Antenna module and communication device equipped with same

Abstract

An antenna module (100) is provided with an RFIC (110) and a radiating element (121) including a first element (121A) and a second element (121B), and signals are transmitted and received between the antenna module (100) and a BBIC (200). An RFIC (110) comprises: a transmission circuit for supplying a high-frequency signal to a radiating element (121); and a reception circuit for receiving the high-frequency signal from the radiating element (121). Intermediate frequency signals are transmitted and received between the RFIC (110) and the BBIC (200). The first intermediate frequency signal (IF1) is used in communication between the transmission circuit and the BBIC (200). The second intermediate frequency signal (IF2) is used in communication between the receiving circuit and the BBIC (200). When the amount of change in the reception level of the high-frequency signal received by the reception circuit during the transmission of the high-frequency signal from the transmission circuit exceeds a predetermined value, the RFIC (110) stops the radiation of the radio waves from the first element (121A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna module and a communication device equipped with the antenna module, and more particularly, to a technology for improving the radiation efficiency in an array antenna. Background Art

[0002] The following antenna module is disclosed in International Publication No. 2020 / 170722 (Patent Document 1): In a dielectric substrate formed of a flat plate bent into a substantially L-shape, radiating elements are arranged on two surfaces having different normal directions. In the antenna module disclosed in International Publication No. 2020 / 170722 (Patent Document 1), radio waves can be radiated in different directions from the radiating elements on each surface of the dielectric substrate.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 170722 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] An antenna module as disclosed in International Publication No. 2020 / 170722 (Patent Document 1) is sometimes used in a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet computer. In the portable terminal, the antenna module is arranged near an end portion inside a housing.

[0008] Generally, the user holds the portable terminal in his hand to operate it, but depending on how the user holds it, the radiation element in the antenna module may be covered by the user's hand. In this case, even if a high-frequency signal is provided to the radiation element, the radio wave cannot be properly radiated from the radiation element. As a result, the radiation power is wasted and the radiation capability is reduced.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to suppress a decrease in radiation efficiency when an obstacle exists on a radiating element of an antenna module.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] The antenna module involved in the present disclosure has a first radiating element including a first element and a second element, and a high-frequency circuit, and the antenna module transmits and receives signals with a baseband circuit. The high-frequency circuit includes: a transmitting circuit, which is used to provide a high-frequency signal to the first radiating element; and a receiving circuit, which is used to receive the high-frequency signal from the first radiating element. The high-frequency circuit transmits and receives intermediate frequency signals with the baseband circuit. A first intermediate signal is used in the communication between the transmitting circuit and the baseband circuit. A second intermediate signal different from the first intermediate signal is used in the communication between the receiving circuit and the baseband circuit. When a first condition is met, the high-frequency circuit stops radiating radio waves from the first element, wherein the first condition is the following condition: the change in the reception level of the high-frequency signal received by the receiving circuit during the period when the high-frequency signal is sent from the transmitting circuit exceeds a predetermined specified value.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] In the antenna module involved in the present disclosure, different intermediate frequency (IF: Intermediate Frequency) signals are used. When the reception level of the received signal when the high-frequency signal is sent from the transmitting circuit to the first element to radiate the radio wave and the transmitted radio wave is received by the receiving circuit exceeds a predetermined value, the radiation of the radio wave from the first element is stopped. Thus, the feeding of the element that cannot properly radiate the radio wave due to obstacles is suppressed, so that the useless power consumption can be reduced. As a result, the reduction of radiation efficiency can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a communication device to which the antenna module according to the first embodiment is applied.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining a hybrid coupler.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining an example of arrangement of an antenna module in a mobile terminal.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining the obstacle detection method in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a flowchart for explaining the foreign object detection process and antenna selection process in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining the obstacle detection method in the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a communication device to which the antenna module according to the third embodiment is applied.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the obstacle detection method in the third embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 9 This is the first diagram showing a setting example when a Butler matrix circuit is used to radiate radio waves from one element.

[0023] Fig.10 This is a second diagram showing a setting example when a Butler matrix circuit is used to radiate radio waves from one element.

[0024] Fig.11 The third diagram shows a setting example when a Butler matrix circuit is used to radiate radio waves from one element.

[0025] Fig.12 FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing a setting example when a radio wave is radiated from one element using a Butler matrix circuit.

[0026] Fig.13 This is the first diagram showing a setting example when a Butler matrix circuit is used to radiate radio waves from two elements.

[0027] Fig.14 This is a second diagram showing a setting example when a Butler matrix circuit is used to radiate radio waves from two elements.

[0028] Fig.15 The third diagram shows a setting example when radio waves are radiated from two elements using a Butler matrix circuit.

[0029] Fig.16 FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing a setting example when radio waves are radiated from two elements using a Butler matrix circuit.

[0030] Fig.17 FIG. 5 is a fifth diagram showing a setting example when radio waves are radiated from two elements using a Butler matrix circuit.

[0031] Fig.18 FIG. 6 is a sixth diagram showing a setting example when radio waves are radiated from two elements using a Butler matrix circuit.

[0032] Fig.19 This is the first diagram showing a setting example when a Butler matrix circuit is used to radiate radio waves from three elements.

[0033] Fig. 20 This is a second diagram showing a setting example when a Butler matrix circuit is used to radiate radio waves from three elements.

[0034] Fig.21 The third diagram shows a setting example when radio waves are radiated from three elements using a Butler matrix circuit.

[0035] Fig. 22 FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing a setting example when radio waves are radiated from three elements using a Butler matrix circuit.

[0036] Fig.23 It is a perspective view of an antenna module according to a fourth embodiment.

[0037] Fig.24 This is a block diagram of a communication device to which the antenna module according to the fourth embodiment is applied.

[0038] Fig.25 This is a flowchart for explaining the obstacle detection process and antenna switching process in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, and their description will not be repeated.

[0040] [Implementation Method 1]

[0041] (Basic structure of communication device)

[0042] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of a communication device 10 to which the antenna module 100 according to the present embodiment is applied. The communication device 10 is, for example, a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, or a tablet computer, a personal computer with a communication function, etc. An example of a frequency band of radio waves used for the antenna module 100 according to the present embodiment is a radio wave in a millimeter wave band with a center frequency of 28 GHz, 39 GHz, or 60 GHz, but radio waves in frequency bands other than the above can also be applied.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 The communication device 10 includes an antenna module 100 and a BBIC 200 constituting a baseband signal processing circuit. The antenna module 100 includes an RFIC 110 as an example of a high-frequency circuit, an antenna device 120, a phase shifter 140, and hybrid couplers 150A to 150D. In the following description, the hybrid couplers 150A to 150D are sometimes collectively referred to as "hybrid couplers 150".

[0044] The communication device 10 up-converts the signal transmitted from the BBIC 200 to the antenna module 100 into a high frequency signal and radiates it from the antenna device 120 , and down-converts the high frequency signal received by the antenna device 120 and processes the signal through the BBIC 200 .

[0045] The antenna device 120 includes a dielectric substrate 130 and radiation elements 121A to 121D disposed on the dielectric substrate 130. Figure 1, as an example, a structure in which four radiating elements 121A to 121D are arranged on the dielectric substrate 130 is shown, but the number of radiating elements arranged on the dielectric substrate 130 is not limited thereto. Figure 1 , an example is shown in which the radiating elements 121A to 121D are arranged in a one-dimensional array on the dielectric substrate 130 , but the radiating elements may be arranged in a two-dimensional array on the dielectric substrate 130 .

[0046] In the following description, the radiating elements 121A to 121D may be collectively referred to as “radiating element 121.” In Embodiment 1, the radiating element 121 is a microstrip antenna having a substantially square plate shape. The shape of the radiating element 121 may be circular, elliptical, or other polygonal shapes.

