Patent Grant
9088263
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a surface acoustic wave resonator and a surface acoustic wave oscillator in which the surface acoustic wave resonator is mounted, and more particularly, to a type of surface acoustic wave resonator in which grooves are arranged in a substrate surface and a surface acoustic wave oscillator and an electronic apparatus in which such a type of surface acoustic wave resonator is mounted.
2. Related Art
In a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device (for example, a SAW resonator), the influence of the stop band of a SAW, a cut angle of a piezoelectric substrate (for example, a quartz crystal substrate), the formed shape of an IDT (inter-digital transducer), and the like on the change in the frequency-temperature characteristics is great.
For example, in Japanese Patent No. 3266846 (JP-A-11-214958), a configuration used for exciting an upper end mode and a lower end mode of a stop band of the SAW, distributions of standing waves in the upper end mode and the lower end mode of the stop band, and the like are disclosed.
In addition, in JP-A-2002-100959, JP-A-2006-148622, JP-A-2007-208871, JP-A-2007-267033, and JP-A-2007-300287, the frequency-temperature characteristics of the stop band upper end mode of the SAW that are better than those of the stop band lower end mode are described.
Among them, in JP-A-2002-100959, the frequency-temperature characteristics are described to be improved by using the resonance of the upper end of the stop band using a rotated Y-cut X-propagation crystal quartz substrate more than a case where the resonance of the lower end of the stop band is used.
In addition, in JP-A-2006-148622 and JP-A-2007-208871, in order to acquire good frequency-temperature characteristics from a SAW device using a Rayleigh wave, adjusting the cut angle of the quartz crystal substrate and thickening the normalized electrode film thickness (H/λ) up to 0.1 are described to be performed. Here, λ is the wavelength of the SAW.
Furthermore, in JP-A-2007-267033, adjusting the cut angle of the quartz crystal substrate and thickening the normalized electrode film thickness (H/λ) so as to be equal to or greater than 0.045 are described to be performed for a SAW device using a Rayleigh wave.
In JP-B-2-7207 (JP-A-57-5418) and “Manufacturing Conditions and Characteristics of Groove-Type SAW Resonator” (The Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers Technical Research Report MW82-59 (1982)), in a SAW device using an ST-cut quartz crystal substrate, grooves are described to be arranged between electrode fingers configuring the IDT and between conductive strips configuring a reflector. In addition, in “Manufacturing Conditions and Characteristics of Groove-Type SAW Resonator” described above, the frequency-temperature characteristics are described to change in accordance with the depth of the grooves.
In addition, also in JP-A-2-189011, JP-A-5-90865, JP-A-1-231412, and JP-A-61-92011, the frequency characteristics are described to be adjusted by forming grooves in a piezoelectric substrate formed from quartz crystal or the like.
Furthermore, it is disclosed in JP-A-10-270974 that, in a transversal-type SAW filer, grooves are formed by etching and processing the surface of a piezoelectric substrate between electrodes of an IDT, and by forming electrode fingers of pure metal or an alloy that has specific gravity higher than that of aluminum, the appearing propagation speed is reduced so as to decrease the pitch of the electrode fingers, whereby realizing the miniaturization of a corresponding chip.
In JP-B-1-34411, implementation of third-order frequency-temperature characteristics by exciting a SSBW (Surface Skimming Bulk Wave) in a SAW resonator that is formed by forming an IDT electrode, of which a normalized electrode film thickness (H/λ) is in the range of 2.0≦H/λ≦4.0%, from aluminum in a quartz crystal substrate having a rotated Y-cut, a cut angle of −43° or −52°, and the slip wave propagation direction set in the Z′-axis direction (Euler angles (φ, θ, ψ)=(0°, 38°≦θ≦47°, 90°)) is disclosed. However, this SAW resonator has features in that an SH wave propagating right below the surface of a piezoelectric substrate is excited by an IDT, and the vibrational energy is confined right below the electrode, and accordingly, the SH wave is basically a wave that progresses inside the substrate. Therefore, the reflection efficiency of the SAW using a grating reflector is lower than that of an ST-cut quartz crystal SAW propagating along the surface of the piezoelectric substrate, and there is a problem in that a miniaturized SAW device having a high Q value cannot be easily implemented.
In addition, in PCT Republication No. WO2005/099089 A1, in order to solve the above-described problems, a SAW device acquired by forming an IDT electrode and a grating reflector on the surface of a quartz crystal substrate having Euler angles (φ, θ, ψ)=(0°, −64°<θ<−49.3°, 85°≦ψ≦95°) is proposed.
Furthermore, in JP-A-2006-203408, in consideration of a problem in that a Q value or the frequency stability deteriorates due to stress migration that occurs due to a large electrode film thickness, it is disclosed that grooves are formed on a crystal quartz substrate located in an area corresponding to a space between electrode fingers through an etching process, and when the depth of the grooves is Hp, and the film thickness of the metal film is Hm, a normalized electrode film thickness (H/λ) is set in the range of 0.04<H/λ<0.12 (here, H=Hp+Hm). Accordingly, a SAW device, in which the variation in the frequency is suppressed, having a high Q value can be realized.
In JP-A-2009-225420, in a SAW device using a so-called in-plane rotation ST quartz crystal substrate, disclosed in JP-A-2006-148622, JP-A-2007-208871, JP-A-2007-267033, and JP-A-2007-300287, considering that side etching progresses in a process of forming electrode fingers through etching due to a large electrode film thickness, an individual line occupancy ratio varies, and the amount of change in the frequency is large when the temperature changes, so as to cause serious problems in the reliability and the quality of the product, it is proposed to use an in-plane rotation ST-cut quartz crystal having Euler angles (φ, θ, ψ)=(0°, 95°≦θ≦155°, 33°≦|ψ|≦46°). By using this quartz crystal substrate, by exciting the upper limit mode of the stop band of the surface acoustic wave, a SAW device suppressing the unbalance in the frequency variation can be implemented.
However, although the unbalance of the variation in the frequency can be suppressed while securing an effective film thickness by forming the grooves by etching the surface of the quartz crystal substrate between the electrode fingers as above, the frequency-temperature characteristics in the operating temperature range of the SAW device still have second-order characteristics, and the width of the variation in the frequency is not decreased much.
In addition, in Japanese Patent No. 3851336, while a configuration for forming a curve representing the frequency-temperature characteristics as a third-order curve in a SAW device using an LST-cut quartz crystal substrate is described, a substrate having a cut angle representing the temperature characteristics as represented by a third-order curve is described to have not been found in a SAW device using a Rayleigh wave.
As described above, factors for improving the frequency-temperature characteristics include many things, and, particularly in a SAW device using a Rayleigh wave, forming the film thickness of the electrode configuring the IDT to be large is considered as one factor contributing to the frequency-temperature characteristics. However, the applicants of this application has found through experiments that, when the film thickness of the electrode is formed to be large, environment-resistant characteristics such as characteristics that change by time or temperature-resistant shock characteristics deteriorate. In addition, in a case where the main purpose is to improve the frequency-temperature characteristics, the film thickness of the electrode needs to be large as described above, and it is difficult to avoid the deterioration of the characteristics changing by time and the temperature-resistant shock characteristics that is accompanied with the large film thickness. This can be also applied to the Q value, and it is difficult to realize a high Q value without forming the film thickness of the electrode to be large. In addition, by forming the film thickness of the electrode to be large, a CI (crystal impedance) value also increases, whereby the stability of oscillation is degraded.
