Repeater

A repeater includes a first surface-side antenna, a second surface-side antenna, and a transceiver. Each of the first surface-side antenna and the second surface-side antenna includes a first conductor and a second conductor opposed to each other in a first axis, one or more third conductors positioned between the first conductor and the second conductor and extending in the first axis, a fourth conductor connected to the first conductor and the second conductor and extending in the first axis, and a feeding line electromagnetically connected to any one of the third conductors. The first conductor and the second conductor are capacitively connected through the third conductor. The feeding line of the first surface-side antenna is connected to the feeding line of the second surface-side antenna through the transceiver.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage of PCT international application Ser. No. PCT/JP2019/001694 filed on Jan. 21, 2019 which designates the United States, incorporated herein by reference, and which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-008395 filed on Jan. 22, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a repeater.

BACKGROUND

Electromagnetic waves emitted from an antenna are reflected by a metal conductor. The electromagnetic wave reflected by the metal conductor is phase-shifted by 180°. The reflected electromagnetic wave is synthesized with the electromagnetic wave emitted from the antenna. The electromagnetic wave emitted from the antenna may have the amplitude reduced due to the synthesis with the phase-shifted electromagnetic wave. Consequently, the amplitude of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the antenna becomes smaller. The distance between the antenna and the metal conductor is set to ¼ of the wavelength λ of the emitted electromagnetic wave, whereby the effect of the reflected wave is reduced.

In comparison, a technique that reduces the effect by the reflected wave using an artificial magnetic conductor has been proposed. This technique is described in, for example, Non Patent Literatures 1 and 2.

CITATION LIST

Non Patent Literatures

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a repeater includes a first surface-side antenna, a second surface-side antenna, and a transceiver. Each of the first surface-side antenna and the second surface-side antenna includes: a first conductor and a second conductor opposed to each other in a first axis; one or more third conductors positioned between the first conductor and the second conductor and extending in the first axis; a fourth conductor connected to the first conductor and the second conductor and extending in the first axis; and a feeding line electromagnetically connected to any one of the third conductors. The first conductor and the second conductor are capacitively connected through the third conductor. The feeding line of the first surface-side antenna is connected to the feeding line of the second surface-side antenna through the transceiver.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a repeater includes an antenna and a transceiver. The antenna includes: a first conductor and a second conductor opposed to each other in a first axis; one or more third conductors positioned between the first conductor and the second conductor and extending in the first axis; a fourth conductor connected to the first conductor and the second conductor and extending in the first axis; and a feeding line electromagnetically connected to any one of the third conductors. The first conductor and the second conductor are capacitively connected through the third conductor. The feeding line of the antenna is connected to a feeding line of an antenna of another repeater through the transceiver.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure relates to provision of a repeater using a new resonant structure. In the repeater according to the present disclosure, the effect of the reflected waves by a metal conductor is reduced.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. A resonant structure may include a resonator. The resonant structure includes a resonator and other members and may be implemented in a complex form. A resonator10illustrated inFIG. 1toFIG. 62includes a base20, pair conductors30, a third conductor40, and a fourth conductor50. The base20is in contact with the pair conductors30, the third conductor40, and the fourth conductor50. In the resonator10, the pair conductors30, the third conductor40, and the fourth conductor50function as resonators. The resonator10may resonate at a plurality of resonance frequencies. Of the resonance frequencies of the resonator10, one resonance frequency is referred to as a first frequency f1. The first frequency f1has a wavelength of λ1. The resonator10may have at least one of at least one resonance frequency as an operating frequency. The resonator10has the first frequency f1as an operating frequency.

The base20may include any one of a ceramic material and a resin material as its composition. Examples of the ceramic material include sintered aluminum oxide, sintered aluminum nitride, sintered mullite, sintered glass ceramics, crystallized glass including a crystalline component deposited in a glass base material, and sintered fine crystals such as mica or aluminum titanate. Examples of the resin material include those obtained by curing uncured products such as epoxy resins, polyester resins, polyimide resins, polyamide-imide resins, polyetherimide resins, and liquid crystal polymers.

The pair conductors30, the third conductor40, and the fourth conductor50may include any of a metal material, an alloy of a metal material, a hardened product of metal paste, and a conductive polymer as their compositions. All of the pair conductors30, the third conductor40, and the fourth conductor50may be of the same material. All of the pair conductors30, the third conductor40, and the fourth conductor50may be of different materials. The combination of any of the pair conductors30, the third conductor40, and the fourth conductor50may be of the same material. Examples of the metal material include copper, silver, palladium, gold, platinum, aluminum, chromium, nickel, cadmium lead, selenium, manganese, tin, vanadium, lithium, cobalt, and titanium. The alloy includes a plurality of metal materials. Examples of the metal paste agent include those obtained by mixing powder of a metal material with an organic solvent and a binder. Examples of the binder include epoxy resins, polyester resins, polyimide resins, polyamide-imide resins, and polyetherimide resins. Examples of the conductive polymer include polythiophene-based polymers, polyacethylene-based polymers, polyaniline-based polymers, and polypyrrole-based polymers.

The resonator10has two pair conductors30. The pair conductors30include a plurality of conductive bodies. The pair conductors30include a first conductor31and a second conductor32. The pair conductors30may include three or more conductive bodies. Each conductor of the pair conductors30is spaced apart from another conductor in a first axis. In the conductors of the pair conductors30, one conductor may be paired with another conductor. Each conductor of the pair conductors30can be viewed as an electric conductor from the resonator between the paired conductors. The first conductor31is positioned away from the second conductor32in the first axis. The first conductor31and the second conductor32extend along a second plane intersecting the first axis.

In the present disclosure, the first axis (first axis) is denoted as x direction. In the present disclosure, a third axis (third axis) is denoted as y direction. In the present disclosure, a second axis (second axis) is denoted as z direction. In the present disclosure, a first plane (first plane) is denoted as xy plane. In the present disclosure, a second plane (second plane) is denoted as yz plane. In the present disclosure, a third plane (third plane) is denoted as zx plane. These planes are planes (plane) in a coordinate space (coordinate space) and are not intended to indicate a particular plate (plate) or a particular surface (surface). In the present disclosure, the surface integral (surface integral) in the xy plane may be denoted as first surface integral. In the present disclosure, the surface integral in the yz plane may be denoted as second surface integral. In the present disclosure, the surface integral in the zx plane may be denoted as third surface integral. The surface integral (surface integral) is represented by a unit such as square meter (square meter). In the present disclosure, the length in the x direction may be simply referred to as “length”. In the present disclosure, the length in the y direction may be simply referred to as “width”. In the present disclosure, the length in the z direction may be simply referred to as “height”.

In an example, the first conductor31and the second conductor32are positioned at end portions of the base20in the x direction. A part of each of the first conductor31and the second conductor32may face the outside of the base20. A part of each of the first conductor31and the second conductor32may be positioned inside the base20and another part thereof may be positioned outside the base20. Each of the first conductor31and the second conductor32may be positioned in the base20.

The third conductor40functions as a resonator. The third conductor40may include at least one type of line-type, patch-type, and slot-type resonators. In an example, the third conductor40is positioned on the base20. In an example, the third conductor40is positioned at an end of the base20in the z direction. In an example, the third conductor40may be positioned in the base20. A part of the third conductor40may be positioned inside the base20and another part may be positioned outside the base20. The surface of a part of the third conductor40may face the outside of the base20.

The third conductor40includes at least one conductive body. The third conductor40may include a plurality of conductive bodies. When the third conductor40includes a plurality of conductive bodies, the third conductor40may be called a third conductor group. The third conductor40includes at least one conductive layer. The third conductor40includes at least one conductive body in one conductive layer. The third conductor40may include a plurality of conductive layers. For example, the third conductor40may include three or more conductive layers. The third conductor40includes at least one conductive body in each of a plurality of conductive layers. The third conductor40extends in the xy plane. The xy plane includes the x direction. Each conductive layer of the third conductor40extends along the xy plane.

In an example of a plurality of embodiments, the third conductor40includes a first conductive layer41and a second conductive layer42. The first conductive layer41extends along the xy plane. The first conductive layer41may be positioned on the base20. The second conductive layer42extends along the xy plane. The second conductive layer42may be capacitively coupled to the first conductive layer41. The second conductive layer42may be electrically connected to the first conductive layer41. Two conductive layers capacitively coupled may be opposed to each other in the y direction. Two conductive layers capacitively coupled may be opposed to each other in the x direction. Two conductive layers capacitively coupled may be opposed to each other in the first plane. Two conductive layers opposed to each other in the first plane may be paraphrased as “two conductive bodies are present in one conductive layer”. At least a part of the second conductive layer42may overlap the first conductive layer41as viewed in the z direction. The second conductive layer42may be positioned in the base20.

The fourth conductor50is positioned away from the third conductor40. The fourth conductor50is electrically connected to the first conductor31and the second conductor32of the pair conductors30. The fourth conductor50is electrically connected to the first conductor31and the second conductor32. The fourth conductor50extends along the third conductor40. The fourth conductor50extends along the first plane. The fourth conductor50extends from the first conductor31to the second conductor32. The fourth conductor50is positioned on the base20. The fourth conductor50may be positioned in the base20. A part of the fourth conductor50may be positioned inside the base20and another part may be positioned outside the base20. The surface of a part of the fourth conductor50may face the outside of the base20.

In an example of a plurality of embodiments, the fourth conductor50may function as a ground conductor in the resonator10. The fourth conductor50may serve as a potential reference of the resonator10. The fourth conductor50may be connected to the ground of a device having the resonator10.

In an example of a plurality of embodiments, the resonator10may include the fourth conductor50and a reference potential layer51. The reference potential layer51is positioned away from the fourth conductor50in the z direction. The reference potential layer51is electrically insulated from the fourth conductor50. The reference potential layer51may serve as a potential reference of the resonator10. The reference potential layer51may be electrically connected to the ground of a device having the resonator10. The fourth conductor50may be electrically isolated from the ground of a device having the resonator10. The reference potential layer51is opposed to the third conductor40or the fourth conductor50in the z direction.

In an example of a plurality of embodiments, the reference potential layer51is opposed to the third conductor40with the fourth conductor50interposed therebetween. The fourth conductor50is positioned between the third conductor40and the reference potential layer51. The spacing between the reference potential layer51and the fourth conductor50is narrower than the spacing between the third conductor40and the fourth conductor50.

In the resonator10including the reference potential layer51, the fourth conductor50may include one or more conductive bodies. In the resonator10including the reference potential layer51, the fourth conductor50may include one or more conductive bodies, and the third conductor40may be one conductive body connected to the pair conductors30. In the resonator10including the reference potential layer51, each of the third conductor40and the fourth conductor50may include at least one resonator.

In the resonator10including the reference potential layer51, the fourth conductor50may include a plurality of conductive layers. For example, the fourth conductor50may include a third conductive layer52and a fourth conductive layer53. The third conductive layer52may be capacitively coupled to the fourth conductive layer53. The third conductive layer52may be electrically connected to the first conductive layer41. Two conductive layers capacitively coupled may be opposed to each other in the y direction. Two conductive layers capacitively coupled may be opposed to each other in the x direction. Two conductive layers capacitively coupled may be opposed to each other in the xy plane.

The distance between two conductive layers opposed to each other in the z direction and capacitively coupled is shorter than the distance between the conductor group and the reference potential layer51. For example, the distance between the first conductive layer41and the second conductive layer42is shorter than the distance between the third conductor40and the reference potential layer51. For example, the distance between the third conductive layer52and the fourth conductive layer53is shorter than the distance between the fourth conductor50and the reference potential layer51.

Each of the first conductor31and the second conductor32may include one or more conductive bodies. Each of the first conductor31and the second conductor32may be one conductive body. Each of the first conductor31and the second conductor32may include a plurality of conductive bodies. Each of the first conductor31and the second conductor32may include at least one fifth conductive layer301and a plurality of fifth conductors302. The pair conductors30include at least one fifth conductive layer301and a plurality of fifth conductors302.

The fifth conductive layer301extends in the y direction. The fifth conductive layer301extends along the xy plane. The fifth conductive layer301is a conductive body in the form of a layer. The fifth conductive layer301may be positioned on the base20. The fifth conductive layer301may be positioned in the base20. A plurality of fifth conductive layers301are spaced apart from each other in the z direction. A plurality of fifth conductive layers301are arranged in the z direction. A plurality of fifth conductive layers301partially overlap as viewed in the z direction. The fifth conductive layer301electrically connects a plurality of fifth conductors302. The fifth conductive layer301is a connecting conductor that connects a plurality of fifth conductors302. The fifth conductive layer301may be electrically connected to any conductive layer of the third conductor40. In an embodiment, the fifth conductive layer301is electrically connected to the second conductive layer42. The fifth conductive layer301may be integrated with the second conductive layer42. In an embodiment, the fifth conductive layer301may be electrically connected to the fourth conductor50. The fifth conductive layer301may be integrated with the fourth conductor50.