[0047] The radiation element 121 is a so-called dual-polarization type antenna module that can radiate radio waves in two different polarization directions. A feeding point SP1A for radiating radio waves in a first polarization direction and a feeding point SP1B for radiating radio waves in a second polarization direction are arranged in the radiation element 121. In the first embodiment, the two polarization directions are orthogonal.

[0048] RFIC 110 includes switches 111A to 111H, 113A to 113H, 117A, and 117B, power amplifiers 112AT to 112HT, low noise amplifiers 112AR to 112HR, attenuators 114A to 114H, phase shifters 115A to 115H, signal synthesizers / distributors 116A and 116B, mixers 118A and 118B, and amplifier circuits 119A and 119B. The switches 111A to 111D, 113A to 113D, 117A, power amplifiers 112AT to 112DT, low noise amplifiers 112AR to 112DR, attenuators 114A to 114D, phase shifters 115A to 115D, signal synthesizer / distributor 116A, mixer 118A, and amplifier circuit 119A are circuits for radiating high-frequency signals of radio waves in a first polarization direction. The first intermediate frequency signal IF1 is provided to the circuit from BBIC 200.

[0049] In addition, the switches 111E to 111H, 113E to 113H, 117B, power amplifiers 112ET to 112HT, low noise amplifiers 112ER to 112HR, attenuators 114E to 114H, phase shifters 115E to 115H, signal synthesizer / distributor 116B, mixer 118B, and amplifier circuit 119B are circuits for radiating high-frequency signals of radio waves in a second polarization direction. The second intermediate frequency signal IF2 different from the first intermediate frequency signal IF1 is supplied from BBIC 200 to the circuit.

[0050] When transmitting a high-frequency signal, switches 111A to 111H and 113A to 113H are switched to the power amplifiers 112AT to 112HT, and switches 117A and 117B are connected to the transmitting-side amplifiers of amplifier circuits 119A and 119B. When receiving a high-frequency signal, switches 111A to 111H and 113A to 113H are switched to the low-noise amplifiers 112AR to 112HR, and switches 117A and 117B are connected to the receiving-side amplifiers of amplifier circuits 119A and 119B. In addition, in the RFIC 110 of the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment, different intermediate frequency signals are used in the circuit for the first polarization and the circuit for the second polarization, so that the circuit for the first polarization can be set as a transmitting circuit and the circuit for the second polarization can be set as a receiving circuit.

[0051] The signal transmitted from BBIC 200 is amplified by amplifier circuits 119A and 119B and then up-converted by mixers 118A and 118B. The up-converted transmission signal, which is a high-frequency signal, is divided into four by signal synthesizers / distributors 116A and 116B. In addition, signal synthesizers / distributors 116A and 116B can also be switching circuits that can connect one input terminal to any of four output terminals. The directivity of the radio waves output from the radiating elements of each substrate can be adjusted by independently adjusting the phase shift of phase shifters 115A to 115H configured in each signal path. In addition, attenuators 114A to 114H adjust the strength of the transmission signal.

[0052] The output ports P1 to P8 connected to the switches 111A to 111H, respectively, are connected to the corresponding hybrid couplers 150 via the phase shifters 140. The output terminals of the hybrid couplers 150 are connected to the corresponding feeding points of the radiating element 121.

[0053] More specifically, signals from output ports P1 and P2 are input to two input terminals of the hybrid coupler 150A, respectively. One output terminal of the hybrid coupler 150A is connected to the feed point SP1A of the radiating element 121A. In addition, the other output terminal of the hybrid coupler 150A is connected to the feed point SP1A of the radiating element 121B. Signals from output ports P3 and P4 are input to two input terminals of the hybrid coupler 150B, respectively. One output terminal of the hybrid coupler 150B is connected to the feed point SP1A of the radiating element 121C. In addition, the other output terminal of the hybrid coupler 150B is connected to the feed point SP1A of the radiating element 121D.

[0054] The signals from the output ports P5 and P6 are input to the two input terminals of the hybrid coupler 150C, respectively. One output terminal of the hybrid coupler 150C is connected to the feed point SP1B of the radiating element 121A. In addition, the other output terminal of the hybrid coupler 150C is connected to the feed point SP1B of the radiating element 121B. The signals from the output ports P7 and P8 are input to the two input terminals of the hybrid coupler 150D, respectively. One output terminal of the hybrid coupler 150D is connected to the feed point SP1B of the radiating element 121C. In addition, the other output terminal of the hybrid coupler 150D is connected to the feed point SP1B of the radiating element 121D.

[0055] The phase shifter 140 is configured to independently change the phase of the signal input from each output port to the hybrid coupler 150. Figure 2 As described later, the power of the two output signals can be adjusted by adjusting the phase difference between the two input signals of the hybrid coupler 150. In addition, the phase shifter 140 is not essential, and the phase of the signal input to the hybrid coupler 150 may be adjusted by the phase shifters 115A to 115H arranged in each signal path. Alternatively, the beam direction may be adjusted by the phase shifter 140 without providing the phase shifters 115A to 115H.

[0056] The received signals as high frequency signals received by the radiating elements 121 are transmitted to the RFIC 110, and are combined in the signal combiners / distributors 116A and 116B after passing through four different signal paths. The combined received signals are down-converted by the mixers 118A and 118B, and further amplified by the amplifier circuits 119A and 119B before being transmitted to the BBIC 200.

[0057] The RFIC 110 is formed, for example, as a single-chip integrated circuit component including the above-mentioned circuit structure. Alternatively, the devices (switches, power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, attenuators, phase shifters) corresponding to the radiation elements 121A and 121B in the RFIC 110 may be formed as a single-chip integrated circuit component for each corresponding radiation element.

[0058] In addition, Figure 1 In the embodiment, the phase shifter 140 and the hybrid coupler 150 are described independently from the RFIC 110 and the antenna device 120 . However, the phase shifter 140 and the hybrid coupler 150 may be configured in the RFIC 110 or in the antenna device 120 .

[0059] (Explanation of Hybrid Coupler)

[0060] Next, refer to Figure 2The hybrid coupler 150 is described below. Figure 2 In the description, the case of the hybrid coupler 150A is taken as an example.

[0061] The hybrid coupler 150 has a structure in which two input terminals IN1 and IN2, two output terminals OUT1 and OUT2, two first lines 1501 having a characteristic impedance Zo, and two second lines 1502 having an impedance Zo / √2 are combined. In the case of the hybrid coupler 150A, the input terminals IN1 and IN2 are connected to the output ports P1 and P2, respectively.

[0062] More specifically, one second line 1502 is connected between the input terminal IN1 (first input terminal) and the output terminal OUT1 (first output terminal), and the other second line 1502 is connected between the input terminal IN2 (second input terminal) and the output terminal OUT2 (second output terminal). In addition, the input terminal IN1 and the input terminal IN2 are connected via one first line 1501, and the output terminal OUT1 and the output terminal OUT2 are connected via the other first line 1501. When the wavelength of the high-frequency signal supplied to each radiating element in the dielectric substrate 130 is λ, the lengths of the first line 1501 and the second line 1502 are both set to λ / 4.

[0063] The corresponding radiating elements 121 are connected to the output terminals OUT1 and OUT2 respectively via the feed wirings 171 and 172. In the case of the hybrid coupler 150A, the radiating element 121A is connected to the output terminal OUT1, and the radiating element 121B is connected to the output terminal OUT2.

[0064] The difference between the wiring length L1 of the feeding wiring 171 and the wiring length L2 of the feeding wiring 172 is set to nλ (n is an integer greater than or equal to zero). Therefore, when high-frequency signals of the same phase are output from the output terminals OUT1 and OUT2, radio waves of the same phase are radiated from the radiating elements 121A and 121B.

[0065] In the hybrid coupler 150, when a high-frequency signal having a phase difference of +90° with respect to the input terminal IN1 is supplied to the input terminal IN2, a high-frequency signal having twice the power is output from the output terminal OUT1, but a high-frequency signal is not output from the output terminal OUT2. Conversely, when a high-frequency signal having a phase difference of -90° with respect to the input terminal IN1 is supplied to the input terminal IN2, a high-frequency signal having twice the power is output from the output terminal OUT2, but a high-frequency signal is not output from the output terminal OUT1.

