Antenna substrate, antenna module having the same, and communication device

Abstract

An antenna substrate (20) is provided with: a flat plate-shaped radiating element (121) configured in parallel with a main surface (30a) of a flat plate-shaped dielectric (30); and an external connection terminal (21) configured so that a part thereof is exposed at a side surface (30b) of the dielectric (30). When a normal direction of the radiating element (121) is set as a Z-axis direction, and two directions orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and to each other are set as an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction, the external connection terminal (21) has an electrode portion (21a) that does not overlap the radiating element (121) when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and overlaps the radiating element (121) when viewed from either the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an antenna substrate, an antenna module having the antenna substrate, and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-274259 (Patent Document 1) discloses an antenna substrate comprising a flat patch (radiating element) disposed on the upper surface of a flat dielectric, and external connection terminals disposed to be exposed on the side of the dielectric. The external connection terminals are positioned so as not to overlap with the patch when viewed from the normal direction of the main surface of the dielectric.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-274259 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] With the increasing functionality of communication terminals such as smartphones in recent years, the space available for antenna substrates in these terminals is becoming increasingly limited. Therefore, there is a demand for miniaturization of antenna substrates. Furthermore, there is a need to expand the coverage area (the range within which radio waves can be transmitted and received) of the antenna substrate.

[0008] This disclosure was made to solve the problems described above, and its purpose is to miniaturize and expand the coverage of an antenna substrate having a flat radiating element (patch) disposed on the main surface of a dielectric and terminals (external connection terminals) disposed to be exposed on the side of the dielectric.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The antenna substrate disclosed herein includes: a planar radiating element configured to be parallel to the main surface of a planar dielectric; and a first terminal configured to expose at least a portion on the side of the dielectric. When the normal direction of the radiating element is defined as a first direction, and two directions orthogonal to and mutually orthogonal to the first direction are defined as a second direction and a third direction, the first terminal has a portion that does not overlap with the radiating element when viewed from the first direction, but overlaps with the radiating element when viewed from both the second and third directions.

[0011] The antenna module disclosed herein includes the aforementioned antenna substrate.

[0012] The communication device disclosed herein includes the aforementioned antenna module.

[0013] The effects of the invention

[0014] According to this disclosure, an antenna substrate having a flat radiating element disposed on the main surface of a dielectric and terminals disposed on the side surface of the dielectric can be miniaturized and its coverage expanded. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an example of a block diagram of a communication device with an antenna substrate.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the antenna device.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the antenna substrate (one of them).

[0018] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the antenna substrate (part two).

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram (one of the diagrams) showing the characteristics of an antenna.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram representing the antenna characteristics (Part Two).

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram representing the antenna characteristics (Part Three).

[0022] Figure 8 The diagram shows the antenna characteristics under direct feeding and under capacitor feeding conditions.

[0023] Figure 9 This diagram schematically illustrates the operating mode under capacitor-fed conditions.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram (one of) showing an example of the structure of an antenna substrate.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a diagram (second example) showing an example of the structure of an antenna substrate.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a diagram (third one) showing an example of the structure of an antenna substrate.

[0027] Figure 13 Figure 4 shows an example of the structure of an antenna substrate.

[0028] Figure 14 Figure 5 shows an example of the structure of an antenna substrate.

[0029] Figure 15 Figure 6 shows an example of the structure of an antenna substrate.

[0030] Figure 16Figure 7 shows an example of the structure of an antenna substrate.

[0031] Figure 17 Figure 8 shows an example of the structure of an antenna substrate.

[0032] Figure 18 Figure 9 shows an example of the structure of an antenna substrate.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a partial 3D view of the antenna module (part one).

[0034] Figure 20 This is a partial 3D view of the antenna module (part two). Detailed Implementation

[0035] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the same or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0036] (Basic structure of a communication device)

[0037] Figure 1 This is an example of a block diagram of a communication device 1 equipped with the antenna substrate 20 according to this embodiment. The communication device 1 is, for example, a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet computer, or a personal computer with communication capabilities. An example of the frequency band of the radio waves used by the antenna substrate 20 according to this embodiment is a millimeter-wave band with a center frequency of 28 GHz, 39 GHz, or 60 GHz, but radio waves in other frequency bands can also be applied.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 The communication device 1 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 feeding device and an antenna device 120.

[0039] The communication device 1 up-converts the signal transmitted from BBIC 200 to antenna module 100 into a high-frequency signal via RFIC 110 and radiates it from antenna device 120. Additionally, the communication device 1 sends the high-frequency signal received by antenna device 120 to RFIC 110 for down-conversion, and the BBIC 200 processes the signal.

[0040] Antenna module 100 is a so-called dual-polarized antenna module capable of radiating two radio waves with different polarization directions. Antenna device 120 has multiple antenna substrates 20, each including multiple radiating elements 121. Each radiating element 121 is a planar patch antenna. Furthermore, in... Figure 1For ease of explanation, only the structures corresponding to four of the plurality of radiating elements 121 included in the antenna device 120 are shown, and the structures corresponding to other radiating elements 121 having the same structure are omitted.

[0041] Each radiating element 121 is provided with a first feed point SP1 for providing a high-frequency signal for a first polarized wave from the RFIC 110, and a second feed point SP2 for providing a high-frequency signal for a second polarized wave from the RFIC 110. Furthermore, the antenna module 100 is not limited to a dual-polarized antenna module, but can also be a single-polarized antenna module.

[0042] RFIC 110 includes switches 111A~111H, 113A~113H, 117A, 117B, power amplifiers 112AT~112HT, low-noise amplifiers 112AR~112HR, attenuators 114A~114H, phase shifters 115A~115H, signal synthesizers / demultiplexers 116A, 116B, mixers 118A, 118B, and amplifier circuits 119A, 119B. The switches 111A~111D, 113A~113D, 117A, power amplifiers 112AT~112DT, low-noise amplifiers 112AR~112DR, attenuators 114A~114D, phase shifters 115A~115D, signal synthesizer / demultiplexer 116A, mixer 118A, and amplifier circuit 119A are configured for high-frequency signals used for the first polarization wave. In addition, the switches 111E~111H, 113E~113H, 117B, power amplifiers 112ET~112HT, low-noise amplifiers 112ER~112HR, attenuators 114E~114H, phase shifters 115E~115H, signal synthesizer / demultiplexer 116B, mixer 118B, and amplifier circuit 119B are circuits for high-frequency signals used for second polarized waves.

