Patent Publication Number: US-2021167482-A1

Title: Power distribution/coupling circuit and power distribution/coupling component

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-162137 filed on Aug. 30, 2018 and is a Continuation Application of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2019/033951 filed on Aug. 29, 2019. The entire contents of each application are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a power distribution/coupling circuit, and a power distribution/coupling component including a multilayer body in which a plurality of dielectric layers are stacked in a stacking direction. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A power distribution/coupling component (divider) is used in a large base station for mobile communications, such as mobile phones. 
     The power distribution/coupling component is used, for example, to suppress deterioration of amplification efficiency due to a low noise amplifier (LNA). That is, power is amplified by the LNA in a base station in some cases, but it is known that as input power increases, linearity of output of the LNA deteriorates and the amplification efficiency deteriorates. Therefore, two power distribution/coupling components are prepared, the power is distributed into two by the first power distribution/coupling component, and the two smaller powers are amplified by separate LNAs, the two amplified powers are coupled into one power by the second power distribution/coupling component, and thus the deterioration of the amplification efficiency of the LNA is suppressed. 
     Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-280864 discloses a power distribution/coupling component (power distribution component) that can be used for such an application.  FIG. 15  shows an equivalent circuit diagram of a power distribution/coupling component  1000  disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-280864. 
     The power distribution/coupling component  1000  includes a common input-output terminal  101  and input-output terminals  102  and  103 . Two inductors L 101  and L 102  are connected to the common input-output terminal  101 . The input-output terminal  102  is connected to the inductor L 101 . The input-output terminal  103  is connected to the inductor L 102 . A capacitor C 101  is connected between a connection point between the inductor L 101  and the input-output terminal  102  and a ground. A capacitor C 102  is connected between a connection point between the inductor L 102  and the input-output terminal  103  and the ground. A capacitor C 103  is connected between the common input-output terminal  101  and the ground. A resistor R 101  is connected between the input-output terminal  102  and the input-output terminal  103 . 
     The power distribution/coupling component  1000  can distribute power input to the common input-output terminal  101  into two and output the power from the input-output terminal  102  and the input-output terminal  103 . Further, the power distribution/coupling component  1000  can couple the power input to the input-output terminal  102  and the input-output terminal  103  into one and output the power from the common input-output terminal  101 . This circuit included in the power distribution/coupling component  1000  is referred to as a Wilkinson power distribution circuit in some cases. 
     In the power distribution/coupling component  1000 , isolation between the input-output terminal  102  and the input-output terminal  103  is insufficient. That is, in S32 characteristics showing the isolation between the input-output terminal  102  and the input-output terminal  103 , a width of a band in which a sufficiently large attenuation is obtained is narrow. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide power distribution/coupling circuits and power distribution/coupling components. 
     A power distribution/coupling circuit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a common terminal, a first terminal, a second terminal, a first connection point connected to the common terminal, a first inductor connected between the first connection point and the first terminal, a second inductor connected between the first connection point and the second terminal, a first capacitor shunt-connected between an end of the first inductor closer to the first terminal and a ground, a second capacitor shunt-connected between an end of the second inductor closer to the second terminal and the ground, a third capacitor shunt-connected between the first connection point and the ground, a resistor connected between the first terminal and the second terminal, in which the power distribution/coupling circuit distributes electric power input to the common terminal at the first connection point and outputs the electric power from the first terminal and the second terminal, or couples the electric power input to the first terminal and the second terminal at the first connection point and outputs the electric power from the common terminal, and the power distribution/coupling circuit further includes a third inductor connected between the common terminal and the first connection point, and a fourth capacitor shunt-connected between an end of the third inductor closer to the common terminal and the ground. 
     A power distribution/coupling component according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a multilayer body including a plurality of dielectric layers that are stacked in a stacking direction, a first inductor conductor and a second inductor conductor each including a winding axis in the stacking direction, a connecting conductor connecting a first end of the first inductor conductor and a first end of the second inductor conductor, a third inductor conductor including a winding axis in the stacking direction and a first end connected to the connecting conductor, a first capacitor conductor connected to a second end of the first inductor conductor, a second capacitor conductor connected to a second end of the second inductor conductor, a third capacitor conductor connected to the connecting conductor, a fourth capacitor conductor connected to a second end of the third inductor conductor, and a ground conductor, wherein the ground conductor is disposed so as to generate a capacitance with each of the first capacitor conductor, the second capacitor conductor, the third capacitor conductor, and the fourth capacitor conductor, and when the multilayer body is viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction, the first inductor conductor and the second inductor conductor each include an air core portion including the winding axis, and the air core portion of the first inductor conductor does not overlap with the connecting conductor, and the air core portion of the second inductor conductor does not overlap with the connecting conductor. 
     A power distribution/coupling component according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a multilayer body including a plurality of dielectric layers that are stacked in a stacking direction, a common external terminal, a first external terminal, a second external terminal, a connecting conductor, a first inductor conductor including a winding axis in the stacking direction, a first end connected to the connecting conductor, and a second end connected to the first external terminal, a second inductor conductor including a winding axis in the stacking direction, a first end connected to the connecting conductor, and a second end connected to the second external terminal, a third inductor conductor including a winding axis in the stacking direction, a first end connected to the common external terminal, and a second end connected to the connecting conductor, a first capacitor conductor connected to the second end of the first inductor conductor, a second capacitor conductor connected to the second end of the second inductor conductor, a third capacitor conductor connected to the connecting conductor, a fourth capacitor conductor connected to the first end of the third inductor conductor, wherein the ground conductor is disposed so as to generate a capacitance with each of the first capacitor conductor, the second capacitor conductor, the third capacitor conductor, and the fourth capacitor conductor, when the multilayer body is viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction, the first inductor conductor, the second inductor conductor, and the third inductor conductor each include an air core portion including the winding axis, at least a portion of the air core portion of the third inductor conductor is sandwiched between the air core portion of the first inductor conductor and the air core portion of the second inductor conductor, a winding direction from the first end to the second end of the first inductor conductor is different from a winding direction from the first end to the second end of the second inductor conductor, and when a direction in which the air core portion of the first inductor conductor and the air core portion of the second inductor conductor are arranged as viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction of the multilayer body is defined as an arrangement direction of the first inductor conductor and the second inductor conductor, in the arrangement direction, the winding direction of an outermost first portion of the first inductor conductor and the winding direction of an outermost first portion of the second inductor conductor are a same direction, and the winding direction of a second portion of the first inductor conductor facing the first end of the first inductor conductor with the air core portion interposed between the second portion of the first inductor conductor and the first end of the first inductor conductor and the winding direction of a second portion of the second inductor conductor facing the first end of the second inductor conductor with the air core portion interposed between the second portion of the second inductor conductor and the first end of the second inductor conductor in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction at a right angle are inwardly opposing directions in the arrangement direction. 
     In the power distribution/coupling circuits according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, good isolation is obtained between the first terminal and the second terminal. That is, the power distribution/coupling circuits according to preferred embodiments of the present invention each have a wide band in which sufficiently large attenuation is obtained in the S32 characteristics. 
     Further, in the power distribution/coupling components according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, power distribution/coupling circuits according to preferred embodiments of the present invention can be easily provided. Further, in the power distribution/coupling components according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the air core portion of the first inductor conductor and the air core portion of the second inductor conductor do not overlap with the connecting conductor when the multilayer body is viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction. Thus, the first inductor conductor and the second inductor conductor can provide a magnetic flux without being hindered by the connecting conductor. 
     Further, in the power distribution/coupling components according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the power distribution/coupling circuits according to preferred embodiments of the present invention can be easily provided. Further, in the power distribution/coupling components according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, a width of a band having a small return loss is able to be widened. 
