Antenna structure and electronic device including the same

Abstract

An antenna module according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include an antenna substrate, a signal line disposed on the antenna substrate, a first ground line disposed on the antenna substrate adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line and grounded at one end, a second ground line disposed on the antenna substrate adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line and grounded at one end, an array antenna including a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the antenna substrate, and an RFIC configured to control a signal applied to the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the antenna element includes a first support portion connected to the first ground line, a second support portion connected to the second ground line, and a radiator connected to an upper end of the first support portion and an upper end of the second support portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to antennas, and more specifically, to the feeding structure of a dipole antenna. Background Technology

[0002] As a massively multi-input multiple-output (MIMO) unit (MMU) antenna, a metal patch antenna can be constructed with a power divider mounted on a PCB and a metal patch. Due to its simple structure and relatively straightforward connection to the motherboard, it is easy to manufacture, and the simplified structure, components, and manufacturing process reduce assembly tolerances. The power divider (e.g., a T-junction power divider) is designed to generate a 180-degree phase difference at a specified frequency, but it cannot generate a 180-degree phase difference when using signals of different frequencies. Metal patch antennas can also be used as narrowband antennas.

[0003] A dipole antenna, serving as an MMU antenna, can include a radiator and a balun, which applies a balanced signal to the radiator and supports it. A dipole antenna can be constructed by attaching the balun to a substrate and the radiator to the top of the balun. The balun can generate a constant 180-degree phase difference across all frequencies, and the dipole antenna supports a wide bandwidth while providing excellent radiation characteristics, linearity, and isolation performance.

[0004] Generally, the balun in a dipole antenna is formed on a support structure. The balun is constructed by printing a pattern for outputting a balanced signal onto a PCB that supports the radiator. In this case, additional components and manufacturing processes are required to connect the substrate, balun, and radiator.

[0005] Recently, a manufacturing method has been devised that uses plastic materials and molds to injection mold the substrate, support structure, and radiator structure, followed by patterning the balun. While this plastic dipole antenna eliminates the need to worry about connections between components, it requires plastic molding technology for manufacturing, and design freedom is limited because the minimum spacing between lines of the printable pattern on the plastic is more than twice the minimum possible spacing on a standard PCB board. Furthermore, plastic products suffer from significant energy loss and the risk of permanent deformation of the product's appearance due to heat generation.

[0006] Furthermore, the balun must be 20 mm long to operate (at 3.5G in air); however, to achieve this length, the antenna support structure must be lengthened, which limits the antenna height design. Under these guidelines, if the antenna height exceeds 10 mm, antenna performance such as gain, beamwidth, bandwidth, and CPR deteriorates. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues Based on the above discussion, this disclosure provides a balun structure for feeding a dipole antenna, a dipole antenna, and an electronic device including the dipole antenna.

[0008] Additionally, this disclosure provides a dipole antenna, a connection structure between a radiator and a balun for the dipole antenna, and an electronic device including the connection structure.

[0009] Solution to the problem An antenna module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an antenna substrate; a signal line disposed on the antenna substrate; a first ground line disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate and grounded at one end; a second ground line disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate and grounded at one end; an array antenna including a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the antenna substrate; and a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) configured to control signals applied to the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the antenna elements may include: a first support portion and a second support portion, the first support portion being connected to the first ground line and the second support portion being connected to the second ground line; and a radiator connected to the upper end of the first support portion and the upper end of the second support portion.

[0010] A base station according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: an antenna unit including an antenna module; and a controller, wherein the antenna module may include: an antenna substrate; a signal line disposed on the antenna substrate; a first ground line disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate and grounded at one end; a second ground line disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate and grounded at one end; an array antenna including a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the antenna substrate; and a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) configured to control signals applied to the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the antenna elements may include: a first support portion and a second support portion, the first support portion being connected to the first ground line and the second support portion being connected to the second ground line; and a radiator connected to the upper end of the first support portion and the upper end of the second support portion.

[0011] An antenna module according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: an antenna substrate; a signal line disposed on the antenna substrate; a balun disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate; an array antenna including a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the antenna substrate; and a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) configured to control signals applied to the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the antenna elements may include: a first support portion and a second support portion connected to the balun; and a radiator connected to the upper ends of the first support portion and the second support portion.

[0012] Beneficial effects of the present invention According to embodiments of this disclosure, a balanced signal can be fed to a dipole antenna via a balun structure horizontally disposed on an antenna substrate, thus allowing the antenna height to be designed regardless of the length of the balun.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the connection structure between the radiator and the support portion is simple because a portion of the radiator is bent to form a support portion.