[0043] When transmitting high-frequency signals, switches 111A~111H and 113A~113H are switched to the power amplifier 112AT~112HT side, and switches 117A and 117B are connected to the transmitting-side amplifiers of amplifier circuits 119A and 119B. When receiving high-frequency signals, switches 111A~111H and 113A~113H are switched to the low-noise amplifier 112AR~112HR side, and switches 117A and 117B are connected to the receiving-side amplifiers of amplifier circuits 119A and 119B.

[0044] The signal from BBIC 200 is amplified in amplifier circuits 119A and 119B, and up-converted in mixers 118A and 118B. The up-converted signal, which is then transmitted as a high-frequency signal, is divided into four parts in signal synthesizers / demultiplexers 116A and 116B, and fed to different radiating elements 121 through corresponding signal paths.

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

[0046] RFIC 110 may be configured as a single-chip integrated circuit component including the circuit structure described above. Alternatively, the devices (switches, power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, attenuators, phase shifters) in RFIC 110 corresponding to each radiating element 121 may also be configured as single-chip integrated circuit components for each corresponding radiating element 121.

[0047] (Construction of the antenna device)

[0048] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the antenna device 120. The antenna device 120 includes a dielectric substrate 10 and a plurality of antenna substrates 20.

[0049] The substrate 10 has a generally cuboid shape. The substrate 10 has a flat ground electrode GND extending along the main surface 10a.

[0050] Multiple antenna substrates 20 are arranged and mounted on the main surface 10a of the base substrate 10. Each of the multiple antenna substrates 20 has a flat dielectric 30, a radiating element 121, and four external connection terminals 21-24. Each of the external connection terminals 21-24 is configured such that a portion of it is exposed on the side 30b of the dielectric 30.

[0051] Hereinafter, the normal direction of the radiating element 121 (i.e., the normal direction of the main surface 30a of the dielectric 30) will also be referred to as the "Z-axis direction," and the two directions orthogonal to and mutually orthogonal to the Z-axis direction will also be referred to as the "X-axis direction" and the "Y-axis direction." Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the short side direction and the long side direction of the main surface 10a of the substrate 10 are respectively set as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0052] In addition, in the following explanation, the positive direction of the Z-axis (from the base plate 10 toward the antenna plate 20) in each figure will sometimes be set as "up" and the negative direction of the Z-axis (from the antenna plate 20 toward the base plate 10) will sometimes be set as "down".

[0053] Multiple antenna substrates 20 are arranged in an array along the Y-axis at predetermined intervals on the main surface (upper surface) 30a of the dielectric 30. As a result, the antenna gain is improved compared to the case of a single radiating element 121.

[0054] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the antenna substrate 20. As described above, the radiating element 121 is provided with a first feed point SP1 for providing a high-frequency signal for a first polarized wave and a second feed point SP2 for providing a high-frequency signal for a second polarized wave.

[0055] The straight line P1 connecting the first feed point SP1 to the center of the radiating element 121 is orthogonal to the straight line P2 connecting the second feed point SP2 to the center of the radiating element 121. In this embodiment, the first feed point SP1 is positioned offset from the center of the radiating element 121 in the negative X-axis direction, so the straight line P1 extends along the X-axis direction. The second feed point SP2 is positioned offset from the center of the radiating element 121 in the negative Y-axis direction, so the straight line P2 extends along the Y-axis direction. By providing a high-frequency signal for a first polarized wave to the first feed point SP1, a first radio wave with a polarization direction along the direction of the straight line P1 (the X-axis direction in this embodiment) is radiated from the radiating element 121. By providing a high-frequency signal for a second polarized wave to the second feed point SP2, a second radio wave with a polarization direction along the direction of the straight line P2 (the Y-axis direction in this embodiment) is radiated from the radiating element 121.

[0056] The radiating element 121 has the following shape: when viewed from the Z-axis direction, it has a side 11, a side 12 facing the side 11, and sides 13 and 14 extending orthogonally to and parallel to the side 11. A portion of each side 11-14 of the radiating element 121 is cut off so that it does not contact the external connection terminals 21-24. Specifically, side 11 and side 13 are connected by a curved portion 15, side 12 and side 13 are connected by a curved portion 16, side 12 and side 14 are connected by a curved portion 17, and side 11 and side 14 are connected by a curved portion 18.

[0057] External connection terminals 21-24 each have electrode portions 21a-24a disposed on the main surface 30a of dielectric 30. Electrode portion 21a is disposed at a predetermined distance from curved portion 15 in the region between intersection point 150 and curved portion 15, where intersection point 150 is the intersection of a straight line overlapping edge 11 and a straight line overlapping edge 13. Electrode portion 22a is disposed at a predetermined distance from curved portion 16 in the region between intersection point 160 and curved portion 16, where intersection point 160 is the intersection of a straight line overlapping edge 12 and a straight line overlapping edge 13. Electrode portion 23a is disposed at a predetermined distance from curved portion 18 in the region between intersection point 180 and curved portion 18, where intersection point 180 is the intersection of a straight line overlapping edge 11 and a straight line overlapping edge 14. The electrode portion 24a is disposed at a predetermined distance from the curved portion 17 in the region between the intersection point 170 and the curved portion 17. The intersection point 170 is the intersection of the straight line overlapping the edge 12 and the straight line overlapping the edge 14.