     The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an equivalent circuit diagram of a power distribution/coupling circuit  100  according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a power distribution/coupling component  200  according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the power distribution/coupling component  200 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the power distribution/coupling component  200  viewed from a stacking direction in a plan view. 
         FIG. 5  is a graph showing S32 characteristics of Example 1 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an equivalent circuit diagram of a power distribution/coupling circuit  300  according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of a power distribution/coupling component  400  according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a main portion of the power distribution/coupling component  400 . 
         FIG. 9  is a graph showing the S32 characteristics of Example 2 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a graph showing the S32 characteristics of Example 3 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is an equivalent circuit diagram of a power distribution/coupling circuit  500  according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an exploded main portion of a power distribution/coupling component  600  according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an exploded main portion of a power distribution/coupling component  700  according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are graphs showing characteristics of a power distribution/coupling circuit using each of the power distribution/coupling component  600  and the power distribution/coupling component  700 . 
         FIG. 15  is an equivalent circuit diagram of a power distribution/coupling component  1000  disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-280864. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     It should be noted that each preferred embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the contents of the preferred embodiments. It is also possible to combine the contents described in different preferred embodiments, and the contents of the preferred embodiments are also included in the present invention. Further, the drawings are for the purpose of assisting the understanding of the specification, and may be drawn schematically. The elements or the ratio of the dimensions between the elements do not match the ratio of the dimensions of those described in the specification in some cases. In addition, the elements described in the specification may be omitted in the drawings, or may be drawn by omitting some of the elements. 
     First Preferred Embodiment 
     Power Distribution/Coupling Circuit  100   
       FIG. 1  shows an equivalent circuit diagram of a power distribution/coupling circuit  100  according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 1 , a portion of the circuit is surrounded by a broken line, and as will be described later, this portion is defined by a power distribution/coupling component  200  in the present preferred embodiment. 
     The power distribution/coupling circuit  100  includes a common terminal TC, a first terminal T 1 , and a second terminal T 2 . Further, the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  includes a first connection point P 1 . 
     A first inductor L 1  is connected between the first connection point P 1  and the first terminal T 1 . Further, a second inductor L 2  is connected between the first connection point P 1  and the second terminal T 2 . 
     A first capacitor C 1  is shunt-connected between an end of the first inductor L 1  closer to the first terminal T 1  and a ground. Further, a second capacitor C 2  is shunt-connected between an end of the second inductor L 2  closer to the second terminal T 2  and the ground. Further, a third capacitor C 3  is shunt-connected between the first connection point P 1  and the ground. Note that the shunt connection refers to connecting an object between an arbitrary point in the circuit and the ground. 
     The third capacitor C 3  can also be considered as a capacitor in which a virtual capacitor CX (not shown) is shut-connected between the end of the first inductor L 1  closer to the first connection point P 1  and the ground, a virtual capacitor CY (not shown) is shunt-connected between the end of the second inductor L 2  closer to the first connection point P 1  and the ground, and the virtual capacitor CX and the virtual capacitor CY are added together. 
     A resistor R 1  is connected between the first terminal T 1  and the second terminal T 2 . 
     A third inductor L 3  is connected between the common terminal TC and the first connection point P 1 . Further, a fourth capacitor C 4  is shunt-connected between an end of the third inductor L 3  closer to the common terminal TC and the ground. The power distribution/coupling circuit  100  is provided with the third inductor L 3  and the fourth capacitor C 4  in order to obtain good isolation between the first terminal T 1  and the second terminal T 2 . 
     The power distribution/coupling circuit  100  can distribute the power input to the common terminal TC into two and output the power from the first terminal T 1  and the second terminal T 2 . Further, the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  can couple the power input to the first terminal T 1  and the second terminal T 2  into one and output the power from the common terminal TC. 
     Power Distribution/Coupling Component  200   
     As described above, in the present preferred embodiment, a portion of the circuit of the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  surrounded by the broken line in  FIG. 1  is defined by the power distribution/coupling component  200 . 
       FIGS. 2, 3, and 4  show the power distribution/coupling component  200 .  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the power distribution/coupling component  200 .  FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the power distribution/coupling component  200 .  FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a via conductor, an inductor conductor, and a connecting conductor formed inside the power distribution/coupling component  200  when viewed in a plan view from a stacking direction. 
     The power distribution/coupling component  200  includes a multilayer body  1  in which a plurality of dielectric layers  1   a  to  1   i  are stacked. The multilayer body  1  may have any suitable shape, but in the present preferred embodiment, preferably has a rectangular or substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape including a lower main surface, an upper main surface, and four side surfaces connecting the lower main surface and the upper main surface. 
     A material of the multilayer body  1  (dielectric layers  1   a  to  1   i ) is not particularly limited, but low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC), for example, is preferably used in the present preferred embodiment. 
     Six external terminals  2   a  to  2   f  are provided on an outer surface of the multilayer body  1 . The six external terminals  2   a  to  2   f  are provided separately on a front side surface and a back side surface of the multilayer body  1  in  FIG. 2 . Specifically, the three external terminals  2   a  to  2   c  are provided on the front side surface of the multilayer body  1 , and the three external terminals  2   d  to  2   f  are provided on the back side surface of the multilayer body  1 . The external terminals  2   a  to  2   f  are mainly provided on the side surfaces of the multilayer body  1 . Lower ends of the external terminal  2   a  to  2   f  extend to a lower main surface of the multilayer body  1 , and upper ends of the external terminals  2   a  to  2   f  extend to an upper main surface of the multilayer body  1 . 
     Of the six external terminals  2   a  to  2   f , the external terminal  2   b  is a common external terminal, the external terminal  2   d  is a second external terminal, the external terminal  2   f  is a third external terminal, and the external terminals  2   a ,  2   c , and  2   e  are ground external terminals. 
     A directional identification mark  3  is provided on the upper main surface of the multilayer body  1 . 
     The external terminals  2   a  to  2   f  and the directional identification mark  3  may have any structure and be made of any material, but in the present preferred embodiment, preferably have a three-layer structure including a Cu layer formed by baking a conductive paste, a Ni layer formed by plating, and a Sn layer formed by plating, for example. 
     Next, the conductors provided on the dielectric layers  1   a  to  1   i  of the multilayer body  1  will be described with reference to  FIG. 3 . The external terminals  2   a  to  2   f  are provided on the dielectric layers  1   a  to  1   i , but assigning reference symbols to the drawing is omitted in some cases when it is unnecessary for explanation so as not to make the drawing difficult to see. In addition, the via conductors are provided in the dielectric layers  1   d  to  1   h , penetrating between upper and lower main surfaces of the dielectric layers  1   d  to  1   h . The same reference symbols are provided to the via conductors provided in different dielectric layers but connected to each other. Further, in order to connect the via conductors provided in different dielectric layers, relay electrodes are provided on the main surfaces of the dielectric layers in some cases, but the relay electrodes are not described and do not have reference symbols. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the description regarding a shape and arrangement of a capacitor conductor, the inductor conductor, and the like, for example, is the shape and arrangement when the multilayer body  1  is viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction. 
     Capacitor conductors  4   a ,  4   b , and  4   c  are provided on an upper main surface of the dielectric layer  1   a . The capacitor conductor  4   a  is connected to the external terminal  2   b  defining the common external terminal. The capacitor conductor  4   b  is connected to the external terminal  2   d  defining the first external terminal. The capacitor conductor  4   c  is connected to the external terminal  2   f  defining the second external terminal. 
     A ground conductor  5  is provided on an upper main surface of the dielectric layer  1   b . The ground conductor  5  is connected to the external terminals  2   a ,  2   c , and  2   e  defining the ground external terminals. 
     A capacitor conductor  4   d  is provided on an upper main surface of the dielectric layer  1   c.    
