Title of Invention

RADIO IC DEVICE AND COMPONENT FOR RADIO IC DEVICE

Abstract A wireless IC device that reduces cost for manufacturing a package, that can be attached to a small article, and that suppresses the thickness of a tag forming portion is formed. For example, a cutout portion (61) having no aluminum-deposited film is formed at an end of an article package (60) made of an aluminum-deposited laminated film, and an electromagnetic coupling module (1) is provided at that portion. The electromagnetic coupling module (1) and the aluminum-deposited film of the package (60) constitute a wireless IC device. A loop electrode, which is a magnetic field transmission auxiliary radiator of the electromagnetic coupling module (1), is coupled to the aluminum-deposited film of the package (60). Thus, the article package (60) operates as a radiator of an antenna overall.
Full Text DESCRIPTION
WIRELESS IC DEVICE AND COMPONENT FOR WIRELESS IC DEVICE
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a wireless IC device
used for a radio frequency identification (RFID) system that
performs data communication in a noncontact manner through
electromagnetic waves, and a component for the wireless IC
device.
Background Art
In recent years, an article management system has been
using an RFID system which includes a reader/writer that
generates an induction field and a wireless IC device that
stores predetermined information allocated to an article,
and noncontact communication is established between the
reader/writer and the wireless IC device to transmit the
information therebetween.
FIG. 1 are a views that show an example of a noncontact
IC tag (wireless IC device) in which an IC tag label is
attached to an IC tag antenna, which is described in Patent
Document 1. FIG. 1(A) is a plan view. FIG. 1(B) is an
enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in
FIG. 1(A). The noncontact IC tag antenna is formed of two
separated antenna patterns 91 and 92. The antenna patterns
91 and 92 each are formed of a layer of metal thin films.

Antennas 101 and 102 are formed on a label base
material 82b of the noncontact IC tag label 82, and an IC
chip 85 is mounted thereon. The antennas 101 and 102 of the
noncontact IC tag label 82 are attached to be in contact
with the antenna patterns 91 and 92 via an anisotropic
conductive adhesive 84 to thereby form a noncontact IC tag
90.
A sealant film 83 is laminated on the label base
material 82b to prevent peeling of the IC tag label, and
finally an IC tag attached package 81 is formed.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 2003-243918
Disclosure of Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
The noncontact IC tag of Patent Document 1 and the
package provided with the noncontact IC tag have the
following problems.
(a) Because antenna patterns are formed in a process
different from the process in which a package is formed, a
process of producing an antenna is required. This causes
the process to be prolonged and requires an additional
member to thereby increase production costs for the package.
(b) To obtain a sufficient radiation characteristic, it
is necessary to increase the size of the antenna pattern,
and, therefore, it is difficult to attach a tag to a small

article.
(c) Because a tag is formed on the base material of an
article and another film covers the formation face of the
tag, the thickness of the IC tag formation portion increases.
Then, it is an object of the invention to provide a
wireless IC device that eliminates the above problems,
reduces production costs for a package, enables attachment
to a small article, and suppresses the thickness of the tag
formation portion.
Means for Solving the Problems
To solve the above problems, a wireless IC device of
the invention is formed as follows. (1) A wireless IC
device includes: a high-frequency device, which is an
electromagnetic coupling module or a wireless IC chip itself,
said electromagnetic coupling module being formed of a
wireless IC and a power supply circuit substrate that is
electrically connected or electromagnetically coupled to the
wireless IC while being coupled to an external circuit; and
a radiation electrode, which is portion of an article and
operates as a radiator, wherein the high-frequency device is
mounted on the radiation electrode, and wherein the
radiation electrode is coupled to the high-frequency device.
According to the above configuration, for example,
processes or members for forming an antenna pattern shown in
FIG. 1 on an article are unnecessary. Thus, there is almost

no increase in cost for providing a wireless IC device for
an article.
In addition, because the entire or portion of the
article may be utilized as a radiator, a sufficient
radiation characteristic may be obtained even when it is
attached to a small article.
Furthermore, because the thickness of a portion on a
base material of the article, at which the high-frequency
device is provided, may be reduced, a protrusion of the
high-frequency device portion may be suppressed and,
therefore, an appearance is not influenced.
Moreover, by using the electromagnetic coupling module,
impedance matching between the wireless IC chip and the
radiation electrode may be designed within the power supply
circuit substrate. Thus, it is not necessary to limit the
shape or material of the radiation electrode, and it may be
applied to any articles.
(2) The radiation electrode includes a conductive
portion having a predetermined area, wherein a cutout
portion is provided at an edge of the conductive portion,
and wherein the high-frequency device is arranged at the
cutout portion while the high-frequency device is coupled to
the conductive portion at the cutout portion of the
conductive portion.. According to the above configuration,
the high-frequency device may be arranged so as not to

protrude from the profile of an article, and the conductive
portion may be effectively used as a radiator.
(3) The radiation electrode includes a conductive
portion having a predetermined area, wherein the conductive
portion partially has a non-conductive portion, and wherein
the high-frequency device is arranged at an end in the non-
conductive portion while the high-frequency device is
coupled to the conductive portion around the non-conductive
portion. According to the above configuration, the high-
frequency device may be arranged so as not to protrude from
the profile of an article, and the conductive portion may be
effectively used as a radiator.
(4) In addition, the wireless IC device of the
invention includes a loop electrode that is coupled to the
high-frequency device and that is directly electrically
connected to the radiation electrode, wherein the loop
electrode is provided at a mounting portion, at which the
high-frequency device (adjacent to a mounting area) is
mounted, so that a loop plane of the loop electrode is
oriented in a direction of a plane of the radiation
electrode. According to the above configuration, it. is
possible to easily match the high-frequency device with the
loop electrode, and the loop electrode is strongly coupled
to the radiation electrode, so that a high gain may be
obtained.

(5) In addition, the wireless IC device of the
invention includes a loop electrode provided at a mounting
portion (adjacent to a mounting area) at which the high-
frequency device is mounted, wherein the loop electrode is
coupled to the high-frequency device and is
electromagnetically coupled to the radiation electrode via
an insulating layer. According to the above configuration,
it is possible to easily match the high-frequency device
with the loop electrode, and the loop electrode is insulated
from the radiation electrode in terms of direct current, so
that it is possible to enhance resistance against static
electricity.
(6) A matching circuit is provided between the mounting
portion of the high-frequency device and the loop electrode,
wherein the matching circuit directly electrically connects
the high-frequency device with the loop electrode.
According to the above configuration, the matching circuit
may be utilized as an inductor for matching an impedance
between the radiation electrode and the high-frequency
device. Thus, the degree of freedom for designing impedance
matching for a wireless IC device is increased, and, in
addition, the design becomes easy.
(7) A resonant circuit and/or a matching circuit is
provided in the power supply circuit substrate. According
to the above configuration, selectivity of frequency

increases. Thus, the operating frequency of the wireless IC
device may be mostly determined using the self-resonant
frequency. In accordance with the above, it is possible to
transfer (exchange) energy of a signal having a frequency
used in an RFID system with high efficiency. This may
improve the radiation characteristic of the wireless IC
device.
In addition, by providing the matching circuit in the
power supply circuit substrate, it is possible to transfer
(exchange) energy of a signal having a frequency used in an
RFID system with high efficiency.
(8) A resonant frequency of the resonant circuit
substantially corresponds to a frequency of a signal
exchanged by the radiation electrode.
By so doing, the radiation electrode is simply coupled
to a power supply circuit portion and just needs to have a
size corresponding to a necessary gain. It is not necessary
to limit the shape or material of the radiation electrode
depending on a frequency used, and it may be applied to any
articles.
(9) The radiation electrode is, for example, a metal
film layer of an article package such that a sheet having a
conductive layer is formed into a bag-like shape or a
package-like shape. According to the above configuration,
an article package having a metal film layer may be utilized

without any change,, and almost the entire article operates
as a radiator. Even when a plurality of articles are
overlapped, the ID of each article may be read.
(10) The radiation electrode is an electrode pattern
formed, for example, on a circuit substrate in an electronic
device. According to the above configuration, the circuit
substrate provided in the electronic device may be utilized
without any change, and mounting of the high-frequency
device becomes easy.
(11) The radiation electrode is a metal plate provided
on a rear face of a component, such as a liquid crystal
display panel, in an electronic device. According to the
above configuration, the component provided in the
electronic device may be utilized without any change, and
the size and cost are not increased.
(12) A resonant conductor that has a resonant frequency
that is equal to an operating frequency of the high-
frequency device or a frequency close to the operating
frequency is provided, wherein the resonant conductor is
coupled to the high-frequency device. According to the
above configuration, a radiation gain at the operating
frequency of an RFID tag increases, and an excellent
characteristic is obtained as an RFID. In addition, because
the resonant frequency of the resonant conductor is not
influenced by components mounted on the printed wiring

