Matching network for antenna elements of antenna array and electronic device including same

Abstract

An electronic device including a sub-array module is provided. The electronic device may include: an antenna substrate; a plurality of antenna element units; a first distributor for first polarization; and a second distributor for a second polarization. Each of the plurality of antenna element units may include: an antenna element for radiating a signal; a first feed structure for first polarization; a second feed structure for second polarization; a first connection structure for the first feed structure and a branch of the first distributor; and a second connection structure for the second feed structure and the branch of the second distributor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna array. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a matching network for antenna elements of an antenna array and an electronic device including the same. Background Art

[0002] An electronic device using beamforming technology of a wireless communication system includes a plurality of antenna elements. A distributor may transmit an input signal to each antenna element. At this time, distortion may occur in the signal applied to the antenna element.

[0003] The above information is presented as background information only to assist in understanding the present disclosure. No determination has been made and no assertion is made as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical Solution

[0005] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device including a subarray module is provided. The electronic device includes: an antenna substrate; a plurality of antenna element units; a first distributor for a first polarization; and a second distributor for a second polarization. Each of the plurality of antenna element units may include: an antenna element for transmitting a signal; a first feeding structure for the first polarization; a second feeding structure for the second polarization; a first connection structure for a branch of the first feeding structure and the first distributor; and a second connection structure for a branch of the second feeding structure and the second distributor.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a processor, a radio frequency (RF) processing chain, a filter module, and an antenna array module, and the antenna array module includes multiple subarrays. Each of the multiple subarrays may include: an antenna substrate; multiple antenna element units; a first distributor for a first polarization; and a second distributor for a second polarization. Each of the multiple antenna element units may include: an antenna element for transmitting a signal; a first feeding structure for the first polarization; a second feeding structure for the second polarization; a first connection structure for a branch of the first feeding structure and the first distributor; and a second connection structure for a branch of the second feeding structure and the second distributor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 A wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2a and Figure 2b An example of a grating lobe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 An example of an antenna element unit including a connection structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Signal distortion according to the presence or absence of a connection structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 An example of a stacked structure of an electronic device including an antenna element unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 6c and Figure 6d Other examples of stacked structures of electronic devices including antenna element units according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0014] Figure 7 An example of a design process of a sub-array including antenna element units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 8a and Figure 8b The grating lobe removal performance of a sub-array including antenna element units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Fig. 9 The shape of the connection structure of the antenna element units according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Fig.10a and Fig.10b An example of a sub-array including antenna element units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Fig.11 An example of a sub-array module including antenna element units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Fig.12a An example of an antenna element unit for 4 ports according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 12b An example of a sub-array including antenna element units for 4 ports according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Fig.13An example of a subarray module including antenna element units for 4 ports according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Fig.14a and Fig.14b An example of a sub-array including antenna element units for 4 ports according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Fig.15 A functional configuration of an electronic device including an antenna array having antenna element units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components and structures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographic meanings, but are used only by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the present disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0026] It will be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0027] In various embodiments of the present disclosure described below, a hardware solution is described as an example. However, since various embodiments of the present disclosure include technologies using both hardware and software, various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude software-based solutions.

[0028] The terms used in the following description to refer to components of electronic devices (substrates, printed circuit boards (PCBs), flexible PCBs (FPCBs), modules, antennas, antenna elements, circuits, processors, chips, components, instruments), the terms referring to the shapes of components (e.g., structures, constructions, support portions, contact portions, protruding portions), the terms referring to circuits (e.g., PCBs, FPCBs, signal lines, feeder lines, data lines, RF signal lines, antenna lines, RF paths, RF modules, RF circuits, separators, distributors, couplers, combiners), etc. are explained for the convenience of description. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms with equivalent technical meanings may be used. In addition, the terms such as "...part", "...device", "...structure", "...body", etc. used below may represent at least one shape structure, or may represent a unit of processing function.

[0029] In addition, in the present disclosure, in order to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or achieved, the expression of greater than or less than may be used, but this is only a description for expressing an example and does not exclude the description of greater than or equal to or less than or equal to. The condition described as "greater than or equal to" may be replaced by "greater than", the condition described as "less than or equal to" may be replaced by "less than", and the condition described as "greater than or equal to and less than" may be replaced by "greater than and less than or equal to". In addition, hereinafter, "A" to "B" means at least one of the elements from A (including A) to B (including B).

[0030] The present disclosure is directed to providing a structure for impedance matching each antenna element in an electronic device including an antenna array and an electronic device including the structure.

[0031] The present disclosure aims to provide a matching network for reducing the influence caused by grating lobes in an electronic device including an antenna array and an electronic device including the matching network. According to the matching network of an embodiment of the present disclosure and the electronic device including the matching network, impedance matching of each antenna element can be performed by connecting an additional structure to the feeding part of the antenna element.

[0032] A matching network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and an electronic device including the matching network can reduce the influence of grating lobes and improve the performance of an antenna array by impedance matching for each antenna element.

[0033] Effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and any other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood from the following description by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0034] Figure 1 A wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 The wireless communication environment 100 shows a base station 110 and a terminal 120 as parts of nodes using a wireless channel.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 , the base station 110 is a network infrastructure that provides wireless access to the terminal 120. The base station 110 has a coverage range based on the distance over which a signal can be transmitted. In addition to a base station, the base station 110 may also be referred to as an "access point (AP)", "eNodeB (eNB)", "5th generation node", fifth generation (5G) NodeB (5G NB), wireless point, transmission / reception point (TRP), access unit, distributed unit (DU), radio unit (RU), remote radio head (RRH) or other terms with equivalent technical meanings. The base station 110 can send downlink signals or receive uplink signals.

[0036] Terminal 120-1, terminal 120-2 or terminal 120-3 is a device used by a user and communicates with base station 110 through a wireless channel. In the following, the description of terminal 120-1, terminal 120-2 or terminal 120-3 will be described by referring to terminal 120. In some cases, terminal 120 can operate without user participation. That is, terminal 120 is a device for performing machine type communication (MTC) and may not be carried by the user. In addition to the terminal, terminal 120 may also be referred to as "user equipment (UE)", "mobile station", "user station", "user premises equipment (CPE)", "remote terminal", "wireless terminal", "electronic device" or "vehicle-mounted terminal", "user equipment" or other terms with equivalent technical meanings.

[0037] As one of the technologies for reducing radio wave path loss and increasing radio wave transmission distance, beamforming technology is being used. Beamforming generally uses multiple antennas to concentrate the arrival area of ​​radio waves or increase the directivity of receiving sensitivity relative to a specific direction. Therefore, the base station 110 may have multiple antennas to form a beamforming coverage area instead of using a single antenna to form a signal in an isotropic mode. According to one embodiment, the base station 110 may include a large-scale multiple input multiple output (MIMO) unit (MMU). The form in which multiple antennas are assembled may be referred to as an antenna array 130, and each antenna included in the array may be referred to as an array element or an antenna unit. The antenna array 130 may be configured in various forms, such as a linear array, a planar array, etc. The antenna array 130 may be referred to as a large-scale antenna array.

[0038] The main technology used to increase the data capacity of 5G communications is beamforming technology using antenna arrays connected to multiple RF paths. For higher data capacity, the number of RF paths should be increased or the power of the RF paths should be increased. Increasing the RF path will increase the size of the product, but due to space limitations for installing actual base station equipment, it is currently at a level that cannot be increased any further. In order to increase antenna gain through high output without increasing the number of RF paths, the antenna gain can be increased by connecting multiple antenna elements to the RF path using a distributor (or splitter). Here, the antenna element corresponding to the RF path can be referred to as a subarray.

[0039] The number of antennas (or antenna elements) of devices (e.g., base station 110) that perform wireless communication to improve communication performance is increasing. In addition, since the number of RF parts (e.g., amplifiers, filters) and components for processing RF signals received or transmitted through antenna elements is increasing, when configuring communication devices, space gain and cost effectiveness are also important together with communication performance.

[0040] Hereinafter, in order to describe a matching network of an antenna element and an electronic device including the matching network, Figure 1 The base station 110 is described as an example, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in addition to the base station 110, a wireless device that performs a function equivalent to that of a base station, a wireless device connected to the base station (e.g., a TRP), Figure 1 The terminal 120 in or any other communication device for 5G communication can be used as a matching network and an electronic device including the matching network.

[0041] Hereinafter, an antenna array composed of subarrays will be described as an example as a structure of multiple antennas for communication in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) environment, and beamforming may be simply modified in some embodiments.

[0042] Figure 2a and Figure 2b An example of a grating lobe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Reference Figure 2a , graph 201 shows the return loss for each frequency. The horizontal axis of graph 201 represents frequency (unit: gigahertz (GHz)), and the vertical axis of graph 201 represents return loss (unit: decibel (dB)). Graph 203 shows the gain for each radiation angle at 3.7 GHz. The horizontal axis of graph 203 represents the radiation angle (unit: degree), and the vertical axis of graph 203 represents the gain (unit: dB). Graph 205 shows the gain for each radiation angle at 3.84 GHz. The horizontal axis of graph 205 represents the radiation angle (unit: degree), and the vertical axis of graph 205 represents the gain.

[0044] As shown in graph 201, at a center frequency (e.g., 3.84 GHz), the antenna array can provide a lower return loss than other frequencies. A certain gain can be guaranteed within a frequency range where the return loss is less than or equal to a certain reference value (e.g., 15 dB). Due to the low return loss, the antenna array can perform wideband communication. However, as shown in graph 203, in the vertical plane radiation pattern, in addition to the main lobe, grating lobes may also appear in addition to the main lobe when away from the center frequency.

[0045] Such grating lobes mainly appear in antenna arrays in which multiple antenna elements are arranged. As the number of antenna elements increases, the beam width of the main lobe decreases, and the influence caused by the side lobes increases. The sum of the signals of the antenna elements in a specific direction other than the main lobe direction (for example, a direction in which the phase is a multiple of 2π) may be maximized. The directional pattern in a specific direction may be called a grating lobe. Grating lobes may appear even in a frequency band (for example, 3.7GHz) where return loss is ensured. Grating lobes degrade the peak gain and adjustment range.