     A via conductor  6   a  penetrates between the upper and lower main surfaces of the dielectric layer  1   d . Inductor conductors  7   a  and  7   b  are provided on an upper main surface of the dielectric layer  1   d . A first end of the inductor conductor  7   a  is connected to the external terminal  2   d  defining the first external terminal. A first end of the inductor conductor  7   b  is connected to the external terminal  2   f  defining the second external terminal. 
     Via conductors  6   a ,  6   b , and  6   c  penetrate between the upper and lower main surfaces of the dielectric layer  1   e . Inductor conductors  7   c ,  7   d , and  7   e  are provided on an upper main surface of the dielectric layer  1   e . A first end of the inductor conductor  7   c  is connected to the external terminal  2   b  defining the common external terminal. A first end of the inductor conductor  7   d  is connected to the via conductor  6   b , and the via conductor  6   b  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  7   a . A first end of the inductor conductor  7   e  is connected to the via conductor  6   c , and the via conductor  6   c  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  7   b.    
     Via conductors  6   a ,  6   d ,  6   e , and  6   f  penetrate between the upper and lower main surfaces of the dielectric layer  1   f . Inductor conductors  7   f ,  7   g , and  7   h  are provided on an upper main surface of the dielectric layer  1   f . A first end of the inductor conductor  7   f  is connected to the via conductor  6   d , and the via conductor  6   d  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  7   c . A first end of the inductor conductor  7   g  is connected to the via conductor  6   e , and the via conductor  6   e  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  7   d . A first end of the inductor conductor  7   h  is connected to the via conductor  6   f , and the via conductor  6   f  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  7   e.    
     Via conductors  6   a ,  6   j ,  6   k , and  6   l  penetrate between the upper and lower main surfaces of the dielectric layer  1   g . Inductor conductors  7   i ,  7   j , and  7   k  are provided on an upper main surface of the dielectric layer  1   g . A first end of the inductor conductor  7   i  is connected to the via conductor  6   j , and the via conductor  6   j  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  7   f . A first end of the inductor conductor  7   j  is connected to the via conductor  6   k , and the via conductor  6   k  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  7   g . A first end of the inductor conductor  7   k  is connected to the via conductor  6   l , and the via conductor  6   l  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  7   h.    
     Via conductors  6   a ,  6   j ,  6   k , and  6   l  penetrate between the upper and lower main surfaces of the dielectric layer  1   h . An inductor conductor  7   l  and a connecting conductor  8  are provided on an upper main surface of the dielectric layer  1   h . A first end of the inductor conductor  7   l  is connected to the via conductor  6   k , and the via conductor  6   k  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  7   i . A first end of the connecting conductor  8  is connected to the via conductor  6   k , and the via conductor  6   k  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  7   j . A second end of the connecting conductor  8  is connected to the via conductor  6   l , and the via conductor  6   l  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  7   k . A middle portion of the connecting conductor  8  is connected to the via conductor  6   a , and the via conductor  6   a  is connected to the capacitor conductor  4   d . A second end of the inductor conductor  7   l  is connected to the middle portion of the connecting conductor  8 . 
     Materials of the capacitor conductors  4   a  to  4   d , the ground conductor  5 , the via conductors  6   a  to  6   l , the inductor conductors  7   a  to  7   l , and the connecting conductor  8  are not particularly limited, but Cu, for example, is preferably used in the present preferred embodiment. 
     The power distribution/coupling component  200  having the above structure can be manufactured by a conventional method of manufacturing the power distribution/coupling component  200 . 
     Next, a relationship between the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  shown in  FIG. 1  and the structure of the power distribution/coupling component  200  will be described. As described above, in the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , a portion surrounded by the broken line is defined by the power distribution/coupling component  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the power distribution/coupling component  200  includes the external terminal  2   b  defining the common external terminal, the external terminal  2   d  defining the first external terminal, and the external terminal  2   f  defining the second external terminal. 
     The fourth capacitor C 4  shown in  FIG. 1  is defined by capacitance generated between the capacitor conductor  4   a  and the ground conductor  5  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The third inductor L 3  shown in  FIG. 1  is defined by a conductive path connecting the external terminal  2   b , the inductor conductor  7   c , the via conductor  6   d , the inductor conductor  7   f , the via conductor  6   g , the inductor conductor  7   i , the via conductor  6   j , the inductor conductor  7   l , and the connecting conductor  8  shown in  FIG. 3 . The external terminal  2   b  as a starting point is the common external terminal, and the connecting conductor  8  as an ending point corresponds to the first connection point P 1  shown in  FIG. 1 . The inductor conductors  7   c ,  7   f ,  7   i , and  7   l  correspond to third inductor conductors. 
     The first inductor L 1  shown in  FIG. 1  is defined by a conductive path connecting the connecting conductor  8 , the via conductor  6   k , the inductor conductor  7   j , the via conductor  6   h , the inductor conductor  7   g , the via conductor  6   e , the inductor conductor  7   d , the via conductor  6   b , the inductor conductor  7   a , and the external terminal  2   d  shown in  FIG. 3 . The connecting conductor  8  as a starting point corresponds to the first connection point P 1 , and the external terminal  2   d  as an ending point is the first external terminal. The inductor conductors  7   j ,  7   g ,  7   d , and  7   a  correspond to first inductor conductors. 
     The first capacitor C 1  shown in  FIG. 1  is defined by capacitance generated between the capacitor conductor  4   b  and the ground conductor  5  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The second inductor L 2  shown in  FIG. 1  is defined by a conductive path connecting the connecting conductor  8 , the via conductor  6   l , the inductor conductor  7   k , the via conductor  6   i , the inductor conductor  7   h , the via conductor  6   f , the inductor conductor  7   e , the via conductor  6   c , the inductor conductor  7   b , and the external terminals  2   f  shown in  FIG. 3 . The connecting conductor  8  as a starting point corresponds to the first connection point P 1 , and the external terminal  2   f  as an ending point is the second external terminal. The inductor conductors  7   k ,  7   h ,  7   e , and  7   b  correspond to second inductor conductors. 
     The second capacitor C 2  shown in  FIG. 1  is defined by capacitance generated between the capacitor conductor  4   c  and the ground conductor  5  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The third capacitor C 3  shown in  FIG. 1  is defined by capacitance generated between the capacitor conductor  4   d  and the ground conductor  5  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the external terminal  2   b  of the power distribution/coupling component  200  is connected to the common terminal TC, the external terminal  2   d  is connected to the first terminal T 1 , and the external terminal  2   f  is connected to the second terminal T 2 . Although not shown, the external terminals  2   a ,  2   c , and  2   e  of the power distribution/coupling component  200  are connected to the ground outside of the power distribution/coupling component  200 . Further, the resistor R 1  is connected between the first terminal T 1  and the second terminal T 2 . The resistor R 1  is provided as a component separate from the power distribution/coupling component  200 , and is connected between the first terminal T 1  and the second terminal T 2 . The resistor R 1  as a separate component is preferably, for example, a discrete component. As described above, the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  is defined by the power distribution/coupling component  200  and the resistor R 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the via conductors  6   a  to  6   l , the inductor conductors  7   a  to  7   l , and the connecting conductor  8 , with the inside of the multilayer body  1  of the power distribution/coupling component  200  viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction of the dielectric layers  1   a  to  1   i.    
     As described above, the first inductor L 1  is defined by a conductive path connecting the connecting conductor  8 , the via conductor  6   k , the inductor conductor  7   j , the via conductor  6   h , the inductor conductor  7   g , the via conductor  6   e , the inductor conductor  7   d , the via conductor  6   b , the inductor conductor  7   a , and the external terminal  2   d . The first inductor L 1  includes a winding axis in the stacking direction of the dielectric layers  1   a  to  1   i , and includes an air core portion including the winding axis. 
