Physical quantity detecting vibration element, physical quantity sensor, electronic apparatus, and moving object

A vibration element includes a detection signal electrode provided in a detection vibrating arm, a detection signal terminal which is provided in a support portion and electrically connected to the detection signal electrode, and a detection ground terminal provided in the support portion, and the detection ground terminal is disposed between a first connection portion which is a connection portion with a beam portion of the support portion and a second connection portion which is a connection portion with a beam portion, and is provided to extend to the outside of the first connection portion, and the detection signal terminal is provided between the detection ground terminal and an end portion of the support portion.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a physical quantity detecting vibration element, a physical quantity sensor, an electronic apparatus, and a moving object.

2. Related Art

As a vibration device for detecting, for example, angular velocity, a vibration element having a base portion which is positioned at a central portion, a pair of detection arms extending from the base portion to both sides in a y-axis direction, a pair of connection arms extending from the base portion to both sides in an x-axis direction, a pair of drive arms extending from a tip portion of the connection arm on one side to both sides in the y-axis direction, a pair of drive arms extending from a tip portion of the connection arm on the other side to both sides in the y-axis direction, a pair of support portions disposed to face each other in the y-axis direction with the base portion interposed therebetween, a pair of beam portions connecting the support portion on one side and the base portion, and a pair of beam portions connecting the support portion on the other side and the base portion is known (refer to, for example, JP-A-2010-256332).

In such a vibration element, a detection signal terminal, a detection ground terminal, and a drive signal terminal are disposed at the support portion on one side, and a detection signal terminal, a detection ground terminal, and a drive ground terminal are disposed at the support portion on the other side. Further, the respective terminals provided in the support portions are aligned with each other to have substantially the same size. Further, a detection ground electrode capable of functioning as a shield layer which can reduce the incorporation of noise to the detection signal terminal or the drive signal terminal is positioned between connection portions with the pair of beam portions of the support portion. For this reason, it is not possible to sufficiently widely form the detection ground terminal, and therefore, it is not possible to sufficiently exhibit a function even as a shield layer.

Further, in such a vibration element, the detection signal terminal and the drive signal terminal are disposed to extend over the lower surface and the upper surface of the support portion. In this manner, the detection signal terminal and the drive signal terminal are disposed to extend over the lower surface and the upper surface of the support portion, whereby the areas of these terminals are increased. Therefore, noise is easily incorporated from the detection signal terminal and the drive signal terminal, and thus there is a problem in that detection accuracy decreases.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a physical quantity detecting vibration element, a physical quantity sensor, an electronic apparatus, and a moving object in which it is possible to reduce a decrease in detection accuracy by reducing the incorporation of noise to a detection signal terminal or a drive signal terminal.

Application Example 1

A physical quantity detecting vibration element according to this application example includes: a vibration body having a detection vibration portion; a support portion which supports the vibration body and includes a first end portion and a second end portion; a beam portion which connects the vibration body and a portion between the first end portion and the second end portion of the support portion; a detection signal electrode provided in the detection vibration portion; a detection signal terminal which is provided on a principal surface on one side of the support portion and electrically connected to the detection signal electrode; and a constant potential terminal which is provided on the principal surface on one side of the support portion and electrically connected to a constant potential, in which a portion of the constant potential terminal is disposed so as to be positioned further toward the first end portion side than a connection portion with the beam portion of the support portion, and the detection signal terminal is disposed further toward the first end portion side than the constant potential terminal of the support portion.

With this configuration, a vibration element is obtained in which it is possible to reduce the incorporation of noise to the detection signal terminal, and thus it is possible to reduce a decrease in detection accuracy.

Application Example 2

In the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example, it is preferable that the physical quantity detecting vibration element further includes a detection ground electrode provided in the detection vibration portion and the detection ground electrode and the constant potential terminal are electrically connected.

With this configuration, it is possible to electrically connect the constant potential terminal to the constant potential with a simple configuration.

Application Example 3

In the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example, it is preferable that the constant potential terminal is further disposed between the detection signal terminal and the first end portion of the support portion.

With this configuration, it is possible to more effectively reduce the incorporation of noise to the detection signal terminal.

Application Example 4

In the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example, it is preferable that the constant potential terminal is further disposed at a portion overlapping the detection signal terminal on a principal surface on the other side of the support portion.

With this configuration, it is possible to more effectively reduce the incorporation of noise to the detection signal terminal.

Application Example 5

In the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example, it is preferable that the physical quantity detecting vibration element includes a pair of the beam portions and the constant potential terminal is disposed between a first connection portion which is a connection portion with the beam portion on one side of the support portion and a second connection portion which is a connection portion with the beam portion on the other side, and is disposed to extend further to the first end portion side than the first connection portion.

With this configuration, it is possible to more stably connect the vibration body to the support portion.

Application Example 6

In the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example, it is preferable that the constant potential terminal is further disposed to extend further to the second end portion side than the second connection portion.

With this configuration, it is possible to more widely dispose the constant potential terminal.

Application Example 7

In the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example, it is preferable that the vibration body includes a drive vibration portion and the physical quantity detecting vibration element further includes: a drive signal electrode provided in the drive vibration portion; and a drive signal terminal which is provided between the constant potential terminal on the principal surface on one side of the support portion and the second end portion and electrically connected to the drive signal electrode.

With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the incorporation of noise from the drive signal terminal to the detection signal terminal.

Application Example 8

In the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example, it is preferable that the constant potential terminal is further disposed between the drive signal terminal and the second end portion of the support portion.

With this configuration, it is possible to more effectively reduce the incorporation of noise from the drive signal terminal to the detection signal terminal.

Application Example 9

In the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example, it is preferable that the constant potential terminal is further disposed at a portion overlapping the drive signal terminal on the principal surface on the other side of the support portion.

With this configuration, it is possible to more effectively reduce the incorporation of noise from the drive signal terminal to the detection signal terminal.

Application Example 10

A physical quantity detecting vibration element according to this application example includes: a vibration body having a detection vibration portion; a support portion which supports the vibration body; a detection signal electrode provided in the detection vibration portion; a detection signal terminal which is provided on a principal surface on one side of the support portion and electrically connected to the detection signal electrode; and a constant potential electrode which is provided on a principal surface on the other side of the support portion, is positioned so as to overlap the detection signal terminal when viewed in a plan view, and is electrically connected to a constant potential.

With this configuration, a physical quantity detecting vibration element is obtained in which it is possible to reduce a decrease in detection accuracy by reducing the incorporation of noise to the detection signal terminal.

