension portion 71c and the fourth extension portion 71d extend in the Y-axis direction between the first extension portion 71a and the second extension portion 71 b. The third extension 71c is adjacent to the third edge 31e of the substrate 31, and extends along the third edge 31 e. The fourth extension 71d is separated from the third extension 71c in the positive direction of the X-axis (the direction indicated by the arrow of the X-axis). The intermediate antenna 32 is formed in a substantially quadrangular ring shape by the first to fourth extension portions 71a, 71b, 71c, 71 d. Further, the shape of the intermediate antenna 32 is not limited to this example.

The wireless antenna 23 is located in the vicinity of the first extension 71 a. In the present embodiment, the wireless antenna 23 extends along the first extension portion 71a, and overlaps a part of the first extension portion 71a in a plan view as seen along the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends. In a plan view of the intermediate antenna 32 as viewed along the direction in which the center Ax2 thereof extends, the wireless antenna 23 may be separated from the first extension 71 a.

One end 23a of the wireless antenna 23 is located inside the outer edge 32a of the intermediate antenna 32 in a plan view along the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends. Further, a part of the end portion 23a may be located inside the outer edge 32a, and another part of the end portion 23a may be located outside the outer edge 32 a. The other end 23b of the wireless antenna 23 is located outside the outer edge 32a of the intermediate antenna 32 when viewed in plan along the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends.

The distance between one end 23a of the wireless antenna 23 and the wire 71 is shorter than the distance between the other end 23b and the wire 71. For example, the distance L1 between the end portion 23a and the third extension portion 71c is shorter than the distance L2 between the end portion 23b and the fourth extension portion 71 d. The distances L1 and L2 are not limited to this example.

The length L3 of the wireless antenna 23, which overlaps the first extension 71a in a plan view along the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends, is shorter than the distance L2 between the end 23b of the wireless antenna 23 and the wire 71. The distance L2 and the length L3 are not limited to this example.

The wires 71 include a plurality of first wires 75 and a plurality of second wires 76. The second wire 76 is thicker than the first wire 75. The first wires 75 and the second wires 76 are alternately connected to each other to form the scroll-shaped intermediate antenna 32.

The first extension 71a of the wire 71 is formed by the first wire 75. The second extension 71b is formed of a second wire 76. The third extension portion 71c and the fourth extension portion 71d are formed of the first wire 75 and the second wire 76, respectively.

The conductor pattern 45 forms a plurality of dummy patterns 81 in addition to the intermediate antenna 32. The dummy patterns 81 are arranged in a grid (matrix) at intervals inside the intermediate antenna 32.

The plurality of dummy patterns 81 are electrically separated from each other and from the circuit C1 and the resonance circuit C2 of fig. 2. The dummy pattern 81 may be electrically connected to another conductor such as another dummy pattern 81, for example.

The dummy pattern 81 is formed in a substantially circular shape, for example. The dummy pattern 81 may have other shapes. The distance between adjacent dummy patterns 81 is longer than the diameter of the dummy patterns 81. Therefore, the density of the dummy pattern 81 at the inner side of the intermediate antenna 32 is lower than the density of the nonmagnetic body at the inner side of the intermediate antenna 32. The density of the dummy pattern 81 at the inner side of the intermediate antenna 32 is set, for example, in accordance with the communication performance of the intermediate antenna 32.

By providing the dummy pattern 81, formation of bubbles in the substrate 31 can be suppressed. Further, by providing the dummy pattern 81, the strength of the substrate 31 is improved and the first surface 31a and the second surface 31b of the substrate 31 are formed more flat.

In the memory card 11 of the fifth embodiment described above, the wireless antenna 23 is located in the vicinity of the wire 71 of the intermediate antenna 32. That is, the wireless antenna 23 is disposed at a position where the magnetic flux density of the second magnetic field M2 generated by the intermediate antenna 32 is high. As a result, the induced electromotive force generated by the wireless antenna 23 increases, and thus the communication range of the memory card 11 can be widened.