     Further, as described above, the second inductor L 2  is defined by a conductive path connecting the connecting conductor  8 , the via conductor  6   l , the inductor conductor  7   k , the via conductor  6   i , the inductor conductor  7   h , the via conductor  6   f , the inductor conductor  7   e , the via conductor  6   c , the inductor conductor  7   b , and the external terminal  2   f . The second inductor L 2  includes a winding axis in the stacking direction of the dielectric layers  1   a  to  1   i , and includes an air core portion including the winding axis. The air core portion is a region surrounded by the inductor conductor having a helical shape, indicating a region in which the inductor conductors are not provided. 
     Further, as described above, the third inductor L 3  is defined by a conductive path connecting the external terminal  2   b , the inductor conductor  7   c , the via conductor  6   d , the inductor conductor  7   f , the via conductor  6   g , the inductor conductor  7   i , the via conductor  6   j , the inductor conductor  7   l , and the connecting conductor  8 . The third inductor L 3  includes a winding axis in the stacking direction of the dielectric layers  1   a  to  1   i , and includes an air core portion including the winding axis. 
     In the power distribution/coupling component  200 , the air core portion of the first inductor L 1  (a region surrounded by the inductor conductors  7   j ,  7   g ,  7   d , and  7   a  as the first inductor conductors, in which the inductor conductors are not provided as viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction) does not overlap with the connecting conductor  8 . Similarly, the air core portion of the second inductor L 2  (a region surrounded by the inductor conductors  7   k ,  7   h ,  7   e , and  7   b  as the second inductor conductors, in which the inductor conductors are not provided as viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction) does not overlap with the connecting conductor  8 . When the air core portions of the first inductor L 1  and the second inductor L 2  overlap with the connecting conductor  8 , a magnetic flux of the first inductor L 1  and the second inductor is hindered from being generated. However, in the power distribution/coupling component  200 , the air core portions of the first inductor L 1  and the second inductor do not overlap with the connecting conductor  8 . Thus, the first inductor L 1  and the second inductor L 2  can provide a magnetic flux satisfactorily without being hindered by the connecting conductor  8 . For this reason, the first inductor L 1  and the second inductor L 2  of the power distribution/coupling component  200  have a good Q value. 
     Further, in the power distribution/coupling component  200 , a winding direction of the third inductor L 3  and a winding direction of the first inductor L 1  are the same, and an electric current flows smoothly from the third inductor L 3  to the first inductor L 1 . On the other hand, a winding direction of the third inductor L 3  and a winding direction of the second inductor L 2  are different from one another. However, a winding direction at the inductor conductor  7   l  and the connecting conductor  8  is designed to change in an S shape, and thus the electric current flows smoothly from the third inductor L 3  to the second inductor L 2 . For this reason as well, the first inductor L 1 , the second inductor L 2 , and the third inductor L 3  of the power distribution/coupling component  200  have a good Q value. To change the winding direction in an S shape means to change the winding direction by turning left in a round path, then turning right in a round path, or turning right in a round path, and then turning left in a round path. 
     Example 1 
     In Example 1, the power distribution/coupling component  200  having the structure shown in  FIGS. 2, 3, and 4  was manufactured, and the power distribution/coupling component  200  and the resistor R 1  were used to manufacture the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . Table 1 shows an inductance value of the inductors, a capacitance value of the capacitors, and a resistance value of the resistor. The inductance value of the first inductor L 1  and the inductance value of the second inductor L 2  are set to the same or substantially the same value, and the capacitance value of the first capacitor C 1  and the capacitance value of the second capacitor C 2  are set to the same or substantially the same value. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 L1 
                   
                 C1 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 L2 
                 L3 
                 C2 
                 C3 
                 C4 
                 R1 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 15.5 nH 
                 4.0 nH 
                 5.3 pF 
                 7.0 pF 
                 3.5 pF 
                 100 Ω 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Further, for comparison, a power distribution/coupling circuit in Comparative Example 1 was manufactured. In the comparative example, the third inductor L 3  and the fourth capacitor C 4  are removed from Example 1. 
     In  FIG. 5 , S32 characteristics of the power distribution/coupling circuit in Example 1 are shown by a solid line, and S32 characteristics of the power distribution/coupling circuit in Comparative Example 1 are shown by a broken line. However, the common terminal TC to which the external terminal  2   b  of the power distribution/coupling component  200  is connected is the first terminal, the first terminal T 1  to which the external terminal  2   d  is connected is the second terminal, and the second terminal T 2  to which the external terminal  2   f  is connected is a third terminal. The S32 characteristics indicate the isolation between the second terminal (first terminal T 1 ) and the third terminal (second terminal T 2 ). 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 5 , the power distribution/coupling circuit in Example 1 has a wider band in which a large attenuation is obtained as compared to the power distribution/coupling circuit in Comparative Example 1. Further, the power distribution/coupling circuit in Example 1 has a larger attenuation than the power distribution/coupling circuit in Comparative Example 1. 
     It is confirmed from the above that the power distribution/coupling circuit in Example 1 to which the third inductor L 3  and the fourth capacitor C 4  are included has better isolation between the first terminal T 1  and the second terminal T 2  than the power distribution/coupling circuit in Comparative Example 1. 
     Second Preferred Embodiment 
     Power Distribution/Coupling Circuit  300   
       FIG. 6  shows an equivalent circuit diagram of a power distribution/coupling circuit  300  according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 6 , a portion of the circuit is surrounded by a broken line, and as will be described below, this portion is defined by a power distribution/coupling component  400  in the present preferred embodiment. 
     The power distribution/coupling circuit  300  according to the second preferred embodiment is configured by modifying a portion of the configuration of the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  according to the first preferred embodiment. Specifically, in the power distribution/coupling circuit  300 , the first inductor L 1  of the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  is divided into two inductors L 1 A and L 1 B at a second connection point P 2 . Similarly, in the power distribution/coupling circuit  300 , the second inductor L 2  of the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  is divided into two inductors L 2 A and L 2 B at a third connection point P 3 . The inductors L 1 A, L 1 B, L 2 A, and L 2 B are referred to as divided inductors in some cases. The divided inductor referred to here refers to each of the individual inductors among the plurality of inductors of the first inductor L 1  or the second inductor L 2 . 
     Then, in the power distribution/coupling circuit  300 , a fifth capacitor L 5  is shunt-connected between the second connection point P 2  and the ground. Further, in the power distribution/coupling circuit  300 , a sixth capacitor L 6  is shunt-connected between the third connection point P 3  and the ground. 
     The remaining configuration of the power distribution/coupling circuit  300  is the same or substantially the same as that of the power distribution/coupling circuit  100 . 
     Power Distribution/Coupling Component  400   
     As described above, in the present preferred embodiment, a portion of the circuit of the power distribution/coupling circuit  300  (the portion surrounded by the broken line in  FIG. 6 ) is defined by the power distribution/coupling component  400 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  show the power distribution/coupling component  400 .  FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the power distribution/coupling component  400 .  FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a main portion of the power distribution/coupling component  400 . 
     The power distribution/coupling component  400  according to the second preferred embodiment is configured by modifying a portion of the configuration of the power distribution/coupling component  200  according to the first preferred embodiment. 
     Specifically, of the dielectric layers  1   c  to  1   h  surrounded by the broken line in  FIG. 7 , the number, shape, formation position, and connection relationship of the capacitor conductors, the via conductors, and the inductor conductors in the dielectric layers  1   c  to  1   g  are changed from the power distribution/coupling component  200 . The dielectric layers  1   a ,  1   b ,  1   h , and  1   i  are unchanged from the power distribution/coupling component  200 . 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of the dielectric layers  1   c  to  1   h  surrounded by the broken line in  FIG. 7 . The capacitor conductors, via conductors, inductor conductors and the like, for example, provided in the dielectric layers  1   c  to  1   h  will be described below. 