Each fifth conductor302extends in the z direction. A plurality of fifth conductors302are spaced apart from each other in the y direction. The distance between the fifth conductors302is equal to or less than ½ wavelength of Ai. When the distance between the fifth conductors302electrically connected is equal to or shorter than λ1/2, each of the first conductor31and the second conductor32can reduce leakage of electromagnetic waves in the resonance frequency band from between the fifth conductors302. The pair conductors30can be viewed as electric conductors from a unit structure since leakage of electromagnetic waves in the resonance frequency band is small. At least a part of a plurality of fifth conductors302is electrically connected to the fourth conductor50. In an embodiment, a part of a plurality of fifth conductors302may electrically connect the fourth conductor50to the fifth conductive layer301. In an embodiment, a plurality of fifth conductors302may be electrically connected to the fourth conductor50through the fifth conductive layer301. One or some of a plurality of fifth conductors302may electrically connect one fifth conductive layer301to another fifth conductive layer301. A via conductor and a through hole conductor may be employed as the fifth conductor302.

The resonator10includes the third conductor40functioning as a resonator. The third conductor40may function as an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC; Artificial Magnetic Conductor). The artificial magnetic conductor may be referred to as a reactive impedance surface (RIS; Reactive Impedance Surface).

The resonator10includes the third conductor40functioning as a resonator between two pair conductors30opposed to each other in the x direction. Two pair conductors30can be viewed as electric conductors (electric conductor) extending from the third conductor40in the yz plane. The resonator10is electrically open at an end thereof in the y direction. The resonator10has a high impedance in the zx planes at both ends thereof in the y direction. The zx planes at both ends in the y direction of the resonator10are viewed as magnetic conductors (magnetic conductor) from the third conductor40. Since the resonator10is surrounded by two electric conductors and two high-impedance planes (magnetic conductors), the resonator of the third conductor40has an artificial magnetic conductor character in the z direction. Surrounded by two electric conductors and two high-impedance planes, the resonator of the third conductor40has an artificial magnetic conductor character (artificial magnetic conductor character) in a finite number.

In the “artificial magnetic conductor character”, the phase difference between an incident wave and a reflected wave at an operating frequency is 0 degrees. In the resonator10, the phase difference between an incident wave and a reflected wave at a first frequency f1is 0 degrees. In the “artificial magnetic conductor character”, the phase difference between an incident wave and a reflected wave in an operating frequency band is −90 degrees to +90 degrees. The operating frequency band is a frequency band between a second frequency f2and a third frequency f3. The second frequency f2is a frequency at which the phase difference between an incident wave and a reflected wave is +90 degrees. The third frequency f3is a frequency at which the phase difference between an incident wave and a reflected wave is −90 degrees. The width of the operating frequency band determined based on the second and the third frequencies may be equal to or greater than 100 MHz, for example, when the operating frequency is about 2.5 GHz. The width of the operating frequency band may be equal to or greater than 5 MHz, for example, when the operating frequency is about 400 MHz.

The operating frequency of the resonator10may be different from the resonance frequency of each resonator of the third conductor40. The operating frequency of the resonator10may vary depending on the length, size, shape, material, etc. of the base20, the pair conductors30, the third conductor40, and the fourth conductor50.

In an example of a plurality of embodiments, the third conductor40may include at least one unit resonator40X. The third conductor40may include one unit resonator40X. The third conductor40may include a plurality of unit resonators40X. The unit resonator40X is positioned overlapping with the fourth conductor50as viewed in the z direction. The unit resonator40X is opposed to the fourth conductor50. The unit resonator40X may function as a frequency selective surface (FSS; Frequency Selective Surface). A plurality of unit resonators40X are arranged along the xy plane. A plurality of unit resonators40X may be arranged regularly in the xy plane. The unit resonators40X may be arranged in the form of a square grid (square grid), an oblique grid (oblique grid), a rectangular grid (rectangular grid), and a hexagonal grid (hexagonal grid).

The third conductor40may include a plurality of conductive layers arranged in the z direction. Each of the plurality of conductive layers of the third conductor40includes an equivalent of at least one unit resonator. For example, the third conductor40includes a first conductive layer41and a second conductive layer42.

The first conductive layer41includes an equivalent of at least one first unit resonator41X. The first conductive layer41may include one first unit resonator41X. The first conductive layer41may include a plurality of first divisional resonators41Y obtained by dividing one first unit resonator41X into a plurality of pieces. The plurality of first divisional resonators41Y may be an equivalent of at least one first unit resonator41X with an adjacent unit structure10X. A plurality of first divisional resonators41Y are positioned at an end portion of the first conductive layer41. The first unit resonator41X and the first divisional resonator41Y may be called a third conductor.

The second conductive layer42includes an equivalent of at least one second unit resonator42X. The second conductive layer42may include one second unit resonator42X. The second conductive layer42may include a plurality of second divisional resonators42Y obtained by dividing one second unit resonator42X into a plurality of pieces. The plurality of second divisional resonators42Y may be an equivalent of at least one second unit resonator42X with an adjacent unit structure10X. The plurality of second divisional resonators42Y are positioned at an end portion of the second conductive layer42. The second unit resonator42X and the second divisional resonator42Y may be called a third conductor.

At least a part of the second unit resonator42X and the second divisional resonator42Y is positioned overlapping with the first unit resonator41X and the first divisional resonator41Y as viewed in the Z direction. In the third conductor40, at least a part of the unit resonator and the divisional resonator in each layer is stacked in the Z direction to form one unit resonator40X. The unit resonator40X includes an equivalent of at least one unit resonator in each layer.

When the first unit resonator41X includes a line-type or patch-type resonator, the first conductive layer41has at least one first unit conductor411. The first unit conductor411may function as a first unit resonator41X or a first divisional resonator41Y. The first conductive layer41has a plurality of first unit conductors411arranged in n rows and m columns in the xy directions, where n and m are natural numbers of 1 or greater independent of each other. In an example illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 9, etc., the first conductive layer41has six first unit conductors411arranged in a grid of two rows and three columns. The first unit conductors411may be arranged in the form of a square grid, an oblique grid, a rectangular grid, and a hexagonal grid. The first unit conductor411corresponding to the first divisional resonator41Y is positioned at an end portion in the xy plane of the first conductive layer41.

When the first unit resonator41X is a slot-type resonator, at least one conductive layer of the first conductive layer41extends in the xy directions. The first conductive layer41has at least one first unit slot412. The first unit slot412may function as a first unit resonator41X or a first divisional resonator41Y. The first conductive layer41may include a plurality of first unit slots412arranged in n rows and m columns in the xy directions, where n and m are natural numbers of 1 or greater independent of each other. In an example illustrated inFIGS. 6 to 9, etc., the first conductive layer41has six first unit slots412arranged in a grid of two rows and three columns. The first unit slots412may be arranged in the form of a square grid, an oblique grid, a rectangular grid, and a hexagonal grid. The first unit slot412corresponding to the first divisional resonator41Y is positioned at an end portion in the xy plane of the first conductive layer41.

When the second unit resonator42X is a line-type or patch-type resonator, the second conductive layer42includes at least one second unit conductor421. The second conductive layer42may include a plurality of second unit conductors421arranged in the xy directions. The second unit conductors421may be arranged in the form of a square grid, an oblique grid, a rectangular grid, and a hexagonal grid. The second unit conductor421may function as a second unit resonator42X or a second divisional resonator42Y. The second unit conductor421corresponding to the second divisional resonator42Y is positioned at an end portion in the xy plane of the second conductive layer42.

At least a part of the second unit conductor421overlaps with at least one of the first unit resonator41X and the first divisional resonator41Y as viewed in the z direction. The second unit conductor421may overlap with a plurality of first unit resonators41X. The second unit conductor421may overlap with a plurality of first divisional resonators41Y. The second unit conductor421may overlap with one first unit resonator41X and four first divisional resonators41Y. The second unit conductor421may overlap only with one first unit resonator41X. The centroid of the second unit conductor421may overlap with one first unit resonator41X. The centroid of the second unit conductor421may be positioned between a plurality of first unit resonators41X and the first divisional resonator41Y. The centroid of the second unit conductor421may be positioned between two first unit resonators41X arranged in the x direction or the y direction.

At least a part of the second unit conductor421may overlap with two first unit conductors411. The second unit conductor421may overlap only with one first unit conductor411. The centroid of the second unit conductor421may be positioned between two first unit conductors411. The centroid of the second unit conductor421may overlap with one first unit conductor411. At least a part of the second unit conductor421may overlap with the first unit slot412. The second unit conductor421may overlap only with one first unit slot412. The centroid of the second unit conductor421may be positioned between two first unit slots412arranged in the x direction or the y direction. The centroid of the second unit conductor421may overlap with one first unit slot412.

When the second unit resonator42X is a slot-type resonator, at least one conductive layer of the second conductive layer42extends along the xy plane. The second conductive layer42has at least one second unit slot422. The second unit slot422may function as a second unit resonator42X or a first divisional resonator41Y. The second conductive layer42may include a plurality of second unit slots422arranged in the xy plane. The second unit slots422may be arranged in the form of a square grid, an oblique grid, a rectangular grid, and a hexagonal grid. The second unit slot422corresponding to the second divisional resonator42Y is positioned at an end portion in the xy plane of the second conductive layer42.

At least a part of the second unit slot422overlaps with at least one of the first unit resonator41X and the first divisional resonator41Y in the y direction. The second unit slot422may overlap with a plurality of first unit resonators41X. The second unit slot422may overlap with a plurality of first divisional resonators41Y. The second unit slot422may overlap with one first unit resonator41X and four first divisional resonators41Y. The second unit slot422may overlap only with one first unit resonator41X. The centroid of the second unit slot422may overlap with one first unit resonator41X. The centroid of the second unit slot422may be positioned between a plurality of first unit resonators41X. The centroid of the second unit slot422may be positioned between two first unit resonators41X and the first divisional resonator41Y arranged in the x direction or the y direction.

At least a part of the second unit slot422may overlap with two first unit conductors411. The second unit slot422may overlap only with one first unit conductor411. The centroid of the second unit slot422may be positioned between two first unit conductors411. The centroid of the second unit slot422may overlap with one first unit conductor411. At least a part of the second unit slot422may overlap with the first unit slot412. The second unit slot422may overlap only with one first unit slot412. The centroid of the second unit slot422may be positioned between two first unit slots412arranged in the x direction or the y direction. The center of the second unit slot422may overlap with one first unit slot412.

The unit resonator40X includes an equivalent of at least one first unit resonator41X and an equivalent of at least one second unit resonator42X. The unit resonator40X may include one first unit resonator41X. The unit resonator40X may include a plurality of first unit resonators41X. The unit resonator40X may include one first divisional resonator41Y. The unit resonator40X may include a plurality of first divisional resonators41Y. The unit resonator40X may include a part of the first unit resonator41X. The unit resonator40X may include one or more partial first unit resonators41X. The unit resonator40X includes a plurality of partial resonators among one or more partial first unit resonators41X and one or more first divisional resonators41Y. A plurality of partial resonators included in the unit resonator40X are combined into a first unit resonator41X equivalent to at least one. The unit resonator40X does not necessarily include a first unit resonator41X but may include a plurality of first divisional resonators41Y. The unit resonator40X may include, for example, four first divisional resonators41Y. The unit resonator40X may include only a plurality of partial first unit resonators41X. The unit resonator40X may include one or more partial first unit resonators41X and one or more first divisional resonators41Y. The unit resonator40X may include, for example, two partial first unit resonators41X and two first divisional resonators41Y. In the unit resonator40X, the mirror images of the included first conductive layer41at the ends in the x direction may be substantially identical. In the unit resonator40X, the included first conductive layer41may be substantially symmetric with respect to the center line extending in the z direction.