[0066] Furthermore, when the phase difference θ of the high-frequency signal supplied to the input terminal IN2 relative to the high-frequency signal supplied to the input terminal IN1 is adjusted within the range of -90°<θ<90°, power of a ratio corresponding to the phase difference is output from the output terminals OUT1 and OUT2. For example, when the phase difference θ is adjusted to 0°, high-frequency signals of the same power are output from the output terminals OUT1 and OUT2. That is, the hybrid coupler 150 functions as a synthesizer and a demultiplexer.

[0067] In addition, Figure 2 In the description of FIG1 , the terminal connected to RFIC 110 is called an "input terminal" and the terminal connected to RFIC 121 is called an "output terminal" on the premise that radio waves are radiated from radiating element 121. However, in the case of receiving radio waves through radiating element 121, the terminal connected to radiating element 121 becomes an "output terminal" and the terminal connected to RFIC 110 becomes an "output terminal". Similarly, in the description of the hybrid coupler and the Butler matrix circuit described later, the terminal on the radiating element 121 side is called an "input terminal" and the terminal on the RFIC 110 side is called an "output terminal" for convenience, but the actual input direction and output direction of the signal are not limited.

[0068] (Obstacle detection processing)

[0069] Figure 3 This illustrates a state where the user holds the communication device 10. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the communication device 10 is a smart phone, and the housing 15 is composed of a housing 30 and a display screen 40. When the user holds the smart phone in one hand, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1A , the communication device 10 is held in a vertically long manner with the rectangular display screen 40 formed as a part of the housing 15. In this case, the portion below the center in the longitudinal direction of the housing 15 is covered by the user's hand.

[0070] In addition, in the case where a user is viewing a moving image on a smartphone, Figure 4 As shown in (B), the communication device 10 is held in a horizontally long manner with the display screen 40. In this case, the corner portion of the housing 15 below the center in the short side direction is easily covered by the user's hand.

[0071] In flat-plate-shaped communication devices such as smartphones and tablet computers, in order to improve the communication quality, the use of structures with multiple antennas is increasing. On the other hand, the demand for thinner and larger-screen communication devices is also increasing, and the proportion of the display screen in the housing is gradually expanding. As the display screen of the communication device, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel is generally used, but in this display screen, conductor wiring is arranged in a grid shape on the surface or inside of the entire screen to detect the user's touch position. That is, the display screen will function as a shield for the antenna that radiates radio waves.

[0072] Therefore, in such a communication terminal, the antenna Figure 3 In many cases, the communication device is disposed at the end or corner of the housing, as in the positions 11A to 11D in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, depending on how the user holds the device, the user's hand may overlap with a position where the antenna is easily disposed, and thus radio waves may not be properly radiated from the antenna.

[0073] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the "obstacle detection process" of detecting whether there is an obstacle on each radiating element and the "antenna selection process" of stopping the radiation of radio waves from the radiating element where an obstacle exists are executed, thereby reducing the useless power consumption.

[0074] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining the obstacle detection method in Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, for each radiating element 121, a high-frequency signal is sent to a feeding point in one polarization direction to radiate radio waves, and a reflected wave of the radiated radio waves is received using a path in the other polarization direction, and the reception level of the received signal is measured, thereby detecting whether there is an obstacle on the radiating element 121.

[0075] exist Figure 4 In the example, for ease of explanation, the circuits of the radiation elements 121A and 121B are described, but the same applies to the radiation elements 121C and 121D.

[0076] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, the circuit using the first intermediate frequency signal IF1 in the RFIC 110 is set as a transmission circuit, and the circuit using the second intermediate frequency signal IF2 is set as a reception circuit by controlling the switches 111A to 111H and 113A to 113H by the BBIC 200. The first intermediate frequency signal IF1 is up-converted into a high frequency signal RF1 by the transmission circuit, and then input to the hybrid coupler 150A via the phase shifter 140. At this time, by adjusting the phase shifter 140, for example, the high frequency signal is provided only to the feeding point SP1A of the radiating element 121A.

[0077] The feed point SP1B of the radiating element 121A is connected to the receiving circuit of the RFIC 110 via the hybrid coupler 150C and the phase shifter 140. Thus, the high frequency signal RF2 received by the radiating element 121A is down-converted by the RFIC 110, and the obtained second intermediate frequency signal IF2 is output to the BBIC 200.

[0078] BBIC 220 detects the amount of change in the reception level (RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the signal received by the radiating element 121A. When there is no obstacle on the radiating element 121A, there is no reflection of the radiated radio waves, so the reception level of the received signal becomes low. On the other hand, when there is an obstacle on the radiating element 121A, the radiated radio waves are reflected by the obstacle, so the reception level of the received signal becomes relatively high. That is, in BBIC 200, when the condition (first condition) that the amount of change in the strength of RSSI becomes greater than the prescribed value is satisfied, it can be determined that there is an obstacle on the radiating element 121A.

[0079] By sequentially performing such measurement on the radiating elements 121A to 121D, it is possible to determine whether there is an obstacle on each radiating element 121. Furthermore, when it is determined that there is an obstacle on a certain radiating element 121, the BBIC 200 adjusts the phase shifter 140 when radiating the measured radio waves so that a high-frequency signal is not provided to the radiating element 121 with the obstacle. Thus, the power consumption of the radiating element 121 with the obstacle can be suppressed.

[0080] Furthermore, at this time, if the amplification capacity of the power amplifier in the RFIC 110 is sufficient, the gain of the power amplifier can be adjusted to increase the power supplied to the radiating element 121 where no obstacle exists, thereby preventing the total intensity of the radio waves radiated from the antenna device 120 from decreasing. In this way, the power supplied from the BBIC 200 can be efficiently utilized, thereby suppressing the decrease in the radiation efficiency of the radiation radiated from the antenna device 120.

[0081] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a flowchart for explaining the foreign object detection process and the antenna selection process in Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, the process executed in BBIC 200 is described. Figure 5 The flowchart is an example of the flowchart, but it can also be executed by other control units other than BBIC 200 Figure 5 Flowchart of the process.

[0082] Reference Figure 5BBIC 200 measures the change in RSSI level during the normal reception process in step (hereinafter, step is simplified as S.) 100. Then, in S110, BBIC 200 determines whether the change in RSSI is greater than a predetermined value α, that is, whether the first condition is satisfied.

[0083] When the RSSI change amount is less than or equal to the predetermined value α (No in S110 ), BBIC 200 determines that there is no obstacle on radiating element 121 , skips the subsequent steps, ends the processing, and continues the normal transmission and reception processing.

[0084] When the amount of change in RSSI is greater than the predetermined value α (YES in S110 ), the process proceeds to S120 , and BBIC 200 determines that an obstacle exists on any radiating element 121 of antenna device 120 .

[0085] Then, in S130, if Figure 4 As described in , BBIC 200 measures the amount of change in RSSI for each radiating element 121 independently and sequentially to identify the radiating element 121 with an obstacle. Then, BBIC 200 sets the radiating element 121 not to transmit a high-frequency signal to the identified radiating element 121 by turning off the switch in RFIC 110 and / or adjusting the phase shift of phase shifter 140, thereby stopping the radiation of radio waves from the radiating element 121 during the transmission process. Figure 5 Although not shown, at the same time, the power of the high-frequency signal transmitted to the radiating element 121 determined as having no obstacle may be increased.

[0086] Furthermore, the stop of the high frequency signal to the identified radiating element 121 is restored after a predetermined time has passed or at the next reception process. Thus, when the obstacle disappears, all the radiating elements 121 can be used to radiate radio waves.

[0087] By performing control according to the above-described processing, in the antenna module having an array structure, it is possible to reduce wasteful power consumption associated with obstacles and suppress a decrease in radiation efficiency.