Therefore, aspects of the invention for providing a surface acoustic wave resonator, a surface acoustic wave oscillator, and an electronic apparatus are, first, to realize good frequency-temperature characteristics, second, to improve the environment-resistant characteristics, third, to acquire a high Q value, and, fourth, to acquire a low CI value.
An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a surface acoustic wave resonator having superior stability of oscillation regardless of use environments, and a surface acoustic wave oscillator and an electronic apparatus including the resonator.
According to this application example of the invention, there is provided a surface acoustic wave resonator including: an IDT that is disposed on a quartz crystal substrate of Euler angles (−1.5°≦φ≦1.5°, 117°≦θ≦142°, and 42.79°≦|ψ|≦49.57°) and excites a surface acoustic wave of a stop-band upper end mode; inter-electrode finger grooves that are acquired by depressing the substrate located between electrode fingers configuring the IDT; and one pair of reflection units that are arranged so as allow the IDT to be disposed therebetween in a propagation direction of the surface acoustic wave and reflect the surface acoustic wave. In a case where a wavelength of the surface acoustic wave is λ, and a depth of the inter-electrode finger grooves is G, “0.01λ≦G” is satisfied. In addition, in a case where a line occupancy ratio of the IDT is η, the depth G of the inter-electrode finger grooves and the line occupancy ratio η satisfy following relationships.
−2.0000×G/λ+0.7200≦η≦−2.5000×G/λ+0.7775, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0500λ,
−3.5898×G/λ+0.7995≦η≦−2.5000×G/λ+0.7775, wherein 0.0500λ<G≦0.0695λ
Accordingly, a surface acoustic wave resonator can be acquired in which, first, good frequency-temperature characteristics are realized, second, the environment-resistant characteristics are improved, third, a high Q value is acquired, and, fourth, a low CI value is acquired. In other words, a surface acoustic wave resonator having superior oscillation stability regardless of use environments can be acquired.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that the depth G of the inter-electrode finger grooves satisfies a relationship of “0.01λ≦G≦0.0695λ”.
In such a case, even in a case where the depth G of the inter-electrode finger groove is mismatched due to an error during a manufacturing process, a surface acoustic wave resonator that suppresses the individual shift of the resonance frequency to be within a correctable range can be acquired.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that, when a film thickness of electrode fingers of the IDT is H, a relationship of “0<H≦0.035λ” is satisfied.
In such a case, a surface acoustic wave resonator having good frequency-temperature characteristics within the operating temperature range can be acquired. In addition, according to such a feature, the deterioration of the environment-resistant characteristics accompanying the increase in the film thickness of the electrode can be suppressed.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that the line occupancy ratio 1 satisfies a relationship of “η=−1963.05×(G/λ)3+196.28×(G/λ)2−6.53×(G/λ)−135.99×(H/λ)2+5.817×(H/λ)+0.732-99.99×(G/λ)×(H/λ)”.
In such a case, the second-order temperature coefficient can be controlled to be approximately within ±0.01 ppm/° C.2.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that a sum of the depth G of the inter-electrode finger grooves and the film thickness H of the electrode fingers satisfies a relationship of “0.0407λ≦G+H”.
In such a case, a Q value that is higher than that of a general surface acoustic wave resonator can be acquired.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that the Euler angles ψ and θ satisfy a relationship of “ψ=1.191×10−3×θ3−4.490×10−1×θ2+5.646×101×θ−2.324×103±1.0”.
In such a case, a surface acoustic wave resonator having excellent frequency-temperature characteristics in a broad range can be acquired.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that, when a frequency of the stop-band upper end mode in the IDT is ft2, a frequency of a stop-band lower end mode in the reflection units is fr1, and a frequency of the stop-band upper end mode of the reflector is fr2, a relationship of “fr1<ft2<fr2” is satisfied.
In such a case, the reflection coefficient |Γ| of the reflection unit increases for the frequency ft2 of the stop band upper end mode of the IDT, and an excited surface acoustic wave of the stop band upper end mode from the IDT is reflected to the IDT side by the reflection unit with a high reflection coefficient. Accordingly, energy confinement of the surface acoustic wave of the stop band upper end mode becomes strong, and a surface acoustic wave resonator with low loss can be realized.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that the reflection units are arranged so as to be parallel to the electrode fingers configuring the IDT and are configured in grooves acquired by depressing the quartz crystal substrate.
In such a case, the degree of easiness in manufacturing of the reflection unit can be raised. In addition, since the forming of the conductive strips is unnecessary, the characteristic variation of the reflection unit can be suppressed.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that the grooves included in the reflection units are grooves of a plurality of lines parallel to one another.
In such a case, the degree of easiness in manufacturing of the reflection unit can be raised. In addition, since the forming of the conductive strips is unnecessary, the characteristic variation of the reflection unit can be suppressed.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that, when a film thickness of the electrode fingers configuring the IDT is HmT, a depth of the inter-electrode finger grooves is HgT, an effective film thickness of the electrode fingers is HT/λ (here, HT=HmT+HgT), and, when the depth of the grooves included in the reflection units is HgR, the IDT and the reflection units satisfy a relationship of “HT/λ<HgR/λ”.
In such a case, even in a case where the conductive strip is omitted, the reflection characteristics of the reflection unit are improved, and the energy confinement effect of the SAW of the stop band upper end mode becomes more remarkable, whereby the Q value is further improved. In addition, since the effective film thickness of the electrode finger of the IDT relatively decreases, the electromechanical coupling coefficient of the IDT can be increased, whereby the CI value can be further decreased.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that the depth HgR of the grooves is equal to or more than 3λ.
In such a case, by only forming a groove having a large depth in the manufacturing of the reflection unit, the degree of easiness in manufacturing thereof can be remarkably raised.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that the reflection unit is configured by conductive strips of a plurality of lines that are disposed on the quartz crystal substrate and parallel to each other.
In such a case, the degree of easiness in manufacturing of the reflection unit can be raised. In addition, since the forming of the groove is unnecessary, the characteristic variation of the reflection unit can be suppressed.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that, when a film thickness of the electrode fingers configuring the IDT is HmT, a depth of the inter-electrode finger grooves is HgT, an effective film thickness of the electrode fingers is HT/λ (here, HT=HmT+HgT), and a film thickness of the conductive strips is HmR, the IDT and the reflection units satisfy a relationship of “HT/λ<HmR/λ”.
In such a case, even in a case where the groove is omitted, the reflection characteristics of the reflection unit are improved, and the energy confinement effect of the SAW of the stop band upper end mode becomes more remarkable, whereby the Q value is further improved. In addition, since the effective film thickness of the electrode finger of the IDT relatively decreases, the electromechanical coupling coefficient of the IDT can be increased, whereby the CI value can be further decreased.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that the reflection unit is configured by a plurality of lines of the grooves that are parallel to each other and a plurality of lines of conductive strips that are disposed on the quartz crystal substrate so as to be adjacent to the grooves and are parallel to each other.