The unit resonator40X may include one second unit resonator42X. The unit resonator40X may include a plurality of second unit resonators42X. The unit resonator40X may include one second divisional resonator42Y. The unit resonator40X may include a plurality of second divisional resonators42Y. The unit resonator40X may include a part of the second unit resonator42X. The unit resonator40X may include one or more partial second unit resonators42X. The unit resonator40X includes a plurality of partial resonators among one or more partial second unit resonators42X and one or more second divisional resonators42Y. A plurality of partial resonators included in the unit resonator40X are combined into a second unit resonator42X equivalent to one. The unit resonator40X does not necessarily include a second unit resonator42X but may include a plurality of second divisional resonators42Y. The unit resonator40X may include, for example, four second divisional resonators42Y. The unit resonator40X may include only a plurality of partial second unit resonators42X. The unit resonator40X may include one or more partial second unit resonators42X and one or more second divisional resonators42Y. The unit resonator40X may include, for example, two partial second unit resonators42X and two second divisional resonators42Y. In the unit resonator40X, the mirror images of the included second conductive layer42at the ends in the x direction may be substantially identical. In the unit resonator40X, the included second conductive layer42may be substantially symmetric with respect to the centerline extending in the y direction.

In an example of a plurality of embodiments, the unit resonator40X includes one first unit resonator41X and a plurality of partial second unit resonators42X. For example, the unit resonator40X includes one first unit resonator41X and half of four second unit resonators42X. This unit resonator40X includes an equivalent of one first unit resonator41X and an equivalent of two second unit resonators42X. The configuration of the unit resonator40X is not limited to this example.

The resonator10may include at least one unit structure10X. The resonator10may include a plurality of unit structures10X. The plurality of unit structures10X may be arranged in the xy plane. The plurality of unit structures10X may be arranged in the form of a square grid, an oblique grid, a rectangular grid, and a hexagonal grid. The unit structure10X includes a repetition unit of any one of a square grid (square grid), an oblique grid (oblique grid), a rectangular grid (rectangular grid), and a hexagonal grid (hexagonal grid). The unit structures10X may be arranged infinitely along the xy plane to function as an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC).

The unit structure10X may include at least a part of the base20, at least a part of the third conductor40, and at least a part of the fourth conductor50. The sections of the base20, the third conductor40, and the fourth conductor50included in the unit structure10X overlap as viewed in the z direction. The unit structure10X includes a unit resonator40X, a part of the base20overlapping with the unit resonator40X as viewed in the z direction, and the fourth conductor50overlapping with the unit resonator40X as viewed in the z direction. The resonator10may include, for example, six unit structures10X arranged in two rows and three columns.

The resonator10may have at least one unit structure10X between two pair conductors30opposed to each other in the x direction. Two pair conductors30can be viewed as electric conductors extending from the unit structure10X in the yz plane. The unit structure10X is open at an end in the y direction. The unit structure10X has a high impedance in the zx planes at both ends in the y direction. The unit structure10X can be viewed as magnetic conductors in the zx planes at both ends in the y direction. The unit structures10X may be in line symmetry with respect to the z direction when repeatedly arranged. Surrounded by two electric conductors and two high-impedance planes (magnetic conductors), the unit structure10X has an artificial magnetic conductor character in the z direction. Surrounded by two electric conductors and two high-impedance planes (magnetic conductors), the unit structure10X has an artificial magnetic conductor character in a finite number.

The operating frequency of the resonator10may be different from the operating frequency of the first unit resonator41X. The operating frequency of the resonator10may be different from the operating frequency of the second unit resonator42X. The operating frequency of the resonator10may vary depending on, for example, coupling of the first unit resonator41X and the second unit resonator42X that constitute the unit resonator40X.

The third conductor40may include a first conductive layer41and a second conductive layer42. The first conductive layer41includes at least one first unit conductor411. The first unit conductor411includes a first connecting conductor413and a first floating conductor414. The first connecting conductor413is connected to one of the pair conductors30. The first floating conductor414is not connected to the pair conductors30. The second conductive layer42includes at least one second unit conductor421. The second unit conductor421includes a second connecting conductor423and a second floating conductor424. The second connecting conductor423is connected to one of the pair conductors30. The second floating conductor424is not connected to the pair conductors30. The third conductor40may include a first unit conductor411and a second unit conductor421.

The first connecting conductor413may have a length along the x direction longer than the first floating conductor414. The first connecting conductor413may have a length along the x direction shorter than the first floating conductor414. The first connecting conductor413may have half of the length along the x direction, compared with the first floating conductor414. The second connecting conductor423may have a length along the x direction longer than the second floating conductor424. The second connecting conductor423may have a length along the x direction shorter than the second floating conductor424. The second connecting conductor423may have half of the length along the x direction, compared with the second floating conductor424.

The third conductor40may include a current path401serving as a current path between the first conductor31and the second conductor32when the resonator10resonates. The current path401may be connected to the first conductor31and the second conductor32. The current path401has capacitance between the first conductor31and the second conductor32. The capacitance of the current path401is connected electrically in series between the first conductor31and the second conductor32. In the current path401, a conductive body is isolated between the first conductor31and the second conductor32. The current path401may include a conductive body connected to the first conductor31and a conductive body connected to the second conductor32.

In a plurality of embodiments, in the current path401, the first unit conductor411and the second unit conductor421are partially opposed to each other in the z direction. In the current path401, the first unit conductor411and the second unit conductor421are capacitively coupled. The first unit conductor411has a capacitance component at an end portion in the x direction. The first unit conductor411may have a capacitance component at an end portion in the y direction opposed to the second unit conductor421in the z direction. The first unit conductor411may have a capacitance component at an end portion in the x direction opposed to the second unit conductor421in the z direction and an end portion in the y direction. The second unit conductor421has a capacitance component at an end portion in the x direction. The second unit conductor421may have a capacitance component at an end portion in the y direction opposed to the first unit conductor411in the z direction. The second unit conductor421may have a capacitance component at an end portion in the x direction opposed to the first unit conductor411in the z direction and at an end portion in the y direction.

The resonator10can have a lower resonance frequency by increasing the capacitive coupling in the current path401. When achieving a desired operating frequency, the resonator10can have a shorter length along the x direction by increasing the capacitance coupling of the current path401. In the third conductor40, the first unit conductor411and the second unit conductor421are opposed to each other in the stacking direction of the base20and capacitively coupled. The third conductor40can adjust the capacitance between the first unit conductor411and the second unit conductor421by the opposing surface integrals.

In a plurality of embodiments, the length along the y direction of the first unit conductor411differs from the length along the y direction of the second unit conductor421. When the relative position between the first unit conductor411and the second unit conductor421is shifted along the xy plane from an ideal position, the resonator10can reduce variation in magnitude of the capacitance since the length along the third axis differs between the first unit conductor411and the second unit conductor421.

In a plurality of embodiments, the current path401is formed of one conductive body spatially away from the first conductor31and the second conductor32and capacitively coupled to the first conductor31and the second conductor32.

In a plurality of embodiments, the current path401includes a first conductive layer41and a second conductive layer42. This current path401includes at least one first unit conductor411and at least one second unit conductor421. This current path401includes two first connecting conductors413, two second connecting conductors423, and one of one first connecting conductor413and one second connecting conductor423. In this current path401, the first unit conductor411and the second unit conductor421may be alternately arranged along the first axis.

In a plurality of embodiments, the current path401includes a first connecting conductor413and a second connecting conductor423. This current path401includes at least one first connecting conductor413and at least one second connecting conductor423. In this current path401, the third conductor40has capacitance between the first connecting conductor413and the second connecting conductor423. In an example of embodiments, the first connecting conductor413may be opposed to the second connecting conductor423and have capacitance. In an example of embodiments, the first connecting conductor413may be capacitively connected to the second connecting conductor423through another conductive body.

In a plurality of embodiments, the current path401includes a first connecting conductor413and a second floating conductor424. This current path401includes two first connecting conductors413. In this current path401, the third conductor40has capacitance between two first connecting conductors413. In an example of embodiments, two first connecting conductors413may be capacitively connected through at least one second floating conductor424. In an example of embodiments, two first connecting conductors413may be capacitively connected through at least one first floating conductor414and a plurality of second floating conductors424.

In a plurality of embodiments, the current path401includes a first floating conductor414and a second connecting conductor423. This current path401includes two second connecting conductors423. In this current path401, the third conductor40has capacitance between two second connecting conductors423. In an example of embodiments, two second connecting conductors423may be capacitively connected through at least one first floating conductor414. In an example of embodiments, two second connecting conductors423may be capacitively connected through a plurality of first floating conductors414and at least one second floating conductor424.

In a plurality of embodiments, each of the first connecting conductor413and the second connecting conductor423may have a length one-fourth of the wavelength A at a resonance frequency. Each of the first connecting conductor413and the second connecting conductor423may function as a resonator with half a length of the wavelength A. Each of the first connecting conductor413and the second connecting conductor423may oscillate in the odd mode and the even mode when the individual resonators are capacitively coupled. In the resonator10, the resonance frequency in the even mode after capacitively coupling may be the operating frequency.

The current path401may be connected to the first conductor31at a plurality of points. The current path401may be connected to the second conductor32at a plurality of points. The current path401may include a plurality of electric conductive paths that conduct electricity independently, from the first conductor31to the second conductor32.

In the second floating conductor424capacitively coupled to the first connecting conductor413, an end of the second floating conductor424on the capacitively coupled side has a shorter distance to the first connecting conductor413than the distance to the pair conductor30. In the first floating conductor414capacitively coupled to the second connecting conductor423, an end of the first floating conductor414on the capacitively coupled side has a shorter distance to the second connecting conductor423than the distance to the pair conductor30.

In the resonator10in a plurality of embodiments, the conductive layers of the third conductor40may have individually different lengths in the y direction. A conductive layer of the third conductor40is capacitively coupled to another conductive layer in the z direction. In the resonator10, when the conductive layers differ in length in the y direction, variation in capacitance is reduced even when the conductive layers are shifted in the y direction. When the conductive layers differ in length in the y direction, the resonator10can expand the acceptable range of shift in the y direction of the conductive layers.

In the resonator10in a plurality of embodiments, the third conductor40has capacitance by capacitive coupling between the conductive layers. A plurality of capacitance bodies having the capacitance may be arranged in the y direction. The plurality of capacitance bodies arranged in the y direction may be electromagnetically parallel. When the resonator10has a plurality of capacitance bodies arranged electrically in parallel, the individual capacitance errors can complement each other.

When the resonator10is in a resonant state, current flowing through the pair conductors30, the third conductor40, and the fourth conductor50loops. When the resonator10is in a resonant state, alternating current flows through the resonator10. In the resonator10, current flowing through the third conductor40is referred to as first current, and current flowing through the fourth conductor50is referred to as second current. When the resonator10is in a resonant state, the first current flows in a direction different from the second current in the x direction. For example, when the first current flows in the +x direction, the second current flows in the −x direction. For example, when the first current flows in the −x direction, the second current flows in the +x direction. That is, when the resonator10is in a resonant state, loop current flows alternately in the +x direction and the −x direction. The loop current forming a magnetic field is repeatedly inverted whereby the resonator10emits electromagnetic waves.

In a plurality of embodiments, the third conductor40includes a first conductive layer41and a second conductive layer42. Since the third conductor40has the first conductive layer41and the second conductive layer42capacitively coupled, current appears to flow in one direction globally in a resonant state. In a plurality of embodiments, current flowing through each conductor has a higher density at an end portion in the y direction.

In the resonator10, the first current and the second current loop through the pair conductors30. In the resonator10, the first conductor31, the second conductor32, the third conductor40, and the fourth conductor50form a resonant circuit. The resonance frequency of the resonator10is the resonance frequency of a unit resonator. When the resonator10includes one unit resonator or when the resonator10includes a part of a unit resonator, the resonance frequency of the resonator10varies depending on the base20, the pair conductors30, the third conductor40, and the fourth conductor50, and electromagnetic coupling of the resonator10with the surroundings. For example, when the periodicity of the third conductor40is poor, the entire resonator10is one unit resonator or the entire resonator10is a part of one unit resonator. For example, the resonance frequency of the resonator10varies depending on the length in the z direction of the first conductor31and the second conductor32, the length in the x direction of the third conductor40and the fourth conductor50, and the capacitance of the third conductor40and the fourth conductor50. For example, in the resonator10having a large capacitance between the first unit conductor411and the second unit conductor421, the resonance frequency can be lowered while the length in the z direction of the first conductor31and the second conductor32and the length in the x direction of the third conductor40and the fourth conductor50are reduced.

In a plurality of embodiments, in the resonator10, the first conductive layer41is an effective radiation plane of electromagnetic waves in the z direction. In a plurality of embodiments, in the resonator10, the first surface integral of the first conductive layer41is larger than the first surface integral of another conductive layer. In this resonator10, increasing the first surface integral of the first conductive layer41can increase radiation of electromagnetic waves.

In a plurality of embodiments, the resonator10may include one or more impedance elements45. The impedance element45has an impedance value between a plurality of terminals. The impedance element45changes the resonance frequency of the resonator10. The impedance element45may include a resistor (Resistor), a capacitor (Capacitor), and an inductor (Inductor). The impedance element45may include a variable element that can change the impedance value. The variable element may change the impedance value by an electrical signal. The variable element may change the impedance value by a physical mechanism.