substrate, design is easy.
(13) The resonant conductor is arranged substantially
parallel to an edge portion of the radiation electrode, at
which the cutout portion is formed. According to the above
configuration, coupling between the resonant conductor and
the radiation electrode becomes strong and, therefore, a
high gain characteristic may be obtained.
(14) The resonant conductor has a length that is
substantially equal to a side of the radiation electrode,
which the resonant conductor is located adjacent to.
According to the above configuration, coupling between the
resonant conductor and the radiation electrode becomes
strong and, therefore, a high gain characteristic may be
obtained.
(15) The resonant conductor is arranged so that portion
of the resonant conductor, located adjacent to a position at
which the high-frequency device is arranged, is
substantially located at the center. According to the above
configuration, coupling between the resonant conductor and
the high-frequency device becomes strong and, therefore, a
high gain characteristic may be obtained.
(16) A plurality of the high-frequency devices are
provided, and the resonant conductor is coupled to each of
the high-frequency devices. According to the above
configuration, the number of necessary resonant conductors

may be reduced, and the occupied area on the printed wiring
substrate may be reduced. Thus, manufacturing cost may be
reduced.
(17) The resonant conductor is separable from a body
that forms the radiation electrode. According to the above
configuration, in the manufacturing process, a communication
distance with a reader/writer may be kept long, and after
manufacturing, the size of the printed wiring substrate is
not increased. In addition, it is possible to provide
communication as needed by bringing it close to the
reader/writer.
(18) The resonant conductor is formed in a margin
portion of a printed wiring substrate. According to the
above configuration, cost for manufacturing the printed
wiring substrate may be reduced.
(19) A casing of a device, on which the wireless IC
device is mounted, or another component mounted on the
device also serves as the resonant conductor. According to
the above configuration, it is possible to obtain a
necessary gain even with a metal case or a mounted component.
(20) A component for a wireless IC device includes: a
high-frequency device, which is an electromagnetic coupling
module or a wireless IC, formed of a wireless IC and a power
supply circuit substrate that is electrically connected or
electromagnetically coupled to the wireless IC while being

coupled to an external circuit; and a substrate on which the
high-frequency device is mounted and which includes at least
two linear electrodes, one ends of which are coupled to the
high-frequency device.
According to the above configuration, if the article
only has a conductor that operates as a radiator, by just
assembling the component for a wireless IC device to that
article, the article may be utilized as an RFID tag attached
article.
(21) In the linear electrode according to (20), the
other ends of the linear electrodes are electrically
connected to each other to form a loop electrode. According
to the above configuration, the loop shape formed by the
loop electrode is not influenced by assembling, such as
soldering and, therefore, highly accurate design with less
fluctuations in impedance, or the like, may be achieved.
(22) A wireless IC device includes: the component for a
wireless IC device according to (20); and an article having
a radiation electrode that is electrically connected to the
other ends of the at. least two linear electrodes to form a
loop electrode. According to the above configuration, it is
possible to easily form an RFID tag attached article.
(23) A wireless IC device includes: the component for a
wireless IC device according to (21); and an article
provided with a conductor that is coupled to the loop

electrode and operates as a radiator. According to the
above configuration, it is possible to easily form an RFID
tag attached article. In addition, when the article is an
electronic component, it is possible to reduce variations in
characteristic thereof.
Advantages
According to the invention, the following advantageous
effects are obtained, for example, processes or members for
forming an antenna pattern shown in FIG. 1 on an article are
unnecessary. Thus, there is almost no increase in cost for
providing a wireless IC device for an article.
In addition, because the entire or portion of the
article may be utilized as a radiator, a sufficient
radiation characteristic may be obtained even when it is
attached to a small article.
Furthermore, because the thickness of a portion on a
base material of the article, at which the high-frequency
device is provided, may be reduced, a protrusion of the
high-frequency device portion may be suppressed and,
therefore, an appearance is not influenced.
Moreover, by using the electromagnetic coupling module,
impedance matching between the wireless IC chip and the
radiation electrode may be designed within the power supply
circuit substrate. Thus, it is not necessary to limit the
shape or material of the radiation electrode, and it may be

applied to any articles.
Brief Description of Drawings
[FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a view that shows the configuration
of a wireless IC device described in Patent Document 1.
[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a view that shows the configuration
of a wireless IC device according to a first embodiment and
the configuration of an article provided with the wireless
IC device.
[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the
wireless IC device, showing only a relevant portion of the
article shown in FIG. 2.
[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a view that shows the configuration
of a wireless IC device according to a second embodiment and
the configuration of an article provided with the wireless
IC device.
[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the
wireless IC device, showing only a relevant portion of the
article shown in FIG. 3.
[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a view that shows the configuration
of a wireless IC device according to a third embodiment and
the configuration of an article provided with the wireless
IC device.
[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a view that shows the configuration
of a wireless IC device according to a fourth embodiment and
the configuration of an article provided with the wireless

IC device.
[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a center cross-sectional view that
is taken along the line passing a main portion of the
wireless IC device and a partially enlarged plan view of the
main portion of the wireless IC device.
[FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a view that shows the configuration
of a wireless IC device according to a fifth embodiment.
[FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of an
electromagnetic coupling module 1 used for a wireless IC
device according to a sixth embodiment.
[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the internal
configuration of a power supply circuit substrate of an
electromagnetic coupling module.
[FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is an equivalent circuit diagram that
includes the power supply circuit substrate and a cutout
portion of a metal film.
[FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a view that shows the
configuration of a wireless IC device according to a seventh
embodiment and the configuration of an article provided with
the wireless IC device.
[FIG. 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a main
portion of the wireless IC device.
[FIG. 15] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a
power supply circuit substrate of a wireless IC device
according to an eighth embodiment.

[FIG. 16] FIG. 16 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a
main portion of the wireless IC device.
[FIG. 17] FIG. 17 is a plan view of an electromagnetic
coupling module used for a wireless IC device according to a
ninth embodiment.
[FIG. 18] FIG. 18 is a view that shows the
configuration of a wireless IC device according to a tenth
embodiment.
[FIG. 19] FIG. 19 is a view that shows some
configurations of a wireless IC devices according to an
eleventh embodiment.
[FIG. 20] FIG. 20 is a view that shows the
configuration of another wireless IC device according to the
eleventh embodiment.
[FIG. 21] FIG. 21 is a view that shows some
configurations of further another wireless IC device
according to the eleventh embodiment.
[FIG. 22] FIG. 22 is a view that shows the
configuration of a wireless IC device according to a twelfth
embodiment.
[FIG. 23] FIG. 23 is a view that shows some
configurations of a wireless IC device according to a
thirteenth embodiment.
[FIG. 24] FIG. 24 is a plan view that shows the
configuration of a wireless IC device according to a

fourteenth embodiment.
[FIG. 25] FIG. 25 is a plan view that shows the
configuration of a wireless IC device according to a
fifteenth embodiment.
[FIG. 26] FIG. 26 is a plan view that shows the
configuration of a wireless IC device according to a
sixteenth embodiment.
[FIG. 27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a cellular
phone terminal provided with a wireless IC device according
to a seventeenth embodiment and a cross-sectional view of a
main portion of an internal circuit substrate.
[FIG. 28] FIG. 28 is a plan view that shows the
configuration of a component for a wireless IC device
according to an eighteenth embodiment.
[FIG. 29] FIG. 29 is a plan view that shows a wireless
IC device that uses the component for a wireless IC device
according to the eighteenth embodiment.
[FIG. 30] FIG. 30 is a view that shows an example in
which a main portion of a wireless IC device is formed
within a ground electrode formation area on a printed wiring
substrate 80.
[FIG. 31] FIG. 31 is a plan view that shows the
configuration of a component for a wireless IC device
according to a nineteenth embodiment and the configuration
of a wireless IC device provided with that component.