[0046] Reference Figure 2b , the antenna array 230 may include a plurality of subarrays. The subarray 250 may include a plurality of antenna elements (e.g., three). For example, the subarray 250 may include a first antenna element 251, a second antenna element 252, and a third antenna element 253. Hereinafter, in each of the graphs 261, 263, 271, and 273, the solid line represents an index of the first antenna element 251. In each of the graphs 261, 263, 271, and 273, the broken line represents an index of the second antenna element 252. In each of the graphs 261, 263, 271, and 273, the dotted line represents an index of the third antenna element 253.

[0047] The input signal can be supplied to each of the first antenna element 251, the second antenna element 252, and the third antenna element 253. Each antenna element can radiate the input signal into the air. Graph 261 represents the amplitude of an ideal signal. The horizontal axis of graph 261 represents the frequency (unit: GHz), and the vertical axis represents the gain (unit: dB). Since the applied input signals are the same, the amplitudes of the radiated signals can all be the same. Graph 263 represents the ideal phase of the signal. The horizontal axis of graph 263 represents the frequency (unit: GHz), and the vertical axis represents the phase difference (unit: degree). In order to change the phase of the radiated signal, there is a phase difference of a predetermined interval (e.g., 30 degrees) between adjacent antenna elements.

[0048] Unlike graphs 261 and 263, the actual signal has different aspects due to the influence of distortion. Graph 271 shows the amplitude of the actual signal. The horizontal axis of graph 271 shows the frequency (unit: GHz), and the vertical axis shows the gain (unit: dB). Graph 273 shows the phase of the actual signal. The horizontal axis of graph 273 shows the frequency (GHz), and the vertical axis shows the phase difference (unit: degree).

[0049] When the input signal is transmitted to each antenna element through the distributor, signal distortion may occur. Signal distortion changes the amplitude of the ideal signal or the phase difference of the ideal signal. As shown in graphs 271 and 273, as the required bandwidth increases (i.e., when a wide frequency band is used), the impact caused by signal distortion increases.

[0050] The characteristic impedance of an antenna element may be frequency dependent. At the center frequency, the return loss is small by impedance matching. However, as the bandwidth increases, the range between the center frequency and other frequencies increases. At frequencies other than the center frequency, the magnitude of the characteristic impedance may vary due to the reactance of the antenna. The change in the magnitude of the characteristic impedance changes the amplitude of the signal according to the frequency.

[0051] In order to control the beam direction of the subarray, the phases of the antenna elements (e.g., the first antenna element 251, the second antenna element 252, and the third antenna element 253) may be different from each other. However, the electrical length of each antenna element may vary depending on the frequency, and the changed electrical length causes nonlinearity in the phase variation at each frequency. Phase and signal amplitude having nonlinearity at frequency may cause grating lobes.

[0052] The return loss is designed in units of subarrays (in which antenna elements and distributors are combined). In this case, if only a design is performed to adjust the resonant frequency of the antenna element to the center of the frequency band, it is difficult to match the impedance of each antenna element unit. That is, since the impedance matching of each antenna element unit is difficult, a grating lobe may be generated at a frequency different from the center frequency. Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a solution to reduce the influence of signal distortion caused by antenna reactance and reduce grating lobes by performing impedance matching in units of antenna elements rather than in units of subarrays.

[0053] Figure 3 An example of an antenna element unit including a connection structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] Reference Figure 3 , the subarray 310 may include a first antenna element unit 331, a second antenna element unit 333, and a third antenna element unit 335. The first antenna element unit 331, the second antenna element unit 333, and the third antenna element unit 335 may be connected to a first distributor. The first distributor may feed a first polarized signal to each antenna element at an RF port. The first antenna element unit 331, the second antenna element unit 333, and the third antenna element unit 335 may be connected to a second distributor. The second distributor may feed a second polarized signal to each antenna element at an RF port. For example, the first polarization represents a polarization of (+) 45 degrees. The second polarization represents a polarization of (-) 45 degrees. The first polarization and the second polarization may be orthogonal to each other.

[0055] The input signal 320 can be transmitted to each of the first antenna element unit 331, the second antenna element unit 333, and the third antenna element unit 335 through a distributor (a first distributor or a second distributor). An embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a method for impedance matching in antenna element units to remove grating lobes. For impedance matching in antenna element units, signals from branches of the distributor can be radiated through antenna element units. In the following, although the first antenna element unit 331 is described as an example to illustrate the antenna element unit, the description described later can also be applied to other antenna element units (e.g., the second antenna element unit 333 and the third antenna element unit 335).

[0056] The antenna element unit according to the embodiment (eg, first antenna element unit 331) may include an antenna element 365, a first feeding structure 371a, a second feeding structure 371b, a third feeding structure 372a, a fourth feeding structure 372b, and first and second connecting structures 381a, 381b.

[0057] The antenna element 365 may refer to a radiator for radiating a feed signal into the air. According to an embodiment, the antenna element 365 may include a radiation patch.

[0058] The first feeding structure 371a, the second feeding structure 371b, the third feeding structure 372a and the fourth feeding structure 372b are components for feeding the applied signal to the antenna element 365. According to one embodiment, the first feeding structure 371a and the third feeding structure 372a can be arranged in the direction of the first polarization. According to one embodiment, the second feeding structure 371b and the fourth feeding structure 372d can be arranged in the direction of the second polarization.

[0059] The first feed structure 371a, the second feed structure 371b, the third feed structure 372a, and the fourth feed structure 372b may support the antenna element by the support structure 390. Each of the first feed structure 371a, the second feed structure 371b, the third feed structure 372a, and the fourth feed structure 372b may be coupled to the support structure 390. Figure 3 Unlike what is shown, each feed structure may be configured to support an antenna element without support structure 390 .

[0060] The first connection structure 381a can be connected to the first feed structure 371a. The first connection structure 381a can be connected to the first divider for the first polarization. In other words, the first connection structure 381a can be arranged between the first feed structure 371a and the first divider. The first connection structure 381a can be arranged for impedance matching of the antenna element 365. In other words, the first connection structure 381a can be configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance from the branch of the first divider to the antenna element 365.

[0061] The second connection structure 381b can be connected to the second feed structure 371b. The second connection structure 381b can be connected to the second divider for the second polarization. In other words, the second connection structure 381b can be arranged between the second feed structure 371b and the second divider. The second connection structure 381b can be arranged for impedance matching of the antenna element 365. In other words, the second connection structure 381b can be configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance from the branch of the second divider to the antenna element 365.

[0062] Despite Figure 3 , the shapes of the connection structures (eg, the first connection structure 381a and the second connection structure 381b) used for impedance matching are shown, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. If the technical principle of impedance matching is the same, the shapes of the connection structures can be changed in various ways. Fig. 9 Specific examples of the shape of the connection structure are described.

[0063] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Signal distortion according to the presence or absence of a connection structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2b Subarray 250 is shown to illustrate the subarray without a connecting structure. Figure 3 A sub-array 310 is shown to illustrate the sub-array including a connection structure.

[0064] Reference Figure 4a In each of the graphs 410 and 415 , the solid line represents the index of the first antenna element 251. In each of the graphs 410 and 415 , the broken line represents the index of the second antenna element 252. In each of the graphs 410 and 415 , the dotted line represents the index of the third antenna element 253.

[0065] Graph 410 shows the amplitude of the signal of each antenna element of subarray 250. The horizontal axis of graph 410 shows frequency (unit: GHz), and the vertical axis shows gain (unit: dB). Graph 415 shows the phase of the signal of each antenna element of subarray 250. The horizontal axis of graph 415 shows frequency (unit: GHz), and the vertical axis shows phase difference (unit: degree).

[0066] Reference Figure 4b In each of the graphs 420 and 425, the solid line represents the index of the first antenna element unit 331. In each of the graphs 420 and 425, the broken line represents the index of the second antenna element unit 333. In each of the graphs 420 and 425, the dotted line represents the index of the third antenna element unit 335.

[0067] Graph 420 shows the amplitude of the signal of each antenna element of subarray 310. The horizontal axis of graph 420 shows frequency (unit: GHz), and the vertical axis shows gain (unit: dB). Graph 425 shows the phase of the signal of each antenna element of subarray 310. The horizontal axis of graph 425 shows frequency (unit: GHz), and the vertical axis shows phase difference (unit: degree).

[0068] Comparing graphs 410 and 420, it is confirmed that the amplitude variation of the signal using subarray 310 of antenna element units is relatively more linear than the amplitude variation of the signal of subarray 250. The nonlinearity of amplitude with respect to frequency can be mitigated by using subarray 310 of antenna element units.

[0069] Comparing graphs 415 and 425, it can be confirmed that the phase variation of the signal using subarray 310 of antenna elements is relatively more linear than the phase variation of the signal of subarray 250. The nonlinearity of phase with respect to frequency can be mitigated by using subarray 310 of antenna elements.

[0070] like Figure 3 , Figure 4a and Figure 4b As described above, by providing an additional structure between the antenna element and the branch of the distributor, impedance matching can be designed in units of antenna elements. That is, the additional structure can be used as a matching network. Figure 3 In addition to the connecting structure, the additional structure may be referred to by terms such as connecting structure, matching structure, matching circuit, external structure, connecting part, matching network and external matching network. When the output signal from the divider branch is fed to the antenna element, the additional structure may be designed to have a return loss below a threshold (e.g., 20 dB) within a specified frequency range. In order to reduce the removal of grating lobes from a wide band, each structure may be designed by hard matching so that a return loss less than or equal to a threshold (e.g., 20 dB) is provided at all frequencies within the specified frequency range. Nonlinearity may be mitigated by the arrangement and design of the structure of each antenna element. Such as by Figure 2a and Figure 2b As described above, mitigation of nonlinearity can reduce the effects caused by grating lobes.

[0071] Figure 5An example of a stacked structure of an electronic device including an antenna element unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 The stacked structure shown in ref ers to a cross section of a subarray module of an electronic device. The subarray module of an electronic device may include a substrate on which a subarray is disposed. The subarray of an electronic device may include a plurality of antenna element units and a distributor.