[0088] The “radiating element 121” in Embodiment 1 corresponds to the “first radiating element” in the present disclosure. The “radiating element 121A” and the “radiating element 121B” in Embodiment 1 correspond to the “first element” and the “second element” in the present disclosure, respectively. The “RFIC 110” in Embodiment 1 corresponds to the “high frequency circuit” in the present disclosure. The “BBIC 200” in Embodiment 1 corresponds to the “baseband circuit” in the present disclosure. The “first intermediate frequency signal IF1” and the “second intermediate frequency signal IF2” in Embodiment 1 correspond to the “first intermediate signal” and the “second intermediate signal” in the present disclosure, respectively. The “feeding point SP1A” and the “feeding point SP1B” in Embodiment 1 correspond to the “first feeding point” and the “second feeding point” in the present disclosure, respectively. The “hybrid coupler 150A” and the “hybrid coupler 150C” in Embodiment 1 correspond to the “first hybrid coupler” and the “second hybrid coupler” in the present disclosure, respectively.

[0089] [Implementation Method 2]

[0090] In Embodiment 1, the following structure is described: based on the RSSI when radio waves are radiated from one of the circuits connected to different feeding points in the same radiating element and the reflected waves of the radio waves are received by the circuit connected to the other feeding point, it is determined whether there is an obstacle on the radiating element.

[0091] In the second embodiment, a configuration is described in which the presence or absence of an obstacle is determined based on RSSI when radio waves are radiated and received between different radiating elements of an array antenna.

[0092] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining the obstacle detection method in the second embodiment. Figure 6 The device structure in the embodiment is substantially the same as that in the embodiment 1. Figure 4 The structure is the same, so the details are not repeated.

[0093] In implementation mode 2, Figure 6 As described in, the reflected wave of the radio wave radiated from the feeding point SP1A of the radiating element 121B is received by the receiving circuit connected to the feeding point SP1B of the radiating element 121A, and when the change amount of the RSSI level becomes larger than the prescribed value and the first condition is satisfied, it is determined that an obstacle exists in the range across the radiating element 121A and the radiating element 121B. Then, when it is determined that an obstacle exists, the radiation of radio waves from the radiating element 121A and the radiating element 121B is stopped.

[0094] Alternatively, the radiating element 121A may radiate radio waves, and the radiating element 121B may receive reflected waves for determination. Alternatively, the two radiating elements may not necessarily be adjacent to each other, and another radiating element may be disposed between the two radiating elements, such as the radiating element 121A and the radiating element 121C.

[0095] With such a configuration, even when an obstacle exists on the radiating element, it is possible to stop the radiation of radio waves from the radiating element, thereby suppressing the power consumption of the radiating element that cannot appropriately radiate radio waves.

[0096] Furthermore, in the second embodiment as well, it is possible to suppress a decrease in radiation efficiency by distributing power to be supplied to a radiating element that has stopped radiating due to an obstacle to other radiating elements.

[0097] [Implementation method 3]

[0098] In the third embodiment, a case will be described where the antenna module is a so-called dual-band type antenna module in which radiating elements capable of radiating radio waves in two different frequency bands are stacked.

[0099] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a communication device 10A that uses the antenna module 100A according to Embodiment 3. In addition to the structure of the antenna module 100, the antenna module 100A also includes an RFIC 110A, a phase shifter 145, and a hybrid coupler 155. In addition, the antenna module 100A includes an antenna device 120A instead of the antenna device 120. In addition to the structure of the antenna device 120A according to Embodiment 1, the antenna device 120A also includes radiation elements 122A to 122D. In addition, in the following description, the radiation elements 122A to 122D are also collectively referred to as "radiation elements 122". In addition, in Figure 7 In the present invention, descriptions of elements common to those of the antenna module 100 are not repeated.

[0100] In the antenna device 120A, the radiation elements 122A to 122D are provided corresponding to the radiation elements 122A to 122D. The element size of the radiation element 122 is larger than that of the radiation element 121. Therefore, radio waves of a frequency band lower than that of the radiation element 121 are radiated from the radiation element 122. The radiation elements 122 are respectively arranged to overlap with corresponding elements of the radiation element 121 when the dielectric substrate 130 is viewed from the normal direction. The radiation element 121 is arranged in the dielectric substrate 130 in a direction of radiation of the radio waves separated from the radiation element 122. That is, the antenna module 100A is a stacked dual-band type antenna module.

[0101] In the antenna module 100A, the RFIC 110 , the phase shifter 140 , and the hybrid coupler 150 are devices for the high-frequency-side radiating element 121 , and the RFIC 110A, the phase shifter 145 , and the hybrid coupler 155 are devices for the high-frequency-side radiating element 122 .

[0102] RFIC 110A, phase shifter 145, and hybrid coupler 155 have the same structure as RFIC 110, phase shifter 140, and hybrid coupler 150, respectively, and therefore, their details are omitted. RFIC 110 converts intermediate frequency signals IF1 and IF2 from BBIC 200 into high frequency signals and provides them to each feeding point of radiating element 121. In addition, RFIC 110A converts intermediate frequency signals IF3 and IF4 from BBIC 200 into high frequency signals and provides them to each feeding point of radiating element 122.

[0103] In addition, Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , due to space constraints, it is described that one feeding wiring is connected from the hybrid couplers 150 and 155 to each radiating element, but in fact, two feeding wirings connected to each feeding point are connected to each radiating element.

[0104] In this stacked antenna module, since the radiating element 121 is arranged in the radiation direction of the radio wave, the radiating element 122 arranged on the lower side of the dielectric substrate 130 is difficult to detect obstacles compared with the radiating element 121. Therefore, in the stacked antenna module, the radiating element on the higher frequency side is used to detect obstacles, that is, in the antenna module 100A, the radiating element 121 is used to detect obstacles.

[0105] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the obstacle detection method in Embodiment 3. Figure 8 In the embodiment 1, Figure 4 The low-frequency side radiating elements 122A to 122D are added. Figure 8 In the figure, the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit of the radiating element 122 are omitted.

[0106] Reference Figure 8In the antenna module 100A, the circuit connected to the feed point SP1A in each radiating element 121 is set as a transmitting circuit, and the circuit connected to the feed point SP1B is set as a receiving circuit. Moreover, for each radiating element 121, a high-frequency signal is provided to the feed point SP1A to radiate radio waves, and a reflected wave of the radio wave is received by the receiving circuit connected to the feed point SP1B. Moreover, when the RSSI of the received signal becomes greater than a specified value and the first condition is satisfied, the BBIC 200 determines that an obstacle exists on the reflective element. Moreover, for the radiating element determined to have an obstacle, the BBIC 200 stops the radiation of the radio wave of the radiating element by adjusting the switch and / or phase shifter 140, 145 in the RFIC.

[0107] By adopting such a structure, even in a stacked dual-band antenna module, the power consumption of the radiating element in the presence of an obstacle can be suppressed, and the reduction in the radiation efficiency radiated from the antenna device can be suppressed by increasing the power supplied to the radiating element in the obstacle.

[0108] In addition, in the antenna module 100A, obstacles may be detected based on transmission and reception of radio waves between different radiating elements as in the second embodiment.

[0109] The "radiating element 122" in Embodiment 3 corresponds to the "second radiating element" in the present disclosure. The "radiating element 122A" in Embodiment 3 corresponds to the "third element" in the present disclosure.

[0110] <Power Distribution Using Butler Matrix Circuit>

[0111] Next, use Figure 9 to Figure 22 The following describes an example of setting power distribution using a Butler matrix circuit. Figure 9 to Figure 22 In the following, when an obstacle is detected in a certain radiating element in the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, the setting of the input power and the setting of the phase shifter 140 are described so that radio waves are radiated with equal power from the remaining radiating elements.