[0058] In this way, the electrode portions 21a to 24a of the external connection terminals 21 to 24 do not overlap with the radiating element 121 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, but overlap with the radiating element 121 when viewed from either the X-axis or Y-axis direction. With this configuration, the distance between each external connection terminal 21 to 24 and the radiating element 121 is reduced, thus enabling miniaturization of the antenna substrate 20. Furthermore, the electric field between each external connection terminal 21 to 24 and the radiating element 121 is increased, making it easier to form capacitance. Therefore, compared to the case where the external connection terminals 21 to 24 are each positioned further away from the radiating element 121 than in this disclosure (specifically, overlapping with the radiating element 121 only when viewed from one of two mutually orthogonal directions to the Z-axis, and not overlapping when viewed from the other direction), the antenna substrate 20 can be miniaturized, and the antenna coverage can be expanded. This will be explained in detail later.

[0059] In this embodiment, external connection terminals 21 and 22 are arranged in a linearly symmetrical configuration about a line P2. External connection terminals 23 and 24 are arranged in a linearly symmetrical configuration about a line P2. External connection terminals 21 and 23 are arranged in a linearly symmetrical configuration about a line P1. External connection terminals 22 and 24 are arranged in a linearly symmetrical configuration about a line P1. Furthermore, external connection terminals 21-24 in this embodiment are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical configuration about a line Z0 extending from the center of the radiating element 121 along the Z-axis. This configuration ensures good symmetry of the electric field. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deviation of the directivity of the electromagnetic wave relative to the Z-axis direction.

[0060] When observing the antenna substrate 20 from the Z-axis direction, the distances between the respective external connection terminals 21 to 24 and the end portions of the radiation element 121 are less than half of the size of the radiation element 121 in the polarization direction of the radiation element 121. For example, as Figure 3 shown, when the distance between the end portion (electrode portion 22a) of the external connection terminal 22 and the end portion (curved portion 16) of the radiation element 121 is set as D1, and the size of the radiation element 121 in the Y-axis direction is set as S1, the relational expression D1 < S1 / 2 holds. Additionally, when the in-substrate wavelength of the high-frequency signal supplied to the radiation element 121 is set as λ, the distances between the end portions of the respective external connection terminals 21 to 24 and the end portion of the radiation element 121 are less than λ / 4. That is, the relational expression D1 < λ / 4 holds. By setting the distances in this way, the capacitive coupling between the respective external connection terminals 21 to 24 and the radiation element 121 can be strengthened.

[0061] In addition, in Figure 3 , an example is shown where the sizes of the radiation element 121 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are the same as the sizes of the dielectric 30 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, but the size of the radiation element 121 is not limited to this. That is, as long as at least a part of each of the external connection terminals 21 to 24 overlaps with the radiation element 121 when observed from the X-axis direction or when observed from the Y-axis direction, the size of the radiation element 121 is not particularly limited. For example, as Figure 4 shown, the sizes of the radiation element 121 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction can be made smaller than the sizes of the dielectric 30 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0062] (Antenna characteristics)

[0063] In the antenna substrate 20 of the present embodiment, not only the radiation element 121 but also the electrode portion 21a of the external connection terminal 21 is disposed on the main surface 30a of the dielectric 30. The electrode portion 21a does not overlap with the radiation element 121 when observed from the Z-axis direction, and overlaps with the radiation element 121 both when observed from the X-axis direction and when observed from the Y-axis direction.

[0064] That is, although the electrode portion 21a of the external connection terminal 21 is separated from the radiation element 121, it is disposed in the same layer as the radiation element 121 and close to the radiation element 121. Therefore, a capacitor can be formed between the electrode portion 21a of the external connection terminal 21 and the end portion (curved portion 15) of the radiation element 121. A part of the external connection terminal 21 is exposed on the side surface 30b of the dielectric 30, so that it has a portion extending in the Z-axis direction between the radiation element 121 and the ground electrode GND. By disposing the external connection terminal 21 in this way, the capacitance between the radiation element 121 and the ground electrode GND can be adjusted.

[0065] The electrode portions 22a to 24a of external connection terminals 22 to 24, like the electrode portion 21a of external connection terminal 21, do not overlap with the radiating element 121 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, but overlap with the radiating element 121 when viewed from either the X-axis or Y-axis direction. Therefore, by configuring external connection terminals 22 to 24, similarly to external connection terminal 21, the capacitance between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND can be adjusted.

[0066] Furthermore, the lower portions of the external connection terminals 21-24 can be directly connected to the ground electrode GND of the substrate 10, or they can be not directly connected to the ground electrode GND. Additionally, the number of external connection terminals does not need to be limited to four; one or more is sufficient. In either case, the capacitance between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND can be adjusted. This capacitance adjustment allows for an expansion of the coverage area of ​​the antenna substrate 20.

[0067] Figure 5 This is a diagram (one of) illustrating the antenna characteristics when the antenna structure of this disclosure is employed. Figure 5 The right side shows the structure of this disclosure and a graph of the antenna gain. Figure 5 The left side shows the structure of the comparative example and a graph of the antenna gain. Figure 5 The structure disclosed herein is as follows: three of the four external connection terminals 21-24 of the antenna substrate 20 are removed, leaving only one external connection terminal, and this one external connection terminal is not directly connected to the ground electrode GND. The comparative example structure is one in which all four external connection terminals 21-24 are removed from the antenna substrate 20.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, in the comparative example where all external connection terminals are removed, the half-power band (half-power bandwidth, the point where the peak gain decreases by 3 dB) is 77.1 [deg]. In contrast, when one external connection terminal of this disclosure is configured, the half-power band is 79.5 [deg], which is larger than the comparative example. Thus, even when only one external connection terminal of this disclosure is configured, the coverage area can be expanded compared to the case where the external connection terminal of this disclosure is not present.

[0069] Figure 6 This is a diagram (second one) illustrating the antenna characteristics when the antenna structure of this disclosure is employed. Figure 6 The right side shows the structure of the antenna substrate 20 with four external connection terminals 21-24 and a graph of the antenna gain. Figure 6The left side shows the structure with three of the four external connection terminals 21-24 removed, leaving only one external connection terminal, and a graph of the antenna gain (i.e., compared with...). Figure 5 (The same chart is shown on the right). Furthermore, in Figure 6 In this structure, no external connection terminal is directly connected to the ground electrode GND.