[FIG. 32] FIG. 32 is a plan view that shows the
configuration of a component for a wireless IC device
according to a twentieth embodiment.
[FIG. 33] FIG. 33 is a plan view that shows the
configuration of a wireless IC device provided with the
component for a wireless IC device according to the
twentieth embodiment.
[FIG. 34] FIG. 34 is a plan view that shows the
configuration of a component 113 for a wireless IC device
according to a twenty-first embodiment.
Reference Numerals
1, 2, 3 electromagnetic coupling module
4 power supply circuit substrate
5 wireless IC chip
6 main portion of wireless IC device
7 loop electrode
8 radiation electrode

10 base material
11 substrate
12 loop electrode
13 printed wiring substrate

15 circuit substrate
16 electrode pattern
17, 18 electronic component
20 inductor electrode

21 molded resin
25 capacitor electrode
30 loop electrode
35a to 35d wireless IC chip mounting land
4 0 power supply circuit substrate
41A to 41H dielectric layer
42a via hole
45a, 45b inductor electrode
46, 47 inductor electrode
51 capacitor electrode
53 to 57 capacitor electrode
60 article package
61 cutout portion
62 non-conductive portion
63 metal plane body
64 insulative sheet
65 metal film
66 cutout portion
67 matching circuit
68 resonant conductor
69 metal film (ground conductor)
70 to 73 article
80 printed wiring substrate
81 mounted side conductor component (resonant
conductor)

82 process line installed conductor(resonant
conductor)
111, 112, 113 component for wireless IC device
CI capacitor
C2 capacitor
LI, L2 inductor
E electric field
H magnetic field
Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
First Embodiment
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view that shows the
configuration of a wireless IC device according to a first
embodiment and the configuration of an article provided with
the wireless IC device. The article 70 is, for example, a
packed snack, such as a packed potato chips. An article
package 60 is a package that is formed so that an aluminum-
deposited laminated film is formed into a bag-like shape.
A cutout portion (portion at which aluminum is not
vapor-deposited) 61 is formed at an edge portion of the
article package 60, and an electromagnetic coupling module 1
is arranged in the cutout portion 61.
FIG. 3 is a view that shows the configuration of a
wireless IC device and shows only a relevant portion of the
article 70 shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, a radiation
electrode 8 corresponds to an aluminum-deposited layer of

the aluminum-deposited laminated film of the article package
60 shown in FIG. 2. The cutout portion (electrode non-
formation portion) 61 of the radiation electrode 8 forms a
loop electrode 7 inside, and the electromagnetic coupling
module 1 is mounted at the cutout portion 61 so as to be
coupled to the loop electrode 7. The loop electrode 7 is
patterned when aluminum deposition of the aluminum-deposited
laminated film is performed. Alternatively, a conductive
pattern may be formed by printing in a process different
from the process of aluminum deposition.
FIG. 3(B) schematically shows an example of a
distribution of electromagnetic field that is generated in
the radiation electrode 8 when the loop electrode 7 is
applied as a transmission auxiliary radiator. In the
drawing, the broken line represents the loop of a magnetic
field H, and the solid line represents the loop of an
electric field E. The loop electrode 7 is applied as a
magnetic field transmission auxiliary radiator. The
magnetic field H generated by the loop electrode 7
perpendicularly intersects with the radiation electrode 8 to
induce the electric field E. The electric field loop
induces a magnetic field loop, and the chain of that action
extends a distribution of electromagnetic field.
The above example is described using the loop electrode
7 as a transmission auxiliary radiator. When the loop

electrode 7 is applied as a reception auxiliary radiator as
well, a similar action may be attained to obtain a high gain.
In this way, when the article includes a conductive
portion having a predetermined area and the conductive
portion acts as a radiator, and when a large number of the
articles are overlapped, chain induction of the electric
field and magnetic field propagates among articles. Thus,
even when a large number of articles are overlapped (if
anything, overlapped), the wireless IC device operates to
attain a high gain. For example, in a state where the
antenna of a reader/writer is brought close to a portion of
a pile of packed potato chips, IDs of all of the pile of
packed potato chips may be read.
Note that the electromagnetic coupling module 1 shown
in FIG. 3 includes a wireless IC chip, which will be
described later, and a power supply circuit substrate that
is connected to the wireless IC chip and that is coupled to
an external circuit (in this example, the loop electrode 7,
and the radiation electrode 8 via the loop electrode 7).
The wireless IC chip and the power supply circuit substrate
may be connected electrically or may be coupled
electromagnetically. When they are coupled
electromagnetically, a capacity is formed between connection
electrodes of them with a dielectric thin film, or the like.
By capacitively coupling the wireless IC chip and the power

supply circuit substrate, it is possible to prevent the
wireless IC chip from being broken due to static electricity.
In addition, when the power supply circuit substrate is
used, two electrodes of the power supply circuit substrate
are coupled electromagnetically to both ends of the loop
electrode 7. In addition, the electromagnetic coupling
module 1 may be replaced with a single piece of wireless IC
chip. In this case, two electrodes of the wireless IC chip
may be directly connected to both ends of the loop electrode
7. In any cases, because the loop electrode 7 is separated
from the radiation electrode 8 in terms of direct current,
the wireless IC device advantageously has a resistance
against static electricity.
In addition, the loop electrode 7 may have any shape as
long as the loop electrode 7 is arranged so as to couple
input and output terminals of the electromagnetic coupling
module 1.
Second Embodiment
FIG. 4 is an external perspective view that shows the
configuration of a wireless IC device according to a second
embodiment and the configuration of an article provided with
the wireless IC device. The article 71 is, for example, a
packed snack. An article package 60 is a package that is
formed so that an aluminum-deposited laminated film is
formed into a bag-like shape.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the electromagnetic
coupling module is arranged at an edge portion of the
article package, whereas in an example shown in FIG. 4, the
electromagnetic coupling module 1 is provided at an inner
side of the article package 60, away from the edge portion
of the article package 60. The article package 60 is formed
of an aluminum-deposited laminated film. Portion of the
article package 60, at which aluminum is not deposited, is
formed as a non-conductive portion 62. The electromagnetic
coupling module 1 is arranged inside the non-conductive
portion 62 and at an end of the non-conductive portion 62.
FIG. 5 is a view that shows a portion at which the
electromagnetic coupling module 1 shown in FIG. 4 is mounted.
In FIG. 5, the configuration of the loop electrode 7 and
electromagnetic coupling module 1 is similar to that shown
in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment. The radiation electrode
8 corresponds to the aluminum-deposited layer of the
aluminum-deposited laminated film of the article package 60.
The loop electrode 7 and the electromagnetic coupling module
1 are arranged inside the non-conductive portion 62 so that
the loop electrode 7 is located adjacent to three sides of
the radiation electrode 8.
With the above configuration, the loop electrode 7
operates as a magnetic field transmission auxiliary radiator.
The loop electrode 7 is coupled to the radiation electrode 8

and, owing to the action similar to that shown in FIG. 3,
the radiation electrode 8 operates as a radiator of an
antenna.
Note that when the area of the non-conductive portion
62 is set to be equal to the area occupied by the loop
electrode 7 and the electromagnetic coupling module 1 and
then the loop electrode 7 and the electromagnetic coupling
module 1 are arranged inside the non-conductive portion 62,
the magnetic field of the loop electrode 7 is coupled to the
radiation electrode 8 at four sides and, therefore,
electromagnetic field induced by the radiation electrode 8
is cancelled to reduce a gain. Thus, it is important that
the area of the non-conductive portion 62 is sufficiently
larger than the area occupied by the loop electrode 7 and
the electromagnetic coupling module 1, and the loop
electrode 7 is located adjacent to the radiation electrode 8
at one side, two sides, or three sides.
Third Embodiment
FIG. 6(B) shows the configuration of a main portion of
a wireless IC device according to a third embodiment. FIG.
6(A) is an external view of an article provided with the
wireless IC device. In FIG. 6(A), the article 72 is such
that a main portion 6 of the wireless IC device is provided
on the metal plane body 63. The metal plane body 63 is a
plate-like or sheet-like article that includes a metal layer

inside or a metal plate itself.
The main portion 6 of the wireless IC device has a so-
called tuck index shape as a whole as shown in FIG. 6(B) and
has an adhesive layer on the inner face of an insulative
sheet 64. The loop electrode 7 and the electromagnetic
coupling module 1 are sandwiched by the insulative sheet 64.
The configuration of the loop electrode 7 and
electromagnetic coupling module 1 is similar to that shown
in FIG. 3.
Then, the loop electrode 7 is attached so as to be
located adjacent to an edge of the metal plane body 63 shown
in FIG. 6A, that is, so as to just adhere a tuck index to
the edge.
Even when no cutout is provided at an edge portion of
the conductive portion as described above, by bringing the
loop electrode 7 of the main portion 6 of the wireless IC
device close to the edge portion of the metal plane body 63,
the loop electrode 7 and the metal plane body 63 (conductive
portion that operates as a radiator) are coupled to each
other. Thus, the metal plane body 63 operates as a radiator
of an antenna.
Fourth Embodiment
A wireless IC device according to a fourth embodiment
will be described with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. The
wireless IC device according to the fourth embodiment is