[0112] Figures 9 to 12 This is a setting example in which radio waves are radiated from one of four radiating elements. Figure 13 to Figure 18 This is a setting example in which radio waves are radiated from two of the four radiating elements. Figure 19 to Figure 22 This is a setting example in which radio waves are radiated from three of the four radiating elements.

[0113] Reference Fig. 9First, the structure of the Butler matrix circuit 152 is described. The Butler matrix circuit 152 can be provided in place of the hybrid coupler 150 in the first embodiment. More specifically, one Butler matrix circuit is provided in place of the hybrid couplers 150A and 150B for the feed point SP1A of the radiating element 121, and one Butler matrix circuit is provided in place of the hybrid couplers 150C and 150D for the feed point SP1B. In addition, in the following description, a circuit that provides a high-frequency signal to the feed point SP1A is used as an example for description.

[0114] The Butler matrix circuit 152 includes four hybrid couplers 152A to 152D and two delay circuits 160A and 160B. In summary, the Butler matrix circuit 152 has a structure in which the hybrid couplers 152A and 152B and the hybrid couplers 152C and 152D are cascade-connected via the delay circuits 160A and 160B.

[0115] One input terminal (first input terminal) of the hybrid coupler 152A is connected to the output port P1 of the RFIC 110 via the phase shifter 140A. In addition, the other input terminal (second input terminal) of the hybrid coupler 152A is connected to the output port P2 of the RFIC 110 via the phase shifter 140B. Similarly, one input terminal (first input terminal) of the hybrid coupler 152B is connected to the output port P3 of the RFIC 110 via the phase shifter 140C. In addition, the other input terminal (second input terminal) of the hybrid coupler 152B is connected to the output port P4 of the RFIC 110 via the phase shifter 140D.

[0116] One output terminal (first output terminal) of the hybrid coupler 152A is connected to one input terminal (first input terminal) of the hybrid coupler 152C via the delay circuit 160A. In addition, the other output terminal (second output terminal) of the hybrid coupler 152A is connected to one input terminal (first input terminal) of the hybrid coupler 152D. One output terminal (first output terminal) of the hybrid coupler 152B is connected to the other input terminal (second input terminal) of the hybrid coupler 152C. In addition, the other output terminal (second output terminal) of the hybrid coupler 152B is connected to the other input terminal (second input terminal) of the hybrid coupler 152D via the delay circuit 160B. The delay circuits 160A and 160B lag the phase of the input signal by -45°.

[0117] One output terminal (first output terminal) of the hybrid coupler 152C is connected to the feed point SP1A of the radiating element 121A, and the other output terminal (second output terminal) is connected to the feed point SP1A of the radiating element 121B. One output terminal (first output terminal) of the hybrid coupler 152D is connected to the feed point SP1A of the radiating element 121C, and the other output terminal (second output terminal) is connected to the feed point SP1A of the radiating element 121D.

[0118] In such a configuration, by adjusting the magnitude and phase of the power of the signal input to each input terminal of the Butler matrix circuit 152 , it is possible to distribute power to the four radiating elements 121A to 121D.

[0119] In addition, the "radiating element 121C" and the "radiating element 121D" correspond to the "third element" and the "fourth element" in the present disclosure, respectively. The "hybrid couplers 152A to 152D" correspond to the "third hybrid coupler" to the "sixth hybrid coupler" in the present disclosure, respectively. The "delay circuit 160A" and the "delay circuit 160B" correspond to the "first delay circuit" and the "second delay circuit" in the present disclosure.

[0120] (a: Case of 1 element output)

[0121] use Figures 9 to 12 The following describes the setting when radio waves are radiated from any one of the radiating elements 121A to 121D. In the following description, the maximum power that can be supplied from the RFIC to each input terminal is set to 1.0.

[0122] (a-1: output from the radiation element 121A)

[0123] Fig. 9 This is a setting example when radio waves are radiated only from the radiation element 121A. In this case, the magnitudes of the powers input to the input terminals of the Butler matrix circuit 152 are all set to 1.0. Furthermore, the phases of the phase shifters 140A to 140D are set to 0°, 90°, 45°, and 135°, respectively.

[0124] By setting the power and phase of the input high-frequency signal in this way, it is possible to radiate radio waves with four times the power from the radiating element 121A.

[0125] (a-2: Output from the radiation element 121B)

[0126] Fig.10This is a setting example when radio waves are radiated only from the radiation element 121B. In this case, the magnitudes of the powers input to the input terminals of the Butler matrix circuit 152 are all set to 1.0. Furthermore, the phases of the phase shifters 140A to 140D are set to 0°, -270°, -135°, and -45°, respectively.

[0127] By setting the power and phase of the input high-frequency signal in this way, it is possible to radiate radio waves with four times the power from the radiating element 121B.

[0128] (a-3: Output from the radiation element 121C)

[0129] Fig.11 This is a setting example when radio waves are radiated only from the radiation element 121C. In this case, the magnitudes of the powers input to the input terminals of the Butler matrix circuit 152 are all set to 1.0. Furthermore, the phases of the phase shifters 140A to 140D are set to 0°, 270°, 135°, and 45°, respectively.

[0130] By setting the power and phase of the input high-frequency signal in this way, it is possible to radiate radio waves with four times the power from the radiating element 121C.

[0131] (a-4: Output from the radiation element 121D)

[0132] Fig.12 This is a setting example when radio waves are radiated only from the radiation element 121D. In this case, the magnitudes of the powers input to the input terminals of the Butler matrix circuit 152 are all set to 1.0. Furthermore, the phases of the phase shifters 140A to 140D are set to 0°, -90°, -45°, and -135°, respectively.

[0133] By setting the power and phase of the input high-frequency signal in this way, it is possible to radiate radio waves with four times the power from the radiating element 121D.

[0134] (b: Case of 2 element outputs)

[0135] Next, use Figure 13 to Figure 18 The following describes a setting in which radio waves are radiated from two of the four radiating elements 121A to 121D.

[0136] (b-1: Output from radiation elements 121A and 121B)

[0137] Fig.13This is a setting example when radio waves are radiated from the radiation elements 121A and 121B. In this case, the magnitudes of the powers input to the input terminals of the Butler matrix circuit 152 are all set to 1.0. Furthermore, the phases of the phase shifters 140A to 140D are set to 45°, 135°, 0°, and 90°, respectively.

[0138] By setting the power and phase of the input high-frequency signal in this manner, it is possible to radiate radio waves having twice the power from each of the radiating elements 121A and 121B.

[0139] (b-2: Output from radiation elements 121A and 121C)

[0140] Fig.14 This is a setting example when radio waves are radiated from the radiation elements 121A and 121C. In this case, the magnitude of the power input to the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152B in the Butler matrix circuit 152 is set to 1.0. On the other hand, the magnitude of the power input to the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152B is set to 0.41. In addition, the phases of the phase shifters 140A to 140D are set to 22.5°, 22.5°, 112.5°, and 112.5°, respectively.

[0141] By setting the power and phase of the input high-frequency signal in this manner, it is possible to radiate radio waves having 1.41 times the power from each of the radiating elements 121A and 121C.

[0142] (b-3: Output from radiation elements 121A and 121D)

[0143] Fig.15 This is a setting example when radio waves are radiated from the radiation elements 121A and 121D. In this case, the magnitude of the power input to the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the hybrid coupler 152B in the Butler matrix circuit 152 is set to 1.0. On the other hand, the magnitude of the power input to the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the hybrid coupler 152B is set to 0.41. In addition, the phases of the phase shifters 140A to 140D are set to 22.5°, 22.5°, 22.5°, and -157.5°, respectively.

[0144] By setting the power and phase of the input high-frequency signal in this manner, it is possible to radiate radio waves with 1.41 times the power from each of the radiating elements 121A and 121D.

