Antenna module including a dielectric and base station including the antenna module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication technology for integrating a 5G communication system with IoT technology to support higher data rates than 4G systems and a system therefor. The present disclosure can be applied to intelligent services based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technologies (e.g., smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car or connected car, healthcare, digital education, retail, security and safety-related services, etc.). The present invention provides an antenna module including at least one antenna array, the antenna array including: a first dielectric having a plate shape; a second dielectric disposed on a top surface of the first dielectric such that a top surface of the second dielectric is spaced apart from the top surface of the first dielectric by a predetermined first length; a first radiator disposed on the top surface of the second dielectric; and a feeder disposed on the first dielectric and on the second dielectric to supply an RF signal to the first radiator; and a feeding unit disposed in the first dielectric and the second dielectric for supplying an RF signal to the first radiator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna module used in next-generation communication technologies, and a base station including the antenna module. Background Art

[0002] To meet the increasing demand for wireless data transmission since the deployment of 4G communication systems, efforts have been made to develop improved 5G or pre-5G communication systems. Thus, 5G or pre-5G communication systems are also referred to as "ultra 4G networks" or "post-LTE systems". The 5G communication system is considered to be implemented in a higher frequency (millimeter wave) band (e.g., 60 GHz band) to achieve higher data rates. To reduce the propagation loss of radio waves and increase the transmission distance, beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), full-dimension MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and massive antenna technologies have been discussed in 5G communication systems. In addition, in 5G communication systems, the development of system network improvements is being carried out based on: advanced small cells, cloud radio access network (RAN), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, mobile networks, cooperative communication, coordinated multipoint (CoMP), receiver-side interference cancellation, etc. In 5G systems, hybrid FSK and QAM modulation (FQAM) and sliding window superimposed coding (SWSC) (which is an advanced coding modulation (ACM)), as well as filter bank multicarrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), and sparse code multiple access (SCMA) (which are advanced access technologies) have also been developed.

[0003] The Internet, which is a human-centered connection network where people generate and use information, is now evolving into the Internet of Things (IoT), in which distributed entities such as things can exchange and process information without human intervention. The Internet of Everything (IoE) has emerged, which is a combination of IoT technology and big data processing technology connected to a cloud server. The implementation of IoT requires technical elements such as "sensing technology", "wired / wireless communication and network infrastructure", "service interface technology", and "security technology". Recently, sensor networks, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), etc. have been studied. Such an IoT environment can provide intelligent Internet technology services, which create new value for human life by collecting and analyzing data generated between connected things. Through the integration and combination of existing information technology (IT) and various industrial applications, IoT can be applied to various fields, including smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars or connected cars, smart grids, healthcare, smart appliances, and advanced medical services.

[0004] In accordance with this, various attempts have been made to apply 5G communication systems to IoT networks. For example, technologies such as sensor networks, machine-type communication (MTC), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication can be implemented through beamforming, MIMO, and array antennas. Cloud radio access network (RAN), as an application of the above big data processing technology, can also be considered an example of the integration of 5G technology and IoT technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical Problem

[0006] Next-generation communication systems may include ultra-high frequency bands (millimeter waves). Therefore, in order to use next-generation communication systems, an antenna module structure that can perform communication smoothly even in ultra-high frequency bands is required. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an antenna module that has high efficiency and gain in next-generation communication systems and can be manufactured through a simple process.

[0007] Solution to the Problem

[0008] The present disclosure provides an antenna module including at least one antenna array, the at least one antenna array including: a first dielectric having a plate shape; a second dielectric disposed on top of the first dielectric, wherein a top of the second dielectric is separated from a top of the first dielectric by a first distance; a first radiator disposed on top of the second dielectric; and a feeder disposed on the first dielectric and the second dielectric and configured to supply a radio frequency (RF) signal to the first radiator.

[0009] The feeder may include: a first feeder configured to extend to the top of the second dielectric and supply an RF signal related to a horizontally polarized wave to the first radiator; and a second feeder configured to extend to the top of the second dielectric and supply an RF signal related to a vertically polarized wave to the first radiator, wherein on the top of the second dielectric, an extension line of the first feeder is perpendicular to an extension line of the second feeder.

[0010] The first distance may be determined based on a wavelength of an electromagnetic wave radiated from the first radiator.

[0011] The feeder is separated from the first radiator by a second distance.

[0012] The second distance may be determined based on a wavelength of an electromagnetic wave radiated from the first radiator.

