Antenna module and communication device mounting the same

Abstract

The antenna module (100) includes: a dielectric substrate (130) having a long side and a short side; a ground electrode (GND); a radiating element (121); a peripheral electrode (160); and a passive element (170). The radiating element (121) is disposed opposite to the ground electrode (GND). The peripheral electrode (160) is disposed along the long side of the dielectric substrate (130) and electrically connected to the ground electrode (GND). The passive element (170) is disposed along the short side of the dielectric substrate (130) and is disposed separately from the radiating element (121). The radiating element (121) is capable of radiating radio waves in two polarization directions along the long and short sides of the dielectric substrate (130). The shortest distance between the radiating element (121) and the passive element (170) is longer than the shortest distance between the radiating element (121) and the peripheral electrode (160).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to antenna modules and communication devices equipped with such antenna modules, and more particularly, to techniques for extending the frequency band of antenna modules. Background Technology

[0002] International Patent Publication No. 2021 / 059661 (Patent Document 1) discloses a structure in an antenna module in which peripheral electrodes are arranged around a planar radiating element. The peripheral electrodes are disposed in a layer on a dielectric substrate located between the radiating element and a ground electrode, and are electrically connected to the ground electrode. In the antenna module disclosed in International Patent Publication No. 2021 / 059661 (Patent Document 1), the distance between the radiating element and the peripheral electrodes is shorter than the distance between the radiating element and the ground electrode, further strengthening the coupling between the radiating element and the peripheral electrodes, and increasing the Q value. This suppresses the radiation of radio waves from the radiating element to the back side of the ground electrode, thus suppressing the reduction in antenna gain even when the area of ​​the ground electrode is limited.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 059661 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] Typically, in antenna modules, there is a tendency for a higher Q value to be advantageous for antenna gain, but a lower Q value to be advantageous for bandwidth. Therefore, in antenna modules with peripheral electrodes, it is possible to suppress the reduction in antenna gain; on the other hand, depending on the required specifications, situations may arise where the desired bandwidth cannot be achieved.

[0008] This disclosure was made to solve such a problem, and its purpose is to expand the bandwidth while ensuring antenna gain in an antenna module with peripheral electrodes.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The antenna module of the first embodiment of this disclosure includes: a dielectric substrate having a long side and a short side; a ground electrode disposed on the dielectric substrate; a planar radiating element; a first peripheral electrode; and a passive element. The radiating element is disposed opposite to the ground electrode. The first peripheral electrode is disposed along the long side of the dielectric substrate and electrically connected to the ground electrode. The passive element is disposed along the short side of the dielectric substrate and is disposed separately from the radiating element. The radiating element is capable of radiating radio waves in a first polarization direction along the long side of the dielectric substrate and in a second polarization direction along the short side. The shortest distance between the radiating element and the passive element is longer than the shortest distance between the radiating element and the first peripheral electrode.

[0011] The antenna module of the second aspect of this disclosure includes: a dielectric substrate having a long side and a short side; a ground electrode disposed on the dielectric substrate; and a first antenna and a second antenna. The second antenna is disposed adjacent to the first antenna in a first direction along the long side of the dielectric substrate. The first antenna and the second antenna each include a planar radiating element, a peripheral electrode, and a passive element disposed opposite to the ground electrode. The peripheral electrode is disposed along the long side of the dielectric substrate and electrically connected to the ground electrode. The passive element is disposed along the short side of the dielectric substrate and is disposed separately from the radiating element. The radiating element is capable of radiating radio waves in a first polarization direction along the long side of the dielectric substrate and in a second polarization direction along the short side. In each of the first antenna and the second antenna, the shortest distance between the radiating element and the passive element is longer than the shortest distance between the radiating element and the peripheral electrode.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] According to the antenna module of this disclosure, relative to a planar radiating element arranged on a dielectric substrate having long and short sides, a passive element arranged along the short side of the dielectric substrate is positioned further away than a peripheral electrode arranged along the long side of the dielectric substrate, thereby enabling adjustment of the electromagnetic field coupling between the radiating element and the peripheral electrode. This allows for expansion of the bandwidth while ensuring the antenna gain of the antenna module. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a communication device using the antenna module of Implementation Method 1.

[0015] Figure 2 These are a top view and a side perspective view of the antenna module in Embodiment 1 when viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a side perspective view of the antenna module of Embodiment 1 when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0017] Figure 4 This is Figure 1, used to illustrate the antenna characteristics of Embodiment 1 and the comparative example.

[0018] Figure 5 This is Figure 2, used to illustrate the antenna characteristics of Embodiment 1 and the comparative example.

[0019] Figure 6 These are top and side perspective views of the antenna module in Embodiment 2.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a top view of the antenna module according to embodiment 3.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a top view of the antenna module of Variation Example 1.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a top view of the antenna module in variant example 2.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate the directivity of the antenna modules in Modified Example 1 and Modified Example 2.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a partial side perspective view of the antenna module of Variation Example 3.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a diagram used to illustrate the antenna characteristics of the high-frequency side of the antenna module in Modified Example 3.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a top view of the antenna module in variation 4.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a diagram used to illustrate the antenna characteristics of the antenna module in Modified Example 4.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a top view of the antenna module in embodiment 4.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a top view of the antenna module in embodiment 5.

[0030] Figure 17 This is a top view of the antenna module according to embodiment 6.

[0031] Figure 18 This is a top view of the antenna module according to embodiment 7.

[0032] Figure 19 This is a side perspective view of the antenna module of variant 5.

[0033] Figure 20 This is a side perspective view of the antenna module of variant 6. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, identical or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0035] [Implementation Method 1]

[0036] (Basic structure of a communication device)

[0037] Figure 1 This is an example of a block diagram of a communication device 10 using the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1. The communication device 10 is, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a personal computer with communication capabilities. An example of the frequency band of the radio waves used by the antenna module 100 of this embodiment is millimeter-wave radio waves with center frequencies such as 28 GHz, 39 GHz, and 60 GHz, but radio waves in other frequency bands can also be used.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 The communication device 10 includes an antenna module 100 and a BBIC 200 constituting a baseband signal processing circuit. The antenna module 100 includes an RFIC 110 (as an example of a power supply circuit) and an antenna device 120. The communication device 10 up-converts the signal transmitted from the BBIC 200 to the antenna module 100 into a high-frequency signal using the RFIC 110, and then radiates it from the antenna device 120. Additionally, the communication device 10 transmits the high-frequency signal received using the antenna device 120 to the RFIC 110, down-converts it, and processes the signal using the BBIC 200.

[0039] exist Figure 1 For ease of explanation, only the structures corresponding to four radiating elements 121A to 121D (hereinafter collectively referred to as "radiating elements 121") among the plurality of radiating elements (power supply elements) constituting the antenna device 120 are shown, and the structures corresponding to other radiating elements having the same structure are omitted. Furthermore, in Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of an antenna device 120 formed by a plurality of radiating elements 121 arranged in a two-dimensional array, but it could also be a one-dimensional array of a plurality of radiating elements 121 arranged in a column. Alternatively, the antenna device 120 could be a structure in which the radiating elements 121 are individually arranged. In this embodiment, the radiating element 121 is a patch antenna having a planar shape.

[0040] Antenna device 120 is a so-called dual-polarization type antenna device capable of radiating two radio waves with different polarization directions from a single radiating element. A high-frequency signal for a first polarization wave and a high-frequency signal for a second polarization wave are supplied from RFIC 110 to each radiating element 121.