[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, with only one external connection terminal of this disclosure configured, the half-width is 79.5 [deg]. In contrast, with four external connection terminals of this disclosure configured, the half-width is 82.5 [deg], which is larger than the case with only one external connection terminal configured. Thus, by configuring four external connection terminals of this disclosure, the coverage area can be further expanded compared to the case with only one external connection terminal configured.

[0071] Figure 7 This is diagram (third one) illustrating the antenna characteristics when the antenna structure of this disclosure is employed. Figure 7 The right side uses a contour chart to show the antenna gain when the four external connection terminals 21-24 are not connected to the ground electrode GND. Figure 7 The left side uses a contour chart to show the antenna gain when the four external connection terminals 21-24 are connected to the ground electrode GND.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, when external connection terminals 21-24 are not connected to the ground electrode GND, the peak gain is 6.3 [dBi] and the antenna efficiency is -0.8 [dB]. Conversely, when external connection terminals 21-24 are connected to the ground electrode GND, the peak gain is 6.0 [dBi] and the antenna efficiency is -0.8 [dB]. That is, when external connection terminals 21-24 are connected to the ground electrode GND, the peak gain is reduced compared to when they are not connected, but the antenna efficiency remains the same. Based on this result, it can be understood that by connecting the external connection terminals to the ground electrode GND, compared to not connecting them, directivity in the Z-axis direction (upward direction) can be maintained, antenna efficiency can be maintained, and coverage in the XY-axis direction (lateral direction) can be expanded.

[0073] Furthermore, it is not necessary to connect all external connection terminals 21-24 to the ground electrode GND. That is, even if at least one of the external connection terminals 21-24 is connected to the ground electrode GND, it is still possible to expect an expanded coverage area compared to not connecting the external connection terminals 21-24 to the ground electrode GND.

[0074] As described above, in the antenna substrate 20 of this embodiment, the external connection terminals 21-24 have electrode portions 21a-24a that do not overlap with the radiating element 121 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, but overlap with the radiating element 121 when viewed from both the X-axis and Y-axis directions. This allows for miniaturization of the antenna substrate 20 and expands its coverage area.

[0075] The “radiating element 121” and “dielectric 30” in this embodiment can correspond to the “radiating element” and “dielectric” of this disclosure, respectively.

[0076] The “first feed point SP1” and “second feed point SP2” in this embodiment can correspond to the “first feed point” and “second feed point” of this disclosure, respectively.

[0077] The "external connection terminal 21" in this embodiment can correspond to the "first terminal" of this disclosure. The "external connection terminals 22 to 24" in this embodiment can correspond to the "second terminal to fourth terminal" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0078] The "ground electrode GND" in this embodiment can correspond to the "ground electrode" of this disclosure.

[0079] In this embodiment, the "Z-axis", "X-axis" and "Y-axis" can respectively correspond to the "first direction", "second direction" and "third direction" of this disclosure.

[0080] [Variation Example 1]

[0081] In the above embodiments, the following example is shown: by connecting feed lines L1, L2 to radiating element 121, power is directly fed from feed lines L1, L2 to radiating element 121 (wired feeding).

[0082] In contrast, in this modified example 1, capacitor power (wireless power supply) is supplied to the radiating element 121 from the external connection terminals 21 and 22 by connecting the feed lines L1 and L2 to the external connection terminals 21 and 22 respectively.

[0083] Furthermore, when a high-frequency signal for a first polarized wave is provided to the external connection terminal 21, the polarization direction of the first electromagnetic wave radiated from the radiating element 121 is along the straight line connecting the external connection terminal 21 and the center of the radiating element 121. Similarly, when a high-frequency signal for a second polarized wave is provided to the external connection terminal 22, the polarization direction of the second electromagnetic wave radiated from the radiating element 121 is along the straight line connecting the external connection terminal 22 and the center of the radiating element 121. The straight line connecting the external connection terminal 21 and the center of the radiating element 121 is orthogonal to the straight line connecting the external connection terminal 22 and the center of the radiating element 121. That is, the polarization direction of the first electromagnetic wave and the polarization direction of the second electromagnetic wave are orthogonal to each other.

[0084] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the antenna characteristics under direct feeding (the above embodiment) and under capacitor feeding (this modified example 1). Figure 8 The top section shows an outline of the structure, the middle section shows the antenna gain using a contour chart, and the bottom section shows the reflection loss.

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown in the upper part, the size of the radiating element is smaller when capacitor-fed compared to when directly fed. This is a result of adjustments made to achieve the same resonant frequency in both capacitor-fed and directly fed cases. Specifically, when capacitor-fed from an external connection terminal to the radiating element, a new capacitive component is generated in the feed portion between the external connection terminal and the radiating element, thus changing the overall balance between the capacitive and reactive components compared to the directly fed case. Due to this effect, if the resonant frequency in the capacitor-fed case is to be the same as the resonant frequency in the directly fed case, the size of the radiating element in the capacitor-fed case is smaller compared to the directly fed case.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, with direct feeding, the peak gain is 6.2 dBi and the antenna efficiency is -0.8 dB. In contrast, with capacitor feeding, the peak gain decreases to 5.9 dBi compared to direct feeding, but the antenna efficiency increases to -0.7 dB. Furthermore, the reflection loss is not significantly different between capacitor feeding and direct feeding. Based on this difference, it can be understood that capacitor feeding maintains directivity in the Z-axis (upward direction) and improves antenna efficiency compared to direct feeding, while also expanding coverage in the XY-axis (lateral direction).

[0087] Figure 9This diagram schematically illustrates the operating mode when the radiating element 121 is capacitively fed from the external connection terminal 21. In this case, besides the mode in which the radiating element 121 operates as a patch antenna, other modes include... Figure 9 As shown, there is also a mode in which the external connection terminal 21 and the radiating element 121 operate as a monopole antenna. It is estimated that this effect results in... Figure 8 The differences in antenna characteristics are shown.