Application Example 11

In the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example, it is preferable that the physical quantity detecting vibration element further includes: a detection ground electrode which is provided in the detection vibration portion and electrically separated from the detection signal electrode; and a detection ground terminal which is provided on the principal surface on one side of the support portion and electrically connected to the detection ground electrode, and the detection ground terminal and the constant potential electrode are electrically connected.

With this configuration, it is possible to simply electrically connect the constant potential electrode to the constant potential.

Application Example 12

In the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example, it is preferable that the constant potential electrode includes a first continuous portion which is continuously provided on the principal surface on one side through a side surface of the support portion, and the detection signal terminal is positioned between the detection ground terminal and the first continuous portion.

With this configuration, it is possible to more effectively reduce the incorporation of noise to the detection signal terminal.

Application Example 13

In the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example, it is preferable that the vibration body includes a drive vibration portion, the physical quantity detecting vibration element further includes: a drive signal electrode provided in the drive vibration portion; and a drive signal terminal which is provided on the principal surface on one side of the support portion and electrically connected to the drive signal electrode, and the constant potential electrode is positioned so as to overlap the drive signal terminal when viewed in a plan view.

With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the incorporation of noise to the drive signal terminal. Further, it is possible to reduce electrostatic coupling between the drive signal terminal and the detection signal terminal, and thus it is possible to effectively reduce, for example, the incorporation of noise from the drive signal terminal to the detection signal terminal.

Application Example 14

In the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example, it is preferable that the constant potential electrode includes a second continuous portion which is continuously provided on the principal surface on one side through a side surface of the support portion and the drive signal terminal is positioned between the detection ground terminal and the second continuous portion.

With this configuration, it is possible to more effectively reduce the incorporation of noise to the drive signal terminal. Further, it is possible to reduce electrostatic coupling between the drive signal terminal and the detection signal terminal, and thus it is possible to more effectively reduce, for example, the incorporation of noise from the drive signal terminal to the detection signal terminal.

Application Example 15

In the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example, it is preferable that the detection ground terminal is positioned between the detection signal terminal and the drive signal terminal.

With this configuration, it becomes easy to dispose the first continuous portion and the second continuous portion.

Application Example 16

A physical quantity sensor according to this application example includes: the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example.

With this configuration, a physical quantity sensor having high reliability is provided.

Application Example 17

An electronic apparatus according to this application example includes: the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example.

With this configuration, the electronic apparatus having high reliability is provided.

Application Example 18

A moving object according to this application example includes: the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the application example.

With this configuration, a moving object having high reliability is provided.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a physical quantity detecting vibration element, an electronic apparatus, and a moving object according to the invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

First, a preferred embodiment of the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the invention will be described.

FIG. 1is a plan view showing a physical quantity detecting vibration element according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.FIG. 2is a plan view showing an electrode of the physical quantity detecting vibration element shown inFIG. 1.FIG. 3is a plan view (a transparent view) showing the electrode of the physical quantity detecting vibration element shown inFIG. 1. In addition, inFIG. 1, for convenience of description, illustration of the electrode is omitted. Further, in the following, as shown inFIG. 1, the crystal axes of a quartz crystal will be referred to as an x-axis (an electrical axis), a y-axis (a machine axis), and a z-axis (an optical axis), and a direction along the x-axis will also be referred to as an “x-axis direction”, a direction along the y-axis will also be referred to as a “y-axis direction”, and a direction along the z-axis will also be referred to as a “z-axis direction”.

A vibration element (a physical quantity detecting vibration element)6shown inFIG. 1is a gyro element capable of detecting angular velocity. The vibration element6includes a vibrator element60made of a quartz crystal, and an electrode disposed at the vibrator element60, as shown inFIG. 1. However, as a material of the vibrator element60, it is not limited to the quartz crystal, and it is also possible to use a piezoelectric material other than the quartz crystal, such as lithium tantalate or lithium niobate, for example.

The vibrator element60has a plate shape spreading in an x-y plane which is defined by the x-axis and the y-axis which are the crystal axes of the quartz crystal, and has a thickness in the z-axis direction. However, for example, the z-axis may be slightly shifted with respect to a thickness direction. That is, with respect to a cut angle of the quartz crystal, there is no limitation thereto as long as it is possible to achieve an object.

Further, the vibrator element60includes a base portion61, detection vibrating arms621and622as a pair of detection vibration portions extending from the base portion61to both sides in the y-axis direction, a pair of connection arms631and632extending from the base portion61to both sides in the x-axis direction, drive vibrating arms641and642as a pair of drive vibration portions extending from a tip portion of the connection arm631to both sides in the y-axis direction, drive vibrating arms643and644as a pair of drive vibration portions extending from a tip portion of the connection arm632to both sides in the y-axis direction, a pair of support portions651and652supporting the base portion61, a pair of beam portions661and662connecting the support portion651and the base portion61, and a pair of beam portions663and664connecting the support portion652and the base portion61. Then, a vibration body600is configured with the base portion61, the detection vibrating arms621and622, the connection arms631and632, and the drive vibrating arms641to644.

Further, the support portion651is provided to extend in the x-axis direction and is connected to the beam portion661passing between the detection vibrating arm621and the drive vibrating arm641, between a central portion and an end portion (a first end portion)651′ on the +x-axis side, and connected to the beam portion662passing between the detection vibrating arm621and the drive vibrating arm643, between the central portion and an end portion (a second end portion)651″ on the −x-axis side. Similarly, the support portion652is provided to extend in the x-axis direction and is connected to the beam portion663passing between the detection vibrating arm622and the drive vibrating arm642, between a central portion and an end portion (a first end portion)652′ on the +x-axis side, and connected to the beam portion664passing between the detection vibrating arm622and the drive vibrating arm644, between the central portion and an end portion (a second end portion)652″ on the −x-axis side. In this manner, by connecting the two beam portions to each of the support portions651and652, it is possible to more stably support the vibration body600. In addition, in the following, for convenience of description, a connection portion with the beam portion661of the support portion651will be referred to as a “first connection portion651a”, and a connection portion with the beam portion662of the support portion651will be referred to as a “second connection portion651b”. Further, a connection portion with the beam portion663of the support portion652will also be referred to as a “first connection portion652a”, and a connection portion with the beam portion664of the support portion652will also be referred to as a “second connection portion652b”.

The vibration element6is fixed to an object (for example, an IC3(described later)) at the support portions651and652.