[0041] RFIC 110 includes switches 111A-111H, 113A-113H, 117A, 117B, power amplifiers 112AT-112HT, low-noise amplifiers 112AR-112HR, attenuators 114A-114H, phase shifters 115A-115H, signal synthesizers / demultiplexers 116A, 116B, mixers 118A, 118B, and amplifier circuits 119A, 119B. The circuitry for high-frequency signals used for the first polarization wave consists of switches 111A-111D, 113A-113D, 117A, power amplifiers 112AT-112DT, low-noise amplifiers 112AR-112DR, attenuators 114A-114D, phase shifters 115A-115D, signal synthesizer / demultiplexer 116A, mixer 118A, and amplifier circuit 119A. The circuitry for high-frequency signals used for the second polarization wave consists of switches 111E-111H, 113E-113H, 117B, power amplifiers 112ET-112HT, low-noise amplifiers 112ER-112HR, attenuators 114E-114H, phase shifters 115E-115H, signal synthesizer / demultiplexer 116B, mixer 118B, and amplifier circuit 119B.

[0042] When transmitting high-frequency signals, switches 111A-111H and 113A-113H switch to the power amplifiers 112AT-112HT, and switches 117A and 117B are connected to the transmitting amplifiers of amplifier circuits 119A and 119B. When receiving high-frequency signals, switches 111A-111H and 113A-113H switch to the low-noise amplifiers 112AR-112HR, and switches 117A and 117B are connected to the receiving amplifiers of amplifier circuits 119A and 119B.

[0043] The signal received from BBIC 200 is amplified by amplifier circuits 119A and 119B and up-converted by mixers 118A and 118B. The high-frequency signal obtained from the up-conversion is then split into four signals by signal synthesizers / demultiplexers 116A and 116B, and supplied to different radiating elements 121 through corresponding signal paths. At this time, the directivity of the antenna device 120 can be adjusted by separately adjusting the phase shift of phase shifters 115A to 115H located in each signal path. Additionally, attenuators 114A to 114H adjust the strength of the transmitted signal.

[0044] High-frequency signals from switches 111A and 111E are supplied to radiating element 121A. Similarly, high-frequency signals from switches 111B and 111F are supplied to radiating element 121B. High-frequency signals from switches 111C and 111G are supplied to radiating element 121C. High-frequency signals from switches 111D and 111H are supplied to radiating element 121D.

[0045] The received signals, which are high-frequency signals received by each radiating element 121, are transmitted to RFIC 110 and combined in signal synthesizers / demultiplexers 116A and 116B via four different signal paths. The combined received signals are down-converted by mixers 118A and 118B, amplified by amplifier circuits 119A and 119B, and transmitted to BBIC 200.

[0046] (Construction of the antenna module)

[0047] Next, use Figure 2 and Figure 3 This section describes the detailed structure of the antenna module 100 in Embodiment 1. Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the antenna module 100 according to Embodiment 1. In addition to the radiating element 121 and RFIC 110, the antenna module 100 also includes a dielectric substrate 130, power supply wiring 141, 142, peripheral electrodes 1601, 1602, passive components 1701, 1702, and a ground electrode GND.

[0048] Furthermore, in the following description, the normal direction (radiation direction of the electromagnetic wave) of the dielectric substrate 130 will be defined as the Z-axis direction, and the X-axis and Y-axis will be used to define the plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. Additionally, there are cases where the positive direction of the Z-axis in each figure is referred to as the upper side, and the negative direction as the lower side. Figure 2 In the middle, a top view of the antenna module 100 is shown at the top. Figure 2 (A) shows a side perspective view of the antenna module 100 as viewed from the Y-axis direction at the bottom. Figure 2 (B)). Additionally, in Figure 3 The image shows a side perspective view of the antenna module 100 as viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0049] The dielectric substrate 130 may be, for example, a low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) multilayer substrate, a multilayer resin substrate formed by stacking multiple resin layers composed of resins such as epoxy resin and polyimide resin, a multilayer resin substrate formed by stacking multiple resin layers composed of liquid crystal polymer (LCP) with a lower dielectric constant, a multilayer resin substrate formed by stacking multiple resin layers composed of fluorine-based resin, a multilayer resin substrate formed by stacking multiple resin layers composed of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) material, or a ceramic multilayer substrate other than LTCC. Furthermore, the dielectric substrate 130 may not necessarily be a multilayer structure and may be a single-layer substrate.

[0050] The dielectric substrate 130 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the normal direction (Z-axis direction). The dimension of the dielectric substrate 130 along the X-axis is longer than its dimension along the Y-axis. That is, the side along the X-axis is the longer side, and the side along the Y-axis is the shorter side. A radiating element 121 is disposed on the layer (the upper side layer) of the dielectric substrate 130 near the upper surface 131 (the surface in the positive direction of the Z-axis). The radiating element 121 can be disposed either in a form exposed to the surface of the dielectric substrate 130, or as shown in the image. Figure 2 As in example (B), it is disposed inside the dielectric substrate 130. Furthermore, the dielectric substrate 130 is not limited to a strictly rectangular shape; it may also be a shape with rounded corners or partially cut corners, or a shape with a notch or protrusion partially formed in the middle of the edge.

[0051] A ground electrode GND is disposed across the entire surface of the dielectric substrate 130 near its lower surface 132. Additionally, an RFIC 110 is mounted on the lower surface 132 of the dielectric substrate 130 using solder bumps 150. Alternatively, the RFIC 110 can be connected to the dielectric substrate 130 using, for example, a multi-pole connector or a flexible substrate instead of soldering.

[0052] The radiating element 121 is a plate-shaped electrode with a generally square shape. High-frequency signals are supplied to the radiating element 121 from the RFIC 110 via power supply lines 141 and 142. Power supply line 141 passes through the ground electrode GND from the RFIC 110 and is capacitively coupled to the power supply point SP1 of the radiating element 121 via the plate electrode 151. Power supply line 142 passes through the ground electrode GND from the RFIC 110 and is capacitively coupled to the power supply point SP2 of the radiating element 121 via the plate electrode 152. Alternatively, power supply lines 141 and 142 can be directly connected to the power supply points SP1 and SP2.

[0053] Power supply point SP1 is offset in the negative X-axis direction relative to the center of radiating element 121, and power supply point SP2 is offset in the positive Y-axis direction relative to the center of radiating element 121. Thus, radio waves polarized along the X-axis and radio waves polarized along the Y-axis are radiated from radiating element 121. That is, antenna module 100 is a dual-polarization antenna module.

[0054] In addition, Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the diagram, power supply lines 141 and 142 are shown as straight vias extending along the normal direction within the dielectric substrate 130. However, power supply lines 141 and 142 can also be formed in a zigzag shape by alternately arranging vias and planar electrodes. In the case of straight vias, strain occurs during the forming process of the dielectric substrate 130 due to the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the metal forming the via and the dielectric surrounding the via, resulting in reduced flatness or cracks in the substrate. By forming power supply lines 141 and 142 in a zigzag shape, areas with higher residual copper content can be dispersed in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the dielectric substrate 130, thus suppressing abnormalities in the dielectric substrate 130.

