JP6760315B2 - Bidirectional coupler, monitor circuit, and front-end circuit - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to bidirectional couplers, monitor circuits and front-end circuits.

Conventionally, a directional coupler that processes a plurality of high-frequency signals having different frequency bands is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the directional coupler disclosed in Patent Document 1. The component names and reference numerals used below may differ from those of Patent Document 1 for convenience of explanation.

The directional coupler 9 of FIG. 18 includes a first main line 91, a second main line 92, a first sub line 93, a second sub line 94, and a ground 96.

The first main line 91 and the second main line 92 are arranged via the ground 96. The first sub-line 93 and the second sub-line 94 are arranged via the ground 96 and are coupled to the first main line 91 and the second main line 92, respectively. One end of the first sub-line 93 and the second sub-line 94 are connected to each other to form one sub-line 95.

One end and the other end of the first main line 91 constitute an input port P1 and an output port P2, and one end and the other end of the second main line 92 form an input port P3 and an output port P4. One end and the other end of the sub line 95 constitute a coupling port P5 and an isolation port P6.

As an example, the directional coupler 9 is provided in a dual band compatible mobile phone terminal that processes two transmission signals having different frequency bands, and is used for monitoring the strength of the transmission signal.

Specifically, one and the other of the two transmission signals are supplied to the input ports P1 and P3, respectively, propagate through the first main line 91 and the second main line 92, and are supplied to the antenna from the output ports P2 and P4. To. A first monitor signal corresponding to the strength of the transmission signal is taken out from the coupling port P5. The first monitor signal is used, for example, for feedback control of transmission power.

JP-A-2002-100909

In recent years, directional couplers are required to be bidirectional couplers that monitor both forward and reverse signals. Here, the forward signal means a signal that propagates on the main line from the input port to the output port, and the reverse signal means a signal that propagates on the main line from the output port to the input port.

The basic configuration of a bidirectional coupler is equivalent to a 4-port directional coupler. Therefore, although not mentioned in Patent Document 1, even in the directional coupler 9, it depends on the intensity of the reverse signal (for example, the reflected wave from the antenna) propagating in the first main line 91 and the second main line 92. The second monitor signal can be taken out from the isolation port P6.

However, when the directional coupler 9 is used as the bidirectional coupler, the directional coupler 9 with respect to the forward signal and the directional coupler 9 with respect to the reverse signal are different from each other. Therefore, when the directional coupler 9 is used as the bidirectional coupler, the directional of the forward signal and the directional of the reverse signal are not aligned, and the directional of the forward signal and the directional of the reverse signal are different. The problem arises that they are not equivalent.

Therefore, in the present invention, the forward signal and the reverse signal can be monitored in each of the three signal lines, and both the directionality to the forward signal and the directionality to the reverse signal are good bidirectional coupling. The purpose is to provide a vessel.

In order to achieve the above object, the bidirectional coupler according to one aspect of the present invention includes a multilayer substrate, a first main line, a second main line, a third main line, and a sub line provided on the multilayer substrate. The sub-line includes a first line portion that is electromagnetically coupled to the first main line, and an even number of second line portions that are electromagnetically coupled to the second main line. And an even number of third line portions which are portions that are electromagnetically coupled to the third main line, and half of the even second line portions are the first line portion and the sub line portion. The other half of the even number of second line portions provided between one end and the other half of the even number of second line portions is provided between the first line portion and the other end of the sub line portion. Half of the three line portions are provided between the half of the second line portion and one end of the sub line, and the other half of the even number of third line portions is the second. It is provided between the other half of the line portion and the other end of the sub line.

According to this configuration, the same number of second line portions, which are the coupling portions of the sub line with the second main line, are provided on both sides of the first line portion of the sub line, which is the coupling portion with the first main line. Therefore, on the sub-line, the connection portion with the second main line can be arranged symmetrically with the connection portion with the first main line as the center. Further, on both sides of the second line portion which is a connecting portion of the sub line with the second main line, a third line portion which is a connecting portion of the sub line with the third main line is provided. Therefore, on the sub-line, the connection portion with the third main line can be arranged symmetrically with the connection portion with the second main line as the center. By arranging the coupling portion in this way, the electrical characteristics from the first main line to one end and the other end of the sub line are aligned, and the electrical characteristics from the second main line to one end and the other end of the sub line are made uniform. The characteristics can be made uniform, and the electrical characteristics from the third main line to one end and the other end of the sub line can be made uniform.

This makes it possible to improve both the directionality of the first monitor signal corresponding to the forward signal and the directionality of the second monitor signal corresponding to the reverse signal. The result is a bidirectional coupler with improved directional for both forward and reverse signals.

Further, the first line portion may include a pair of first line portions.

According to this configuration, since the first line portion can be divided and arranged, the degree of freedom in the layout of the sub line is increased.

Further, the electric length between the midpoint of the auxiliary line and one of the pair of first line portions, and the other of the midpoint and the pair of first line portions. The electrical length between may be approximately equal.

According to this configuration, since the coupling portion of the sub line with the first main line is arranged symmetrically with respect to the electric length on the sub line, from the first main line to one end and the other end of the sub line. The electrical characteristics can be aligned more accurately. As a result, a bidirectional coupler is obtained in which both the directional signal with respect to the forward signal and the directional property with respect to the reverse signal are improved.

Further, the even number of second line portions are a pair of second line portions, and the electrical length between the midpoint of the electrical length of the sub-line and one of the pair of second line portions. And the electrical length between the midpoint and the other of the pair of second line sections may be substantially equal.

According to this configuration, the coupling portion of the sub line with the second main line is arranged symmetrically with respect to the electric length on the sub line, so that from the second main line to one end and the other end of the sub line. The electrical characteristics can be aligned more accurately. As a result, a bidirectional coupler is obtained in which both the directional signal with respect to the forward signal and the directional property with respect to the reverse signal are improved.

Further, the even number of third line portions are a pair of third line portions, and the electrical length between the midpoint of the electrical length of the sub-line and one of the pair of third line portions. And the electrical length between the midpoint and the other of the pair of third line sections may be substantially equal.

According to this configuration, since the coupling portion of the sub line with the third main line is arranged at a symmetrical position on the sub line at the electrical length, from the third main line to one end and the other end of the sub line. The electrical characteristics can be aligned more accurately. As a result, a bidirectional coupler is obtained in which both the directional signal with respect to the forward signal and the directional property with respect to the reverse signal are improved.

Further, the even number of second line portions are a pair of second line portions, and in the first region and the second region sandwiching the straight line on the multilayer substrate, the sub line has the straight line as the axis of symmetry. It is provided in a line-symmetrical shape, and one and the other of the pair of second line portions may be at corresponding positions in the line symmetry.

According to this configuration, the electrical characteristics from the second main line to one end and the other end of the sub line can be more accurately aligned based on the symmetry of the shape of the sub line. As a result, a bidirectional coupler is obtained in which both the directional signal with respect to the forward signal and the directional property with respect to the reverse signal are improved.