[0145] (b-4: Output from radiation elements 121B and 121C)

[0146] Fig.16 This is a setting example when radio waves are radiated from the radiation elements 121B and 121C. In this case, the magnitude of the power input to the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152B in the Butler matrix circuit 152 is set to 1.0. On the other hand, the magnitude of the power input to the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152B is set to 0.41. In addition, the phases of the phase shifters 140A to 140D are set to 22.5°, -157.5°, -157.5°, and 22.5°, respectively.

[0147] By setting the power and phase of the input high-frequency signal in this manner, it is possible to radiate radio waves having 1.41 times the power from each of the radiating elements 121B and 121C.

[0148] (b-5: Output from radiation elements 121B and 121D)

[0149] Fig.17 This is a setting example when radio waves are radiated from the radiation elements 121B and 121D. In this case, the magnitude of the power input to the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152B in the Butler matrix circuit 152 is set to 1.0. On the other hand, the magnitude of the power input to the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152B is set to 0.41. In addition, the phases of the phase shifters 140A to 140D are set to 112.5°, 112.5°, 22.5°, and 22.5°, respectively.

[0150] By setting the power and phase of the input high-frequency signal in this manner, it is possible to radiate radio waves with 1.41 times the power from each of the radiating elements 121B and 121D.

[0151] (b-6: Output from radiation elements 121C and 121D)

[0152] Fig.18 This is a setting example when radio waves are radiated from the radiation elements 121C and 121D. In this case, the magnitudes of the powers input to the input terminals of the Butler matrix circuit 152 are all set to 1.0. Furthermore, the phases of the phase shifters 140A to 140D are set to 90°, 0°, 135°, and 45°, respectively.

[0153] By setting the power and phase of the input high-frequency signal in this manner, it is possible to radiate radio waves with twice the power from each of the radiating elements 121C and 121D.

[0154] (c: Case of 3 element outputs)

[0155] use Figure 19 to Figure 22 The following describes the setting in which radio waves are radiated from three radiating elements among the radiating elements 121A to 121D.

[0156] (c-1: output from radiation elements 121A, 121B, and 121C)

[0157] Fig.19 This is a setting example when radio waves are radiated from the radiation elements 121A, 121B, and 121C. In this case, the magnitude of the power input to the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152B in the Butler matrix circuit 152 is set to 1.0. On the other hand, the magnitude of the power input to the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152B is set to 0.45. In addition, the phases of the phase shifters 140A to 140D are set to 26.57°, -180°, 45°, and 71.57°, respectively.

[0158] By setting the power and phase of the input high-frequency signal in this manner, it is possible to radiate radio waves having a power 0.96 times greater than that of the radiation elements 121A, 121B, and 121C.

[0159] (c-2: Output from radiation elements 121A, 121C, and 121D)

[0160] Fig. 20 This is a setting example when radio waves are radiated from the radiation elements 121A, 121C, and 121D. In this case, the magnitude of the power input to the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152B in the Butler matrix circuit 152 is set to 1.0. On the other hand, the magnitude of the power input to the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152B is set to 0.45. In addition, the phases of the phase shifters 140A to 140D are set to 26.57°, 0°, -45°, and 161.6°, respectively.

[0161] By setting the power and phase of the input high-frequency signal in this manner, it is possible to radiate radio waves having a power 0.96 times greater than that of the radiation elements 121A, 121C, and 121D.

[0162] (c-3: Output from radiation elements 121B, 121C, and 121D)

[0163] Fig.21This is a setting example when radio waves are radiated from the radiation elements 121B, 121C, and 121D. In this case, the magnitude of the power input to the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152B in the Butler matrix circuit 152 is set to 1.0. On the other hand, the magnitude of the power input to the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152B is set to 0.45. In addition, the phases of the phase shifters 140A to 140D are set to 71.57°, 45°, -180°, and 26.57°, respectively.

[0164] By setting the power and phase of the input high-frequency signal in this manner, it is possible to radiate radio waves having a power 0.96 times greater than that of the radiation elements 121B, 121C, and 121D.

[0165] (c-4: Output from radiation elements 121A, 121B, and 121D)

[0166] Fig. 22 This is a setting example when radio waves are radiated from the radiation elements 121A, 121B, and 121D. In this case, the magnitude of the power input to the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152B in the Butler matrix circuit 152 is set to 1.0. On the other hand, the magnitude of the power input to the second input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152A and the first input terminal of the hybrid coupler 152B is set to 0.45. In addition, the phases of the phase shifters 140A to 140D are set to 161.6°, -45°, 0°, and -26.57°, respectively.

[0167] By setting the power and phase of the input high-frequency signal in this manner, it is possible to radiate radio waves having a power 0.96 times greater than that of the radiation elements 121A, 121B, and 121D.

[0168] As described above, by using the Butler matrix circuit, when the supply of power to the radiating element where an obstacle exists is stopped, power can be efficiently supplied to the remaining radiating elements.

[0169] [Implementation Method 4]

[0170] In the fourth embodiment, a case where a multi-faceted antenna module is structured in which radiating elements are arranged on dielectric substrates whose normal directions are different from each other will be described.

[0171] Fig.23 is a perspective view of an antenna module 100B according to Embodiment 4. Fig.23The antenna module 100B includes a SiP (System In Package) module 125 and an antenna device 120B, wherein the SiP module 125 includes an RFIC and a PMIC (Power Module IC) as a power control circuit. The antenna device 120B includes a dielectric substrate 105 and radiation elements 121A to 121D and 123A to 123D. In the following description, the radiation elements 123A to 123D are also collectively referred to as "radiation elements 123".

[0172] The dielectric substrate 105 includes substrates 130A and 130B having different normal directions and a bent portion 135 connecting the substrates 130A and 130B. The cross-sectional shape of the dielectric substrate 105 is substantially L-shaped. The radiation elements 121A to 121D are arranged in a row on the substrate 130A, and the radiation elements 123A to 123D are arranged in a row on the substrate 130B. In addition, the radiation elements 121 and 123 may be arranged in layers inside the substrates 130A and 130B, respectively. Fig.23 In the diagram, the normal direction of the substrate 130A is set as the Z axis, the normal direction of the substrate 130B is set as the X axis, and the arrangement direction of each of the radiation elements 121 and 123 is set as the Y axis direction.

[0173] The substrate 130A has a substantially rectangular shape, and the four radiation elements 121 are arranged in a row on the surface of the substrate 130A. In addition, the SiP module 125 is connected to the lower surface side (the surface in the negative direction of the Z axis) of the substrate 130A. The SiP module 125 is mounted on a mounting substrate (not shown) using solder bumps or a multi-pole connector.

[0174] The substrate 130B is connected to a bent portion 135 bent from the substrate 130A. The substrate 130B is a structure in which a plurality of cutouts 136 are formed on a dielectric substrate of a substantially rectangular shape, and the bent portion 135 is connected to the cutout 136. In other words, a protrusion 133 is formed in a portion of the substrate 130B where the cutout 136 is not formed, and protrudes from a boundary portion 134 where the bent portion 135 and the substrate 130B are connected in a direction along the substrate 130B toward the substrate 130A (i.e., the positive direction of the Z axis). The position of the protruding end of the protrusion 133 is located at a position closer to the positive direction of the Z axis than the surface on the lower surface side of the substrate 130A (the mounting side of the RFIC 110B).

[0175] Feeding points for radiating radio waves of different polarization directions are arranged in the radiation elements 121 and 123, respectively. More specifically, in the radiation element 121, a feeding point SP1A is arranged at a position offset in the negative direction of the Y axis with respect to the center of the radiation element 121, and a feeding point SP1B is arranged at a position offset in the negative direction of the X axis with respect to the center of the radiation element 121. By supplying a high-frequency signal to the feeding point SP1A, a radio wave with the Y-axis direction as the polarization direction is radiated in the positive direction of the Z axis. In addition, by supplying a high-frequency signal to the feeding point SP1B, a radio wave with the X-axis direction as the polarization direction is radiated in the positive direction of the Z axis.

