Patent Publication Number: US-11646144-B2

Title: Multilayer coil component

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims benefit of priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-097639, filed May 24, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to a multilayer coil component. 
     Background Art 
     For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-189451 discloses a multilayer coil component described below. The multilayer coil component includes a base body formed by stacking plural ceramic layers, and a coil conductor disposed inside the base body. The coil conductor has a coil pattern portion, and a pattern connection portion. The coil pattern portion is disposed on each of the ceramic layers, and includes a line portion and a land portion disposed in an end portion of the line portion. The pattern connection portion connects the respective land portions of coil pattern portions that are adjacent to each other in the direction in which the ceramic layers are stacked. As viewed in the stacking direction, the land portion overlaps the line portion located opposite to the pattern connection portion in the stacking direction, and the center of the land portion does not overlap the line portion located opposite to the pattern connection portion in the stacking direction. 
     With the multilayer coil component described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-189451, the land portion has a very large diameter relative to the width of the line portion to ensure that, as viewed in the stacking direction, the center of the land portion does not overlap the line portion located opposite to the pattern connection portion. If such a coil conductor is used for a multilayer coil component having a coil axis parallel to the mounting surface, the stray capacitance due to the land portion having a large diameter may lead to degradation of the radio frequency characteristics in the radio frequency range. Further, the multilayer coil component described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-189451 has an exemplary configuration in which the land portion is positioned inside the inner periphery of the line portion. Such a configuration, however, results in decreased diameter (inside diameter) of the coil diameter, which may make it impossible to obtain a large impedance in the radio frequency range. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure has been made to address the above-mentioned problems, and accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a multilayer coil component that exhibits a large impedance in the radio frequency range, and has improved radio frequency characteristics. 
     A multilayer coil component according to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure includes a multilayer body, and a first outer electrode and a second outer electrode. The multilayer body is formed by stacking plural insulating layers in a length direction, and includes a coil incorporated in the multilayer body. The first outer electrode and the second outer electrode are electrically connected to the coil. The coil is formed by electrically connecting plural coil conductors that are stacked in the length direction together with the insulating layers. The multilayer body has a first end surface and a second end surface that face each other in the length direction, a first major surface and a second major surface that face each other in a height direction orthogonal to the length direction, and a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface that face each other in a width direction orthogonal to the length direction and to the height direction. The first major surface is a mounting surface. The stacking direction of the multilayer body, and the direction of the coil axis of the coil are parallel to the first major surface. The first outer electrode extends to cover at least a portion of the first end surface and to cover a portion of the first major surface. The second outer electrode extends to cover at least a portion of the second end surface and to cover a portion of the first major surface. Each coil conductor has a line portion, and a land portion disposed in an end portion of the line portion. The land portions of the coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction are connected with each other by a via conductor. As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, the land portion is not located inside the inner periphery of the line portion, and partially overlaps the line portion. As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, the land portion has a diameter of not less than about 1.05 times and not more than about 1.3 times (i.e., from about 1.05 times to about 1.3 times) the line width of the line portion. 
     Other features, elements, characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary multilayer coil component according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic plan view of the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1    as seen from a first end surface; 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic plan view of the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1    as seen from a first major surface; 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic plan view of the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1    as seen from a first lateral surface; 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic plan view of the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1    as seen from a second lateral surface; 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic plan view of the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1    as seen from a second end surface; 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic perspective view of another exemplary multilayer coil component according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is an exploded schematic perspective view of an exemplary multilayer body constituting the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  9    is an exploded schematic plan view of the exemplary multilayer body constituting the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic plan view of an insulating layer illustrated in  FIG.  9    that is provided with a coil conductor and a via conductor; 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic cross-sectional view taken in the length direction of the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  12    is an exploded schematic perspective view of another exemplary multilayer body constituting the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; and 
         FIG.  13    is an exploded schematic plan view of the other exemplary multilayer body constituting the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A multilayer coil component according to the present disclosure will be described below. The present disclosure is not limited to the configurations described below but may be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure also encompasses combinations of individual preferred features described hereinbelow. 
     Multilayer Coil Component 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary multilayer coil component according to the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , a multilayer coil component  1  includes a multilayer body  10 , a first outer electrode  21 , and a second outer electrode  22 . Although the configuration of the multilayer body  10  will be described later in more detail, the multilayer body  10  is formed by stacking plural insulating layers, and includes a coil incorporated therein. The first outer electrode  21  and the second outer electrode  22  are each electrically connected to the coil. 
     For the multilayer coil component  1  and the multilayer body  10 , the length direction, the height direction, and the width direction are respectively defined as x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction in  FIG.  1   . The length direction (x-direction), the height direction (y-direction), and the width direction (z-direction) are orthogonal to each other. 
     The multilayer body  10  has a substantially cuboid shape with six faces. The multilayer body  10  has a first end surface  11  and a second end surface  12  that face each other in the length direction, a first major surface  13  and a second major surface  14  that face each other in the height direction orthogonal to the length direction, and a first lateral surface  15  and a second lateral surface  16  that face each other in the width direction orthogonal to the length and height directions. The first major surface  13  serves as the mounting surface in mounting the multilayer coil component  1  onto a substrate. 
     The corners and edges of the multilayer body  10  are preferably rounded. A corner of the multilayer body  10  refers to where three faces of the multilayer body  10  meet. An edge of the multilayer body  10  refers to where two faces of the multilayer body  10  meet. 
       FIG.  2    is a schematic plan view of the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1    as seen from the first end surface.  FIG.  3    is a schematic plan view of the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1    as seen from the first major surface.  FIG.  4    is a schematic plan view of the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1    as seen from the first lateral surface.  FIG.  5    is a schematic plan view of the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1    as seen from the second lateral surface.  FIG.  6    is a schematic plan view of the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1    as seen from the second end surface. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   , the first outer electrode  21  extends to cover a portion of the first end surface  11  and a portion of the first major surface  13 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the first outer electrode  21  covers a region of the first end surface  11  including the edge that meets the first major surface  13 , and does not cover a region of the first end surface  11  including the edge that meets the second major surface  14 . The first end surface  11  is thus exposed in the region including the edge that meets the second major surface  14 . 
     Although a portion of the first outer electrode  21  that covers the first end surface  11  has a height dimension (dimension in the height direction) E 2  that is constant in  FIG.  2   , the height dimension E 2  may not be constant. For example, as viewed in plan in the length direction, the first outer electrode  21  may have a substantially chevron shape with the height dimension E 2  that increases from its each widthwise end portion toward the central portion. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the first outer electrode  21  covers a region of the first major surface  13  including the edge that meets the first end surface  11 , and does not cover a region of the first major surface  13  including the edge that meets the second end surface  12 . 
     Although a portion of the first outer electrode  21  that covers the first major surface  13  has a length dimension (dimension in the length direction) E 1  that is constant in  FIG.  3   , the length dimension E 1  may not be constant. For example, as viewed in plan in the length direction, the first outer electrode  21  may have a substantially chevron shape with the length dimension E 1  that increases from its each widthwise end portion toward the central portion. 