The impedance element45may be connected to two unit conductors arranged in the x direction of the third conductor40. The impedance element45may be connected to two first unit conductors411arranged in the x direction. The impedance element45may be connected to the first connecting conductor413and the first floating conductor414arranged in the x direction. The impedance element45is connected to the first conductor31and the first floating conductor414. The impedance element45may be connected to a unit conductor of the third conductor40at a central portion in the y direction. The impedance element45may be connected to a central portion in the y direction of two first unit conductors411.

The impedance element45is connected electrically in series between two conductive bodies arranged in the x direction in the xy plane. The impedance element45may be connected electrically in series between two first unit conductors411arranged in the x direction. The impedance element45may be connected electrically in series between the first connecting conductor413and the first floating conductor414arranged in the x direction. The impedance element45may be connected electrically in series between the first conductor31and the first floating conductor414.

The impedance element45may be connected electrically in parallel to two first unit conductors411and the second unit conductor421stacked in the z direction and having capacitance. The impedance element45may be connected electrically in parallel to the second connecting conductor423and the first floating conductor414stacked in the z direction and having capacitance.

The resonator10can additionally include a capacitor as the impedance element45to make the resonance frequency lower. The resonator10may additionally include an inductor as the impedance element45to make the resonance frequency higher. The resonator10may include impedance elements45having different impedance values. The resonator10may include capacitors with different electric capacitances as the impedance elements45. The resonator10may include inductors with different inductances as the impedance elements45. The resonator10additionally includes impedance elements45with different impedance values to increase the adjustment range of the resonance frequency. The resonator10may include both a capacitor and an inductor as impedance elements45. The resonator10additionally includes both a capacitor and an inductor as impedance elements45to increase the adjustment range of the resonance frequency. With the provision of the impedance element45, the entire resonator10may be one unit resonator or the entire resonator10may be a part of one unit resonator.

FIGS. 1 to 5are diagrams illustrating a resonator10that is an example of a plurality of embodiments.FIG. 1is a schematic diagram of the resonator10.FIG. 2is a planar view of the xy plane from the z direction.FIG. 3Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIa-IIIa illustrated inFIG. 2.FIG. 3Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIb-IIIb illustrated inFIG. 2.FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B.FIG. 5is a conceptual diagram illustrating a unit structure10X that is an example of a plurality of embodiments.

In the resonator10illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5, a first conductive layer41includes a patch-type resonator as a first unit resonator41X. A second conductive layer42includes a patch-type resonator as a second unit resonator42X. The unit resonator40X includes one first unit resonator41X and four second divisional resonators42Y. The unit structure10X includes a unit resonator40X as well as a part of the base20and a part of the fourth conductor50that overlap with the unit resonator40X as viewed in the z direction.

FIGS. 6 to 9are diagrams illustrating a resonator10that is an example of a plurality of embodiments.FIG. 6is a schematic diagram of the resonator10.FIG. 7is a planar view of the xy plane from the z direction.FIG. 8Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIa-VIIIa illustrated inFIG. 7.FIG. 8Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIb-VIIIb illustrated inFIG. 7.FIG. 9is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8B.

In the resonator10illustrated inFIGS. 6 to 9, the first conductive layer41includes a slot-type resonator as a first unit resonator41X. The second conductive layer42includes a slot-type resonator as a second unit resonator42X. The unit resonator40X includes one first unit resonator41X and four second divisional resonators42Y. The unit structure10X includes a unit resonator40X as well as a part of the base20and a part of the fourth conductor50that overlap with the unit resonator40X as viewed in the z direction.

FIGS. 10 to 13are diagrams illustrating a resonator10that is an example of a plurality of embodiments.FIG. 10is a schematic diagram of the resonator10.FIG. 11is a planar view of the xy plane from the z direction.FIG. 12Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIa-XIIa illustrated inFIG. 11.FIG. 12Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIb-XIIb illustrated inFIG. 11.FIG. 13is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII illustrated inFIGS. 12A and 12B.

In the resonator10illustrated inFIGS. 10 to 13, the first conductive layer41includes a patch-type resonator as a first unit resonator41X. The second conductive layer42includes a slot-type resonator as a second unit resonator42X. The unit resonator40X includes one first unit resonator41X and four second divisional resonators42Y. The unit structure10X includes a unit resonator40X as well as a part of the base20and a part of the fourth conductor50that overlap with the unit resonator40X as viewed in the z direction.

FIGS. 14 to 17are diagrams illustrating a resonator10that is an example of a plurality of embodiments.FIG. 14is a schematic diagram of the resonator10.FIG. 15is a planar view of the xy plane from the z direction.FIG. 16Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIa-XVIa illustrated inFIG. 15. FIG.16B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIb-XVIb illustrated inFIG. 15.FIG. 17is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII illustrated inFIGS. 16A and 16B.

In the resonator10illustrated inFIGS. 14 to 17, the first conductive layer41includes a slot-type resonator as a first unit resonator41X. The second conductive layer42includes a patch-type resonator as a second unit resonator42X. The unit resonator40X includes one first unit resonator41X and four second divisional resonators42Y. The unit structure10X includes a unit resonator40X as well as a part of the base20and a part of the fourth conductor50that overlap with the unit resonator40X as viewed in the z direction.

The resonator10inFIGS. 1 to 17is illustrated by way of example. The configuration of the resonator10is not limited to the structures illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 17.FIG. 18is a diagram illustrating a resonator10including pair conductors30in another configuration.FIG. 19Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line XIXa-XIXa illustrated inFIG. 18.FIG. 19Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line XIXb-XIXb illustrated inFIG. 18.

The base20inFIGS. 1 to 19is illustrated by way of example. The configuration of the base20is not limited to the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 19. The base20may include a cavity20ain the inside as illustrated inFIG. 20. In the z direction, the cavity20ais positioned between the third conductor40and the fourth conductor50. The dielectric constant of the cavity20ais lower than the dielectric constant of the base20. When the base20has the cavity20a, the electromagnetic distance between the third conductor40and the fourth conductor50can be reduced.

As illustrated inFIG. 21, the base20may include a plurality of members. The base20may include a first base21, a second base22, and a connector23. The first base21and the second base22may be mechanically connected to each other through the connector23. The connector23may include a sixth conductor303in the inside. The sixth conductor303is electrically connected to the fourth conductor50or the fifth conductor302. The sixth conductor303is combined with the fourth conductor50and the fifth conductor302into a first conductor31or a second conductor32.

The pair conductors30inFIGS. 1 to 21are illustrated by way of example. The configuration of the pair conductors30is not limited to the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 21.FIGS. 22 to 28are diagrams illustrating a resonator10including pair conductors30in another configuration.FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 22Care cross-sectional views corresponding toFIG. 19A. As illustrated inFIG. 22A, the number of fifth conductive layers301may be changed as appropriate. As illustrated inFIG. 22B, the fifth conductive layer301is not necessarily positioned on the base20. As illustrated inFIG. 22C, the fifth conductive layer301is not necessarily positioned in the base20.

FIG. 23is a plan view corresponding toFIG. 18. As illustrated inFIG. 23, the resonator10may have the fifth conductor302away from the boundary of the unit resonator40X.FIG. 24is a plan view corresponding toFIG. 18. As illustrated inFIG. 24, two pair conductors30each may have protrusions protruding toward the other pair conductor30to be paired. Such a resonator10may be formed by, for example, applying metal paste to the base20having depressions and hardening the applied metal paste.

FIG. 25is a plan view corresponding toFIG. 18. As illustrated inFIG. 25, the base20may have depressions. As illustrated inFIG. 25, the pair conductors30have depressions recessed from the outer surface to the inside in the x direction. As illustrated inFIG. 25, the pair conductors30extend along the surfaces of the base20. Such a resonator10may be formed by, for example, spraying a fine metal material to the base20having depressions.

FIG. 26is a plan view corresponding toFIG. 18. As illustrated inFIG. 26, the base20may have depressions. As illustrated inFIG. 26, the pair conductors30have depressions recessed from the outer surface to the inside in the x direction. As illustrated inFIG. 26, the pair conductors30extend along the depressions of the base20. Such a resonator10may be produced by, for example, dividing a motherboard along an alignment of through hole conductors. Such pair conductors30may be called end-face through holes.

FIG. 27is a plan view corresponding toFIG. 18. As illustrated inFIG. 27, the base20may have depressions. As illustrated inFIG. 27, the pair conductors30have depressions recessed from the outer surface to the inside in the x direction. Such a resonator10may be produced by, for example, dividing a motherboard along an alignment of through hole conductors. Such pair conductors30may be called end-face through holes.

FIG. 28is a plan view corresponding toFIG. 18. As illustrated inFIG. 28, the length in the x direction of the pair conductors30may be shorter than that of the base20. The configuration of the pair conductors30is not limited to these. Two pair conductors30may have configurations different from each other. For example, one pair conductor30may include a fifth conductive layer301and a fifth conductor302, and the other pair conductor30may be end-face through holes.

The third conductor40inFIGS. 1 to 28is illustrated by way of example. The configuration of the third conductor40is not limited to the configurations illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 28. The unit resonator40X, the first unit resonator41X, and the second unit resonator42X are not limited to a quadrature shape. The unit resonator40X, the first unit resonator41X, and the second unit resonator42X may be called a unit resonator40X and the like. For example, the unit resonator40X and the like may be triangular as illustrated inFIG. 29Aor may be hexagonal as illustrated inFIG. 29B. The sides of the unit resonator40X and the like may extend in directions different from the x direction and the y direction as illustrated inFIG. 30. The third conductor40may have the second conductive layer42positioned on the base20and the first conductive layer41positioned in the base20. In the third conductor40, the second conductive layer42may be positioned farther from the fourth conductor50than the first conductive layer41is.

The third conductor40inFIGS. 1 to 30is illustrated by way of example. The configuration of the third conductor40is not limited to the configurations illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 30. The resonator including the third conductor40may be a line-type resonator401. Illustrated inFIG. 31Ais a meander line-type resonator401. Illustrated inFIG. 31Bis a spiral-type resonator401. The resonator of the third conductor40may be a slot-type resonator402. The slot-type resonator402may have one or more seventh conductors403in an opening. The seventh conductor403in an opening has one end opened and the other end electrically connected to a conductor that defines the opening. The unit slot illustrated inFIG. 31Chas five seventh conductors403positioned in the opening. The unit slot has a shape corresponding to a meander line with the seventh conductors403. The unit slot illustrated inFIG. 31Dhas one seventh conductor403positioned in an opening. The unit slot has a shape corresponding to a spiral with the seventh conductor403.

The configurations of the resonator10inFIGS. 1 to 31are illustrated by way of example. The configuration of the resonator10is not limited to the configurations illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 31. For example, the resonator10may include three or more pair conductors30. For example, one pair conductor30may be opposed to two pair conductors30in the x direction. The two pair conductors30differ in distance from the one pair conductor30. For example, the resonator10may include two pairs of pair conductors30. Two pairs of pair conductors30may differ in distance of each pair and length of each pair. The resonator10may include five or more first conductors. A unit structure10X of the resonator10may be aligned with another unit structure10X in the y direction. The unit structure10X of the resonator10may be aligned with another unit structure10X in the x direction without the pair conductors30interposed therebetween.FIGS. 32 to 34are diagrams illustrating examples of the resonator10. In the resonator10illustrated inFIGS. 32 to 34, the unit resonator40X of the unit structure10X is a square, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The configurations of the resonator10inFIGS. 1 to 34are illustrated by way of example. The configuration of the resonator10is not limited to the configurations illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 34.FIG. 35is a planar view of the xy plane from the z direction.FIG. 36Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXVIa-XXXVIa illustrated inFIG. 35.FIG. 36Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXVIb-XXXVIb illustrated inFIG. 35.

In the resonator10illustrated inFIGS. 35, 36A, and36B, the first conductive layer41includes a half of a patch-type resonator as the first unit resonator41X. The second conductive layer42includes a half of a patch-type resonator as the second unit resonator42X. The unit resonator40X includes one first divisional resonator41Y and one second divisional resonator42Y. The unit structure10X includes a unit resonator40X as well as a part of the base20and a part of the fourth conductor50that overlap with the unit resonator40X as viewed in the Z direction. The resonator10illustrated inFIG. 35has three unit resonators40X arranged in the x direction. The first unit conductor411and the second unit conductor421included in three unit resonators40X form one current path401.