[0013] A space may be defined along an outer side of the second dielectric in the second dielectric.

[0014] The antenna module may further include a second radiator, which is disposed on the top of the second dielectric facing the first dielectric and the bottom of the space, wherein the first radiator and the second radiator may be electrically connected to each other through a via.

[0015] The antenna module may further include: a third dielectric, which is spaced apart from the second dielectric by a second distance on the top of the first dielectric, wherein the top of the third dielectric is separated from the top of the first dielectric by a first distance; a second radiator disposed on the top of the third dielectric; and a distributor configured to distribute RF signals, wherein a feeder supplies the RF signals distributed by the distributor to each of the first radiator and the second radiator.

[0016] At least one second dielectric may have a column shape with a height of the first distance, and may be disposed on the top of the first dielectric, and the first radiator may be disposed on the top of the at least one second dielectric.

[0017] The antenna module may further include at least one third dielectric disposed on the top of the first dielectric, wherein the top of the at least one third dielectric is separated from the top of the first dielectric by a third distance, and the feeder may extend to the top of the third dielectric.

[0018] The third distance may be shorter than the first distance, and the difference between the first distance and the third distance may be determined based on the frequency of the electromagnetic wave radiated from the first radiator or the overlapping area of the first radiator and the feeder.

[0019] The antenna module may further include a wireless communication chip or a circuit board, which is disposed on the bottom of the first dielectric and configured to supply RF signals to the feeder through a via formed in the first dielectric.

[0020] The present disclosure provides a base station, which includes at least one antenna array, and the at least one antenna array includes: a first dielectric having a plate shape; a second dielectric disposed on the top of the first dielectric, wherein the top of the second dielectric is separated from the top of the first dielectric by a first distance; a first radiator disposed on the top of the second dielectric; and a feeder, which is disposed on the first dielectric and the second dielectric and configured to supply a radio frequency (RF) signal to the first radiator.

[0021] The feeder may include: a first feeder, which is configured to extend to the top of the second dielectric and supply an RF signal related to a horizontally polarized wave to the first radiator; and a second feeder, which is configured to extend to the top of the second dielectric and supply an RF signal related to a vertically polarized wave to the first radiator, wherein on the top of the second dielectric, the extension line of the first feeder is perpendicular to the extension line of the second feeder.

[0022] The second dielectric may have a space defined along the outer side of the second dielectric therein.

[0023] The base station may further include a second radiator disposed on the top of the second dielectric facing the first dielectric and the bottom of the space, wherein the first radiator and the second radiator may be electrically connected to each other through a path.

[0024] The base station may further include: a third dielectric spaced apart from the second dielectric by a second distance on the top of the first dielectric, wherein the top of the third dielectric is separated from the top of the first dielectric by a first distance; a second radiator disposed on the top of the third dielectric; and a distributor configured to distribute RF signals, wherein a feeder supplies the RF signals distributed by the distributor to each of the first radiator and the second radiator.

[0025] At least one second dielectric may have a column shape with a height of the first distance, and may be disposed on the top of the first dielectric, and the first radiator may be disposed on the top of the at least one second dielectric.

[0026] The base station may further include at least one third dielectric disposed on the top of the first dielectric, wherein the top of the at least one third dielectric is separated from the top of the first dielectric by a third distance.

[0027] The base station may further include a wireless communication chip or a circuit board disposed on the bottom of the first dielectric and configured to supply RF signals to the feeder through a path formed in the first dielectric.

[0028] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0029] According to an embodiment, an antenna module may be configured by disposing only a radiator or a feeder in a 3D dielectric structure, thus simplifying the manufacturing process of the antenna module. Therefore, effects of reducing manufacturing costs, improving manufacturing process efficiency, and reducing the defect ratio of the antenna module may be obtained.