[0088] In this variation 1, the "external connection terminal 21" and the "feeder wire L1" can correspond to the "first terminal" and the "first feeder wire" of this disclosure, respectively. In this variation 1, the "external connection terminal 22" and the "feeder wire L2" can correspond to the "second terminal" and the "second feeder wire" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0089] [Variation Example 2]

[0090] In the above embodiments, the single feed line L1 can also be configured to branch into two branches to connect to two adjacent radiating elements 121. Similarly, the single feed line L2 can also be configured to branch into two branches to connect to two adjacent radiating elements 121.

[0091] Figure 10 This is a diagram (one of) showing an example of the antenna structure of this modified example 2. Figure 10 An example is shown in which the radiating element 121 is directly fed from the lower side.

[0092] like Figure 10 As shown, the feed line L1 branches into two at branch L1a to connect to the first feed point SP1 of the two adjacent radiating elements 121. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, branch L1a is positioned between the two adjacent radiating elements 121. By configuring it in this way, the transmission line of the high-frequency signal used for the first polarized wave can be shortened, thereby reducing losses.

[0093] Similarly, the feed line L2 branches into two at branch L2a to connect to the second feed points SP2 of the two adjacent radiating elements 121. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, branch L2a is positioned between the two adjacent radiating elements 121. By configuring it in this way, the transmission line of the high-frequency signal used for the second polarized wave can be shortened, thereby reducing losses.

[0094] Figure 11 This is a diagram (second example) showing an example of the antenna structure of this modified example 2. Figure 11 An example is shown in which capacitor power is supplied to the radiating element 121 from the external connection terminals 21, 22.

[0095] exist Figure 11 In this context, two adjacent radiating elements 121 are referred to as "first radiating element 121R" and "second radiating element 121L". Figure 11 In this configuration, the external connection terminals 21 of the first radiating element 121R and the second radiating element 121L are connected to a single feed line L1 via a branch L1a. Viewed from the Z-axis, the branch L1a is positioned between the first radiating element 121R and the second radiating element 121L. Therefore, the transmission line for the high-frequency signal used for the first polarized wave can be shortened to minimize losses.

[0096] Similarly, the external connection terminals 22 of the first radiating element 121R and the second radiating element 121L are connected to a single feed line L2 via a branch L2a. Viewed from the Z-axis, the branch L2a is positioned between the first radiating element 121R and the second radiating element 121L. Therefore, the transmission line for the high-frequency signal used for the second polarized wave can be shortened to minimize losses.

[0097] Furthermore, the straight line P1R connecting the external connection terminal 21 of the first radiating element 121R to the center of the first radiating element 121R is parallel to the straight line P1L connecting the external connection terminal 21 of the second radiating element 121L to the center of the second radiating element 121L. Therefore, the polarization direction of the first electromagnetic wave radiated from the first radiating element 121R can be made to coincide with the polarization direction of the first electromagnetic wave radiated from the second radiating element 121L.

[0098] Furthermore, if the length of the feed line between the branch L1a and the external connection terminal 21 of the first radiating element 121R is set to "L", then the length of the feed line between the branch L1a and the external connection terminal 21 of the second radiating element 121L is set to "L+λ / 2". Here, λ is the wavelength (electrical length) of the high-frequency signal within the antenna substrate 20. By positioning the branch L1a in such a manner, the phase of the first radio wave radiated from the first radiating element 121R can be matched with the phase of the first radio wave radiated from the second radiating element 121L.

[0099] Similarly, the straight line P2R connecting the external connection terminal 22 of the first radiating element 121R to the center of the first radiating element 121R is parallel to the straight line P2L connecting the external connection terminal 22 of the second radiating element 121L to the center of the second radiating element 121L. Therefore, the polarization direction of the second electromagnetic wave radiated from the first radiating element 121R can be made to coincide with the polarization direction of the second electromagnetic wave radiated from the second radiating element 121L.

[0100] Furthermore, if the length of the feed line between the branch L2a and the external connection terminal 22 of the first radiating element 121R is set to "L", then the length of the feed line between the branch L2a and the external connection terminal 22 of the second radiating element 121L is set to "L+λ / 2". By arranging the branch L2a in such a position, the phase of the second radio wave radiated from the first radiating element 121R can be matched with the phase of the second radio wave radiated from the second radiating element 121L.

[0101] In this variation 2, the "first radiating element 121R" and "second radiating element 121L" can correspond to the "first radiating element" and "second radiating element" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0102] In this variation 2, the "feeder line L1" and "branch L1a" can respectively correspond to the "single feeder line" and "branch" of this disclosure.

[0103] In this variation 2, "straight line P1R" and "straight line P1L" can respectively correspond to "the straight line connecting the center of the first radiating element to the first terminal" and "the straight line connecting the center of the second radiating element to the first terminal" of this disclosure.

[0104] [Variation Example 3]

[0105] When capacitor power is supplied to the radiating element 121 from the external connection terminals 21 and 22, the front and back of the antenna substrate 20 can also be designed to be the same.

[0106] Figure 12 This diagram shows an example of the antenna substrate 20A of this Modified Example 3. In this Modified Example 3, the antenna substrate 20A has a radiating element 121 disposed on the main surface (upper surface) of the dielectric 30 on the front side, and a specific electrode 122 disposed on the main surface (lower surface) of the dielectric 30 on the back side. When the antenna substrate 20A is viewed from the Z-axis direction, the specific electrode 122 is positioned overlapping the radiating element 121. In other words, the specific electrode 122 has the same shape as the radiating element 121. Furthermore, the electrode portions on the upper surface of the external connection terminals 21-24 have the same shape as the electrode portions on the lower surface.

[0107] That is, the antenna substrate 20A has the same design whether viewed from one main side or the other. Therefore, when mounting the antenna substrate 20A onto the substrate 10, it is not necessary to determine the front and back sides of the antenna substrate 20A. As a result, the mounting operation becomes easier, and manufacturing costs are reduced accordingly.