[0072] Reference Figure 5 , the electronic device may include a metal plate 510. The metal plate 510 may provide grounding for the subarray. The antenna substrate 520 may be disposed on one surface of the metal plate 510. According to one embodiment, the antenna substrate 520 may be a PCB. In addition, according to one embodiment, the antenna substrate 520 may be a dielectric substrate. The distributor 530 may be mounted on one surface of the antenna substrate 520. The antenna substrate 520 may be coupled to the metal plate on a surface opposite to the one surface.

[0073] The distributor 530 may include a plurality of branches. A signal input from the RF port may be fed to each antenna element through the distributor 530. The number of branches of the distributor 530 corresponds to the number of antenna elements. Figure 5 One distributor is shown as a cross section, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Distributors having different polarizations may be additionally provided in different regions on the same surface of the antenna substrate 520. Branches of the distributor 530 may be connected to the connection structure 535.

[0074] The connection structure 535 may be disposed on one surface of the antenna substrate 520. The connection structure 535 may be continuously disposed on the same surface as the distributor 530. The connection structure 535 may be connected to the first feeding structure 541. The connection structure 535 may be disposed between the antenna element 560 corresponding to the branch of the distributor 530 and the branch of the distributor 530. The connection structure 535 may transmit a signal received from the branch of the distributor 530 to the antenna element 560 corresponding to the branch of the distributor 530. The connection structure 535 may be used as a matching network for the antenna element 560. The connection structure 535 may be configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance associated with the antenna element 560 observed from the branch of the distributor 530. The antenna element unit 570 including the connection structure 535 may provide a characteristic impedance such that the return loss of each frequency in the bandwidth is less than or equal to a threshold value.

[0075] The first feeding structure 541 and the third feeding structure 543 may be disposed on one surface of the antenna substrate 520. According to one embodiment, the first feeding structure 541 may be disposed to support the antenna element 560. The third feeding structure 543 may be disposed to support the antenna element 560. For example, the shape of the first feeding structure 541 may be a pulse shape. The shape of the third feeding structure 543 may be a pulse shape. The first feeding structure 541 and the third feeding structure 543 may be coupled to the antenna element 560 through the supporting structure 550. The supporting structure 550 may be in contact with one surface of the antenna element 560. The first feeding structure 541 may feed a signal to the antenna element 560 through coupling. Since the first feeding structure 541 does not directly contact the antenna element 560, Figure 5 , but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Figure 5 Different from what is shown, according to another embodiment, the first feeding structure 541 may be arranged to contact the antenna element 560. The first feeding structure 541 may directly feed the signal to the antenna element 560.

[0076] Reference Figure 5 , showing a cross section of a subarray module to which the surface of a metal plate 510 and the surface of an antenna substrate 520 are connected. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. An air layer may be located between the antenna substrate and the metal plate. At least a portion of the dielectric may include a columnar shape for connecting to the metal plate. Through the columnar shape, one surface of the dielectric may form a certain gap with the metal plate. In the following, reference will be made to Figures 6a to 6d An example of a cross section of a sub-array module including a dielectric forming a gap with a metal plate is described.

[0077] Figures 6a to 6d Other examples of stacked structures of electronic devices including antenna element units according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0078] Reference Figure 6a , the electronic device may include a metal plate 601 . The metal plate 601 may provide grounding for the sub-arrays. A dielectric 603 may be disposed on one surface of the metal plate 601 .

[0079] The dielectric 603 may include a coupling portion. The coupling portion of the dielectric 603 may be coupled to the one surface of the metal plate 601. The shape of the coupling portion of the dielectric 603 may include a structure for supporting the dielectric 603 from the metal plate 601. The substrate portion of the dielectric 603 may form a gap 615 with the metal plate 601 through the coupling portion of the dielectric 603.

[0080] The dielectric 603 may include a substrate portion. The substrate portion of the dielectric 603 refers to an area including a surface on which a transmission line (not shown), a distributor 605, and a connection structure 607 may be disposed. The shape of the dielectric 603 may include a plate-shaped structure. According to one embodiment, the distributor 605, the connection structure 607, the first feeding structure 613a, and the second feeding structure 613b may be disposed along one surface of the dielectric 603. Figure 5 Differently, one surface of the dielectric 603 on which the feeding element is provided may face one surface of the metal plate 601. One surface of the metal plate 601 is a surface to which a coupling portion of the dielectric 603 is coupled.

[0081] The dielectric 603 may include support portions 611a, 611b, and 611c. The shapes of the support portions 611a, 611b, and 611c may include a structure for supporting the antenna element 609. The dielectric 603 may function as a support member for the antenna element 609 as well as an antenna substrate.

[0082] The dielectric 603 may include one or more raised portions. The one or more raised portions may be formed at a position higher than the substrate portion of the dielectric 603, thereby performing power feeding to the antenna element 609 at a short distance based on the metal plate 601. Since the first feeding structure 613a and the second feeding structure 613b are arranged along one surface of the dielectric 603, the feeding position of the first feeding structure 613a and the feeding position of the second feeding structure 613b can be closer to the antenna element 609. Therefore, the gain of the subarray module is increased.

[0083] The signal fed to the connection structure 607 through the distributor 605 can be transmitted to the antenna element 609 through the first feeding structure 613a. According to one embodiment, there is a gap between the first feeding structure 613a and the antenna element 609. The signal applied to the first feeding structure 613a can be fed to the antenna element 609 in the air. Due to the air layer, the dielectric constant of the area where the signal is transmitted is reduced. Since the low dielectric constant reduces the change in antenna characteristics according to the frequency change, the stacked structure including the air layer can provide stable frequency characteristics in a wide frequency band. Although there is no Figure 6a , but a signal corresponding to another polarization may be transmitted to the antenna element 609 via the second feeding structure 613b.

[0084] although Figure 6b The connection structure is shown to be disposed on the same surface of the metal pattern of the distributor and the dielectric, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the connection structure may be disposed on a surface different from the surface of the dielectric on which the metal pattern of the distributor is disposed. Figure 6b , a cross section of a sub-array module in which a connection structure is provided on a surface different from a distributor will be described.

[0085] Reference Figure 6b The electronic device may include a metal plate 621. The metal plate 621 may provide grounding for the sub-array. A dielectric 623 may be disposed on one surface of the metal plate 621.

[0086] The dielectric 623 may include a coupling portion. The coupling portion of the dielectric 623 may be coupled to the one surface of the metal plate 621. The shape of the coupling portion of the dielectric 623 may include a structure for supporting the dielectric 623 from the metal plate 621. The substrate portion of the dielectric 623 may form a gap 635 with the metal plate 621 through the coupling portion of the dielectric 623.

[0087] The dielectric 623 may include a substrate portion. The substrate portion of the dielectric 623 refers to an area including a surface on which a transmission line (not shown), a distributor 625, and a connection structure 627 may be arranged. The shape of the dielectric 623 may include a plate-shaped structure. According to one embodiment, the distributor 625, the first feeding structure 633a, and the second feeding structure 633b may be arranged along one surface of the dielectric 623. However, the connection structure 627 may be arranged on a surface different from one surface of the dielectric 623. For example, the connection structure 627 may be arranged on an opposite surface of one surface of the dielectric 623. Since the branch of the distributor 625 and the connection structure 627 are arranged on different surfaces, the connection structure 627 can be connected to the branch of the distributor 625 through a passage.

[0088] The dielectric 623 may include a support portion 631a, a support portion 631b, and a support portion 631c. The shapes of the support portions 631a, 631b, and 631c may include a structure for supporting the antenna element 629. The dielectric 623 may function not only as an antenna substrate but also as a support member for the antenna element 629.

[0089] The dielectric 623 may include one or more raised portions. The one or more raised portions may be formed at a position higher than the substrate portion of the dielectric 623 so that power is fed to the antenna element 629 at a close distance relative to the metal plate 621. Since the first feeding structure 633a and the second feeding structure 633b are arranged along one surface of the dielectric 623, the feeding position of the first feeding structure 633a and the feeding position of the second feeding structure 633b can be closer to the antenna element 629. Therefore, the gain of the subarray module is increased.

[0090] The signal fed to the connection structure 627 through the distributor 625 can be transmitted to the antenna element 629 through the first feeding structure 633a. For the electrical connection between the connection structure 627 and the first feeding structure 633a, a vertical path can be used. The connection structure 627 can feed the signal to the first feeding structure 633a provided on the opposite surface through the vertical path. According to one embodiment, there is a gap between the first feeding structure 633a and the antenna element 629. The signal applied to the first feeding structure 633a can be fed to the antenna element 629 in the air. Due to the air layer, the dielectric constant in the area where the signal is transmitted is reduced. Since the low dielectric constant reduces the change in antenna characteristics according to the frequency change, the stacked structure including the air layer can provide stable frequency characteristics in a wide frequency band. Although there is no Figure 6b , but a signal corresponding to another polarization may be transmitted to the antenna element 629 via the second feeding structure 633b.

[0091] although Figure 6a and Figure 6b The distributor and the feeding structure are shown to be disposed on the surface of the dielectric facing the metal plate, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Figure 6c and Figure 6d , a cross section of a subarray module in which a distributor and a feeding structure are provided on a surface different from a surface facing a metal plate will be described.

[0092] Reference Figure 6c The electronic device may include a metal plate 641. The metal plate 641 may provide grounding for the sub-array. A dielectric 643 may be disposed on one surface of the metal plate 641.

[0093] The dielectric 643 may include a coupling portion. The coupling portion of the dielectric 643 may be coupled to the one surface of the metal plate 641. The shape of the coupling portion of the dielectric 643 may include a structure for supporting the dielectric 643 from the metal plate 641. The substrate portion of the dielectric 643 may form a gap 655 with the metal plate 641 through the coupling portion of the dielectric 643.

[0094] The dielectric 643 may include a substrate portion. The substrate portion of the dielectric 643 refers to an area including a surface on which a transmission line (not shown), a distributor 645, and a connection structure 647 may be disposed. The shape of the dielectric 643 may include a plate-shaped structure. According to one embodiment, the distributor 645, the connection structure 647, the first feeding structure 653a, and the second feeding structure 653b may be disposed along one surface of the dielectric 643.