[0030] In addition, the performance of the antenna module is improved by using a gap coupling structure that ensures a gap between the feeder and the radiator, thereby enabling the size of the antenna module to be reduced. Description of the Drawings

[0031] Figure 1 is a side view of an antenna array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2a is a diagram showing a first embodiment of an antenna array structure including two radiators;

[0033] Figure 2b is an enlargedFigure 2a View of part A of the antenna array structure shown;

[0034] Figure 3a It is a view showing a second embodiment of an antenna array structure including two radiators;

[0035] Figure 3b is Figure 3a Side view of the antenna array shown;

[0036] Figure 4a It is a side view of an antenna array when the space is defined in a second dielectric according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4b Shows the isolation of vertical polarization waves and horizontal polarization waves when the space is defined in a second dielectric;

[0038] Figure 5 It is a side view of an antenna array when two radiators are arranged in a second dielectric according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6a It is a view showing a first embodiment of an antenna array structure when the space is defined in a second dielectric;

[0040] Figure 6b It is a view showing a second embodiment of an antenna array structure when the space is defined in a second dielectric;

[0041] Figure 6c It is a view showing a third embodiment of an antenna array structure when the space is defined in a second dielectric;

[0042] Figure 6d It is a view showing an antenna array structure when the space is defined in a second dielectric; and

[0043] Figure 7 It is a view showing an antenna module including 16 antenna arrays according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Embodiment

[0044] When describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, descriptions regarding what is well known in the art and technical content not directly related to the present disclosure will be omitted. The omission of such unnecessary descriptions aims to prevent obscuring the main idea of the present disclosure and to more clearly convey the main idea.

[0045] For the same reason, in the drawings, some elements may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically. In addition, the size of each element does not fully reflect the actual size. In the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0046] Advantages and features of the present disclosure and the manner of realizing them will be apparent from the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth below, but may be implemented in various different forms. The following embodiments are provided only to fully disclose the present disclosure and to inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the appended claims. Throughout the specification, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements.

[0047] Here, it will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustration and combinations of blocks in the flowchart can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more of the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-usable or computer-readable memory, which can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-usable or computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more of the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more of the flowchart blocks.

[0048] In addition, each block of the flowchart may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of order. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently, depending upon the functions involved, or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order.

[0049] As used herein, a "unit" refers to a software element or a hardware element that performs a predetermined function, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). However, the meaning of "unit" is not always limited to software or hardware. A "unit" can be configured to be stored in an addressable storage medium or configured to execute on one or more processors. Thus, a "unit" includes, for example, software elements, object-oriented software elements, class elements or task elements, processes, functions, attributes, programs, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and parameters. The elements and functions provided by a "unit" can be combined into a smaller number of elements or "units", or can be divided into a larger number of elements or "units". In addition, the elements and "units" can also be implemented as one or more CPUs within a playback device or a secure multimedia card. In addition, a "unit" in an embodiment can include one or more processors.

[0050] Figure 1 is a side view of an antenna array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Including Figure 1 The antenna module structure disclosed in the specification can also be applied to next-generation communication systems. In particular, the antenna module structure disclosed in the specification can be applied to communication systems operating at a working frequency of 6 GHz or less.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the antenna module may include at least one antenna array 200 and 300. For example, an antenna module may have a 4×4 antenna array structure. That is, an antenna module may have 16 (4×4 = 16) antenna arrays 200 and 300. This will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 7 More specifically.

[0053] Figure 1 The illustrated antenna array 100 may include: a first dielectric 101 having a plate shape; a second dielectric 110 disposed on top of the first dielectric 101 and the top of the second dielectric 110 being spaced apart from the top of the first dielectric 101 by a predetermined first distance; a first radiator 120 disposed on top of the second dielectric 110; and a feeder 130 disposed on the first dielectric 101 and the second dielectric 110 and supplying an RF signal to the first radiator 120.

[0054] Although in Figure 1It is assumed in [the description] that the first dielectric 101 and the second dielectric 110 are separate components, but the first dielectric 101 and the second dielectric 110 may be integrated in a single component. According to an embodiment, the first dielectric 101 and the second dielectric 110 may be formed as one dielectric, and protrusions may be formed on the top of the first dielectric (on which the second dielectric is disposed) to correspond to the height of the second dielectric 110.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the metal plate 140 may be disposed on the bottom of the first dielectric 101, and the metal plate 140 may be a ground layer. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication chip 150 or a printed circuit board (PCB) may be disposed on the bottom of the metal plate 140 or on the bottom of the first dielectric 101. The wireless communication chip 150 or the PCB may send an RF signal for operating the first radiator 120 as an antenna.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the wireless communication chip 150 may be electrically connected to the feeder 130 through the via 160 passing through the first dielectric 101. The wireless communication chip 150 may supply an RF signal to the first radiator 120 through the feeder 130.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the first distance (which is the distance between the first radiator 120 and the first dielectric 101) may be determined based on the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave radiated from the first radiator 120. For example, the first length may be proportional to the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave radiated from the first radiator 120.