In such a case, a surface acoustic wave resonator having superior frequency-temperature characteristics can be acquired.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that, when a film thickness of the electrode fingers configuring the IDT is HmT, a depth of the inter-electrode finger grooves is HgT, an effective film thickness of the electrode fingers is HT/λ (here, HT=HmT+HgT), a film thickness of the conductive strips is HmR, a depth of the grooves included in the reflection unit is HgR, and an effective film thickness of the conductive strips is HR/λ (here, HR=HmR+HgR), the IDT and the reflection units satisfy a relationship of “HT/λ<HR/λ”.
In such a case, the reflection characteristics of the reflection unit are improved together with the increase in the effective film thickness of the conductive strip, and the energy confinement effect of the SAW of the stop band upper end mode becomes more remarkable, whereby the Q value is further improved. In addition, since the effective film thickness of the electrode finger of the IDT relatively decreases, the electromechanical coupling coefficient of the IDT can be increased, whereby the CI value can be further decreased.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that the film thickness HmT of the electrode fingers configuring the IDT and the film thickness HmR of the conductive strips satisfy a relationship of “HmT/λ=HmR/λ”, and the depth HgT of the inter-electrode finger grooves and the depth HgR of the grooves included in the reflection unit satisfy a relationship of “HgT/λ<HgR/λ”.
In such a case, the implementation of a high Q value and the implementation of low CI can be achieved together. In addition, a conductive film having a single film thickness may be formed, and accordingly, the degree of easiness in the manufacturing is raised.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that the depth HgT of the inter-electrode finger grooves and the depth HgR of the grooves included in the reflection unit satisfy a relationship of “HgT/λ=HgR/λ”, and the film thickness HmT of the electrode fingers configuring the IDT and the film thickness HmR of the conductive strips satisfy a relationship of “HmT/λ<HmR/λ”.
In such a case, the implementation of a high Q value and the implementation of low CI can be achieved together. In addition, the groove may be processed under one type of condition, and accordingly, the degree of easiness in the manufacturing is raised.
In the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator, it is preferable that the reflection unit is configured by an end face of the quartz crystal substrate.
In such a case, the degree of easiness in the manufacturing of the reflection unit can be raised. In addition, since formation of a groove or a conductive strip is unnecessary, the characteristic variation of the reflection unit can be suppressed, and the miniaturization thereof can be achieved.
According to this application example of the invention, there is provided a surface acoustic wave oscillator including: the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator; and an IC that is used for driving the IDT.
Accordingly, a surface acoustic wave oscillator having superior oscillation stability regardless of the use environment can be acquired.
According to this application example of the invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus including the above-described surface acoustic wave resonator.
Accordingly, an electronic apparatus having high reliability can be acquired.
The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements.
Hereafter, a surface acoustic wave resonator, a surface acoustic wave oscillator, and an electronic apparatus according to embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
First a surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator according to a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to
The SAW resonator 10 according to this embodiment is basically configured by a quartz crystal substrate 30, an IDT 12, and reflectors 20.
In this embodiment, an in-plane rotation ST cut quartz crystal substrate that is represented by Euler angles (−1.5°≦φ≦1.5°, 117°≦θ≦142°, and 42.79°≦|ψ|≦49.57°) is employed as the quartz crystal substrate 30. Here, the Euler angles will be described. A substrate represented by Euler angles (0°, 0°, 0°) is a Z cut substrate that has a main face perpendicular to the Z axis. Here, φ of Euler angles (φ, θ, ψ) relates to first rotation of the Z cut substrate and is a first rotation angle in which the Z axis is set as the rotation axis, and a direction for rotating from the +X axis side to the +Y axis side is defined as a positive rotation angle. In addition, the Euler angle θ relates to second rotation, which is performed after the first rotation of the Z cut substrate and is a second rotation angle in which the X axis after the first rotation is set as the rotation axis, and a direction for rotating from the +Y axis after the first rotation to the +Z axis is defined as a positive rotation angle. The cut surface of a piezoelectric substrate is determined by the first rotation angle φ and the second rotation angle θ. The Euler angle ψ relates to third rotation that is performed after the second rotation of the Z cut substrate and is a third rotation angle in which the Z axis after the second rotation is set as the rotation axis, and a direction for rotating from the +X axis side after the second rotation to the +Y axis side after the second rotation is defined as a positive rotation angle. A propagation direction of the SAW is represented by the third rotation angle ψ with respect to the X axis after the second rotation.
The IDT 12 includes a pair of inter digital transducers 14a and 14b of which the base end portions of a plurality of electrode fingers 18a and 18b are connected to bus bars 16a and 16b, and the electrode finger 18a configuring one inter digital transducer 14a and the electrode finger 18b configuring the other inter digital transducer 14b are alternately disposed with a predetermined gap maintained therebetween in the IDT 12. In addition, the electrode fingers 18a and 18b shown in
Furthermore, the SAW resonator 10 according to an embodiment of the invention can be configured in a form as shown in
No matter which tilted type IDT is used, by disposing the electrode fingers such that a direction perpendicular to the X′ axis is the extension direction of the electrode fingers as in these embodiments, it is possible to realize a low-loss SAW resonator with good temperature characteristics according to an embodiment of the invention being maintained.
Here, the relationship between a SAW of the stop band upper end mode and a SAW of the stop band lower end mode will be described. The positions of the anti-nodes (or nodes) of the standing waves of a SAW of the stop band lower end mode and a SAW of the stop band upper end mode that are formed by the normal IDT 12 as shown in
As shown in
In addition, one pair of the reflectors (reflection units) 20 are disposed such that the IDT 12 is interposed therebetween in the propagation direction of the SAW. As a specific configuration example, both ends of each of a plurality of conductive strips 22 that are disposed to be parallel to the electrode fingers 18 configuring the IDT 12 are connected together.
As the material of the electrode film that configures the IDT 12 and the reflectors 20 configured as above, aluminum (Al), or an alloy with Al used as its main constituent can be used.
By decreasing the electrode thickness of the electrode film configuring the IDT 12 and reflectors 20 as much as possible, the influence of the temperature characteristics of the electrodes is minimized. Furthermore, by increasing the depth of the grooves of the quartz crystal substrate portion, good frequency-temperature characteristics are derived from the performance of the grooves of the quartz crystal substrate portion, in other words, by utilizing the good temperature characteristics of the quartz crystal. Accordingly, the influence of the temperature characteristics of the electrode on the temperature characteristics of the SAW resonator can be reduced, and, in a case where the variation of the mass of the electrode is within 10%, good temperature characteristics can be maintained.
In a case where an alloy is used as the material of the electrode film for the above-described reasons, the ratio by weight of metals other than Al, which is the main component, is equal to or less than 10% and is preferably equal to or less than 3%. In a case where electrodes using a metal other than Al as their main constituent are used, it is preferable that the film thickness of the electrode is adjusted such that the mass of the electrode is within ±10% of that in a case where Al is used. In such a case, good temperature characteristics equivalent to those of a case where Al is used can be obtained.