     As described above, the first outer electrode  21  is disposed so as to cover a portion of the first major surface  13  serving as the mounting surface. This configuration improves the mountability of the multilayer coil component  1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  4 , and  5   , the first outer electrode  21  may extend to cover not only a portion of the first end surface  11  and a portion of the first major surface  13 , but also a portion of the first lateral surface  15  and a portion of the second lateral surface  16 . More specifically, the first outer electrode  21  may cover a region of the first lateral surface  15  including the vertex that meets the first end surface  11  and the first major surface  13 , and may not cover a region of the first lateral surface  15  including the vertex that meets the first end surface  11  and the second major surface  14 . Further, the first outer electrode  21  may cover a region of the second lateral surface  16  including the vertex that meets the first end surface  11  and the first major surface  13 , and may not cover a region of the second lateral surface  16  including the vertex that meets the first end surface  11  and the second major surface  14 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the contours of a portion of the first outer electrode  21  that covers the first lateral surface  15  preferably include not only a first edge  51  facing the edge where the first end surface  11  and the first lateral surface  15  meet, and a second edge  52  facing the edge where the first major surface  13  and the first lateral surface  15  meet, but also a line that is oblique to the first and second edges  51  and  52 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the contours of a portion of the first outer electrode  21  that covers the second lateral surface  16  preferably include not only a third edge  53  facing the edge where the first end surface  11  and the second lateral surface  16  meet, and a fourth edge  54  facing the edge where the first major surface  13  and the second lateral surface  16  meet, but also a line that is oblique to the third and fourth edges  53  and  54 . 
     The first outer electrode  21  may not cover a portion of the first lateral surface  15  and a portion of the second lateral surface  16 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  3 , and  6   , the second outer electrode  22  extends to cover a portion of the second end surface  12  and a portion of the first major surface  13 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the second outer electrode  22  covers a region of the second end surface  12  including the edge that meets the first major surface  13 , and does not cover a region of the second end surface  12  including the edge that meets the second major surface  14 . The second end surface  12  is thus exposed in the region including the edge that meets the second major surface  14 . 
     Although a portion of the second outer electrode  22  that covers the second end surface  12  has a height dimension (dimension in the height direction) E 5  that is constant in  FIG.  6   , the height dimension E 5  may not be constant. For example, as viewed in plan in the length direction, the second outer electrode  22  may have a substantially chevron shape with the height dimension E 5  that increases from its each widthwise end portion toward the central portion. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the second outer electrode  22  covers a region of the first major surface  13  including the edge that meets the second end surface  12 , and does not cover a region of the first major surface  13  including the edge that meets the first end surface  11 . 
     Although a portion of the second outer electrode  22  that covers the first major surface  13  has a length dimension (dimension in the length direction) E 4  that is constant in  FIG.  3   , the length dimension E 4  may not be constant. For example, as viewed in plan in the height direction, the second outer electrode  22  may have a substantially chevron shape with the length dimension E 4  that increases from its each widthwise end portion toward the central portion. 
     As described above, the second outer electrode  22  is disposed so as to cover a portion of the first major surface  13  serving as the mounting surface. This configuration improves the mountability of the multilayer coil component  1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  4 , and  5   , the second outer electrode  22  may extend to cover not only a portion of the second end surface  12  and a portion of the first major surface  13 , but also a portion of the first lateral surface  15  and a portion of the second lateral surface  16 . More specifically, the second outer electrode  22  may cover a region of the first lateral surface  15  including the vertex that meets the second end surface  12  and the first major surface  13 , and may not cover a region of the first lateral surface  15  including the vertex that meets the second end surface  12  and the second major surface  14 . Further, the second outer electrode  22  may cover a region of the second lateral surface  16  including the vertex that meets the second end surface  12  and the first major surface  13 , and may not cover a region of the second lateral surface  16  including the vertex that meets the second end surface  12  and the second major surface  14 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the contours of a portion of the second outer electrode  22  that covers the first lateral surface  15  preferably include not only a fifth edge  55  facing the edge where the second end surface  12  and the first lateral surface  15  meet, and a sixth edge  56  facing the edge where the first major surface  13  and the first lateral surface  15  meet, but also a line that is oblique to the fifth and sixth edges  55  and  56 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the contours of a portion of the second outer electrode  22  that covers the second lateral surface  16  preferably include not only a seventh edge  57  facing the edge where the second end surface  12  and the second lateral surface  16  meet, and an eighth edge  58  facing the edge where the first major surface  13  and the second lateral surface  16  meet, but also a line that is oblique to the seventh and eighth edges  57  and  58 . 
     The second outer electrode  22  may not cover a portion of the first lateral surface  15  and a portion of the second lateral surface  16 . 
     Preferred dimensions of the multilayer coil component  1 , the multilayer body  10 , the first outer electrode  21 , and the second outer electrode  22  will be described below. 
     Although the multilayer coil component according to the present disclosure is not limited to a particular size, the multilayer coil component is preferably 0603, 0402, or 1005 in size. 
     (1) Multilayer Coil Component  1  of 0603 Size 
     A length dimension L 2  (dimension in the length direction in  FIGS.  4  and  5   ) of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not less than about 0.57 mm. Further, the length dimension L 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not more than about 0.63 mm (i.e., the length dimension L 2  is from about 0.57 mm to about 0.63). 
     A width dimension W 2  (dimension in the width direction in  FIG.  3   ) of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not less than about 0.27 mm. Further, the width dimension W 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not more than about 0.33 mm (i.e., the width dimension W 2  is from about 0.27 mm to about 0.33). 
     A height dimension T 2  (dimension in the height direction in  FIG.  2   ) of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not less than about 0.27 mm. Further, the height dimension T 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not more than about 0.33 mm (i.e., the height dimension T 2  is from about 0.27 mm to about 0.23). 
     A length dimension L 1  (dimension in the length direction in  FIGS.  4  and  5   ) of the multilayer body  10  is preferably not less than about 0.57 mm. Further, the length dimension L 1  of the multilayer body  10  is preferably not more than about 0.63 mm (i.e., the length dimension L 1  is from about 0.57 mm to about 0.63). 
     A width dimension W 1  (dimension in the width direction in  FIG.  3   ) of the multilayer body  10  is preferably not less than about 0.27 mm. Further, the width dimension W 1  of the multilayer body  10  is preferably not more than about 0.33 mm (i.e., the width dimension W 1  is from about 0.27 mm to about 0.33). 
     A height dimension T 1  (dimension in the height direction in  FIG.  2   ) of the multilayer body  10  is preferably not less than about 0.27 mm. Further, the height dimension T 1  of the multilayer body  10  is preferably not more than about 0.33 mm (i.e., the height dimension T 1  is from about 0.27 mm to about 0.33). 
     The height dimension E 2  of a portion of the first outer electrode  21  that covers the first end surface  11  is preferably not less than about 0.10 mm and not more than about 0.20 mm (i.e., from about 01.0 mm to about 0.20 mm). If the height dimension E 2  is not constant, the maximum height dimension is preferably within the above-mentioned range. 
     The length dimension (dimension in the length direction in  FIG.  3   ) E 1  of a portion of the first outer electrode  21  that covers the first major surface  13  is preferably not less than about 0.12 mm and not more than about 0.22 mm (i.e., from about 0.12 to about 0.22 mm). If the length dimension E 1  is not constant, the maximum length dimension is preferably within the above-mentioned range. 