Further, grooves extending along the y-axis direction are formed in both principal surfaces (the upper surface and the lower surface) of each of the detection vibrating arms621and622, and thus each of the detection vibrating arms621and622has a substantially H-shaped cross-sectional shape. Further, a wide hammerhead (weight portion) is provided at a tip portion of each of the detection vibrating arms621and622and the drive vibrating arms641,642,643, and644. However, the grooves may be omitted from the detection vibrating arms621and622, and the hammerheads may be omitted from the detection vibrating arms621and622and the drive vibrating arms641,642,643, and644. Further, each of the drive vibrating arms641,642,643, and644may have a substantially H-shaped cross-sectional shape by forming grooves in both principal surfaces thereof.

Next, the electrode disposed at the vibrator element60will be described.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the electrode includes a detection signal electrode671a, a detection signal terminal671b, a detection ground electrode672a, a detection ground terminal (a constant potential terminal)672b, a drive signal electrode673a, a drive signal terminal673b, a drive ground electrode674a, and a drive ground terminal674b.

Drive Signal Electrode and Drive Signal Terminal

The drive signal electrodes673aare disposed on the upper surface and the lower surface (portions excluding the hammerhead) of each of the drive vibrating arms641and642and both side surfaces of each of the drive vibrating arms643and644. The drive signal electrodes673aare electrodes for exciting the drive vibration of the drive vibrating arms641to644.

The drive signal terminal673bis disposed on the lower surface of the support portion652. Further, the drive signal terminal673bis disposed further toward the −x-axis side than the second connection portion652bof the support portion652, that is, between the second connection portion652band the end portion652″. Further, the drive signal terminal673bis electrically connected to the drive signal electrodes673adisposed at the drive vibrating arms641to644, through drive signal wiring disposed at the beam portion664.

Drive Ground Electrode and Drive Ground Terminal

The drive ground electrodes674aare disposed on the upper surface and the lower surface (portions excluding the hammerhead) of each of the drive vibrating arms643and644and both side surfaces of each of the drive vibrating arms641and642. The drive ground electrodes674ahave an electric potential which becomes a constant potential (for example, a reference potential such as a ground) with respect to the drive signal electrodes673a.

The drive ground terminal674bis disposed on the lower surface of the support portion651. Further, the drive ground terminal674bis disposed further toward the −x-axis side than the second connection portion651bof the support portion651, that is, between the second connection portion651band the end portion651″. Further, the drive ground terminal674bis electrically connected to the drive ground electrodes674adisposed at the drive vibrating arms641to644, through drive ground wiring disposed at the beam portion662.

The drive signal electrodes673a, the drive signal terminal673b, the drive ground electrodes674a, and the drive ground terminal674bare disposed, whereby it is possible to drive and vibrate the drive vibrating arms641to644by generating an electric field between the drive signal electrode673aand the drive ground electrode674adisposed at each of the drive vibrating arms641to644by applying a drive signal (voltage) between the drive signal terminal673band the drive ground terminal674b.

Detection Signal Electrode and Detection Signal Terminal

The detection signal electrodes671aare disposed on the upper surface and the lower surface (the inner surfaces of the grooves) of each of the detection vibrating arms621and622. The detection signal electrodes671aare electrodes for detecting an electric charge which is generated by the detection vibration when the detection vibration of the detection vibrating arms621and622is excited.

One detection signal terminal671bis disposed for each of the support portions651and652. The detection signal terminal671bwhich is disposed at the support portion651is disposed on the lower surface (the principal surface on one side) of the support portion651. Further, the detection signal terminal671bis disposed further toward the +x-axis side than the first connection portion651aof the support portion651, that is, between the first connection portion651aand the end portion651′. Further, the detection signal terminal671bis electrically connected to the detection signal electrode671adisposed at the detection vibrating arm621, through detection signal wiring formed at the beam portion661. On the other hand, the detection signal terminal671bwhich is disposed at the support portion652is disposed on the lower surface of the support portion652. Further, the detection signal terminal671bis disposed further toward the +x-axis side than the first connection portion652aof the support portion652, that is, between the first connection portion652aand the end portion652′. Further, the detection signal terminal671bis electrically connected to the detection signal electrode671adisposed at the detection vibrating arm622, through detection signal wiring disposed at the beam portion663.

Detection Ground Electrode and Detection Ground Terminal

The detection ground electrodes672aare disposed on both side surfaces of each of the detection vibrating arms621and622. The detection ground electrodes672ahave an electric potential which becomes a constant potential (for example, a reference potential such as a potential which becomes a ground) with respect to the detection signal electrodes671a.

The detection ground terminal672bis disposed at each of the support portions651and652. The detection ground terminal672bdisposed at each of the support portions651and652includes a first portion672b1which is positioned at a central portion of the lower surface (the principal surface on one side) of each of the support portions651and652, a second portion672b2which is positioned on the end portion651′ side of the lower surface of each of the support portions651and652, a third portion672b3which is positioned on the end portion651″ side of the lower surface of each of the support portions651and652, and a fourth portion672b4which is positioned on the upper surface (the principal surface on the other side) of each of the support portions651and652. Further, the detection ground terminal672bis electrically connected to the detection ground electrode672adisposed at the detection vibrating arm621, through detection ground wiring disposed at the beam portions661and662.

In addition, the fourth portion672b4is disposed to extend over almost the entire area (almost the entire width) of the upper surface of each of the support portions651and652and is connected to each of the first portion672b1, the second portion672b2, and the third portion672b3through the side surface of each of the support portions651and652. Further, the fourth portion672b4is disposed to overlap the detection signal terminal671band the drive ground terminal674bwhen viewed in a plan view viewed from the z-axis direction.

Further, in the following description, the fourth portion672b4which is positioned on the upper surface (the principal surface on the other side) of each of the support portions651and652, of the detection ground terminal672b, will be referred to as a constant potential electrode675, as distinguished from the first portion672b1which is positioned on the lower surface (the principal surface on one side) of each of the support portions651and652.

The first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) is disposed at each of the support portions651and652. The first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) on one side is disposed between the first connection portion651aand the second connection portion651bof the support portion651and on both sides thereof along the x-axis. More specifically, the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) is disposed between the first connection portion651aand the second connection portion651bon the lower surface (the principal surface on one side) of the support portion651, and an end portion on the +x-axis side is positioned further toward the end portion651′ side than the first connection portion651aand an end portion on the −x-axis side is positioned further toward the end portion651″ side than the second connection portion651b. That is, the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) is disposed to extend further from the +x-axis side than the first connection portion651aof the support portion651to the −x-axis side of the second connection portion651b. The width (the length in the x-axis direction) of the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) is greater than the width of the detection signal terminal671band the width of the drive ground terminal674b. Further, the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) is electrically connected to the detection ground electrode672adisposed at the detection vibrating arm621, through the detection ground wiring disposed at the beam portions661and662.