Further, the even number of third line portions are a pair of third line portions, and in the first region and the second region sandwiching the straight line on the multilayer substrate, the sub-line has the straight line as the axis of symmetry. It is provided in a line-symmetrical shape, and one and the other of the pair of third line portions may be at corresponding positions in the line symmetry.

According to this configuration, the electrical characteristics from the third main line to one end and the other end of the sub line can be more accurately aligned based on the symmetry of the shape of the sub line. As a result, a bidirectional coupler is obtained in which both the directional signal with respect to the forward signal and the directional property with respect to the reverse signal are improved.

Further, in the first region and the second region sandwiching the straight line on the multilayer substrate, the sub line is provided in a line-symmetrical shape with the straight line as the axis of symmetry, and is provided with one of the pair of first line portions. The other may be at the corresponding position in line symmetry.

According to this configuration, the electrical characteristics from the first main line to one end and the other end of the sub line can be more accurately aligned based on the symmetry of the shape of the sub line. As a result, a bidirectional coupler is obtained in which both the directional signal with respect to the forward signal and the directional property with respect to the reverse signal are improved.

Further, one and the other of the pair of first line portions may be connected by an inductor.

According to this configuration, the inductor can be inserted in series at the midpoint of the sub line, so that the directionality of the bidirectional coupler can be improved.

Further, at least one of the width of the sub-line in the first line portion, the width in the second line portion, and the width in the third line portion may be different.

According to this configuration, the connection between the sub line and each of the first main line, the second main line, and the third main line can be optimized according to the width of the sub line.

The monitor circuit according to one aspect of the present invention has the bidirectional coupler.

According to this configuration, both the forward signal and the reverse signal are monitored with high accuracy by using a bidirectional coupler in which both the directional signal for the forward signal and the directional signal for the reverse signal are improved. A monitor circuit is obtained.

The front-end circuit according to one aspect of the present invention includes the monitor circuit, an antenna terminal connected to the monitor circuit, and a filter connected to the monitor circuit.

According to this configuration, by using a monitor circuit having a bidirectional coupler in which both the directional signal for the forward signal and the directional signal for the reverse signal are improved, for example, feedback control of transmission power and antenna matching can be used. It is possible to configure a high-performance communication device that performs various controls including adjustment with high accuracy.

According to the bidirectional coupler according to the present invention, the forward signal and the reverse signal can be monitored in each of the three signal lines, and both the directional signal with respect to the forward signal and the directional signal with respect to the reverse signal can be monitored. A good bidirectional coupler is obtained.

A circuit diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit of the bidirectional coupler according to the first embodiment. A circuit diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit of the bidirectional coupler according to the first embodiment. Top view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler according to the first embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1. Sectional drawing which shows an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1. Sectional drawing which shows an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1. An exploded perspective view showing an example of the three-dimensional structure of the bidirectional coupler according to the first embodiment. A circuit diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit of the bidirectional coupler according to the second embodiment. Top view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler according to the second embodiment. A circuit diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit of the bidirectional coupler according to the third embodiment. Top view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler according to the third embodiment. A circuit diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit of the bidirectional coupler according to the fourth embodiment. Top view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler according to the fourth embodiment. Top view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler according to the fifth embodiment. A circuit diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit of the bidirectional coupler according to the sixth embodiment. Top view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler according to the sixth embodiment. A circuit diagram showing an example of a monitor circuit using the directional coupler according to the seventh embodiment. A block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the communication device according to the eighth embodiment. A circuit diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit of a bidirectional coupler according to another form. Perspective view showing an example of the structure of the directional coupler according to the conventional example. A circuit diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit of a directional coupler according to a conventional example.

(Knowledge on which the present invention is based)
Consider the factors that cause the directional coupler 9 of FIG. 18 to differ in directionality with respect to the forward signal and directionality with respect to the reverse signal.

FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit of the directional coupler 9. In FIG. 19, for the sake of understanding, the sub line 95 is represented in a straight line, and the midpoint M at the electrical length of the sub line 95 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 19, in the directional coupler 9, the first main line 91 and the first sub line 93 are coupled only between the midpoint M of the sub line 95 and the isolation port P6. .. Further, the second main line 92 and the second sub line 94 are coupled only between the midpoint M of the sub line 95 and the coupling port P5. That is, the connecting portion of the sub line 95 with the first main line 91 and the connecting portion with the second main line 92 are arranged asymmetrically on the sub line 95.

Therefore, the electrical characteristics from the first main line 91 to the coupling port P5 of the sub line 95 are different from the electrical characteristics from the first main line 91 to the isolation port P6 of the sub line 95. As a result, the first monitor signal corresponding to the forward signal propagating on the first main line 91 and the second monitor signal corresponding to the reverse signal are coupled with different electrical characteristics from the first main line 91. It will be taken out from the port P5 and the isolation port P6, respectively. As a result, there is a characteristic difference between the forward signal and the reverse signal propagating in the first main line 91 of the directional coupler 9.

Since the same applies to the second main line 92, the directional coupler 9 causes a characteristic difference between the forward signal and the reverse signal propagating on the second main line 92.

As described above, it is considered that the asymmetry of the arrangement of the coupling portion is the main reason why the directionality of the directional coupler 9 with respect to the forward signal and the directionality with respect to the reverse signal are different.

Based on this consideration, the present inventor devised a bidirectional coupler having three main lines, and the characteristics for the forward signal and the characteristics for the reverse signal are the same for all the main lines. I came to do it.

The bidirectional coupler includes a multilayer board and a first main line, a second main line, a third main line, and a sub line provided on the multi-layer board, and the sub line is the first main line. A first line portion that is electromagnetically coupled to the main line, an even number of second line portions that are electromagnetically coupled to the second main line, and an electromagnetically coupled portion to the third main line. It has an even number of third line portions, and half of the even number of second line portions is provided between the first line portion and one end of the sub line, and the even number of the second line portions is provided. The other half of the second line section is provided between the first line section and the other end of the sub line, and half of the even number of third line sections is the second line section. The other half of the even number of third line portions is provided between the half of the above and one end of the sub line, and the other half of the second line portion and the other end of the sub line. It is provided between and.

Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement of components, connection modes, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as arbitrary components. Also, the sizes of the components shown in the drawings or the ratio of sizes is not always exact.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit of the bidirectional coupler according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bidirectional coupler 1 includes a first main line 21, a second main line 31, a third main line 41, and a sub line 51.

One end and the other end of the first main line 21 form an input port IN1 and an output port OUT1, and one end and the other end of the second main line 31 form an input port IN2 and an output port OUT2. One end and the other end of the main line 41 constitute an input port IN3 and an output port OUT3. One end and the other end of the sub line 51 constitute a forward port FWD and a reverse port REV.

The sub-line 51 includes a pair of first line portions 511a and 511b that are connected to the first main line 21 and a pair of second line portions 512a and 512b that are connected to the second main line 31. It has a pair of third line portions 513a and 513b which are portions to be coupled to the third main line 41. Here, the pair of first line portions 511a and 511b is an example of an even number of first line portions, and the pair of second line portions 512a and 512b is an example of an even number of second line portions. The pair of third line portions 513a and 513b is an example of an even number of third line portions.