[0058] Although only the method of configuring the antenna module using a dielectric is disclosed in the specification, the dielectric may be replaced with a non-metallic material other than the dielectric. According to an embodiment, the dielectric structure including the first dielectric 101 and the second dielectric 110 may be manufactured by injection molding. According to an embodiment, the first radiator 120 and the feeder 130 may be formed by printing on the injected dielectric, or may be individually pressed and then coupled to the injected dielectric.

[0059] Therefore, compared with the antenna module structure using a PCB, the antenna module structure disclosed in the specification is obtained through a simpler process. In addition, the number of components of the antenna module is smaller than that of the antenna module structure using a PCB (for example, the PCB may be removed). Therefore, when using the antenna module structure disclosed in the specification, an effect of reducing the manufacturing cost can be expected.

[0060] Figure 2a FIG. [number] is a diagram showing a first embodiment of an antenna array structure including two transmitters.

[0061] Figure 2aThe antenna array 200 shown may include: a first dielectric 201 having a plate shape; a second dielectric 210 disposed on top of the first dielectric 201, and the top of the second dielectric 210 is spaced apart from the top of the first dielectric 201 by a predetermined first distance; a third dielectric 212 disposed on top of the first dielectric 201 and spaced apart from the second dielectric 210 by a predetermined second distance, and the top of the third dielectric 212 is spaced apart from the top of the first dielectric 201 by the first distance; a first radiator 220 disposed on top of the second dielectric 210; a second radiator 222 disposed on top of the third dielectric 212; feeders 230, 232, 234, and 236 that supply RF signals to the first radiator 220 and the second radiator 222; and distributors 240 and 242 that distribute the RF signals to the first radiator 220 and the second radiator 222.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the feeder 230 may be divided into feeders 230 and 232 facing the first radiator 220 and feeders 234 and 236 facing the second radiator 222 through distributors 240 and 242 disposed on top of the first dielectric 201.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the feeders 230 and 232 facing the first dielectric 201 may include: a first feeder 230 that supplies an RF signal related to a horizontally polarized wave to the first radiator 220; and a second feeder 232 that supplies an RF signal related to a vertically polarized wave to the first radiator 220.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the first feeder 230 and the second feeder 232 may extend from the top of the first dielectric 201 to the top of the second dielectric 210 via one side of the second dielectric 210. The extension line of the first feeder 230 and the extension line of the second feeder 232 may be perpendicular to each other on the top of the second dielectric 210.

[0065] Since the extension line of the first feeder 230 and the extension line of the second feeder 232 are perpendicular to each other, the gain values of the horizontally polarized wave and the vertically polarized wave radiated from the first radiator 220 can be increased.

[0066] Although in the present disclosure, the first feeder 230 may supply an RF signal related to a horizontally polarized wave and the second feeder 232 may supply an RF signal related to a vertically polarized wave, they may be exchanged. That is, the first feeder 230 may supply an RF signal related to a vertically polarized wave and the second feeder 232 may supply an RF signal related to a horizontally polarized wave.

[0067] According to an embodiment, a third dielectric 212 spaced apart from the second dielectric 210 by a second distance, a second radiator 222 disposed on the third dielectric 212, and feeders 234 and 236 may also be similar or identical to the antenna array structure using the second dielectric 210 described above.

[0068] However, the positions of the feeders disposed on the second dielectric 210 and the third dielectric 212 may be different. In Figure 2a the antenna module structure shown, for example, its first feeder 230 may be disposed at the right corner of the square bottom of the second dielectric 210 having a square shape at its top, and the second feeder 232 is disposed at the right corner of the square top. Similarly, the third feeder 234 may be disposed at the right corner of the square bottom of the third dielectric 212 having a square shape at its top, as in the second dielectric 210, but the fourth feeder 236 may be disposed at the left corner of the square bottom.

[0069] That is, on the second dielectric 210 and the third dielectric 212, the first feeder 230 and the third feeder 234 may be respectively disposed at the same positions, but the second feeder 232 and the fourth feeder 236 may be disposed at different positions. However, even in this case, the extension lines of the first feeder 230 and the second feeder 232 may be perpendicular to each other on the top of the second dielectric 210, and the extension lines of the third feeder 234 and the fourth feeder 236 may be perpendicular to each other on the third dielectric 212.