FIG. 37illustrates another example of the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 35. The resonator10illustrated inFIG. 37is longer in the x direction than the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 35. The dimensions of the resonator10are not limited to the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 37and may be changed as appropriate. In the resonator10inFIG. 37, the first connecting conductor413differs from the first floating conductor414in length in the x direction. In the resonator10inFIG. 37, the length in the x direction of the first connecting conductor413is shorter than that of the first floating conductor414.FIG. 38illustrates another example of the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 35. In the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 38, the third conductor40differs in length in the x direction. In the resonator10inFIG. 38, the length in the x direction of the first connecting conductor413is longer than that of the first floating conductor414.

FIG. 39illustrates another example of the resonator10.FIG. 39illustrates another example of the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 37. In a plurality of embodiments, in the resonator10, a plurality of first unit conductors411and second unit conductors421arranged in the x direction are capacitively coupled. In the resonator10, two current paths401may be arranged in the y direction, in which current does not flow from one to the other.

FIG. 40illustrates another example of the resonator10.FIG. 40illustrates another example of the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 39. In a plurality of embodiments, in the resonator10, the number of conductive bodies connected to the first conductor31may differ from the number of conductive bodies connected to the second conductor32. In the resonator10inFIG. 40, one first connecting conductor413are capacitively coupled to two second floating conductors424. In the resonator10inFIG. 40, two second connecting conductors423are capacitively coupled to one first floating conductor414. In a plurality of embodiments, the number of first unit conductors411may differ from the number of second unit conductors421capacitively coupled to the first unit conductors411.

FIG. 41illustrates another example of the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 39. In a plurality of embodiments, the number of second unit conductors421capacitively coupled at a first end portion in the x direction of the first unit conductor411may differ from the number of second unit conductors421capacitively coupled at a second end portion in the x direction. In the resonator10inFIG. 41, two first connecting conductors413are capacitively coupled to a first end portion in the x direction of one second floating conductor424, and three first floating conductors414are capacitively coupled to a second end portion thereof. In a plurality of embodiments, a plurality of conductive bodies arranged in the y direction may differ in length in the y direction. In the resonator10inFIG. 41, three first floating conductors414arranged in the y direction differ in length in the y direction.

FIG. 42illustrates another example of the resonator10.FIG. 43is a cross-sectional view taken along line XLIII-XLIII illustrated inFIG. 42. In the resonator10illustrated inFIGS. 42 and 43, the first conductive layer41includes a half of a patch-type resonator as a first unit resonator41X. The second conductive layer42includes a half of a patch-type resonator as a second unit resonator42X. The unit resonator40X includes one first divisional resonator41Y and one second divisional resonator42Y. The unit structure10X includes a unit resonator40X as well as a part of the base20and a part of the fourth conductor50that overlap with the unit resonator40X as viewed in the z direction. In the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 42, one unit resonator40X extends in the x direction.

FIG. 44illustrates another example of the resonator10.FIG. 45is a cross-sectional view taken along line XLV-XLV illustrated inFIG. 44. In the resonator10illustrated inFIGS. 44 and 45, the third conductor40includes only the first connecting conductor413. The first connecting conductor413is opposed to the first conductor31in the xy plane. The first connecting conductor413is capacitively coupled to the first conductor31.

FIG. 46illustrates another example of the resonator10.FIG. 47is a cross-sectional view taken along line XLVII-XLVII illustrated inFIG. 46. In the resonator10illustrated inFIGS. 46 and 47, the third conductor40has a first conductive layer41and a second conductive layer42. The first conductive layer41has one first floating conductor414. The second conductive layer42has two second connecting conductors423. The first conductive layer41is opposed to the pair conductors30in the xy plane. Two second connecting conductors423overlap with one first floating conductor414as viewed in the z direction. One first floating conductor414is capacitively coupled to two second connecting conductors423.

FIG. 48illustrates another example of the resonator10.FIG. 49is a cross-sectional view taken along line XLIX-XLIX illustrated inFIG. 48. In the resonator10illustrated inFIGS. 48 and 49, the third conductor40includes only the first floating conductor414. The first floating conductor414is opposed to the pair conductors30in the xy plane. The first connecting conductor413is capacitively coupled to the pair conductors30.

FIG. 50illustrates another example of the resonator10.FIG. 51is a cross-sectional view taken along line LI-LI illustrated inFIG. 50. The resonator10illustrated inFIGS. 50 and 51differs from the resonator10illustrated inFIGS. 42 and 43in configuration of the fourth conductor50. The resonator10illustrated inFIGS. 50 and 51includes a fourth conductor50and a reference potential layer51. The reference potential layer51is electrically connected to the ground of a device having the resonator10. The reference potential layer51is opposed to the third conductor40with the fourth conductor50interposed therebetween. The fourth conductor50is positioned between the third conductor40and the reference potential layer51. The spacing between the reference potential layer51and the fourth conductor50is narrower than the spacing between the third conductor40and the fourth conductor50.

FIG. 52illustrates another example of the resonator10.FIG. 53is a cross-sectional view taken along line LIII-LIII illustrated inFIG. 52. The resonator10includes a fourth conductor50and a reference potential layer51. The reference potential layer51is electrically connected to the ground of a device having the resonator10. The fourth conductor50includes a resonator. The fourth conductor50includes a third conductive layer52and a fourth conductive layer53. The third conductive layer52and the fourth conductive layer53are capacitively coupled. The third conductive layer52and the fourth conductive layer53are opposed to each other in the z direction. The distance between the third conductive layer52and the fourth conductive layer53is shorter than the distance between the fourth conductive layer53and the reference potential layer51. The distance between the third conductive layer52and the fourth conductive layer53is shorter than the distance between the fourth conductor50and the reference potential layer51. The third conductor40is one conductive layer.

FIG. 54illustrates another example of the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 53. The resonator10includes a third conductor40, a fourth conductor50, and a reference potential layer51. The third conductor40includes a first conductive layer41and a second conductive layer42. The first conductive layer41includes a first connecting conductor413. The second conductive layer42includes a second connecting conductor423. The first connecting conductor413is capacitively coupled to the second connecting conductor423. The reference potential layer51is electrically connected to the ground of a device having the resonator10. The fourth conductor50includes a third conductive layer52and a fourth conductive layer53. The third conductive layer52and the fourth conductive layer53are capacitively coupled. The third conductive layer52and the fourth conductive layer53are opposed to each other in the z direction. The distance between the third conductive layer52and the fourth conductive layer53is shorter than the distance between the fourth conductive layer53and the reference potential layer51. The distance between the third conductive layer52and the fourth conductive layer53is shorter than the distance between the fourth conductor50and the reference potential layer51.

FIG. 55illustrates another example of the resonator10.FIG. 56Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line LVIa-LVIa illustrated inFIG. 55.FIG. 56Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line LVIb-LVIb illustrated inFIG. 55. In the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 55, the first conductive layer41has four first floating conductors414. The first conductive layer41illustrated inFIG. 55does not have a first connecting conductor413. In the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 55, the second conductive layer42has six second connecting conductors423and three second floating conductors424. Each of two second connecting conductors423is capacitively coupled to two first floating conductors414. One second floating conductor424is capacitively coupled to four first floating conductors414. Two second floating conductors424are capacitively coupled to two first floating conductors414.

FIG. 57illustrates another example of the resonator illustrated inFIG. 55. The resonator10inFIG. 57differs from the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 55in size of the second conductive layer42. In the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 57, the length along the x direction of the second floating conductor424is shorter than the length along the x direction of the second connecting conductor423.

FIG. 58illustrates another example of the resonator illustrated inFIG. 55. The resonator10inFIG. 58differs from the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 55in size of the second conductive layer42. In the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 58, a plurality of second unit conductors421differ in first surface integral. In the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 58, a plurality of second unit conductors421differ in length in the x direction. In the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 58, a plurality of second unit conductors421differ in length in the y direction. InFIG. 58, a plurality of second unit conductors421differ from each other in first surface integral, length, and width, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. InFIG. 58, a plurality of second unit conductors421may differ from each other in part of first surface integral, length, and width. A plurality of second unit conductor421may be equal to each other in some or all of first surface integral, length, and width. A plurality of second unit conductor421may differ from each other in some or all of first surface integral, length, and width. A plurality of second unit conductors421may be equal to each other in some or all of first surface integral, length, and width. Some of a plurality of second unit conductors421may be equal to each other in some or all of first surface integral, length, and width.

In the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 58, a plurality of second connecting conductors423arranged in the y direction differ from each other in first surface integral. In the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 58, a plurality of second connecting conductors423arranged in the y direction differ from each other in length in the x direction. In the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 58, a plurality of second connecting conductors423arranged in the y direction differ from each other in length in the y direction. InFIG. 58, a plurality of second connecting conductors423differ from each other in first surface integral, length, and width, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. InFIG. 58, a plurality of second connecting conductors423may differ from each other in part of first surface integral, length, and width. A plurality of second connecting conductors423may be equal to each other in some or all of first surface integral, length, and width. A plurality of second connecting conductors423may differ from each other in some or all of first surface integral, length, and width. A plurality of second connecting conductors423may be equal to each other in some or all of first surface integral, length, and width. Some of a plurality of second connecting conductors423may be equal to each other in some or all of first surface integral, length, and width.

In the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 58, a plurality of second floating conductors424arranged in the y direction differ from each other in first surface integral. In the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 58, a plurality of second floating conductors424arranged in the y direction differ from each other in length in the x direction. In the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 58, a plurality of second floating conductors424arranged in the y direction differ from each other in length in the y direction. InFIG. 58, a plurality of second floating conductors424differ from each other in first surface integral, length, and width, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. InFIG. 58, a plurality of second floating conductors424may differ from each other in some of first surface integral, length, and width. A plurality of second floating conductors424may be equal to each other in some or all of first surface integral, length, and width. A plurality of second floating conductors424may differ from each other in some or all of first surface integral, length, and width. A plurality of second floating conductors424may be equal to each other in some or all of first surface integral, length, and width. Some of a plurality of second floating conductors424may be equal to each other in some or all of first surface integral, length, and width.

FIG. 59illustrates another example of the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 57. In the resonator10inFIG. 59, the spacing between the first unit conductors411in the y direction differs from that of the resonator10illustrated inFIG. 57. In the resonator10inFIG. 59, the spacing between the first unit conductors411in the y direction is smaller than the spacing between the first unit conductors411in the x direction. In the resonator10, current flows in the x direction since the pair conductors30can function as electric conductors. In this resonator10, current flowing through the third conductor40in the y direction can be ignored. The spacing between the first unit conductors411in the y direction may be shorter than the spacing between the first unit conductors411in the x direction. Shortening the spacing between the first unit conductors411in the y direction can increase the surface integral of the first unit conductors411.

FIGS. 60 to 62are diagrams illustrating other examples of the resonator10. These resonators10have an impedance element45. A unit conductor connected to the impedance element45is not limited to the example illustrated inFIGS. 60 to 62. The impedance elements45illustrated inFIGS. 60 to 62can be partially omitted. The impedance element45may have a capacitance character. The impedance element45may have an inductance character. The impedance element45may be a mechanical or electrical variable element. The impedance element45may connect two different conductors in one layer.

An antenna has at least one of a function of emitting electromagnetic waves and a function of receiving electromagnetic waves. The antenna in the present disclosure includes a first antenna60and a second antenna70, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The first antenna60includes a base20, pair conductors30, a third conductor40, a fourth conductor50, and a first feeding line61. In an example, the first antenna60has a third base24on the base20. The third base24may have a composition different from the base20. The third base24may be positioned on the third conductor40.FIGS. 63 to 76are diagrams illustrating the first antenna60that is an example of a plurality of embodiments.

The first feeding line61feeds power to at least one of resonators arranged periodically as artificial magnetic conductors. When power is fed to a plurality of resonators, the first antenna60may have a plurality of first feeding lines. The first feeding line61may be electromagnetically connected to any one of the resonators arranged periodically as artificial magnetic conductors. The first feeding line61may be electromagnetically connected to any one of a pair of conductors viewed as electric conductors from the resonators arranged periodically as artificial magnetic conductors.

The first feeding line61feeds power to at least one of the first conductor31, the second conductor32, and the third conductor40. When power is fed to a plurality of portions of the first conductor31, the second conductor32, and the third conductor40, the first antenna60may have a plurality of first feeding lines. The first feeding line61may be electromagnetically connected to any of the first conductor31, the second conductor32, and the third conductor40. When the first antenna60includes a reference potential layer51in addition to the fourth conductor50, the first feeding line61may be electromagnetically connected to any one of the first conductor31, the second conductor32, the third conductor40, and the fourth conductor50. The first feeding line61is electrically connected to one of the fifth conductive layer301and the fifth conductor302of the pair conductor30. A part of the first feeding line61may be integrated with the fifth conductive layer301.