[0014] According to embodiments of this disclosure, because the balun is horizontally disposed on the substrate and the lower end of the support portion is connected thereto, the components of the substrate, the balun, and the radiator can be easily connected using surface mount technology (SMT). Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A balance-to-unbalance converter (balun) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 Signal lines and baluns disposed on an antenna substrate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0017] Figure 3 A radiator of a dipole antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 A dipole antenna patch included in an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 5 The polarization components that can be generated using a dipole antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0020] Figure 6 Signal lines and baluns disposed on an antenna substrate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0021] Figure 7 The polarization components that can be generated using a dipole antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0022] Figure 8 Antenna elements according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0023] Figure 9 The dimensions of an antenna according to an embodiment of this disclosure are shown.

[0024] Figure 10 An electrical path is shown on the surface of a radiator when a signal is applied to the radiator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 11 A balun is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 12 A resistor, bridge, or slot for electrically connecting two conductors of a balun is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 13 A balun is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 14 A balun is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 15 A balun is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 16 Examples of antenna performance based on antenna structure according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0031] Figure 17 An antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 18 An example of the performance of a subarray according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 19 The average gain performance of a subarray according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 20 An example of the average half-power beamwidth (HPBW) performance of a subarray according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 21 An example of the average CPR performance of a subarray according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 22 An antenna module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 23 The functional configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 A balance-to-unbalance converter (balun) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] The antenna module disclosed herein may include a balun that feeds two types of signals with equal amplitude and opposite phase to a radiator so as to function as a dipole antenna.

[0040] refer to Figure 1 The two ends of the signal line can be referred to as Port 1 (P1) and Open Terminal (OC), respectively, and a balun can be disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line. The balun may include two ground wires corresponding to the signal line. A first ground wire may be disposed adjacent to and parallel to at least a portion of the signal line, and its end may be grounded. A second ground wire may also be disposed adjacent to and parallel to at least a portion of the signal line, and its end may also be grounded.

[0041] In this disclosure, the lengths of the first and second grounding wires can be the same, such that the balun supplies the radiator with two types of signals that are out of phase and have equal amplitude. The balun may refer to a Marchand balun that maintains a constant phase difference between the two types of signals sent to the radiator.

[0042] A single balun may include two ground wires, each ground wire being a conductive wire with one end grounded and the other end connected to a radiator. When current flows through a signal line adjacent to the balun's ground wire, at least a portion of the electrical energy of the current flowing along the signal line can be transferred to the balun's ground wire due to coupling effects caused by interference between the two adjacent conductive wires. In this way, when electrical energy is transferred from the signal line to the ground wire adjacent to the signal line, it can be said that the ground wire and the signal line are electrically coupled.

[0043] When the balun is coupled to at least a portion of the signal line, an RF signal can be generated in the balun due to the electrical energy transferred from the signal line to the balun, and the balun can transmit the RF signal to the antenna radiator connected to the balun. In other words, when the signal line is coupled to the ground wire of the balun, the ground wire of the balun can feed the RF signal to the radiator.

[0044] Because the antenna element or antenna radiator according to the embodiment is connected to a portion of the balun's ground wire, it can receive RF signals from the balun and radiate them into the air when an RF signal is generated due to coupling at the balun's ground wire.

[0045] Strong coupling between the signal line and the ground line means that a large amount of energy is transferred from the signal line to the ground line, and the greater the energy transferred, the more effectively impedance matching can be performed.

[0046] The distance between a signal line and a ground line affects the amplitude of the RF signal generated at the ground line. Generally, the smaller the distance between the signal line and the ground line, the stronger the interference between them; therefore, the coupling is strong, and a stronger RF signal can be generated. In this disclosure, the distance between the signal line and the ground line can be configured to 0.15 mm, which is the minimum distance between lines provided in PCB manufacturing. According to an embodiment, because the two ground lines included in a single balun (e.g., a first ground line and a second ground line) must be able to feed signals with opposite phases and equal amplitudes, the distance between the first ground line and the signal line and the distance between the second ground line and the signal line can be equal.

[0047] The degree of coupling between a signal line and a ground line can vary depending on the presence or absence of a ground plane, the thickness of the substrate, and the permittivity. For example, if a groove is formed in the ground plane beneath both the signal line and the ground line (i.e., if a portion of the ground is removed), strong coupling will occur between them. For instance, thicker dielectrics result in stronger coupling, and thinner dielectrics result in weaker coupling. Similarly, lower permittivity results in stronger coupling, and higher permittivity results in weaker coupling.