[0070] Since the second feeder 232 and the fourth feeder 236 may be disposed at different positions on the dielectrics having the same shape, according to an embodiment, the distance from the distributor 240 to the second feeder 232 and the distance from the distributor 240 to the fourth feeder 236 may be different from each other. That is, the distance difference may be used to compensate for the phase difference between the RF signals supplied through the second feeder 232 and the fourth feeder 236.

[0071] Although only the case where the tops of the second dielectric and the third dielectric have a square shape is shown in Figure 2a , the second dielectric and the third dielectric are not limited to this shape and may have various shapes.

[0072] Figure 2b is a diagram for magnifying Figure 2a part A of the antenna array structure shown.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the first feeder 230 and the second feeder 232 may be disposed at a predetermined second distance (distance "a") from the first radiator 220, and the third feeder 234 and the fourth feeder 236 may be disposed at the second distance (a) from the second radiator 222.

[0074] That is, each of the feeder and the radiator may have a gap coupling structure. All the feeders and radiators are made of a metallic material, the feeders and radiators are spaced apart from each other by the second distance, and a dielectric is disposed in the space between the feeder and the radiator. Accordingly, by the above structure, the effect of disposing a capacitor or an inverter between the feeder and the radiator can be achieved, and thus, the bandwidth of the electromagnetic wave radiated from the radiator can be increased. According to an embodiment, the second distance (a) may be determined based on the frequency of the electromagnetic wave radiated from the radiator.

[0075] Figure 3a FIG. is a diagram showing a second embodiment of an antenna array structure including two radiators.

[0076] According to an embodiment, a plurality of second dielectrics 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, and 319 having a column shape with a height having a first distance may be disposed on top of the first dielectric 301.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the first radiator 320 may be disposed on five second dielectrics 310, 311, 312, 313, and 314, and the second radiator 322 may be disposed on the other five second dielectrics 315, 316, 317, 318, and 319.

[0078] According to an embodiment, third dielectrics 350 and 351 may be disposed on top of the first dielectric 301, and the tops of the third dielectrics 350 and 351 may be spaced apart from the top of the first dielectric 301 by a third distance.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the feeders 330 and 332 may extend to the tops of the third dielectrics 350 and 351. That is, the first feeder 330 may extend to the top of the third dielectric 350, and the second feeder 332 may extend to the top of the third dielectric 351. In this case, as described above, the extension lines of the first feeder 330 and the second feeder 332 may be perpendicular to each other.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the third distance may be shorter than the first distance. That is, the heights of the third dielectrics 350, 351, 352, and 353 may be less than the heights of the second dielectrics 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, and 319. This will be described below with reference toFigure 3b is described in detail.

[0081] The antenna array structure corresponding to the second radiator 322 (including the antenna array of the second dielectrics 315, 316, 317, 318 and 319, the third dielectrics 352 and 353, and the feeders 334 and 336) may be the same as or similar to the antenna array corresponding to the first radiator 320. In Figure 3a the illustrated antenna array 300, the first dielectric 301 and the distributors 340 and 342 may be the same as or similar to the antenna array structure described with reference to Figure 2a description.

[0082] Figure 3b is Figure 3a a side view of the illustrated antenna array.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the third distance (which is the height of the third dielectrics 352 and 353) may be shorter than the first distance (which is the height of the second dielectric 319). The radiator 322 may be disposed on top of the second dielectric 319, and the feeders 334 and 336 may be respectively disposed on top of the third dielectrics 352 and 353.

[0084] According to one embodiment, as described above, the feeder may include a first feeder 334 for forming a horizontally polarized wave and a second feeder 336 for forming a vertically polarized wave, and the third dielectric 352 on which the first feeder 334 is disposed and the third dielectric 335 on which the second feeder 336 is disposed may be perpendicular to each other (that is, the longitudinal centerlines of the third dielectrics 352 and 353 may be perpendicular to each other).

[0085] Since the third distance (which is the height of the third dielectrics 352 and 353 on which the feeders 334 and 336 are disposed) is shorter than the first distance (which is the height of the second dielectric 319 on which the radiator 322 is disposed), there may be a distance difference between the radiator 322 and the feeders 334 and 336. For example, if the height of the second dielectric 319 is 3 mm and the height of the third dielectrics 352 and 353 is 2 mm, there may be a 1 mm distance difference between the radiator 322 and the feeders 334 and 336.

[0086] In this case, the portion between the radiator 322 and the feeders 334 and 336 is partially filled with a dielectric or air, and thus the structure between the radiator 322 and the feeders 334 and 336 may be the above-described gap coupling structure.