In the quartz crystal substrate 30 of the SAW resonator 10 having the above-described basic configuration, a plurality of the grooves (inter-electrode finger grooves) 32 that are arranged so as to be parallel to the electrode fingers 18 is disposed between the electrode fingers of the IDT 12 or the conductive strips 22 of the reflectors 20.
When the wavelength of the SAW in the stop band upper end mode is denoted by λ, and the depth of the groove is denoted by G, the groove 32 arranged in the quartz crystal substrate 30 may satisfy the following relationship.
0.01λ≦G (1)
In addition, in a case where the upper limit of the depth G of the groove is to be determined, as can be acquired by referring to
0.01λ≦G≦0.094λ (2)
The reason for this is that, by fixing the depth G of the groove within such a range, the amount of frequency variation in the operating temperature range (−40° C. to +85° C.) can be controlled so as to be equal to or less than 25 ppm as a target value to be described later in detail. In addition, it is preferable that the depth G of the groove is within the following range.
0.01λ≦G≦0.0695λ (3)
By setting the depth G of the groove to be in such a range, even in a case where there is manufacturing variation in the depth G of the groove, the amount of shift in the resonance frequency of an individual SAW resonator 10 can be suppressed within a correctable range.
In addition, the above-described wavelength λ of the SAW is the wavelength of the SAW near the IDT 12.
In addition, the line occupancy ratio η, as illustrated in
η=L/(L+S) (4)
In the SAW resonator 10 according to this embodiment, the line occupancy ratio η may be set in the range satisfying Equations (5) and (6). As can be understood from Equations (5) and (6), the line occupancy ratio η can be derived by determining the depth G of the groove 32.
−2.0000×G/λ+0.7200≦η≦−2.5000×G/λ+0.7775, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0500λ (5)
−3.5898×G/λ+0.7995≦η≦−2.5000×G/λ+0.7775, wherein 0.0500λ<G≦0.0695λ (6)
In addition, the film thickness of the material of the electrode film (the IDT 12, the reflector 20, and the like) of the SAW resonator 10 according to this embodiment is preferably in the following range.
0<H≦0.035λ (7)
Furthermore, in a case where the thickness of the electrode film represented in Equation (7) is considered for the line occupancy ratio η, the line occupancy ratio η can be acquired by using Equation (8).
η=−1963.05×(G/λ)3+196.28×(G/λ)2−6.53×(G/λ)−135.99×(H/λ)2+5.817×(H/λ)+0.732−99.99×(G/λ)×(H/λ) (8)
The manufacturing variation in the electric characteristics (particularly, the resonance frequency) increases as the film thickness of the electrode is increased. Accordingly, there is high possibility that the line occupancy ratio η has manufacturing variation within ±0.04 in a case where the film thickness H of the electrode is in the range represented in Equations (5) and (6) and manufacturing variation larger than ±0.04 when H>0.035λ. However, in a case where the film thickness H of the electrode is within the range represented in Equations (5) and (6), and the variation of the line occupancy ratio η is within ±0.04, a SAW device having a small second-order temperature coefficient β can be realized. In other words, the line occupancy ratio η can be allowed to be in a range represented in Equation (9) that is acquired by adding a common difference of ±0.04 to Equation (8).
η=−1963.05×(G/λ)3+196.28×(G/λ)2−6.53×(G/λ)−135.99×(H/λ)2+5.817×(H/λ)+0.732−99.99×(G/λ)×(H/λ)±0.04 (9)
In the SAW resonator 10 having the above-described configuration according to this embodiment, the object is to improve the frequency-temperature characteristics up to the degree at which the amount ΔF of change in the frequency is equal to or less than 25 ppm in an operating temperature in a case where the second-order temperature coefficient β is within ±0.01 (ppm/° C.2) and the desired operating temperature range of the SAW is −40° to +85° C.
However, generally, the temperature characteristics of the surface acoustic wave resonator are represented in the following equation.
Δf=α×(T−T0)+β×(T−T0)2
Here, Δf represents the amount (ppm) of change in the frequency between the temperature T and the apex temperature T0, α represents the first-order temperature coefficient (ppm/° C.), β represents the second-order temperature coefficient (ppm/° C.2), T represents temperature, and T0 represents the temperature (apex temperature) at which the frequency is the maximum.
For example, in a case where the piezoelectric substrate is configured by a quartz crystal substrate of so-called ST-cut (Euler angles (φ, θ, ψ)=(0°, 120° to 130°, 0°)), the first-order temperature coefficient α=0.0, and the second-order temperature coefficient β=−0.034, and a graph as shown in
In the SAW resonator as shown in
Thus, one of the objects of an embodiment of the invention is to solve the above-described problems so as to realize a surface acoustic wave device operating at a stable frequency even in a case where the temperature changes by improving the frequency-temperature characteristics of the surface acoustic wave device to be extremely excellent.
Hereinafter, the implementation of a SAW device having the configuration in which the above-described technical idea (technical elements) is contained for solving the above-described problems, that is, how the concept according to an embodiment of the invention has been reached by repeating simulation and experiments performed by inventors of this application will be described and proved in detail.
In a SAW resonator in which the direction of propagation is set to the crystal X-axis direction by using a quartz crystal substrate called the above-described ST cut, in a case where an operating temperature range is the same, the amount ΔF of change in the frequency within the operating temperature range is about 133 (ppm), and the second-order temperature coefficient β is about −0.034 (ppm/° C.2). In addition, in a SAW resonator using an in-plane rotated ST cut quartz crystal substrate in which the cut angle of the quartz crystal substrate and the propagation direction of the SAW are represented by Euler angles (0°, 123°, 45°), and the operating temperature range is the same, the amount ΔF of change in the frequency is about 63 ppm, and the second-order temperature coefficient β is about −0.016 (ppm/° C.2) in a case where excitation of the stop band lower end mode is used.
Since a SAW resonator that uses the ST-cut quartz crystal substrate or the in-plane rotated ST-cut quartz crystal substrate uses a surface acoustic wave called Rayleigh wave, and the surface acoustic wave called Rayleigh wave has the variation in the frequency or the frequency-temperature characteristics with respect to the processing precision of the quartz crystal substrate or the quartz crystal substrate that is much smaller than a surface acoustic wave called a leaky wave of the LST-cut quartz crystal substrate, and accordingly, the mass producibility thereof is superior, and the SAW resonator is used in various SAW devices. However, a general SAW resonator using the ST-cut quartz crystal substrate, the in-plane rotated ST-cut quartz crystal substrate, or the like, as described above, has the second-order temperature characteristics in which a curve representing the frequency-temperature characteristics is a second-order curve, and furthermore, the absolute value of the second-order temperature coefficient of the second-order characteristics is large. Accordingly, such a SAW resonator cannot be used in a SAW device such as a resonator, an oscillator, or the like that is used in a wired communication device or a radio communication device in which the amount of frequency variation in the operating temperature range is large and the stability of the frequency is required. For example, in a case where the frequency-temperature characteristics having the second-order temperature characteristics in which the second-order temperature coefficient β is equal to or less than ±0.01 (ppm/° C.2) corresponding to the improvement equal to or less than ⅓ of the second-order temperature coefficient β of the ST-cut quartz crystal substrate or the improvement equal to or more than 37% of the second-order temperature coefficient β of the in-plane rotated ST-cut quartz crystal substrate is acquired, a device requiring such frequency stability can be realized. Furthermore, in a case where third-order temperature characteristics are acquired in which the second-order temperature coefficient β is almost zero, and a curve representing the frequency-temperature characteristics is a third-order curve, the frequency stability is further improved for the operating temperature range, which is more preferable. According to the third-order temperature characteristics, a SAW device having the amount of change in the frequency that is equal to or less than ±25 ppm, which cannot be realized by a general SAW device, is realized also for a broad operating temperature range of −40° C. to +85° C., whereby extremely high frequency stability is acquired.