The first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) on the other side is disposed between the first connection portion652aand the second connection portion652bof the support portion652and on both sides thereof along the x-axis. More specifically, the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) is disposed between the first connection portion652aand the second connection portion652bon the lower surface (the principal surface on one side) of the support portion652, and an end portion on the +x-axis side is positioned further toward the end portion652′ side than the first connection portion652aand an end portion on the −x-axis side is positioned further toward the end portion652″ side than the second connection portion652b. That is, the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) is disposed to extend further from the +x-axis side than the first connection portion652aof the support portion652to the −x-axis side of the second connection portion652b. The width (the length in the x-axis direction) of the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) is greater than the width of the detection signal terminal671band the width of the drive signal terminal673b. Further, the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) is electrically connected to the detection ground electrode672adisposed at the detection vibrating arm622, through detection ground wiring disposed at the beam portions663and664.

As described above, the detection signal electrode671a, the detection signal terminal671b, the detection ground electrode672a, and the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) are disposed, whereby detection vibration generated in the detection vibrating arm621appears as an electric charge between the detection signal electrode671aand the detection ground electrode672adisposed at the detection vibrating arm621and can be extracted as a signal from between the detection signal terminal671band the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) disposed at the support portion651. Further, detection vibration generated in the detection vibrating arm622appears as an electric charge between the detection signal electrode671aand the detection ground electrode672adisposed at the detection vibrating arm622and can be extracted as a signal from between the detection signal terminal671band the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) disposed at the support portion652.

Further, the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) is disposed on the upper surface (the principal surface on the other side) of each of the support portions651and652. The fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) disposed at the support portion651is disposed on the upper surface of the support portion651and electrically connected to the detection ground terminal672bon the support portion651through the side surface of the support portion651. On the other hand, the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) disposed at the support portion652is disposed on the upper surface of the support portion652and electrically connected to the detection ground terminal672bon the support portion652through the side surface of the support portion652. For this reason, the fourth portions672b4(the constant potential electrodes675) have an electric potential which becomes a ground with respect to the detection signal electrodes671a, similarly to the detection ground terminals672b. That is, the fourth portions672b4(the constant potential electrodes675) are electrically connected to a constant potential.

Further, the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) is disposed over almost the entire area of the upper surface of each of the support portions651and652. For this reason, in the support portion651, the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) is disposed to overlap the detection signal terminal671band the drive ground terminal674bwhen viewed in a plan view viewed from the z-axis direction, and in the support portion652, the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) is disposed to overlap the detection signal terminal671band the drive signal terminal673bwhen viewed in a plan view viewed from the z-axis direction.

Further, the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) disposed at the support portion651includes the second portion (a first wraparound portion as a first continuous portion)672b2which wraps around to the end portion651′ on the lower surface of the support portion651via the side surface of the support portion651, and the third portion (a second wraparound portion as a second continuous portion)672b3which wraps around to the end portion651″ on the lower surface. In other words, the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) disposed at the support portion651includes the second portion (the first continuous portion)672b2continuously provided at the end portion651′ on the lower surface of the support portion651via the side surface of the support portion651, and the third portion (the second continuous portion)672b3continuously provided at the end portion651″ on the lower surface. Then, the detection signal terminal671bis positioned between the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) and the second portion (the first continuous portion)672b2, and the drive ground terminal674bis positioned between the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) and the third portion (the second continuous portion)672b3.

On the other hand, the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) disposed at the support portion652includes the second portion (the first continuous portion)672b2which wraps around to the end portion652′ on the lower surface of the support portion652via the side surface of the support portion652, and the third portion (the second continuous portion)672b3which wraps around to the end portion652″ on the lower surface. Then, the detection signal terminal671bis positioned between the second portion (the first continuous portion)672b2and the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b), and the drive signal terminal673bis positioned between the third portion (the second continuous portion)672b3and the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b).

In this manner, the second portion (the first continuous portion)672b2is provided at the end portion on the +x-axis side of each of the support portions651and652. On the other hand, the third portion (the second continuous portion)672b3is provided at the end portion on the −x-axis side of each of the support portions651and652.

In this manner, by sandwiching the detection signal terminal671bbetween the second portion (the first continuous portion)672b2and the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) on the lower surface of each of the support portions651and652and sandwiching the drive signal terminal673bbetween the third portion (the second continuous portion)672b3and the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) on the lower surface of the support portion652, it is possible to more effectively reduce the incorporation of noise to the detection signal terminal671band the drive signal terminal673b.

Further, as described above, in the support portion651, the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) is positioned between the detection signal terminal671band the drive ground terminal674b, and therefore, it becomes easy to make the detection signal terminal671bbe positioned between the second portion (the first continuous portion)672b2and the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b). Further, in the support portion652, the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) is positioned between the detection signal terminal671band the drive signal terminal673b, and therefore, it becomes easy to make the detection signal terminal671bbe positioned between the second portion (the first continuous portion)672b2and the detection ground terminal672band it becomes easy to make the drive signal terminal673bbe positioned between the third portion (the second continuous portion)672b3and the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b).

Further, the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) is disposed to extend further to the end portion651′ side than the first connection portions651aand652a, and therefore, it is possible to dispose the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) widely and in the vicinity of the detection signal terminal671b. The first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) functions as a shield layer which reduces the incorporation of noise to the detection signal terminal671b, and therefore, by disposing the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) in this manner, it is possible to reduce the incorporation of noise to the detection signal terminal671b.

In particular, in this embodiment, the detection ground terminal672bincludes the second portion (the first continuous portion)672b2and the detection signal terminal671bis sandwiched between the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) and the second portion (the first continuous portion)672b2. Therefore, the shielding effect described above is further improved. In addition, in this embodiment, the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) is connected to the fourth portion672b4, and therefore, the detection signal terminal671bis sandwiched therebetween from the front and the back, and thus the above-described shielding effect is further improved. Further, the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) extends further to the end portion652″ side than the second connection portion652b, and therefore, it is possible to widely dispose the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) and it is possible to effectively reduce the incorporation of noise from the drive signal terminal673bor the drive signal wiring to the detection signal terminal671b.