[0055] In the antenna module 100, a peripheral electrode 1601 is disposed along the long side of the dielectric substrate 130 in the positive direction of the Y-axis (i.e., along the X-axis direction). Additionally, a peripheral electrode 1602 is disposed along the long side of the dielectric substrate 130 in the negative direction of the Y-axis. Furthermore, in the following description, peripheral electrodes 1601 and 1602 will be collectively referred to as "peripheral electrode 160". The peripheral electrode 160 is disposed in the normal direction (Z-axis direction) of the dielectric substrate 130 between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND.

[0056] The peripheral electrode 160 comprises a plurality of rectangular planar electrodes extending along the Y-axis direction when viewed from the normal direction (positive direction of the Z-axis) of the dielectric substrate 130, and a via connecting the plurality of planar electrodes to a ground electrode GND. The plurality of planar electrodes are positioned at different locations relative to each other in the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130. When viewed from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130, a portion of the peripheral electrode 160 overlaps with the radiating element 121. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, but possible, the peripheral electrode 160 may have a protrusion extending in the Y-axis direction that overlaps with the radiating element 121 when viewed from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130.

[0057] The peripheral electrode 160 is shorter along the X-axis than the side dimension of the radiating element 121 along the X-axis. The peripheral electrode 160 is disposed near the center of the radiating element 121 along the X-axis.

[0058] In the antenna module 100, passive elements 1701 and 1702 are arranged along the short side (i.e., the side along the Y-axis) of the dielectric substrate 130. Passive element 1701 is arranged separately from the radiating element 121 in the positive X-axis direction. Passive element 1702 is arranged separately from the radiating element 121 in the negative X-axis direction. The dimension of passive element 170 along the Y-axis direction is longer than the dimension of the side of the radiating element 121 along the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, in the following description, passive elements 1701 and 1702 may be collectively referred to as "passive element 170".

[0059] The shortest distance between radiating element 121 and passive element 170 ( Figure 2 The distance L1 in the middle is greater than the shortest distance between the radiating element 121 and the peripheral electrode 160. Figure 3 The distance L2 in the middle is long.

[0060] (Functions of peripheral electrodes and passive components)

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, in the dielectric substrate 130, the dimension in the Y-axis direction is shorter than the dimension in the X-axis direction. When viewed from above, the distance in the Y-axis direction from the end of the radiating element 121 to the end of the dielectric substrate 130 (i.e., the ground electrode GND) is limited. Therefore, in a structure without the peripheral electrode 160, electromagnetic waves polarized in the Y-axis direction may travel around the electric field lines generated by the radiating element 121 toward the lower surface 132 of the ground electrode GND, resulting in a decrease in antenna gain.

[0062] On the other hand, as in the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1, if a peripheral electrode 160 connected to the ground electrode GND is disposed between the radiating element 121 and the ground potential (peripheral electrode 160), the distance between the radiating element 121 and the ground potential (peripheral electrode 160) becomes shorter, and thus electric field lines are preferentially generated between the radiating element 121 and the peripheral electrode 160. This suppresses the generation of electric fields that circumferentially move towards the ground electrode GND, thereby increasing the Q value of the antenna module. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reduction in antenna gain with respect to radio waves polarized in the Y-axis direction and the influence from other devices disposed around the antenna module 100.

[0063] Furthermore, if the dimension of the peripheral electrode 160 in the X-axis direction is equal to or greater than that of the radiating element 121 in the X-axis direction, electric field lines generated from the end of the radiating element 121 in the X-axis direction may couple with the peripheral electrode 160, reducing cross-polarization discrimination (XPD). Therefore, in the antenna module 100, the dimension of the peripheral electrode 160 in the X-axis direction is shorter than that of the radiating element 121, and the peripheral electrode 160 is positioned near the center of the radiating element 121.

[0064] Generally, if the coupling between the radiating element and the ground electrode becomes stronger, the Q value of the antenna module increases, and the frequency band of the radiated radio waves tends to narrow compared to the case of a lower Q value. In recent years, there has been a greater demand for further high gain and further wide bandwidth, which may lead to the possibility that the desired frequency band cannot be achieved depending on the required specifications.

[0065] To address this problem, the antenna module 100 of this embodiment employs the following structure: by arranging a passive element 170 at a position separated from the radiating element 121 in the X-axis direction, the electromagnetic field coupling between the radiating element 121 and the passive element 170, and the electromagnetic field coupling between the radiating element 121 and the peripheral electrode 160, are balanced. By adjusting this balance, the desired matching and bandwidth can be achieved.

[0066] If the passive element 170, which extends along the Y-axis relative to the radiating element 121, is arranged separately in the X-axis direction, then two resonant modes are generated at the electrode: an even mode in which current flows in the same direction as the current flowing along the Y-axis in the radiating element 121, and an odd mode in which current flows in the opposite direction.

[0067] The difference in resonant frequencies between the in-phase and out-of-phase modes depends on the distance between the radiating element 121 and the passive element 170. If the distance is short, the electromagnetic coupling is stronger, and the difference in resonant frequencies between the in-phase and out-of-phase modes increases. Conversely, increasing the distance weakens the electromagnetic coupling, and the resonant frequency of the out-of-phase mode approaches that of the in-phase mode. By adjusting the distance between the radiating element 121 and the passive element 170, a more moderate electromagnetic coupling is achieved. Furthermore, by appropriately adjusting the dimensions of the passive element 170, the reflected power between the resonant frequencies of the in-phase and out-of-phase modes is reduced, resulting in a wider bandwidth.

[0068] use Figure 4 This explains the changes in antenna characteristics described above. Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic structural diagram (top) of Embodiment 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and simulation results (bottom) of the reflection loss of radio waves polarized along the Y-axis. Furthermore, in the simulation, the frequency band of the radiating element 121 is set to the 28 GHz band (24.25 GHz to 29.5 GHz).

[0069] Reference Figure 4 In Comparative Example 1, antenna module 100#1 does not have peripheral electrodes and has a structure in which passive element 170# is arranged close to radiating element 121 compared to Embodiment 1. In Comparative Example 2, antenna module 100#2 has a structure in which peripheral electrodes 160 are arranged in addition to passive element 170#. In each case, solid lines (LN10, LN20, LN30) represent the reflection loss when passive elements are arranged, and dashed lines (LN11, LN21, LN31) represent the reflection loss when passive elements are not arranged.

[0070] In the case of antenna module 100#1 of Comparative Example 1, the resonant frequency is approximately 26 GHz in the structure without passive component 170# (dashed line LN11). On the other hand, in the structure with passive component 170#, the resonant frequency of the in-phase mode is approximately 27.3 GHz, and the resonant frequency of the out-of-phase mode is approximately 31.5 GHz (solid line LN10). However, even with passive component 170#, the reflection power in the frequency band between the resonant frequency of the in-phase mode and the resonant frequency of the out-of-phase mode is relatively large, and a reflection loss of 6 dB cannot be guaranteed in the target frequency band.

[0071] In the case of antenna module 100#2 of Comparative Example 2, due to the configuration of the peripheral electrode 160, the reflected power at the resonant frequency (around 26 GHz) without passive element 170# and at the in-phase mode resonant frequency (around 25 GHz) with passive element 170# is reduced compared to Comparative Example 1. However, even with passive element 170#, in the frequency band between the in-phase mode resonant frequency and the out-of-phase mode resonant frequency (around 30 GHz), the configuration of the peripheral electrode improves somewhat compared to Comparative Example 1, but the reflected power is still relatively high, and the desired reflection loss cannot be achieved in the target frequency band.

