Array antenna for transmitting and receiving and communication node including the same

Abstract

A transmit / receive array antenna capable of transmitting and receiving signals in all directions of the antenna is disclosed. The transmit / receive array antenna comprises a first substrate having each of a plurality of transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on one surface, and a second substrate having one surface bonded to the other surface of the first substrate and having a plurality of transmit / receive beamforming elements disposed on the other surface that are connected to each of the plurality of transmit / receive antenna elements. The plurality of transmit / receive antenna elements include a plurality of first transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on the upper side of one surface of the first substrate, a plurality of second transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on the lower side of one surface of the first substrate and having the same structure as the plurality of first transmit / receive antenna elements, a plurality of third transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on the left side of one surface of the first substrate, and a plurality of fourth transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on the right side of one surface of the first substrate and having the same structure as the plurality of third transmit / receive antenna elements.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to antenna technology for a communication network, and more specifically, to a transmitting and receiving array antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals transmitted from all directions in a communication network. Background Technology

[0002] Along with the advancement of information and communication technology, various wireless communication technologies are being developed. Representative wireless communication technologies include LTE (long term evolution) and NR (new radio), which are defined in the 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) standards. LTE can be one of the wireless communication technologies among 4G (4th Generation) wireless communication technologies, and NR can be one of the wireless communication technologies among 5G (5th Generation) wireless communication technologies.

[0003] To handle the surge in wireless data following the commercialization of 4G communication systems (e.g., communication systems supporting LTE), 5G communication systems (e.g., communication systems supporting NR) that use frequency bands higher than those of 4G communication systems (e.g., frequency bands below 6 GHz) are being considered. 5G communication systems can support eMBB (enhanced Mobile BroadBand), URLLC (Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communication), and mMTC (massive Machine Type Communication).

[0004] With the recent advancement of communication technology and the increasing demand for large-scale, high-capacity services, 6G communication systems that use higher frequency bands than the existing 5G communication systems are being considered.

[0005] In a 6G communication system, communication nodes constituting a network, such as a base station and a terminal, can transmit and receive signals to and from each other in the same frequency band. Among the communication nodes, the terminal may include a baseband model, a radio frequency (RF) component, and an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals with the base station. The antenna and RF component of the terminal may be configured to support Time Division Duplex (TDD).

[0006] In existing 6G communication systems, the antenna in a terminal can be composed of a single antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals to or from a base station. A single antenna in a terminal can have directionality, which can degrade the signal transmission efficiency between the terminal and the base station. A new antenna structure is required to improve the signal transmission efficiency between the terminal and the base station. The problem to be solved

[0007] The objective of the present disclosure to achieve the above requirements is to provide a transmitting and receiving array antenna capable of transmitting and receiving signals in all directions of the antenna and a communication node including the same. means of solving the problem

[0008] A transmitting and receiving array antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above objective may include: a first substrate having each of a plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements disposed on one surface; and a second substrate having one surface bonded to the other surface of the first substrate and having a plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements disposed on the other surface that are connected to each of the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements.

[0009] The plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements may include: a plurality of first transmitting and receiving antenna elements disposed on the upper side of one surface of the first substrate; a plurality of second transmitting and receiving antenna elements disposed on the lower side of one surface of the first substrate and having the same structure as the plurality of first transmitting and receiving antenna elements; a plurality of third transmitting and receiving antenna elements disposed on the left side of one surface of the first substrate; and a plurality of fourth transmitting and receiving antenna elements disposed on the right side of one surface of the first substrate and having the same structure as the plurality of third transmitting and receiving antenna elements.

[0010] Each of the plurality of first transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of second transmitting and receiving antenna elements may be a planar patch antenna element. Each of the plurality of third transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of fourth transmitting and receiving antenna elements may be a printed dipole antenna element.

[0011] Each of the plurality of first transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of second transmitting and receiving antenna elements may be a printed dipole antenna element. Each of the plurality of third transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of fourth transmitting and receiving antenna elements may be a planar patch antenna element.

[0012] Each of the above multiple transmitting and receiving antenna elements can transmit and receive signals in the same frequency band.

[0013] The plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements may include one or more first beamforming elements connected to each of the plurality of first transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of second transmitting and receiving antenna elements; and one or more second beamforming elements connected to each of the plurality of third transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of fourth transmitting and receiving antenna elements.