[0095] The dielectric 643 may include a support portion 651a, a support portion 651b, and a support portion 651c. The shapes of the support portions 651a, 651b, and 651c may include a structure for supporting the antenna element 649. The dielectric 643 may function not only as an antenna substrate but also as a support member for the antenna element 649.

[0096] The dielectric 643 may include one or more raised portions. The one or more raised portions may be formed at a position higher than the substrate portion of the dielectric 643 so that power is fed to the antenna element 649 at a close distance relative to the metal plate 641. Since the first feeding structure 653a and the second feeding structure 653b are arranged along one surface of the dielectric 643, the feeding position of the first feeding structure 653a and the feeding position of the second feeding structure 653b can be closer to the antenna element 649. Therefore, the gain of the subarray module is increased.

[0097] The signal fed to the connection structure 647 through the distributor 645 can be transmitted to the antenna element 649 through the first feeding structure 653a. According to one embodiment, there is a gap between the first feeding structure 653a and the antenna element 649. The signal applied to the first feeding structure 653a can be fed to the antenna element 649 in the air. Due to the air layer, the dielectric constant in the area where the signal is transmitted is reduced. Since the low dielectric constant reduces the change in antenna characteristics according to the frequency change, the stacked structure including the air layer can provide stable frequency characteristics in a wide frequency band. Although there is no Figure 6c , but a signal corresponding to another polarization may be transmitted to the antenna element 649 via the second feeding structure 653b.

[0098] like Figure 6b As shown, the connection structure can be arranged on the surface of the dielectric substrate opposite to the surface on which the distributor and the feeding structure are arranged. Figure 6d In the following, a cross section of a sub-array module in which a connection structure is provided on a surface different from a distributor will be described.

[0099] Reference Figure 6d , the electronic device may include a metal plate 661. The metal plate 661 may provide grounding for the sub-array. A dielectric 663 may be disposed on one surface of the metal plate 661.

[0100] The dielectric 663 may include a coupling portion. The coupling portion of the dielectric 663 may be coupled to the one surface of the metal plate 661. The shape of the coupling portion of the dielectric 663 may include a structure for supporting the dielectric 663 from the metal plate 661. The substrate portion of the dielectric 663 may form a gap 675 with the metal plate 661 through the coupling portion of the dielectric 663.

[0101] The dielectric 663 may include a substrate portion. The substrate portion of the dielectric 663 refers to an area including a surface on which a transmission line (not shown), a distributor 665, and a connection structure 667 may be arranged. The shape of the dielectric 663 may include a plate-shaped structure. According to one embodiment, the distributor 665, the first feeding structure 673a, and the second feeding structure 673b may be arranged along one surface of the dielectric 663. However, the connection structure 667 may be arranged on a surface different from one surface of the dielectric 663. For example, the connection structure 667 may be arranged on an opposite surface of one surface of the dielectric 663. Since the branch of the distributor 665 and the connection structure 667 are arranged on different surfaces, the connection structure 667 can be connected to the branch of the distributor 665 through a passage.

[0102] The dielectric 663 may include a support portion 671a, a support portion 671b, and a support portion 671c. The shapes of the support portions 671a, 671b, and 671c may include a structure for supporting the antenna element 669. The dielectric 663 may function not only as an antenna substrate but also as a support member for the antenna element 669.

[0103] The dielectric 663 may include one or more raised portions. The one or more raised portions may be formed at a position higher than the substrate portion of the dielectric 663, so that power feeding to the antenna element 669 is performed at a close distance relative to the metal plate 661. Since the first feeding structure 673a and the second feeding structure 673b are arranged along one surface of the dielectric 663, the feeding position of the first feeding structure 673a and the feeding position of the second feeding structure 673b can be closer to the antenna element 669. Therefore, the gain of the subarray module is increased.

[0104] The signal fed to the connection structure 667 through the distributor 665 can be transmitted to the antenna element 669 through the first feeding structure 673a. For the electrical connection between the connection structure 667 and the first feeding structure 673a, a vertical path can be used. The connection structure 667 can feed the signal to the first feeding structure 673a provided on the opposite surface through the vertical path. According to one embodiment, there is a gap between the first feeding structure 673a and the antenna element 669. The signal applied to the first feeding structure 673a can be fed to the antenna element 669 in the air. Due to the air layer, the dielectric constant in the area where the signal is transmitted is reduced. Since the low dielectric constant reduces the change in antenna characteristics according to the frequency change, the stacked structure including the air layer can provide stable frequency characteristics in a wide frequency band. Although there is no Figure 6d , but a signal corresponding to another polarization may be transmitted to the antenna element 669 via the second feeding structure 673b.

[0105] As reference Figure 5 , Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 6c and Figure 6d As described, the embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a matching network for the antenna element by an additional structure disposed between the feed portion and the distributor of the antenna element. According to an embodiment, a subarray module disposed on a PCB or a dielectric (e.g., plastic) substrate can achieve impedance matching in an antenna element unit by an additional structure mounted on one surface. Since nonlinearity is supplemented by reducing the deviation between antenna elements in the subarray, the influence of grating lobes can be reduced.

[0106] Figure 7 An example of a design process of a sub-array including antenna element units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0107] Reference Figure 7 , in operation 701, the feed structure may be coupled to the antenna element. In operation 703, the connection structure may be coupled to at least a portion of the feed structure of the antenna element. In operation 705, the connection structure for each antenna element in the subarray may be connected to a branch of the distributor. The N branches (N is an integer of 2 or greater) of the distributor may be respectively connected to the N antenna elements. The connection structure may electrically connect the branches of the distributor and the feed structure. Each antenna element may be combined with one or more connection structures. According to one embodiment, the connection structure may be formed so as to perform matching of a specified threshold (e.g., -20 dB) or less. The shape and function of the connection structure will refer to Fig. 9 Detailed description.

[0108] The existing subarray is manufactured through the process of antenna element design, distributor phase design, distributor phase design inspection and impedance matching. According to an embodiment, since the connection structure for impedance matching of the antenna element unit is connected to the antenna element before being connected to the distributor, the phase design and inspection of the distributor can be omitted. Impedance matching is not performed after the antenna element and the distributor are combined, but impedance matching is performed in units of antenna elements before the antenna element is combined with the distributor. Therefore, the nonlinearity of the frequency-related characteristics between the antenna elements in the same subarray is reduced. Since the reduction in nonlinearity reduces the distortion of the phase or amplitude of the radiated signal, the problems caused by the grating lobe can be improved. That is, since the antenna reactance is fully removed from each of all antenna elements, the linearity is increased and the problems caused by the grating lobe are reduced. The subarray module according to the embodiment can provide a sufficient steering range even in a wide frequency band.

[0109] Figure 8a and Figure 8b The grating lobe removal performance of a sub-array including antenna element units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0110] Reference Figure 8a , a graph 800 shows the gain of each radiation angle of an MMU device including a subarray based on antenna elements. The horizontal axis of the graph 800 represents the radiation angle (unit: degree), and the vertical axis of the graph 850 represents the gain (unit: dB). Referring to the graph 800, a grating lobe 810 adjacent to the main lobe is generated.

[0111] Reference Figure 8b , a graph 850 shows the gain of each radiation angle of the MMU device including the subarray based on the antenna element unit. The horizontal axis of the graph 850 represents the radiation angle (unit: degree), and the vertical axis of the graph 850 represents the gain (unit: dB). Referring to the graph 850, the removal 860 of the grating lobe adjacent to the main lobe is identified.

[0112] Fig. 9 The shape of the connection structure of the antenna element units according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0113] Reference Fig. 9 , Figure 3 The antenna element unit 331 described in Figure 8 may include a first connection structure for a first polarization and a second connection structure for a second polarization. Hereinafter, the description of the connection structure may be used for both the first connection structure and the second connection structure. According to one embodiment, the connection structure of the antenna element unit 331 may include a connection portion, a linear portion, a raised portion, and one or more stubs. Hereinafter, the description of the components of the connection structure applies not only to the antenna element unit 331, but also to the antenna element unit 910 and the antenna element unit 920 described later, as well as the antenna element unit 930, the antenna element unit 940, and the antenna element unit 950.

[0114] The connection part of the antenna element unit 331 can transmit the RF signal from the branch of the distributor to the linear part. The connection part can have a shape bent from the outside toward a point of the linear part. That is, the connection part can have a shape bent relative to the direction of the linear part.

[0115] The linear portion of the antenna element unit 331 can transmit the RF signal to the feeding structure of the antenna element. The linear portion can have a line shape facing a specific direction (hereinafter referred to as a line direction). Here, the line direction can be determined according to the polarization of the radiated signal. For example, Fig. 9 As shown, the line direction can be (+) 45 degree direction or (-) 45 degree direction.

[0116] The convex portion of the antenna element unit 331 may be arranged opposite to the feeding direction of the linear portion based on the point where the linear portion and the connecting portion are connected. According to one embodiment, the convex portion may have a shape that is bent relative to the line direction of the linear portion. Fig. 9 , but according to another embodiment, the raised portion may have a shape in which the linear portion extends based on the line direction of the linear portion. The raised portion may be used to adjust the characteristic impedance of the antenna end. The arrangement of the raised portion may be used as a capacitor or inductor for impedance matching.

[0117] The short posts of the antenna element unit 331 may be arranged in parallel in the linear portion. Fig. 9 An example is shown in which one short post is arranged in parallel at a position opposite to the direction of the input unit relative to the line direction, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, a plurality of short posts may be arranged in parallel. According to another embodiment, a plurality of short posts may be arranged at different positions based on the line direction. The short posts may be used to adjust the characteristic impedance of the antenna end. The arrangement of the short posts may be used as a capacitor or inductor for impedance matching.

[0118] The shape of the connection structure may be determined for the matching network of each antenna element. Therefore, the shape of the appropriate connection structure may be determined in the design step of the subarray module. At least a portion of the components of the connection structure may be omitted according to the characteristic impedance of the antenna element. For example, in order to configure the desired matching circuit, at least one of the raised portion or the short post may be omitted. For another example, a shape different from the shape of the raised portion of the antenna element unit 331 may be required to configure the desired matching circuit. For another example, in addition to the short post of the antenna element unit 331, at least one additional short post may be required to configure the desired matching circuit.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the connection structure of the antenna element unit 910 may include a connection portion, a linear portion, and a protruding portion. Unlike the antenna element unit 331, the antenna element unit 910 may not include a stub.