[0072] In the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1, a passive element 170 is positioned away from the radiating element 121, thereby weakening the electromagnetic field coupling between the radiating element 121 and the passive element 170. As a result, the reflected power at the in-phase mode resonant frequency (around 25 GHz) is slightly increased, but the reflected power in the frequency band between the in-phase mode resonant frequency and the out-of-phase mode resonant frequency (around 31 GHz) is reduced. Therefore, for the entire frequency band, it is possible to ensure... Figure 4 The reflection loss is 6dB as shown.

[0073] Figure 5 It means in Figure 4 The graph shows the efficiency results obtained by simulating the case with passive component 170 (solid line LN40) and the case without passive component 170 (dashed line LN41) in Implementation 1. Figure 5 As shown, by configuring passive component 170, the efficiency (i.e., antenna gain) of the target frequency band is improved.

[0074] As described above, by configuring the peripheral electrode 160 and the passive element 170 at a position away from the radiating element 121, the polarization direction of the radio waves in the region with respect to the ground electrode GND is restricted, and the bandwidth can be expanded while maintaining the antenna gain.

[0075] The "peripheral electrode 160" in this embodiment 1 corresponds to the "first peripheral electrode" of this disclosure. The "peripheral electrodes 1601 and 1602" in this embodiment 1 correspond to the "first electrode" and "second electrode" of this disclosure, respectively. The "passive components 1701 and 1702" in this embodiment 1 correspond to the "first component" and "second component" of this disclosure, respectively. The "positive direction of the X-axis," "negative direction of the X-axis," "positive direction of the Y-axis," and "negative direction of the Y-axis" in this embodiment 1 correspond to the "first direction," "second direction," "third direction," and "fourth direction" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0076] [Implementation Method 2]

[0077] In Embodiment 1, the case of an antenna module radiating radio waves in a single frequency band was described. In Embodiment 2, an example of a so-called dual-band type antenna module in which the features of this disclosure are applied to radiate radio waves in two different frequency bands is described.

[0078] Figure 6 These are top and side perspective views of the antenna module 100A according to Embodiment 2. In addition to the structure of the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1, the antenna device 120A of the antenna module 100A also includes a radiating element 122, peripheral electrodes 1651 and 1652, and power supply wiring 145 and 146. Furthermore, in... Figure 6In the middle, do not repeat with Figure 2 Description of the repeating elements of antenna module 100.

[0079] Reference Figure 6 In antenna module 100A, radiating element 122 and radiating element 121 are disposed opposite each other on dielectric substrate 130 at a distance from the upper surface 131 that is closer than the distance from the upper surface 131 to radiating element 121. In other words, when the dielectric substrate 130 is viewed from the normal direction, radiating element 121 and radiating element 122 overlap.

[0080] Like radiating element 121, radiating element 122 is a plate-shaped electrode with a generally square shape. The size of radiating element 122 is smaller than that of radiating element 121; therefore, the resonant frequency of radiating element 122 is higher than that of radiating element 121. Consequently, radiating element 122 radiates radio waves at a higher frequency band than those radiated by radiating element 121.

[0081] High-frequency signals are supplied from RFIC 110 to radiating element 122 via power supply lines 145 and 146. Power supply line 145 passes through the ground electrode GND of RFIC 110 and is connected to power supply point SP3 of radiating element 122. Power supply line 146 passes through the ground electrode GND of RFIC 110 and is connected to power supply point SP4 of radiating element 122. Alternatively, power supply lines 145 and 146 can also be capacitively coupled to power supply points SP3 and SP4, similar to power supply lines 141 and 142.

[0082] Power supply point SP3 is offset in the positive X-axis direction relative to the center of radiating element 122, and power supply point SP4 is offset in the negative Y-axis direction relative to the center of radiating element 122. Thus, electromagnetic waves polarized in the X-axis direction and electromagnetic waves polarized in the Y-axis direction are radiated from radiating element 122.

[0083] Peripheral electrodes 1651 and 1652 are disposed on the radiating element 121 along the edge of the radiating element 121 in the X-axis direction. Peripheral electrode 1651 is disposed along the edge of the radiating element 121 in the positive Y-axis direction, and peripheral electrode 1652 is disposed along the edge of the radiating element 121 in the negative Y-axis direction. Furthermore, in the following description, peripheral electrodes 1651 and 1652 may be collectively referred to as "peripheral electrode 165".

[0084] The peripheral electrode 165 is a flat plate-shaped electrode that is electrically connected to the radiating element 121. The dimension of the peripheral electrode 165 in the X-axis direction is shorter than the dimension of the edge of the radiating element 122 along the X-axis. The peripheral electrode 165 is disposed near the center of the radiating element 122 in the X-axis direction.

[0085] Radiating element 121 functions as a ground electrode for radiating element 122, radiating radio waves from radiating element 122 through electromagnetic field coupling between the two elements. Therefore, peripheral electrode 165 functions similarly to peripheral electrode 160 for radiating element 121. That is, by configuring peripheral electrode 165, the Q value of the antenna formed by radiating element 122 can be increased, thereby improving antenna gain.

[0086] In addition, Figure 6 Not shown, but similar to the passive element 170 for radiating element 121, a passive element may also be configured for radiating element 122 to extend the frequency band.

[0087] Furthermore, the "radiating element 121" and "radiating element 122" of Embodiment 2 correspond to the "first radiating element" and "second radiating element" of this disclosure, respectively. The "peripheral electrode 165" of Embodiment 2 corresponds to the "second peripheral electrode" of this disclosure. The "peripheral electrode 1651" and "peripheral electrode 1652" of Embodiment 2 correspond to the "third element" and "fourth element" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0088] [Implementation Method 3]

[0089] In Embodiment 3, the structure of an array antenna in which the features of the present disclosure are applied to adjacently arranged radiating elements on a dielectric substrate will be described.

[0090] Figure 7 This is a top view of the antenna module 100B according to Embodiment 3. The antenna module 100B has the following structure: five antennas 1201 to 1205, which have the dual-band type structure described in Embodiment 2, are arranged in a row adjacent to each other along the X-axis of the dielectric substrate 130. That is, the antenna module 100B is a one-dimensional array antenna with radiating elements arranged in a 1×5 array.

[0091] In antenna module 100B, the power supply points of adjacent antennas are arranged in a manner that rotates them 90° or 180° relative to each other. For example, when observing adjacent antennas 1201 and 1202, the power supply point of the radiating element 122 of antenna 1201 is arranged at a position offset relative to the center of the radiating element 122 in the negative X-axis and negative Y-axis directions. On the other hand, the power supply point of the radiating element 122 of antenna 1202 is arranged at a position offset relative to the center of the radiating element 122 in the positive X-axis and positive Y-axis directions. That is, the power supply points for radio waves in each polarization direction are arranged at a position rotated 180°. Regarding antennas 1202 and 1203, the power supply points for radio waves in each polarization direction are arranged at a position rotated 90°. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the power supply points of the low-frequency side radiating element 121 are also arranged at a position rotated 90° or 180° relative to each other.

[0092] In antenna module 100B, a high-frequency signal having a phase difference corresponding to the rotation angle is supplied to the power supply point of each radiating element in such a way that the polarization direction of the radio wave radiated from each antenna is in phase.