The first line portion 511a is provided between the reverse port REV and the forward port FWD, and the first line portion 511b is provided between the first line portion 511a and the forward port FWD. In the following, the first line portion 511a and 511b may be collectively referred to as the first line portion 511.

The second line portion 512a is provided between the first line portion 511 of the sub line 51 and the reverse port REV, and the second line portion 512b is between the first line portion 511 of the sub line 51 and the forward port FWD. It is provided in. The third line portion 513a is provided between the second line portion 512b of the sub line 51 and the forward port FWD, and the third line portion 513b is between the second line portion 512a of the sub line 51 and the reverse port REV. It is provided in.

The pair of first line portions 511a and 511b are extended in substantially the same direction as the first main line 21, and the pair of second line portions 512a and 512b are extended in substantially the same direction as the second main line 31. The pair of third line portions 513a and 513b are extended in substantially the same direction as the third main line 41.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the same circuit as the equivalent circuit of FIG. In FIG. 2, for the sake of understanding, the sub line 51 is represented in a straight line, and the midpoint M at the electrical length of the sub line 51 is shown. The third main line 41 is divided into a half section on the input port IN3 side and a half section on the output port OUT3 side in the notation, but it is actually continuous at points A. The second main line 31 is divided into a half section on the input port IN2 side and a half section on the output port OUT2 side in the notation, but it is actually continuous at points B. The first main line 21 is divided into a part section on the input port IN1 side and a part section on the output port OUT1 side in the notation, but it is actually continuous at points C.

As can be understood from FIG. 2, in the bidirectional coupler 1, the coupling portion of the sub line 51 with the first main line 21 is composed of a pair of first line portions 511a and 511b, and both sides of the coupling portion. A second line portion 512a, 512b, which is a coupling portion of the sub-line 51 with the second main line 31, is provided. Therefore, on the sub line 51, the connection portion with the second main line 31 (second line portion 512a, 512b) is symmetrical with the coupling portion with the first main line 21 (first line portion 511a, 511b) as the center. Can be placed in. In addition, "centering on the coupling portion with the first main line 21" is based on the center line located at the center of the first line portion 511a and the first line portion 511b coupled with the first main line 21. Means.

Further, in the bidirectional coupler 1, the connecting portion of the sub line 51 with the second main line 31 is composed of a pair of second line portions 512a and 512b, and the third main line 41 is formed on both sides of the connecting portion. Third line portions 513a and 513b, which are joint portions with the above, are provided. Therefore, on the sub line 51, the connection portion with the third main line 41 (third line portion 513a, 513b) is symmetrical with the coupling portion with the second main line 31 (second line portion 512a, 512b) as the center. Can be placed in. In addition, "centering on the coupling portion with the second main line 31" is based on the center line located at the center of the second line portion 512a and the second line portion 512b that are coupled with the second main line 31. Means.

By arranging the coupling portion in this way, the electrical characteristics from the first main line 21 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV are aligned, and the electrical characteristics from the second main line 31 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV are aligned. The electrical characteristics from the third main line 41 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV can be made uniform. Further, since the first line portion is divided and arranged as a pair of first line portions 511a and 511b, the degree of freedom in the shape of the sub line 51 is increased.

This makes it possible to improve both the directionality of the first monitor signal corresponding to the forward signal and the directionality of the second monitor signal corresponding to the reverse signal. As a result, for all of the first main line 21, the second main line 31, and the third main line 41, both the directionality to the forward signal and the directionality to the reverse signal are improved in the bidirectional coupler. 1 is obtained.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electric length L1b between the midpoint M and the first line portion 511a and the electric length L1a between the midpoint M and the first line portion 511b in the sub line 51. May be approximately equal. Further, the electric length L2b between the midpoint M and the second line portion 512a and the electric length L2a between the midpoint M and the second line portion 512b may be substantially equal. Further, the electric length L3a between the midpoint M and the third line portion 513a and the electric length L3b between the midpoint M and the third line portion 513b may be substantially equal. The fact that the electric length L1a and the electric length L1b are substantially equal means that, for example, the difference between the electric length L1a and the electric length L1b is within ± 10% of the electric length of one of the electric length L1a and the electric length L1b. If this is the case. The electric length L2a and the electric length L2b are substantially equal to each other, for example, when the difference between the electric length L2a and the electric length L2b is within ± 10% of the electric length of one of the electric length L2a and the electric length L2b. is there. The electric length L3a and the electric length L3b are substantially equal to each other, for example, when the difference between the electric length L3a and the electric length L3b is within ± 10% of the electric length of one of the electric length L3a and the electric length L3b. is there.

As a result, in the sub line 51, the first line portions 511a and 511b are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the electric length on the sub line 51, and the second line portions 512a and 512b have the electric length on the sub line 51. The third line portions 513a and 513b are arranged at symmetrical positions on the sub-line 51 at the electrical length. Therefore, the electrical characteristics from the first main line 21, the second main line 31, and the third main line 41 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV can be more accurately aligned. As a result, the bidirectional coupler 1 having both the directional property for the forward signal and the directional property for the reverse signal is improved.

The structural features of the bidirectional coupler 1 will continue to be described.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler 1. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler 1, and corresponds to a cross section of the IVA-IVA cross section of FIG. 3 viewed in the direction of the arrow. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler 1, and corresponds to a cross section of the IVB-IVB cross-sectional line of FIG. 3 viewed in the direction of the arrow. In FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, for the sake of clarity, each component is shown with a different pattern.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the bidirectional coupler 1 is a first layer metal wiring formed above the substrate 15 and separated by interlayer insulating layers 11, 12a, 12b, 12c, 13, and 14, respectively. It is composed of 61, a second layer metal wiring 62, a third layer metal wiring 63, and a fourth layer metal wiring 64. As an example, the laminate of the substrate 15 and the interlayer insulating layers 11 to 14 corresponds to the multilayer substrate 10.

The first layer metal wiring 61 is arranged in the same layer as the interlayer insulating layer 12a, the second layer metal wiring 62 is arranged in the same layer as the interlayer insulating layer 12b, and the third layer metal wiring 63 is arranged in the same layer as the interlayer insulating layer 12c. Is placed in. The fourth layer metal wiring 64 is arranged at the interface between the interlayer insulating layer 13 and the interlayer insulating layer 14.

The sub line 51 is formed of a first layer metal wiring 61, a second layer metal wiring 62, and a third layer metal wiring 63. The first main line 21, the second main line 31, and the third main line are formed of the fourth layer metal wiring 64.

As an example, the substrate 15 may be a semiconductor substrate (wafer). In this case, the bidirectional coupler 1 is manufactured by forming a plurality of wiring layers on a semiconductor substrate with an interlayer insulating layer interposed therebetween, using a well-known semiconductor process.

As another example, the substrate 15 and the interlayer insulating layers 11, 12a to 12c, 13, 14 may be a base material layer made of an LTCC (co-fired ceramics) material. In this case, the bidirectional coupler 1 is manufactured by stacking, integrating, and firing a plurality of ceramic green sheets on which a conductor paste serving as a metal wiring is arranged.