In this manner, in the vibration element6, it is possible to reduce the incorporation of noise to the detection signal terminal671bor the drive signal terminal673b, and therefore, it is possible to reduce a decrease in angular velocity detection accuracy of the vibration element6. In other words, it is possible to improve the angular velocity detection accuracy of the vibration element6. In particular, as described above, the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) is disposed over almost the entire area of the upper surface of each of the support portions651and652, whereby the effect thereof becomes more pronounced.

Further, the detection signal electrode671a, the detection signal terminal671b, the detection ground electrode672a, and the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) are disposed, whereby the detection vibration generated in the detection vibrating arm621appears as an electric charge between the detection signal electrode671aand the detection ground electrode672adisposed at the detection vibrating arm621and can be extracted as a signal from between the detection signal terminal671band the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) disposed at the support portion651. Further, the detection vibration generated in the detection vibrating arm622appears as an electric charge between the detection signal electrode671aand the detection ground electrode672adisposed at the detection vibrating arm622and can be extracted as a signal from between the detection signal terminal671band the first portion672b1(the detection ground terminal672b) disposed at the support portion652.

Further, in the support portions651and652, the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) is disposed so as to overlap the detection signal terminal671b, whereby the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) functions as a shield layer, and thus it is possible to reduce (preferably, prevent) the incorporation of noise to the detection signal terminal671b. In particular, in the support portion652, the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) is disposed to overlap the drive signal terminal673bas well, and therefore, it is possible to reduce the incorporation of noise from the drive signal terminal673bto the detection signal terminal671band it is possible to reduce the incorporation of noise to the drive signal terminal673b. In this manner, by reducing the incorporation of noise to the detection signal terminal671band the drive signal terminal673b, it is possible to improve the angular velocity detection accuracy of the vibration element6. In particular, as described above, the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) is disposed over almost the entire area of the upper surface of each of the support portions651and652, whereby the effect thereof becomes more pronounced.

In addition, as the configuration of the electrode as described above, there is no particular limitation as long as it has electrical conductivity. However, for example, the electrode can be configured with a metal coating formed by stacking each coating of Ni (nickel), Au (gold), Ag (silver), Cu (copper), or the like on a metallization layer (a foundation layer) of Cr (chromium), W (tungsten), or the like.

2. Physical Quantity Sensor

FIG. 4is a perspective view showing an example of a physical quantity sensor which is provided with the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the invention.FIG. 5is a sectional view of the physical quantity sensor shown inFIG. 4.FIG. 6is a plan view of the physical quantity sensor shown inFIG. 4.FIG. 7is a plan view showing a physical quantity detecting vibration element of the physical quantity sensor shown inFIG. 4.FIG. 8is a plan view showing a physical quantity detecting vibration element of the physical quantity sensor shown inFIG. 4.FIG. 9is a sectional view showing a stress relaxation layer of the physical quantity sensor shown inFIG. 4.

A physical quantity sensor1shown inFIG. 4is a 3-axis angular velocity sensor and can independently detect angular velocity ωx around an X-axis, angular velocity ωy around a Y-axis, and angular velocity ωz around a Z-axis. The physical quantity sensor1includes a package2with an accommodation space S formed on the inside thereof, the IC (a semiconductor device)3accommodated in the accommodation space S, and three vibration elements (physical quantity detecting vibration elements)4,5, and6mounted on the IC3with a stress relaxation layer7interposed therebetween.

Package

The package2includes a box-shaped base21having a concave portion211which is open at the upper surface, a plate-shaped lid22which closes the opening of the concave portion211, and a seam ring23which is interposed between the base21and the lid22and joins the base21and the lid22to each other, as shown inFIG. 5. Then, the IC3and the vibration elements4,5, and6are accommodated in the accommodation space S formed by closing the opening of the concave portion211by the lid22. The atmosphere of the accommodation space S is not particularly limited. However, it is, for example, in a vacuum state (a reduced pressure state of less than or equal to 10 Pa). In this way, viscous resistance is reduced, and thus it is possible to efficiently drive the vibration elements4,5, and6.

The base21has a substantially square shape when viewed in a plan view. Further, the concave portion211includes a first concave portion211awhich is open at the upper surface of the base21, and a second concave portion211bwhich is open at a central portion excluding an edge portion of the bottom surface of the first concave portion211a. Further, a plurality of cutout portions212extending from the upper surface to the lower surface are formed in each side surface of the base21. The base21can be formed by sintering a stack of a plurality of ceramic green sheets of, for example, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, mullite, glass ceramic, or the like.

Wiring24is disposed at the base21. The wiring24includes a plurality of internal terminals241disposed on the bottom surface of the first concave portion211aand electrically connected to the IC3through a bonding wire BW, and a plurality of external terminals242disposed on the bottom surface of the base21and respectively electrically connected to the corresponding internal terminal241. Further, the wiring includes internal wiring243formed in the base21, or a castellation electrode244formed in the cutout portion212, and each internal terminal241and the external terminal242corresponding thereto are electrically connected through the internal wiring243and the castellation electrode244. Such wiring can be configured with, for example, tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), manganese (Mn), or the like, and with respect to portions (for example, the internal terminal241, the external terminal242, and the castellation electrode244) exposed from the base21, a plated metal layer of gold (Au) or the like may be formed on the surface thereof.

The lid22has a plate shape and is joined to the upper surface of the base21with the seam ring23interposed therebetween. As a constituent material of the lid22, there is no particular limitation. However, it is preferable to use an alloy such as Kovar, for example. In addition, the lid22may be electrically connected to a ground wiring included in the wiring24, through the seam ring23, for example. In this way, it is possible to make the lid22function as a shield portion which blocks noise from the outside of the package2.

The IC3is fixed to the bottom surface of the second concave portion211bby silver paste or the like. Further, the IC3has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in a plan view, and the outer shape when viewed in a plan view has a pair of outer edges (sides)31and32extending in the Y-axis direction, and a pair of outer edges (sides)33and34extending in the X-axis direction, as shown inFIG. 6.

The IC3includes, for example, an interface unit3iwhich performs communication with an external host device, a drive/detection circuit3ywhich drives the vibration element4and detects the angular velocity ωy applied to the vibration element4, a drive/detection circuit3xwhich drives the vibration element5and detects the angular velocity ωx applied to the vibration element5, and a drive/detection circuit3zwhich drives the vibration element6and detects the angular velocity ωz applied to the vibration element6. Further, a plurality of connection terminals39are disposed on the upper surface of the IC3, and the connection terminals39and the internal terminals241are connected through the bonding wires BW. In this way, the IC3can perform communication with the host device through the external terminals242. In addition, as a communication method of the IC3, there is no particular limitation, and it is possible to use, for example, SPI (registered trademark) (Serial Peripheral Interface), or I2C (registered trademark) (Inter-Integrated Circuit). In particular, in the physical quantity sensor1of this embodiment, it is made so as to be able to select the communication method between SPI and I2C.