[0014] The transmitting and receiving array antenna of the present disclosure may further include a ground substrate disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0015] A communication node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above objective may include a transmit / receive array antenna, wherein the transmit / receive array antenna may include: a first substrate having each of a plurality of transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on one surface; and a second substrate having one surface bonded to the other surface of the first substrate and having a plurality of transmit / receive beamforming elements disposed on the other surface that are connected to each of the plurality of transmit / receive antenna elements.

[0016] The plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements may include: a plurality of first transmitting and receiving antenna elements disposed on the upper side of one surface of the first substrate; a plurality of second transmitting and receiving antenna elements disposed on the lower side of one surface of the first substrate and having the same structure as the plurality of first transmitting and receiving antenna elements; a plurality of third transmitting and receiving antenna elements disposed on the left side of one surface of the first substrate; and a plurality of fourth transmitting and receiving antenna elements disposed on the right side of one surface of the first substrate and having the same structure as the plurality of third transmitting and receiving antenna elements.

[0017] Each of the plurality of first transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of second transmitting and receiving antenna elements may be a planar patch antenna element. Each of the plurality of third transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of fourth transmitting and receiving antenna elements may be a printed dipole antenna element.

[0018] Each of the plurality of first transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of second transmitting and receiving antenna elements may be a printed dipole antenna element. Each of the plurality of third transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of fourth transmitting and receiving antenna elements may be a planar patch antenna element.

[0019] Each of the above multiple transmitting and receiving antenna elements can transmit and receive signals in the same frequency band.

[0020] The plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements may include one or more first beamforming elements connected to each of the plurality of first transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of second transmitting and receiving antenna elements; and one or more second beamforming elements connected to each of the plurality of third transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of fourth transmitting and receiving antenna elements.

[0021] The transmitting and receiving array antenna may further include a ground substrate disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. Effects of the invention

[0022] According to the present disclosure, a plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements may be arranged along the upper, lower, left, and right edges of one surface of a substrate in a transmitting and receiving array antenna, and antenna elements at positions facing each other among the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements may have the same structure.

[0023] Therefore, the transmit / receive array antenna can transmit and receive signals from all directions—up, down, left, and right—of the antenna, and this can improve the performance of the transmit / receive array antenna or the communication node containing it. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a first embodiment of a communication network. Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a second embodiment of a communication network. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a third embodiment of a communication network. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a communication node of a communication network. Figure 5 is a side perspective view of a transmit / receive array antenna. Figure 6 is a plan view of a transmit / receive array antenna. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the transmitting and receiving array antenna of Figure 6 cut along lines Ⅶ to Ⅶ'. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a transmitting and receiving array antenna according to another embodiment of FIG. 7. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] The present disclosure is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. Such terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0027] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0028] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this disclosure. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure.

[0030] A communication system to which embodiments according to the present disclosure are applied will be described. The communication system may be a 4G communication system (e.g., LTE (long-term evolution) communication system, LTE-A communication system), a 5G communication system (e.g., NR (new radio) communication system), a 6G communication system, etc. A 4G communication system may support communication in a frequency band of 6 GHz or lower, and a 5G communication system may support communication in a frequency band of 6 GHz or higher as well as in a frequency band of 6 GHz or lower. The communication system to which embodiments according to the present disclosure are applied is not limited to those described below, and embodiments according to the present disclosure may be applied to various communication systems. Here, "communication system" may be used with the same meaning as "communication network," "LTE" may refer to a "4G communication system," an "LTE communication system," or an "LTE-A communication system," and "NR" may refer to a "5G communication system" or an "NR communication system."

[0031] In an embodiment, "an operation (e.g., a transmission operation) being set in a communication node" may mean that "setting information for said operation (e.g., an information element, a parameter)" and / or "information directing the execution of said operation" is signaled to said communication node. In other words, "an operation (e.g., a transmission operation) being set in a communication node" may mean that said communication node receives "setting information for said operation (e.g., an information element, a parameter)" and / or "information directing the execution of said operation." "An information element (e.g., a parameter) being set in a communication node" may mean that said information element is signaled to said communication node (e.g., said communication node receiving said information element). The signaling may be at least one of SI (system information) signaling (e.g., transmission of SIB (system information block) and / or MIB (master information block)), RRC signaling (e.g., transmission of RRC parameters and / or upper layer parameters), MAC CE (control element) signaling, or PHY signaling (e.g., transmission of DCI (downlink control information), UCI (uplink control information), and / or SCI (sidelink control information).