     The height dimension (dimension in the height direction in  FIG.  6   ) E 5  of a portion of the second outer electrode  22  that covers the second end surface  12  is preferably not less than about 0.10 mm and not more than about 0.20 mm (i.e., from about 0.10 mm to about 0.20 mm). If the height dimension E 5  is not constant, the maximum height dimension is preferably within the above-mentioned range. 
     The length dimension (dimension in the length direction in  FIG.  3   ) E 4  of a portion of the second outer electrode  22  that covers the first major surface  13  is preferably not less than about 0.12 mm and not more than about 0.22 mm (i.e., from about 0.12 mm to about 0.22 mm). If the length dimension E 4  is not constant, the maximum length dimension is preferably within the above-mentioned range. 
     (2) Multilayer Coil Component  1  of 0402 Size 
     The length dimension L 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not less than about 0.38 mm. Further, the length dimension L 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not more than about 0.42 mm (i.e., the length dimension L 2  is from about 0.38 mm to about 0.42). 
     The width dimension W 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not less than about 0.18 mm. Further, the width dimension W 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not more than about 0.22 mm (i.e., the width dimension W 2  is from about 0.18 mm to about 0.22 mm). 
     The height dimension T 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not less than about 0.18 mm. Further, the height dimension T 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not more than about 0.22 mm (i.e., the height dimension T 2  is from about 0.18 mm to about 0.22 mm). 
     The length dimension L 1  of the multilayer body  10  is preferably no less than about 0.38 mm and not more than about 0.42 mm (i.e., from about 0.38 mm to about 0.42 mm). 
     The width dimension W 1  of the multilayer body  10  is preferably not less than about 0.18 mm and not more than about 0.22 mm (i.e., from about 0.18 mm to about 0.22 mm). 
     The height dimension T 1  of the multilayer body  10  is preferably not less than about 0.18 mm and not more than about 0.22 mm (i.e., from about 0.18 mm to about 0.22 mm). 
     The height dimension E 2  of a portion of the first outer electrode  21  that covers the first end surface  11  is preferably not less than about 0.06 mm and not more than about 0.13 mm (i.e., from about 0.06 mm to about 0.13 mm). If the height dimension E 2  is not constant, the maximum height dimension is preferably within the above-mentioned range. 
     The length dimension E 1  of a portion of the first outer electrode  21  that covers the first major surface  13  is preferably not less than about 0.08 mm and not more than about 0.15 mm (i.e., from about 0.08 mm to about 0.15 mm). If the length dimension E 1  is not constant, the maximum length dimension is preferably within the above-mentioned range. 
     The height dimension E 5  of a portion of the second outer electrode  22  that covers the second end surface  12  is preferably not less than about 0.06 mm and not more than about 0.13 mm (i.e., from about 0.06 mm to about 0.13 mm). If the height dimension E 5  is not constant, the maximum height dimension is preferably within the above-mentioned range. 
     The length dimension E 4  of a portion of the second outer electrode  22  that covers the first major surface  13  is preferably not less than about 0.08 mm and not more than about 0.15 mm (i.e., from about 0.08 mm to about 0.15 mm). If the length dimension E 4  is not constant, the maximum length dimension is preferably within the above-mentioned range. 
     (3) Multilayer Coil Component  1  of 1005 Size 
     The length dimension L 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not less than about 0.95 mm. Further, the length dimension L 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not more than about 1.05 mm (i.e., the length dimension L 2  is from about 0.95 mm to about 1.05 mm). 
     The width dimension W 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not less than about 0.45 mm. Further, the width dimension W 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not more than about 0.55 mm (i.e., the width dimension W 2  is from about 0.45 mm to about 0.55 mm). 
     The height dimension T 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not less than about 0.45 mm. Further, the height dimension T 2  of the multilayer coil component  1  is preferably not more than about 0.55 mm (i.e., the height dimension T 2  is from about 0.45 mm to about 0.55 mm). 
     The length dimension L 1  of the multilayer body  10  is preferably not less than about 0.95 mm and not more than about 1.05 mm (i.e., from about 0.95 mm to about 1.05 mm). 
     The width dimension W 1  of the multilayer body  10  is preferably not less than about 0.45 mm and not more than about 0.55 mm (i.e., from about 0.45 mm to about 0.55 mm). 
     The height dimension T 1  of the multilayer body  10  is preferably not less than about 0.45 mm and not more than about 0.55 mm (i.e., from about 0.45 mm to about 0.55 mm). 
     The height dimension E 2  of a portion of the first outer electrode  21  that covers the first end surface  11  is preferably not less than about 0.15 mm and not more than about 0.33 mm (i.e., from about 0.15 mm to about 0.33 mm). If the height dimension E 2  is not constant, the maximum height dimension is preferably within the above-mentioned range. 
     The length dimension E 1  of a portion of the first outer electrode  21  that covers the first major surface  13  is preferably not less than about 0.20 mm and not more than about 0.38 mm (i.e., from about 0.20 mm to about 0.38 mm). If the length dimension E 1  is not constant, the maximum length dimension is preferably within the above-mentioned range. 
     The height dimension E 5  of a portion of the second outer electrode  22  that covers the second end surface  12  is preferably not less than about 0.15 mm and not more than about 0.33 mm (i.e., from about 0.15 mm to about 0.33 mm). If the height dimension E 5  is not constant, the maximum height dimension is preferably within the above-mentioned range. 
     The length dimension E 4  of a portion of the second outer electrode  22  that covers the first major surface  13  is preferably not less than about 0.20 mm and not more than about 0.38 mm (i.e., from about 0.22 mm to about 0.38 mm). If the length dimension E 4  is not constant, the maximum length dimension is preferably within the above-mentioned range. 
     Although each of the first and second outer electrodes  21  and  22  does not cover the second major surface  14  in  FIG.  1   , each of the first and second outer electrodes  21  and  22  may cover the second major surface  14  as illustrated in  FIG.  7   .  FIG.  7    is a schematic perspective view of another exemplary multilayer coil component according to the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the first outer electrode  21  extends to cover the entire first end surface  11 , a portion of the first major surface  13 , a portion of the second major surface  14 , a portion of the first lateral surface  15 , and a portion of the second lateral surface  16 . The second outer electrode  22  extends to cover the entire second end surface  12 , a portion of the first major surface  13 , a portion of the second major surface  14 , a portion of the first lateral surface  15 , and a portion of the second lateral surface  16 . 
     The multilayer coil component  1  illustrated in  FIG.  1    will be described below in more detail. 
       FIG.  8    is an exploded schematic perspective view of an exemplary multilayer body constituting the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  9    is an exploded schematic plan view of the exemplary multilayer body constituting the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , the multilayer body  10  is formed by stacking the following insulating layers in the length direction: an insulating layer  35   a   1 , an insulating layer  35   a   2 , an insulating layer  35   a   3 , an insulating layer  35   a   4 , an insulating layer  31   a , an insulating layer  31   b , an insulating layer  31   c , an insulating layer  31   d , an insulating layer  35   b   4 , an insulating layer  35   b   3 , an insulating layer  35   b   2 , and an insulating layer  35   b   1 . 