As yet another example, the substrate 15 and the interlayer insulating layers 11, 12a to 12c, 13, 14 may be insulating resin layers constituting each layer of the multilayer printed wiring board. In this case, the bidirectional coupler 1 is manufactured as a multilayer printed wiring board formed by laminating a plurality of insulating resin layers in which a wiring pattern as a metal wiring is arranged and providing a through hole as a via conductor.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sub-line 51 has a grade separation portion 579 that intersects in the region between the second main line 31 and the third main line 41 in a plan view. Specifically, the grade separation portion 579 intersects between the second line portion 512a and the third line portion 513b, and between the second line portion 512b and the third line portion 513a.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler 1, and corresponds to a cross section of the IVC-IVC cross-sectional line of FIG. 3 viewed in the direction of the arrow.

As shown in FIG. 4C, in the three-dimensional intersection 579, the wiring path from the third line portion 513a to the second line portion 512b is composed of the first layer metal wiring 61 located on the lower side, and the second line portion. The wiring path from 512a to the third line portion 513b is composed of the third layer metal wiring 63 located on the upper side. Due to this wiring path, the sub-line 51 does not come into contact with the grade separation portion 579.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the three-dimensional structure of the bidirectional coupler 1. In FIG. 5, in order to show the shape of the sub line 51 in an easy-to-understand manner, the interlayer insulating layers 12a to 12c, 13 and 14 are omitted, and the first main line 21, the second main line 31 and the third main line 41 are actually used. It is drawn above the position.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first main line 21 and the second main line 31 are abbreviated as V-shaped with different opening angles, with the first main line 21 arranged inside and the second main line 31 arranged outside. It is formed in a nested shape. The third main line 41 is formed on the side opposite to the side where the first main line 21 is located when viewed from the second main line 31. The third main line 41 is linear and has an opening angle of 180 °. That is, the opening angle of each main line increases in the order of the first main line 21, the second main line 31, and the third main line 41. The sub line 51 is formed in a circular shape around one circumference. From the forward port FWD, the sub line 51 is a part of the third main line 41, a part of the second main line 31, a part of the first main line 21, a part of the second main line 31, and the third main line. It goes around along a part of 41 and reaches the reverse port REV.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the bidirectional coupler 1, the third line portion 513a extending in substantially the same direction as the third main line 41 in the 1/6 circumference section from the forward port FWD of the sub line 51 The third line portion 513a is coupled to the half section of the third main line 41 on the input port IN3 side. Further, there is a second line portion 512b extending in substantially the same direction as the second main line 31 in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub line 51, and the second line portion 512b is an output port of the second main line 31. Combine with the half section on the OUT2 side. Further, in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub line 51, there is a first line portion 511b extending in substantially the same direction as the first main line 21, and the first line portion 511b is an output port of the first main line 21. Combined with a part of the OUT1 side.

Then, in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub line 51, there is a first line portion 511a extending in substantially the same direction as the first main line 21, and the first line portion 511a is an input port of the first main line 21. Combines with a part of the IN1 side. Further, in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub line 51, there is a second line portion 512a extending in substantially the same direction as the second main line 31, and the second line portion 512a is an input port of the second main line 31. Combine with the half section on the IN2 side. Further, in the remaining 1/6 lap section of the sub line 51, there is a third line portion 513b extending in substantially the same direction as the third main line 41, and the third line portion 513b is an output port of the third main line 41. Combine with the half section on the OUT3 side.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the sub-line 51 is provided in a line-symmetrical shape with the straight line S as the axis of symmetry in the first region and the second region sandwiching the straight line S on the multilayer substrate 10. , The first line portion 511a and 511b, the second line portion 512a and 512b, and the third line portion 513a and 513b are respectively in the corresponding positions in line symmetry. In the following, "the sub-line is provided in a line-symmetrical shape" means that the sub-line is provided in a line-symmetrical shape except for the grade separation portion 579 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, for example. It shall include the case where there is.

Thereby, based on the symmetry of the shape of the sub line 51, the electrical characteristics from the first main line 21, the second main line 31 and the third main line 41 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV can be more accurately obtained. Can be aligned. As a result, the bidirectional coupler 1 in which both the directionality with respect to the forward signal and the directionality with respect to the reverse direction signal are improved can be obtained.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, a modification of the first main line, the second main line, the third main line, and the sub line will be described.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit of the bidirectional coupler 2.

As shown in FIG. 6, the bidirectional coupler 2 includes a first main line 22, a second main line 32, a third main line 42, and a sub line 52.

One end and the other end of the first main line 22 form an input port IN1 and an output port OUT1, and one end and the other end of the second main line 32 form an input port IN2 and an output port OUT2. One end and the other end of the main line 42 constitute an input port IN3 and an output port OUT3. One end and the other end of the sub line 52 constitute a forward port FWD and a reverse port REV.

The sub-line 52 includes a pair of first line portions 521a and 521b that are connected to the first main line 22 and a pair of second line portions 522a and 522b that are connected to the second main line 32. , A pair of third line portions 523a and 523b, which are portions to be coupled to the third main line 42.

The first line portion 521a is provided between the reverse port REV and the forward port FWD, and the first line portion 521b is provided between the first line portion 521a and the forward port FWD. In the following, the first line portions 521a and 521b may be collectively referred to as the first line portion 521.

The second line portion 522a is provided between the first line portion 521 of the sub line 52 and the reverse port REV, and the second line portion 522b is between the first line portion 521 of the sub line 52 and the forward port FWD. It is provided in. The third line portion 523a is provided between the second line portion 522b of the sub line 52 and the forward port FWD, and the third line portion 523b is between the second line portion 522a of the sub line 52 and the reverse port REV. It is provided in.

A pair of first line portions 521a and 521b extend in substantially the same direction as the first main line 22, and a pair of second line portions 522a and 522b extend in substantially the same direction as the second main line 32. The pair of third line portions 523a and 523b are extended in substantially the same direction as the third main line 42.

Also in the bidirectional coupler 2, the connecting portion of the sub line 52 with the first main line 22 is composed of a pair of first line portions 521a and 521b, and the second sub line 52 is provided on both sides of the connecting portion. Second line portions 522a and 522b, which are coupling portions with the main line 32, are provided. Therefore, on the sub-line 52, the connection portion with the second main line 32 (second line portion 522a, 522b) is symmetrical with the connection portion with the first main line 22 (first line portion 521a, 521b) as the center. Can be placed in.

Further, in the bidirectional coupler 2, the connecting portion of the sub line 52 with the second main line 32 is composed of a pair of second line portions 522a and 522b, and the third main line 42 is formed on both sides of the connecting portion. Third line portions 523a and 523b, which are joint portions with the above, are provided. Therefore, on the sub-line 52, the connection portion with the third main line 42 (third line portion 523a, 523b) is symmetrical with the connection portion with the second main line 32 (second line portion 522a, 522b) as the center. Can be placed in.