The first feeding line61may be electromagnetically connected to the third conductor40. For example, the first feeding line61is electromagnetically connected to one of the first unit resonators41X. For example, the first feeding line61is electromagnetically connected to one of the second unit resonators42X. The first feeding line61is electromagnetically connected to a unit conductor of the third conductor40at a point different from the center in the x direction. In an embodiment, the first feeding line61supplies power to at least one resonator included in the third conductor40. In an embodiment, the first feeding line61feeds power from at least one resonator included in the third conductor40to the outside. At least a part of the first feeding line61may be positioned in the base20. The first feeding line61may face the outside from two zx planes, two yz planes, or two xy planes of the base20.

The first feeding line61may be in contact with the third conductor40from the forward direction and the reverse direction of the z direction. The fourth conductor50may be omitted on the periphery of the first feeding line61. The first feeding line61may be electromagnetically connected to the third conductor40through an opening of the fourth conductor50. The first conductive layer41may be omitted on the periphery of the first feeding line61. The first feeding line61may be connected to the second conductive layer42through an opening of the first conductive layer41. The first feeding line61may be in contact with the third conductor40along the xy plane. The pair conductor30may be omitted on the periphery of the first feeding line61. The first feeding line61may be connected to the third conductor40through an opening of the pair conductor30. The first feeding line61is connected to a unit conductor of the third conductor40at a distance from the central portion of the unit conductor.

FIG. 63is a planar view of the first antenna60on the xy plane from the z direction.FIG. 64is a cross-sectional view taken along line LXIV-LXIV illustrated inFIG. 63. The first antenna60illustrated inFIGS. 63 and 64has the third base24on the third conductor40. The third base24has an opening on the first conductive layer41. The first feeding line61is electrically connected to the first conductive layer41through the opening of the third base24.

FIG. 65is a planar view of the first antenna60on the xy plane from the z direction.FIG. 66is a cross-sectional view taken along line LXVI-LXVI illustrated inFIG. 65. In the first antenna60illustrated inFIGS. 65 and 66, a part of the first feeding line61is positioned on the base20. The first feeding line61may be connected to the third conductor40in the xy plane. The first feeding line61may be connected to the first conductive layer41in the xy plane. In an embodiment, the first feeding line61may be connected to the second conductive layer42in the xy plane.

FIG. 67is a planar view of the first antenna60on the xy plane from the z direction.FIG. 68is a cross-sectional view taken along line LXVIII-LXVIII illustrated inFIG. 67. In the first antenna60illustrated inFIGS. 67 and 68, the first feeding line61is positioned in the base20. The first feeding line61may be connected to the third conductor40from the reverse direction of the z direction. The fourth conductor50may have an opening. The fourth conductor50may have an opening at a position where it overlaps with the third conductor40as viewed in the z direction. The first feeding line61may face the outside of the base20through the opening.

FIG. 69is a cross-sectional view of the first antenna60when the yz plane is viewed from the x direction. The pair conductor30may have an opening. The first feeding line61may face the outside of the base20through the opening.

The electromagnetic wave emitted by the first antenna60has a polarization component in the x direction larger than a polarization component in the y direction in the first plane. The polarization component in the x direction attenuates less than a horizontal polarization component when a metal plate comes closer to the fourth conductor50from the z direction. The first antenna60may keep the radiation efficiency when a metal plate comes closer from the outside.

FIG. 70illustrates another example of the first antenna60.FIG. 71is a cross-sectional view taken along line LXXI-LXXI illustrated inFIG. 70.FIG. 72illustrates another example of the first antenna60.FIG. 73is a cross-sectional view taken along line LXXIII-LXXIII illustrated inFIG. 72.FIG. 74illustrates another example of the first antenna60.FIG. 75Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line LXXVa-LXXVa illustrated inFIG. 74.FIG. 75Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line LXXVb-LXXVb illustrated inFIG. 74.FIG. 76illustrates another example of the first antenna60. The first antenna60illustrated inFIG. 76has an impedance element45.

The first antenna60can change the operating frequency by the impedance element45. The first antenna60includes a first feeding conductor415connected to the first feeding line61and a first unit conductor411not connected to the first feeding line61. Impedance match changes when the impedance element45is connected to the first feeding conductor415and another conductive body. In the first antenna60, impedance matching can be adjusted by connecting the first feeding conductor415and another conductive body by the impedance element45. In the first antenna60, the impedance element45may be inserted between the first feeding conductor415and another conductive body in order to adjust impedance match. In the first antenna60, the impedance element45may be inserted between two first unit conductors411not connected to the first feeding line61in order to adjust the operating frequency. In the first antenna60, the impedance element45may be inserted between the first unit conductor411not connected to the first feeding line61and any one of the pair conductors30in order to adjust the operating frequency.

The second antenna70includes a base20, pair conductors30, a third conductor40, a fourth conductor50, a second feeding layer71, and a second feeding line72. In an example, the third conductor40is positioned in the base20. In an example, the second antenna70has a third base24on the base20. The third base24may have a composition different from the base20. The third base24may be positioned on the third conductor40. The third base24may be positioned on the second feeding layer71.

The second feeding layer71is positioned above the third conductor40with a space. The base20or the third base24may be positioned between the second feeding layer71and the third conductor40. The second feeding layer71includes line-type, patch-type, and slot-type resonators. The second feeding layer71may be referred to as an antenna element. In an example, the second feeding layer71may be electromagnetically coupled to the third conductor40. The resonance frequency of the second feeding layer71changes from an independent resonance frequency by electromagnetic coupling with the third conductor40. In an example, the second feeding layer71receives transmission of power from the second feeding line72and resonates together with the third conductor40. In an example, the second feeding layer71receives transmission of power from the second feeding line72and resonates together with the third conductor40and the third conductor.

The second feeding line72is electrically connected to the second feeding layer71. In an embodiment, the second feeding line72transmits power to the second feeding layer71. In an embodiment, the second feeding line72transmits power from the second feeding layer71to the outside.

FIG. 77is a planar view of the second antenna70on the xy plane from the z direction.FIG. 78is a cross-sectional view taken along line LXXVIII-LXXVIII inFIG. 77. In the second antenna70illustrated inFIGS. 77 and 78, the third conductor40is positioned in the base20. The second feeding layer71is positioned on the base20. The second feeding layer71is positioned overlapping with the unit structure10X as viewed in the z direction. The second feeding line72is positioned on the base20. The second feeding line72is electromagnetically connected to the second feeding layer71in the xy plane.

A wireless communication module in the present disclosure includes a wireless communication module80as an example of a plurality of embodiments.FIG. 79is a block structure diagram of the wireless communication module80.FIG. 80is a schematic configuration diagram of the wireless communication module80. The wireless communication module80includes a first antenna60, a circuit board81, and an RF module82. The wireless communication module80may include a second antenna70instead of the first antenna60.

The first antenna60is positioned on the circuit board81. The first feeding line61of the first antenna60is electromagnetically connected to the RF module82through the circuit board81. The fourth conductor50of the first antenna60is electromagnetically coupled to a ground conductor811of the circuit board81.

The ground conductor811may extend on the xy plane. The surface integral of the ground conductor811on the xy plane is larger than that of the fourth conductor50. The ground conductor811is longer than the fourth conductor50in the y direction. The ground conductor811is longer than the fourth conductor50in the x direction. The first antenna60may be positioned on the end side with respect to the center of the ground conductor811in the y direction. The center of the first antenna60may differ from the center of the ground conductor811on the xy plane. The center of the first antenna60may differ from the centers of the first conductor31and the second conductor32. The point at which the first feeding line61is connected to the third conductor40may differ from the center of the ground conductor811on the xy plane.

In the first antenna60, first current and second current loop through the pair conductors30. The first antenna60is positioned on the end side in the y direction with respect to the center of the ground conductor811, whereby the second current flowing through the ground conductor811is asymmetric. When the second current flowing through the ground conductor811is asymmetric, the antenna structure including the first antenna60and the ground conductor811has a larger polarization component in the x direction of radiation waves. Increasing the polarization component in the x direction of radiation waves can improve the total radiation efficiency.

The RF module82may control power supplied to the first antenna60. The RF module82modulates a baseband signal and supplies the modulated signal to the first antenna60. The RF module82may modulate an electrical signal received by the first antenna60to a baseband signal.

In the first antenna60, variation in resonance frequency is small because of the conductor on the circuit board81side. The wireless communication module80has the first antenna60and thereby can reduce the effect from an external environment.

The first antenna60may be integrally configured with the circuit board81. When the first antenna60and the circuit board81are integrally configured, the fourth conductor50and the ground conductor811are integrally configured.

A wireless communication device in the present disclosure includes a wireless communication device90as an example of a plurality of embodiments.FIG. 81is a block structure diagram of the wireless communication device90.FIG. 82is a planar view of the wireless communication device90. In the wireless communication device90illustrated inFIG. 82, a part of the configuration is omitted.FIG. 83is a cross-sectional view of the wireless communication device90. In the wireless communication device90illustrated inFIG. 83, a part of the configuration is omitted. The wireless communication device90includes a wireless communication module80, a battery91, a sensor92, a memory93, a controller94, a first case95, and a second case96. The wireless module80of the wireless communication device90has the first antenna60but may have the second antenna70.FIG. 84illustrates one of other embodiments of the wireless communication device90. The first antenna60of the wireless communication device90may have the reference potential layer51.

The battery91supplies power to the wireless communication module80. The battery91may supply power to at least one of the sensor92, the memory93, and the controller94. The battery91may include at least one of a primary battery and a secondary battery. The negative electrode of the battery91is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the circuit board81. The negative electrode of the battery91is electrically connected to the fourth conductor50of the first antenna60.

Examples of the sensor92may include, but are not limited to, a speed sensor, a vibration sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a rotation angle sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a magnet sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, an optical sensor, an illuminance sensor, a UV sensor, a gas sensor, a gas concentration sensor, an atmosphere sensor, a level sensor, an odor sensor, a pressure sensor, an air pressure sensor, a contact sensor, a wind power sensor, an infrared sensor, a human detecting sensor, a displacement sensor, an image sensor, a weight sensor, a smoke sensor, a liquid leakage sensor, a vital sensor, a battery level sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a receiver device of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals.

Examples of the memory93may include, but are not limited to, a semiconductor memory. The memory93may function as a work memory for the controller94. The memory93may be included in the controller94. The memory93stores, for example, a computer program describing the processing for implementing each function of the wireless communication device90and information used for the processing in the wireless communication device90.

The controller94may include, for example, a processor. The controller94may include one or more processors. The processor may include a general-purpose processor that reads a specific computer program to execute a specific function and a dedicated processor dedicated to a certain process. The dedicated processor may include an IC dedicated to a specific application. The IC dedicated to a specific application may be called an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor may include a programmable logic device. The programmable logic device may be called a PLD. The PLD may include a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The controller94may be one of a system-on-a-chip (SoC) and a system in a package (SiP), in which one or more processors cooperate. The controller94may store, for example, a variety of information or a computer program for operating each component of the wireless communication device90in the memory93.

The controller94generates a transmission signal to be transmitted from the wireless communication device90. The controller94may acquire, for example, measurement data from the sensor92. The controller94may generate a transmission signal in accordance with measurement data. The controller94may transmit a baseband signal to the RF module82of the wireless communication module80.

The first case95and the second case96protect another device of the wireless communication device90. The first case95may extend in the xy plane. The first case95supports the other devices. The first case95may support the wireless communication module80. The wireless communication module80is positioned on an upper surface95A of the first case95. The first case95may support the battery91. The battery91is positioned on the upper surface95A of the first case95. In an example of a plurality of embodiments, the wireless communication module80and the battery91are arranged along the x direction on the upper surface95A of the first case95. The first conductor31is positioned between the battery91and the third conductor40. The battery91is positioned beyond the pair conductor30as viewed from the third conductor40.

The second case96may cover the other devices. The second case96includes an under surface96A positioned on the z direction side of the first antenna60. The under surface96A extends along the xy plane. The under surface96A is not necessarily flat and may include protrusions and depressions. The second case96may have an eighth conductor961. The eighth conductor961is positioned on at least one of the interior, the outside, and the inside of the second case96. The eighth conductor961is positioned on at least one of the upper surface and the side surface of the second case96.

The eighth conductor961is opposed to the first antenna60. A first body9611of the eighth conductor961is opposed to the first antenna60in the z direction. The eighth conductor961may include, in addition to the first body9611, at least one of a second body opposed to the first antenna60in the x direction and a third body opposed to the first antenna in the y direction. A part of the eighth conductor961is opposed to the battery91.