     A coil conductor  32   a , a coil conductor  32   b , a coil conductor  32   c , and a coil conductor  32   d  are respectively disposed on the major surfaces of the insulating layer  31   a , the insulating layer  31   b , the insulating layer  31   c , and the insulating layer  31   d . The coil conductor  32   a , the coil conductor  32   b , the coil conductor  32   c , and the coil conductor  32   d  are respectively stacked in the length direction together with the insulating layer  31   a , the insulating layer  31   b , the insulating layer  31   c , and the insulating layer  31   d . These coil conductors are electrically connected to form the coil. 
     The stacking direction of the multilayer body  10  (the direction in which the insulating layers and the coil conductors are stacked) corresponds to the length direction. 
     The coil conductor  32   a , the coil conductor  32   b , the coil conductor  32   c , and the coil conductor  32   d  each have a length equal to a three-quarter turn of the coil. In other words, the number of stacked coil conductors that form three turns of the coil is four. For the multilayer body  10 , the coil conductor  32   a , the coil conductor  32   b , the coil conductor  32   c , and the coil conductor  32   d  together constitute a single unit (equivalent to three turns), and such single units are repeatedly stacked. 
     The coil conductor  32   a  has a line portion  36   a , and a land portion  37   a  disposed in each end portion of the line portion  36   a . The coil conductor  32   b  has a line portion  36   b , and a land portion  37   b  disposed in each end portion of the line portion  36   b . The coil conductor  32   c  has a line portion  36   c , and a land portion  37   c  disposed in each end portion of the line portion  36   c . The coil conductor  32   d  has a line portion  36   d , and a land portion  37   d  disposed in each end portion of the line portion  36   d.    
     The insulating layer  31   a , the insulating layer  31   b , the insulating layer  31   c , and the insulating layer  31   d  are respectively provided with a via conductor  33   a , a via conductor  33   b , a via conductor  33   c , and a via conductor  33   d , which are each disposed so as to penetrate the corresponding insulating layer in the stacking direction. 
     The insulating layer  31   a  provided with the coil conductor  32   a  and the via conductor  33   a , the insulating layer  31   b  provided with the coil conductor  32   b  and the via conductor  33   b , the insulating layer  31   c  provided with the coil conductor  32   c  and the via conductor  33   c , and the insulating layer  31   d  provided with the coil conductor  32   d  and the via conductor  33   d  together constitute a single unit (the portion bounded by dashed lines in  FIGS.  8  and  9   ), and such single units are repeatedly stacked. Thus, the land portion  37   a  of the coil conductor  32   a , the land portion  37   b  of the coil conductor  32   b , the land portion  37   c  of the coil conductor  32   c , and the land portion  37   d  of the coil conductor  32   d  are connected by the via conductor  33   a , the via conductor  33   b , the via conductor  33   c , and the via conductor  33   d . In other words, the respective land portions of coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction are connected with each other by a via conductor. 
     The coil having a substantially solenoid shape and incorporated in the multilayer body  10  is thus formed as described above. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , as viewed in plan in the stacking direction, the land portion of each of the coil conductor  32   a , the coil conductor  32   b , the coil conductor  32   c , and the coil conductor  32   d  is not located inside the inner periphery of the line portion, and partially overlaps the line portion. The above-mentioned positional relationship between the line and land portions of each coil conductor ensures that the coil diameter (inside diameter) of the coil conductor does not decrease even at the position where the land portion is located, and thus a large impedance is obtained in the radio frequency range. 
       FIG.  10    is a schematic plan view of an insulating layer illustrated in  FIG.  9    that is provided with a coil conductor and a via conductor. As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , as viewed in plan in the stacking direction, the land portion  37   a  of the coil conductor  32   a  has a diameter R of not less than about 1.05 times and not more than about 1.3 times (i.e., from about 1.05 times to about 1.3 times) a line width S of the line portion  36   a . If the diameter R of the land portion  37   a  is less than about 1.05 times the line width S of the line portion  36   a , this leads to inadequate connection between the land portion  37   a  and the via conductor  33   a , which in turn results in inadequate connection between the land portion  37   a  and the land portion  37   b  that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction. If the diameter R of the land portion  37   a  is more than about 1.3 times the line width S of the line portion  36   a , this leads to increased stray capacitance due to the land portion  37   a , causing degradation of the radio frequency characteristics of the multilayer coil component  1 . Likewise, for each of the coil conductor  32   b , the coil conductor  32   c , and the coil conductor  32   d  as well, its land portion has a diameter of not less than about 1.05 times and not more than about 1.3 times (i.e., from about 1.05 times to about 1.3 times) the line width of the line portion. 
     Therefore, the multilayer coil component  1  exhibits a large impedance in the radio frequency range, and thus has improved radio frequency characteristics. As for the radio frequency characteristics of the multilayer coil component  1  in the radio frequency range (in particular, from about 30 GHz or above to about 80 GHz or below (i.e., from about 30 GHz to about 80 GHz)), the transmission coefficient S 21  at about 40 GHz is preferably not less than about −1 dB and not more than about 0 dB (i.e., from about −1 dB to about 0 dB), and the transmission coefficient S 21  at about 50 GHz is preferably not less than about −2 dB and not more than about 0 dB (i.e., from about −2 dB to about 0 dB). If the multilayer coil component  1  satisfies the above-mentioned condition, the multilayer coil component  1  can be suitably employed for, for example, a bias-tee circuit within an optical communication circuit. The transmission coefficient S 21  is calculated as the ratio of the power of a transmitted signal to the power of an input signal. The transmission coefficient S 21  at each individual frequency is determined by using, for example, a network analyzer. Although the transmission coefficient S 21  is basically a dimensionless quantity, the transmission coefficient S 21  is normally represented in units of dB by taking its common logarithm. 
     As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, the line width S of the line portion  36   a  of the coil conductor  32   a  is preferably not less than about 30 μm and not more than about 80 μm (i.e., from about 30 μm to about 80 μm), more preferably not less than about 30 μm and not more than about 60 μm (i.e., from about 30 μm to about 60 μm). If the line width S of the line portion  36   a  is less than about 30 μm, this may result in increased direct-current resistance of the coil. If the line width S of the line portion  36   a  is more than about 80 μm, this may result in increased electrostatic capacity of the coil and consequently degraded radio frequency characteristics of the multilayer coil component  1 . Likewise, for each of the coil conductor  32   b , the coil conductor  32   c , and the coil conductor  32   d  as well, its line portion has a line width of preferably not less than about 30 μm and not more than about 80 μm (i.e., from about 30 μm to about 80 μm), more preferably not less than about 30 μm and not more than about 60 μm (i.e., from about 30 μm to about 60 μm). 
     As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, for the coil conductor  32   a , the outer periphery of the land portion  37   a  is preferably in contact with the inner periphery of the line portion  36   a . This configuration sufficiently reduces the area of the land portion  37   a  that is located outside the outer periphery of the line portion  36   a , which in turn sufficiently reduces the stray capacitance due to the land portion  37   a , thus further improving the radio frequency characteristics of the multilayer coil component  1 . Likewise, for each of the coil conductor  32   b , the coil conductor  32   c , and the coil conductor  32   d  as well, the outer periphery of its land portion is preferably in contact with the inner periphery of the line portion. 