By arranging the coupling portion in this way, the electrical characteristics from the first main line 22 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV are aligned, and the electrical characteristics from the second main line 32 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV are aligned. The electrical characteristics from the third main line 42 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV can be made uniform.

As a result, the first monitor signal corresponding to the forward signal and the second monitor signal corresponding to the reverse signal are subjected to electrical characteristics from the first main line 22, the second main line 32, and the third main line 42. It becomes possible to take out from the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV, respectively. As a result, for all of the first main line 22, the second main line 32, and the third main line 42, the bidirectional coupler in which both the directionality to the forward signal and the directionality to the reverse signal are improved. 2 is obtained.

The structural features of the bidirectional coupler 2 will continue to be described.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler 2. The bidirectional coupler 2 of FIG. 7 differs from the bidirectional coupler 1 of the first embodiment in the shape of the first main line 22.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first main line 22 and the second main line 32 are abbreviated as V-shaped with different opening angles, with the first main line 22 arranged inside and the second main line 32 arranged outside. It is formed in a nested shape. Specifically, the first main line 22 has an inverted V shape, and is nested so that the opening of the first main line 22 and the opening of the second main line 32 face each other. The third main line 42 is formed on the side opposite to the side where the first main line 22 is located when viewed from the second main line 32. The third main line 42 is linear and has an opening angle of 180 °. The sub line 52 is formed in a circular shape around one circumference. From the forward port FWD, the sub line 52 is a part of the third main line 42, a part of the second main line 32, a part of the first main line 22, a part of the second main line 32, and the third main line. It goes around along a part of 42 and reaches the reverse port REV. The sub-line 52 has a grade separation portion 579 that intersects in the region between the second main line 32 and the third main line 42 in a plan view.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the bidirectional coupler 2, the third line portion 523a extending in substantially the same direction as the third main line 42 in the 1/6 circumference section from the forward port FWD of the sub line 52 The third line portion 523a is coupled to the half section of the third main line 42 on the input port IN3 side. Further, in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub line 52, there is a second line portion 522b extending in substantially the same direction as the second main line 32, and the second line portion 522b is an output port of the second main line 32. Combine with the half section on the OUT2 side. Further, in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub-line 52, there is a first line portion 521b extending in substantially the same direction as the first main line 22, and the first line portion 521b is an input port of the first main line 22. Combines with a part of the IN1 side.

Then, in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub line 52, there is a first line portion 521a extending in substantially the same direction as the first main line 22, and the first line portion 521a is an output port of the first main line 22. Combined with a part of the OUT1 side. Further, in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub line 52, there is a second line portion 522a extending in substantially the same direction as the second main line 32, and the second line portion 522a is an input port of the second main line 32. Combine with the half section on the IN2 side. Further, in the remaining 1/6 lap section of the sub line 52, there is a third line portion 523b extending in substantially the same direction as the third main line 42, and the third line portion 523b is an output port of the third main line 42. Combine with the half section on the OUT3 side.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in the first region and the second region sandwiching the straight line S on the multilayer substrate 10, the sub-line 52 is provided in a line-symmetrical shape with the straight line S as the axis of symmetry, and the first The line portions 521a and 521b, the second line portion 522a and 522b, and the third line portion 523a and 523b are in the corresponding positions in line symmetry.

Thereby, based on the symmetry of the shape of the sub line 52, the electrical characteristics from the first main line 22, the second main line 32, and the third main line 42 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV can be more accurately obtained. Can be aligned. As a result, the bidirectional coupler 2 in which both the directionality with respect to the forward signal and the directionality with respect to the reverse signal are improved can be obtained.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, a modification of the first main line, the second main line, the third main line, and the sub line will be described.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit of the bidirectional coupler 3.

As shown in FIG. 8, the bidirectional coupler 3 includes a first main line 23, a second main line 33, a third main line 43, and a sub line 53.

One end and the other end of the first main line 23 form an input port IN1 and an output port OUT1, and one end and the other end of the second main line 33 form an input port IN2 and an output port OUT2. One end and the other end of the main line 43 constitute an input port IN3 and an output port OUT3. One end and the other end of the sub line 53 constitute a forward port FWD and a reverse port REV.

The sub-line 53 includes a pair of first line portions 531a and 531b that are connected to the first main line 23 and a pair of second line portions 532a and 532b that are connected to the second main line 33. , It has a pair of third line portions 533a and 533b which are portions to be coupled to the third main line 43.

The first line portion 531a is provided between the reverse port REV and the forward port FWD, and the first line portion 531b is provided between the first line portion 531a and the forward port FWD. In the following, the first line portions 531a and 531b may be collectively referred to as the first line portion 531.

The second line portion 532a is provided between the first line portion 531 of the sub line 53 and the reverse port REV, and the second line portion 532b is between the first line portion 531 of the sub line 53 and the forward port FWD. It is provided in. The third line portion 533a is provided between the second line portion 532a of the sub line 53 and the reverse port REV, and the third line portion 533b is between the second line portion 532b of the sub line 53 and the forward port FWD. It is provided in.

The pair of first line portions 531a and 531b are extended in substantially the same direction as the first main line 23, and the pair of second line portions 532a and 532b are extended in substantially the same direction as the second main line 33. The pair of third line portions 533a and 533b are extended in substantially the same direction as the third main line 43.

Also in the bidirectional coupler 3, the coupling portion of the sub line 53 with the first main line 23 is composed of a pair of first line portions 531a and 531b, and the second main of the sub line 53 is on both sides of the coupling portion. Second line portions 532a and 532b, which are coupling portions with the line 33, are provided. Therefore, on the sub line 53, the connection portion with the second main line 33 (second line portion 532a, 532b) is symmetrical with the connection portion with the first main line 23 (first line portion 531a, 531b) as the center. Can be placed in.

Further, in the bidirectional coupler 3, the coupling portion of the sub line 53 with the second main line 33 is composed of a pair of second line portions 532a and 532b, and the third main line 43 is formed on both sides of the coupling portion. Third line portions 533a and 533b, which are joint portions with the above, are provided. Therefore, on the sub line 53, the connection portion with the third main line 43 (third line portion 533a, 533b) is symmetrical with the connection portion with the second main line 33 (second line portion 532a, 532b) as the center. Can be placed in.

By arranging the coupling portion in this way, the electrical characteristics from the first main line 23 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV are aligned, and the electrical characteristics from the second main line 33 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV are aligned. The electrical characteristics from the third main line 43 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV can be made uniform.

As a result, the first monitor signal corresponding to the forward signal and the second monitor signal corresponding to the reverse signal are subjected to electrical characteristics from the first main line 23, the second main line 33, and the third main line 43. It becomes possible to take out from the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV, respectively. As a result, for all of the first main line 23, the second main line 33, and the third main line 43, the bidirectional coupler in which both the directionality to the forward signal and the directionality to the reverse signal are improved. 3 is obtained.