[0048] Because the ground wire is coupled to the signal wire, it can also be called a coupled wire. When a signal is applied to the signal wire through P1, the first and second ground wires, which are adjacent to the signal wire, can couple with the signal wire. At this time, the signal applied to the signal wire can be an unbalanced signal. The degree of coupling between the signal wire and the ground wire can be determined based on the length of the ground wire coupled to the signal wire, the distance between the signal wire and the ground wire, the presence or absence of a ground plane, the thickness of the substrate, and the dielectric constant. Whether the balun is impedance matched can be determined based on the distance between the signal wire and the ground wire.

[0049] The end of the first grounding wire other than the grounding terminal can be referred to as port 2 (P2), and the first grounding wire coupled to the signal line can output a first balanced signal through port 2. The end of the second grounding wire other than the grounding terminal can be referred to as port 3, and the second grounding wire coupled to the signal line can output a second balanced signal through port 3.

[0050] If the coupling between the signal line and the first ground wire is the same as the coupling between the signal line and the second ground wire, then half of the electrical energy applied to the signal line can be transferred to the first ground wire, and the other half can be transferred to the second ground wire. Balanced signals with equal amplitude and opposite phase can be obtained from ports 2 and 3. The 180-degree phase difference can be determined by designing the lengths of the first and second ground wires to be equal.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 The length of each grounding wire relative to the tube wavelength (λg) can be approximately λg / 4. For example, in air at 3.5 GHz, the required length of each grounding wire (i.e., the length of the balun) might be 20 mm. Although the required design length of the balun can be shortened by using a dielectric material depending on the dielectric constant, this may result in greater energy loss.

[0052] When designing general-purpose antennas, baluns can be used to feed two types of signals with a 180-degree phase difference to a dipole antenna. Generally, baluns can be formed on the components supporting the radiator of the dipole antenna using methods such as printing. Because the length of the balun printed on the support component must meet the required design length based on the dielectric constant, the antenna height may increase. A height of 10 mm is suitable for antennas at 3.5 GHz, and as the antenna height increases beyond a threshold, antenna characteristics related to gain, bandwidth, CPR, and isolation may degrade.

[0053] Figure 2 Signal lines and baluns disposed on an antenna substrate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0054] The ground wire constituting the balun according to the embodiment can be provided on the antenna substrate (e.g., PCB) together with the signal line. Reference Figure 2 Signal line 210 can be disposed on antenna substrate 200, and signal line 210 may include port 1 (211) and open terminal 219. First ground line 230 and second ground line 240 may be disposed adjacent to at least a portion of signal line 210. One end 231 of the first ground line may be grounded and the other end may be connected to the first antenna pad 239. One end 241 of the second ground line may be grounded and the other end may be connected to the second antenna pad 249.

[0055] The length 235 of the first grounding wire can be the same as the length 245 of the second grounding wire. In this case, the amplitude of the signal output from the first grounding wire coupled to the signal line can be the same as the amplitude of the signal output from the second grounding wire coupled to the signal line.

[0056] The lengths of each grounding wire, 235 and 245, can be configured as λg / 4. For example, the length of the grounding wire can be 20 mm (at 3.5 GHz in air).

[0057] In an embodiment, in order to simultaneously miniaturize the antenna module and construct the grounding wire lengths 235 and 245 as λg / 4, it can be done as follows: Figure 2 The curved shape design shown refers to grounding wires 230 and 240. In another embodiment, with... Figure 2Unlike other designs, the grounding wire can be designed as a straight line.

[0058] When a signal is applied to a signal line, the ground wire coupled to the signal line can output a signal corresponding to the applied signal. According to an embodiment, an unbalanced signal can be applied to the signal line, and a balanced signal can be output from the ground wire coupled to the signal line. For example, when an unbalanced signal is applied to signal line 210 through port 1 (211), the first ground wire 230 coupled to the signal line can output a balanced signal, and the second ground wire 240 coupled to the signal line can also output a balanced signal. According to an embodiment, because the lengths of the first and second ground wires are the same, the first balanced signal and the second balanced signal can have opposite phases (or a 180-degree phase difference may exist). Furthermore, because the degree of coupling between each ground wire and the signal line is the same when the lengths of the first and second ground wires are the same, the amplitudes of the first balanced signal and the second balanced signal can also be the same.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the antenna element can be connected to a portion of the balun's ground wire. Specifically, a support portion included in the antenna element can be connected to one end of the balun's ground wire (e.g., the balun's output port), and thus, the signal output from the balun's ground wire coupled to the signal line can be sent to the support portion. For example, the first ground wire can be connected through port 2 (e.g., Figure 1 P2) sends the signal to the support portion. Because the signal sent to the support portion of the antenna element is sent to the radiator of the antenna element, the antenna element can radiate the signal received from the balun into the air. The antenna element may include a radiator that radiates the signal into the air and a support portion that supports the radiator on a substrate.