     As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, the coil including the coil conductor  32   a , the coil conductor  32   b , the coil conductor  32   c , and the coil conductor  32   d  may have a substantially circular shape, or may have a substantially polygonal shape. If the coil has a substantially polygonal shape as viewed in plan in the stacking direction, the diameter of a circle corresponding to the area of the polygonal shape is defined as the coil diameter, and the axis passing through the center of gravity of the polygonal shape and extending in the stacked direction is defined as the coil axis. 
     As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, each of the land portion  37   a , the land portion  37   b , the land portion  37   c , and the land portion  37   d  may have a substantially circular shape as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , or may have a substantially polygonal shape. If each of the land portion  37   a , the land portion  37   b , the land portion  37   c , and the land portion  37   d  has a substantially polygonal shape as viewed in plan in the stacking direction, the diameter of the circle corresponding to the area of the polygonal shape is defined as the diameter of the land portion. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , each of the insulating layer  35   a   1 , the insulating layer  35   a   2 , the insulating layer  35   a   3 , and the insulating layer  35   a   4  is provided with a via conductor  33   p  disposed so as to penetrate the insulating layer. A land portion connected to the via conductor  33   p  may be disposed on the major surface of each of the insulating layer  35   a   1 , the insulating layer  35   a   2 , the insulating layer  35   a   3 , and the insulating layer  35   a   4 . 
     The insulating layer  35   a   1  provided with the via conductor  33   p , the insulating layer  35   a   2  provided with the via conductor  33   p , the insulating layer  35   a   3  provided with the via conductor  33   p , and the insulating layer  35   a   4  provided with the via conductor  33   p  are stacked so as to overlap the insulating layer  31   a  that is provided with the coil conductor  32   a  and the via conductor  33   a . The via conductors  33   p  thus connect with each other to form a first connecting conductor  41 , and the first connecting conductor  41  is exposed on the first end surface  11 . As a result, the first outer electrode  21  and the coil conductor  32   a  are connected with each other by the first connecting conductor  41 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , each of the insulating layer  35   b   1 , the insulating layer  35   b   2 , the insulating layer  35   b   3 , and the insulating layer  35   b   4  is provided with a via conductor  33   q  disposed so as to penetrate the insulating layer. A land portion connected to the via conductor  33   q  may be disposed on the major surface of each of the insulating layer  35   b   1 , the insulating layer  35   b   2 , the insulating layer  35   b   3 , and the insulating layer  35   b   4 . 
     The insulating layer  35   b   1  provided with the via conductor  33   q , the insulating layer  35   b   2  provided with the via conductor  33   q , the insulating layer  35   b   3  provided with the via conductor  33   q , and the insulating layer  35   b   4  provided with the via conductor  33   q  are stacked so as to overlap the insulating layer  31   d  that is provided with the coil conductor  32   d  and the via conductor  33   d . The via conductors  33   q  thus connect with each other to form a second connecting conductor  42 , and the second connecting conductor  42  is exposed on the second end surface  12 . As a result, the second outer electrode  22  and the coil conductor  32   d  are connected with each other by the second connecting conductor  42 . 
     If the via conductors  33   p  constituting the first connecting conductor  41 , and the via conductors  33   q  constituting the second connecting conductor  42  are each connected with a land portion, the shape of each of the first and second connecting conductors  41  and  42  in this case means a shape excluding the land portion. 
       FIG.  11    is a schematic cross-sectional view taken in the length direction of the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1   . As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the multilayer body  10  is formed by stacking plural insulating layers as illustrated in  FIGS.  8  and  9    in the length direction. Although the boundaries between these insulating layers are indicated by dashed lines in  FIG.  11    for the convenience of illustration, these boundaries may not appear clearly in actuality. 
     The multilayer body  10  includes a coil  30  incorporated therein. The coil  30  is formed by electrically connecting plural coil conductors as illustrated in  FIGS.  8  and  9   .  FIG.  11    does not precisely depict the shape of the coil  30 , the location of each coil conductor, the connection between the coil conductors, and other details. For example, coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction are connected with each other by a via conductor as described above. 
     The coil  30  has a coil axis A. The coil axis A extends in the stacking direction, and penetrates the area between the first end surface  11  and the second end surface  12 . The stacking direction, and the direction of the coil axis A are parallel to the first major surface  13  serving as the mounting surface. 
     The first outer electrode  21  and the coil  30  are connected with each other by the first connecting conductor  41 . More specifically, the first outer electrode  21 , and the coil conductor  32   a  facing the first outer electrode  21  are connected with each other by the first connecting conductor  41 . 
     The first connecting conductor  41  preferably connects the first outer electrode  21  and the coil  30  (coil conductor  32   a ) in a substantially linear manner. Further, as viewed in plan in the stacking direction, preferably, the first connecting conductor  41  overlaps the coil conductor  32   a , and is located closer to the first major surface  13  serving as the mounting surface than the coil axis A. The above-mentioned configurations facilitate the electrical connection between the first outer electrode  21  and the coil  30 . 
     When it is herein stated that the first connecting conductor  41  connects the first outer electrode  21  and the coil  30  in a substantially linear manner, this means that as viewed in plan in the stacked direction, the via conductors  33   p  constituting the first connecting conductor  41  overlap each other, and does not necessarily mean that the via conductors  33   p  are arranged strictly linearly. 
     The first connecting conductor  41  is preferably connected to a portion of the coil conductor  32   a  located closest to the first major surface  13 . This configuration makes it possible to sufficiently reduce the area of a portion of the first outer electrode  21  that covers the first end surface  11 . As a result, the stray capacitance between the coil  30  and the first outer electrode  21  is sufficiently reduced, thus further improving the radio frequency characteristics of the multilayer coil component  1 . 
     Plural first connecting conductors  41  may be disposed. In this case, the first outer electrode  21  (its portion covering the first end surface  11 ) and the coil  30  (coil conductor  32   a ) are connected with each other at plural locations by the first connecting conductor  41 . 
     The second outer electrode  22  and the coil  30  are connected with each other by the second connecting conductor  42 . More specifically, the second outer electrode  22 , and the coil conductor  32   d  facing the second outer electrode  22  are connected with each other by the second connecting conductor  42 . 
     The second connecting conductor  42  preferably connects the second outer electrode  22  and the coil  30  (coil conductor  32   d ) in a substantially linear manner. Further, as viewed in plan in the stacking direction, preferably, the second connecting conductor  42  overlaps the coil conductor  32   d , and is located closer to the first major surface  13  serving as the mounting surface than the coil axis A. The above-mentioned configurations facilitate the electrical connection between the second outer electrode  22  and the coil  30 . 
     When it is herein stated that the second connecting conductor  42  connects the second outer electrode  22  and the coil  30  in a substantially linear manner, this means that as viewed in plan in the stacked direction, the via conductors  33   q  constituting the second connecting conductor  42  overlap each other, and does not necessarily mean that the via conductors  33   q  are arranged strictly linearly. 