applied to a recording medium having a metal film, such as a
DVD.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a DVD disk. FIG. 8(A) is a
center cross-sectional view that is taken along the line
passing the main portion 6 of the wireless IC device, and
FIG. 8(B) is a partially enlarged plan view of the main
portion 6 of the wireless IC device. However, the cross-
sectional view of FIG. 8(A) is exaggerated in size in the
thickness direction.
As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8(A), the DVD disc 73 is
formed by adhering two disc-shaped discs, one of the disc
has a metal film 65 formed thereon, and the main portion 6
of the wireless IC device is provided at portion of the
inner peripheral edge of the metal film 65.
As shown in FIG. 8(B), a C-shaped cutout portion 66 is
formed at portion of the inner peripheral edge of the metal
film 65. The cutout portion 66 is not a cutout of the disc
but a cutout portion as a pattern of the metal film. The
electromagnetic coupling module 1 is arranged so that two
terminals of the electromagnetic coupling module 1, formed
by the C-shaped cutout portion, face two protruding ends
facing each other. The inner peripheral end (portion
indicated by the arrow in the drawing) of the C-shaped
cutout portion is operated as a loop electrode.
Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 9 is a view that shows the configuration of two
wireless IC devices according to a fifth embodiment. The
fifth embodiment provides a matching circuit between a
mounding portion of a high-frequency device and a loop
electrode. The matching circuit establishes direct
electrical connection between the high-frequency device and
the loop electrode.
In FIG. 9(A), the metal film 65 is formed into a sheet
material or a plate material, and operates as a radiator.
By forming a cutout portion 66 at portion of the metal film
65, the portion extending along the inner peripheral edge of
the cutout portion 66 operates as a loop electrode.
The matching circuit 67 formed of a meander electrode
and metal film portions 65a and 65b, which are mounting
portions for the high-frequency device (electromagnetic
coupling module or wireless IC chip), are formed inside the
cutout portion 66.
By providing the matching circuit 67 in this way, the
wireless IC chip may be directly mounted at the metal film
portions 65a and 65b. Note that when the wireless IC chip
is directly mounted on the loop electrode, the loop
electrode including the matching circuit 67 substantially
determines operating frequency of the wireless IC device.
In FIG. 9(B), the radiation electrode 8 has the non-
conductive portion 62 formed therein, and the loop electrode

7, matching circuit 67 and electromagnetic coupling module 1
are arranged inside the non-conductive portion 62 so that
the loop electrode 7 is located adjacent to three sides of
the radiation electrode 8. The configuration of the
matching circuit 67 and mounting portion of the
electromagnetic coupling module 1 is similar to the example
of FIG. 9(A).
With the above configuration, the loop electrode 7
operates as a magnetic field radiator. The loop electrode 7
is coupled to the radiation electrode 8 and, owing to the
action similar to that shown in FIG. 3, the radiation
electrode 8 operates as a radiator.
Note that the metal film 65 of FIG. 9(A) or the
radiation electrode 8 of FIG. 9(B) may be, for example, a
solid electrode that is formed on the circuit substrate
inside a cellular phone terminal.
Sixth Embodiment
FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of an
electromagnetic coupling module 1 used for a wireless IC
device according to a sixth embodiment. The electromagnetic
coupling module 1 may be applied to the wireless IC devices
in the other embodiments. The electromagnetic coupling
module 1 is formed of a wireless IC chip 5 and a power
supply circuit substrate 4. The power supply circuit
substrate 4 matches an impedance between the metal film 65,

which operates as a radiator, and the wireless IC chip 5,
and also operates as a resonant circuit.
FIG. 11 is an exploded view that shows the
configuration of the inside of the power supply circuit
substrate 4. The power supply circuit substrate 4 is formed
of a multilayer substrate formed by laminating a plurality
of dielectric layers in which electrode patterns are
respectively formed. Wireless IC chip mounting lands 35a to
35d are formed on the uppermost dielectric layer 41A. A
capacitor electrode 51 that is electrically connected to the
wireless IC chip mounting land 35b is formed on the
dielectric layer 41B. A capacitor electrode 53 is formed on
the dielectric layer 41C and forms a capacitor CI with the
capacitor electrode 51. Inductor electrodes 45a and 45b are
formed on each of the dielectric layers 41D to 41H. The
inductor electrodes 45a and 45b formed over these plurality
of layers form a spiral shape as a whole, and constitute
inductors LI and L2 that are strongly inductively coupled to
each other. In addition, a capacitor electrode 54 is formed
on the dielectric layer 41F and is electrically connected to
the inductor LI. The capacitor electrode 54 is placed
between the two capacitor electrodes 53 and 55 to form a
capacitor. In addition, a capacitor electrode 55 is formed
on the dielectric layer 41H and is electrically connected to
the capacitor electrode 53. Via holes 42a to 42i are formed

to electrically connect between the electrodes of the
dielectric layers.
The capacitor electrode 55 faces an end 65b of the
metal film, which is formed at the cutout portion of the
metal film 65 shown in FIG. 8. A capacitor between the end
65b and the capacitor electrode 55. In addition, the
inductor electrodes 45a and 45b are electromagnetically
coupled to the metal film portion 65a facing thereto.
FIG. 12 is an equivalent circuit diagram that includes
the power supply circuit substrate and the cutout portion of
the metal film shown in FIG. 11. In FIG. 12, the capacitor
CI is a capacitor generated between the capacitor electrodes
51 and 53 shown in FIG. 11, the capacitor C2 is a capacitor
generated between the capacitor electrode 54 and the
capacitor electrodes 53 and 55 shown in FIG. 11, and the
inductors LI and L2 are formed by the inductor electrodes
45a and 45b shown in FIG. 11. The metal film 65 shov/n in
FIG. 12 is a loop that extends along the inner peripheral
edge of the cutout portion 66 shown in FIG. 8. The
capacitor electrode 55 is capacitively coupled to one end
65b, and the other end 65a is electromagnetically coupled to
the inductors LI and L2. Thus, the loop that extends along
the inner peripheral edge of the cutout portion 66 operates
as a loop electrode.
Note that in the fourth embodiment, the loop that

extends along the inner peripheral end of the cutout portion
of the metal film is operated as the loop electrode; instead,
as shown in FIG. 3, and the like, it is applicable that a
loop electrode is formed inside the cutout portion, and the
electromagnetic coupling module 1 that includes the wireless
IC chip 5 and the power supply circuit substrate 4 are
mounted to the loop electrode. In this case, the loop
electrode and the metal film 65 are coupled, and the metal
film 65 operates as a radiator.
In the power supply circuit substrate 4, a resonant
frequency is determined in a resonant circuit formed of the
inductance elements LI and L2 and its stray capacitance,
The frequency of a signal radiated from the radiation
electrode is substantially determined on the basis of a
self-resonant frequency of the resonant circuit.
The electromagnetic coupling module 1, which is formed
so that the wireless IC chip 5 is mounted on the power
supply circuit substrate 4, receives a high-frequency signal
(for example, UHF frequency band) radiated from a
reader/writer (not shown) through the radiation electrode,
resonates the resonant circuit in the power supply circuit
substrate 4 and then supplies only a reception signal of a
predetermined frequency band to the wireless IC chip 5. On
the other hand, the electromagnetic coupling module 1
extracts a predetermined amount of energy from the reception