     Capacitor conductors  34   d ,  34   e , and  34   f  are provided on the upper main surface of the dielectric layer  1   c.    
     Via conductors  36   a ,  36   b , and  36   c  penetrate between the upper and lower main surfaces of the dielectric layer  1   d . Inductor conductors  37   a ,  37   b ,  37   c , and  37   d  are provided on the upper main surface of the dielectric layer  1   d . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   a  and a first end of the inductor conductor  37   b  are connected at the second connection point P 2 . The second connection point P 2  is connected to the via conductor  36   b , and the via conductor  36   b  is connected to the capacitor conductor  34   e . Further, a first end of the inductor conductor  37   c  and a first end of the inductor conductor  37   d  are connected at the third connection point P 3 . The third connection point P 3  is connected to the via conductor  36   c , and the via conductor  36   c  is connected to the capacitor conductor  34   f.    
     Via conductors  36   a ,  36   d ,  36   e ,  36   f , and  36   g  penetrate between the upper and lower main surfaces of the dielectric layer  1   e . Inductor conductors  37   e ,  37   f ,  37   g ,  37   h , and  37   i  are provided on the upper main surface of the dielectric layer  1   e . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   e  is connected to the external terminal  2   b  as the common external terminal. A first end of the inductor conductor  37   f  is connected to the via conductor  36   d , and the via conductor  36   d  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   a . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   g  is connected to the via conductor  36   e , and the via conductor  36   e  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   b . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   h  is connected to the via conductor  36   f , and the via conductor  36   f  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   c . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   i  is connected to the via conductor  36   g , and the via conductor  36   g  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   d.    
     Via conductors  36   a ,  36   h ,  36   i ,  36   j ,  36   k , and  361  penetrate between the upper and lower main surfaces of the dielectric layer  1   f . Inductor conductors  37   j ,  37   k ,  371 ,  37   m , and  37   n  are provided on the upper main surface of the dielectric layer  1   f . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   j  is connected to the via conductor  36   h , and the via conductor  36   h  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   e . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   k  is connected to the via conductor  36   i , and the via conductor  36   i  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   f . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   l  is connected to the via conductor  36   j , and the via conductor  36   j  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   g . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   m  is connected to the via conductor  36   k , and the via conductor  36   k  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   h . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   n  is connected to the via conductor  36   l , and the via conductor  36   l  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   i.    
     Via conductors  36   a ,  36   m ,  36   n ,  36   o ,  36   p , and  36   q  penetrate between the upper and lower main surfaces of the dielectric layer  1   g . Inductor conductors  37   o ,  37   p ,  37   q ,  37   r , and  37   s  are provided on the upper main surface of the dielectric layer  1   g . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   o  is connected to the via conductor  36   m , and the via conductor  36   m  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   j . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   p  is connected to the via conductor  36   n , and the via conductor  36   n  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   k . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   q  is connected to the via conductor  36   o , and the via conductor  36   o  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   l . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   r  is connected to the via conductor  36   p , and the via conductor  36   p  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   m . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   s  is connected to the via conductor  36   q , and the via conductor  36   q  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   n . A second end of the inductor conductor  37   q  is connected to the external terminal  2   d  as the first external terminal. A second end of the inductor conductor  37   s  is connected to the external terminal  2   f  as the second external terminal. 
     Via conductors  36   a ,  36   r ,  36   s , and  36   t  penetrate between the upper and lower main surfaces of the dielectric layer  1   h . An inductor conductor  37   t  and a connecting conductor  38  are provided on the upper main surface of the dielectric layer  1   h . A first end of the inductor conductor  37   t  is connected to the via conductor  36   r , and the via conductor  36   r  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   o . A first end of the connecting conductor  38  is connected to the via conductor  36   s , and the via conductor  36   s  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   p . A second end of the connecting conductor  38  is connected to the via conductor  36   t , and the via conductor  36   t  is connected to a second end of the inductor conductor  37   r . A middle portion of the connecting conductor  38  is connected to the via conductor  36   a , and the via conductor  36   a  is connected to the capacitor conductor  34   d . A second end of the inductor conductor  37   t  is connected to the middle portion of the connecting conductor  38 . 
     Next, a relationship between the power distribution/coupling circuit  300  shown in  FIG. 6  and the structure of the power distribution/coupling component  400  will be described. As described above, in the power distribution/coupling circuit  300  shown in  FIG. 6 , the portion surrounded by the broken line is defined by the power distribution/coupling component  400 . In the following, the description of the portions of the power distribution/coupling component  400  that have not been changed from the power distribution/coupling component  200  according to the first preferred embodiment are omitted in some cases. 
     The third inductor L 3  shown in  FIG. 6  is defined by a conductive path connecting the external terminal  2   b , the inductor conductor  37   e , the via conductor  36   h , the inductor conductor  37   j , the via conductor  36   m , the inductor conductor  37   o , the via conductor  36   r , the inductor conductor  37   t , the connecting conductor  38  shown in  FIG. 8 . The external terminal  2   b  as a starting point is the common external terminal, and the connecting conductor  38  as an ending point corresponds to the first connection point P 1  shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The third capacitor C 3  shown in  FIG. 6  is defined by capacitance generated between the capacitor conductor  34   d  and the ground conductor  5  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The capacitor conductor  34   d  is connected to the connecting conductor  38  as the first connection point P 1 , by the via conductor  36   a . The ground conductor  5  is connected to the external terminals  2   a ,  2   c , and  2   e  as the ground external terminals. 
     The inductor L 1 A in which the first inductor L 1  shown in  FIG. 6  is divided is defined by a conductive path connecting the connecting conductor  38 , the via conductor  36   s , the inductor conductor  37   p , the via conductor  36   n , the inductor conductor  37   k , the via conductor  36   i , the inductor conductor  37   f , the via conductor  36   d , the inductor conductor  37   a , and the second connection point P 2  shown in  FIG. 8 . The connecting conductor  38  as a starting point corresponds to the first connection point P 1 , and an ending point is the second connection point P 2 . 
     The inductor L 1 B in which the first inductor L 1  shown in  FIG. 6  is divided is defined by a conductive path connecting the second connection point P 2 , the inductor conductor  37   b , the via conductor  36   e , the inductor conductor  37   g , the via conductor  36   j , the inductor conductor  37   l , the via conductor  36   o , the inductor conductor  37   q , and the external terminal  2   d  shown in  FIG. 8 . A starting point is the second connection point P 2 , and the external terminal  2   d  as an ending point is the first external terminal. 
     The inductor L 2 A in which the second inductor L 2  shown in  FIG. 6  is divided is defined by a conductive path connecting the connecting conductor  38 , the via conductor  36   t , the inductor conductor  37   r , the via conductor  36   p , the inductor conductor  37   m , the via conductor  36   k , the inductor conductor  37   h , the via conductor  36   f , the inductor conductor  37   c , and the third connection point P 3  shown  FIG. 8 . The connecting conductor  38  as a starting point corresponds to the first connection point P 1 , and an ending point is the third connection point P 3 . 
     The inductor L 2 B in which the second inductor L 2  shown in  FIG. 6  is divided is defined by a conductive path connecting the third connection point P 3 , the inductor conductor  37   d , the via conductor  36   g , the inductor conductor  37   i , the via conductor  36   l , the inductor conductor  37   n , the via conductor  36   q , the inductor conductor  37   s , and the external terminal  2   f  shown in  FIG. 8 . A starting point is the third connection point P 3 , and the external terminal  2   f  as an ending point is the second external terminal. 