     The second connecting conductor  42  is preferably connected to a portion of the coil conductor  32   d  located closest to the first major surface  13 . This configuration makes it possible to sufficiently reduce the area of a portion of the second outer electrode  22  that covers the second end surface  12 . As a result, the stray capacitance between the coil  30  and the second outer electrode  22  is sufficiently reduced, thus further improving the radio frequency characteristics of the multilayer coil component  1 . 
     Plural second connecting conductors  42  may be disposed. In this case, the second outer electrode  22  (its portion covering the second end surface  12 ) and the coil  30  (coil conductor  32   d ) are connected with each other at plural locations by the second connecting conductor  42 . 
     The region where the coil conductors are disposed has a dimension L 3  in the stacking direction of preferably not less than about 85% and not more than about 95% (i.e., from about 85% to about 95%), more preferably not less than about 90% and not more than about 95% (i.e., from about 90% and not more than about 95%) of the length dimension L 1  of the multilayer body  10 . In this regard, the dimension L 3  in the stacking direction of the region where the coil conductors are disposed refers to the distance in the stacking direction from the coil conductor  32   a  connected to the first outer electrode  21  by the first connecting conductor  41 , to the coil conductor  32   d  connected to the second outer electrode  22  by the second connecting conductor  42  (which distance includes the respective thicknesses of the above-mentioned two coil conductors). If the dimension L 3  of the region where the coil conductors are disposed is less than about 85% of the length dimension L 1  of the multilayer body  10 , this results in increased electrostatic capacity of the coil  30 , which may cause degradation of the radio frequency characteristics of the multilayer coil component  1 . If the dimension L 3  of the region where the coil conductors are disposed is more than about 95% of the length dimension L 1  of the multilayer body  10 , this results in increased stray capacitance between the coil  30  and each of the first and second outer electrodes  21  and  22 , which may cause degradation of the radio frequency characteristics of the multilayer coil component  1 . 
     The number of stacked coil conductors is preferably not less than 40 and not more than 60 (i.e., from 40 to 60). If the number of stacked coil conductors is less than 40, this may result in increased stray capacitance and consequently reduced transmission coefficient S 21 . If the number of stacked coil conductors is more than 60, this may result in increased direct-current resistance of the coil. If the number of stacked coil conductors is within the above-mentioned range, the radio frequency characteristics of the multilayer coil component  1  further improve. 
     The distance D between coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction is preferably not less than about 3 μm and not more than about 10 μm (i.e., from about 3 μm to about 10 μm). This configuration helps to increase the number of turns in the coil  30 . This results in increased impedance, and also increased transmission coefficient S 21  in the radio frequency range. The distance D between coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction means the shortest distance between coil conductors that are connected with each other by a via conductor. As such, the distance D between coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction is not necessarily the same as the distance between coil conductors involved in the generation of a stray capacitance. 
     Although  FIGS.  8  and  9    depict an exemplary pattern in which the number of stacked coil conductors that form three turns of the coil  30  is four, another pattern may be employed in which the number of stacked coil conductors that form one turn of the coil  30  is two.  FIG.  12    is an exploded schematic perspective view of another exemplary multilayer body constituting the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  13    is an exploded schematic plan view of the other exemplary multilayer body constituting the multilayer coil component illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  12  and  13   , the multilayer body  10  is formed by stacking the following insulating layers in the length direction: the insulating layer  35   a   1 , the insulating layer  35   a   2 , the insulating layer  35   a   3 , the insulating layer  35   a   4 , an insulating layer  31   e , an insulating layer  31   f , an insulating layer  31   g , an insulating layer  31   h , the insulating layer  35   b   4 , the insulating layer  35   b   3 , the insulating layer  35   b   2 , and the insulating layer  35   b   1 . 
     A coil conductor  32   e , a coil conductor  32   f , a coil conductor  32   g , and a coil conductor  32   h  are respectively disposed on the major surfaces of the insulating layer  31   e , the insulating layer  31   f , the insulating layer  31   g , and the insulating layer  31   h . The coil conductor  32   e , the coil conductor  32   f , the coil conductor  32   g , and the coil conductor  32   h  are respectively stacked in the length direction together with the insulating layer  31   e , the insulating layer  31   f , the insulating layer  31   g , and the insulating layer  31   h . These coil conductors are electrically connected to form the coil. 
     For the pattern as illustrated in  FIGS.  12  and  13   , the number of stacked coil conductors that form one turn of the coil  30  is two. For the multilayer body  10 , the coil conductor  32   f  and the coil conductor  32   g  together constitute a single unit (equivalent to one turn), and such single units are repeatedly stacked. 
     The coil conductor  32   e  has a line portion  36   e , and a land portion  37   e  disposed in each end portion of the line portion  36   e . The coil conductor  32   f  has a line portion  36   f , and a land portion  37   f  disposed in each end portion of the line portion  36   f . The coil conductor  32   g  has a line portion  36   g , and a land portion  37   g  disposed in each end portion of the line portion  36   g . The coil conductor  32   h  has a line portion  36   h , and a land portion  37   h  disposed in each end portion of the line portion  36   h.    
     The insulating layer  31   e , the insulating layer  31   f , the insulating layer  31   g , and the insulating layer  31   h  are respectively provided with a via conductor  33   e , a via conductor  33   f , a via conductor  33   g , and a via conductor  33   h , which are each disposed so as to penetrate the corresponding insulating layer in the stacking direction. 
     The insulating layer  31   f  provided with the coil conductor  32   f  and the via conductor  33   f , and the insulating layer  31   g  provided with the coil conductor  32   g  and the via conductor  33   g  together constitute a single unit (the portion bounded by dashed lines in  FIGS.  12  and  13   ), and such single units are repeatedly stacked. Thus, the land portion  37   f  of the coil conductor  32   f , and the land portion  37   g  of the coil conductor  32   g  are connected by the via conductor  33   f  and the via conductor  33   g.    
     As described above, each two coil conductors  32   f  and  32   g  together make up one turn of the coil  30 , and with respect to the stacking direction, the respective line portions  36   f  and  36   g  of the coil conductors  32   f  and  32   g  do not face each other with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. As compared with the pattern (three-quarter-turn shape) as illustrated in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , the above-mentioned pattern results in increased distance between coil conductors involved in the generation of a stray capacitance (the distance between line portions that face each other in the stacking direction, which in  FIGS.  12  and  13    corresponds to each of the distance between the line portions  36   f  that face each other in the stacking direction and the distance between the line portions  36   g  that face each other in the stacking direction). This leads to reduced stray capacitance and consequently improved radio frequency characteristics of the multilayer coil component  1 . 
     The insulating layer  31   e  provided with the coil conductor  32   e  and the via conductor  33   e , and the insulating layer  31   f  provided with the coil conductor  32   f  and the via conductor  33   f  are stacked on each other. Thus, the land portion  37   e  of the coil conductor  32   e , and the land portion  37   f  of the coil conductor  32   f  are connected by the via conductor  33   e.    
     The insulating layer  31   g  provided with the coil conductor  32   g  and the via conductor  33   g , and the insulating layer  31   h  provided with the coil conductor  32   h  and the via conductor  33   h  are stacked on each other. Thus, the land portion  37   g  of the coil conductor  32   g , and the land portion  37   h  of the coil conductor  32   h  are connected by the via conductor  33   g.    