[0120] According to an embodiment, the connection structure of the antenna element unit 920 may include a connection portion, a linear portion, and two short posts. Unlike the antenna element unit 331, the antenna element unit 920 may not include a protruding portion. Instead, the antenna element unit 920 may include two short posts.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the connection structure of the antenna element unit 930 may include a connection portion, a linear portion, and a short column. Unlike the antenna element unit 331, the antenna element unit 930 may not include a protruding portion. In addition, the antenna element unit 930 may include a short column different from the short column of the antenna element unit 331. The position, thickness, and length are different from those of the antenna element unit 930, respectively.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the connection structure of the antenna element unit 940 may include a connection portion and a linear portion. Unlike the antenna element unit 331, the antenna element unit 940 may not include a short column and a protruding portion.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the connection structure of antenna element unit 950 may include a connection portion, a linear portion, and two short posts. Unlike antenna element unit 331, antenna element unit 950 may not include a protruding portion. Antenna element unit 950 may include two short posts arranged in two directions relative to the linear direction.

[0124] Fig. 9 The examples shown are illustrative and have the advantage of utilizing Fig. 9 The connection structure of the shape of the technical principle described in can also be understood as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] The subarray may include the above-mentioned antenna element unit. According to one embodiment, the antenna element units of the subarray may have the same shape. According to another embodiment, the shapes of the antenna element units of the subarray may be different. According to yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the antenna element units of the subarray may have the same shape, and at least a portion of the remaining antenna element units may have different shapes.

[0126] Fig.10a and Fig.10b An example of a sub-array including antenna element units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0127] Reference Fig.10a , the subarray may be a 3×1 subarray. The subarray may include three antenna element units. The subarray may include three antenna element units. The subarray may include a first antenna element unit, a second antenna element unit, and a third antenna element unit. The first antenna element unit may include a first antenna element 1031, a first connection structure 1041a, and a second connection structure 1041b. The second antenna element unit may include a second antenna element 1033, a third connection structure 1043a, and a fourth connection structure 1043b. The third antenna element unit may include a third antenna element 1035, a fifth connection structure 1045a, and a sixth connection structure 1045b.

[0128] The subarray may include two distributors. The two distributors may include a first distributor 1001a for the first polarization and a second distributor 1001b for the second polarization. The first distributor 1001a may include three branches. The second distributor 1001b may include three branches.

[0129] Reference Fig.10b , the subarray may be a 4×1 subarray. The subarray may include four antenna element units and two dividers.

[0130] The subarray may include four antenna element units. The subarray may include a first antenna element unit, a second antenna element unit, a third antenna element unit, and a fourth antenna element unit. The first antenna element unit may include a first antenna element 1081, a first connection structure 1091a, and a second connection structure 1091b. The second antenna element unit may include a second antenna element 1083, a third connection structure 1093a, and a fourth connection structure 1093b. The third antenna element unit may include a third antenna element 1085, a fifth connection structure 1095a, and a sixth connection structure 1095b. The fourth antenna element unit may include a fourth antenna element 1087, a seventh connection structure 1097a, and an eighth connection structure 1097b.

[0131] The two distributors may include a first distributor 1051a for the first polarization and a second distributor 1051b for the second polarization. The first distributor 1051a may include four branches. The second distributor 1051b may include four branches.

[0132] Reference Fig.10a and Fig.10b , Figure 3 The first antenna element unit 331 is shown in the shape of an antenna element unit, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Fig. 9 At least one of the antenna element units shown in FIG. 3 may replace the first antenna element unit 331 .

[0133] Fig.11 An example of a sub-array module including antenna element units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0134] Reference Fig.11 , a perspective view 1100 shows a sub-array module including an antenna element unit according to an embodiment. A perspective view 1103 shows a detailed structure of a second antenna element unit of the sub-array module.

[0135] The sub-array module may include a metal plate 1110. The sub-array module may include an antenna substrate 1120. The antenna substrate 1120 may be disposed on one surface of the metal plate 1110. For example, the stacked structure of the sub-array module may be Figure 5The stacking structure.

[0136] The subarray module may include a first distributor 1101a and a second distributor 1101b. The metal pattern may be formed on one surface of the antenna substrate 1120. The metal pattern may include the first distributor 1101a. The metal pattern may include the second distributor 1101b. The first distributor 1101a may be used to feed a first polarized signal to each antenna element (e.g., antenna element 1160). The second distributor 1101b may be used to feed a second polarized signal to each antenna element (e.g., antenna element 1160).

[0137] The subarray module may include an antenna element unit. The antenna element unit may include an antenna element 1160. The antenna element 1160 may refer to a radiator. For example, the antenna element 1160 may include a radiating patch. Figures 3 to 11 A rectangular radiation patch is shown in FIG. 1 , but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, in addition to a square, the shape of the radiation patch may be a polygon such as a hexagon or an octagon. According to another embodiment, in addition to a square, the shape of the radiation patch may be a shape formed by a curve or cut at both ends. In addition, according to additional embodiments, some areas of the surface of the radiation patch may be removed to improve the performance of the cross-polarization ratio (CPR).

[0138] The antenna element unit may include a first feed structure 1131a. The antenna element unit may include a second feed structure 1131b. The antenna element unit may include a third feed structure 1132a. The antenna element unit may include a fourth feed structure 1132b. The antenna element unit may include a support structure 1150. The first feed structure 1131a, the second feed structure 1131b, the third feed structure 1132a, and the fourth feed structure 1132b may be coupled to the support structure 1150. The support structure 1150 may be coupled to the antenna element 1160. The first feed structure 1131a and the third feed structure 1132a may be arranged to face each other. The second feed structure 1131b and the fourth feed structure 1132b may be arranged to face each other. Each feed structure may support the antenna element 1160 through the support structure 1150.

[0139] The antenna element unit may include a first connection structure 1141a. The first connection structure 1141a may be coupled to the first feed structure 1131a. The first connection structure 1141a may be disposed between a branch of the first distributor 1101a and the first feed structure 1131a. The first connection structure 1141a may electrically connect the branch of the first distributor 1101a and the first feed structure 1131a. The first connection structure 1141a may be configured to not only provide an electrical connection, but also to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance associated with the antenna element 1160 observed from the branch of the first distributor 1101a. That is, the shape 1190 of the first connection structure 1141a may be used as a matching network.

[0140] The antenna element unit may include a second connection structure 1141b. The second connection structure 1141b may be coupled to the second feed structure 1131b. The second connection structure 1141b may be disposed between a branch of the second distributor 1101b and the second feed structure 1131b. The second connection structure 1141b may electrically connect the branch of the second distributor 1101b to the second feed structure 1131b. Like the first connection structure 1141a, the second connection structure 1141b may also be configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance associated with the antenna element 1160 observed from the branch of the second distributor 1101b.

[0141] CPR is the ratio of the co-polarization component to the cross-polarization component. For example, the CPR standard is controlled at zero-degree radiation (line of sight) and ±60 degrees (sector edge) in the horizontal radiation pattern of the antenna, and in the case of an array antenna, the CPR is affected by the CPR performance of all individual elements. A high CPR indicates that the channel correlation between signals with different polarizations is low. Since signals with different polarizations pass through independent channels, polarization diversity may increase. Dual-polarized antennas are used for polarization diversity. Since the signal gain can increase with the increase of polarization diversity (which in turn leads to an increase in channel capacity), the independence between the polarization components in a dual-polarized antenna is used as an indicator of the performance of the dual-polarized antenna.

[0142] Compared with 4G base station antennas, in the case of 5G base station antennas, CPR performance becomes more important due to the narrow spacing between antennas. In 4G base stations using wide beams, the wider the antenna gap, the higher the spatial separation, which improves communication performance, but in 5G base stations that provide services using beams with narrow beam widths and high power density, the antenna gap of the array antenna should be narrowed to widen the beamforming area. In other words, since the narrow antenna gap of 5G base station antennas (such as gNB, NG-RAN nodes of 5GNR) compared to 4G base station antennas (such as eNB of LTE) leads to increased interference between antennas, technology to prevent CPR degradation is important. Since CPR performance is also proportional to throughput and bit error rate (BER), which are the main indicators of communication performance, operators require high CPR to improve 5G communication performance.

[0143] In order to improve the above CPR performance, the antenna element unit according to the embodiment may support 4 ports using four signal inputs (instead of only two signal inputs). Figure 12a to Figure 1 4 describes an example of an antenna element unit for 4 ports.

[0144] Fig.12a An example of an antenna element unit for 4 ports according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0145] Reference Fig.12a According to an embodiment, the antenna element unit 1200 may include an antenna element 1260, a first feeding structure 1271a, a second feeding structure 1271b, a third feeding structure 1272a, a fourth feeding structure 1272b, a first connecting structure 1281a, a second connecting structure 1281b, a third connecting structure 1282a and a fourth connecting structure 1282b.

[0146] The antenna element 1265 may refer to a radiator for radiating a feed signal into the air. According to one embodiment, the antenna element 1265 may include a radiating patch. Fig.12a A rectangular radiation patch is shown in FIG. 1 , but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, in addition to a square, the shape of the radiation patch may also be a shape formed by a curve or cut at both ends. In addition, according to an additional embodiment, some areas of the surface of the radiation patch may be removed to improve the performance of the cross-polarization ratio (CPR).

[0147] The first feeding structure 1271a, the second feeding structure 1271b, the third feeding structure 1272a, and the fourth feeding structure 1272b are components for feeding applied signals to the antenna element 1265. According to one embodiment, the first feeding structure 1271a and the third feeding structure 1272a can be arranged in the direction of the first polarization. According to one embodiment, the second feeding structure 1271b and the fourth feeding structure 1272b can be arranged in the direction of the second polarization.

[0148] The first feed structure 1271a, the second feed structure 1271b, the third feed structure 1272a, and the fourth feed structure 1272b may support the antenna element by the support structure 1290. Each of the first feed structure 1271a, the second feed structure 1271b, the third feed structure 1272a, and the fourth feed structure 1272b may be coupled to the support structure 1290. Fig.12a Unlike what is shown in , each feed structure can be configured to support antenna elements without support structure 1290.