[0032] In the present disclosure, even when a method performed at a first communication node among the communication nodes (e.g., transmission or reception of a signal) is described, the corresponding second communication node may perform a method corresponding to the method performed at the first communication node (e.g., reception or transmission of a signal). For example, when the operation of a terminal is described, the base station corresponding to the terminal may perform an operation corresponding to the operation of the terminal. Conversely, when the operation of a base station is described, the terminal corresponding to the base station may perform an operation corresponding to the operation of the base station. Furthermore, when the operation of a first terminal is described, the second terminal corresponding to the first terminal may perform an operation corresponding to the operation of the first terminal. Conversely, when the operation of a second terminal is described, the first terminal corresponding to the second terminal may perform an operation corresponding to the operation of the second terminal.

[0033] Throughout the specification, the term "terminal" may refer to a mobile station, mobile terminal, subscriber station, portable subscriber station, user equipment, access terminal, etc., and may include all or part of the functions of a terminal, mobile station, mobile terminal, subscriber station, portable subscriber station, user equipment, access terminal, etc.

[0034] Here, a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet PC, wireless phone, mobile phone, smartphone, smart watch, smart glass, e-book reader, PMP (portable multimedia player), portable game console, navigation device, digital camera, DMB (digital multimedia broadcasting) player, digital audio recorder, digital audio player, digital picture recorder, digital picture player, digital video recorder, digital video player, etc., capable of communicating with a terminal can be used.

[0035] Throughout the specification, the term "base station" may refer to an access point, a radio access station, a node B, an evolved node B, a base transceiver station, a mobile multihop relay (MMR)-BS, etc., and may include all or part of the functions of a base station, access point, radio access station, node B, eNodeB, base transceiver station, MMR-BS, etc.

[0036] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. In order to facilitate an overall understanding of the present disclosure, the same reference numerals are used for identical components in the drawings, and redundant descriptions of identical components are omitted.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a first embodiment of a communication network.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, the communication network (100) of the present embodiment may be a terrestrial network. The communication network (100) may include a plurality of communication nodes (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 120-1, 120-2, 130-1, 130-2, 130-3, 130-4, 130-5, 130-6). A plurality of communication nodes (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 120-1, 120-2, 130-1, 130-2, 130-3, 130-4, 130-5, 130-6) may include a plurality of base stations (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 120-1, 120-2) and a plurality of terminals, for example, a plurality of user terminals (130-1, 130-2, 130-3, 130-4, 130-5, 130-6).

[0039] Each of the multiple communication nodes (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 120-1, 120-2, 130-1, 130-2, 130-3, 130-4, 130-5, 130-6) can support 4G communication (e.g., LTE (long term evolution), LTE-A (advanced)), 5G communication (e.g., NR (new radio)), etc., as defined in the 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) standard. 4G communication can be performed in a frequency band of 6 GHz or lower, and 5G communication can be performed not only in a frequency band of 6 GHz or lower but also in a frequency band of 6 GHz or higher.

[0040] For example, for 4G communication and 5G communication, each of the multiple communication nodes (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 120-1, 120-2, 130-1, 130-2, 130-3, 130-4, 130-5, 130-6) has a CDMA (code division multiple access) based communication protocol, a WCDMA (wideband CDMA) based communication protocol, a TDMA (time division multiple access) based communication protocol, a FDMA (frequency division multiple access) based communication protocol, an OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) based communication protocol, a Filtered OFDM based communication protocol, a CP (cyclic prefix)-OFDM based communication protocol, a DFT-s-OFDM (discrete Fourier transform-spread-OFDM) based communication protocol, an OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access) based communication protocol, a SC (single carrier)-FDMA based communication protocol, It can support communication protocols based on NOMA (Non-orthogonal Multiple Access), GFDM (generalized frequency division multiplexing), FBMC (filter bank multi-carrier) and UFMC (universal filtered multi-carrier) and SDMA (Space Division Multiple Access).

[0041] Additionally, although not illustrated in the drawing, the communication network (100) may further include a core network. If the communication network (100) supports 4G communication, the core network may include an S-GW (serving-gateway), a P-GW (PDN (packet data network)-gateway), an MME (mobility management entity), etc. If the communication network (100) supports 5G communication, the core network may include a UPF (user plane function), an SMF (session management function), an AMF (access and mobility management function), etc.

[0042] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a second embodiment of a communication network.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the communication network (200) of the present embodiment may be a non-terrestrial network. The communication network (200) of the present embodiment may include a satellite (210), a communication node (220), a gateway (230), a data network (240), etc. The communication network (200) of the present embodiment may be a non-terrestrial network based on a transparent payload.

[0044] The satellite (210) may be a LEO (low earth orbit) satellite, MEO (medium earth orbit) satellite, GEO (geostationary earth orbit) satellite, HEO (high elliptical orbit) satellite, or UAS (unmanned aircraft system) platform. The UAS platform may include a HAPS (high altitude platform station).