     The fifth capacitor C 5  shown in  FIG. 6  is defined by capacitance generated between the capacitor conductor  34   e  and the ground conductor  5  shown in  FIG. 8 . The capacitor conductor  34   e  is connected to the second connection point P 2  by the via conductor  36   b , and the ground conductor  5  is connected to the external terminals  2   a ,  2   c , and  2   e  as the ground external terminals. 
     The sixth capacitor C 6  shown in  FIG. 6  is defined by capacitance generated between the capacitor conductor  34   f  and the ground conductor  5  shown in  FIG. 8 . The capacitor conductor  34   f  is connected to the third connection point P 3  by the via conductor  36   c , and the ground conductor  5  is connected to the external terminals  2   a ,  2   c , and  2   e  as the ground external terminals. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the external terminal  2   b  of the power distribution/coupling component  400  is connected to the common terminal TC, the external terminal  2   d  is connected to the first terminal T 1 , and the external terminal  2   f  is connected to the second terminal T 2 . Further, the resistor R 1  is connected between the first terminal T 1  and the second terminal T 2 . As described above, the power distribution/coupling circuit  300  is configured by the power distribution/coupling component  400  and the resistor R 1 . 
     Example 2 
     In Example 2, the power distribution/coupling component  400  having the structure shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  was manufactured, and the power distribution/coupling component  400  and the resistor R 1  were used to manufacture the power distribution/coupling circuit  300  shown in  FIG. 6 . Table 2 shows an inductance value of the inductors, a capacitance value of the capacitors, and a resistance value of the resistor. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 L1A 
                 L1B 
                   
                 C1 
                   
                   
                 C5 
                   
               
               
                 L2A 
                 L2B 
                 L3 
                 C2 
                 C3 
                 C4 
                 C6 
                 R1 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 9.0 nH 
                 8.0 nH 
                 5.2 nH 
                 0.8 pF 
                 2.1 pF 
                 4.2 pF 
                 4.0 pF 
                 100 Ω 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Further, for comparison, a power distribution/coupling circuit in Comparative Example 2 was manufactured. In Comparative Example 2, the third inductor L 3  and the fourth capacitor C 4  are removed from Example 2. 
     In  FIG. 9 , S32 characteristics of the power distribution/coupling circuit in Example 2 are shown by a solid line, and S32 characteristics of the power distribution/coupling circuit in Comparative Example 2 are shown by a broken line. However, the common terminal TC to which the external terminal  2   b  of the power distribution/coupling component  400  is connected is the first terminal, the first terminal T 1  to which the external terminal  2   d  is connected is the second terminal, and the second terminal T 2  to which the external terminal  2   f  is connected is the third terminal. 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 9 , the power distribution/coupling circuit in Example 2 has a wider band in which a large attenuation is obtained as compared to the power distribution/coupling circuit in Comparative Example 2. Further, the power distribution/coupling circuit in Example 2 has a larger attenuation than the power distribution/coupling circuit in Comparative Example 2. Specifically, an attenuation amount of about 59.8 dB is obtained in Example 2, whereas an attenuation amount of about 40.0 dB is obtained in Comparative Example 2, thus resulting in an increase in the attenuation. 
     Example 3 
     In Example 3, similar to Example 2, the power distribution/coupling component  400  having the structure shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  was manufactured, and the power distribution/coupling component  400  and the resistor R 1  were used to manufacture the power distribution/coupling circuit  300  shown in  FIG. 6 . Table 3 shows an inductance value of the inductors, a capacitance value of the capacitors, and a resistance value of the resistor. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 L1A 
                 L1B 
                   
                 C1 
                   
                   
                 C5 
                   
               
               
                 L2A 
                 L2B 
                 L3 
                 C2 
                 C3 
                 C4 
                 C6 
                 R1 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 9.9 nH 
                 8.7 nH 
                 4.1 nH 
                 0.6 pF 
                 1.5 pF 
                 3.8 pF 
                 3.5 pF 
                 100 Ω 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Further, for comparison, a power distribution/coupling circuit in Comparative Example 3 was manufactured. In Comparative Example 3, the third inductor L 3  and the fourth capacitor C 4  are removed from Example 3. 
     In  FIG. 10 , S32 characteristics of the power distribution/coupling circuit in Example 3 are shown by a solid line, and S32 characteristics of the power distribution/coupling circuit in Comparative Example 3 are shown by a broken line. However, the common terminal TC to which the external terminal  2   b  of the power distribution/coupling component  400  is connected is the first terminal, the first terminal T 1  to which the external terminal  2   d  is connected is the second terminal, and the second terminal T 2  to which the external terminal  2   f  is connected is the third terminal. 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 10 , the power distribution/coupling circuit in Example 3 has a wider band in which a large attenuation is obtained as compared to the power distribution/coupling circuit in Comparative Example 3. Further, the power distribution/coupling circuit in Example 3 has a larger attenuation than the power distribution/coupling circuit in Comparative Example 3. 
     Third Preferred Embodiment 
     Power Distribution/Coupling Circuit  500   
       FIG. 11  shows an equivalent circuit diagram of a power distribution/coupling circuit  500  according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     In the power distribution/coupling circuit  500  according to the third preferred embodiment, an additional configuration is added to the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  according to the first preferred embodiment. Specifically, in the power distribution/coupling circuit  500 , a seventh capacitor C 7  is provided between the first terminal T 1  and the second terminal T 2 . The seventh capacitor C 7  is connected in parallel with the resistor R 1  between the first terminal T 1  and the second terminal T 2 . 
     In the power distribution/coupling circuit  500 , due to the addition of the seventh capacitor C 7 , the S32 characteristics indicating the isolation between the first terminal T 1  and the second terminal T 2  shift toward a low frequency, although not shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     In the power distribution/coupling circuit, a frequency with good S11 characteristics indicating a return loss of the common terminal TC and a frequency with good S32 characteristics indicating the isolation between the first terminal T 1  and the second terminal T 2  are to be superimposed in some cases. In order to superimpose a frequency with good S11 characteristics and a frequency with good S32 characteristics, a method is effective in which the S11 characteristics and the S32 characteristics are superimposed by adding the seventh capacitor C 7  as in the power distribution/coupling circuit  500  to shift the S32 characteristics toward a low frequency. 
     Fourth Preferred Embodiment 
     Power Distribution/Coupling Component  600   
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an exploded main portion of a power distribution/coupling component  600  according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     The power distribution/coupling component  600  according to the fourth preferred embodiment has the same or substantially the same basic configuration as the power distribution/coupling component  200  according to the first preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 . Thus, the power distribution/coupling component  600  has the same winding directions of the first inductor conductors, the second inductor conductors, and the third inductor conductors as the power distribution/coupling component  200 . However, the power distribution/coupling component  600  has different characteristics from the power distribution/coupling component  200  because the design has been changed such that the size of the air core portion of the third inductor conductor is increased. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the first inductor L 1  of the power distribution/coupling component  600  is defined by a conductive path connecting a connecting conductor  68 , a via conductor  66   k , an inductor conductor  67   j , a via conductor  66   h , an inductor conductor  67   g , a via conductor  66   e , an inductor conductor  67   d , and a via conductor  66   b , an inductor conductor  67   a , and the external terminal  2   d . The connecting conductor  68  corresponds to a first end (starting point) of the first inductor L 1 , and the external terminal  2   d  corresponds to a second end (ending point) of the first inductor L 1 . 
     The second inductor L 2  of the power distribution/coupling component  600  is defined by a conductive path connecting the connecting conductor  68 , the via conductor  66   l , the inductor conductor  67   k , the via conductor  66   i , the inductor conductor  67   h , the via conductor  66   f , the inductor conductor  67   e , the via conductor  66   c , the inductor conductor  67   b , and the external terminal  2   f . The connecting conductor  68  corresponds to a first end (starting point) of the second inductor L 2 , and the external terminal  2   f  corresponds to a second end (ending point) of the second inductor L 2 . 