[0149] The first connection structure 1281a may be connected to the first feed structure 1271a. The first connection structure 1281a may be connected to the first divider for the first polarization. That is, the first connection structure 1281a may be disposed between the first feed structure 1271a and the first divider, and the first connection structure 1281a may be disposed for impedance matching of the antenna element 1265. That is, the first connection structure 1281a may be configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance from the branch of the first divider to the antenna element 1265.

[0150] The second connection structure 1281b can be connected to the second feed structure 1271b. The second connection structure 1281b can be connected to the second divider for the second polarization. That is, the second connection structure 1281b can be arranged between the second feed structure 1271b and the second divider. The second connection structure 1281b can be arranged for impedance matching of the antenna element 1265. That is, the second connection structure 1281b can be configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance from the branch of the second divider to the antenna element 1265.

[0151] The third connection structure 1282a may be connected to the third feed structure 1272a. According to one embodiment, the third connection structure 1282a may be connected to the first distributor for the first polarization. That is, the third connection structure 1282a may be arranged between the third feed structure 1272a and the first distributor. The third connection structure 1282a may be arranged for impedance matching of the antenna element 1265. The first distributor may include two branches for the antenna element 1265. The first distributor may have 2N branches for N antenna elements (N is an integer of 2 or greater). The signals of the two branches may be supplied to each antenna element.

[0152] The fourth connection structure 1282b may be connected to the fourth feed structure 1272b. The fourth connection structure 1282b may be connected to the second distributor for the second polarization. That is, the fourth connection structure 1282b may be arranged between the fourth feed structure 1272b and the second distributor. The fourth connection structure 1282b may be arranged for impedance matching of the antenna element 1265. The second distributor may include two branches for the antenna element 1265. The second distributor may have 2N branches for N antenna elements (N is an integer of 2 or greater). The signals of the two branches may be supplied to each antenna element.

[0153] A total of four connection structures are provided for the antenna element 1265. Through the four connection structures and the four feeding structures, signals of two branches for each polarization can be supplied to the antenna element 1265. The antenna element 1265 can radiate four input signals.

[0154] By using different feed lines for the same polarization, the CPR performance, isolation performance, and reflection performance of the subarray can be improved. According to one embodiment, the difference between the phase shift value of the first connection structure 1281a and the phase shift value using the third connection structure 1282a can be substantially 180 degrees. In order to distinguish between the signal fed through the first connection structure 1281a and the signal fed through the third connection structure 1282a, the first connection structure 1281a and the third connection structure 1282a can be formed so that the phase difference between the same polarizations is 180 degrees. In addition, the first polarization signal is orthogonal to the second polarization signal by a phase difference of 180 degrees, thereby improving the CPR performance.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the difference between the phase shift value of the second connection structure 1281b and the phase shift value using the third connection structure 1282a may be substantially 180 degrees. In order to distinguish between the signal fed through the second connection structure 1281b and the signal fed through the fourth connection structure 1282b, the second connection structure 1281b and the fourth connection structure 1282b may be formed so that the phase difference between the same polarizations is 180 degrees. In addition, the signal of the second polarization is orthogonal to the signal of the first polarization by a phase difference of 180 degrees, thereby improving the performance of the CPR.

[0156] Despite Fig.12a , the shapes of the connection structures (e.g., the first connection structure 1281a, the second connection structure 1281b, the third connection structure 1282a, and the fourth connection structure 1282b) used for impedance matching are shown, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. If the technical principle of impedance matching is the same, the shapes of the connection structures can be changed in various ways. Fig.14a and Fig.14b Specific examples of the shape of the connection structure are described.

[0157] Figure 12b An example 1250 of a subarray including antenna element units for 4 ports according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 12b A 3×1 subarray is shown, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. As another example, the subarray may be a 4×1 subarray. As yet another example, the subarray may be a 3×2 subarray.

[0158] Reference Figure 12b , the subarray may include antenna element units for three 4 ports. The antenna element unit for 4 ports may be referred to as a 4-port-based antenna element unit. The subarray may include a first 4-port-based antenna element unit 1291, a second 4-port-based antenna element unit 1293, and a third 4-port-based antenna element unit 1295. Fig.12a The description of the antenna element unit can be applied to each antenna element unit.

[0159] The subarray may include two distributors. The two distributors may include a first distributor 1251a for the first polarization and a second distributor 1251b for the second polarization. The first distributor 1251a may include three branches. The second distributor 1251b may include three branches.

[0160] Fig.13 An example of a subarray module including antenna element units for 4 ports according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0161] Reference Fig.13, a perspective view 1300 shows a sub-array module including an antenna element unit according to an embodiment. A perspective view 1303 shows a detailed structure of a second antenna element unit of the sub-array module.

[0162] The sub-array module may include a metal plate 1310. The sub-array module may include an antenna substrate 1320. The antenna substrate 1320 may be disposed on one surface of the metal plate 1310. For example, the stacked structure of the sub-array module may be Figure 5 The stacking structure.

[0163] The subarray module may include a first distributor 1301a and a second distributor 1301b. The metal pattern may be formed on one surface of the antenna substrate 1320. The metal pattern may include the first distributor 1301a. The metal pattern may include the second distributor 1301b. The first distributor 1301a may be used to feed a first polarized signal to each antenna element (e.g., antenna element 1360). The second distributor 1301b may be used to feed a second polarized signal to each antenna element (e.g., antenna element 1360).

[0164] The subarray module may include an antenna element unit. The antenna element unit may include an antenna element 1360. The antenna element 1360 may refer to a radiator. For example, the antenna element 1360 may include a radiating patch. Although Figure 3 , Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 5 , Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 6c , Figure 6d , Figure 7 , Figure 8a , Figure 8b , Fig. 9 , Fig.10a , Fig.10b , Fig.11 , Fig.12a and Figure 12b A rectangular radiation patch is shown, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the shape of the radiation patch may be a polygon such as a hexagon or an octagon in addition to a square. According to another embodiment, the shape of the radiation patch may be a shape formed by a curve or cut at both ends in addition to a square. In addition, according to additional embodiments, some areas of the surface of the radiation patch may be removed to improve the performance of the cross-polarization ratio (CPR).

[0165] The antenna element unit may include a first feed structure 1331a. The antenna element unit may include a second feed structure 1331b. The antenna element unit may include a third feed structure 1332a. The antenna element unit may include a fourth feed structure 1332b. The antenna element unit may include a support structure 1350. The first feed structure 1331a, the second feed structure 1331b, the third feed structure 1332a, and the fourth feed structure 1332b may be coupled to the support structure 1350. The support structure 1350 may be coupled to the antenna element 1360. The first feed structure 1331a and the third feed structure 1332a may be arranged to face each other. The second feed structure 1331b and the fourth feed structure 1332b may be arranged to face each other. Each feed structure may support the antenna element 1360 through the support structure 1350.

[0166] The antenna element unit may include a first connection structure 1341a. The first connection structure 1341a may be coupled to the first feed structure 1331a. The first connection structure 1341a may be disposed between a branch of the first distributor 1301a and the first feed structure 1331a. The first connection structure 1341a may electrically connect the branch of the first distributor 1301a and the first feed structure 1331a. The first connection structure 1341a may be configured to not only electrically connect but also reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance associated with the antenna element 1360 observed from the branch of the first distributor 1301a. That is, the shape 1390 of the first connection structure 1341a may be used as a matching network.

[0167] The antenna element unit may include a second connection structure 1341b. The second connection structure 1341b may be coupled to the second feed structure 1331b. The second connection structure 1341b may be disposed between a branch of the second distributor 1301b and the second feed structure 1331b. The second connection structure 1341b may electrically connect the branch of the second distributor 1301b and the second feed structure 1331b. Like the first connection structure 1341a, the second connection structure 1341b may also be configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance associated with the antenna element 1360 observed from the branch of the second distributor 1301b.

[0168] The antenna element unit may include a third connection structure 1342a. The third connection structure 1342a may be coupled to a third feed structure 1332a. The third connection structure 1342a may be disposed between a branch of the first distributor 1301a and the third feed structure 1332a. The third connection structure 1342a may electrically connect the branch of the first distributor 1301a and the third feed structure 1332a. In addition to the electrical connection, the third connection structure 1342a may be configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance associated with the antenna element 1360 observed from the branch of the first distributor 1301a.

[0169] The antenna element unit may include a fourth connection structure 1342b. The fourth connection structure 1342b may be coupled to a fourth feed structure 1332b. The fourth connection structure 1342b may be disposed between a branch of the second distributor 1301b and the fourth feed structure 1332b. The fourth connection structure 1342b may electrically connect a branch of the second distributor 1301b and the fourth feed structure 1332b. Like the third connection structure 1342a, the fourth connection structure 1342b may also be configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance associated with the antenna element 1360 observed from the branch of the second distributor 1301b. That is, the shape 1395 of the fourth connection structure 1342b may be used as a matching network.

[0170] Fig.14a and Fig.14b An example of a sub-array including antenna element units for 4 ports according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.14a and Fig.14b The antenna element units and subarrays for 4 ports are shown in Fig. 9 The various examples of the shape of the connection structure mentioned in apply to the antenna element units and subarrays. Fig.14a and Fig.14b A 3×1 subarray is shown, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. As another example, the subarray may be a 4×1 subarray. As yet another example, the subarray may be a 3×2 subarray.

[0171] Reference Fig.14a , the antenna element unit of subarray 1250 may include a first connection structure for the first polarization, a second connection structure for the second polarization, a third connection structure for the first polarization, and a fourth connection structure for the second polarization. Hereinafter, the description of the connection structure may be applied to all of the first connection structure, the second connection structure, the third connection structure, and the fourth connection structure.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the connection structure for the sub-array 1250 of the 4 ports is a component of the connection structure and may include a connection portion, a linear portion, a protruding portion, and one or more short posts. The connection structure for the sub-array 1250 of the 4 ports may correspond to Figure 3 , Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 5 , Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 6c , Figure 6d , Figure 7 , Figure 8a and Figure 8b 1. However, the antenna element unit 331 may include two connection structures, while the connection structure of the subarray 1250 for 4 ports may include four connection structures. The connection structures of the same polarization may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the antenna element.