[0093] In this way, by arranging the corresponding power supply points in adjacent antennas at positions rotated by 90° or 180°, the cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) of radio waves in the two polarization directions of each radiating element can be improved.

[0094] In each of the antennas 1201 to 1205 of the antenna module 100B, the radiating element 121 on the low-frequency side is provided with a peripheral electrode 160 and a passive element 170, and the radiating element 122 on the high-frequency side is provided with a peripheral electrode 165. As a result, the bandwidth can be expanded while ensuring antenna gain.

[0095] In addition, Figure 7 In the antenna module 100B, an example of a dual-band type antenna is described, but each antenna may also be an array antenna with only radiating element 121.

[0096] In embodiment 3, one of any two adjacent antennas among antennas 1201 to 1205 corresponds to the "first antenna" of this disclosure, and the other corresponds to the "second antenna" of this disclosure.

[0097] (Variation Example 1)

[0098] In Variation 1, a structure in which one of the adjacent passive elements in two adjacent antennas of the array antenna is removed and shared by the two antennas is described.

[0099] Figure 8 This is a top view of antenna module 100C in Modified Example 1. Antenna module 100C has... Figure 7 The antenna module 100B is obtained by removing the passive elements located on the outer side of the dielectric substrate 130 in the X-axis direction from the passive elements 1701 and 1702 that are disposed between the radiating elements of two adjacent antennas. In other words, each of the five antennas 1201A to 1205A has the following structure: the passive elements on the center side of the dielectric substrate 130 in the passive elements 1701 and 1702 are removed, and a single passive element is shared between two adjacent antennas.

[0100] For example, in antennas 1201A and 1202A, the passive element 1701 located in the positive direction of the X-axis is removed. On the other hand, in antennas 1204A and 1205A, the passive element 1702 located in the negative direction of the X-axis is removed. Furthermore, both passive elements 1701 and 1702 are arranged in antenna 1203A, which is located in the center of the array antenna. In this way, by removing one of the adjacent passive elements, the coupling between adjacent passive elements can be eased, and the active S-parameters of each radiating element can be appropriately adjusted. As a result, the antenna characteristics in the Y-axis direction as a whole array antenna can be optimized.

[0101] In each of antennas 1201A to 1205A, the closer passive element, where the electromagnetic field coupling between the two passive elements is further strengthened, is more likely to affect the antenna characteristics. Therefore, in the structure of antenna module 100C obtained by removing one passive element, the frequency band can be expanded in the same way as in antenna module 100B of embodiment 3.

[0102] (Variation Example 2)

[0103] In Variation 2, a structure in which passive elements arranged adjacent to each other are interconnected in two adjacent antennas of the array antenna will be described.

[0104] Figure 9 This is a top view of antenna module 100D in Modified Example 2. In antenna module 100D, two passive elements 1701 and 1702, which are arranged opposite to each other in adjacent antennas 1201 to 1205, are connected by connecting electrode 175.

[0105] In this way, by connecting adjacent passive components, the current density of the passive component can be mitigated, thereby increasing the amount of electromagnetic waves radiated in the radiation direction (Z-axis direction).

[0106] Next, use Figure 10 The directivity of antenna module 100C in Modified Example 1 and antenna module 100D in Modified Example 2 will be explained. Figure 10 The figure shows the distribution of peak gain for each antenna of antenna modules 100C and 100D in the case of phase-inverted mode (i.e., around 29.5 GHz).

[0107] Reference Figure 10 In the antenna module 100C of Modified Example 1, regarding the antenna 1203A disposed at the center of the dielectric substrate 130, passive elements 1701 and 1702 are disposed on both sides of the radiating element, so the radiation direction of the radio wave is approximately in the Z-axis direction as shown by arrow AR13. However, as the antenna is arranged from the center of the dielectric substrate 130 outwards, the radiation direction of the radio wave is outwards from the Z-axis direction.

[0108] More specifically, antennas 1201A and 1202A, positioned at the center of the dielectric substrate 130 in the negative X-axis direction, radiate radio waves in a direction tilted negatively relative to the Z-axis, as indicated by arrows AR11 and AR12, respectively. Conversely, antennas 1204A and 1205A, positioned at the center of the dielectric substrate 130 in the positive X-axis direction, radiate radio waves in a direction tilted positively relative to the Z-axis, as indicated by arrows AR14 and AR15, respectively. In antennas 1201A, 1202A, 1204A, and 1205A of antenna module 100C, removing one passive element strengthens the coupling between the remaining passive element and the radiating element, causing the radio wave directivity to tilt in that direction. As a result, the peak gain of antennas 1201A, 1202A, 1204A, and 1205A increases slightly.

[0109] In the case of antenna module 100D in variant example 2, passive elements are arranged on both sides of each radiating element, so that radio waves are radiated in the approximate Z-axis direction in any antenna, as indicated by arrows AR21 to AR25.

[0110] Thus, the antenna module 100C of Modification 1 can radiate radio waves over a wider range, while the antenna module 100D of Modification 2 can radiate radio waves in a concentrated direction (Z-axis direction). That is, the structure of either Modification 1 or Modification 2 can be appropriately adopted according to the desired directivity.

[0111] (Variation Example 3)

[0112] In Variation 3, a structure in a dual-band array antenna is described that also includes passive elements for the high-frequency side radiating elements.

[0113] Figure 11 This is a partial side perspective view of the antenna module 100E of Modified Example 3. In the antenna module 100E, the passive element 170E for the radiating element 121 on the low-frequency side has a structure that connects adjacent passive elements, as in Modified Example 2 described above.

[0114] On the other hand, passive elements 180 for the high-frequency radiating element 122 are provided separately for each antenna. Furthermore, the passive element 180 is positioned at a distance from the upper surface 131 that is closer than the distance of the passive element 170E from the upper surface 131, and at a distance closer to each radiating element 121, 122 than the distance of the passive element 170E from each radiating element 121, 122. Additionally, although not shown in the figures, the shortest distance between the radiating element 122 and the passive element 180 is longer than the shortest distance between the radiating element 122 and the peripheral electrode 165.

[0115] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the antenna characteristics on the high-frequency side of antenna module 100E. Figure 12 The diagram shows the case where passive component 180 is not provided. Figure 12 (A) and the case where a passive element 180 is provided ( Figure 12 The reflection loss of (B)). Furthermore, in Figure 12 In the high-frequency side, the frequency band of the object is the 39GHz band (36.5GHz~40GHz).

[0116] like Figure 12 As shown, in the case where passive component 180 is configured (line LN50), compared with the case where passive component 180 is not configured (line LN51), the reflection loss of the target frequency band is reduced, thereby expanding the bandwidth that can achieve a reflection loss of less than 6dB.

[0117] As described above, in dual-band antenna modules, by configuring passive components for the high-frequency radiating elements, the bandwidth can be expanded while ensuring antenna gain for high-frequency radio waves.

[0118] (Variation Example 4)

[0119] In the antenna modules of Embodiment 3 and Variations 1 to 3, the structure in which the power supply points of adjacent antennas of the array antenna are arranged at a position rotated by 90° or 180° is described.

[0120] In Variation Example 4, a structure in which the power supply points of each antenna of the array antenna are configured in the same location will be described.