signal, matches information stored in the wireless IC chip 5
with a predetermined frequency in the resonant circuit using
the extracted energy as a driving source, and then transmits
the information to the radiation electrode. The information
is further transmitted from the radiation electrode to the
reader/writer.
In this way, by providing the resonant circuit in the
power supply circuit substrate, selectivity of frequency
increases. Thus, the operating frequency of the wireless IC
device may be mostly determined using the self-resonant
frequency. In accordance with the above, it is possible to
transfer (exchange) energy of a signal of a frequency used
in an RFID system with high efficiency. In addition, it is
possible to set an optimum resonant frequency in
consideration of the shape and size of a radiator. This may
improve the radiation characteristic of the wireless IC
device.
Note that the wireless IC chip and the mounting lands
of the power supply circuit substrate may be electrically
connected or may be capacitively coupled through insulation.
In addition, by providing the matching circuit in the
power supply circuit substrate, it is possible to transfer
(exchange) energy of a signal of a frequency used in an RFID
system with high efficiency.
Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 13 is a perspective view that shows the
configuration of a main portion of a wireless IC device
according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is an enlarged
partially cross-sectional view of FIG. 13.
In FIG. 13, a base material 10 is the base material of
an article for which the wireless IC device is provided and
is, for example, an aluminum-deposited laminated film. On
the aluminum-deposited layer of the base material 10, a loop
electrode 30 that is opened in the cutout portion described
in the first embodiment or in a predetermined portion of the
non-conductive portion described in the second embodiment.
An inductor electrode 20 and a capacitor electrode 25 are
formed above the open two ends 30a and 30b via an insulating
layer. The inductor electrode 20 has a spiral shape and, as
will be described later, the inside end is connected to the
capacitor electrode 25.
The wireless IC chip 5 is mounted at the ends of the
inductor electrode 20 and capacitor electrode 25, as shown
in the enlarged view in the drawing. That is, the wireless
IC chip mounting land 35a is formed at the end of the
inductor electrode 20 and the wireless IC chip mounting land
35b is formed at the end of the capacitor electrode 25, and,
furthermore, the mounting lands 35c and 35d are formed.
Then, the wireless IC chip 5 is mounted.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view that is taken along

the line II-II in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 14, the
inductor electrode 20 faces the end 30a of the loop
electrode. A wire 21 connects the inside end of the
inductor electrode 20 shown in FIG. 13 with the capacitor
electrode 25.
In this way, capacitors and inductors for matching
impedance and adjusting resonant frequency may be formed on
the side of the base material 10 of an article, and the
wireless IC chip 5 may be directly mounted.
Eighth Embodiment
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a power
supply circuit substrate 40 of a wireless IC device
according to a sixth embodiment. In addition, FIG. 16 is an
equivalent circuit diagram thereof.
The power supply circuit substrate 40 is formed of a
multilayer substrate formed by laminating a plurality of
dielectric layers in which electrode patterns are
respectively formed. Wireless IC chip mounting lands 35a to
35d are formed on the uppermost dielectric layer 41A. A
capacitor electrode 51 that is electrically connected to the
wireless IC chip mounting land 35b is formed on the
dielectric layer 41B. A capacitor electrode 53 is formed on
the dielectric layer 41C and forms a capacitor CI with the
capacitor electrode 51. Inductor electrodes 45a and 45b are
formed on each of the dielectric layers 41D to 41H. The

inductor electrodes 45a and 45b formed over these plurality
of layers constitute, as a whole, an inductor LI that has a
spiral shape. In addition, a capacitor electrode 54 is
formed on the dielectric layer 41F and is electrically
connected to the inductor LI. The capacitor electrode 54 is
placed between the two capacitor electrodes 53 and 55 (or
56) to form a capacitor. In addition, a capacitor electrode
55 is formed on the dielectric layer 41H and is electrically
connected to the capacitor electrode 53.
Capacitor electrodes 56 and 57 are formed on a
dielectric layer 411. The capacitor electrode 56 is
electrically connected to the capacitor electrodes 53 and 55.
In addition, the capacitor electrode 57 is
electromagnetically coupled to the inductor electrodes 45a
and 4 5b.
Inductor electrodes 4 6 and 47 are formed on each of
dielectric layers 41J to 41N. The inductor electrodes 46
and 47 form a loop electrode L2 that is wound multiple times.
Via holes 42a to 42m are formed to electrically connect
between the electrodes of the dielectric layers.
That is, the power supply circuit substrate 40 is just
formed so that the loop electrode is included in the power
supply circuit substrate 4 shown in FIG. 11. Thus, by
installing the electromagnetic coupling module, which is
formed by mounting the wireless IC chip on the power supply

circuit substrate 40, to an article, the wireless IC device
may be formed, and it is not necessary to form a loop
electrode on the article side.
In FIG. 16, the capacitor CI is a capacitor generated
between the capacitor electrodes 51 and 53 shown in FIG. 15,
the capacitor C2 is a capacitor generated between the
capacitor electrode 54 and the capacitor electrodes 53 and
55 shown in FIG. 15, the inductors L1a and L1b are
respectively formed by the inductor electrodes 45a and 45b
shown in FIG. 15, and the inductor L2 is formed by the
inductor electrodes 46 and 47 shown in FIG. 15.
Ninth Embodiment
FIG. 17 are plan views of an electromagnetic coupling
module used for a wireless IC device according to a seventh
embodiment. In the example of FIG. 17(A), a loop electrode
12 and wireless IC chip mounting lands are formed on the
substrate 11 by an electrode pattern, and the wireless IC
chip 5 is mounted.
In the example shown in FIG. 15, the capacitors and
inductors for matching impedance and adjusting resonant
frequency are formed on the power supply circuit substrate
together with the loop electrode, whereas in the example
shown in FIG. 17, the loop electrode and the wireless IC
chip basically integrated.
In the example of FIG. 17(B), spiral electrode patterns

are respectively formed on the top and bottom faces of the
substrate 11, capacitor electrode that places the substrate
11 in between are arranged at the center of each spiral
electrode pattern, and then the line on the top face and the
line on the bottom face are connected via the capacitors.
That is, the line length and inductance are gained within a
limited area by utilizing both faces of the substrate 11 to
thereby form the loop electrode 12.
Two electromagnetic coupling modules 2 and 3 shown in
FIG. 17 each are arranged adjacent to a metal film of an
article, which operates as a radiator, or a metal plate so
that the radiation electrode is capacitively coupled to the
loop electrode 12. By so doing, without forming any
specific circuit on the article side, as in the case of the
first and second embodiments, it is possible to utilize the
metal film of the article or the metal plate as a radiator
of an antenna.
Tenth Embodiment
FIG. 18 are views that show the configuration of a
wireless IC device according to a tenth embodiment. In the
first to ninth embodiments, the article package 60, the
metal plane body 63, the metal film 65, and the like, in
which a conductive plane extends in a planar manner, are
operated as a radiator, whereas in the tenth embodiment, a
resonant conductor that is insulated from a planar

conductive plane and that operates as a resonator is
provided.
FIG. 18(A) is a plan view of a conductive pattern on a
printed wiring substrate when an RFID tag is formed on the
printed wiring substrate. In addition, FIG. 18(B) is a plan
view of a wireless IC device that operates as an RFID tag,
which is formed so that the electromagnetic coupling module
1 formed of a wireless IC chip and a power supply circuit
substrate is mounted on the printed wiring substrate.
A metal film 65, which is used as a ground electrode of
another circuit, is formed on the upper face of the printed
wiring substrate 80. The metal film 65 partially forms a
cutout portion (metal film non-formation portion) 66, and
the metal film portions 65a and 65b, which form a mounting
portion for a high-frequency device (electromagnetic
coupling module or wireless IC chip), are formed inside the
cutout portion 66.
As shown in FIG. 18(B), by mounting the high-frequency
device 1 on the metal film portions 65a and 65b, the portion
that extends along the inner peripheral edge of the cutout
portion 66 operates as a loop electrode. The mounting area
of the high-frequency device 1 forms a main portion 6 of the
wireless IC device.
A resonant conductor 68 that is coupled to the high-
frequency device 1 is formed on the upper face of the

printed wiring substrate 80. The resonant conductor 68 has
determined dimensions (particularly, length) so that the
resonant frequency is a frequency used in an RFID tag or a
frequency therearound. For example, when a glass epoxy
substrate is used and the operating frequency is a UHF band,
the length of the resonant conductor 68 just needs to be
several tens centimeters so as to operate as a both-end-open
half-wavelength resonator.
The resonant conductor 68 is arranged so that the
center is located adjacent to the loop electrode of the main
portion 6 of the wireless IC device, so as to be coupled to
the high-frequency device 1. In addition, in this example,
it is arranged along one side of the metal film 65 in an
insulated manner.
In FIG. 18(B), the arrow J shown in the resonant
conductor 68 typically represents an electric current path,
the arrow EF typically represents an electric field
distribution, and the arrow MF typically represents a
magnetic field distribution. In this way, the magnitude of
an electric current that flows through the resonant
conductor 68 becomes maximum around the center. Thus, the
magnetic field generated at the resonant conductor 68
becomes maximum around the center, and the resonant
conductor 68 is strongly magnetically coupled to the portion
of the loop electrode, extending along the inner peripheral