     The third inductor L 3  of the power distribution/coupling component  600  is defined by a conductive path connecting the external terminal  2   b , the inductor conductor  67   c , the via conductor  66   d , the inductor conductor  67   f , the via conductor  66   g , the inductor conductor  67   i , the via conductor  66   j , the inductor conductor  67   l , and the connecting conductor  8 . The external terminal  2   b  corresponds to a first end (starting point) of the third inductor L 3 , and the connecting conductor  68  corresponds to a second end (ending point) of the third inductor L 3 . 
     A direction in which the air core portion of the first inductor conductors (a region surrounded by the inductor conductors  67   j ,  67   g ,  67   d , and  67   a  as the first inductor conductors, in which the inductor conductors are not provided as viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction) and the air core portion of the second inductor conductors (a region surrounded by the inductor conductors  67   k ,  67   h ,  67   e , and  67   b  as the second inductor conductors, in which the inductor conductor are not provided as viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction) are arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel with each other is defined as an arrangement direction of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors. In  FIG. 12 , the arrangement direction of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors is indicated by an arrow X. Further, a direction in which the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors intersect the arrangement direction X at a right angle is indicated by an arrow Y. 
     At least a portion of the air core portion of the third inductor conductors is sandwiched between the air core portion of the first inductor conductors and the air core portion of the second inductor conductors in the arrangement direction X of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors. 
     In  FIG. 12 , the winding directions of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors of the power distribution/coupling component  600  are indicated by arrows. 
     In the power distribution/coupling component  600 , when the multilayer body  1  is viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction, the winding direction from a first end (connecting conductor  68 ) to a second end (external terminal  2   d ) of the first inductor conductors is different from the winding direction from a first end (connecting conductor  68 ) to a second end (external terminal  2   f ) of the second inductor conductors. That is, the winding direction of the first inductor conductors is clockwise, and the winding direction of the second inductor conductors is counterclockwise, for example. 
     Further, in the power distribution/coupling component  600 , when the multilayer body  1  is viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction, the winding direction of an outermost first portion of the first inductor conductors and the winding direction of an outermost first portion of the second inductor conductors are in the same direction in the arrangement direction X of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors. For example, in view of the inductor conductor  67   j  as the first inductor conductor and the inductor conductor  67   k  as the second inductor conductor, the winding direction of an outermost first portion  67   j - 1  of the inductor conductor  67   j  and the winding direction of an outermost first portion  67   k - 1  of the inductor conductor  67   k  are the same direction in the arrangement direction X of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors. Winding configurations are all similar at not only the inductor conductor  67   j  and the inductor conductor  67   k  but also the inductor conductors  67   j ,  67   g ,  67   d , and  67   a  as the first inductor conductors and the inductor conductors  67   k ,  67   h ,  67   e , and  67   b  as the second inductor conductors. 
     Further, in the power distribution/coupling component  600 , when the multilayer body  1  is viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction, in the direction Y intersecting the arrangement direction X of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors at a right angle, a winding direction of a second portion of the first inductor conductors opposite to the first end (connecting conductor  68 ) of the first inductor conductors with the air core portion interposed therebetween and a winding direction of a second portion of the second inductor conductors opposite to the first end (connecting conductor  68 ) of the second inductor conductors with the air core portion interposed therebetween are inwardly opposing directions in the arrangement direction X of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors. In view of the inductor conductor  67   j  as the first inductor conductor and the inductor conductor  67   k  as the second inductor conductor, in the direction Y intersecting the arrangement direction X of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors at a right angle, a winding direction of a second portion  67   j - 2  of the inductor conductor  67   j  opposite to the first end (connecting conductor  68 ) of the first inductor conductors with the air core portion interposed therebetween and a winding direction of a second portion  67   k - 2  of the inductor conductor  67   k  opposite to the first end (connecting conductor  68 ) of the second inductor conductors with the air core portion interposed therebetween are inwardly opposing directions in the arrangement direction X of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors. Winding configurations are all similar at not only the inductor conductor  67   j  and the inductor conductor  67   k  but also the inductor conductors  67   j ,  67   g ,  67   d , and  67   a  as the first inductor conductors and the inductor conductors  67   k ,  67   h ,  67   e , and  67   b  as the second inductor conductors. 
     A return loss is smaller in a wide band in the power distribution/coupling component  600  according to the fourth preferred embodiment, in which the winding direction of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors have the above-described relationship. However, details of the characteristics of the power distribution/coupling component  600  will be described later together with the characteristics of the power distribution/coupling component  700  according to the fifth preferred embodiment described below. 
     Fifth Preferred Embodiment 
     Power Distribution/Coupling Component  700   
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an exploded main portion of a power distribution/coupling component  700  according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     The power distribution/coupling component  700  according to the fifth preferred embodiment is configured by modifying a portion of the configuration of the power distribution/coupling component  600  according to the fourth preferred embodiment. Specifically, the winding direction of the first inductor conductors and the winding direction of the second inductor conductors are changed by changing the shape of the inductor conductors and the position of the via conductors. The remaining configuration of the power distribution/coupling component  700  is the same or substantially the same as that of the power distribution/coupling component  600 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the first inductor L 1  of the power distribution/coupling component  700  is defined by a conductive path connecting a connecting conductor  78 , a via conductor  76   k , an inductor conductor  77   j , a via conductor  76   h , an inductor conductor  77   g , a via conductor  76   e , an inductor conductor  77   d , a via conductor  76   b , an inductor conductor  77   a , and the external terminal  2   d . The connecting conductor  78  corresponds to the first end (starting point) of the first inductor L 1 , and the external terminal  2   d  corresponds to the second end (ending point) of the first inductor L 1 . 
     The second inductor L 2  of the power distribution/coupling component  700  is defined by a conductive path connecting the connecting conductor  78 , the via conductor  76   l , the inductor conductor  77   k , the via conductor  76   i , the inductor conductor  77   h , the via conductor  76   f , the inductor conductor  77   e , the via conductor  76   c , the inductor conductor  77   b , and the external terminal  2   f . The connecting conductor  78  corresponds to the first end (starting point) of the second inductor L 2 , and the external terminal  2   f  corresponds to the second end (ending point) of the second inductor L 2 . 
     The third inductor L 3  of the power distribution/coupling component  700  is defined by a conductive path connecting the external terminal  2   b , the inductor conductor  77   c , the via conductor  76   d , the inductor conductor  77   f , the via conductor  76   g , the inductor conductor  77   i , the via conductor  76   j , the inductor conductor  77   l , and the connecting conductor  8 . The external terminal  2   b  corresponds to the first end (starting point) of the third inductor L 3 , and the connecting conductor  78  corresponds to the second end (ending point) of the third inductor L 3 . 
       FIG. 13  shows the arrangement direction X in which the air core portion of the first inductor conductors and the air core portion of the second inductor conductors are arranged and the direction Y intersecting the arrangement direction X at a right angle. 
     Further,  FIG. 13  shows the winding directions of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors of the power distribution/coupling component  700  with arrows. 
     In the power distribution/coupling component  700 , when the multilayer body  1  is viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction, the winding direction from the first end (connecting conductor  78 ) to the second end (external terminal  2   d ) of the first inductor conductors is different from the winding direction from the first end (connecting conductor  78 ) to the second end (external terminal  2   f ) of the second inductor conductors. That is, the winding direction of the first inductor conductors is counterclockwise, and the winding direction of the second inductor conductors is clockwise, for example. 