The structural features of the bidirectional coupler 3 will continue to be described.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler 3. The bidirectional coupler 3 of FIG. 9 differs from the bidirectional coupler 1 of the first embodiment in the shape of the sub-line 53.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first main line 23 and the second main line 33 are abbreviated as V-shaped with different opening angles, with the first main line 23 arranged inside and the second main line 33 arranged outside. It is formed in a nested shape. The third main line 43 is formed on the side opposite to the side where the first main line 23 is located when viewed from the second main line 33. The third main line 43 is linear and has an opening angle of 180 °. That is, the opening angle of each main line increases in the order of the first main line 23, the second main line 33, and the third main line 43. The sub-line 53 is formed in a circular shape having no grade separation. From the forward port FWD, the sub line 53 is a part of the third main line 43, a part of the second main line 33, a part of the first main line 23, a part of the second main line 33, and the third main line. It goes around along a part of 43 and reaches the reverse port REV.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the bidirectional coupler 3, the third line portion 533b extending in substantially the same direction as the third main line 43 in the 1/6 circumference section from the forward port FWD of the sub line 53 The third line portion 533b is coupled to the half section of the third main line 43 on the input port IN3 side. Further, there is a second line portion 532b extending in substantially the same direction as the second main line 33 in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub line 53, and the second line portion 532b is an output port of the second main line 33. Combine with the half section on the OUT2 side. Further, in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub line 53, there is a first line portion 531b extending in substantially the same direction as the first main line 23, and the first line portion 531b is an output port of the first main line 23. Combined with a part of the OUT1 side.

Then, in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub line 53, there is a first line portion 531a extending in substantially the same direction as the first main line 23, and the first line portion 531a is an input port of the first main line 23. Combines with a part of the IN1 side. Further, in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub line 53, there is a second line portion 532a extending in substantially the same direction as the second main line 33, and the second line portion 532a is an input port of the second main line 33. Combine with the half section on the IN2 side. Further, in the remaining 1/6 lap section of the sub line 53, there is a third line portion 533a extending in substantially the same direction as the third main line 43, and the third line portion 533a is an output port of the third main line 43. Combine with the half section on the OUT3 side.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in the first region and the second region sandwiching the straight line S on the multilayer substrate 10, the sub-line 53 is provided in a line-symmetrical shape with the straight line S as the axis of symmetry, and the first The line portions 531a and 533b, the second line portions 532a and 532b, and the third line portions 533a and 533b are in the corresponding positions in line symmetry.

Thereby, based on the symmetry of the shape of the sub line 53, the electrical characteristics from the first main line 23, the second main line 33, and the third main line 43 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV can be more accurately obtained. Can be aligned. As a result, the bidirectional coupler 3 in which both the directionality with respect to the forward signal and the directionality with respect to the reverse direction signal are improved can be obtained.

(Embodiment 4)
In the fourth embodiment, a modification of the first main line, the second main line, the third main line, and the sub line will be described.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit of the bidirectional coupler 4.

As shown in FIG. 10, the bidirectional coupler 4 includes a first main line 24, a second main line 34, a third main line 44, and a sub line 54.

One end and the other end of the first main line 24 form an input port IN1 and an output port OUT1, and one end and the other end of the second main line 34 form an input port IN2 and an output port OUT2. One end and the other end of the main line 44 constitute an input port IN3 and an output port OUT3. One end and the other end of the sub line 54 constitute a forward port FWD and a reverse port REV.

The sub line 54 includes a pair of first line portions 541a and 541b that are connected to the first main line 24 and a pair of second line portions 542a and 542b that are portions that are connected to the second main line 34. , A pair of third line portions 543a and 543b, which are portions to be coupled to the third main line 44.

The first line portion 541a is provided between the reverse port REV and the forward port FWD, and the first line portion 541b is provided between the first line portion 541a and the forward port FWD. In the following, the first line section 541a and 541b may be collectively referred to as the first line section 541.

The second line portion 542a is provided between the first line portion 541 of the sub line 54 and the reverse port REV, and the second line portion 542b is between the first line portion 541 of the sub line 54 and the forward port FWD. It is provided in. The third line portion 543a is provided between the second line portion 542a of the sub line 54 and the reverse port REV, and the third line portion 543b is between the second line portion 542b of the sub line 54 and the forward port FWD. It is provided in.

The pair of first line portions 541a and 541b extend in substantially the same direction as the first main line 24, and the pair of second line portions 542a and 542b extend in substantially the same direction as the second main line 34. The pair of third line portions 543a and 543b are extended in substantially the same direction as the third main line 44.

Also in the bidirectional coupler 4, the coupling portion of the sub line 54 with the first main line 24 is composed of a pair of first line portions 541a and 541b, and the second main of the sub line 54 is on both sides of the coupling portion. Second line portions 542a and 542b, which are coupling portions with the line 34, are provided. Therefore, on the sub-line 54, the joints with the first main line 24 (first line portions 541a, 541b) are centered, and the joints with the second main line 34 (second line portions 542a, 542b) are symmetrical. Can be placed in.

Further, in the bidirectional coupler 4, the coupling portion of the sub line 54 with the second main line 34 is composed of a pair of second line portions 542a and 542b, and the third main line 44 is formed on both sides of the coupling portion. Third line portions 543a and 543b, which are joint portions with the above, are provided. Therefore, on the sub-line 54, the coupling portion with the third main line 44 (third line portion 543a, 543b) is symmetrical with the coupling portion with the second main line 34 (second line portion 542a, 542b) as the center. Can be placed in.

By arranging the coupling portion in this way, the electrical characteristics from the first main line 24 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV are aligned, and the electrical characteristics from the second main line 34 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV are aligned. The electrical characteristics from the third main line 44 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV can be made uniform.

As a result, the first monitor signal corresponding to the forward signal and the second monitor signal corresponding to the reverse signal are subjected to electrical characteristics from the first main line 24, the second main line 34, and the third main line 44. It becomes possible to take out from the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV, respectively. As a result, for all of the first main line 24, the second main line 34, and the third main line 44, the bidirectional coupler in which both the directionality to the forward signal and the directionality to the reverse signal are improved. 4 is obtained.

The structural features of the bidirectional coupler 4 will continue to be described.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler 4. The bidirectional coupler 4 of FIG. 11 differs from the bidirectional coupler 3 of the third embodiment in the shape of the first main line 24.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first main line 24 and the second main line 34 are abbreviated as V-shaped with different opening angles, with the first main line 24 arranged inside and the second main line 34 arranged outside. It is formed in a nested shape. Specifically, the first main line 24 has an inverted V shape, and is nested so that the opening of the first main line 24 and the opening of the second main line 34 face each other. The third main line 44 is formed on the side opposite to the side where the first main line 24 is located when viewed from the second main line 34. The third main line 44 is linear and has an opening angle of 180 °. The sub line 54 is formed in a circular shape having no grade separation. From the forward port FWD, the sub line 54 is a part of the third main line 44, a part of the second main line 34, a part of the first main line 24, a part of the second main line 34, and the third main line. It goes around along a part of 44 and reaches the reverse port REV.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the bidirectional coupler 4, the third line portion 543b extending in substantially the same direction as the third main line 44 in the 1/6 lap section from the forward port FWD of the sub line 54 The third line portion 543b is coupled to the half section of the third main line 44 on the input port IN3 side. Further, in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub line 54, there is a second line portion 542b extending in substantially the same direction as the second main line 34, and the second line portion 542b is an output port of the second main line 34. Combine with the half section on the OUT2 side. Further, in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub-line 54, there is a first line portion 541b extending in substantially the same direction as the first main line 24, and the first line portion 541b is an input port of the first main line 24. Combines with a part of the IN1 side.