[0108] In addition, Figure 12An example is shown where a specific electrode 122 is connected to the ground electrode GND. However, it is conceivable that if the specific electrode 122 is connected to the ground electrode GND, a capacitance is easily formed between the radiating element 121 and the specific electrode 122, resulting in bandwidth degradation. Considering this, it is also possible to... Figure 13 As shown in the antenna substrate 20B, the specific electrode 122 is not connected to the ground electrode GND. In this way, the front and back of the antenna substrate 20B can be designed identically, and bandwidth degradation can be suppressed.

[0109] Alternatively, it can be like Figure 14 As shown in the antenna substrate 20C, a feedless element 123 larger than the size of the radiating element 121 and the specific electrode 122 is disposed in the center between the radiating element 121 and the specific electrode 122. In this way, the front and back of the antenna substrate 20C can be designed identically, and the bandwidth can be adjusted by means of the feedless element 123.

[0110] Alternatively, the unpowered element 123 can be used as a second radiating element by powering the unpowered element 123. In this case, radiating elements (patches) 121 and 123 of different sizes can be stacked vertically to support dual-band operation.

[0111] In this variation 3, the "specific electrode 122" and the "ground electrode GND" can correspond to the "specific electrode" and the "ground electrode" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0112] [Variation Example 4]

[0113] In the antenna substrate 20 of the above embodiment, the shape of the radiating element 121 when viewed from the Z-axis direction is such that the four corners of a square are cut off to form a curved shape. However, the shape of the radiating element 121 when viewed from the Z-axis direction is not limited to the shape shown in the above embodiment. In addition, the shapes of each external connection terminal 21 to 24 when viewed from the Z-axis direction are not limited to the shapes shown in the above embodiment.

[0114] For example, it can also be like Figure 15 As shown in the antenna substrate 20D, the radiating element 121 has a circular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Alternatively, it can also be as follows... Figure 16 As shown in the antenna substrate 20E, the radiating element 121 has a square shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Alternatively, it can also be as follows... Figure 17 As shown in the antenna substrate 20E, the shape of the radiating element 121 when viewed from the Z-axis direction is approximately cross-shaped. Alternatively, it can be as follows... Figure 18As shown in the antenna substrate 20G, the shape of the radiating element 121 when viewed from the Z-axis direction is such that the four corners of a square are cut off to form a concave-convex shape.

[0115] exist Figures 15-18 In any case, the external connection terminals 21-24 can be positioned such that they do not overlap with the radiating element 121 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and overlap with the radiating element 121 when viewed from either of the two directions orthogonal to the Z-axis direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction). As long as the external connection terminals 21-24 are positioned in such a way, their shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction is not particularly limited.

[0116] [Variation Example 5]

[0117] Alternatively, the antenna substrate 20 of Embodiment 1 described above can be used as the first antenna substrate, and a second antenna substrate having the same structure as the first antenna substrate can be stacked on top of the first antenna substrate.

[0118] Figure 19 This is a partial perspective view of the antenna module 100H of this modified example 5. The antenna module 100H includes a substrate 10, a first antenna substrate 20H1, and a second antenna substrate 20H2.

[0119] The first antenna substrate 20H1 is disposed on the substrate 10. The first antenna substrate 20H1 has the same structure as the antenna substrate 20 described above. The radiating element 121H1 of the first antenna substrate 20H1 is a dual-polarized antenna element configured to radiate radio waves polarized in the X-axis direction and radio waves polarized in the Y-axis direction.

[0120] The second antenna substrate 20H2 is disposed on the first antenna substrate 20H1. Figure 19 In the example shown, the second antenna substrate 20H2 is mounted to the radiating element 121 of the first antenna substrate 20H1 by welding or other connection methods.

[0121] The second antenna substrate 20H2 has the same structure as the antenna substrate 20 described above, that is, the same structure as the first antenna substrate 20H1. However, the size of the second antenna substrate 20H2 is smaller than the size of the first antenna substrate 20H1. That is, the size of the radiating element 121H2 of the second antenna substrate 20H2 is smaller than the size of the radiating element 121H2 of the first antenna substrate 20H1.

[0122] The radiating element 121H2 of the second antenna substrate 20H2 is configured in the same way as the radiating element 121H1 of the first antenna substrate 20H1, to radiate radio waves polarized in the X-axis direction and radio waves polarized in the Y-axis direction.

[0123] Feeding is performed from feed vias 25 and 26, each extending along the Z-axis direction through the first antenna substrate 20H1, to the radiating element 121H2 of the second antenna substrate 20H2. Furthermore, in Figure 19 The diagram shows an example of directly feeding power from the feed vias 25 and 26 to the radiating element 121H2 by connecting the front ends of the feed vias 25 and 26 to the radiating element 121H2. However, it is also possible to configure capacitor feed electrodes at the front ends of the feed vias 25 and 26 and feed capacitor power from the capacitor feed electrodes to the radiating element 121H2 in a non-contact manner.

[0124] By configuring it as described above, the frequency of the radio waves radiated from the radiating element 121H2 of the second antenna substrate 20H2 can be higher than the frequency of the radio waves radiated from the radiating element 121H2 of the first antenna substrate 20H1. That is, the antenna module 100H can be made dual-band.

[0125] Furthermore, since the size of the second antenna substrate 20H2 is smaller than that of the first antenna substrate 20H1, the antenna module 100H can be miniaturized compared to stacking two antenna substrates of the same size. Additionally, because the proportion of the peripheral dielectric of the radiating element 121H2 on the second antenna substrate 20H2 is smaller, the effective dielectric constant around the radiating element 121H2 is suppressed to a low level. This allows for an expansion of the bandwidth of the radio waves radiated by the radiating element 121H2.

[0126] In addition, Figure 19 The antenna module 100H shown illustrates an example of two stacked antenna substrates 20H1 and 20H2, but the number of stacked antenna substrates can also be three or more. This enables the support of multi-band antennas capable of radiating more than three different frequencies.

[0127] In addition, Figure 19 In the antenna module 100H shown, the polarization directions of the radio waves radiated from the two stacked antenna substrates 20H1 and 20H2 are the same, but the polarization directions of the radio waves radiated from the two stacked antenna substrates can also be different.