[0045] The communication node (220) may include a communication node located on the ground and a communication node located off the ground. The communication node located on the ground may be a UE (user equipment) or a terminal, etc. The communication node located off the ground may be an airplane or a drone, etc.

[0046] A service link may be established between the satellite (210) and the communication node (220). The service link may be a radio link. The satellite (210) may provide communication services to the communication node (220) using one or more beams. The shape of the beam footprint of the satellite (210) may be elliptical. One of the beam footprints of the satellite (210) may have a range of 500 to 1,000 km, and multiple communication nodes (220) may be located within one beam footprint.

[0047] A communication node (220) can perform downlink or uplink communication with a satellite (210) using LTE technology or NR technology. Communication between the satellite (210) and the communication node (220) can be performed using an NR-Uu interface. If dual connectivity (DC) is supported, the communication node (220) can be connected not only to the satellite (210) but also to other base stations (e.g., base stations supporting LTE or NR functions), and can perform DC operations based on technology defined in the LTE or NR specifications.

[0048] The gateway (230) may be located on the ground, and a feeder link may be established between the satellite (210) and the gateway (230). The feeder link may be a wireless link. The gateway (230) may be referred to as a non-terrestrial network (NTN) gateway. Communication between the satellite (210) and the gateway (230) may be performed based on an NR-Uu interface or a satellite radio interface (SRI). The gateway (230) may be connected to a data network (240).

[0049] A core network may exist between the gateway (230) and the data network (240). In this case, the gateway (230) may be connected to the core network, and the core network may be connected to the data network (240). The core network may support NR technology. For example, the core network may include an access and mobility management function (AMF), a user plane function (UPF), a session management function (SMF), etc. Communication between the gateway (230) and the core network may be performed based on an NG-C / U interface.

[0050] Alternatively, a base station and a core network may exist between the gateway (230) and the data network (240). In this case, the gateway (230) may be connected to the base station, the base station may be connected to the core network, and the core network may be connected to the data network (240). The base station and the core network may support NR technology. Communication between the gateway (230) and the base station may be performed based on an NR-Uu interface, and communication between the base station and the core network may be performed based on an NG-C / U interface.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a third embodiment of a communication network.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 3, the communication network (300) of the present embodiment may be a non-terrestrial network. The communication network (300) of the present embodiment may include satellite #1 (311), satellite #2 (312), communication node (320), gateway (330), data network (340), etc.

[0053] The communication network (300) of the present embodiment may be a non-terrestrial network based on a regenerative payload. For example, each of satellite #1 (311) and satellite #2 (312) may perform a regenerative operation on a payload received from another entity constituting the non-terrestrial network, such as a communication node (320) or a gateway (330), and transmit the regenerated payload. Here, the regenerative operation may be a demodulation operation, a decoding operation, a re-coding operation, a re-modulation operation, or a filtering operation.

[0054] Satellite #1 (311) and Satellite #2 (312) may each be a LEO satellite, MEO satellite, GEO satellite, HEO satellite, or UAS platform. A UAS platform may include a HAPS. Satellite #1 (311) may be connected to Satellite #2 (312), and an inter-satellite link (ISL) may be established between Satellite #1 (311) and Satellite #2 (312). The ISL may operate in a radio frequency (RF) band or an optical band. The ISL may be set optionally.

[0055] The communication node (320) may include a communication node located on the ground and a communication node located off the ground. The communication node located on the ground may be a UE (user equipment) or a terminal, etc. The communication node located off the ground may be an airplane or a drone, etc.

[0056] A service link may be established between satellite #1 (311) and a communication node (320). The service link may be a radio link. Satellite #1 (311) may provide communication services to the communication node (320) using one or more beams. The shape of the reception range of the beam of satellite #1 (311) may be elliptical.

[0057] The communication node (320) can perform downlink communication or uplink communication with satellite #1 (311) using LTE technology or NR technology. Communication between satellite #1 (311) and the communication node (320) can be performed using an NR-Uu interface. If DC is supported, the communication node (320) can be connected to satellite #1 (311) as well as other base stations that support LTE or NR functions, and can perform DC operations based on the technology defined in the LTE or NR specifications.

[0058] The gateway (330) may be located on the ground. A feeder link may be established between satellite #1 (311) and the gateway (330) or between satellite #2 (312) and the gateway (330). The feeder link may be a wireless link. If an ISL is not established between satellite #1 (311) and satellite #2 (312), a feeder link between satellite #1 (311) and the gateway (330) may be established mandatorily. Communication between satellite #1 (311) and satellite #2 (312), respectively, and the gateway (330) may be performed based on an NR-Uu interface or SRI.