Then, in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub line 54, there is a first line portion 541a extending in substantially the same direction as the first main line 24, and the first line portion 541a is an output port of the first main line 24. Combined with a part of the OUT1 side. Further, there is a second line portion 542a in the next 1/6 lap section of the sub line 54 extending in substantially the same direction as the second main line 34, and the second line portion 542a is an input port of the second main line 34. Combine with the half section on the IN2 side. Further, in the remaining 1/6 lap section of the sub line 54, there is a third line portion 543a extending in substantially the same direction as the third main line 44, and the third line portion 543a is an output port of the third main line 44. Combine with the half section on the OUT3 side.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, in the first region and the second region sandwiching the straight line S on the multilayer substrate 10, the sub-line 54 is provided in a line-symmetrical shape with the straight line S as the axis of symmetry, and the first The line portions 541a and 541b, the second line portions 542a and 542b, and the third line portions 543a and 543b are in the corresponding positions in line symmetry.

Thereby, based on the symmetry of the shape of the sub line 54, the electrical characteristics from the first main line 24, the second main line 34, and the third main line 44 to the forward port FWD and the reverse port REV can be more accurately obtained. Can be aligned. As a result, the bidirectional coupler 4 in which both the directionality with respect to the forward signal and the directionality with respect to the reverse direction signal are improved can be obtained.

(Embodiment 5)
In the fifth embodiment, a modified example of the sub line will be described.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler according to the fifth embodiment. The bidirectional coupler 5 of FIG. 12 differs in the shape of the sub-line 55 as compared with the bidirectional coupler 3 of the third embodiment. In the following, the same components as those in the third embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the bidirectional coupler 5, the width of the sub-line 55, that is, the dimension in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, is the first line portions 551a, 551b and the second line portions 552a, 552b and the second. At least one is different from the three line portions 553a and 535b. In the example of FIG. 12, the width of the second line portions 552a and 552b is larger than the width of the first line portions 551a and 551b. Further, the width of the third line portions 553a and 552b is larger than the width of the second line portions 552a and 552b.

By setting the width of the sub line 55 for each coupling portion in this way, the sub line 55 and the first main line 25, the second main line 35, and the third main line 45 are set according to the width of the sub line 55. The coupling with each can be optimized. For example, depending on the optimum conditions for coupling, the width of the first line portions 551a and 551b may be larger than the width of the second line portions 552a and 552b, contrary to the example of FIG. Further, the width of the second line portions 552a and 552b may be larger than the width of the third line portions 553a and 552b.

(Embodiment 6)
In the sixth embodiment, a modified example of the sub line will be described.

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit of the bidirectional coupler according to the sixth embodiment. The bidirectional coupler 6 of FIG. 13 differs from the bidirectional coupler 1 of FIG. 1 in that the inductor L is inserted into the sub-line 56. By inserting the inductor L in series with the midpoint of the auxiliary line 56, the directionality of the bidirectional coupler 6 can be improved.

The inductor L may be formed by, for example, a wiring pattern.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an example of the structure of the bidirectional coupler 6. As shown in FIG. 14, the sub line 56 of the bidirectional coupler 6 is a loop-shaped winding that connects the first line portions 561a and 561b to the sub line 51 of the bidirectional coupler 1 of FIG. It is configured by adding a rotating part 569.

Since the winding portion 569 functions as the inductor L, the directionality of the bidirectional coupler 6 can be improved.

(Embodiment 7)
In the seventh embodiment, a monitor circuit using a bidirectional coupler will be described.

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the monitor circuit according to the seventh embodiment. The monitor circuit 70 of FIG. 15 has a bidirectional coupler 71, switches 72, 73, and a terminator 74.

As the bidirectional coupler 71, any one of the bidirectional couplers 1 to 6 described in the first to sixth embodiments is used.

The switches 72 and 73 are a pair of single-pole double-throw switches, which are interlocked according to a control signal (not shown).

The terminator 74 is a variable complex impedance that can be changed according to a control signal (not shown), and is composed of, for example, a variable resistor and a variable inductor.

According to the monitor circuit 70 configured as described above, the desired one of the monitor signal extracted from the forward port FWD and the monitor signal extracted from the reverse port REV is selected by the switches 72 and 73, and is suitable by the terminator 74. It can be terminated and output as a monitor signal MON.

(Embodiment 8)
In the eighth embodiment, the communication device using the monitor circuit according to the seventh embodiment will be described with an example of a triple band compatible communication device capable of performing transmission / reception operations using three different frequency bands.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the communication device 100 according to the eighth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the communication device 100 includes a baseband signal processing circuit 110, an RF signal processing circuit 120, and a front-end circuit 130. The communication device 100 uses the antennas 201, 202, and 203 to perform transmission / reception operations in a triple band.

The baseband signal processing circuit 110 converts the transmission data generated by the application device / application software that performs voice call, image display, etc. into a transmission signal and supplies the transmission data to the RF signal processing circuit 120. The conversion may include data compression, multiplexing, and addition of error correction codes. Further, the received signal received from the RF signal processing circuit 120 is converted into received data and supplied to the application device / application software. The conversion may include data decompression, multiplexing, and error correction. The baseband signal processing circuit 110 may be composed of a baseband integrated circuit (BBIC) chip.

The RF signal processing circuit 120 converts the transmission signal generated by the baseband signal processing circuit 110 into transmission RF signals Tx1, Tx2, and Tx3 for each frequency band, and supplies the transmission signal to the front-end circuit 130. The conversion may include signal modulation and up-conversion. Further, the RF signal processing circuit 120 converts the received RF signals Rx1, Rx2, and Rx3 for each frequency band received from the front end circuit 130 into received signals and supplies them to the baseband signal processing circuit 110. The RF signal processing circuit 120 may be composed of a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) chip.

The front-end circuit 130 includes power amplifier circuits 131a, 131b, 131c, low-noise amplifier circuits 132a, 132b, 132c, monitor circuits 133, duplexers 134a, 134b, 134c and a controller 136. Each duplexer 134a to 134c is composed of a filter for each frequency band. The monitor circuit 133 is connected to the duplexers 134a to 134c and the antenna terminals ANT1, ANT2, and ANT3.

Each of the power amplifier circuits 131a to 131c amplifies the transmission RF signals Tx1, Tx2, and Tx3 for each frequency band generated by the RF signal processing circuit 120, and supplies them to the monitor circuit 133 via the duplexers 134a to 134c. The amplification gain and matching impedance in the power amplifier circuits 131a to 131c are variable and are adjusted according to the control from the controller 136.