edge of the cutout portion 66.
When the resonant conductor 68 is resonating around the
operating frequency of the RFID tag, an electric current
that flows through the resonant conductor 68 and a voltage
generated across both ends of the resonant conductor 68
increases. Owing to the magnetic field and electric field
generated by these electric current and voltage as well, the
resonant conductor 68 is coupled to the metal film 65.
The peak of a voltage of a standing wave generated at
the resonant conductor 68 is formed at an end of the
resonant conductor 68. In this example, because the length
of the resonant conductor 68 is substantially equal to one
end of the metal film 65 that operates as a radiator, the
resonant conductor 68 is strongly coupled to the metal film
65. Thus, a high gain is obtained. Through the actions
described above, it is possible to obtain an excellent
characteristic as an RFID tag.
When no resonant conductor 68 is present, resonance
just needs to be performed in the metal film 65 at the
operating frequency of an RFID tag; however, due to
restriction on size of the metal film 65 and depending on
components mounted on the printed wiring substrate, resonant
frequency shifts. According to the embodiment, because the
metal film 65 is separated from the resonant conductor 68,
the resonant conductor 68 may be designed as a single unit,

and a shift in resonant frequency due to mounted components
also does not occur.
Note that in the tenth embodiment, only the metal film,
as a ground electrode, and the resonant conductor are
described as an electrode pattern formed on the printed
wiring substrate; however, an electrode pattern is
appropriately determined on the basis of a circuit to be
formed and an electronic component to be mounted. This also
applies to other embodiments described below.
When an RFID tag is formed on the above constructed
printed wiring substrate, and information such as
manufacturing process history is written to the RFID tag, it
is possible to manage, for example, a process of mounting
components to a printed wiring substrate. For example, when
malfunction of an electronic component is detected in lot
unit, it is possible to take measures only by withdrawing a
small number of electronic devices that have the electronic
component included in that lot. In addition, it has an
advantageous effect such that post-sales support and
maintenance at the time when the product is in operation in
the market may be quickly performed, and a process for
recycling as a resource after disposal will be simple.
In addition, after process management is ended, portion
of the printed wiring substrate, forming the resonant
conductor 68, may be torn off. By so doing, the size of the

printed wiring substrate may be small, and it is possible to
reduce the size of a product without losing the function of
an RFID tag. Because the resonant conductor 68 is present
at the time of process management, data may be read even
when the output level of a reader/writer is low. By
lowering the output of an RF signal, it is possible to
suppress malfunction of a control device, a characteristic
measurement device, and the like. Furthermore, after the
resonant conductor 68 is torn off, the metal film 65 also
operates as a radiator. Thus, communication is still
possible although a communicable distance with a
reader/writer is reduced.
When the printed wiring substrate is conveyed in a
general manufacturing process, rails may be arranged on both
sides of the printed wiring substrate and then the printed
wiring substrate may be conveyed on the rails. In order to
prevent breakage of the portions that contact the rails, the
printed wiring substrate has a margin portion that will be
finally torn off. If the resonant conductor 68 is formed at
the margin portion, wasted space of the printed wiring
substrate is removed.
Note that the metal film 65, which is a ground
electrode, may be formed in a plurality of layers of the
printed wiring substrate. In this case, the region of the
cutout portion 66 in each layer is formed as a metal film

non-formation portion so that a magnetic flux passes
therethrough.
According to the embodiment, a radiation gain at the
operating frequency of an RFID tag increases, and an
excellent characteristic of an RFID is obtained. In
addition, because the resonant frequency of the resonant
conductor is not influenced by components mounted on the
printed wiring substrate, design is easy.
Eleventh Embodiment
FIG. 19 to FIG. 21 are views that show some
configurations of a wireless IC device according to an
eleventh embodiment. Any drawings are plan views of a
wireless IC device such that an RFID tag is formed on a
printed wiring substrate.
In the examples of FIGs. 19(A) and (B), the metal film
65, which is used as a ground electrode for another circuit,
is formed on the upper face of the printed wiring substrate
80. The metal film 65 partially forms a cutout portion
(metal film non-formation portion), and a high-frequency
device (electromagnetic coupling module or wireless IC chip)
is mounted inside the cutout portion, so that the main
portion 6 of the wireless IC device similar to that shown in
FIG. 18 is formed.
The configuration differs from the configuration shown
in FIG. 18 in that the length of the resonant conductor 68

is smaller than one side of the metal film 65 as a radiator.
In the example of FIG. 19(A), the resonant conductor 68 is
formed along one side of the metal film 65. In the example
of FIG. 19(B), the resonant conductor 68 is formed at a
position that is separated from an area in which the metal
film 65 is formed.
Even with the above relationship, when the printed
wiring substrate 80 and the metal film 65 are large in area
(long) and a resonance frequency owing to the metal film 65
is low, the resonant frequency of the resonant conductor 68
may be set to around the operating frequency of an RFID.
Thus, a high gain is obtained.
In the example of FIG. 20, the resonant conductor 68 is
formed in a meander line shape and the entire of the
resonant conductor 68 is arranged along one side of the
metal film 65.
According to the above configuration, because the
resonator length may be increased even when the profile of
the resonant conductor 68 is short, a high gain may be
obtained when it is resonated at a relatively low frequency.
In the example of FIG. 21, the resonant conductor 68 is
longer than one side of the metal film 65 that is operated
as a radiator. In addition, a main portion 6 of the
wireless IC device is formed at a position shifted from the
center of one side of the metal film 65 that is operated as

a radiator. In this case as well, as shown in FIGs. 21(A)
and (B), the center of the resonant conductor 68 just needs
to be arranged adjacent to the loop electrode of the main
portion 6 of the wireless IC device.
In the example shown in FIG. 21(A), a metal film 69 for
forming another ground electrode or another circuit is
formed in a margin at a position adjacent to the metal film
65. In addition, in the example of FIG. 21(B), the resonant
conductor 68 is formed along two sides of the metal film 65.
In this way, even when the pattern of the metal film 65
that operates as a radiator is small, a high gain is
obtained by providing the resonant conductor 68 having a
length that gives a necessary resonant frequency.
Twelfth Embodiment
FIG. 22 is a view that shows the configuration of a
wireless IC device according to a twelfth embodiment. In
FIG. 22, the main portion 6 of the wireless IC device
similar to that shown in FIG. 18 is formed in each of two
metal films 65A and 65B on the upper face of a printed
wiring substrate 80. Then, a resonant conductor 68 is
formed so as to be coupled to both high-frequency devices
provided at the main portions 6 of the two wireless IC
devices. That is, one resonant conductor 68 is shared by
two high-frequency devices.
For example, the printed wiring substrate 80 may form

RFID tags having different frequency bands (for example,
even in the same UHF band, a frequency of standards in
accordance with a destination) by being finally torn off
into the side at which a metal film 65A is formed and the
side at which a metal film 65B is formed.
When the resonant conductor 68 is longer than one side
of the metal film 65 that operates as a radiator, the
resonant conductor 68 may be easily shared as a resonator
for a plurality of high-frequency devices as described above.
In addition, even when shared frequencies are different, the
resonant frequency just needs to be set to a frequency
approximate to the frequencies used in the plurality of RFID
tags.
When the resonant conductor 68 is used only in the
manufacturing process, it will be separated from the printed
wiring substrate 80 later. Thus, the mother printed wiring
substrate does not have a wasted space of an electrode
pattern, so that it is possible to avoid an increase in cost
due to formation of the resonant conductor 68.
Thirteenth Embodiment
FIG. 23 is a view that shows some configurations of a
wireless IC device according to a thirteenth embodiment.
Any drawings are plan views of a wireless IC device such
that an RFID tag is formed on a printed wiring substrate.
In the examples of FIGs. 23(A) and (B), the metal film

65, which is used as a ground electrode for another circuit,
is formed on the upper face of the printed wiring substrate
80. A main portion 6 of the wireless IC device similar to
that shown in FIG. 18 is formed at portion of the metal film
65.
The configuration differs from the configuration shown
in FIG. 18 in that only a portion around the center of the
resonant conductor 68 is arranged adjacent to the loop
electrode of the main portion 6 of the wireless IC device.
Depending on the relationship between the length of one side
of the metal film 65 that operates as a radiator and the
length of the resonant conductor 68, portions near both ends
of the resonant conductor 68 may be formed in a shape so as
to be located away from the metal film 65 as described above.
Fourteenth Embodiment
FIG. 24 is a plan view that shows the configuration of
a wireless IC device according to a fourteenth embodiment.
The configuration differs from the configuration shown in
FIG. 18 in that resonant conductors 68A and 68B are
respectively arranged along two sides of the metal film 65
as a radiator.
One resonant conductor 68A, as in the case shown in FIG.
18, is strongly coupled to a high-frequency device provided
at the main portion 6 of the wireless IC device. The other
resonant conductor 68B is located adjacently along the metal

film 65. Thus, the other resonant conductor 68B is coupled
to the high-frequency device via an electromagnetic field
distributed in the metal film 65. Both the resonant
conductors 68A and 68B operate as a both-end-open half-
wavelength resonator.
The plurality of resonant conductors 68 are not limited
to that they are arranged along two opposite sides of the
metal film 65; they may be arranged along sides of the metal
film 65, which are perpendicular to each other.
Fifteenth Embodiment
FIG. 25 is a plan view that shows the configuration of
a wireless IC device according to a fifteenth embodiment.
In the tenth to fourteenth embodiments, the resonant
conductor is formed on the printed wiring substrate, whereas
in the fifteenth embodiment, a metal case of a device, on
which the wireless IC device is mounted, or a mounting
destination component 81, such as a mounting component, also
serves as the resonant conductor.
With the above configuration, the metal case of the
device, on which the wireless IC device is mounted, the
mounting component, or the like, operates as a resonator.
Thus, it is not necessary to form a resonant conductor on
the printed wiring substrate. This can reduce the size of
the printed wiring substrate 80 and, hence, the cost may be
reduced.