The eighth conductor961may include a first extra-body9612extending to the outside of the first conductor31in the x direction. The eighth conductor961may include a second extra-body9613extending to the outside of the second conductor32in the x direction. The first extra-body9612may be electrically connected to the first body9611. The second extra-body9613may be electrically connected to the first body9611. The first extra-body9612of the eighth conductor961is opposed to the battery91in the z direction. The eighth conductor961may be capacitively coupled to the battery91. Capacitance may exist between the eighth conductor961and the battery91.

The eighth conductor961is spaced apart from the third conductor40of the first antenna60. The eighth conductor961is not electrically connected to the conductors of the first antenna60. The eighth conductor961may be spaced apart from the first antenna60. The eighth conductor961may be electromagnetically coupled to any conductor of the first antenna60. The first body9611of the eighth conductor961may be electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna60. When viewed two-dimensionally from the z direction, the first body9611may overlap with the third conductor40. When the first body9611overlaps with the third conductor40, propagation by electromagnetic coupling may increase. The electromagnetic coupling of the eighth conductor961with the third conductor40may be mutual inductance.

The eighth conductor961extends along the x direction. The eighth conductor961extends along the xy plane. The length of the eighth conductor961is longer than the length along the x direction of the first antenna60. The length along the x direction of the eighth conductor961is longer than the length along the x direction of the first antenna60. The length of the eighth conductor961may be longer than ½ of the operating wavelength A of the wireless communication device90. The eighth conductor961may include a section extending along the y direction. The eighth conductor961may be curved in the xy plane. The eighth conductor961may include a section extending along the z direction. The eighth conductor961may be curved from the xy plane to the yz plane or the zx plane.

In the wireless communication device90including the eighth conductor961, the first antenna60and the eighth conductor961may be electromagnetically coupled to function as a third antenna97. The operating frequency fcof the third antenna97may be different from the resonance frequency of the first antenna60alone. The operating frequency fcof the third antenna97may be closer to the resonance frequency of the first antenna60than to the resonance frequency of the eighth conductor961alone. The operating frequency fcof the third antenna97may fall within the resonance frequency band of the first antenna60. The operating frequency fcof the third antenna97may fall outside the resonance frequency band of the eighth conductor961alone.FIG. 85illustrates other embodiments of the third antenna97. The eighth conductor961may be configured integrally with the first antenna60. InFIG. 85, the configuration of a part of the wireless communication device90is omitted. In the example inFIG. 85, the second case96does not necessarily include the eighth conductor961.

In the wireless communication device90, the eighth conductor961is capacitively coupled to the third conductor40. The eighth conductor961is electromagnetically coupled to the fourth conductor50. The third antenna97includes the first extra-body9612and the second extra-body9613of the eighth conductor and thereby improves in gain compared with the first antenna60in the air.

The wireless communication device90may be positioned on a variety of objects. The wireless communication device90may be positioned on an electrical conductive body99.FIG. 86is a planar view illustrating an embodiment of the wireless communication device90. The electrical conductive body99is a conductor transmitting electricity. The material of the electrical conductive body99includes metal, highly doped semiconductor, conductive plastic, and liquid including ions. The electrical conductive body99may include a non-conductive layer that does not transmit electricity on its surface. The electricity-transmitting section and the non-conductive layer may include a common element. For example, the electrical conductive body99including aluminum may include a non-conductive layer of aluminum oxide on its surface. The electricity-transmitting section and the non-conductive layer may include different elements.

The shape of the electrical conductive body99is not limited to a flat plate and may include a three-dimensional shape such as a box shape. The three-dimensional shape of the electrical conductive body99includes a rectangular parallelepiped and a cylinder. Examples of the three-dimensional shape may include a partially-recessed shape, a partially-penetrated shape, and a partially-protruding shape. For example, the electrical conductive body99may have an annular (torus) shape.

The electrical conductive body99includes an upper surface99A on which the wireless communication device90may be rested. The upper surface99A may extend all over the electrical conductive body99. The upper surface99A may be a part of the electrical conductive body99. The surface integral of the upper surface99A may be larger than that of the wireless communication device90. The wireless communication device90may be placed on the upper surface99A of the electrical conductive body99. The surface integral of the upper surface99A may be narrower than that of the wireless communication device90. A part of the wireless communication device90may be placed on the upper surface99A of the electrical conductive body99. The wireless communication device90may be placed in various orientations on the upper surface99A of the electrical conductive body99. The wireless communication device90may be placed in any orientation. The wireless communication device90may be fixed as appropriate by a retainer on the upper surface99A of the electrical conductive body99. Examples of the retainer include those for surface fixing, such as double-sided tape and adhesive. The examples of the retainer include those for point fixing, such as screw and nail.

The upper surface99A of the electrical conductive body99may include a section extending along the j direction. The section extending along the j direction has a length along the j direction longer than the length along the k direction. The j direction and the k direction are orthogonal to each other. The j direction is a direction in which the electrical conductive body99extends lengthwise. The k direction is the direction in which the length of the electrical conductive body99is shorter than the j direction. The wireless communication device90may be placed on the upper surface99A such that the x direction extends along the j direction. The wireless communication device90may be placed on the upper surface99A of the electrical conductive body99to be aligned with the x direction in which the first conductor31and the second conductor32are arranged. When the wireless communication device90is positioned on the electrical conductive body99, the first antenna60may be electromagnetically coupled to the electrical conductive body99. In the fourth conductor50of the first antenna60, the second current flows along the x direction. In the electrical conductive body99electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna60, current is induced by the second current. When the x direction of the first antenna60is aligned with the j direction of the electrical conductive body99, current flowing along the j direction increases in the electrical conductive body99. When the x direction of the first antenna60is aligned with the j direction of the electrical conductive body99, radiation by induced current increases in the electrical conductive body99. The angle of the x direction relative to the j direction may be equal to or smaller than 45 degrees.

The ground conductor811of the wireless communication device90is spaced apart from the electrical conductive body99. The ground conductor811is spaced apart from the electrical conductive body99. The wireless communication device90may be placed on the upper surface99A such that the direction along the long side of the upper surface99A is aligned with the x direction in which the first conductor31and the second conductor32are arranged. Examples of the shape of the upper surface99A may include a rhombus shape and a circular shape, in addition to a quadrature surface. The electrical conductive body99may include a rhombus-shaped surface. This rhombus-shaped surface may be the upper surface99A on which the wireless communication device90is rested. The wireless communication device90may be placed on the upper surface99A such that the direction along the longer diagonal line of the upper surface99A is aligned with the x direction in which the first conductor31and the second conductor32are arranged. The upper surface99A is not necessarily flat. The upper surface99A may include protrusions and depressions. The upper surface99A may include a curved surface. The curved surface includes a ruled surface (ruled surface). The curved surface includes a columnar surface.

The electrical conductive body99extends along the xy plane. The electrical conductive body99may have a length along the x direction longer than the length along the y direction. The length along the y direction of the electrical conductive body99may be shorter than a half of the wavelength λcat the operating frequency fcof the third antenna97. The wireless communication device90may be positioned on the electrical conductive body99. The electrical conductive body99is positioned away from the fourth conductor50in the z direction. The length along the x direction of the electrical conductive body99is longer than the fourth conductor50. The electrical conductive body99has the surface integral in the xy plane larger than the fourth conductor50. The electrical conductive body99is positioned away from the ground conductor811in the z direction. The length along the x direction of the electrical conductive body99is longer than the ground conductor811. The surface integral in the xy plane of the electrical conductive body99is larger than the ground conductor811.

The wireless communication device90may be placed on the electrical conductive body99in such an orientation that the x direction in which the first conductor31and the second conductor32are arranged is aligned with the direction in which the electrical conductive body99extends lengthwise. In other words, the wireless communication device90may be placed on the electrical conductive body99in such an orientation that the direction in which current of the first antenna60flows and the direction in which the electrical conductive body99extends lengthwise are aligned in the xy plane.

In the first antenna60, variation in resonance frequency is small because of the conductor on the circuit board81side. The wireless communication device90has the first antenna60and thereby can reduce the effect from an external environment.

In the wireless communication device90, the ground conductor811may be capacitively coupled to the electrical conductive body99. The wireless communication device90has a section extending outward from the third antenna97in the electrical conductive body99, thereby improving the gain compared with the first antenna60.

In the wireless communication device90, the resonant circuit in the air may differ from the resonant circuit on the electrical conductive body99.FIG. 87illustrates a schematic circuit of a resonant structure formed in the air.FIG. 88illustrates a schematic circuit of a resonant structure formed on the electrical conductive body99. L3is inductance of the resonator10, L8is inductance of the eighth conductor961, L9is inductance of the electrical conductive body99, and M is mutual inductance of L3and L8. C3is capacitance of the third conductor40, C4is capacitance of the fourth conductor50, C8is capacitance of the eighth conductor961, C8B is capacitance of the eighth conductor961and the battery91, and C9is capacitance of the electrical conductive body99and the ground conductor811. R3is radiation resistance of the resonator10, and R8is radiation resistance of the eighth conductor961. The operating frequency of the resonator10is lower than the resonance frequency of the eighth conductor. In the wireless communication device90in the air, the ground conductor811functions as chassis ground. In the wireless communication device90, the fourth conductor50is capacitively coupled to the electrical conductive body99. In the wireless communication device90on the electrical conductive body99, the electrical conductive body99functions as substantial chassis ground.

In a plurality of embodiments, the wireless communication device90has the eighth conductor961. This eighth conductor961is electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna60and capacitively coupled to the fourth conductor50. The capacitance C8B by capacitive coupling is increased whereby a higher operating frequency is achieved when the wireless communication device90is placed from the air onto the electrical conductive body99. The mutual inductance M by electromagnetic coupling is increased whereby a lower operating frequency is achieved when the wireless communication device90is placed from the air onto the electrical conductive body99. The balance between the capacitance C8B and the mutual inductance M is changed whereby variation in operating frequency can be adjusted when the wireless communication device90is placed from the air onto the electrical conductive body99. The balance between the capacitance C8B and the mutual inductance M is changed whereby variation in operating frequency can be reduced when the wireless communication device90is placed from the air onto the electrical conductive body99.

The wireless communication device90has the eighth conductor961electromagnetically coupled to the third conductor40and capacitively coupled to the fourth conductor50. Having such an eighth conductor961, the wireless communication device90can adjust variation in operating frequency when placed from the air onto the electrical conductive body99. Having such an eighth conductor961, the wireless communication device90can reduce variation in operating frequency when placed from the air onto the electrical conductive body99.

Similarly, in the wireless communication device90that does not include the eighth conductor961, the ground conductor811functions as chassis ground, in the air. Similarly, in the wireless communication device90that does not include the eighth conductor961, the electrical conductive body99functions as substantial chassis ground, on the electrical conductive body99. A resonant structure including the resonator10can oscillate even when chassis ground is changed. This corresponds to that the resonator10including the reference potential layer51and the resonator10including no reference potential layer51can oscillate.

A repeater (repeater) in the present disclosure includes a repeater190as an example of a plurality of embodiments.FIG. 89is a block structure diagram of the repeater190. More than one repeater190may be used, rather than used alone. A signal received by one of a plurality of repeaters190connected to each other is transmitted to another repeater190and transmitted wirelessly. The repeater190includes a wireless communication module80, a transceiver83, a battery91, a memory93, a controller94, a first case95, and a second case96.

The wireless communication module80includes a first antenna60, a circuit board81, and an RF module82as described above. The wireless communication module80may include a second antenna70instead of the first antenna60. The wireless communication module80transmits/receives a wireless signal by the first antenna60. The wireless signal may be, for example, a signal detected by a variety of sensors and may be a signal transmitted from a sensor by radio.

The transceiver83transmits/receives a signal between the antennas connected to each other. For example, the transceiver83included in one repeater190transmits a signal received by the first antenna60of the wireless communication module80to the transceiver83of another repeater190by wire. Another repeater190then transmits the signal received at the transceiver83by the first antenna60of the wireless communication module80. The transceivers83of a plurality of repeaters190are connected to each other by a signal line such as a cable.

The battery91supplies power to the repeater190. The battery91may supply power to at least one of the wireless communication module80, the transceiver83, the memory93, and the controller94. The battery91may include at least one of a primary battery and a secondary battery as described above.

The memory93may function as a work memory for the controller94as described above.

The controller94may include one or more processors as described above. The controller94may store, for example, a variety of information or a computer program for operating each component of the wireless communication device90in the memory93as described above.