[0059] The gateway (330) can be connected to a data network (340). A core network may exist between the gateway (330) and the data network (340). In this case, the gateway (330) can be connected to the core network, and the core network can be connected to the data network (340). The core network may support NR technology. For example, the core network may include AMF, UPF, SMF, etc. Communication between the gateway (330) and the core network may be performed based on an NG-C / U interface.

[0060] A base station and a core network may exist between the gateway (330) and the data network (340). In this case, the gateway (330) may be connected to the base station, the base station may be connected to the core network, and the core network may be connected to the data network (340). The base station and the core network may support NR technology. Communication between the gateway (330) and the base station may be performed based on an NR-Uu interface, and communication between the base station and the core network may be performed based on an NG-C / U interface.

[0061] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a communication node of a communication network.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 4, a communication node (400) can perform communication in a communication network. The communication node (400) may include at least one processor (410), a memory (420), and a transceiver (430) connected to the network to perform communication. Additionally, the communication node (400) may further include an input interface device (440), an output interface device (450), a storage device (460), etc. Each component included in the communication node (400) can communicate with one another by being connected by a bus (470).

[0063] However, each component included in the communication node (400) may be connected via individual interfaces or individual buses centered around the processor (410), rather than via a common bus (470). For example, the processor (410) may be connected via a dedicated interface to at least one of a memory (420), a transmission / reception device (430), an input interface device (440), an output interface device (450), or a storage device (460).

[0064] The processor (410) can execute a program command stored in at least one of memory (420) or storage device (460). The processor (410) may mean a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor on which the methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure are performed.

[0065] Each of the memory (420) and the storage device (460) may be composed of at least one of a volatile storage medium or a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory (420) may be composed of at least one of read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM).

[0066] The transmitting and receiving device (430) may include devices for communication between a base station and a terminal in a terrestrial network or between a satellite and a terminal in a non-terrestrial network. For example, the transmitting and receiving device (430) may include at least one RF element and at least one array antenna connected to the RF element to transmit and receive signals.

[0067] The array antenna may be a single antenna, for example, a transmitting array antenna or a receiving array antenna, or a composite antenna, for example, a transmitting and receiving array antenna. In this disclosure, the array antenna is described as an example of a transmitting and receiving array antenna. The transmitting and receiving array antenna may include a plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements. The RF elements of the transmitting and receiving device (430) may include a plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements connected to each of the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a transmit / receive array antenna, FIG. 6 is a plan view of a transmit / receive array antenna, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the transmit / receive array antenna of FIG. 6 cut along lines VII to VII'.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the transmit / receive array antenna (500) of the present embodiment may be included in a communication node, for example, a terminal, capable of transmitting and receiving signals with a ground base station or a satellite. The transmit / receive array antenna (500) may include a plurality of transmit / receive antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) and a plurality of transmit / receive beamforming elements (530, 540) connected to each of the plurality of transmit / receive antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522). The transmit / receive array antenna (500) may receive a baseband signal processed and transmit a signal steered by each of the plurality of transmit / receive beamforming elements (530, 540).

[0070] A plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) may include a plurality of first antenna elements (511), a plurality of second antenna elements (512), a plurality of third antenna elements (521), and a plurality of fourth antenna elements (522). Each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) to fourth antenna elements (522) may be arranged along one edge of the first substrate (701).

[0071] For example, each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) may be arranged along the upper edge of one side of the first substrate (701). Each of the plurality of second antenna elements (512) may be arranged opposite each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) at the lower edge of one side of the first substrate (701).

[0072] Each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) and the plurality of second antenna elements (512) can transmit and receive signals in the vertical direction of the first substrate (701), for example, in the upper / lower direction of the first substrate (701). Each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) or the plurality of second antenna elements (512) can be arranged at a constant interval (d1), for example, at an interval of approximately 0.5λ. Each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) or the plurality of second antenna elements (512) can transmit and receive signals having the same frequency band, for example, a center frequency of approximately 15 GHz.

[0073] Each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) may be arranged along the left edge of one side of the first substrate (701). Each of the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) may be arranged opposite each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) at the right edge of one side of the first substrate (701).

[0074] Each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) and the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) can transmit and receive signals in the horizontal direction of the first substrate (701), for example, in the left / right direction of the first substrate (701). Each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) or the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) can be arranged at a constant interval (d2), for example, at an interval of approximately 0.5λ. Each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) or the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) can transmit and receive signals having the same frequency band, for example, a center frequency of approximately 15 GHz.