Sixteenth Embodiment
In the sixteenth embodiment, a resonant conductor is
fixed, and at the time when a printed wiring substrate is
conveyed along a process line, the printed wiring substrate
communicates with a reader/writer.
FIG. 26 is a plan view that shows the configuration of
a wireless IC device according to the sixteenth embodiment.
In FIG. 26, a process line installed conductor 82 is
arranged along the process line along which the printed
wiring substrate 65 is conveyed. The reader/writer is
arranged at a position relatively close to the process line
installed conductor 82 (but not necessarily adjacent
position).
A main portion 6 of a wireless IC device similar to
that shown in FIG. 18 is formed on the metal film 65 of the
printed wiring substrate 80.
When the printed wiring substrate 80 is conveyed along
the process line and the main portion 6 of the wireless IC
device is located adjacent to the process line installed
conductor 82, the process line installed conductor 82
operates as a resonator that resonates at the frequency of
an RFID tag. Thus, it is possible to communicate with the
reader/writer with a high gain in that state.
According to the above configuration and communication
method, because no resonant conductor is required on the

printed wiring substrate, the area of a wirable portion
increases. In addition, because it operates as an RFID tag
only when the printed wiring substrate 80 is located close
to the process line installed conductor 82, it is possible
to communicate only with an RFID tag placed at a specific
position. That is, it is possible to selectively
communicate only with a desired RFID tag without
communicating with an unintended ambient RFID tag.
Seventeenth Embodiment
FIG. 27(A) is a perspective view of a cellular phone
terminal provided with a wireless IC device, and FIG. 27(B)
is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of an internal
circuit substrate. The power supply circuit substrate 4, on
which the wireless IC chip 5 is mounted, is installed on the
circuit substrate 15 inside a cellular phone terminal,
together with electronic components 17 and 18. An electrode
pattern 16 that spreads in a predetermined area is formed on
the upper face of the circuit substrate 15. The electrode
pattern 16 is coupled to the wireless IC chip 5 via the
power supply circuit substrate 4 to operate as a radiator.
In addition, as another example, a wireless IC device
may be formed at a metal panel provided at the rear face of
an internal component (for example, liquid crystal panel) of
the cellular phone terminal shown in FIG. 27(A). That is,
the metal panel may be operated as a radiator of an antenna

by applying the wireless IC device shown in the first to
seventh embodiments.
Note that it may be similarly applied to any articles
having a conductive portion with a predetermined area, other
than the above described embodiments. For example, it may
also be applied to a medicine or snack packed with a
composite film including aluminum foil, such as a press
through package (PTP) package.
Eighteenth Embodiment
In the example shown in FIG. 9(A), the metal film 65
that operates as a radiator is formed in a sheet material or
a plate material, and the metal film 65 partially forms the
cutout portion 66, so that the portion extending along the
inner peripheral edge of the cutout, portion 66 is operated
as the loop electrode. When the above configuration is
applied to the printed wiring substrate, a characteristic as
an RFID tag fluctuates depending on a circuit formed on the
printed wiring substrate. Thus, the degree of difficulty in
designing of the printed wiring substrate increases. An
eighteenth embodiment eliminates the above problem.
FIG. 28 is a plan view that shows the configuration of
a component for a wireless IC device according to the
eighteenth embodiment. A mounting portion, on which an
electromagnetic coupling module 1 is mounted, a matching
circuit 67, and a loop electrode 7, which is a liner

electrode, are formed on a printed wiring substrate 13, such
as a glass epoxy substrate. The ends of the loop electrode
7 are extended to an end of one side of the printed wiring
substrate 13 as soldering electrode portions indicated by A.
The electromagnetic coupling module 1 is mounted on the
printed wiring substrate 13 to form a component 111 for a
wireless IC device.
FIG. 29 is a plan view that shows a wireless IC device
that uses the component for a wireless IC device according
to the eighteenth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 29, the
component 111 for a wireless IC device is soldered to a
position at which the loop electrode of the printed wiring
substrate 80 will be formed. When a resist film is coated
on the electrodes of the printed wiring substrate 80, the
resist film is peeled off with a router, or the like, to be
ready for soldering. In this state, characteristics, such
as a reading distance as an RFID tag, and an influence of
ambient wires, a casing, or the like, when assembled to a
device are checked.
When an optimum position is determined on the basis of
the result of checking of the characteristics, and the like,
as shown in FIG. 30, the matching circuit 67 and a mounting
portion for the electromagnetic coupling module 1 are formed
at a position close to a position, at which the component
111 for a wireless IC device is assembled, within a ground

electrode formation area on the printed wiring substrate 80,
and then the electromagnetic coupling module 1 is mounted.
By so doing, the main portion 6 of the wireless IC device is
formed on the printed wiring substrate 80.
Nineteenth Embodiment
FIG. 31 are plan views that show the configuration of a
component for a wireless IC device according to a nineteenth
embodiment and the configuration of a wireless IC device
provided with that component.
In this example, as shown in FIG. 31(A), the printed
wiring substrate 80 has a cutout portion C formed at a
position at which the component 111 for a wireless IC device
is assembled, and then as shown in FIG. 31(B), the component
111 for a wireless IC device is assembled to the position
through soldering. Soldering should be performed over the
entire portions at which the electrodes contact.
With the above configuration, the state in which the
component 111 for a wireless IC device is assembled is
nearer to the final shape than that in the example shown in
FIG. 29. Thus, further accurate design may be performed.
Twentieth Embodiment
FIG. 32 are plan views that show the configuration of a
component for a wireless IC device according to a twentieth
embodiment. FIG. 33 is a plan view that shows the
configuration of a wireless IC device provided with the

component for a wireless IC device.
In this example, soldering electrode portions 88 are
formed on the rear side of the component for a wireless IC
device, and are connected to the loop electrode 7 on the
front face via through-holes 87, or the like. As shown in
FIG. 33, the soldering electrode portions 88 are soldered to
the ground electrode of the printed wiring substrate 80.
In this way, by providing the soldering electrode
portions 88 on the rear face, even when the position at
which the ground electrode is formed does not spread to the
edge of the printed wiring substrate 80, it may be easily
mounted on the printed wiring substrate 80.
Twenty-first Embodiment
FIG. 34 is a plan view that shows the configuration of
a component 113 for a wireless IC device according to a
twenty-first embodiment. A mounting portion, on which the
electromagnetic coupling module 1 is mounted, the matching
circuit 67, and the loop electrode 7 are formed on a printed
wiring substrate 13, such as a glass epoxy substrate. The
loop electrode 7 differs from the example shown in FIG. 28
in that the ends of the linear electrode are electrically
connected to form a loop electrode.
The electromagnetic coupling module 1 is mounted on the
printed wiring substrate 13 to form the component 113 for a
wireless IC device. The component 113 for a wireless IC

device, as in the case of the one shown in FIG. 29 or FIG.
31, is assembled to the printed wiring substrate.
In the component 113 for a wireless IC device, the loop
electrode 7 is not influenced by a state of soldering, or
the like, highly accurate design with less fluctuations in
impedance, or the like, may be achieved. In addition, when
it is used as an electronic component, variations in
characteristic are small.
Note that in the above described embodiments, the
wireless IC of the electromagnetic coupling module employs
the wireless IC chip; however, the invention is not limited
to the one using the wireless IC chip. For example, an
organic semiconductor circuit may be formed on a substrate
to form the wireless IC.