It becomes apparent that the line occupancy ratio η of the electrode fingers 18 of the IDT 12, the film thickness H of the electrode, the depth G of the groove, and the like relate to the change in the frequency-temperature characteristics of the SAW resonator 10, as described above, based on the findings that are based on the simulations and experiments performed by the inventors of this application. The SAW resonator 10 according to this embodiment uses the excitation of the stop band upper end mode.
It can be read from
Accordingly, it is apparent that, in order to acquire good frequency-temperature characteristics of a SAW device, the oscillation of the stop band upper end mode is preferably used.
Next, the inventors checked the relationship between the line occupancy ratio η and the second-order temperature coefficient β in a case where a SAW of the stop band upper end mode is allowed to propagate on a quartz crystal substrate of which the depth G of the grooves is variously changed.
The understanding of this point can be deepened by referring to
According to the above-described tendency, for products manufactured through mass production for which an error can easily occur at the time of manufacturing, it is preferable to employ a point, at which β=0, of which the amount of change in the frequency with respect to the variance in the depth G of the grooves is smaller, that is, η1.
In addition, examples are also added to
Although the graph shown in
0.01λ≦G≦0.094λ (2)
In addition, the depth G of the grooves has variations about a maximum ±0.001λ in the mass production process. Accordingly, in a case where the line occupancy ratio η is set to be constant, the amount Δf of change in the frequency of the SAW resonator 10 in a case where the depth G of the grooves is deviated by ±0.001λ is shown in
Here, in a case where the amount Δf of change in the frequency is less than ±1000 ppm, frequency adjustment can be performed by using various fine-frequency adjustment unit. However, in a case where the amount Δf of change in the frequency is equal to or larger than ±1000 ppm, static characteristics such as a Q value and a CI (crystal impedance) value and long-term reliability are affected by the frequency adjustment, which leads to a decrease in the good product rate of the SAW resonator 10.
When an approximate equation that represents the relationship between the amount Δf [ppm] of change in the frequency and the depth G of the grooves is derived from a straight line connecting the plots shown in
Δf=16334(G/λ)−137 (10)
Here, when the value of G at which Δf<1000 ppm is acquired, G≦0.0695λ. Accordingly, a preferred range of the depth G of the grooves according to this embodiment is preferably a range as shown in Equation (3).
0.01λ≦G≦0.0695λ (3)
Next,
From the evaluation results shown in
The coordinates of points a to h shown in
η≦−2.5000×G/λ+0.7775, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0695λ (11)
η≧−2.0000×G/λ+0.7200, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0500λ (12)
η≧−3.5898×G/λ+0.7995, wherein 0.0500λ<G≦0.0695λ (13)
Based on Equations (11), (12), and (13), it can be stated that, for the range surrounded by the solid lines shown in
−2.0000×G/λ+0.7200≦η≦−2.5000×G/λ+0.7775, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0500λ (5)
−3.5898×G/λ+0.7995≦η≦−2.5000×G/λ+0.7775, wherein 0.0500λ<G≦0.0695λ (6)
Here, in a case where the second-order temperature coefficient β is allowed within ±0.01 (ppm/° C.2), it is checked that the second-order temperature coefficient β is within ±0.01 (ppm/° C.2) by configuring such that both Equations (3) and (5) are satisfied for 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0500λ and both Equations (3) and (6) are satisfied for 0.0500λ≦G≦0.0695λ.
In addition, the values of the second-order temperature coefficients β of the film thickness H of each electrode at points a to h are shown in the following Table 2. Based on Table 2, it can be checked that |β|≦0.01 for all the points.
When the relationship between the depth G of the grooves at which β=0 and the line occupancy ratio η of the SAW resonator 10 in which the film thickness of the electrode H≈0, 0.01λ, 0.02λ, 0.03λ, or 0.035λ is represented as an approximate line based on Equations (11) to (13) and Equations (5) and (6) derived therefrom, graphs shown in
When the film thickness H of the electrode is changed to be equal to or less than 3.0% λ (0.030λ), β=0, that is, the frequency-temperature characteristics of a third-order curve can be acquired. At this time, the relationship between G and η at which the frequency-temperature characteristics are good can be represented as in Equation (8).
η=−1963.05×(G/λ)3+196.28×(G/λ)2−6.53×(G/λ)−135.99×(H/λ)2+5.817×(H/λ)+0.732−99.99×(G/λ)×(H/λ) (8)
Here, the unit of G and H is λ.
However, this Equation (8) satisfies for the film thickness H of the electrode that is in the range of 0<H≦0.030λ.
The manufacturing variation in the electric characteristics (particularly, the resonance frequency) increases as the film thickness of the electrode is increased. Accordingly, there is high possibility that the line occupancy ratio η has manufacturing variation that is larger than ±0.04 for the manufacturing variation within ±0.04 and H>0.035λ in the case where the film thickness H of the electrode is in the range represented in Equations (5) and (6). However, in a case where the film thickness H of the electrode is within the range represented in Equations (5) and (6), and the variation of the line occupancy ratio η is within ±0.04, a SAW device having a small second-order temperature coefficient β can be realized. In other words, in a case where, after the manufacturing variation of the line occupancy ratio is considered, the second-order temperature coefficient β is set within ±0.01 ppm/° C.2, the line occupancy ratio η can be allowed to be in a range represented in Equation (9) that is acquired by adding a common difference of ±0.04 to Equation (8).
η=−1963.05×(G/λ)3+196.28×(G/λ)2−6.53×(G/λ)−135.99×(H/λ)2+5.817×(H/λ)+0.732−99.99×(G/λ)×(H/λ)±0.04 (9)
In addition,
Here,
Here,
Here,
Here,
Here,
Here,
Although there are fine differences between the graphs of the diagrams (
In other words, it can be stated that the advantage of this embodiment can be accomplished for the propagation of the surface acoustic wave in the single body of the quartz crystal substrate 30 excepting for the electrode film.
Simulation was performed in a case where the range of the film thickness H of the electrode was determined, and the depth G of the grooves was changed for the range of η1 and η2 when the range of β was expanded up to |β|≦0.01 for each of two points η1 and η2 at which the second-order temperature coefficient β was zero. Here, as η1 and η2, a larger one of η for which |β|≦0.01 is set as η1, and a smaller one of η for which |β|≦0.01 is set as η2. In addition, the quartz crystal substrate having the Euler angles of (0°, 123°, ψ) is used, and an angle is appropriately selected as ψ such that ΔF is the minimum.