[0075] The number of each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) to the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) may vary depending on the performance of a communication node, for example, a terminal, including a transmit / receive array antenna (500), or the frequency band of the transmit / receive signal. The number of each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) and the plurality of second antenna elements (512) may be increased in the left / right direction on the upper and lower sides, respectively, of the first substrate (701). The number of each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) and the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) may be increased in the up / down direction on the left and right sides, respectively, of the first substrate (701).

[0076] Each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) and the plurality of second antenna elements (512) may be an antenna element having the same structure, for example, a plate-type patch antenna element. Each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) and the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) may be an antenna element having the same structure, for example, a printed dipole antenna element. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) and the plurality of second antenna elements (512) may be a dipole antenna element, and each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) and the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) may be a patch antenna element.

[0077] When each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) and the plurality of second antenna elements (512) is a patch antenna element, each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) and the plurality of second antenna elements (512) can transmit and receive a vertically deflected signal, that is, a vertically polarized signal, at the upper and lower sides, respectively, of the first substrate (701).

[0078] When each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) and the plurality of second antenna elements (512) is a dipole antenna element, each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) and the plurality of second antenna elements (512) can transmit and receive a horizontally deflected signal, that is, a horizontally polarized signal, at the upper and lower sides, respectively, of the first substrate (701).

[0079] When each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) and the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) is a dipole antenna element, each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) and the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) can transmit and receive horizontal polarization on the left and right sides, respectively, of the first substrate (701).

[0080] When each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) and the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) is a patch antenna element, each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) and the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) can transmit and receive vertical polarization on the left and right sides, respectively, of the first substrate (701).

[0081] A first substrate (701) comprising a plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) may be bonded to a second substrate (702) with a ground substrate (703) or a ground layer in between. For example, the other side of the first substrate (701), that is, the side on which the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) are not placed, may be bonded to one side of the second substrate (702).

[0082] Each of the plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements (530, 540) may be disposed on the other side of the second substrate (702). The plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements (530, 540) may include one or more first beamforming elements (530), for example, patch antenna beamforming elements, and one or more second beamforming elements (540), for example, dipole antenna beamforming elements.

[0083] One or more first beamforming elements (530) may be connected to each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) or the plurality of second antenna elements (512) among the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522). One or more second beamforming elements (540) may be connected to each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) or the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) among the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522).

[0084] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, each of the plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements (530, 540) can be connected to each of the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) through a plurality of contact holes (705, 706) or a plurality of microstrips (551, 552).

[0085] For example, among the plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements (530, 540), the first beamforming element (530) can be connected to the first antenna element (511) among the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) through the first contact hole (705) and the first microstrip (551). Among the plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements (530, 540), the second beamforming element (540) can be connected to the third antenna element (521) among the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) through the second contact hole (706) and the second microstrip (552).

[0086] Each of the first contact hole (705) and the second contact hole (706) may be a via hole containing a conductive pattern formed of a conductive material inside. The first microstrip (551) and the second microstrip (552) may be formed on the first substrate (701), or may be formed on the first substrate (701) and the second substrate (702), respectively.

[0087] Below, a method for manufacturing the transmitting and receiving array antenna (500) of the present disclosure will be described.

[0088] A placement area for each of the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) may be determined on one side of the first substrate (701). For example, a placement area for each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) may be determined on the upper side of one side of the first substrate (701). A placement area for each of the plurality of second antenna elements (512) may be determined on the lower side of one side facing the upper side of one side of the first substrate (701). A placement area for each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) may be determined on the left side of one side of the first substrate (701). A placement area for each of the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) may be determined on the right side of one side facing the left side of one side of the first substrate (701).

[0089] Once the placement area of ​​each of the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) is determined, each of the plurality of contact holes (705, 706) and the plurality of microstrips (551, 552) may be formed on the first substrate (701). Each of the plurality of contact holes (705, 706) may be formed within the placement area of ​​each of the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522), or may be formed adjacent to the placement area. Each of the plurality of microstrips (551, 552) may be formed to connect the contact hole (705, 706) formed adjacent to the placement area with the connection terminal formed in the placement area, for example, the terminal to which each of the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) is connected.

[0090] Each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) to the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) may be placed in the placement area of ​​each antenna element. Each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) and the plurality of second antenna elements (512) may be a planar patch antenna element of the same structure. Each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) and the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) may be a printed dipole antenna element of the same structure.