[0121] Figure 13 This is a top view of antenna module 100F in variant example 4. (See attached image.) Figure 13 As shown, in each of the antennas 1201F to 1205F of the antenna module 100F, the power supply point of each radiating element is configured at the same position. For example, the power supply point of the radiating element 122 is configured in each antenna at a position offset in the positive direction of the X-axis and in the negative direction of the Y-axis relative to the center of the radiating element 122.

[0122] Figure 14 This is a diagram used to illustrate the antenna characteristics of the antenna module 100F in Modified Example 4. Figure 14 In the diagram, the solid line LN60 represents the peak gain on the low-frequency side in the case of antenna module 100F, and the dashed line LN61 represents the position of the power supply point of the adjacent antenna when rotated. Figure 7 The peak gain on the low-frequency side in the case of antenna module 100B of Embodiment 3 shown. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the phase of the antenna module 100F is more consistent in the power supply direction, thus improving the peak gain of the passband.

[0123] On the other hand, since the polarization directions are in phase, the cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) regarding the tilting of the radiation direction of the radio wave is worse compared to the case of antenna module 100B. Therefore, the choice between antenna modules 100B and 100F should be made appropriately based on the desired specifications.

[0124] [Implementation Method 4]

[0125] In Embodiment 4, a structure in which a rectangular radiating element is arranged at an angle relative to a rectangular dielectric substrate will be described.

[0126] Figure 15 This is a top view of the antenna module 100G according to embodiment 4. (Refer to...) Figure 15 In the antenna device 120G of the antenna module 100G, the radiating element 121, which has a generally square shape, is arranged such that each side is inclined relative to each side of the rectangular dielectric substrate 130. Figure 15 In the example, each side of the radiating element 121 is inclined at approximately 45° relative to each side of the rectangular dielectric substrate 130.

[0127] In the radiating element 121, power supply points SP1 and SP2 are disposed at positions offset from the center of the radiating element 121 towards two adjacent sides. More specifically, power supply point SP1 is disposed in a direction offset from the center of the radiating element 121 at approximately 45° from the positive Y-axis to the negative X-axis. Thus, a high-frequency signal is supplied to power supply point SP1, thereby radiating... Figure 15 The direction of the arrow AR31 indicates the polarization direction of the radio wave.

[0128] Furthermore, the power supply point SP2 is positioned offset approximately 45° from the center of the radiating element 121 in the direction from the positive Y-axis to the positive X-axis. This allows a high-frequency signal to be supplied to the power supply point SP2, thereby radiating... Figure 15 The direction of the arrow AR32 indicates the polarization direction of the radio wave.

[0129] Furthermore, in the antenna module 100G, peripheral electrodes 1611, 1612, 1621, and 1622 are arranged close to the radiating element 121 along each side of the radiating element 121. Peripheral electrodes 1611 and 1612 are arranged for radio waves in the polarization direction of arrow AR31, and peripheral electrodes 1621 and 1622 are arranged for radio waves in the polarization direction of arrow AR32. In addition, peripheral electrodes 1611 and 1612 are collectively referred to as "peripheral electrode 161," and peripheral electrodes 1621 and 1622 are collectively referred to as "peripheral electrode 162."

[0130] Furthermore, in the antenna module 100G, passive elements 1701G and 1702G are respectively disposed at the ends of the two short sides of the dielectric substrate 130. Passive elements 1701G and 1702G each have a strip-like shape formed by bending a portion along the short side midway. Passive element 1701G is bent such that a portion of it faces the peripheral electrode 1612. Passive element 1702G is bent such that a portion of it faces the peripheral electrode 1611. Viewed from above in the Z-axis direction, the peripheral electrodes 161 and 162 are disposed close to the radiating element 121, and the shortest distance between the peripheral electrodes 161 and 162 and the radiating element 121 is shorter than the shortest distance between the radiating element 121 and the passive elements 1701G and 1702G.

[0131] Thus, in an antenna module in which the radiating element is tilted relative to the dielectric substrate, by arranging peripheral electrodes close to the radiating element and passive elements far from the radiating element, the bandwidth can be expanded while maintaining the antenna gain for radio waves in each polarization direction.

[0132] [Implementation Method 5]

[0133] In Embodiment 5, a structure in which the peripheral electrodes are arranged at an angle relative to the radiating element will be described.

[0134] Figure 16 This is a top view of the antenna module 100H according to embodiment 5. (Refer to...) Figure 16 In the antenna device 120H of the antenna module 100H, similar to the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1, the radiating element 121 is arranged in such a way that each side of the square radiating element 121 is parallel to the opposite side of the rectangular dielectric substrate 130.

[0135] In the radiating element 121, a power supply point SP1 is disposed at a position offset in the negative X-axis direction relative to the center of the radiating element 121, and a power supply point SP2 is disposed at a position offset in the positive Y-axis direction relative to the center of the radiating element 121. Thus, electromagnetic waves with polarization directions in the X-axis and Y-axis directions are radiated.

[0136] On the other hand, in the antenna module 100H, the peripheral electrodes 161 and 162 are arranged obliquely relative to the sides of the radiating element 121 and the dielectric substrate 130. Figure 16 In this example, each peripheral electrode is arranged at an angle of approximately 45° relative to each side of the dielectric substrate 130. In other words, each peripheral electrode is arranged opposite to any vertex of the radiating element 121 and parallel to the diagonal of the radiating element 121.

[0137] In this configuration, an electric field line generated from one side of the radiating element 121 couples with either of the peripheral electrodes 161, 162 to reach the ground electrode GND.

[0138] Furthermore, in the antenna module 100H, passive elements 1701 and 1702 are respectively disposed at the ends of the two short sides of the dielectric substrate 130. Viewed from above along the Z-axis, the peripheral electrodes 161 and 162 are arranged such that their distance from the radiating element 121 is closer than the distance between the passive elements 1701 and 1702 and the radiating element 121. That is, the shortest distance between the peripheral electrodes 161 and 162 and the radiating element 121 is shorter than the shortest distance between the radiating element 121 and the passive elements 1701 and 1702.

[0139] Thus, in an antenna module in which the peripheral electrodes are tilted relative to the dielectric substrate and the radiating element, by arranging passive elements at a position farther from the radiating element than the peripheral electrodes are from the radiating element, the bandwidth can be expanded while maintaining the antenna gain for radio waves in each polarization direction.

[0140] [Implementation Method 6]

[0141] In Embodiment 6, a structure in which only the radiating element 121 of the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1 is arranged at an angle relative to the dielectric substrate 130 will be described.

[0142] Figure 17 This is a top view of the antenna module 100I according to Embodiment 6. In the antenna device 120I of the antenna module 100I, similar to the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1, peripheral electrodes 1601 and 1602 are arranged along the long side of the dielectric substrate 130, and passive elements 1701I and 1702I are arranged along the short side of the dielectric substrate 130. However, the passive elements 1701I and 1702I of Embodiment 6 each have a strip-like shape formed by bending a portion along the short side midway. The passive elements 1701I and 1702I are bent such that a pair of opposite sides of the radiating element 121 are respectively facing each other locally.

[0143] On the other hand, the radiating element 121, which has a square shape, is arranged such that each side is inclined relative to the dielectric substrate 130. Figure 17 In this example, the radiating element 121 is arranged at an angle of approximately 45° relative to each side of the dielectric substrate 130.