     Further, in the power distribution/coupling component  700 , when the multilayer body  1  is viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction, the winding direction of an outermost first portion of the first inductor conductors and the winding direction of an outermost first portion of the second inductor conductors are the same direction in the arrangement direction X of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors. For example, in view of the inductor conductor  77   j  as the first inductor conductor and the inductor conductor  77   k  as the second inductor conductor, the winding direction of an outermost first portion  77   j - 1  of the inductor conductor  77   j  and the winding direction of an outermost first portion  77   k - 1  of the inductor conductor  77   k  are the same direction in the arrangement direction X of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors. Winding configurations are all similar at not only the inductor conductor  77   j  and the inductor conductor  77   k  but also the inductor conductors  77   j ,  77   g ,  77   d , and  77   a  as the first inductor conductors and the inductor conductors  77   k ,  77   h ,  77   e , and  77   b  as the second inductor conductors. 
     Further, in the power distribution/coupling component  700 , when the multilayer body  1  is viewed in a perspective plan view from the stacking direction, in the direction Y intersecting the arrangement direction X of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors at a right angle, a winding direction of a second portion of the first inductor conductors opposite to the first end (connecting conductor  78 ) of the first inductor conductors with the air core portion interposed therebetween and a winding direction of a second portion of the second inductor conductors opposite to the first end (connecting conductor  78 ) of the second inductor conductors with the air core portion interposed therebetween are outwardly opposing directions in the arrangement direction X of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors. In view of the inductor conductor  77   j  as the first inductor conductor and the inductor conductor  77   k  as the second inductor conductor, in the direction Y intersecting the arrangement direction X of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors at a right angle, a winding direction of a second portion  77   j - 2  of the inductor conductor  77   j  opposite to the first end (connecting conductor  78 ) of the first inductor conductors with the air core portion interposed therebetween and a winding direction of a second portion  77   k - 2  of the inductor conductor  77   k  opposite to the first end (connecting conductor  78 ) of the second inductor conductors with the air core portion interposed therebetween are outwardly opposing directions in the arrangement direction X of the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors. Winding manners are all similar at not only the inductor conductor  77   j  and the inductor conductor  77   k  but also the inductor conductors  77   j ,  77   g ,  77   d , and  77   a  as the first inductor conductors and the inductor conductors  77   k ,  77   h ,  77   e , and  77   b  as the second inductor conductors. 
     The characteristics of the power distribution/coupling component  700  will be described below together with the characteristics of the power distribution/coupling component  600  according to the fourth preferred embodiment. 
     The power distribution/coupling component  600  and the resistor R 1  according to the fourth preferred embodiment were used to manufacture the same power distribution/coupling circuit as the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . Further, the power distribution/coupling component  700  and the resistor R 1  according to the fifth preferred embodiment were used to manufacture the same power distribution/coupling circuit as the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . Then, the return loss and isolation of each power distribution/coupling circuit were examined. 
     As for the return loss,  FIG. 14A  shows the S11 characteristics of the power distribution/coupling circuit using the power distribution/coupling component  600  with a solid line, and the S11 characteristics of the power distribution/coupling circuit using the power distribution/coupling component  700  with a broken line. Further, as for the isolation,  FIG. 14B  shows the S32 characteristics of the power distribution/coupling circuit using the power distribution/coupling component  600  with a solid line, and the S32 characteristics of the power distribution/coupling circuit using the power distribution/coupling component  700  with a broken line. However, the common terminal TC to which the external terminal  2   b  of each of the power distribution/coupling components  600  and  700  is connected is the first terminal, the first terminal T 1  to which the external terminal  2   d  is connected is the second terminal, and the second terminal T 2  to which the external terminal  2   f  is connected is the third terminal. 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 14A , regarding the return loss, the return loss is smaller in a wide band in the power distribution/coupling circuit using the power distribution/coupling component  600  than in the power distribution/coupling circuit using the power distribution/coupling component  700 . On the other hand, as can be seen from  FIG. 14B , regarding isolation, in both of the power distribution/coupling circuit using the power distribution/coupling component  600  and the power distribution/coupling circuit using the power distribution/coupling component  700 , good isolation is obtained. Therefore, in order to widen the band with a small return loss, it is preferable to set the winding directions of the first inductor and the second inductor as in the power distribution/coupling component  600  according to the fourth preferred embodiment, rather than as in the power distribution/coupling component  700  according to the fifth preferred embodiment. 
     The above description is of the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  and the power distribution/coupling component  200  according to the first preferred embodiment, the power distribution/coupling circuit  300  and the power distribution/coupling component  400  according to the second preferred embodiment, the power distribution/coupling circuit  500  according to the third preferred embodiment, the power distribution/coupling component  600  according to the fourth preferred embodiment, and the power distribution/coupling component  700  according to the fifth preferred embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments, and various modifications can be made in accordance with the gist of the present invention. 
     For example, the power distribution/coupling component  200  is used to define the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  in the first preferred embodiment, but the power distribution/coupling component  200  does not have to be used to define the power distribution/coupling circuit  100 . That is, the power distribution/coupling circuit  100  can be configured using separate inductors, capacitors, and resistors without using the power distribution/coupling component  200 . The same applies to the second preferred embodiment in which the power distribution/coupling circuit  300  is configured using the power distribution/coupling component  400 . 
     Further, another circuit may be added to the power distribution/coupling circuits  100 ,  300 , and  500 . Also, the power distribution/coupling circuits  100 ,  300 , and  500  may be changed to equivalently equal circuits. 
     Further, the materials, numbers, shapes, formation positions, and the like of the elements in the description of the power distribution/coupling components  200 ,  400 ,  600 , and  700  are examples and can be changed as appropriate. 
     A power distribution/coupling circuit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is as described in the “Summary of the Invention”. However, in the power distribution/coupling circuit, the first inductor and the second inductor may each include a plurality of divided inductors connected to each other, and the power distribution/coupling circuit may further include a fifth capacitor shunt-connected between at least one connection point between the divided inductors of the first inductor and the ground, and a sixth capacitor shunt-connected between at least one connection point between the divided inductors of the second inductor and the ground. In this case, isolation characteristics between the first terminal and the second terminal can be further improved. 
     Further, a seventh capacitor connected in parallel with a resistor may be further provided between the first terminal and the second terminal. In this case, the S32 characteristics can be shifted toward the low frequency. 
     Further, the power distribution/coupling component according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention is as described in the Summary of the Invention. However, in the power distribution/coupling component, the winding direction of the first inductor conductors and the winding direction of the second inductor conductors may be different from each other, and the winding direction of the third inductor conductors may be the same as the winding direction of either the first inductor conductors or the second inductor conductors. In this case, by converting the winding direction of the third inductor conductors and the winding direction of the first inductor conductors or the second inductor conductors, which have a different winding direction from the third inductor conductors, into an S shape, the electric current can flow smoothly from the third inductor conductors to the first inductor conductors or the second inductor conductors. 
     Further, a power distribution/coupling component according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is as described in the “Summary of the Invention”. However, in the power distribution/coupling component, the winding direction from the first end to the second end of the third inductor conductors may be the same as the winding direction of either the first inductor conductors or the second inductor conductors. In this case, by converting the winding direction of the third inductor conductors and the winding direction of the first inductor conductors or the second inductor conductors, which have a different winding direction from the third inductor conductors, into an S shape, the electric current can flow smoothly from the third inductor conductors to the first inductor conductors or the second inductor conductors. 
     Further, the air core portion of the first inductor conductors do not have to overlap with the connecting conductor, and the air core portion of the second inductor conductors do not have to overlap with the connecting conductor. In this case, the first inductor conductors and the second inductor conductors can generate a magnetic flux without being hindered by the connecting conductor. 
     While preferred embodiments of the present invention 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 present invention. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.