     The coil  30  having a substantially solenoid shape and incorporated in the multilayer body  10  is thus formed as described above. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  13   , as viewed in plan in the stacking direction, the land portion of each of the coil conductor  32   e , the coil conductor  32   f , the coil conductor  32   g , and the coil conductor  32   h  is not located inside the inner periphery of the line portion, and partially overlaps the line portion. The above-mentioned positional relationship between the line and land portions of each coil conductor ensures that the coil diameter (inside diameter) of the coil conductor does not decrease even at the position where the land portion is located, and thus a large impedance is obtained in the radio frequency range. 
     As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, for each of the coil conductor  32   e , the coil conductor  32   f , the coil conductor  32   g , and the coil conductor  32   h , its land portion has a diameter of not less than about 1.05 times and not more than about 1.3 times (i.e., from about 1.05 times to about 1.3 times) the line width of the line portion. 
     As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, for each of the coil conductor  32   e , the coil conductor  32   f , the coil conductor  32   g , and the coil conductor  32   h , its line portion has a line width of preferably not less than about 30 μm and not more than about 80 μm (i.e., from about 30 μm to about 80 μm), more preferably not less than about 30 μm and not more than about 60 μm (i.e., from about 30 μm and not more than about 60 μm). 
     As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, for each of the coil conductor  32   e , the coil conductor  32   f , the coil conductor  32   g , and the coil conductor  32   h , the outer periphery of its land portion is preferably in contact with the inner periphery of the line portion. 
     As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, the coil  30  including the coil conductor  32   e , the coil conductor  32   f , the coil conductor  32   g , and the coil conductor  32   h  may have a substantially circular shape, or may have a substantially polygonal shape. 
     As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, each of the land portion  37   e , the land portion  37   f , the land portion  37   g , and the land portion  37   h  may have a substantially circular shape as illustrated in  FIG.  13   , or may have a substantially polygonal shape. 
     The insulating layer  35   a   1  provided with the via conductor  33   p , the insulating layer  35   a   2  provided with the via conductor  33   p , the insulating layer  35   a   3  provided with the via conductor  33   p , and the insulating layer  35   a   4  provided with the via conductor  33   p  are stacked so as to overlap the insulating layer  31   e  that is provided with the coil conductor  32   e  and the via conductor  33   e . Thus, as illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the via conductors  33   p  connect with each other to form the first connecting conductor  41 , and the first connecting conductor  41  is exposed on the first end surface  11 . As a result, the first outer electrode  21  and the coil conductor  32   e  are connected with each other by the first connecting conductor  41 . 
     The insulating layer  35   b   1  provided with the via conductor  33   q , the insulating layer  35   b   2  provided with the via conductor  33   q , the insulating layer  35   b   3  provided with the via conductor  33   q , and the insulating layer  35   b   4  provided with the via conductor  33   q  are stacked so as to overlap the insulating layer  31   h  that is provided with the coil conductor  32   h  and the via conductor  33   h . Thus, as illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the via conductors  33   q  connect with each other to form the second connecting conductor  42 , and the second connecting conductor  42  is exposed on the second end surface  12 . As a result, the second outer electrode  22  and the coil conductor  32   h  are connected with each other by the second connecting conductor  42 . 
     For the multilayer coil component  1 , passing electric current from the first outer electrode  21  to the second outer electrode  22  causes an electric field F as illustrated in  FIG.  11    to form in a region of the multilayer body  10  near the first major surface  13 , between a portion of the first outer electrode  21  that covers the first major surface  13  and a portion of the second outer electrode  22  that covers the first major surface  13 . If the land portion of each coil conductor (its portion with a relatively large area) is positioned to cross the electric field F, this may lead to increased stray capacitance and consequently degraded radio frequency characteristics of the multilayer coil component  1 . 
     The configuration illustrated in  FIGS.  12  and  13    is now considered from this point of view. As viewed in plan in the width direction, the land portions of coil conductors connected with each other by via conductors are located in the upper half region of the multilayer body  10  located opposite to the first major surface  13 . More specifically, as viewed in plan in the width direction, the land portion  37   e  and the land portion  37   f  that are connected with each other by the via conductor  33   e , the land portion  37   f  and the land portion  37   g  that are connected with each other by the via conductor  33   f , the land portion  37   g  and the land portion  37   f  that are connected with each other by the via conductor  33   g , and the land portion  37   g  and the land portion  37   h  that are connected with each other by the via conductor  33   g  are located in the upper half region of the multilayer body  10  located opposite to the first major surface  13 . This configuration ensures that the land portions are not positioned to cross the electric field F. This helps to sufficiently reduce stray capacitance, thus further improving the radio frequency characteristics of the multilayer coil component  1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  13   , a portion of the multilayer body  10  that will become the first major surface  13  is indicated as a side  38   f  of the insulating layer  31   f  and a side  38   g  of the insulating layer  31   g . A side  39   f  and a side  39   g , which are respectively located opposite to the side  38   f  and the side  38   g , correspond to a portion of the multilayer body  10  that will become the second major surface  14 . The upper half region of the multilayer body  10  located opposite to the first major surface  13  means a region of the multilayer body  10  closer to the sides  39   f  and  39   g  than a middle line M, which is located at the middle position (the middle position in the height direction) between the sides  38   f  and  38   g  that will become the first major surface  13  and the sides  39   f  and  39   g  that will become the second major surface  14 . 
     Land portions not involved in the connection between coil conductors, such as the land portion  37   e  connected to the via conductors  33   p  constituting the first connecting conductor  41  and the land portion  37   h  connected to the via conductors  33   q  constituting the second connecting conductor  42  (i.e., land portions involved in connecting coil conductors to the first connecting conductor  41  and to the second connecting conductor  42 ) may not be located in the upper half region of the multilayer body  10  located opposite to the first major surface  13 . 
     The following describes preferred dimensions for each of the coil conductor  32   a , the coil conductor  32   b , the coil conductor  32   c , the coil conductor  32   d , the coil conductor  32   e , the coil conductor  32   f , the coil conductor  32   g , and the coil conductor  32   h , and for each of the first connecting conductor  41  and the second connecting conductor  42 . 
     As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, each coil conductor has an inside diameter (coil diameter) of preferably not less than about 15% and not more than about 40% (i.e., from about 15% to about 40%) of the width dimension W 1  of the multilayer body  10 . 
     Each connecting conductor has a length dimension (dimension in the length direction) of preferably not less than about 2.5% and not more than about 7.5% (i.e., from about 2.5% to about 7.5%), more preferably not less than about 2.5% and not more than about 5.0% (i.e., from about 2.5% to about 5.0%) of the length dimension L 1  of the multilayer body  10 . This configuration results in reduced inductance of each connecting conductor, leading to improved radio frequency characteristics of the multilayer coil component  1 . 
     Each connecting conductor has a width dimension (dimension in the width direction) of preferably not less than about 8% and not more than about 20% (i.e., from about 8% to about 20%) of the width dimension W 1  of the multilayer body  10 . 
     Specific examples of preferred dimensions of each coil conductor and each connecting conductor will be described below separately for each of the multilayer coil component  1  of 0603 size, the multilayer coil component  1  of 0402 size, and the multilayer coil component  1  of 1005 size. 