From
From
From
From
From
From
From
From
From
From
From
From
From
From
In
As described above, the relationships between ψ at which the second-order temperature coefficient β=−0.01 (ppm/° C.2) and ψ at which β=+0.01 (ppm/° C.2) and the depth G of the grooves are acquired and are organized in
In addition, simulation was performed for the range of ψ satisfying the condition of |β|≦0.01 when the depth G of the grooves is changed in a case where the film thickness H of the electrode is changed. The results of the simulation are shown in
When the range of a solid line and a broken line shown in
ψ≦3.0×G/λ+43.92, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0695λ (14)
ψ≧−48.0×G/λ+44.35, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0695λ (15)
When the range of a solid line and a broken line shown in
ψ≦8.0×G/λ+43.60, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0695λ (16)
ψ≧−48.0×G/λ+44.00, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0695λ (17)
When the range of a solid line and a broken line shown in
ψ≦10.0×G/λ+43.40, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0695λ (18)
ψ≧−44.0×G/λ+43.80, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0695λ (19)
When the range of a solid line and a broken line shown in
ψ≦12.0×G/λ+43.31, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0695λ (20)
ψ≧−30.0×G/λ+44.40, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0695λ (21)
When the range of a solid line and broken lines shown in
ψ≦14.0×G/λ+43.16, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0695λ (22)
ψ≧−45.0×G/λ+43.35, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0600λ (23)
ψ≧367.368×G/λ+18.608, wherein 0.0600λ≦G≦0.0695λ (24)
When the range of a solid line and a broken line shown in
ψ≦12.0×G/λ+43.25, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0695λ (25)
ψ≧−50.0×G/λ+43.32, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0500λ (26)
ψ≧167.692×G/λ+32.435, wherein 0.0500λ≦G≦0.0695λ (27)
When the range of a solid line and broken lines shown in
ψ≦12.0×G/λ+43.35, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0695λ (28)
ψ≧−45.0×G/λ+42.80, wherein 0.0100λ≦G≦0.0500λ (29)
ψ≧186.667×G/λ+31.217, wherein 0.0500λ≦G≦0.0695λ (30)
Next,
Under such conditions, from
Tables 17 to 19 are shown as simulation data for proving the relationship between θ and the second-order temperature coefficient β.
Table 17 is a table representing the relationship between θ and the second-order temperature coefficient β in a case where the film thickness H of the electrode is changed and represents the values of the second-order temperature coefficient β at threshold values (117° and 142°) of θ in a case where the film thickness H of the electrode is set to 0.01% λ and a case where the film thickness H of the electrode is set to 3.50% λ. In addition, the depth G of the grooves in this simulation is 4% λ. From Table 17, it can be read that, even in a case where the film thickness H of the electrode is changed (0≈0.01% λ or 3.5% λ that is defined as a threshold value of the film thickness of the electrode) in the range of 117°≦θ≦142°, |β|≦0.01 is satisfied regardless of the thickness.
Table 18 is a table representing the relationship between θ and the second-order temperature coefficient β in a case where the depth G of the grooves is changed and represents the values of the second-order temperature coefficient β at threshold values (117° and 142°) of θ in a case where the depth G of the grooves is set to 1.00% λ and 6.95% λ. In addition, the film thickness H of the electrode in this simulation is 2.00% λ. From Table 18, it can be read that, even in a case where the depth G of the grooves is changed (1.00% λ or 6.95% λ that is defined as a threshold value of the depth G of the grooves) in the range of 117°≦θ≦142°, |β|≦0.01 is satisfied regardless of the depth.
Table 19 is a table representing the relationship between θ and the second-order temperature coefficient β in a case where the line occupancy ratio η is changed and represents the values of the second-order temperature coefficient β at threshold values (117° and 142°) of θ in a case where the line occupancy ratio η is set to 0.62 and 0.76. In addition, the film thickness H of the electrode in this simulation is 2.00% λ, and the depth G of the grooves is 4.00% λ. From Table 19, it can be read that, even in a case where the line occupancy ratio η is changed (η=0.62 and 0.76 are a minimum value and a maximum value of η in a case where the depth of the grooves is set to 4% λ in
From
In the description presented above, the optimal ranges of φ, θ, and ψ are derived in relation with the depth G of the grooves under a fixed condition. In contrast to this,
ψ=1.19024×10−3×θ3−4.48775×10−1×θ2+5.64362×101×θ−2.32327×103±1.0 (31)
Accordingly, ψ can be determined by determining θ, and the range of ψ in a case where the range of θ is 117°≦θ≦142° can be set as 42.79°≦ψ≦49.57°. In addition, the depth G of the grooves and the film thickness H of the electrode in this simulation are G=0.04λ and H=0.02λ.
For the same reasons as described above, by configuring a SAW resonator 10 based on various set conditions of this embodiment, a SAW resonator 10 that can realize good frequency-temperature characteristics satisfying a target value can be achieved.
In addition, according to the SAW resonator 10 of this embodiment, as represented in Equation (7) and
In addition, a high-temperature test was performed in which the SAW resonator manufactured under the same conditions as those represented in
Under the above-described conditions, a SAW resonator 10 manufactured under the conditions in which H+G=0.067λ (the aluminum film thickness is 2000 Å, the depth of the groove is 4700 Å), the line occupancy ratio of the IDT ηi=0.6, the line occupancy ratio of the reflector ηr=0.8, Euler angles are (0°, 123°, 43.5°), the number of IDTs is 120, the intersection width is 40λ (λ=10 μm), the number of the reflectors (near one side) is 72 (36), and there is no inclination angle of the electrode fingers (the direction of arrangement of the electrode fingers and the direction of the phase velocity of the SAW coincide with each other) has the frequency-temperature characteristics as shown in
In this embodiment, the influence of the depth G of the grooves, the film thickness H of the electrode, and the like on the frequency-temperature characteristics has been described. A depth (level difference) acquired by combining the depth G of the grooves and the film thickness H of the electrode has influences also on the static characteristics such as an equivalent circuit constant and a CI value and the Q value. For example,
The frequency, the equivalent circuit constant, and the static characteristics of the SAW resonator 10 that represents the frequency-temperature characteristics as shown in
In addition,
Basic data of the SAW resonator relating to the simulation is as below.
Basic Data of SAW Resonator 10 according to This Embodiment
H: 0.02λ
G: changing
IDT Line Occupancy ratio ηi: 0.6
Reflector Line Occupancy ratio ηr: 0.8
Euler Angles (0°, 123°, 43.5°)
Number: 120
Intersection Width: 40λ (λ=10 μm)
Number of Reflectors (near one side): 60
Inclination Angle of Electrode Fingers: None
Basic Data of General SAW Resonator
H: changing
G: zero
IDT Line Occupancy ratio ηi: 0.4
Reflector Line Occupancy ratio ηr: 0.3
Euler Angles (0°, 123°, 43.5°)
Number: 120
Intersection Width: 40λ (λ=10 μm)
Number of Reflectors (near one side): 60
Inclination Angle of Electrode Fingers: None
When
In order to efficiently perform energy confinement of the surface acoustic wave excited by the stop band upper end mode, as shown in
fr1<ft2<fr2 (32)
Accordingly, the reflection coefficient Γ of the reflector 20 increases for the upper end frequency ft2 of the stop band of the IDT 12, and the SAW of the stop band upper end mode that is excited from the IDT 12 is reflected from the reflector 20 to the IDT 12 side with a high reflection coefficient. Then, the confinement of the energy of the SAW of the stop band upper end mode becomes stronger, and a resonator having low loss can be realized.