The wireless antenna 23 extends along the first extension portion 71a of the wire 71, and overlaps with the first extension portion 71a in a plan view along the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends. That is, the wireless antenna 23 is disposed at a position where the magnetic flux density of the second magnetic field M2 generated by the intermediate antenna 32 is higher. As a result, the induced electromotive force generated by the wireless antenna 23 increases, and thus the communication range of the memory card 11 can be widened.

The magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 generated in the vicinity of the wire 71 can enter the inside of the wireless antenna 23 from the gap of the winding of the wireless antenna 23. Further, the magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 easily enters the inside of the wireless antenna 23 by the magnetic body 41. Therefore, the magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 generated in the vicinity of the first extension portion 71a generates an induced electromotive force based on electromagnetic induction in the wireless antenna 23. The magnetic flux density of the second magnetic field M2 is higher as the wire 71 is closer, so that more magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 can enter the gap of the winding of the wireless antenna 23 disposed in the vicinity of the wire 71. Therefore, the wireless antenna 23 of the present embodiment overlapping the first extension 71a can generate a larger induced electromotive force.

At least a part of the end 23a of the wireless antenna 23 is located inside the outer edge 32a of the intermediate antenna 32, and the end 23b is located outside the outer edge 32a of the intermediate antenna 32, as seen in plan view along the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends. Thus, the magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 entering the end portion 23a is greater, and the magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 entering the end portion 23b is smaller. Therefore, the wireless antenna 23 can suppress the cancellation of the induced electromotive force generated by the magnetic flux entering from the end portion 23a and the induced electromotive force generated by the magnetic flux entering from the end portion 23 b. Since the cancelled induced electromotive force decreases, the induced electromotive force generated by the wireless antenna 23 and operating the controller 24 increases, and thus the communication range of the memory card 11 can be widened.

The distance L1 between the end 23a and the wire 71 is shorter than the distance L2 between the end 23b and the wire 71. Thereby, the magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 entering the end portion 23a is larger, and the magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 entering the end portion 23b is smaller. Therefore, the wireless antenna 23 can suppress the cancellation of the induced electromotive force generated by the magnetic flux entering from the end portion 23a and the induced electromotive force generated by the magnetic flux entering from the end portion 23 b. Since the cancelled induced electromotive force decreases, the induced electromotive force generated by the wireless antenna 23 and operating the controller 24 increases, and thus the communication range of the memory card 11 can be widened.

The length L3 of the wireless antenna 23 overlapping the first extension portion 71a in a plan view along the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends is longer than the distance L2 between the end portion 23b and the wire 71. Thus, more portions of the wireless antenna 23 are disposed at positions where the magnetic flux density of the second magnetic field M2 is higher. Therefore, the induced electromotive force generated by the wireless antenna 23 increases, and thus the communication range of the memory card 11 can be widened.

The wire 71 includes a first wire 75 and a second wire 76 thicker than the first wire 75. This reduces the resistance of the second conductive line 76, and can expand the communication range of the memory card 11. Further, the first conductor 75 can increase the inner cross section and inductance of the intermediate antenna 32, and the communication range of the memory card 11 can be widened.

(sixth embodiment)

The sixth embodiment will be described below with reference to fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an exemplary plan view schematically showing a layer of the substrate 31 of the sixth embodiment provided with the intermediate antenna 32. As shown in fig. 9, the wire 71 of the sixth embodiment has a concave portion 71e.

The recess 71e is a portion of the wire 71 recessed toward the inside of the intermediate antenna 32. The recess 71e is provided at a corner of the first extension 71a and the fourth extension 71 d. Therefore, by providing the concave portion 71e in the lead 71, the lengths of the first extension portion 71a and the fourth extension portion 71d are shorter than those of the first extension portion 71a and the fourth extension portion 71d in the fifth embodiment.