     (1) Multilayer Coil Component  1  of 0603 Size 
     As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, each coil conductor has an inside diameter (coil diameter) of preferably not less than about 50 μm and not more than about 100 μm (i.e., from about 50 μm to about 100 μm). 
     Each connecting conductor has a length dimension of preferably not less than about 15 μm and not more than about 45 μm (i.e., from about 15 μm to about 45 μm), more preferably not less than about 15 μm and not more than about 30 μm (i.e., from about 15 μm to about 30 μm). 
     Each connecting conductor has a width dimension of preferably not less than about 30 μm and not more than about 60 μm (i.e., from about 30 μm to about 60 μm). 
     (2) Multilayer Coil Component  1  of 0402 Size 
     As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, each coil conductor has an inside diameter (coil diameter) of preferably not less than about 30 μm and not more than about 70 μm (i.e., from about 30 μm to about 70 μm). 
     Each connecting conductor has a length dimension of preferably not less than about 10 μm and not more than about 30 μm (i.e., from about 10 μm to about 30 μm), more preferably not less than about 10 μm and not more than about 25 μm (i.e., from about 10 μm to about 25 μm). 
     Each connecting conductor has a width dimension of preferably not less than about 20 μm and not more than about 40 μm (i.e., from about 20 μm to about 40 μm). 
     (3) Multilayer Coil Component  1  of 1005 Size 
     As viewed in plan in the stacking direction, each coil conductor has an inside diameter (coil diameter) of preferably not less than about 80 μm and not more than about 170 μm (i.e., from about 80 μm to about 170 μm). 
     Each connecting conductor has a length dimension of preferably not less than about 25 μm and not more than about 75 μm (i.e., from about 25 μm to about 75 μm), more preferably not less than about 25 μm and not more than about 50 μm (i.e., from about 25 μm to about 50 μm). 
     Each connecting conductor has a width dimension of preferably not less than about 40 μm and not more than about 100 μm (i.e., from about 40 μm to about 100 μm). 
     Method for Manufacturing Multilayer Coil Component 
     An exemplary method for manufacturing a multilayer coil component according to the present disclosure will be described below. 
     First, ceramic green sheets that will eventually become individual insulating layers are fabricated. For example, an organic binder such as polyvinyl butyral-based resin, an organic solvent such as ethanol or toluene, and a dispersant are added to a ferrite material, followed by kneading to form a slurry. Then, by using a method such as doctor-blade, each ceramic green sheet with a thickness of about 12 μm is fabricated. 
     Examples of ferrite materials include those fabricated by a method described below. First, iron, nickel, zinc, and copper oxide raw materials are mixed together and calcined at about 800° C. for about one hour. The resulting calcined product is ground in a ball mill and dried, thus yielding a Ni—Zn—Cu-based ferrite material (oxide powder mixture) with a mean grain diameter of about 2 μm. 
     In fabricating each ceramic green sheet by use of a ferrite material, the ferrite material used preferably has the following composition from the viewpoint of obtaining a high inductance: FE 2 O 3  at not less than about 40 mol % and not more than about 49.5 mol % (i.e., from about 40 mol % to about 49.5 mol %); ZnO at not less than about 5 mol % and not more than about 35 mol % (i.e., from about 5 mol % to about 35 mol %); CuO at not less than about 4 mol % and not more than about 12 mol % (i.e., from about 4 mol % to about 12 mol %); and the remainder including NiO and trace amounts of additives (including incidental impurities). 
     Exemplary materials of a ceramic green sheet may include, besides magnetic materials such as the ferrite material mentioned above, non-magnetic materials such as glass-ceramic materials, and mixtures of magnetic and non-magnetic materials. 
     Subsequently, a conductor pattern that will eventually become each of a coil conductor and a via conductor is formed on each ceramic green sheet. For example, first, laser beam machining is applied to the ceramic green sheet to form a via hole with a diameter of not less than about 20 μm and not more than about 30 μm (i.e., from about 20 μm to about 30 μm). The via hole is then filled with a conductive paste such as a silver paste to form a via-conductor pattern, which is a conductor pattern that will become a via conductor. Further, a coil-conductor pattern, which is a conductor pattern that will become a coil conductor, is printed at a thickness of about 11 μm on the major surface of the ceramic green sheet by screen printing or other methods with a conductive paste such as a silver paste. An example of such a coil-conductor pattern printed is a conductor pattern corresponding to each coil conductor as illustrated in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , or a conductor pattern corresponding to each coil conductor as illustrated in  FIGS.  12  and  13   . At this time, a land portion pattern, which will eventually become a land portion, is formed such that the land portion pattern is not located inside the inner periphery of a line portion pattern, which will eventually become a line portion, and that the land portion pattern partially overlaps the line portion pattern. Further, the respective sizes of the land portion pattern and the line portion pattern are adjusted such that upon completion of the final multilayer coil component, the land portion has a diameter of not less than about 1.05 times and not more than about 1.3 times (i.e., from about 1.05 times to about 1.3 times) the line width of the line portion. 
     The resulting ceramic green sheet is then dried, thus obtaining a coil sheet with the coil-conductor pattern and the via-conductor pattern formed on the ceramic green sheet. The coil-conductor pattern and the via-conductor pattern on the coil sheet are connected with each other. 
     Separately from such coil sheets, via sheets with a via-conductor pattern formed on the ceramic green sheet are fabricated. The via-conductor pattern on each via sheet is a conductor pattern that will eventually become each via conductor constituting a connecting conductor. 
     Subsequently, coil sheets are stacked in a predetermined order such that a coil with a coil axis parallel to the mounting surface will be formed inside the multilayer body after separation into discrete chips and firing. Further, via sheets are stacked on the top and bottom of the stack of coil sheets. 
     Subsequently, the stack of coil sheets and the stack of via sheets are subjected to pressure bonding under heat to obtain a pressure-bonded body, which is then cut into smaller portions with dimensions corresponding to a predetermined chip size to thereby obtain discrete chips. The discrete chips are subjected to, for example, barrel finishing to have rounded corners and rounded edges. 
     Subsequently, each discrete chip is subjected to de-binding and firing at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time to thereby form a multilayer body (fired body) with a coil incorporated therein. After the firing process, the coil-conductor pattern and the via-conductor pattern respectively become a coil conductor and a via conductor. The coil is made up of coil conductors connected by via conductors. The stacking direction of the multilayer body, and the direction of the coil axis of the coil are parallel to the mounting surface. 
     Subsequently, the multilayer body is immersed obliquely in a layer of a conductive paste such as a silver paste drawn into a predetermined thickness, following by baking to form an underlying electrode layer for the outer electrode on four faces (the major surface, the end surface, and both lateral surfaces) of the multilayer body. As opposed to a method of forming an underlying electrode layer on each of the major surface and the end surface of the multilayer body in two separate steps, the above-mentioned method makes it possible to form the underlying electrode layer at once in a single step. 
     Subsequently, a nickel coating and a tin coating are sequentially formed at a predetermined thickness on the underlying electrode layer by plating. As a result, an outer electrode is formed. 
     Through the above-mentioned process, the multilayer coil component according to the present disclosure is manufactured. 
     While preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.