In contrast to this, in a case where the relationship among the upper end frequency ft2 of the stop band of the IDT 12 and the lower end frequency fr1 of the stop band of the reflector 20, and the upper end frequency fr2 of the stop band of the reflector 20 is set as “ft2<fr1” or “fr2<ft2”, the reflection coefficient Γ of the reflector 20 for the upper end frequency ft2 of the stop band of the IDT 12 decreases, and it is difficult to realize a state of strong energy confinement.
Here, in order to realize the state represented in Equation (32), the stop band of the reflector 20 needs to be shifted to the higher frequency zone side than the stop band of the IDT 12. In particular, it can be implemented by setting the period of the arrangement of the conductive strips 22 of the reflector 20 to be shorter than that of the electrode fingers 18 of the IDT 12.
In addition, the implementation of a high Q value can be achieved by setting the depth of the groove between the conductive strips 22 of the reflector 20 to be larger than that of the grooves between the electrode fingers of the IDT 12 or setting the film thickness of the conductive strip 22 of the reflector 20 to be larger than that of the electrode fingers 18 of the IDT 12.
In the SAW resonator 10 shown in
Here, the film thickness of the conductive strip 22 of the reflector 20 is denoted by HmR, the depth of the groove 322 arranged between the conductive strips 22 is denoted by HgR, the film thickness of the electrode finger 18 of the IDT 12 is denoted by HmT, and the depth of the groove 321 arranged between the electrode fingers 18 is denoted by HgT. In addition, since the film thickness of the electrode finger 18, in consideration of the function thereof, can be regarded as a length (distance) from the bottom of the adjacent groove 321 to the surface of the electrode finger 18, a value that is acquired by dividing a sum of the film thickness HmT of the electrode finger 18 and the depth HgT of the groove 321 by the wavelength λ of the surface acoustic wave is defined as an “effective film thickness HT/λ” of the electrode finger 18. Similarly, since the film thickness of the conductive strip 22, in consideration of the function thereof, can be regarded as a length (distance) from the bottom of the adjacent groove 322 to the surface of the conductive strip 22, a value that is acquired by dividing a sum of the film thickness HmR of the conductive strip 22 and the depth HgR of the groove 322 by the wavelength λ of the surface acoustic wave is defined as an “effective film thickness HR/λ” of the conductive strip 22.
At this time, the SAW resonator 10 shown in
HT/λ<HR/λ (33)
As the SAW resonator 10 satisfies the above-described relationship, the effective film thickness HR of the conductive strip 22 increases, and the reflection characteristics of the reflector 20 is improved. Accordingly, the energy confinement effect of the SAW of the stop band upper end mode becomes more remarkable, whereby the Q value is further improved. In addition, since the effective film thickness HT of the electrode finger 18 of the IDT 12 relatively decreases, the electromechanical coupling coefficient of the IDT 12 can be increased, whereby the CI value can be further decreased.
Furthermore, in the SAW resonator 10 shown in
HgT/λ<HgR/λ (34)
On the other hand, although the SAW resonator 10 shown in
In the SAW resonator 10 shown in
HmT/λ<HmR/λ (35)
Also for the SAW resonator 10 shown in any of
In addition, in the case of the SAW resonator 10 shown in
On the other hand, in the case of the SAW resonator 10 shown in
In addition, it is preferable that the film thicknesses HmR of a plurality of the conductive strips 22 arranged in the reflector 20 are about equal. This similarly applies to the film thicknesses HmT of a plurality of the electrode fingers 18, the depths HgR of a plurality of the grooves 322, and the depths HgT of a plurality of the grooves 321. In order to satisfy Equation (33) described above, a SAW resonator 10 in which HmT/λ>HmR/λ, and the relationship of HgT/λ<HgR/λ is strong enough to reverse the magnitude relationship of HmT/λ>HmR/λ may be configured. Similarly, a SAW resonator 10 in which HgT/λ>HgR/λ, and the relationship of HmT/λ<HmR/λ is strong enough to reverse the magnitude relationship of HgT/λ>HgR/λ may be configured.
Furthermore, according to the
In this embodiment, the IDT 12 configuring the SAW resonator 10 is illustrated such that all the electrode fingers thereof intersect in an alternating manner. However, the SAW resonator 10 according to an embodiment of the invention can have considerable advantages through the quartz crystal substrate only. Accordingly, even in a case where the electrode fingers 18 of the IDT 12 are thinned out, the same advantages can be acquired.
In addition, the groove 32 may be partially arranged between the electrode fingers 18 or between the conductive strips 22 of the reflector 20. Particularly, since the center portion of the IDT 12 in which the vibration displacement is high has dominant influence on the frequency-temperature characteristics, a structure may be employed in which the groove 32 is arranged only at the above-described center portion. Even by employing such a structure, a SAW resonator 10 having good frequency-temperature characteristics can be configured.
In the above-described embodiment, as the material of the electrode film, Al or an alloy using Al as its main constituent is described to be used. However, the electrode film may be configured by using another metal material, as long as the metal material for which the same advantages as those of the above-described embodiment are acquired.
In addition, although the above-described embodiment is a one-terminal pair SAW resonator in which only one IDT is arranged, an embodiment of the invention can be applied to a two-terminal pair SAW resonator in which a plurality of the IDTs is arranged and can be applied as well to a dual mode SAW filter of a vertically-coupled type or a side-coupled type or a multiple mode SAW filter.
As is apparent from
Thus, by configuring the SAW resonator 10 so as to satisfy Equation (33) described above, the effective thin film HT is appropriately decreased, and the implementation of a high Q value and the implementation of a low CI value can be achieved together with a high degree.
In the example of
Next, a surface acoustic wave resonator according to a second embodiment of the invention will be described.
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described, and a difference between the first and second embodiments will be focused, and the description of similar configurations will be omitted.
The SAW resonator 10 shown in
Here, the depth HgR of the groove 322, the film thickness HmT of the electrode finger 18 of the IDT 12, and the depth HgT of the groove 321 arranged between the electrode fingers 18 satisfy the following relationship.
When a value that is acquired by dividing a sum of the film thickness HmT of the electrode finger 18 and the depth HgT of the groove 321 by the wavelength λ of the surface acoustic wave is defined as an “effective film thickness HT/λ” of the electrode finger 18, the SAW resonator 10 shown in
HT/λ<HgR/λ (36)
As the SAW resonator 10 satisfies the above-described relationship, although the conductive strip is omitted, the reflection characteristics of the reflector 20 are improved, and the energy confinement effect of the SAW of the stop band upper end mode becomes more remarkable, whereby the Q value is further improved. In addition, since the effective film thickness HT of the electrode finger 18 of the IDT 12 relatively decreases, the electromechanical coupling coefficient of the IDT 12 can be increased, whereby the CI value can be further decreased.
According to the SAW resonator 10 of this embodiment, the same operations and advantages as those of the SAW resonator 10 of the first embodiment are acquired.