[0128] Figure 20 This is a partial perspective view of the antenna module 100G of this variation 5. Figure 20 The antenna module 100G shown above will have the above-mentioned Figure 19 The second antenna substrate 20H2 of the antenna module 100H shown has been changed to a second antenna substrate 20G2. The second antenna substrate 20G2 is used to... Figure 19The second antenna substrate 20H2 shown is a substrate rotated 45° counterclockwise when viewed from the positive Z-axis direction. This allows the polarization direction of the radio wave radiated from the first antenna substrate 20H1 to be different from the polarization direction of the radio wave radiated from the second antenna substrate 20G2. Specifically, the polarization direction of the radio wave radiated from the first antenna substrate 20H1 can be set to the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and the polarization direction of the radio wave radiated from the second antenna substrate 20G2 can be set to directions tilted 45° counterclockwise relative to the X-axis and 45° counterclockwise relative to the Y-axis.

[0129] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is set forth not by the description of the above embodiments, but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0130] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments and their variations are specific examples of the following methods.

[0131] (First item) The antenna substrate of this disclosure includes: a planar radiating element configured to be parallel to the main surface of a planar dielectric; and a first terminal configured to expose at least a portion on the side of the dielectric. When the normal direction of the radiating element is defined as a first direction, and two directions orthogonal to and mutually orthogonal to the first direction are defined as a second direction and a third direction, the first terminal has a portion that does not overlap with the radiating element when viewed from the first direction, but overlaps with the radiating element when viewed from both the second direction and the third direction.

[0132] (Second item) In the antenna substrate described in the first item, in addition to the first terminal, there are also a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal, wherein the second terminal, the third terminal, and the fourth terminal are configured such that at least a portion of each is exposed on the side of the dielectric. Each of the second to fourth terminals has a portion that does not overlap with the radiating element when viewed from a first direction, but overlaps with the radiating element when viewed from a second direction or a third direction.

[0133] (Third item) In the antenna substrate described in the second item, the radiating element is configured to face the ground electrode. At least one of the first to fourth terminals is connected to the ground electrode.

[0134] (Fourth item) In any one of the first to third items of the antenna substrate, the first terminal is connected to a first feed line for providing a high-frequency signal to the radiating element.

[0135] (Fifth) In the antenna substrate described in the fourth item, the second terminal is connected to a second feed line for providing a high-frequency signal to the radiating element. When viewed from the first direction, the straight line connecting the first terminal to the center of the radiating element is orthogonal to the straight line connecting the second terminal to the center of the radiating element.

[0136] (Sixth item) In any one of items one through five, the antenna substrate includes multiple combinations of radiating elements and first terminals. Two adjacent radiating elements are connected to a single feed line via a branch. The branch is positioned between two adjacent radiating elements.

[0137] (Seventh) The antenna substrate described in any one of items 1 to 5 includes multiple combinations of radiating elements and first terminals. When two adjacent radiating elements are designated as the first radiating element and the second radiating element, the first terminals of the first radiating element and the second radiating element are connected to a single feed line via a branch. When viewed from a first direction, the branch is positioned between the first radiating element and the second radiating element. The straight line connecting the center of the first radiating element to the first terminal is parallel to the straight line connecting the center of the second radiating element to the first terminal.

[0138] (Eighth item) The antenna substrate described in any one of the first to seventh items further includes a specific electrode disposed at a position that overlaps with the radiating element when viewed from the first direction.

[0139] (Item 9) In the antenna substrate described in Item 8, the radiating element is configured to face the ground electrode. A specific electrode is not connected to the ground electrode.

[0140] (Item 10) The antenna substrate described in the first item further includes a second terminal, which is configured such that at least a portion of it is exposed on the side of the dielectric. The first terminal and the second terminal are arranged in a linearly symmetrical configuration about a straight line parallel to the polarization direction of the radiating element.

[0141] (Item 11) In the antenna substrate described in Item 2 or Item 3, the first terminal to the fourth terminal are configured as rotationally symmetric about a straight line extending from the center of the radiating element along a first direction.

[0142] (Item 12) In the antenna substrate described in Item 11, the radiating element has the following shape: when viewed from a first direction, it has a first side, a second side facing the first side, and a third side and a fourth side extending orthogonally to and parallel to the first side. A first terminal has a portion disposed between the intersection of a line overlapping the first side and a line overlapping the third side and the radiating element. A second terminal has a portion disposed between the intersection of a line overlapping the second side and a line overlapping the third side and the radiating element. A third terminal has a portion disposed between the intersection of a line overlapping the first side and a line overlapping the fourth side and the radiating element. A fourth terminal has a portion disposed between the intersection of a line overlapping the second side and a line overlapping the fourth side and the radiating element.

[0143] (Item 13) In the antenna substrate described in any one of items 1 to 3, the radiating element has: a first feed point connected to a first feed line for providing a first high-frequency signal to the radiating element; and a second feed point connected to a second feed line for providing a second high-frequency signal to the radiating element. The straight line connecting the first feed point to the center of the radiating element is orthogonal to the straight line connecting the second feed point to the center of the radiating element.

[0144] (Item 14) In any one of the first to thirteenth items of the antenna substrate, when viewed from the first direction, the distance between the first terminal and the end of the radiating element is less than half the size of the radiating element in the polarization direction of the radiating element.

[0145] (Item 15) In any one of the first to thirteenth items, if the length of the wavelength of the high-frequency signal provided to the radiating element within the antenna substrate is set as λ, then when viewed from the first direction, the distance between the first terminal and the end of the radiating element is less than λ / 4.

[0146] (Item 16) In the antenna substrate described in any one of items 1 to 15, the radiating element has a shape with a first side that is straight when viewed from a first direction. A portion of the first side is cut off so that it does not contact the first terminal.

[0147] (Seventeenth item) The antenna module of this disclosure includes the antenna substrate described in any one of the first to sixteenth items.

[0148] (Item 18) The communication device of this disclosure includes the antenna module described in item 17.