Here, the plurality of connection terminals39are disposed to be divided at three areas: a first terminal disposition area SS1, a second terminal disposition area SS2, and a third terminal disposition area SS3, set on the upper surface of the IC3, as shown inFIG. 6. The first terminal disposition area SS1is disposed along the outer edge33to be biased to the outer edge31side, the second terminal disposition area SS2is disposed along the outer edge34to be biased to the outer edge31side, and the third terminal disposition area SS3is disposed along the outer edge32to be biased to the outer edge34side.

In the first terminal disposition area SS1, for example, digital signal terminals such as a digital signal terminal for a slave select signal SS for selecting the communication method, a digital signal terminal for a data input signal MOSI, a digital signal terminal for a clock signal SCLK, and a digital signal terminal for a data output signal MISO are disposed together. In each of the second terminal disposition area SS2and the third terminal disposition area SS3, for example, analog signal terminals such as a ground terminal for ground GND, a power-supply signal terminal for a power supply VDDI of the interface unit3i, a power-supply signal terminal for a power supply VDD of the drive/detection circuits3x,3y, and3z, and a test signal terminal for a test are disposed together.

In this manner, the digital signal terminals and the analog signal terminals are disposed to be divided at the different areas, whereby it is possible to reduce the incorporation of a digital signal to the analog signal terminals (wiring). For this reason, the physical quantity sensor1in which it is possible to reduce noise and it is possible to perform more accurate driving is provided. In particular, in this embodiment, the first terminal disposition area SS1is disposed as far away from the second and third terminal disposition areas SS2and SS3as possible, and therefore, it is possible to more effectively exhibit the above-described effect.

Vibration Elements

The vibration element4is a vibration element which is a so-called “H-type”, and can detect the angular velocity ωy around the Y-axis. The vibration element4includes a vibrator element40made of quartz crystal, and an electrode (not shown) disposed at the vibrator element40, as shown inFIG. 7. However, as a material of the vibrator element40, it is not limited to the quartz crystal, and it is also possible to use a piezoelectric material such as lithium tantalate or lithium niobate, for example.

The vibrator element40has a plate shape spreading in the x-y plane which is defined by the x-axis and the y-axis which are the crystal axes of the quartz crystal, and has a thickness in the z-axis direction. Further, the vibrator element40includes a base portion41, a pair of drive vibrating arms421and422extending side by side from the base portion41to the −y-axis side, a pair of detection vibrating arms431and432extending side by side from the base portion41to the +y-axis side, a pair of adjustment vibrating arms441and442which extends from the base portion41to the +y-axis side and is positioned on both sides of the detection vibrating arms431and432, a support portion45supporting the base portion41, and a connection portion46connecting the base portion41and the support portion45.

The vibration element4is fixed to the stress relaxation layer7at the support portion45. Further, the fixing of the vibration element4to the stress relaxation layer7is performed by using a fixing member8having electrical conductivity, and the vibration element4and the IC3are electrically connected through the fixing member8and the stress relaxation layer7. As the fixing member8, it is not particularly limited, and for example, a metal brazing material, a metal bump, an electrically-conductive adhesive, or the like can be used.

Further, the support portion45has an approximately “U” shape and is disposed so as to surround the pair of drive vibrating arms421and422. Further, the connection portion46includes a beam portion461connecting an end portion on the −x-axis side of the base portion41and an end portion on the −x-axis side of the support portion45, a beam portion462connecting an end portion on the +x-axis side of the base portion41and an end portion on the +x-axis side of the support portion45, and a beam portion463connecting end portions on both sides in the x-axis direction of the base portion41and a central portion of the support portion45. In particular, in this embodiment, each of the beam portions461and462has a shape extending in the +y-axis direction from the base portion41and folded back in the −y-axis direction, and the beam portion463has a shape having a curved portion463acurved so as to meander in the middle thereof. In this way, it is possible to sufficiently soften the connection portion46, and thus it is possible to reduce the occurrence of unnecessary vibration (in particular, vibration in a y-axis translation mode).

An excitation electrode (not shown) is provided in each of the drive vibrating arms421and422, and a drive mode indicated by an arrow A is excited by applying an oscillation drive signal (alternating voltage) from the IC3(the drive/detection circuit3y) to the excitation electrodes. Then, when the drive vibrating arms421and422are vibrating in the drive mode, if angular velocity co around a detection axis J4is applied, a detection mode indicated by an arrow B is excited. A detection electrode (not shown) is provided in each of the detection vibrating arms431and432, and detection signals (electric charges) which are generated by the vibration of the detection vibrating arms431and432are extracted from the detection electrodes. Then, the IC3(the drive/detection circuit3y) detects the angular velocity co based on the extracted detection signals.

The vibration element5is a vibration element which is a so-called “H-type”, and can detect the angular velocity ωx around the X-axis. The vibration element5has the same configuration as the vibration element4described above, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

The vibration element6can detect the angular velocity ωz around the Z-axis. The vibration element6has the same configuration as that in the embodiment described above.

The vibration element6is fixed to the stress relaxation layer7at the support portions651and652. Further, the fixing of the vibration element6to the stress relaxation layer7is performed by using the fixing member8having electrical conductivity, and the vibration element6(the respective terminals671bto674b) and the IC3are electrically connected through the fixing member8and the stress relaxation layer7.

A drive signal is applied from the IC3(the drive/detection circuit3z) to the drive signal electrode673a, whereby a drive mode as indicated by an arrow C is excited, as shown inFIG. 8. Then, when the drive vibrating arms641to644are vibrating in the drive mode, if angular velocity co around a detection axis J6is applied, a detection mode as indicated by an arrow D is excited. Then, detection signals (electric charges) which are generated by the vibration of the detection vibrating arms621and622are extracted from the detection signal electrodes671a. Then, the IC3(the drive/detection circuit3z) detects the angular velocity co based on the extracted detection signals.

The configurations of the vibration elements4,5, and6have been described above. Next, the disposition of the vibration elements4,5, and6on the IC3will be described.