At least a portion of the wireless antenna 23 intersects with the concave portion 71e in a plan view in a direction along the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32. In other words, the wireless antenna 23 extends across the recess 71e in a plan view along the direction in which the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32 extends.

The region R is formed by the recess 71e. The region R is located outside the outer edge 32a of the intermediate antenna 32 on the substrate 31, and is surrounded by the recess 71e. Fig. 9 shows the region R in phantom by a two-dot chain line.

The end 23b of the wireless antenna 23 is located in the region R. Thus, the distance L2 between the end 23b and the wire 71 may be longer than the distance L2 of the fifth embodiment. Further, the wireless antenna 23 passes through the region R while the end 23b is located outside the region R, whereby the distance L2 can be further increased.

The length of the radio antenna 23 and the length of the intermediate antenna 32 in the X-axis direction of the present embodiment are the same as the length of the radio antenna 23 and the length of the intermediate antenna 32 in the X-axis direction of the fifth embodiment. However, the lead 71 has the concave portion 71e, so that the distance L2 is set longer.

In the memory card 11 of the sixth embodiment described above, the conductive wire 71 has the concave portion 71e recessed toward the inside of the intermediate antenna 32. At least a portion of the wireless antenna 23 intersects with the concave portion 71e in a plan view in a direction along the center Ax2 of the intermediate antenna 32. Therefore, the end portion 23b can be disposed in the region R formed by the concave portion 71e, or the wireless antenna 23 can be disposed at a position separated from the wire 71 by the region R. Therefore, for example, even if there is a limitation in the area for wiring and mounting in the memory card 11, the end portion 23b can be disposed outside the outer edge 32a of the intermediate antenna 32. The concave portion 71e reduces the cross section of the inner side of the intermediate antenna 32, but other portions of the wire 71 may be disposed so as to further increase the cross section of the inner side of the intermediate antenna 32. Therefore, the inner cross section and inductance of the intermediate antenna 32 are increased, and the communication range of the memory card 11 can be widened.

In the first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments, the intermediate antenna 32 is provided in one layer. However, the intermediate antenna 32 may be provided in a plurality of layers. Thus, for example, even if there is a limitation in the area for wiring and mounting in the memory card 11, the number of turns of the intermediate antenna 32 can be increased, and the reduction in the cross section of the inner side of the intermediate antenna 32 can be suppressed. Therefore, the communication range of the memory card 11 can be enlarged.

In the above-described embodiments, the wireless antenna 23 is a chip antenna, and the intermediate antenna 32 is formed of the conductor pattern 45 of the substrate 31. However, the wireless antenna 23 may be formed of the conductor pattern 45 provided on the substrate 31 in the same manner as the intermediate antenna 32. The intermediate antenna 32 may be a chip antenna mounted on the substrate 31, similarly to the wireless antenna 23. In this case, the wireless communication controller 26 can communicate with the wireless communication host device 13 both when the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 passes through the inside of the wireless antenna 23 directly and when the magnetic flux of the first magnetic field M1 passes through the inside of the intermediate antenna 32 and the intermediate antenna 32 generates the second magnetic field M2 and the magnetic flux of the second magnetic field M2 passes through the inside of the wireless antenna 23. This can expand the communication range of the memory card 11 as compared with the case where the intermediate antenna 32 is absent.

According to at least one embodiment described above, the first loop antenna generates the second magnetic field based on electromagnetic induction generated by the first magnetic field. The second loop antenna generates an induced electromotive force based on electromagnetic induction generated by the second magnetic field. The controller is capable of operating based on the induced electromotive force generated at the second loop antenna, and performing communication with the first external device via the second loop antenna. That is, the first loop antenna converts the first magnetic field into a second magnetic field compatible with electromagnetic induction of the second loop antenna. This can expand the communication range of the semiconductor memory device as compared with the case where the first loop antenna is absent.

Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and/or modifications thereof are included in the scope and/or gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalent scope.

Claims (20)

1. An apparatus is provided with:

a first loop antenna generating a second magnetic field based on electromagnetic induction generated by a first magnetic field generated by a first external device;

a second loop antenna that generates an induced electromotive force based on electromagnetic induction generated by the second magnetic field; and

and a controller capable of operating based on an induced electromotive force generated at the second loop antenna, and directly performing communication between the second loop antenna and the first external device.

2. The device according to claim 1,

the second loop antenna is capable of generating an induced electromotive force based on electromagnetic induction generated by the first magnetic field.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2,

the direction in which the center of the first loop antenna extends intersects with the direction in which the center of the second loop antenna extends.

4. A device according to claim 3,

one end of the second loop antenna is located inside an outer edge of the first loop antenna in a plan view viewed along a direction in which a center of the first loop antenna extends.

5. The device according to claim 1 or 2,

the cross section of the inner side of the first loop antenna orthogonal to the direction in which the center of the first loop antenna extends is larger than the cross section of the inner side of the second loop antenna orthogonal to the direction in which the center of the second loop antenna extends.

6. The device according to claim 1 or 2,

the first loop antenna and the second loop antenna are electrically separated from each other.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

a cover having an outer surface and covering the controller; and

a plurality of terminals exposed at the outer surface,

the controller communicates with a second external device via the terminal,

the first loop antenna is located between the second loop antenna and the outer surface.

8. The device according to claim 1 or 2,

also provided with a substrate provided with a conductor pattern,

the controller is mounted to the substrate,

the conductor pattern forms the first loop antenna.

9. The device according to claim 8,

the first loop antenna includes a plurality of coils connected in series.

10. The device according to claim 8,

the second loop antenna is mounted on the substrate.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

a cover having an outer surface and covering the controller;

a plurality of terminals exposed at the outer surface; and

a membrane provided with said first loop antenna,

the controller communicates with a second external device via the terminal,

The film is adhered to the outer surface.

12. The device according to claim 1 or 2,

the first loop antenna has a resonance frequency of 10MHz or more and 20MHz or less.

13. The device according to claim 1,

the second loop antenna is located near the wire of the first loop antenna.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13,

the second loop antenna extends along a portion of the wire and overlaps a portion of the wire in a plan view viewed along a direction in which a center of the first loop antenna extends.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14,

the second loop antenna has a first end and a second end on an opposite side of the first end,

at least a portion of the first end portion is located inside the outer edge of the first loop antenna and the second end portion is located outside the outer edge of the first loop antenna in a plan view viewed along a direction in which the center of the first loop antenna extends.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15,

the distance between the first end and the wire is shorter than the distance between the second end and the wire.

17. An apparatus according to claim 15,

The second loop antenna overlapping a portion of the wire has a length longer than a distance between the second end and the wire in a plan view viewed along a direction in which a center of the first loop antenna extends.

18. An apparatus according to claim 15,

the wire has a concave portion recessed toward the inner side of the first loop antenna,

at least a portion of the second loop antenna intersects the recess in a plan view viewed along a direction in which a center of the first loop antenna extends.

19. An apparatus according to claim 13,

the wires include a first wire and a second wire thicker than the first wire.

20. An apparatus is provided with:

a cover having an outer surface, a first edge, and a second edge on an opposite side of the first edge;

a plurality of terminals exposed at the outer surface and arranged along the first edge;

a first loop antenna;

a second loop antenna extending along the second edge; and

a controller which is covered with the cover, performs communication directly between the second loop antenna and the first external device, performs communication with the second external device via the terminal,

The direction in which the center of the first loop antenna extends intersects the direction in which the center of the second loop antenna extends,

the first loop antenna is located between the second loop antenna and the outer surface,

one end of the second loop antenna is located inside an outer edge of the first loop antenna in a plan view viewed along a direction in which a center of the first loop antenna extends.