[0144] In the radiating element 121, power supply points SP1 and SP2 are disposed at positions offset from the center of the radiating element 121 towards two adjacent sides. If a high-frequency signal is supplied to power supply point SP1, the radiation will... Figure 17 The direction of arrow AR41 indicates the polarization direction of the radio wave. Furthermore, if a high-frequency signal is supplied to power supply point SP2, the radiation will be... Figure 17 The direction of the arrow AR42 indicates the polarization direction of the radio wave.

[0145] Viewed from above along the Z-axis, the peripheral electrodes 1601 and 1602 are positioned closer to the radiating element 121 than the passive elements 1701I and 1702I are. That is, the shortest distance between the peripheral electrodes 1601 and 1602 and the radiating element 121 is shorter than the shortest distance between the radiating element 121 and the passive elements 1701I and 1702I.

[0146] In the case of antenna module 100I, each side of the radiating element 121 is only partially opposite to the peripheral electrode 160, thus slightly limiting the antenna module compared to embodiments 1-5, but improving the Q value. Furthermore, by arranging passive elements 1701I and 1702I at a distance from the radiating element 121 that is greater than the distance from the peripheral electrodes 1601 and 1602 to the radiating element 121, the bandwidth can be expanded while maintaining the antenna gain for radio waves in each polarization direction.

[0147] [Implementation Method 7]

[0148] In Embodiment 7, a structure in which the radiating element 121 of the antenna module 100 is tilted relative to the dielectric substrate 130 while maintaining the polarization direction will be described, similar to Embodiment 6.

[0149] Figure 18 This is a top view of the antenna module 100J according to Embodiment 7. In the antenna device 120J of the antenna module 100J, similar to the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1, peripheral electrodes 1601 and 1602 are arranged along the long side of the dielectric substrate 130, and passive components 1701 and 1702 are arranged along the short side of the dielectric substrate 130.

[0150] On the other hand, the radiating element 121, which has a square shape, is arranged such that each side is inclined relative to the dielectric substrate 130. Figure 18In this example, the radiating element 121 is arranged at an angle of approximately 45° relative to each side of the dielectric substrate 130.

[0151] In the radiating element 121, a power supply point SP1 is positioned offset from the center of the radiating element 121 in the negative X-axis direction, and a power supply point SP2 is positioned offset from the center of the radiating element 121 in the positive Y-axis direction. If a high-frequency signal is supplied to the power supply point SP1, radiation occurs in the X-axis direction (…). Figure 18 The direction of the arrow AR51 indicates the polarization direction of the radio wave. Additionally, if a high-frequency signal is supplied to power point SP2, the radiation will radiate in the Y-axis direction (…). Figure 18 The direction of the arrow AR52 indicates the polarization direction of the radio wave.

[0152] In the case of antenna module 100J, each side of the radiating element 121 is only partially opposite to the peripheral electrode 160, thus slightly limiting the antenna module compared to embodiments 1-5, but improving the Q value. Furthermore, by arranging passive elements 1701 and 1702 at a distance from the radiating element 121 that is greater than the distance from the peripheral electrodes 1601 and 1602 to the radiating element 121, the bandwidth can be expanded while maintaining the antenna gain for radio waves in each polarization direction.

[0153] Furthermore, in embodiments 4 to 7 described above, the tilt angle of the radiating element 121 and the peripheral electrodes 161 and 162 relative to the dielectric substrate 130 is not limited to 45°, but can be configured to any angle between 0° and 90°.

[0154] (Variation Example 5)

[0155] In Modification 5, a different structure will be described for the substrate configured to supply radiating elements and passive elements, and for the substrate configured to supply peripheral electrodes and grounding electrodes.

[0156] Figure 19 This is a side perspective view of the antenna module 100K in Variation Example 5. (Refer to...) Figure 19 In the antenna device 120K of the antenna module 100K, the dielectric substrate 130 is composed of two substrates 130A and 130B, which are electrically connected by solder bumps 155. The other structures of the antenna module 100K are the same as those of the antenna module 100 in Embodiment 1.

[0157] A radiating element 121 and passive elements 1701 and 1702 are disposed on substrate 130A. On the other hand, peripheral electrodes 1601 and 1602 and a ground electrode GND are disposed on substrate 130B, and an RFIC 110 is mounted on the lower surface 132. Furthermore, the materials and dielectric constants of substrates 130A and 130B can be the same or different.

[0158] Power supply wirings 141 and 142 extend from substrate 130B to substrate 130A via solder bumps 155, transmitting high-frequency signals from RFIC 110 to radiating element 121.

[0159] Thus, even in structures where the substrate for radiating and passive components is configured differently from the substrate for peripheral and ground electrodes, by arranging the peripheral electrodes close to the radiating element and the passive components away from the radiating element, the bandwidth can be expanded while maintaining antenna gain for radio waves in each polarization direction. Furthermore, by configuring a structure that electrically connects the separate substrates, the flexibility of configuration within the communication device can be improved.

[0160] In Modification 5, “substrate 130A” and “substrate 130B” correspond to “first substrate” and “second substrate” of this disclosure, respectively.

[0161] (Variation Example 6)

[0162] In Variation 6, a structure in which a passive element is placed on a substrate different from that of a radiating element is described.

[0163] Figure 20 This is a side perspective view of the antenna module 100L of Modified Example 6. In the antenna device 120L of the antenna module 100L, passive components 1701 and 1702 are respectively disposed on dielectrics 1901 and 1902, which are separated from the dielectric substrate 130. Furthermore, dielectrics 1901 and 1902 are disposed at the end, i.e., the short side, along the X-axis direction of the dielectric substrate 130 at the upper surface 131 of the dielectric substrate 130. The other structures of the antenna module 100L are the same as those of the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0164] The dielectric constants of dielectrics 1901 and 1902 can be the same as or different from the dielectric constant of dielectric substrate 130.

[0165] In this way, by configuring the passive elements 1701 and 1702 to be formed on dielectric bodies 1901 and 1902 that are separate from the dielectric substrate 130, the coupling degree between the radiating element 121 and the passive elements 1701 and 1702 can be adjusted by changing the dielectric constant of the dielectric bodies 1901 and 1902. Furthermore, by arranging the peripheral electrodes close to the radiating element and arranging the passive elements away from the radiating element, the bandwidth can be expanded while maintaining the antenna gain for radio waves in each polarization direction.

[0166] The features of variations 5 and 6 can also be applied to antenna modules in other embodiments described above.

[0167] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative and not limiting in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims rather than by the foregoing description of the embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0168] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0169] 10. Communication devices; 100, 100A~100L, 100#1, 100#2, antenna modules; 110. RFIC; 111A~111H, 113A~113H, 117A, 117B, switches; 112AR~112HR, low-noise amplifiers; 112AT~112HT, power amplifiers; 114A~114H, attenuators; 115A~115H, phase shifters; 116A, 116B, signal synthesizers / demultiplexers; 118A, 118B, mixers; 119A, 119B, amplifier circuits; 120, 120A, 120G~120L, antenna devices; 1201~1205, 1201A~1205A, 1201F~1205F, antennas; 121, 121A~ 121D, 122, Radiating elements; 130, Dielectric substrate; 130A, 130B, Substrate; 141, 142, 145, 146, Power supply wiring; 150, 155, Brazing bumps; 151, 152, Flat electrode; 160, 1601, 1602, 161, 1611, 1612, 162, 1621, 1622, 165, 1651, 1652, Peripheral electrodes; 170, 170E, 1701, 1701G, 1701I, 1702, 1702G, 1702I, 170#, 180, Passive components; 175, Connecting electrode; 1901, 1902, Dielectric; 200, BBIC; GND, Ground electrode; SP1~SP4, SP1A, SP2A, Power supply points.