[0176] In the radiation element 123, a feeding point SP2A is arranged at a position offset in the negative direction of the Y axis with respect to the center of the radiation element 123, and a feeding point SP2B is arranged at a position offset in the positive direction of the Z axis with respect to the center of the radiation element 122. By supplying a high-frequency signal to the feeding point SP2A, an electric wave with the Y-axis direction as the polarization direction is radiated in the positive direction of the X axis. In addition, by supplying a high-frequency signal to the feeding point SP1B, an electric wave with the Z-axis direction as the polarization direction is radiated in the positive direction of the X axis.

[0177] Fig.24 This is a block diagram of a communication device 10B to which the antenna module 100B according to the fourth embodiment is applied.

[0178] The communication device 10B includes an antenna module 100B and a BBIC 200. The antenna module 100B includes RFICs 110, 110B, an antenna device 120B, phase shifters 140, 146, and hybrid couplers 150, 156.

[0179] RFIC 110, phase shifter 140, and hybrid coupler 150 are devices for radiating element 121 of substrate 130A. RFIC 110B, phase shifter 146, and hybrid coupler 156 are devices for radiating element 123 of substrate 130B. The structures of RFIC 110, 110B, phase shifters 140, 146, and hybrid couplers 150, 156 are basically the same as those of FIG. Figure 7 Implementation method 3 is the same as that of Implementation method 3, so the detailed description will not be repeated.

[0180] In addition, Fig.24 , it is described that one feeding wiring is connected from the hybrid couplers 150 and 156 to each radiating element, but in fact, two feeding wirings connected to each feeding point are connected to each radiating element.

[0181] In this multi-faceted antenna module, similarly to Embodiment 1, the presence or absence of an obstacle can be detected for the radiating elements of each substrate having different radiation directions. Furthermore, in Embodiment 4, when an obstacle is detected on the radiating element of one substrate and no obstacle is detected on the other substrate, the radiating element of the other substrate is switched to radiate radio waves. By performing this antenna switching process, although the radiation direction changes, useless power consumption is not performed, and radio waves of desired power can be radiated.

[0182] In the fourth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when an obstacle is detected on a radiating element, the radiating element may stop radiating radio waves, and power may be distributed to the remaining radiating elements in the same substrate to radiate radio waves.

[0183] Fig.25 FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the obstacle detection process and the antenna switching process in Embodiment 4. In Embodiment 4, the process of executing the obstacle detection process in BBIC 200 is also explained. Fig.25 The flowchart is an example of the flowchart, but it can also be executed by other control units other than BBIC 200 Fig.25 Flowchart of the process.

[0184] Reference Fig.25 In S200, the BBIC 200 measures the amount of change in the RSSI level while executing the normal reception process. Then, in S210, the BBIC 200 determines whether the amount of change in the RSSI is greater than a predetermined value α, that is, whether the first condition is satisfied.

[0185] When the RSSI variation is less than or equal to the predetermined value α (No in S210 ), BBIC 200 determines that there is no obstacle on the radiating element of the board, skips the subsequent steps, ends the processing, and continues the normal transmission and reception processing.

[0186] If the RSSI change is greater than the predetermined value α (Yes in S210), the process proceeds to S220, where BBIC 200 determines that an obstacle exists on a radiating element of the receiving substrate. Then, BBIC 200 stops radiating radio waves from the currently receiving substrate and switches to radiating radio waves from the other substrate.

[0187] In addition, although Fig.25 Although not shown, when an obstacle is also detected on the radiating element of the substrate on the other side of the switching object, it is possible to switch to other antenna modules arranged at other positions to radiate radio waves, or to stop radiating radio waves from the radiating element where the obstacle exists and use the remaining radiating elements to radiate radio waves.

[0188] By performing control according to the above-described processing, in the antenna module having a multi-faceted structure, it is possible to reduce wasteful power consumption due to obstacles and suppress a decrease in radiation efficiency.

[0189] The “substrate 130A” and “substrate 130B” in Embodiment 4 correspond to the “first substrate” and “second substrate” in the present disclosure, respectively. The “radiating element 123” in Embodiment 4 corresponds to the “third radiating element” in the present disclosure.

[0190] [Way]

[0191] (Item 1) An antenna module according to one embodiment includes a first radiating element including a first element and a second element, and a high-frequency circuit, and the antenna module transmits and receives signals with a baseband circuit. The high-frequency circuit includes: a transmitting circuit for providing a high-frequency signal to the first radiating element; and a receiving circuit for receiving the high-frequency signal from the first radiating element. An intermediate frequency signal is transmitted and received between the high-frequency circuit and the baseband circuit. A first intermediate signal is used in the communication between the transmitting circuit and the baseband circuit. A second intermediate signal different from the first intermediate signal is used in the communication between the receiving circuit and the baseband circuit. When a first condition is satisfied, the high-frequency circuit stops radiating radio waves from the first element, wherein the first condition is the following condition: the amount of change in the reception level of the high-frequency signal received by the receiving circuit during the period when the high-frequency signal is transmitted from the transmitting circuit exceeds a predetermined value.

[0192] (Item 2) The antenna module according to Item 1, wherein when the first condition is satisfied, the high-frequency circuit distributes at least a portion of the power corresponding to the high-frequency signal to be transmitted to the first element to the second element.

[0193] (Item 3) The antenna module according to Item 1 or Item 2, wherein the first element and the second element in the first radiation element have a flat plate shape. The first element is provided with a first feeding point for radiating radio waves in a first polarization direction and a second feeding point for radiating radio waves in a second polarization direction. When the first condition is satisfied in a state where the transmission circuit is connected to the first feeding point of the first element and the reception circuit is connected to the second feeding point of the first element, radiation of radio waves from the first element is stopped.

[0194] (Item 4) The antenna module according to Item 1 or Item 2 further includes a first hybrid coupler and a second hybrid coupler, each of which includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The first element and the second element in the first radiation element have a flat plate shape. A first feeding point for radiating radio waves in a first polarization direction and a second feeding point for radiating radio waves in a second polarization direction are configured in each of the first element and the second element. The first input terminal and the second input terminal of the first hybrid coupler are connected to the transmission circuit. The first output terminal of the first hybrid coupler is connected to the first feeding point of the first element. The second output terminal of the first hybrid coupler is connected to the first feeding point of the second element. The first input terminal and the second input terminal of the second hybrid coupler are connected to the receiving circuit. The first output terminal of the second hybrid coupler is connected to the second feeding point of the first element. The second output terminal of the second hybrid coupler is connected to the second feeding point of the second element.

[0195] (Item 5) The antenna module according to any one of Items 1 to 4, wherein the first element and the second element in the first radiating element have a flat plate shape. The antenna module also includes a second radiating element arranged corresponding to the first radiating element, the second radiating element including a plurality of flat plate-shaped elements. The second radiating element includes a third element arranged corresponding to the first element, capable of radiating radio waves of a frequency band lower than the frequency band of radio waves radiated from the first radiating element. The first element is arranged separately from the third element in the radiation direction of the radio wave.

[0196] (Item 6) The antenna module according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein whether the first condition is satisfied is determined sequentially for a plurality of elements included in the first radiation element.

[0197] (Item 7) An antenna module according to Item 1, wherein obstacles on the first element and the second element are detected when a change in a reception level of a high-frequency signal received by a receiving circuit is greater than a specified value when a transmitting circuit is connected to the second element and a receiving circuit is connected to the first element.