[0091] The first substrate (701) and the second substrate (702) can be joined. For example, the other side of the first substrate (701) and one side of the second substrate (702) can be joined to each other with a ground substrate (703) placed between them. A plurality of contact holes corresponding to the contact holes of the first substrate (701) can be formed in each of the second substrate (702) and the ground substrate (703).

[0092] A plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements (530, 540) may be disposed on the other side of the second substrate (702). The plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements (530, 540) may include one or more first beamforming elements (530) and one or more second beamforming elements (540).

[0093] One or more first beamforming elements (530) may be connected to each of a plurality of first antenna elements (511) or a plurality of second antenna elements (512) through a first contact hole (705) or a first microstrip (551). One or more second beamforming elements (540) may be connected to each of a plurality of third antenna elements (521) or a plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) through a second contact hole (706) or a second microstrip (552).

[0094] The transmitting and receiving array antenna (500) of the present disclosure may include a plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) arranged along the upper / lower / left / right edges of one surface of a first substrate (701). The first substrate (701) on which the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) are arranged may be bonded to a second substrate (702), and the second substrate (702) may have a plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements (530, 540) arranged thereon, which are connected to each of the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) through a plurality of contact holes (705, 706) or a plurality of microstrips (551, 552).

[0095] Accordingly, the transmit / receive array antenna (500) can transmit and receive signals in all directions of the antenna, that is, up / down / left / right, thereby improving the performance of the transmit / receive array antenna (500) or a communication node including it. In addition, the transmit / receive array antenna (500) can be utilized in a phased array antenna that electronically beam-steerings and can support time division duplex (TDD) communication, so that it can be applied to a 6G communication node, for example, a terminal, in which the transmission frequency band and the reception frequency band are the same.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a transmitting and receiving array antenna according to another embodiment of FIG. 7.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 8, the transmit / receive array antenna of the present embodiment may include a plurality of transmit / receive antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) and a plurality of transmit / receive beamforming elements (530, 540).

[0098] A plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) may include a plurality of first antenna elements (511), a plurality of second antenna elements (512), a plurality of third antenna elements (521), and a plurality of fourth antenna elements (522).

[0099] Each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) may be arranged along the upper edge of one side of the first substrate (801), and each of the plurality of second antenna elements (512) may be arranged along the lower edge of one side of the first substrate (801) so as to face each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511). Each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) may be arranged along the left edge of one side of the first substrate (801), and each of the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) may be arranged along the right edge of one side of the first substrate (801) so as to face each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521).

[0100] A plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements (530, 540) may include one or more first beamforming elements (530) and one or more second beamforming elements (540). The first beamforming element (530) may be connected to each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) and the plurality of second antenna elements (512) among the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522). The second beamforming element (540) may be connected to each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) and the plurality of fourth antenna elements (522) among the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522).

[0101] Each of the plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements (530, 540) may be disposed on one side and the other side of the second substrate (802) that is bonded to the first substrate (801). For example, one or more of the first beamforming elements (530) among the plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements (530, 540) may be disposed on the other side of the second substrate (802). One or more of the second beamforming elements (540) among the plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements (530, 540) may be disposed on one side of the second substrate (802). In this way, the first beamforming element (530) and the second beamforming element (540) are divided and arranged on one side and the other side of the second substrate (802), thereby making it easy to secure space for the circuit configuration of each of the first beamforming element (530) and the second beamforming element (540) on the second substrate (802).

[0102] A first substrate (801) having a plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements (511, 512, 521, 522) arranged thereon and a second substrate (802) having a plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements (530, 540) arranged thereon can be joined together. For example, the other side of the first substrate (801) can be joined to one side of the second substrate (802). At this time, since one or more second beamforming elements (540) can be arranged on one side of the second substrate (802), a certain space can be formed at the joint surface between the first substrate (801) and the second substrate (802). A ground layer (803) composed of an insulating material can be formed in the space formed at the joint surface between the first substrate (801) and the second substrate (802).

[0103] In each of the first substrate (801) and the second substrate (802), one or more through holes (805) may be formed at positions corresponding to one or more first beamforming elements (530) disposed on the other side of the second substrate (802). A pogo pin may be inserted into the through hole (805). Additionally, a microstrip (551) capable of connecting the pogo pin to each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) may be formed in the first substrate (801). Accordingly, each of the plurality of first antenna elements (511) disposed on one side of the first substrate (801) may be connected to one or more first beamforming elements (530) disposed on the other side of the second substrate (802) through the microstrip (551) and the pogo pin.