First, the disposition of the vibration element4will be described. The vibration element4is disposed such that the detection axis J4coincides with the Y-axis, as shown inFIG. 6. In this way, it is possible to detect the angular velocity ωy by the vibration element4. Further, the vibration element4is disposed at a position biased to the outer edge32side and the outer edge34side of the upper surface of the IC3. Further, the third terminal disposition area SS3is positioned on the +X-axis side of the vibration element4(between the vibration element4and the outer edge32), and the second terminal disposition area SS2is positioned on the −X-axis side of the vibration element4(between the vibration element4and the outer edge31). Further, the vibration element4is disposed with the adjustment vibrating arms441and442protruding from the outer edge34of the IC3to the +Y-axis side when viewed in a plan view. That is, the vibration element4is disposed such that the adjustment vibrating arms441and442do not overlap the IC3when viewed in a plan view.

Next, the disposition of the vibration element5will be described. The vibration element5is disposed such that a detection axis J5coincides with the X-axis, as shown inFIG. 6. In this way, it is possible to detect the angular velocity ωx by the vibration element5. Further, the vibration element5is disposed at a position biased to the outer edge32side and the outer edge33side of the upper surface of the IC3. For this reason, the vibration element5is positioned on the −Y-axis side with respect to the vibration element4(between the vibration element4and the outer edge33). Further, the first terminal disposition area SS1is positioned on the −X-axis side of the vibration element5(between the vibration element5and the outer edge31). Further, the vibration element5is disposed with adjustment vibrating arms541and542protruding from the outer edge32of the IC3to the +X-axis side when viewed in a plan view.

Next, the disposition of the vibration element6will be described. The vibration element6is disposed such that the detection axis J6coincides with the Z-axis, as shown inFIG. 6. In this way, it is possible to detect the angular velocity ωz by the vibration element6. Further, the vibration element6is disposed at a position biased to the outer edge31side of the upper surface of the IC3. For this reason, the vibration element6is positioned on the −X-axis side with respect to the vibration elements4and5(between the vibration elements4and5and the outer edge31). Further, the first terminal disposition area SS1is positioned on the −Y-axis side of the vibration element6(between the vibration element6and the outer edge33) and the second terminal disposition area SS2is positioned on the +Y-axis side (between the vibration element6and the outer edge34).

Here, as described in the above-described embodiment, the detection ground terminal672b(the constant potential electrode675) is widely disposed on the upper surface of each of the support portions651and652of the vibration element6, and the detection ground terminal672b(the constant potential electrode675) functions as a shield layer which reduces the incorporation of noise to the detection signal terminal671bor the drive signal terminal673b. For this reason, the incorporation of the digital signal from the digital terminal (wiring) disposed in the first terminal disposition area SS1to the detection signal terminal671band the drive signal terminal673b, or the incorporation of the analog signal from the analog terminal (wiring) disposed in the second terminal disposition area SS2to the detection signal terminal671band the drive signal terminal673bis reduced.

Further, the vibration element6is disposed to be biased further to the second terminal disposition area SS2side than the first terminal disposition area SS1. In other words, the vibration element6is disposed such that a distance DSS2between itself and the second terminal disposition area SS2is shorter than a distance DSS1between itself and the first terminal disposition area SS1. In this way, the vibration element6can be separated from the first terminal disposition area SS1as much as possible, and thus the incorporation of the digital signal to the vibration element6is reduced. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the incorporation of noise to the drive signal or the detection signal, and thus the physical quantity sensor1in which it is possible to perform more accurate driving is provided.

Further, the vibration element6is disposed such that an arrangement direction of the support portions651and652coincides with the Y-axis direction. In the vibration element6, the length thereof in the arrangement direction of the support portions651and652is longer than the length thereof in a direction orthogonal thereto (an extending direction of the connection arms631and632), and therefore, due to such disposition, it is possible to effectively utilize a space on the upper surface of the IC3. For this reason, for example, it is possible to shorten the distance between the outer edge31and the outer edge32, in other words, it is possible to shorten the lengths of the outer edge33and the outer edge34, and thus it is possible to attain a reduction in the size of the IC3.

As described above, the vibration elements4and5are disposed side by side in the Y-axis direction at the area on the outer edge32side of the upper surface of the IC3and the vibration element6is disposed at the area on the outer edge31side of the upper surface of the IC3, whereby it is possible to dispose these three vibration elements4,5, and6in a relatively small space. For this reason, it is possible to attain a reduction in the size of the IC3, and accordingly, it is possible to attain a reduction in the size of the physical quantity sensor1.

In addition, the physical quantity sensor of this embodiment includes the three vibration elements4,5, and6. However, as the number of vibration elements, it is not particularly limited as long as it includes the vibration element6, and the vibration elements4and5may be omitted, and another vibration element or an acceleration detection element may be added.

Stress Relaxation Layer

The stress relaxation layer7is provided on the upper surface of the IC3, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 6. Further, the stress relaxation layer7includes a first stress relaxation layer71which is provided between the IC3and the vibration element4and in which the vibration element4is mounted on the upper surface thereof, a second stress relaxation layer72which is provided between the IC3and the vibration element5and in which the vibration element5is mounted on the upper surface thereof, and a third stress relaxation layer73which is provided between the IC3and the vibration element6and in which the vibration element6is mounted on the upper surface thereof.

The first, second, and third stress relaxation layers71,72, and73are provided, whereby an impact that the package receives is relaxed, and thus it becomes difficult for the impact to be transmitted to the vibration elements4,5, and6. Further, stress which is generated due to the difference in thermal expansion between the IC3and the vibration elements4,5, and6is relaxed, and thus the vibration elements4,5, and6are not easily deformed (bent). For this reason, by providing the first, second, and third stress relaxation layers71,72, and73, it is possible to increase the mechanical strength of the physical quantity sensor1and it is possible to more accurately detect the angular velocity ωx, ωy, and ωz.

The first, second, and third stress relaxation layers71,72, and73have the same configuration as each other, and therefore, in the following, the first stress relaxation layer71will be described as a representative, and with respect to the second and third stress relaxation layers72and73, the description thereof is omitted.