Claims

1. An antenna module, wherein, The antenna module includes: A dielectric substrate having a long side and a short side; A grounding electrode is disposed on the dielectric substrate; A flat-plate radiating element is arranged opposite to the grounding electrode; A first peripheral electrode, which is disposed along the long side of the dielectric substrate, is electrically connected to the ground electrode; and A passive element, arranged along the short side of the dielectric substrate, is positioned separately from the radiating element. The radiating element has a power supply point offset relative to the center along the long side and along the short side. The shortest distance between the radiating element and the passive element is longer than the shortest distance between the radiating element and the first peripheral electrode.

2. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The passive component includes: The first element is arranged separately from the radiating element in a first direction along the long side; and The second element is arranged separately from the radiating element in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first peripheral electrode includes: A first electrode, which is disposed relative to the radiating element in a third direction along the short side; and The second electrode is disposed relative to the radiating element in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction.

3. The antenna module according to claim 2, wherein, The length of the first peripheral electrode in the first direction is shorter than the length of the radiating element along the first direction.

4. The antenna module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The length of the passive element in the third direction is longer than the length of the radiating element in the third direction.

5. The antenna module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The length of the first peripheral electrode in the first direction is longer than the length of the passive element in the first direction.

6. The antenna module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first electrode and the second electrode each comprise: Multiple planar electrodes are disposed at different positions relative to each other along the normal direction of the dielectric substrate; and A via is provided, which connects the plurality of planar electrodes and the ground electrode.

7. The antenna module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, When viewed from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, a portion of the first peripheral electrode overlaps with the radiating element.

8. The antenna module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first peripheral electrode is positioned in the normal direction of the dielectric substrate between the radiating element and the ground electrode.

9. The antenna module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The radiating element comprises: The first radiating element is capable of radiating radio waves in the first frequency band; as well as The second radiating element is capable of radiating radio waves in a second frequency band that is higher than the first frequency band. The first radiating element is positioned opposite to the second radiating element and the ground electrode in the normal direction of the dielectric substrate. The antenna module further includes a second peripheral electrode arranged along the long side of the dielectric substrate on the first radiating element.

10. The antenna module according to claim 9, wherein, The passive component further includes: A third passive element, which is disposed separately from the radiating element in the first direction; and The fourth passive element is arranged separately from the radiating element in the second direction. The first element and the second element are positioned in relation to the first radiating element. The third and fourth passive elements are positioned in relation to the second radiating element. The third and fourth passive elements are positioned at a distance from the radiating element that is closer than the distances of the first and second elements from the radiating element.

11. The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The dielectric substrate comprises: A first substrate, wherein the radiating element is disposed; and The second substrate, which is separate from the first substrate, is provided with the ground electrode and the first peripheral electrode.

12. The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The antenna module also includes a dielectric disposed on the dielectric substrate and on which the passive element is formed.

13. The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The antenna module also includes a power supply circuit configured to supply high-frequency signals to the radiating element.

14. An antenna module, wherein, This antenna module includes: A dielectric substrate having a long side and a short side; A grounding electrode is disposed on the dielectric substrate; The first antenna is disposed on the dielectric substrate; as well as The second antenna is disposed adjacent to the first antenna in a first direction along the long side of the dielectric substrate. The first antenna and the second antenna each comprise: A flat-plate radiating element is arranged opposite to the grounding electrode; The first peripheral electrode is disposed along the long side of the dielectric substrate and is electrically connected to the ground electrode; as well as A passive element, arranged along the short side of the dielectric substrate, is positioned separately from the radiating element. The radiating element is capable of radiating radio waves along the first polarization direction of the long side and along the second polarization direction of the short side. In the first antenna, the shortest distance between the radiating element and the passive element is longer than the shortest distance between the radiating element and the first peripheral electrode. In the second antenna, the shortest distance between the radiating element and the passive element is longer than the shortest distance between the radiating element and the first peripheral electrode.

15. The antenna module according to claim 14, wherein, The passive element of each of the first antenna and the second antenna includes: The first element is arranged separately from the radiating element in the first direction; and The second element is arranged separately from the radiating element in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first element of the first antenna and the second element of the second antenna are shared.

16. The antenna module according to claim 14, wherein, The passive element of each of the first antenna and the second antenna includes: The first element is arranged separately from the radiating element in the first direction; and The second element is arranged separately from the radiating element in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first element of the first antenna is connected to the second element of the second antenna.

17. The antenna module according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The dielectric substrate comprises: A first substrate, wherein the radiating element is disposed; and The second substrate, which is separate from the first substrate, is provided with the ground electrode and the first peripheral electrode.

18. The antenna module according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The antenna module also includes a dielectric disposed on the dielectric substrate and on which the passive element is formed.

19. The antenna module according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The antenna module also includes a power supply circuit configured to supply high-frequency signals to the radiating element.

20. An antenna module, wherein, The antenna module includes: A dielectric substrate having a long side and a short side; A grounding electrode is disposed on the dielectric substrate; A flat-plate radiating element is arranged opposite to the grounding electrode; A first peripheral electrode, which is disposed at an angle relative to the long side of the dielectric substrate, is electrically connected to the ground electrode; and A passive element, arranged along the short side of the dielectric substrate, is positioned separately from the radiating element. The radiating element has a power supply point offset from the center in a fifth direction inclined relative to the long side and in a sixth direction intersecting the fifth direction. The shortest distance between the radiating element and the passive element is longer than the shortest distance between the radiating element and the first peripheral electrode.

21. The antenna module according to claim 20, wherein, The dielectric substrate comprises: A first substrate, wherein the radiating element is disposed; and The second substrate, which is separate from the first substrate, is provided with the ground electrode and the first peripheral electrode.

22. The antenna module according to claim 20, wherein, The antenna module also includes a dielectric disposed on the dielectric substrate and on which the passive element is formed.

23. The antenna module according to claim 20, wherein, The antenna module also includes a power supply circuit configured to supply high-frequency signals to the radiating element.

24. An antenna module, wherein, The antenna module includes: A dielectric substrate having a long side and a short side; A grounding electrode is disposed on the dielectric substrate; A flat-plate radiating element is arranged opposite to the grounding electrode; A first peripheral electrode, which is disposed at an angle relative to the long side of the dielectric substrate, is electrically connected to the ground electrode; and A passive element, arranged along the short side of the dielectric substrate, is positioned separately from the radiating element. The radiating element has a power supply point offset relative to the center along the long side and along the short side. The shortest distance between the radiating element and the passive element is longer than the shortest distance between the radiating element and the first peripheral electrode.

25. The antenna module according to claim 24, wherein, The dielectric substrate comprises: A first substrate, wherein the radiating element is disposed; and The second substrate, which is separate from the first substrate, is provided with the ground electrode and the first peripheral electrode.

26. The antenna module according to claim 24, wherein, The antenna module also includes a dielectric disposed on the dielectric substrate and on which the passive element is formed.

27. The antenna module according to claim 24, wherein, The antenna module also includes a power supply circuit configured to supply high-frequency signals to the radiating element.

28. A communication device, wherein, The communication device is equipped with the antenna module as described in any one of claims 1 to 27.

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