Each duplexer 134a to 134c synthesizes the transmission RF signals Tx1, Tx2, and Tx3 for each frequency band received from the power amplifier circuits 131a to 131c into the transmission antenna signal Tx, and each port IN1, IN2, IN3 of the monitor circuit 133. Supply to.

The monitor circuit 133 propagates the transmitting antenna signal Tx from the ports OUT1, OUT2, and OUT3 to the antennas 201, 202, and 203 via the antenna terminals ANT1, ANT2, and ANT3, and the strength and transmission of the transmitting antenna signal Tx. The monitor signal MON indicating the intensity of the reflected wave from the antennas 201, 202, 203 of the antenna signal Tx is output.

The monitor circuit 133 receives the received antenna signals Rx from the antennas 201, 202, and 203 at the ports OUT1, OUT2, and OUT3 via the antenna terminals ANT1, ANT2, and ANT3, and from the ports IN1, IN2, and IN3. It propagates to each duplexer 134a-134c.

As the monitor circuit 133, the monitor circuit 70 of the seventh embodiment is used.

Each duplexer 134a to 134c separates the reception RF signals Rx1, Rx2, and Rx3 for each frequency band from the reception antenna signal Rx and supplies them to the low noise amplifier circuits 132a to 132c.

The low noise amplifier circuits 132a to 132c amplify the received RF signals Rx1, Rx2, and Rx3 for each frequency band received from the duplexers 134a to 134c and supply them to the RF signal processing circuit 120.

The controller 136 controls the feedback control of the transmission power and the matching of the antennas 201, 202, 203 by controlling the amplification gain and the matching impedance of the power amplifier circuits 131a to 131c based on the monitor signal MON received from the monitor circuit 133. Make adjustments.

The front-end circuit 130 may be composed of a high-frequency module including a power amplifier circuit 131a to 131c, a low noise amplifier circuit 132a to 132c, a monitor circuit 133, a duplexer 134a to 134c, and a controller 136. The controller 136 may be included in the RF signal processing circuit 120 instead of the front-end circuit 130.

In the communication device 100, the monitor circuit 133 uses a bidirectional coupler in which both the directionality with respect to the forward signal (transmission signal) and the directionality with respect to the reverse direction signal (reflected wave) are good, so that the transmission power is fed back. It is possible to configure a high-performance communication device that performs various controls including control and antenna matching adjustment with high accuracy.

Although the bidirectional coupler, the monitor circuit, and the front-end circuit according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the individual embodiments. As long as it does not deviate from the gist of the present invention, one or more of the present embodiments may be modified by those skilled in the art, or may be constructed by combining components in different embodiments. It may be included within the scope of the embodiment.

For example, in the bidirectional coupler 2 of the second embodiment, the first line portions 521a and 521b are composed of one first line portion 521 as shown in FIG. 17 instead of two lines. May be good. The same applies to the other embodiments 1 and 1 to 6.

The present invention can be widely used in bidirectional couplers and communication devices using bidirectional couplers.

1-6 Bidirectional coupler 9 Directional coupler 10 Multi-layer board 11-14 Interlayer insulation layer 15 Boards 21-26, 91 1st main line 31-36, 92 2nd main line 41-46 3rd main line 51 ~ 56, 95 Sub-line 61 1st layer metal wiring 62 2nd layer metal wiring 63 3rd layer metal wiring 64 4th layer metal wiring 70, 133 Monitor circuit 71 Bidirectional coupler 72, 73 Switch 74 Terminator 93 1 Sub-wire 94 2nd sub-line 96 Ground 100 Communication device 110 Baseband signal processing circuit 120 RF signal processing circuit 130 Front-end circuit 131a, 131b, 131c Power amplifier circuit 132a, 132b, 132c Low noise amplifier circuit 134a, 134b, 134c Duplexer 136 Controller 201, 202, 203 Antenna 511, 511a, 511b, 521, 521a, 521b, 513, 513a, 513b, 541, 541a, 541b, 551a, 551b, 561a, 561b First line section 512a, 512b, 522a, 522b , 532a, 532b, 542a, 542b, 552a, 552b, 562a, 562b 2nd line part 513a, 513b, 523a, 523b, 533a, 533b, 543a, 543b, 353a, 555b, 563a, 563b 3rd line part 569 windings Part 579 three-dimensional intersection

Claims (12)

Multi-layer board and
The first main line, the second main line, the third main line, and the sub line provided on the multilayer board are provided.
The sub-line includes a first line portion that is electromagnetically coupled to the first main line, an even number of second line portions that are electromagnetically coupled to the second main line, and a third main line. It has an even number of third line portions, which are parts that are electromagnetically coupled to the line.
Half of the even number of second line portions is provided between the first line portion and one end of the sub line, and the other half of the even number of second line portions is said. It is provided between the first line portion and the other end of the sub line.
Half of the even number of third line portions is provided between the half of the second line portion and one end of the sub line, and the other half of the even number of third line portions. Is provided between the other half of the second line portion and the other end of the sub line.
Bidirectional coupler. The first line section includes a pair of first line sections.
The bidirectional coupler according to claim 1. Between the midpoint of the electrical length of the sub-line and one of the pair of first line sections and between the midpoint and the other of the pair of first line sections. Is almost equal to the electric length of
The bidirectional coupler according to claim 2. The even number of second line portions is a pair of second line portions.
Between the midpoint of the electrical length of the sub-line and one of the pair of second line sections and between the midpoint and the other of the pair of second line sections. Is almost equal to the electric length of
The bidirectional coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The even number of third line portions is a pair of third line portions.
Between the midpoint of the electrical length of the sub-line and one of the pair of third line sections and between the midpoint and the other of the pair of third line sections. Is almost equal to the electric length of
The bidirectional coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The even number of second line portions is a pair of second line portions.
In the first region and the second region sandwiching the straight line on the multilayer substrate, the sub-line is provided in a line-symmetrical shape with the straight line as the axis of symmetry, and one and the other of the pair of second line portions are provided. Is in the corresponding position in line symmetry,
The bidirectional coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The even number of third line portions is a pair of third line portions.
In the first region and the second region sandwiching the straight line on the multilayer substrate, the sub-line is provided in a line-symmetrical shape with the straight line as the axis of symmetry, and one and the other of the pair of third line portions are provided. Is in the corresponding position in line symmetry,
The bidirectional coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 6. In the first region and the second region sandwiching the straight line on the multilayer substrate, the sub-line is provided in a line-symmetrical shape with the straight line as the axis of symmetry, and one and the other of the pair of first line portions are provided. Is in the corresponding position in line symmetry,
The bidirectional coupler according to claim 2 or 3. One and the other of the pair of first line portions are connected by an inductor.
The bidirectional coupler according to claim 2, 3 or 8. At least one of the width of the sub-line in the first line portion, the width in the second line portion, and the width in the third line portion is different.
The bidirectional coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The monitor circuit having the bidirectional coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The monitor circuit according to claim 11 and
With the antenna terminal connected to the monitor circuit,
The filter connected to the monitor circuit and
Front-end circuit with.

Images