The first stress relaxation layer71includes, for example, an insulating film711stacked on the upper surface (a passivation film38) of the IC3, a wiring layer712formed on the insulating film711and electrically connected to the IC3, an insulating film713formed on the wiring layer712and the insulating film711, and a wiring layer714formed on the insulating film713and electrically connected to the wiring layer712, as shown inFIG. 9. Then, the vibration element4is fixed to a terminal714′ provided in the wiring layer714through the fixing member8. In this way, the IC3and the vibration element4are electrically connected through the wiring layers712and714. In this manner, the wiring layers712and714function as wiring (rearrangement wiring) for electrically connecting the IC3and the vibration element4. For this reason, a terminal37for being electrically connected to the vibration element4, of the IC3, can be freely disposed without considering the configuration (in particular, the position of a terminal) of the vibration element4.

Each of the insulating films711and712is configured with a resin material having elasticity. As the resin material, it is not particularly limited. However, it is possible to use polyimide, silicone-modified polyimide resin, epoxy resin, silicone-modified epoxy resin, acrylic resin, phenol resin, silicone resin, modified polyimide resin, benzocyclobutene, polybenzoxazole, or the like.

In addition, in this embodiment, the stress relaxation layer7is divided into the first, second, and third stress relaxation layers71,72, and73. However, the first, second, and third stress relaxation layers71,72, and73may be integrally formed. Further, the stress relaxation layer7may be omitted.

3. Electronic Apparatus

Subsequently, an electronic apparatus with the vibration element6applied thereto will be described in detail based onFIGS. 10 to 12.

FIG. 10is a perspective view showing the configuration of a mobile type (or a notebook type) personal computer with the electronic apparatus which is provided with the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the invention applied thereto.

In this drawing, a personal computer1100is configured to include a main body section1104provided with a keyboard1102, and a display unit1106provided with a display section1108, and the display unit1106is supported so as to be able to rotate with respect to the main body section1104through a hinge structure section. The physical quantity sensor1(the vibration element6) functioning as a angular velocity detection unit (a gyro sensor) is built into the personal computer1100. For this reason, the personal computer1100can exhibit high reliability with higher performance.

FIG. 11is a perspective view showing the configuration of a mobile phone (also includes a PHS) with the electronic apparatus which is provided with the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the invention applied thereto.

In this drawing, a mobile phone1200is provided with a plurality of operation buttons1202, an ear piece1204, and a mouthpiece1206, and a display section1208is disposed between the operation buttons1202and the earpiece1204. The physical quantity sensor1(the vibration element6) functioning as the angular velocity detection unit is built into the mobile phone1200. For this reason, the mobile phone1200can exhibit high reliability with higher performance.

FIG. 12is a perspective view showing the configuration of a digital still camera with the electronic apparatus which is provided with the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the invention applied thereto. In addition, in this drawing, connection with external equipment is also shown in a simplified manner.

A digital still camera1300produces an imaging signal (an image signal) by performing photoelectric conversion of an optical image of a photographic subject through an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD). A configuration is made in which a display section1310is provided on the back surface of a case (a body)1302in the digital still camera1300and display is performed based on the imaging signal by the CCD, and the display section1310functions as a finder which displays the photographic subject as an electronic image. Further, a light receiving unit1304which includes an optical lens (an imaging optical system), the CCD, or the like is provided on the front side (the back side in the drawing) of the case1302. If a photographer confirms a photographic subject image displayed on the display section1310and then presses a shutter button1306, the imaging signal of the CCD at that point in time is transmitted to and stored in a memory1308.

Further, in the digital still camera1300, a video signal output terminal1312and an input-output terminal for data communication1314are provided on the side surface of the case1302. Then, as shown in the drawing, as necessary, a television monitor1430is connected to the video signal output terminal1312and a personal computer1440is connected to the input-output terminal for data communication1314. In addition, a configuration is made in which the imaging signal stored in the memory1308is output to the television monitor1430or the personal computer1440by a predetermined operation.

The physical quantity sensor1(the vibration element6) functioning as the angular velocity detection unit is built into the digital still camera1300. For this reason, the digital still camera1300can exhibit high reliability with higher performance.

In addition, the electronic apparatus which is provided with the physical quantity sensor according to the invention can be applied to, in addition to the personal computer (the mobile type personal computer) ofFIG. 10, the mobile phone ofFIG. 11, and the digital still camera ofFIG. 12, for example, an ink jet type discharge apparatus (for example, an ink jet printer), a laptop type personal computer, a television, a video camera, a video tape recorder, a car navigation device, a pager, an electronic notebook (also including an electronic notebook with a communication function), an electronic dictionary, a desktop electronic calculator, electronic game equipment, a word processor, a workstation, a video phone, a security television monitor, electronic binoculars, a POS terminal, medical equipment (for example, an electronic thermometer, a sphygmomanometer, a blood glucose meter, an electrocardiogram measuring device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, or an electronic endoscope), a fish finder, various measuring instruments, meters and gauges (for example, meters and gauges of a vehicle, an aircraft, or a ship), a flight simulator, or the like.

4. Moving Object

Subsequently, a moving object which is provided with the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the invention will be described in detail based onFIG. 13.

FIG. 13is a perspective view showing the configuration of an automobile with the moving object which is provided with the physical quantity detecting vibration element according to the invention applied thereto.

The physical quantity sensor1(the vibration element6) functioning as the angular velocity detection unit is built into an automobile1500, and it is possible to detect the attitude of a car body1501by the physical quantity sensor1. A detection signal of the physical quantity sensor1is supplied to a car body attitude control device1502, and the car body attitude control device1502detects the attitude of the car body1501based on the signal and can control the hardness and softness of a suspension or control a brake of an individual wheel1503according to a detection result. In addition, such attitude control can be utilized in a bipedal walking robot or a radio-controlled helicopter. As described above, the physical quantity sensor1is incorporated for realization of the attitude control of various moving objects.

The physical quantity detecting vibration element, the physical quantity sensor, the electronic apparatus, and the moving object according to the invention have been described above based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited thereto and the configuration of each section can be replaced with any configuration having the same function. Further, any other configuration may be added to the invention. Further, the invention may include a combination of two or more of optional configurations (characteristics) of the respective embodiments described above.

Further, in the embodiment described above, a configuration has been described in which the detection ground terminal672bincludes the first portion672b1to the fourth portion672b4. However, the second portion672b2to the fourth portion672b4may be omitted.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the detection ground terminal672bconfiguring the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) is electrically connected to the detection ground electrode672a. However, as the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675), it may not be electrically connected to the detection ground electrode672aas long as it is connected to a constant potential. Further, the fourth portion672b4(the constant potential electrode675) is not limited to a ground as long as it has constant potential.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application Nos: 2014-219771, filed Oct. 28, 2014 and 2014-219772, filed Oct. 28, 2014 are expressly incorporated by reference herein.