[0149] (Item 19) The antenna module of this disclosure includes a first antenna substrate and a second antenna substrate, each of which has the structure of an antenna substrate as described in any one of items 1 to 16, and one of which is disposed on the other.

[0150] (Item 20) In the antenna module described in Item 19, the polarization direction of the electromagnetic wave radiated from the first antenna substrate is different from the polarization direction of the electromagnetic wave radiated from the second antenna substrate.

[0151] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0152] 1: Communication device; 10: Substrate; 10a, 30a: Main surface; 11~14: Edge; 15~18: Curved part; 20, 20A~20G, 20H1, 20H2, 20G2: Antenna substrate; 21~24: External connection terminal; 21a~24a: Electrode part; 30: Dielectric; 30b: Side; 100, 100H, 100G: Antenna module; 111A~113H, 117A, 117B: Switch; 112AR~112HR: Low noise amplifier; 112AT~112HT: Power amplifier; 114A~114H: Attenuator; 115A~115H: Phase shifter; 116A, 116B: Demultiplexer; 118A, 118B: Mixer; 119A, 119B: Amplifier circuit; 120: Antenna device; 121: Radiating element; 122: Specific electrode; 123: Unfed element; GND: Ground electrode; L1, L2: Feed line; L1a, L2a: Branch; SP1: First feed point; SP2: Second feed point.

Claims

1. An antenna substrate comprising: A planar radiating element, configured parallel to the principal plane of a planar dielectric; and A first terminal is configured such that at least a portion of it is exposed on the side of the dielectric. When the normal direction of the radiating element is set as the first direction, and two directions orthogonal to the first direction and mutually orthogonal are set as the second direction and the third direction, the first terminal has a portion that does not overlap with the radiating element when viewed from the first direction, but overlaps with the radiating element whether viewed from the second direction or the third direction.

2. The antenna substrate according to claim 1, wherein, In addition to the first terminal, the device also includes a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal, wherein at least a portion of each of the second, third, and fourth terminals is exposed on the side of the dielectric. The second terminal, the third terminal, and the fourth terminal each have a portion that does not overlap with the radiating element when viewed from the first direction, but overlaps with the radiating element regardless of whether it is viewed from the second direction or from the third direction.

3. The antenna substrate according to claim 2, wherein, The radiating element is configured to face the grounding electrode. At least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, and the fourth terminal is connected to the grounding electrode.

4. The antenna substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first terminal is connected to a first feeder wire for providing a high-frequency signal to the radiating element.

5. The antenna substrate according to claim 4, wherein, The second terminal is connected to a second feed wire for providing a high-frequency signal to the radiating element. When viewed from the first direction, the straight line connecting the first terminal to the center of the radiating element is orthogonal to the straight line connecting the second terminal to the center of the radiating element.

6. The antenna substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Multiple combinations of the radiating element and the first terminal are provided. Two adjacent radiating elements are connected to a single feed line via a branch. The branch is positioned between two adjacent radiating elements.

7. The antenna substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Multiple combinations of the radiating element and the first terminal are provided. When two adjacent radiating elements are designated as the first radiating element and the second radiating element... The first terminal of the first radiating element and the first terminal of the second radiating element are connected to a single feed line via a branch. When viewed from the first direction, the branch is positioned between the first radiating element and the second radiating element. The straight line connecting the center of the first radiating element to the first terminal is parallel to the straight line connecting the center of the second radiating element to the first terminal.

8. The antenna substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, It also includes a specific electrode, which is positioned to overlap with the radiating element when viewed from the first direction.

9. The antenna substrate according to claim 8, wherein, The radiating element is configured to face the grounding electrode. The specific electrode is not connected to the ground electrode.

10. The antenna substrate according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a second terminal, which is configured such that at least a portion of the second terminal is exposed on the side of the dielectric. The first terminal and the second terminal are arranged in a linearly symmetrical configuration with respect to a straight line parallel to the polarization direction of the radiating element.

11. The antenna substrate according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, and the fourth terminal are configured in a rotationally symmetric manner with respect to a straight line extending from the center of the radiating element along the first direction.

12. The antenna substrate according to claim 11, wherein, The radiating element has the following shape: when viewed from the first direction, it has a first side, a second side facing the first side, and a third and fourth side extending orthogonally to and parallel to the first side. The first terminal has a portion disposed between the intersection of a straight line overlapping the first side and a straight line overlapping the third side and the radiating element. The second terminal has a portion disposed between the intersection of the straight line overlapping the second side and the straight line overlapping the third side and the radiating element. The third terminal has a portion disposed between the intersection of the straight line overlapping the first side and the straight line overlapping the fourth side and the radiating element. The fourth terminal has a portion disposed between the intersection of the straight line overlapping the second side and the straight line overlapping the fourth side and the radiating element.

13. The antenna substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The radiating element has: A first feed point is connected to a first feed line for providing a first high-frequency signal to the radiating element; as well as The second feed point is connected to the second feed wire used to provide a second high-frequency signal to the radiating element. The straight line connecting the first feed point to the center of the radiating element is orthogonal to the straight line connecting the second feed point to the center of the radiating element.

14. The antenna substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, When viewed from the first direction, the distance between the first terminal and the end of the radiating element is less than half the size of the radiating element in the polarization direction.

15. The antenna substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, If the length of the wavelength of the high-frequency signal supplied to the radiating element within the antenna substrate is defined as λ. When viewed from the first direction, the distance between the first terminal and the end of the radiating element is less than λ / 4.

16. The antenna substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The radiating element has a shape with a first side that is straight when viewed from the first direction. A portion of the first edge is cut off to prevent it from contacting the first terminal.

17. An antenna module comprising an antenna substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A communication device comprising the antenna module according to claim 17.

19. An antenna module comprising a first antenna substrate and a second antenna substrate, wherein the first antenna substrate and the second antenna substrate each have the structure of an antenna substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 16, and one is disposed on the other.

20. The antenna module according to claim 19, wherein, The polarization direction of the electromagnetic wave radiated from the first antenna substrate is different from that of the electromagnetic wave radiated from the second antenna substrate.

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