[0198] (Item 8) The antenna module according to Item 1 further includes a Butler matrix circuit, which includes a third hybrid coupler, a fourth hybrid coupler, a fifth hybrid coupler, a sixth hybrid coupler, a first delay circuit, and a second delay circuit. The first element and the second element in the first radiating element have a plate shape. The first radiating element also includes a third element and a fourth element in a plate shape. The third hybrid coupler, the fourth hybrid coupler, the fifth hybrid coupler, and the sixth hybrid coupler each include a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The first input terminal and the second input terminal of each of the third hybrid coupler and the fourth hybrid coupler are connected to the corresponding port of the transmission circuit. The first output terminal of the third hybrid coupler is connected to the first input terminal of the fifth hybrid coupler via the first delay circuit. The second output terminal of the third hybrid coupler is connected to the first input terminal of the sixth hybrid coupler. The first output terminal of the fourth hybrid coupler is connected to the second input terminal of the fifth hybrid coupler. The second output terminal of the fourth hybrid coupler is connected to the second input terminal of the sixth hybrid coupler via the second delay circuit. The first output terminal and the second output terminal of the fifth hybrid coupler are connected to the first element and the second element, respectively. The first output terminal and the second output terminal of the sixth hybrid coupler are connected to the third element and the fourth element, respectively.

[0199] (Item 9) The antenna module according to Item 8, wherein the power supplied to the first element, the second element, the third element, and the fourth element is adjusted by adjusting the power and phase of the high-frequency signal supplied to each input terminal of the third hybrid coupler and the fourth hybrid coupler.

[0200] (Item 10) The antenna module according to Item 1 further comprises: a first substrate and a second substrate having different normal directions; and a third radiating element, which is provided corresponding to the first radiating element and includes a plurality of flat-plate-shaped elements. The first element and the second element of the first radiating element have a flat-plate shape. The first radiating element is disposed on the first substrate. The third radiating element is disposed on the second substrate. When the first condition is satisfied, the high-frequency circuit radiates radio waves from the third radiating element.

[0201] (Item 11) A communication device comprising: the antenna module according to any one of Items 1 to 10; and a baseband circuit.

[0202] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all aspects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments described above, and the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0203] Description of Reference Numerals

[0204] 10, 10A, 10B: communication device; 11A-11D: position; 15: housing; 30: casing; 40: display screen; 100, 100A, 100B: antenna module; 105, 130: dielectric substrate; 110, 110A, 110B: RFIC; 111A-111H, 113A-113H, 117A, 117B: switch; 112AR-112HR: Low noise amplifier; 112AT~112HT: power amplifier; 114A~114H: attenuator; 115A~115H, 140, 140A~140D, 145, 146: phase shifter; 116A, 116B: signal synthesizer / distributor; 118A, 118B: mixer; 119A, 119B: amplifier circuit; 120, 120A, 120B: antenna device; 12 1. 121A-121D, 122, 122A-122D, 123, 123A-123D: radiating element; 125: SiP module; 130A, 130B: substrate; 133: protrusion; 134: boundary; 135: bending portion; 136: cutout; 150, 150A-150D, 152A-152D, 155, 156: hybrid coupler; 152: Bart Matrix circuit; 160A, 160B: delay circuit; 171, 172: feeding wiring; 1501, 1502: line; 200: BBIC; IF1~IF4: intermediate frequency signal; IN1, IN2: input terminal; OUT1, OUT2: output terminal; P1~P8: output port; RF1, RF2: high frequency signal; SP1A, SP1B, SP2B, SP2A: feeding point.

Claims

1. An antenna module for transmitting and receiving signals with a baseband circuit, the antenna module comprising: a first radiating element comprising a first element and a second element; and a high-frequency circuit, comprising a transmitting circuit for providing a high-frequency signal to the first radiating element and a receiving circuit for receiving the high-frequency signal from the first radiating element, wherein the high-frequency circuit transmits and receives intermediate-frequency signals with the baseband circuit, in, using a first intermediate signal in communication between the transmitting circuit and the baseband circuit, using a second intermediate signal different from the first intermediate signal in communication between the receiving circuit and the baseband circuit, The high-frequency circuit stops radiating radio waves from the first element when a first condition is met, wherein the first condition is the following condition: a change in a reception level of a high-frequency signal received by the receiving circuit during a period in which a high-frequency signal is transmitted from the transmitting circuit exceeds a predetermined value.

2. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: When the first condition is satisfied, the high-frequency circuit distributes at least a portion of the power corresponding to the high-frequency signal to be transmitted to the first element to the second element.

3. The antenna module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first element and the second element of the first radiation element have a flat plate shape, The first element is provided with a first feeding point for radiating radio waves in a first polarization direction and a second feeding point for radiating radio waves in a second polarization direction. When the first condition is satisfied in a state where the transmission circuit is connected to the first feeding point of the first element and the reception circuit is connected to the second feeding point of the first element, radiation of radio waves from the first element is stopped.

4. The antenna module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The invention further comprises a first hybrid coupler and a second hybrid coupler, wherein each of the first hybrid coupler and the second hybrid coupler includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The first element and the second element of the first radiation element have a flat plate shape, The first element and the second element are each provided with a first feeding point for radiating radio waves in a first polarization direction and a second feeding point for radiating radio waves in a second polarization direction. The first input terminal and the second input terminal of the first hybrid coupler are connected to the transmitting circuit. A first output terminal of the first hybrid coupler is connected to a first feeding point of the first element, A second output terminal of the first hybrid coupler is connected to a first feeding point of the second element, The first input terminal and the second input terminal of the second hybrid coupler are connected to the receiving circuit. A first output terminal of the second hybrid coupler is connected to a second feeding point of the first element, A second output terminal of the second hybrid coupler is connected to a second feeding point of the second element.

5. The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first element and the second element of the first radiation element have a flat plate shape, The antenna module further includes a second radiating element provided corresponding to the first radiating element, wherein the second radiating element includes a plurality of flat plate-shaped elements. The second radiating element includes a third element provided corresponding to the first element, and is capable of radiating radio waves of a frequency band lower than the frequency band of radio waves radiated from the first radiating element. The first element is arranged to be separated from the third element in a radiation direction of radio waves.

6. The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: For a plurality of elements included in the first radiation element, it is determined in sequence whether the first condition is satisfied.

7. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: When a change in a reception level of a high-frequency signal received by the receiving circuit is greater than a specified value in a state where the transmitting circuit is connected to the second element and the receiving circuit is connected to the first element, obstacles on the first element and the second element are detected.

8. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The first element and the second element of the first radiation element have a flat plate shape, The first radiation element further includes a third element and a fourth element in the shape of a flat plate, The antenna module further includes a Butler matrix circuit, which includes a third hybrid coupler, a fourth hybrid coupler, a fifth hybrid coupler, a sixth hybrid coupler, a first delay circuit, and a second delay circuit. The third hybrid coupler, the fourth hybrid coupler, the fifth hybrid coupler, and the sixth hybrid coupler each include a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The first input terminal and the second input terminal of each of the third hybrid coupler and the fourth hybrid coupler are connected to the corresponding port of the transmission circuit. The first output terminal of the third hybrid coupler is connected to the first input terminal of the fifth hybrid coupler via the first delay circuit. The second output terminal of the third hybrid coupler is connected to the first input terminal of the sixth hybrid coupler, The first output terminal of the fourth hybrid coupler is connected to the second input terminal of the fifth hybrid coupler, The second output terminal of the fourth hybrid coupler is connected to the second input terminal of the sixth hybrid coupler via the second delay circuit. The first output terminal and the second output terminal of the fifth hybrid coupler are connected to the first element and the second element respectively. The first output terminal and the second output terminal of the sixth hybrid coupler are connected to the third element and the fourth element, respectively.

9. The antenna module according to claim 8, wherein: The power supplied to the first element, the second element, the third element, and the fourth element is adjusted by adjusting the power and phase of the high-frequency signal supplied to each input terminal of the third hybrid coupler and the fourth hybrid coupler.

10. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: Also available: A first substrate and a second substrate having normal directions different from each other; and a third radiation element, which is arranged corresponding to the first radiation element and includes a plurality of elements in a flat plate shape, The first element and the second element of the first radiation element have a flat plate shape, The first radiation element is disposed on the first substrate. The third radiation element is disposed on the second substrate. When the first condition is satisfied, the high-frequency circuit radiates radio waves from the third radiation element.

11. A communication device comprising: The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and The baseband circuit.

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