[0087] Therefore, due to the difference between the first distance and the third distance, a gap coupling structure may be formed in the antenna array, and thus, the bandwidth of the frequency radiated from the radiator 322 may be improved.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the difference between the first distance and the third distance may be determined based on the frequency of the electromagnetic wave to be radiated from the radiator 322 or the overlapping region of the radiator 322 with the feeders 334 and 336.

[0089] Figure 4a is a side view of an antenna array when the space is defined in the second dielectric according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4b Shows the isolation of vertically polarized waves and horizontally polarized waves when the space is defined in the second dielectric.

[0090] According to one embodiment, in the second dielectric 410 of the antenna array 400, the space 440 may be defined along the outer side of the second dielectric 410. The space 440 may be a closed space surrounded by the top of the second dielectric 410 and the top of the first dielectric 401.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the radiator 420 may be included on the top of the second dielectric 410, and the feeder 430 may be disposed along the side of the second dielectric 410 to be able to supply an RF signal to the radiator 420.

[0092] According to one embodiment, when the space 440 is defined in the second dielectric 410 and the RF signal is supplied to the radiator 420 through the feeder 430, the electric field distribution generated by the RF signal may be concentrated on the side of the second dielectric 410. That is, the electric field density on the side of the second dielectric 410 may be higher than the electric field density in the space 440 in the second dielectric 410.

[0093] Therefore, the isolation between the vertically polarized wave and the horizontally polarized wave radiated from the radiator 420 can be improved, and thus the performance of the antenna array 400 can be improved.

[0094] Although only the case where the space 440 defined in the second dielectric is surrounded by the top of the second dielectric 410 and the top of the first dielectric 401 to form a closed space is shown in Figure 4a , the correct scope of the present disclosure should not be construed as limited thereto. The space 440 may be an open space, which will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 6a to 6c .

[0095] Figure 5 is a side view of an antenna array when two transmitters are disposed in one second dielectric according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] In Figure 5 the antenna array 500 shown, the structures of the first dielectric 501, the second dielectric 502, and the feeder 530 may be the same as those in Figure 4aThe antenna arrays shown are the same or similar. That is, in the second dielectric 510, the space 540 can be defined along the outer side of the second dielectric 510.

[0097] However, according to Figure 5 the antenna array 500 shown, the first feeder 520 can be disposed on the top of the second dielectric, the second feeder 522 can be disposed on the bottom of the second dielectric, and the first feeder 520 and the second feeder 522 can be electrically connected to each other through a via. According to one embodiment, the antenna array 500 radiates electromagnetic waves through the two feeders 520 and 522, thereby increasing the gain value of the antenna array 500.

[0098] Although in Figure 5 the feeder 530 directly supplies the RF signal to the first feeder 520 disposed on the top of the second dielectric 510, the proper scope of the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited thereto.

[0099] For example, the feeder 530 can directly supply the RF signal to the second feeder 522 disposed on the bottom of the second dielectric 510, and the first feeder 520 can indirectly receive the RF signal through a via formed in the second dielectric 510.

[0100] Figure 6a is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the antenna array structure when a space is defined in the second dielectric.

[0101] More specifically, Figure 6a is a diagram showing a case where a closed space 630 is defined in the second dielectric 610. According to one embodiment, the second dielectric 610 surrounding the space 630 can be disposed on the top of the antenna array 600. Although in Figure 6a the second dielectric 610 has a square column shape having the space 630 therein, the proper scope of the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited thereto.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the first feeder 621 and the second feeder 622 can be disposed on the side surface of the second dielectric 610. In this case, as described above, the extension lines of the first feeder 621 and the second feeder 622 can be perpendicular to each other on the top of the second dielectric 610.

[0103] Figure 6b is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the antenna array structure when a space is defined in the second dielectric.

[0104] More specifically, Figure 6b is a diagram showing a case where an open space 630 is defined inside the second dielectrics 611, 612, 613, and 614. That is, Figure 6bAn antenna array 600 is shown, where four second dielectrics 611, 612, 613, and 614 (each having a cubic shape) surround a space 630.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the second dielectrics 611, 612, 613, and 614 may be spaced apart from each other by a specific distance, and thus, the space 630 surrounded by the second dielectrics 611, 612, 613, and 614 may be an open space.