[0104] One or more contact holes (806) may be formed in the first substrate (801) at positions corresponding to each of one or more second beamforming elements (540) disposed on one side of the second substrate (802) or a plurality of third antenna elements (521) disposed on one side of the first substrate (801). Accordingly, each of the plurality of third antenna elements (521) disposed on one side of the first substrate (801) may be connected to one or more second beamforming elements (540) disposed on one side of the second substrate (802) through one or more contact holes (806).

[0105] The operation of the method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices in which information that can be read by a computer system is stored. Additionally, the computer-readable recording medium may be distributed across networked computer systems, and the computer-readable program or code may be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0106] In addition, computer-readable recording media may include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Program instructions may include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0107] Some aspects of the present disclosure have been described in the context of a device, but may also be described according to a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also be described according to a corresponding block or item or a feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, at least one of the most important method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0108] In the embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field-programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In the embodiments, a field-programmable gate array may operate with a microprocessor to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, it is preferable that the methods be performed by some hardware device.

[0109] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A transmit / receive array antenna comprising: a first substrate having each of a plurality of transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on one surface; and a second substrate having one surface bonded to the other surface of the first substrate and having a plurality of transmit / receive beamforming elements disposed on the other surface that are connected to each of the plurality of transmit / receive antenna elements, wherein the plurality of transmit / receive antenna elements include: a plurality of first transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on the upper side of one surface of the first substrate; a plurality of second transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on the lower side of one surface of the first substrate and having the same structure as the plurality of first transmit / receive antenna elements; a plurality of third transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on the left side of one surface of the first substrate; and a plurality of fourth transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on the right side of one surface of the first substrate and having the same structure as the plurality of third transmit / receive antenna elements. Claim 2 A transmit / receive array antenna according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first transmit / receive antenna elements and the plurality of second transmit / receive antenna elements is a planar patch antenna element, and each of the plurality of third transmit / receive antenna elements and the plurality of fourth transmit / receive antenna elements is a printed dipole antenna element. Claim 3 A transmit / receive array antenna according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first transmit / receive antenna elements and the plurality of second transmit / receive antenna elements is a printed dipole antenna element, and each of the plurality of third transmit / receive antenna elements and the plurality of fourth transmit / receive antenna elements is a planar patch antenna element. Claim 4 In claim 1, the transmitting and receiving array antenna, wherein each of the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements transmits and receives a signal in the same frequency band. Claim 5 A transmit / receive array antenna according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of transmit / receive beamforming elements comprises: one or more first beamforming elements connected to each of the plurality of first transmit / receive antenna elements and the plurality of second transmit / receive antenna elements; and one or more second beamforming elements connected to each of the plurality of third transmit / receive antenna elements and the plurality of fourth transmit / receive antenna elements. Claim 6 A transmit / receive array antenna according to claim 1, further comprising a ground substrate disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. Claim 7 A communication node comprising a transmit / receive array antenna, wherein the transmit / receive array antenna comprises: a first substrate having each of a plurality of transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on one surface; and a second substrate having one surface bonded to the other surface of the first substrate and having a plurality of transmit / receive beamforming elements disposed on the other surface that are connected to each of the plurality of transmit / receive antenna elements, wherein the plurality of transmit / receive antenna elements comprises: a plurality of first transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on the upper side of one surface of the first substrate; a plurality of second transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on the lower side of one surface of the first substrate and having the same structure as the plurality of first transmit / receive antenna elements; a plurality of third transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on the left side of one surface of the first substrate; and a plurality of fourth transmit / receive antenna elements disposed on the right side of one surface of the first substrate and having the same structure as the plurality of third transmit / receive antenna elements. Claim 8 A communication node according to claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of first transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of second transmitting and receiving antenna elements is a planar patch antenna element, and each of the plurality of third transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of fourth transmitting and receiving antenna elements is a printed dipole antenna element. Claim 9 A communication node according to claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of first transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of second transmitting and receiving antenna elements is a printed dipole antenna element, and each of the plurality of third transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of fourth transmitting and receiving antenna elements is a planar patch antenna element. Claim 10 In claim 7, each of the plurality of transmitting and receiving antenna elements transmits and receives a signal in the same frequency band, a communication node. Claim 11 A communication node according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of transmitting and receiving beamforming elements comprises: one or more first beamforming elements connected to each of the plurality of first transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of second transmitting and receiving antenna elements; and one or more second beamforming elements connected to each of the plurality of third transmitting and receiving antenna elements and the plurality of fourth transmitting and receiving antenna elements. Claim 12 A communication node according to claim 7, further comprising a ground substrate disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

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