CLAIMS
1. A wireless IC device comprising:
a high-frequency device, which is an electromagnetic
coupling module or a wireless IC chip, said electromagnetic
coupling module being formed of a wireless IC and a power
supply circuit substrate that is electrically connected or
electromagnetically coupled to the wireless IC while being
coupled to an external circuit; and
a radiation electrode, which is portion of an article
and operates as a radiator, wherein the high-frequency
device is mounted on the radiation electrode, and wherein
the radiation electrode is coupled to the high-frequency
device.
2. The wireless IC device according to Claim 1, wherein
the radiation electrode includes a conductive portion having
a predetermined area, wherein a cutout portion is provided
at an edge of the conductive portion, and wherein the high-
frequency device is arranged at the cutout portion while the
high-frequency device is coupled to the conductive portion
at the cutout portion of the conductive portion.
3. The wireless IC device according to Claim 1, wherein
the radiation electrode includes a conductive portion having
a predetermined area, wherein the conductive portion
partially has a non-conductive portion, and wherein the
high-frequency device is arranged at an end in the non-

conductive portion while the high-frequency device is
coupled to the conductive portion around the non-conductive
portion.
4. The wireless IC device according to any one of Claims 1
to 3, further comprising a loop electrode that is coupled to
the high-frequency device and that is directly electrically
connected to the radiation electrode, wherein the loop
electrode is provided at a mounting portion, at which the
high-frequency device is mounted, so that a loop plane of
the loop electrode is oriented in a direction of a plane of
the radiation electrode.
5. The wireless IC device according to any one of Claims 1
to 3, further comprising a loop electrode provided at a
mounting portion at which the high-frequency device is
mounted, wherein the loop electrode is coupled to the high-
frequency device and is electromagnetically coupled to the
radiation electrode via an insulating layer.
6. The wireless IC device according to Claim 4 or 5,
further comprising a matching circuit provided between the
mounting portion of the high-frequency device and the loop
electrode, wherein the matching circuit directly
electrically connects the high-frequency device with the
loop electrode.
7. The wireless IC device according to any one of Claims 1
to 6, further comprising a resonant circuit and/or a

matching circuit provided in the power supply circuit
substrate.
8. The wireless IC device according to Claim 7, wherein a
resonant frequency of the resonant circuit substantially
corresponds to a frequency of a signal exchanged by the
radiation electrode.
9. The wireless IC device according to any one of Claims 1
to 8, wherein the radiation electrode is a metal film layer
of an article package such that a sheet having a conductive
layer is formed into a bag-like shape or a package-like
shape.

10. The wireless IC device according to any one of Claims
1 to 8, wherein the radiation electrode is an electrode
pattern formed on a circuit substrate in an electronic
device.
11. The wireless IC device according to any one of Claims
1 to 8, wherein the radiation electrode is a metal plate
provided on a rear face of a component in an electronic
device.
12. The wireless IC device according to any one of Claims
1 to 11, further comprising a resonant conductor that has a
resonant frequency that is equal to an operating frequency
of the high-frequency device or a frequency close to the
operating frequency, wherein the resonant conductor is
coupled to the high-frequency device.

13. The wireless IC device according to Claim 12, wherein
the resonant conductor is arranged substantially parallel to
an edge portion of the radiation electrode, at which the
cutout portion is formed.
14. The wireless IC device according to Claim 12 or 13,
wherein the resonant conductor has a length that is
substantially equal to a side of the radiation electrode,
which the resonant conductor is located adjacent to.
15. The wireless IC device according to any one of Claims
12 to 14, wherein the resonant conductor is arranged so that
portion of the resonant conductor, located adjacent to a
position at which the high-frequency device is arranged, is
substantially located at the center.
16. The wireless IC device according to any one of Claims
12 to 15, wherein a plurality of the high-frequency devices
are provided, and wherein the resonant conductor is coupled
to each of the high-frequency devices.
17. The wireless IC device according to any one of Claims
12 to 16, wherein the resonant conductor is separable from a
body that forms the radiation electrode.
18. The wireless IC device according to any one of Claims
12 to 17, wherein the resonant conductor is formed in a
margin portion of a printed wiring substrate.
19. The wireless IC device according to any one of Claims
12 to 18, wherein a casing of a device, on which the

wireless IC device is mounted, or another component mounted
on the device also serves as the resonant conductor.
20. A component for a wireless IC device, comprising:
a high-frequency device, which is an electromagnetic
coupling module or a wireless IC chip, formed of a wireless
IC and a power supply circuit substrate that is electrically
connected or electromagnetically coupled to the wireless IC
while being coupled to an external circuit; and
a substrate on which the high-frequency device is
mounted and which includes at least two linear electrodes,
one ends of which are coupled to the high-frequency device.
21. The component for a wireless IC device according to
Claim 20, wherein the other ends of the linear electrodes
are electrically connected to each other to form a loop
electrode.
22. A wireless IC device comprising: the component for a
wireless IC device according to Claim 20; and an article
having a radiation electrode that is electrically connected
to the other ends of the at least two linear electrodes to
form a loop electrode.
23. A wireless IC device comprising: the component for a
wireless IC device according to Claim 21; and an article
provided with a conductor that is electrically connected to
the loop electrode and operates as a radiator.

A wireless IC device that reduces cost for
manufacturing a package, that can be attached to a small article, and that suppresses the thickness of a tag forming portion is formed. For example, a cutout portion (61)
having no aluminum-deposited film is formed at an end of an article package (60) made of an aluminum-deposited laminated film, and an electromagnetic coupling module (1) is provided
at that portion. The electromagnetic coupling module (1) and the aluminum-deposited film of the package (60) constitute a wireless IC device. A loop electrode, which is a magnetic field transmission auxiliary radiator of the
electromagnetic coupling module (1), is coupled to the aluminum-deposited film of the package (60). Thus, the article package (60) operates as a radiator of an antenna overall.

Documents:

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20100324 Allowance.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20100709 Search Report.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20110106 Office Action.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20110204 Response to Search Report.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20110324 Response.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20110530 Office Communication.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20110608 Allowance.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20110609 Search Report.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20110712 Office Action.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20110913 Response.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20111010 Response to Office Communication.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20111207 Office Action.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20111228 Response to Search Report.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20120106 Office Action.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20120203 Response.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20120306 Response.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20120405 Allowance.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20120605 Office Action.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20120808 Response.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20120824 Allowance.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20121016 Ex Parte Quayle Action.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20121212 Response.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20130109 Allowance.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20130628 Office Action.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20130815 Response to Office Action.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20130920 Allowance.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20131217 Office Action.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20140103 Office Communication.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20140213 Response to Office Action.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20140506 Response to Office Communication.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-20140513 Final Office Action.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-ABSTRACT.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-CLAIMS.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-DRAWINGS.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-FORM-1.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-FORM-2.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-FORM-3.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-FORM-5.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-OTHERS.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009- (11-07-2014)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009-(11-09-2014)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-abstract.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009-ANNEXURE FORM 3.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-claims.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

834-KOLNP-2009-CORRESPONDENCE-1.1.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-correspondence.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-description (complete).pdf

834-kolnp-2009-drawings.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-form 1.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-form 3.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-form 5.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-form-18.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-gpa.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-international publication.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-others pct form.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-pct priority document notification.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-pct request form.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-priority document.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-specification.pdf

834-kolnp-2009-translated copy of priority document.pdf

abstract-834-kolnp-2009.jpg


Patent Number 264635
Indian Patent Application Number 834/KOLNP/2009
PG Journal Number 03/2015
Publication Date 16-Jan-2015
Grant Date 13-Jan-2015
Date of Filing 04-Mar-2009
Name of Patentee MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
Applicant Address 10-1, HIGASHIKOTARI 1-CHOME, NAGAOKAKYO-SHI, KYOTO
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 IKEMOTO, NOBUO C/O MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., 10-1, HIGASHIKOTARI 1-CHOME, NAGAOKAKYO-SHI, KYOTO 6178555
2 KATO, NOBORU C/O MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., 10-1, HIGASHIKOTARI 1-CHOME, NAGAOKAKYO-SHI, KYOTO 6178555
PCT International Classification Number H01Q 23/00,H01Q 1/36
PCT International Application Number PCT/JP2008/061953
PCT International Filing date 2008-07-02
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2007-241819 2007-09-19 Japan
2 PCT/JP2008/051521 2008-01-31 Japan
3 2008-105188 2008-04-14 Japan
4 2007-176360 2007-07-04 Japan