The first case95and the second case96protect a device included in the repeater190. The first case95may extend in the xy plane as described above. In an example of a plurality of embodiments, the wireless communication module80and the battery91are arranged along the x direction on an upper surface95A of the first case95. The second case96includes an under surface96A positioned on the z direction side of the first antenna60as described above. The under surface96A extends along the xy plane.

FIG. 90andFIG. 91are planar views of repeaters190. In the repeater190illustrated inFIG. 90andFIG. 91, a part of the configuration is omitted. In an example of a plurality of embodiments, two repeaters190(a first repeater and a second repeater) are used in combination.FIG. 90illustrates the first repeater.FIG. 91illustrates the second repeater.

In the example inFIG. 90, a repeater190(first repeater) is installed on a first surface99FR of an electrical conductive body99such as a metal wall. In the example inFIG. 91, a repeater190(second repeater) is installed on a second surface99BK of the electrical conductive body99. The electrical conductive body99is, for example, a metal door. The first surface99FR is, for example, a front surface of the electrical conductive body99. The second surface99BK is, for example, a back surface of the electrical conductive body99(that is, a surface on the back of the first surface99FR). As illustrated inFIG. 90, the repeater190is installed on the first surface99FR of the electrical conductive body99such that the transceiver83and the first antenna60extending along the x direction on the circuit board81as well as the battery91are covered with the first case95and the second case96. As illustrated inFIG. 91, the repeater190is installed on the second surface99BK of the electrical conductive body99such that the transceiver83and the first antenna60extending along the x direction on the circuit board81as well as the battery91are covered with the first case95and the second case96.

In an example of a plurality of embodiments, two kinds of repeaters190configured in mirror symmetry with respect to the center of the whole in the x direction may be used. For example, the repeater190(second repeater) installed on the second surface99BK of the electrical conductive body99may be mirror symmetric to the repeater190(first repeater) installed on the first surface99FR, as illustrated inFIG. 92.

FIG. 93is a cross-sectional view taken along line P-P of the repeaters190illustrated inFIG. 90andFIG. 91. In an example of a plurality of embodiments, two repeaters190(the first repeater and the second repeater) are respectively provided on the first surface99FR and the second surface99BK that are the front and the back in the z direction of the electrical conductive body99. In an example of a plurality of embodiments, the positions in the y direction of two repeaters190are the same. In another example of a plurality of embodiments, the positions in the y direction of two repeaters190may be different. In the following, when two repeaters190are distinguished from each other, the repeater190disposed on the first surface99FR may be referred to as a first repeater190FR. The repeater190disposed on the second surface99BK may be referred to as a second repeater190BK.

In an example of a plurality of embodiments, the first feeding line61of the first antenna60(first surface-side antenna) included in the first repeater190FR is connected to the transceiver83included in the first repeater190FR. The first feeding line61of the first antenna60(second surface-side antenna) included in the second repeater190BK is connected to the transceiver83included in the second repeater190BK. As illustrated inFIG. 93, the transceiver83included in the first repeater190FR and the transceiver83included in the second repeater190BK are connected by a signal line such as a cable passing through the inside of the electrical conductive body99. The first feeding line61of the first surface-side antenna is connected to the first feeding line61of the second surface-side antenna through the transceiver83. With such a configuration, the first surface-side antenna can receive a radio wave signal coming from the first surface99FR of the electrical conductive body99and pass it to the second surface-side antenna through the signal line. The second surface-side antenna then emits the signal received from the first surface-side antenna. That is, the first repeater190FR and the second repeater190BK connected through the signal line are respectively provided on both surfaces of the electrical conductive body99(for example, metal wall), thereby enabling communication on both sides of the electrical conductive body99.

FIG. 94illustrates repeaters190in another example of a plurality of embodiments. As illustrated inFIG. 94, the second repeater190BK may be mirror symmetric to the first repeater190FR. The transceiver83included in the first repeater190FR and the transceiver83included in the second repeater190BK can be aligned in the x direction with the electrical conductive body99interposed therebetween. This configuration can reduce the length of the signal line connecting the transceiver83included in the first repeater190FR with the transceiver83included in the second repeater190BK. Since the region (for example, hole) processed in the electrical conductive body99through which the signal line passes can be reduced, the installation of the first repeater190FR and the second repeater190BK is much easier.

FIG. 95illustrates repeaters190in another example of a plurality of embodiments. The first antenna60included in the repeater190inFIG. 95may have a reference potential layer51. The reference potential layer51may be electrically connected to the ground conductor811instead of the fourth conductor50.

As another example of a plurality of embodiments, one repeater190A can be configured by the shared use of elements other than the wireless communication modules80of a plurality of repeaters190.FIG. 96is a block structure diagram of a repeater190A. The repeater190A includes a wireless communication module80-1including a first surface-side antenna, a wireless communication module80-2including a second surface-side antenna, a transceiver83, a battery91, a memory93, a controller94, a first case95, and a second case96. The controller94controls the wireless communication module80-1, the wireless communication module80-2, and the transceiver83. The transceiver83transmits/receives a signal between the first surface-side antenna and the second surface-side antenna.

FIG. 97is a cross-sectional view of the repeater190A provided on the electrical conductive body99. In an example of a plurality of embodiments, parts of the repeater190A are respectively provided on the first surface99FR and the second surface99BK that are the front and the back in the z direction of the electrical conductive body99. In the repeater190A, the wireless communication module80-2including the second surface-side antenna is provided on the second surface99BK. The elements other than the wireless communication module80-2of the repeater190A are provided on the first surface99FR. For example, the transceiver83provided on the first surface99FR is connected to the circuit board81of the wireless communication module80-2through a signal line such as a cable. Power to the wireless communication module80-2may be supplied from the battery91on the first surface99FR side by the transceiver83through a power line.

The repeater190A can be configured by the shared use of a plurality of elements other than the wireless communication modules80of a plurality of repeaters190, thereby reducing the number of components in the system including the repeater190A as a whole. For example, the repeater190A can be configured by the shared use of a component having standby current, thereby reducing power consumption. For example, the repeater190A can be configured by the shared use of the battery91, thereby facilitating maintenance.

<<Application Examples of Repeater>>

The electrical conductive body99(for example, metal wall) reflects electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves therefore do not propagate to the back side through the electrical conductive body99. As described above, a signal received by one of a plurality of repeaters190connected to each other is transmitted to another repeater190and transmitted wirelessly. At least one of repeaters190is provided on the first surface99FR and at least one of the other repeaters190is provided on the second surface99BK, thereby enabling communication on both sides of the electrical conductive body99. Repeaters190may be provided, for example, on both surfaces of the electrical conductive body99as described below.

FIG. 98illustrates a metal shutter provided with repeaters190. The electrical conductive body99may be a shutter. The shutter may be, for example, a storm shutter or a fire shutter. A user operates a manual closing device605whereby the shutter moves along guide rails603and is rolled on a take-up shaft601and stored into a case602. That is, the shutter is movable in two states including a stored state and an extended state (in-use state). The shutter includes a plurality of slats604(metal plates in the form of a long strip) extending along the x direction. In an example of a plurality of embodiments, the first surface-side antenna and the second surface-side antenna are respectively attached to both surfaces of one slat604. In another example of a plurality of embodiments, the first surface-side antenna is attached to a first surface of a first slat. The second surface-side antenna is attached to a second surface of a second slat different from the first slat. In the stored state, a plurality of slats604overlap one another and are stored in the case602. Thus, at least one of the first surface-side antenna and the second surface-side antenna is interrupted by another slat604in the stored state. The other slat604is a slat excluding the slat having the first surface-side antenna attached and the slat having the second surface-side antenna attached. In the stored state, communication of at least one of the first surface-side antenna and the second surface-side antenna is interrupted. The repeater190may have a function of power off after a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has passed since at least one of the first surface-side antenna and the second surface-side antenna is interrupted. The operation of the repeater190is unnecessary when the shutter is not used. Because of the function of power off, the repeater190may avoid unnecessary power consumption.

FIG. 99illustrates another metal shutter provided with repeaters190. The shutter inFIG. 99does not have a take-up shaft601. The shutter inFIG. 99moves along rails606in accordance with the user's operation. In the shutter inFIG. 99, the first surface is oriented in the z-axis positive direction during use, while being oriented in the y-axis positive direction in the stored state. In the shutter inFIG. 99, the second surface is oriented in the z-axis negative direction during use, while being oriented in the y-axis negative direction in the stored state. In the example inFIG. 99, a communication signal is interrupted in the y-axis negative direction, for example, due to the presence of a ceiling. That is, also in this case, communication of at least one of the first surface-side antenna and the second surface-side antenna is interrupted in the stored state. The shutter inFIG. 99may also have the function of power off.

FIG. 100illustrates a metal container provided with repeaters190. The electrical conductive body99may be a container. The repeater190can be provided on a metal wall such as a side surface of the container to indicate the interior state to the outside. For example, the repeater190can transmit to the outside, for example, a detection signal of a human detecting sensor detecting an intruder and the like into the container. With provision of the repeater190, the interior state of a sealed space can be monitored externally. The repeater190may be provided in a facility larger than containers. For example, the repeater190may be provided in a mechanical facility (for example, a shield room) having a metal wall. The repeater190may be provided in a facility smaller than containers. For example, the repeater190may be provided on the body of an automobile. For example, the repeater190may be provided on a partition plate that separates the engine room of an automobile from the vehicle interior. Detection data of a variety of sensors indicating a state of the engine room may be transmitted well to the vehicle interior by the repeater190.

As described above, because of the configuration above, the repeater190is less affected by reflected waves by a metal conductor. The repeaters190provided on both surfaces of the electrical conductive body99enable satisfactory communication with the electrical conductive body99interposed therebetween. A conventional monopole antenna may be set up vertically to the electrical conductive body99to perform communication with the electrical conductive body99interposed therebetween. However, the monopole antenna needs to have a length (height) corresponding to the frequency of a communication signal. For example, when a monopole antenna is set up on a shutter, the monopole antenna is unable to be rolled and the shutter may fail to be stored. By contrast, the repeater190is very low-profile since the radiation conductor can be installed parallel to the electrical conductive body99. The repeater190therefore does not impede the storage of the electrical conductive body99when it is provided on the electrical conductive body99such as a shutter. Two repeaters190provided on both surfaces of the electrical conductive body99may be replaced by the repeater190A so that power consumption is further reduced.

The configuration according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and is susceptible to various modifications and changes. For example, the functions included in the components may be rearranged without logical contradiction, and a plurality of components may be combined into one or may be divided.

For example, the repeater190may be disposed on a dielectric body instead of the electrical conductive body99. That is, the first surface-side antenna may be disposed on a first surface of a dielectric body, and the second surface-side antenna may be disposed on a second surface of the dielectric body. Dielectric bodies such as resins with a large dielectric loss, thick concrete walls, or thick glass plates do not reflect electromagnetic waves. However, electromagnetic waves significantly attenuate when passing through such dielectric bodies. Such dielectric bodies therefore may interfere with satisfactory communication. With the configuration above, the repeaters190are provided on both surface of a dielectric body and enable satisfactory communication with the dielectric body interposed therebetween.

For example, the signal line may extend along the surface of the electrical conductive body99and connect the transceivers83to each other, without passing through the inside of the electrical conductive body99. For example, the repeater190can be applied even to an electrical conductive body99that is hard to be provided, in its inside, with a hole for allowing a signal line to pass through.

The transceivers83may be connected to each other using electromagnetic coupling, rather than using a signal line. For example, the transceivers83may be electromagnetically coupled to each other through a slot in the electrical conductive body99.

For example, two repeaters190connected through a signal line may be buried in a hole in the electrical conductive body99and used. That is, at least a part of the repeaters190may be provided in the inside of the electrical conductive body99. In this case, the repeater190in even lower profile can be installed on a surface of the electrical conductive body99.

The drawings that illustrate the configurations according to the present disclosure are schematic. The dimensional ratio and the like on the drawings does not necessarily match the actual one.

In the present disclosure, the notation such as “first”, “second”, and “third” is an example of the identifier for distinguishing the configuration. The configurations distinguished by the notation such as “first” and “second” in the present disclosure may have the numerals interchangeable. For example, the identifiers “first” and “second” of the first frequency and the second frequency are interchangeable. The identifiers are interchanged simultaneously. The configurations are distinguished even after the identifiers are interchanged. The identifiers may be deleted. The configuration with the identifier deleted is distinguished by a reference sign. For example, the first conductor31may be denoted as conductor31. The notation of identifiers such as “first” and “second” alone should not be used for interpretation of the order of the configurations, the ground that an identifier with a smaller number exists, and the ground that an identifier with a larger number exists. In the present disclosure, although the second conductive layer42has the second unit slot422, the configuration in which the first conductive layer41does not have a first unit slot is intended to be embraced.