[0106] According to one embodiment, a first feeder 621 may be disposed on the second dielectric 614, and a second feeder 622 may be disposed on the second dielectric 613. In this case, the extension line of the second dielectric 612 on which the first feeder 621 is disposed and the extension line of the second dielectric 613 on which the second feeder 622 is disposed may be perpendicular to each other.

[0107] Figure 6c is a diagram showing a third embodiment of an antenna array structure when a space is defined in a second dielectric. Figure 6d is a diagram showing an antenna array structure when a space is defined in a second dielectric.

[0108] More specifically, Figure 6c and Figure 6d each show a case where an open space 630 is defined inside the second dielectrics 611, 612, 613, and 614. That is, Figure 6c and Figure 6d each shows an antenna array 600, where four second dielectrics 611, 612, 613, and 614 (each having a triangular prism shape) surround a space 630.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the second dielectrics 611, 612, 613, and 614 may be spaced apart from each other by a specific distance, and thus, the space 630 surrounded by the second dielectrics 611, 612, 613, and 614 may be an open space.

[0110] According to one embodiment, a first feeder 621 may be disposed on the second dielectric 614, and a second feeder 622 may be disposed on the second dielectric 613. In this case, the extension line of the second dielectric 612 on which the first feeder 621 is disposed and the extension line of the second dielectric 613 on which the second feeder 622 is disposed may be perpendicular to each other.

[0111] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an antenna module including sixteen antenna arrays according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] As described above, according to one embodiment, one antenna module 700 may include a plurality of antenna arrays, andFigure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a case where 16 antenna arrays (4×4 antenna array arrangement) are provided in an antenna module 700.

[0113] According to an embodiment, each antenna array may include: a first radiator 720 spaced apart from a first dielectric 711 by a first distance; and a second radiator 722 spaced apart from the first radiator 720 by a second distance and spaced apart from the first dielectric 711 by the first distance.

[0114] According to an embodiment, an RF signal may be supplied to the first radiator 720 through a first feeder 730 and a second feeder 732, and an RF signal may be supplied to the second radiator 722 through a third feeder 734 and a fourth feeder 736.

[0115] According to an embodiment, an RF signal supplied from a wireless communication chip (not shown) may be supplied to the first feeder 730 and the third feeder 734 through a first distributor 740 provided on top of the first dielectric 711, and an RF signal supplied from the wireless communication chip may be supplied to the second feeder 732 and the fourth feeder 736 through a second distributor 742. In this case, the RF signal supplied to the radiators through the first feeder and the third feeder may be an RF signal related to a horizontally polarized wave, and the RF signal supplied to the radiators through the second feeder and the fourth feeder may be an RF signal related to a vertically polarized wave (vice versa). That is, the RF signal supplied to the radiators through the first feeder and the third feeder may be an RF signal related to a vertically polarized wave, and the RF signal supplied to the radiators through the second feeder and the fourth feeder may be an RF signal related to a horizontally polarized wave.

[0116] According to an embodiment, a partition wall 750 for maintaining isolation between antenna arrays may be provided between the antenna arrays. The partition wall 750 may include a metallic material and may improve the isolation of the same polarized wave (horizontally polarized wave or vertically polarized wave) between the antenna array structures.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the antenna module 700 according to the present disclosure may be provided in a base station used in a next-generation mobile communication system, and the base station may operate various communication methods such as multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) and massive MIMO through the antenna module 700.

[0118] The embodiments of the present disclosure described and illustrated in the specification and the drawings have been presented to easily explain the technical content of the present disclosure and help understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other modifications and changes can be made based on the technical spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, the above embodiments can be used in combination as needed. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure can be partially combined to operate a base station and a terminal.

Claims

1. An antenna module, comprising: a plurality of sub-arrays, wherein each of the plurality of sub-arrays includes a plurality of antennas and a plurality of feeder lines, wherein the antennas among the plurality of antennas include: an injected dielectric including a plate portion, a column portion provided on the plate portion, and a top portion provided on the column portion, and a radiator provided on the top portion, wherein the plurality of feeder lines include: a first feeder line for a first polarization, which is provided on the injected dielectric along the plate portion, a side surface of the column portion, and the top portion, a second feeder line for a second polarization, which is provided on the injected dielectric along the plate portion, a side surface of the column portion, and the top portion, wherein the first feeder line is configured to supply a first radio frequency (RF) signal of the first polarization to the radiator via coupling, and wherein the second feeder line is configured to supply a second RF signal of the second polarization to the radiator via coupling.

2. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, the first feeder line includes a portion provided on the top portion for supplying an RF signal of the first polarization to the radiator; wherein the second feeder line includes a portion provided on the top portion for supplying an RF signal of the second polarization to the radiator, wherein the portion of the first feeder line is perpendicular to the portion of the second feeder line, and wherein the second polarization is perpendicular to the first polarization.

3. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, the injected dielectric is formed by injection molding, and wherein the top portion is spaced apart from the plate portion by a specified distance.

4. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, the column portion includes a first portion on which the first feeder line is provided and a second portion on which the second feeder line is provided, wherein the first feeder line includes a portion that is vertically bent and provided on the column portion, and wherein the second feeder line includes a portion that is vertically bent and provided on the column portion.

5. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, the top portion includes a bottom surface and a top surface, wherein a space is provided between the bottom surface of the top portion and the plate portion, wherein a conductive material for supplying a first RF signal to the radiator is provided on the bottom surface of the top portion, wherein the radiator is provided on the top surface of the top portion, and wherein the first feeder line is configured to supply the first RF signal to the radiator provided on the top surface via the conductive material provided on the bottom surface.

6. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, the antenna corresponds to a first antenna, the column portion corresponds to a first column portion, the top portion corresponds to a first top portion, the radiator corresponds to a first radiator, wherein the plurality of antennas further includes a second antenna, and the second antenna includes: a second column portion provided on the plate portion, a second top portion provided on the second column portion, and a second radiator provided on the second top portion, Wherein, the first feeder is also disposed on the side surfaces of the second top portion and the second column portion for supplying an RF signal of the first polarization to the second radiator disposed on the second top portion, and Wherein, the second feeder is also disposed on the side surfaces of the second top portion and the second column portion for providing an RF signal of the second polarization to the second radiator disposed on the second top portion.

7. The antenna module according to claim 1, Wherein, The plurality of sub-arrays include partition walls disposed between the plurality of sub-arrays.

8. A wireless communication device, Comprising: A plurality of sub-arrays, wherein each of the plurality of sub-arrays includes a plurality of antennas and a plurality of feeders: Wherein, the antennas among the plurality of antennas include: An injected dielectric including a plate portion, a column portion disposed on the plate portion, and a top portion disposed on the column portion, and A radiator disposed on the top portion, Wherein, the plurality of feeders include: A first feeder for the first polarization, disposed on the injected dielectric along the plate portion, the side surface of the column portion, and the top portion, and A second feeder for the second polarization, disposed on the injected dielectric along the plate portion, the side surface of the column portion, and the top portion; A communication chip for supplying an RF signal to the plurality of sub-arrays; and A printed circuit board for electrically connecting the communication chip to the plurality of sub-arrays, Wherein, the first feeder is configured to supply the first RF signal of the first polarization to the radiator via coupling, and Wherein, the second feeder is configured to supply the second RF signal of the second polarization to the radiator via coupling.

9. The wireless communication device according to claim 8, Wherein, The first feeder includes a portion disposed on the top portion for supplying an RF signal of the first polarization to the radiator; And Wherein, the second feeder includes a portion disposed on the top portion for supplying an RF signal of the second polarization to the radiator, Wherein, the portion of the first feeder is perpendicular to the portion of the second feeder, and Wherein, the second polarization is perpendicular to the first polarization.

10. The wireless communication device according to claim 8, Wherein, The top portion includes a bottom surface and a top surface, Wherein, a space is provided between the bottom surface of the top portion and the plate portion, Wherein, a conductive material for supplying a first RF signal to the radiator is disposed on the bottom surface of the top portion, Wherein, the radiator is disposed on the top surface of the top portion, and Wherein, the first feeder is configured to supply the first RF signal to the radiator disposed on the top surface via the conductive material disposed on the bottom surface.

11. The wireless communication device according to claim 8, Wherein, The antenna corresponds to a first antenna, the column portion corresponds to a first column portion, the top portion corresponds to a first top portion, and the radiator corresponds to a first radiator, Among them, the multiple antennas further include a second antenna, and the second antenna includes: a second column portion disposed on the board portion, a second top portion disposed on the second column portion, and a second radiator disposed on the second top portion; wherein, the first feeder is further disposed on side surfaces of the second top portion and the second column portion for supplying the RF signal of the first polarization to the second radiator disposed on the second top portion, and wherein, the second feeder is further disposed on side surfaces of the second top portion and the second column portion for providing the RF signal of the second polarization to the second radiator disposed on the second top portion.

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