The SAW resonator 10 shown in
At this time, the depth HgR of the groove 322 is preferably equal to or larger than 3λ and is more preferably equal to or larger than 6λ. Accordingly, although there is only one groove 322, the reflection characteristics that are necessary and sufficient are acquired.
Next, a surface acoustic wave resonator according to a third embodiment of the invention will be described.
Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described, and a difference between the first and third embodiments will be focused, and the description of similar configurations will be omitted.
The SAW resonator 10 shown in
Here, the film thickness HmR of the conductive strip 22, the film thickness HmT of the electrode finger 18 of the IDT 12, and the depth HgT of the groove 321 arranged between the electrode fingers 18 satisfy the following relationship.
When a value that is acquired by dividing a sum of the film thickness HmT of the electrode finger 18 and the depth HgT of the groove 321 by the wavelength λ of the surface acoustic wave is defined as an “effective film thickness HT/λ” of the electrode finger 18, the SAW resonator 10 shown in
HT/λ<HmR/λ (37)
As the SAW resonator 10 satisfies the above-described relationship, although the groove is omitted, the reflection characteristics of the reflector 20 are improved, and the energy confinement effect of the SAW of the stop band upper end mode becomes more remarkable, whereby the Q value is further improved. In addition, since the effective film thickness HT of the electrode finger 18 of the IDT 12 relatively decreases, the electromechanical coupling coefficient of the IDT 12 can be increased, whereby the CI value can be further decreased.
According to the SAW resonator 10 of this embodiment, the same operations and advantages as those of the SAW resonator 10 of the first embodiment are acquired.
Next, a surface acoustic wave resonator according to a fourth embodiment of the invention will be described.
Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be described, and a difference between the first and fourth embodiments will be focused, and the description of similar configurations will be omitted.
The SAW resonator 10 shown in
As shown in
From the viewpoint of the reflection characteristics, it is preferable that the smoothness of both the end surfaces 30a and 30b is high, and both the end surfaces 30a and 30b are perpendicular to the surface of the quartz crystal substrate 30.
In addition, the separation distance of each of the end surfaces 30a and 30b from the IDT 12 is set in accordance with the wavelength λ of the surface acoustic wave. For example, the separation distance is set so as to be multiples of λ/2 from the center of the electrode finger 18.
Surface Acoustic Oscillator
Next, a SAW oscillator according to an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to
In the SAW oscillator 100 according to this embodiment, the SAW resonator 10 and the IC 50 are housed in a same package 56, and electrode patterns 54a to 54g formed on a base plate 56a of the package 56, the inter digital transducers 14a and 14b of the SAW resonator 10, and pads 52a to 52f of the IC 50 are connected through metal wires 60. Then, the cavity of the package 56 in which the SAW resonator 10 and the IC 50 are housed is sealed by a lid 58 with airtightness. By configuring as described above, the IDT 12 (see
In addition to the high frequency of a reference clock due to recent high-speed information telecommunication, in accompaniment with the miniaturization of a casing that starts with a blade server, the influence of the internal heat generation increases, and an increase in the operating temperature range and high precision, which are required for an electronic device built inside, are demanded in the market, and furthermore, a stable operation for a long period under an environment from low temperature to high temperature is needed for a wireless base station that is installed outdoor and the like therein. Accordingly, since a SAW oscillator according to an embodiment of the invention has excellent frequency-temperature characteristics in which the amount of variation in the frequency is about 20 (ppm) or less in the operating temperature range (the temperature range for use: −40° C. to +85° C.), the SAW oscillator is preferred in such a market.
Electronic Apparatus
Since a SAW resonator according to an embodiment of the invention or a SAW oscillator including the SAW resonator greatly realizes the enhancement of the frequency-temperature characteristics, it can contribute to the implementation of various sensors (electronic apparatuses) having high reliability, for example, by being applied to a pressure sensor that is disclosed in JP-A-2007-333500, JP-A-2007-93213, and the like, an acceleration sensor that is disclosed in JP-A-2008-286520 and the like, a rotation speed sensor that is disclosed in JP-A-2008-286521 and the like, or the like.
In addition, since a SAW resonator according to an embodiment of the invention or a SAW oscillator including the SAW resonator greatly realizes the enhancement of the frequency-temperature characteristics, it can greatly contribute to the implementation of a product having excellent frequency-temperature characteristics and having superior jitter characteristics and phase-noise characteristics for electronic apparatuses such as a cellular phone, a hard disk, a personal computer, a tuner that receives BS and CS broadcasts, an apparatus that processes a high-frequency signal propagating through a coaxial cable or an optical signal propagating through an optical cable, a server/network device that needs a high-frequency high-precision clock (low jitter and low-phase nose) in a wide temperature range, and a radio communication device, thereby greatly contributing to the improvement of the reliability and the quality of a system.
As described above, since a SAW resonator according to an embodiment of the invention has an inflection point within the operating temperature range (temperature range for use: −40° C. to +85° C.) represented in
In contrast to this, according to a SAW resonator of an embodiment of the invention, the amount of variation in the frequency corresponds to a third-order curve or a curve close to a third-order curve in the operating temperature range, and accordingly, the amount of variation in the frequency is dramatically decreased. The changes in the amount of variation in the frequency within the operating range in a SAW resonator in which the IDT and the reflector are coated with a coating film are shown in
The example shown in
Basic Data of SAW Resonator according to Example Shown in
H (material: aluminum): 2000 (Å)
G: 4700 (Å) (H+G=0.067)
IDT Line Occupancy ratio ηi: 0.6
Reflector Line Occupancy ratio ηr: 0.8
Number of Rotated ST-Cut Substrates within Plane of Euler Angles (0°, 123°, 43.5°): 120
Intersection Width: 40λ (λ=10 μm)
Number of Reflectors (near one side): 36
Inclination Angle of Electrode Fingers: None
Film Thickness of Protection Film (Alumina): 400 (Å)
Second-Order Temperature Coefficient β=+0.0007 (ppm/° C.2)
The example shown in
Basic Data of SAW Resonator According to Example Shown in
H (material: aluminum): 2000 (Å)
G: 4700 (Å) (H+G=0.067)
IDT Line Occupancy ratio ηi: 0.6
Reflector Line Occupancy ratio ηr: 0.8
Number of Rotated ST-Cut Substrates within Plane of Euler Angles (0°, 123°, 43.5°): 120
Intersection Width: 40λ (λ=10 μm)
Number of Reflectors (near one side): 36
Inclination Angle of Electrode Fingers: None
Film Thickness of Protection Film (SiO2): 400 (Å)
Second-Order Temperature Coefficient β=+0.0039 (ppm/° C.2)
As above, although a surface acoustic wave resonator, a surface acoustic wave oscillator, and an electronic apparatus according to embodiments of the invention have been described, the invention is not limited thereto.
For example, a surface acoustic wave resonator according to an embodiment of the invention may be acquired by combining the above-described embodiments. For example, in the reflector (reflection unit), an area in which only a conductive strip is formed, an area in which only a groove is formed, an area in which a conductive strip and a groove are formed, and the like may be mixed. Furthermore, a sufficiently deep groove or a reflection end surface may be combined therewith.
The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-138495, filed Jun. 17, 2010 is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
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