[0173] The shape of the connection structure may be determined for the matching network of each antenna element. Therefore, in the design step of the subarray module, the shape of the appropriate connection structure may be determined. At least a portion of the components of the connection structure may be omitted according to the characteristic impedance of the antenna element. For example, at least one of the protrusion or the short column may be omitted in order to configure the required matching circuit.

[0174] According to an embodiment, the connection structure of the sub-array 1410 for 4 ports may include a connection portion, a linear portion, and a protruding portion as components of the connection structure. The connection structure of the sub-array 1250 for 4 ports may correspond to Fig. 9 . However, the antenna element unit 910 may include two connection structures, while the connection structure of the subarray 1410 for 4 ports may include four connection structures. The connection structures of the same polarization may be arranged symmetrically about the center of the antenna element.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the connection structure of the sub-array 1420 for 4 ports may include a connection portion, a linear portion, and two short posts as components of the connection structure. The connection structure of the sub-array 1420 for 4 ports may correspond to Fig. 9 . However, the antenna element unit 920 may include two connection structures, while the connection structure of the subarray 1420 for 4 ports may include four connection structures. The connection structures of the same polarization may be arranged symmetrically about the center of the antenna element.

[0176] Reference Fig.14bAccording to one embodiment, the connection structure of the sub-array 1430 for 4 ports may include a connection portion, a linear portion, and a short column as components of the connection structure. The connection structure of the sub-array 1430 for 4 ports may correspond to Fig. 9 . However, the antenna element unit 930 may include two connection structures, while the connection structure of the subarray 1430 for 4 ports may include four connection structures. The connection structures of the same polarization may be arranged symmetrically about the center of the antenna element.

[0177] According to an embodiment, the connection structure for the 4-port sub-array 1440 may include a connection portion and a linear portion as components of the connection structure. The connection structure for the 4-port sub-array 1440 may correspond to Fig. 9 . However, the antenna element unit 940 may include two connection structures, while the connection structure of the subarray 1440 for 4 ports may include four connection structures. The connection structures of the same polarization may be arranged symmetrically about the center of the antenna element.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the connection structure of the sub-array 1450 for 4 ports may include a connection portion, a linear portion, and two short posts as components of the connection structure. The connection structure of the sub-array 1450 for 4 ports may correspond to Fig. 9 . However, the antenna element unit 950 may include two connection structures, while the connection structure of the subarray 1450 for 4 ports may include four connection structures. The connection structures of the same polarization may be arranged symmetrically about the center of the antenna element.

[0179] Fig.15 1510 shows a functional configuration of an electronic device including an antenna array having antenna element units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device 1510 may be Figure 1 In addition, unlike the illustration, the present disclosure does not exclude that the described antenna structure or the electronic device 1510 including the antenna structure can be Figure 1 is implemented in the terminal 120. Figures 1 to 14b The mentioned antenna structure itself and the electronic device including the antenna structure are included in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device 1510 may include an antenna structure including a decoupling coupler disposed between power dividers electrically connected to sub-arrays.

[0180] Reference Fig.15, showing a functional configuration of an electronic device 1510. The electronic device 1510 may include an antenna unit 1511, a filter unit 1512, a radio frequency (RF) processing unit 1513, and a controller 1514.

[0181] The antenna unit 1511 may include multiple antennas. The antenna performs the function of sending and receiving signals through a wireless channel. The antenna may include a conductor formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB or a dielectric) or a radiator made of a conductive pattern. The antenna may radiate an up-converted signal on a wireless channel or obtain a signal radiated by another device. Each antenna may be referred to as an antenna element or an antenna monomer. In some embodiments, the antenna unit 1511 may include an antenna array in which multiple antenna elements form an array. The antenna unit 1511 may be electrically connected to the filter unit 1512 via an RF signal line. The antenna unit 1511 may be mounted on a PCB including multiple antenna elements. The PCB may include multiple RF signal lines connecting each antenna element and a filter of the filter unit 1512. Such an RF signal may be referred to as a feed network. The antenna unit 1511 may provide the received signal to the filter unit 1512 or radiate the signal provided from the filter unit 1512 into the air.

[0182] The antenna unit 1511 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more sub-array modules. The sub-array module may include a distributor and an antenna element unit. Depending on the embodiment, an additional structure may be provided between the distributor and the feeding portion of the antenna element. Figure 1 , Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 3 , Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 5 , Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 6c , Figure 6d , Figure 7 , Figure 8a , Figure 8b , Fig. 9 , Fig.10a , Fig.10b , Fig.11 , Fig.12a , Figure 12b , Fig.13 , Fig.14a and Fig.14bAs described in, the antenna element unit may include an antenna element, a first feeding structure for a first polarization, a second feeding structure for a second polarization, a first connection structure for connecting the first feeding structure to a distributor branch, and a second connection structure for connecting the first feeding structure to a second distributor branch. The first distributor is a metal pattern for the first polarization, and the first distributor has a branch for each antenna element of the subarray. The second distributor is a metal pattern for the second polarization, and the second distributor has a branch for each antenna element of the subarray.

[0183] The additional structure (i.e., the connecting structure) acts as a matching network for the antenna elements in each path. Fig.15 Show Figure 3 The first antenna element unit 331 is an antenna having a decoupling coupler, but Fig. 9 , Fig.10a , Fig.10b , Fig.11 , Fig.12a , Figure 12b , Fig.13 , Fig.14a and Fig.14b The shape can also be Fig.15 Furthermore, in the case of a structure of a matching network for each antenna element, which is provided between a branch of a distributor and an antenna element, the following description can be applied.

[0184] The filter unit 1512 can perform filtering to transmit a signal of a desired frequency. The filter unit 1512 can perform a function of selectively identifying a frequency by forming a resonance. The filter unit 1512 may include at least one of a bandpass filter, a low-pass filter, a high-pass filter, or a band-stop filter. That is, the filter unit 1512 may include an RF circuit for obtaining a signal of a frequency band for transmission or a frequency band for reception. The filter unit 1512 according to various embodiments may be electrically connected to the antenna unit 1511 and the RF processing unit 1513.

[0185] The RF processing unit 1513 may include multiple RF paths. The RF path may be a unit of a path through which a signal received by an antenna or a signal radiated by an antenna passes. At least one RF path may be referred to as an RF chain. The RF chain may include multiple RF elements. The RF elements may include amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and the like. For example, the RF processing unit 1513 may include an up-converter that converts a baseband digital transmission signal to a transmission frequency and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that converts the up-converted digital transmission signal to an analog RF transmission signal. The up-converter and the DAC form part of the transmission path. The transmission path may also include a power amplifier (PA) or a coupler (or combiner). In addition, for example, the RF processing unit 1513 may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting an analog RF receive signal to a digital receive signal and a down-converter for converting a digital receive signal to a baseband digital receive signal. The ADC and the down-converter form part of the receiving path. The receiving path may also include a low noise amplifier (LNA) or a coupler (or divider). The RF components of the RF processing unit may be implemented in a PCB. The electronic device 1510 (eg, a base station) may include a structure stacked in the order of an antenna unit 1511, a filter unit 1512, and an RF processing unit 1513. The RF components of the antenna and the RF processing unit may be implemented on a PCB, and the filter may be repeatedly fastened between the PCB and the PCB to form multiple layers.

[0186] The controller 1514 can control the overall operation of the electronic device 1510. The controller 1514 may include various modules for performing communication. The controller 1514 may include at least one processor, such as a modem. The controller 1514 may include a module for digital signal processing. For example, the controller 1514 may include a modem. During data transmission, the controller 1514 generates complex symbols by encoding and modulating the transmission bit string. In addition, for example, when receiving data, the controller 1514 recovers the received bit string by demodulating and decoding the baseband signal. The controller 1514 can perform the functions of the protocol stack required by the communication standard.

[0187] Reference Fig.15 , the functional configuration of the electronic device 1510 is described as a device in which the antenna structure of the present disclosure can be utilized. However, Fig.15 The example shown is for using Figure 1 , Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 3 , Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 5 , Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 6c , Figure 6d , Figure 7 , Figure 8a , Figure 8b , Fig. 9 , Fig.10a , Fig.10b , Fig.11 , Fig.12a , Figure 12b , Fig.13 , Fig.14a , Fig.14b The exemplary configurations of the antenna structures according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in Fig.15 Therefore, antenna modules including antenna structures, communication devices with other configurations, and the antenna structures themselves may also be understood as embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0188] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a structure of an antenna array for improving the comprehensive radiation pattern of the antenna array. An additional structure can be provided between each antenna element and a branch of a distributor. The shape of the additional structure can be used for impedance matching of each corresponding antenna element. In other words, the additional structure connected to the antenna element can be used as a matching network.

[0189] Distortion between antenna elements in a subarray is reduced by impedance matching in the antenna element unit. The reduced distortion reduces the nonlinearity of the frequency characteristics. For example, the reduced distortion makes the signal amplitude between the antenna elements in the subarray equal to or close to the same value over a wide frequency range. In addition, for example, the reduced distortion provides a linear phase difference between the antenna elements in the subarray over a wide frequency range. This reduction in nonlinearity eliminates grating lobes in a wide frequency band. The antenna element unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can eliminate grating lobes in a wide frequency band by adding a matching network to the antenna element itself without increasing the overall size or reducing the gain. Therefore, an antenna array including an antenna element unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can provide high peak gain and a wide steering range in a wide frequency band.

[0190] According to one embodiment, an electronic device including a subarray module may include an antenna substrate, a plurality of antenna element units, a first distributor for a first polarization, and a second distributor for a second polarization. Each of the plurality of antenna element units may include an antenna element for transmitting a signal, a first feeding structure for the first polarization, a second feeding structure for the second polarization, a first connection structure for a branch of the first feeding structure and the first distributor, and a second connection structure for a branch of the second feeding structure and the second distributor.

[0191] According to an embodiment, the first connection structure may be configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance from the branch of the first divider to the antenna element. The second connection structure may be configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance from the branch of the second divider to the antenna element.

[0192] According to an embodiment, the first feeding structure and the second feeding structure may be arranged to support corresponding antenna elements.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the shape of the first connection structure may include a first connection portion connected to a branch of the first distributor and a first linear portion for feeding to the first feeding structure. The shape of the second connection structure may include a second connection portion connected to a branch of the second distributor and a second linear portion for feeding to the second feeding structure.

[0194] According to an embodiment, the shape of the first connection structure may further include a first convex portion having a shape curved relative to the second linear portion. The shape of the second connection structure may further include a second convex portion having a shape curved relative to the second linear portion.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the shape of the first connection structure may include at least one short column arranged in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction from the first connection structure to the first feeding structure. The shape of the second connection structure may include at least one short column arranged in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction from the second connection structure to the second feeding structure.

[0196] According to one embodiment, the antenna element unit may further include a third connection structure for a branch of the first distributor, a fourth connection structure for a branch of the second distributor, a third feeding structure connected to the third connection structure, and a fourth feeding structure connected to the fourth connection structure. The first feeding structure and the third feeding structure may be arranged based on the direction of the first polarization. The second feeding structure and the fourth feeding structure may be arranged based on the direction of the second polarization.

[0197] According to one embodiment, another antenna element unit among the multiple antenna element units may include another antenna element, a fifth feeding structure for another branch of the first distributor. The other antenna element unit may include a sixth feeding structure for another branch of the second distributor. The other antenna element unit may be used for a fifth feeding structure and a fifth connection structure for a branch of the first distributor and a sixth connection structure for a fifth feeding structure and a branch of the second distributor. The fifth feeding structure and the sixth feeding structure may be configured to reduce the reactance of the other antenna element.

[0198] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a metal plate for grounding. The antenna substrate may be provided on one surface of the metal plate.

[0199] According to an embodiment, the antenna substrate may be formed by at least a portion of a dielectric. The shape of the dielectric may include at least one supporting portion for supporting the antenna element of each of the plurality of antenna element units.

[0200] According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a processor, an RF processing chain, a filter module, and an antenna array module, wherein the antenna array module includes a plurality of subarrays. Each of the plurality of subarrays may include an antenna substrate, a plurality of antenna element units, a first distributor for a first polarization, and a second distributor for a second polarization. Each of the plurality of antenna element units may include an antenna element for transmitting a signal, a first feeding structure for the first polarization, a second feeding structure for the second polarization, a first connection structure for a branch of the first feeding structure and the first distributor, and a second connection structure for a branch of the second feeding structure and the second distributor.

[0201] According to an embodiment, the first connection structure may be configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance from the branch of the first divider to the antenna element. The second connection structure may be configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance from the branch of the second divider to the antenna element.

[0202] According to an embodiment, the first feeding structure and the second feeding structure may be arranged to support corresponding antenna elements.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the shape of the first connection structure may include a first connection portion connected to a branch of the first distributor and a first linear portion for feeding to the first feeding structure. The shape of the second connection structure may include a second connection portion connected to a branch of the second distributor and a second linear portion for feeding to the second feeding structure.

[0204] According to an embodiment, the shape of the first connection structure may further include a first convex portion having a shape curved relative to the second linear portion. The shape of the second connection structure may further include a second convex portion having a shape curved relative to the second linear portion.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the shape of the first connection structure may include at least one short column arranged in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction from the first connection structure to the first feeding structure. The shape of the second connection structure may include at least one short column arranged in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction from the second connection structure to the second feeding structure.

[0206] According to one embodiment, the antenna element unit may further include a third connection structure for a branch of the first distributor, a fourth connection structure for a branch of the second distributor, a third feeding structure connected to the third connection structure, and a fourth feeding structure connected to the fourth connection structure. The first feeding structure and the third feeding structure may be arranged based on the direction of the first polarization. The second feeding structure and the fourth feeding structure may be arranged based on the direction of the second polarization.

[0207] According to one embodiment, another antenna element unit among the multiple antenna element units may include another antenna element, a fifth feeding structure for another branch of the first distributor. The other antenna element unit may include a sixth feeding structure for another branch of the second distributor. The other antenna element unit may be used for a fifth feeding structure and a fifth connection structure for a branch of the first distributor and a sixth connection structure for a fifth feeding structure and a branch of the second distributor. The fifth feeding structure and the sixth feeding structure may be configured to reduce the reactance of the other antenna element.

[0208] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a metal plate for grounding. The antenna substrate may be provided on one surface of the metal plate.

[0209] According to an embodiment, the antenna substrate may be formed by at least a portion of a dielectric. The shape of the dielectric may include at least one supporting portion for supporting the antenna element of each of the plurality of antenna element units.

[0210] According to one embodiment, the shape of the first connection structure includes at least one short post arranged in a direction perpendicular to a feeding direction from the first connection structure to the first feeding structure, and the short post is configured to adjust a characteristic impedance of the antenna end.

[0211] According to one embodiment, the arrangement of stubs acts as a capacitor.

[0212] The methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or the specification of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0213] When implemented as software, a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. One or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium are configured to be executed by one or more processors in an electronic device. One or more programs include instructions for causing the electronic device to execute the method according to the claims or embodiments described in the specification of the present disclosure.

[0214] Such a program (software module, software) may be stored in a random access memory, a non-volatile memory (including flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic disk storage device, a compact disk-ROM (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), or other forms of optical storage devices, magnetic tape cassettes). Alternatively, it may be stored in a memory configured with some or all of these combinations. Furthermore, each configured memory may include multiple.

[0215] In addition, the program may be stored in an attachable storage device accessible via a communication network, such as the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or a storage area network (SAN), or a combination thereof. Such a storage device may be connected to the apparatus for executing the embodiments of the present disclosure via an external port. In addition, a separate storage device on a communication network may access the apparatus for executing the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0216] In the above specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the components included in the present disclosure are expressed in the singular or plural according to the specific embodiments presented. However, the singular or plural expression is appropriately selected for the presented situation for the convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components, and even if the component is expressed in the plural, it can be configured as a singular, or even if it is expressed in the singular, it can be configured as a plural.

[0217] In addition, in the detailed description of the present disclosure, specific embodiments have been described, but it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within the limits not departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An electronic device including a subarray module, comprising: Antenna substrate; a plurality of antenna element units; a first distributor for a first polarization; as well as a second divider for a second polarization, and Each of the plurality of antenna element units comprises: Antenna element for transmitting a signal, a first feeding structure for said first polarization, a second feeding structure for said second polarization, a first connection structure for the first feed structure and the branches of the first distributor, and A second connection structure for the second feed structure and the branches of the second divider.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first connection structure is configured to reduce the reactance of a characteristic impedance from the branch of the first divider to the antenna element, and Wherein the second connection structure is configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance from the branch of the second divider to the antenna element.

3. The electronic device according to claims 1 to 2, wherein the first feed structure and the second feed structure are arranged to support corresponding antenna elements.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the first connection structure comprises a first connection portion coupled to the branch of the first distributor and a first linear portion for feeding to the first feeding structure, and The shape of the second connection structure includes a second connection portion coupled to the branch of the second distributor and a second linear portion for feeding to the second feeding structure.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the first connecting structure further includes a first convex portion having a shape curved relative to the first linear portion, and The shape of the second connection structure further includes a second convex portion having a shape curved relative to the second linear portion.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the first connecting structure includes at least one short column arranged in a direction perpendicular to a feeding direction from the first connecting structure to the first feeding structure, and The shape of the second connection structure includes at least one short column arranged in a direction perpendicular to a feeding direction from the second connection structure to the second feeding structure.

7. The electronic device according to claims 1 to 6, The antenna element unit further comprises: a third connection structure for the branches of said first distributor, a fourth connection structure for the branches of the second distributor, a third feeding structure connected to the third connecting structure, and a fourth feeding structure connected to the fourth connecting structure, wherein the first feeding structure and the third feeding structure are arranged based on the direction of the first polarization, and The second feeding structure and the fourth feeding structure are arranged based on the direction of the second polarization.

8. The electronic device according to claims 1 to 7, Another antenna element unit among the plurality of antenna element units comprises: Another antenna element, a fifth feeding structure for another branch of said first distributor, a sixth feeding structure for another branch of the second distributor, a fifth connection structure for the fifth feeding structure and the branches of the first distributor, and a sixth connection structure for the fifth feeding structure and the branches of the second distributor, and Wherein the fifth feed structure and the sixth feed structure are configured to reduce the reactance of the another antenna element.

9. The electronic device according to claims 1 to 8, comprising a metal plate for grounding, and The antenna substrate is disposed on one surface of the metal plate.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1 to 9, wherein the antenna substrate is formed by at least a portion of a dielectric, and The shape of the dielectric includes at least one supporting portion for supporting the antenna element of each of the plurality of antenna element units.

11. An electronic device comprising: processor; Radio frequency (RF) processing chain; filter; as well as The antenna array module includes a plurality of sub-array modules. Each of the plurality of sub-array modules comprises: Antenna substrate, Multiple antenna element units, a first divider for a first polarization, and a second divider for a second polarization, and Each of the plurality of antenna element units comprises: Antenna element for transmitting a signal, a first feeding structure for said first polarization, a second feeding structure for said second polarization, a first connection structure for the first feed structure and the branches of the first distributor, and A second connection structure for the second feed structure and the branches of the second divider.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the first connection structure is configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance from the branch of the first divider to the antenna element, and The second connection structure is configured to reduce the reactance of the characteristic impedance from the branch of the second divider to the antenna element.

13. The electronic device of claims 11 to 12, wherein the first feed structure and the second feed structure are arranged to support corresponding antenna elements.

14. The electronic device according to claims 11 to 13, wherein the shape of the first connection structure comprises a first connection portion coupled to the branch of the first distributor and a first linear portion for feeding to the first feeding structure, and The shape of the second connection structure includes a second connection portion coupled to the branch of the second distributor and a second linear portion for feeding to the second feeding structure.

15. The electronic device according to claims 11 to 14, wherein the shape of the first connecting structure further includes a first convex portion having a shape curved relative to the second linear portion, and The shape of the second connecting structure further includes a second protrusion having a shape curved relative to the second linear portion.

Images