[0060] In this configuration, one end of the balun's ground wire (e.g., the balun's output port) can be used as a receiver for surface mount technology (SMT) processes. The lower end of the support portion can be bonded to the balun's ground wire via an SMT process, and the support portion can be stably fixed to the antenna substrate.

[0061] According to an embodiment, an antenna pad can be further provided at one end of the balun's ground wire as an SMT receiver for the antenna element. In this case, the balun's ground wire can be connected to the support portion of the antenna element via the antenna pad. The signal output from the ground wire coupled to the signal line can be transmitted to the support portion via the antenna pad. For example, the first ground wire can be connected via port 2 (e.g., Figure 1(P2) In this context, a signal is sent to the antenna pad or support portion. For example, if one end of the ground wire is connected to the antenna pad, the antenna pad is connected to the support portion, and the support portion is connected to the radiator, then the signal output from the ground wire can be sent to the radiator via the antenna pad and the support portion.

[0062] In the case where the antenna module according to the embodiment further includes an antenna pad, the antenna pad can transmit a balanced signal generated from the ground wire to the radiator. By connecting the lower end of the support portion to the antenna pad, the support portion can be fixed to the antenna substrate, and a balanced signal can be fed to the radiator connected to the support portion through the support portion. The antenna pad can be configured to be larger than the lower end of the support portion, thereby enabling the support portion to be stably coupled to the antenna substrate.

[0063] The antenna pad can be used as a receiver for SMT (Surface Mount Technology) processes. The lower end of the support portion can be bonded to the antenna pad via SMT processes, and the support portion can be stably fixed to the antenna substrate. In this disclosure, the antenna pad may also be referred to as a pad or island.

[0064] SMT (Surface Mount Technology) refers to the process of placing electronic components on a substrate and bonding them together using soldering. According to SMT, solder paste, acting as a solder alloy, is applied to the surface of a printed circuit board. Electronic components (e.g., antenna elements) can be mounted on the solder-coated substrate, and the applied solder paste melts to achieve an electrical connection between the electronic components and the substrate. By utilizing SMT, the distance between electronic components can be narrowed, enabling high-density component placement, maximizing substrate space utilization, and miniaturization. Furthermore, short electrical path connections can be established, thereby improving electrical characteristics. Moreover, because there are no vias on the substrate or component leads, the substrate can be used densely, and high productivity and reliability can be achieved through automated operation.

[0065] Figure 3 A radiator 300 of a dipole antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0066] In this disclosure, the radiator can operate as a dipole antenna when a balanced signal of equal amplitude and opposite phase is applied. According to an embodiment, a slit can be formed in the radiator, and the current applied to the radiator can move along the region including the slit, thereby forming an electrical path. Reference Figure 3 The radiator 300 may include at least a pair of slits symmetrical about the center 350 of the radiator. For example, the radiator may have a first slit 310 and a third slit 330 formed symmetrically with respect to each other, and / or may include a second slit 320 and a fourth slit 340 formed symmetrically with respect to each other.

[0067] When a signal is fed (applied) to the center of the radiator, current may flow toward slits 310, 320, 330, or 340, and a linear potential distribution or polarity may occur around the slits. When an electrical path is formed along the slits or in the region including the slits, radio frequency (RF) signals of a specified frequency band can be transmitted and / or received based on the electrical path.

[0068] In another embodiment, the electrical path can be formed based on the loops included in the radiator rather than the slits formed in the radiator.

[0069] The antenna module disclosed herein may include a balun disposed parallel to an antenna substrate. Specifically, the antenna module may include an antenna element comprising a radiator, a balun disposed on the antenna substrate, and a balun support portion capable of connecting the antenna element to the substrate, feeding the signal output from the balun to the dipole antenna element, and is constructed using an SMT process. The balun can feed two types of signals with equal amplitude and opposite phase to the antenna, enabling the dipole antenna to operate.

[0070] The slit according to the embodiment can be constructed in a T-shape and can be referred to as a folded dipole. The length of the slit can be constructed to be half the wavelength corresponding to the resonant frequency of the radiator (i.e., half the wavelength). Figure 3 As shown, the slit can be constructed in a straight shape. In order to simultaneously miniaturize the antenna element and construct the slit length to half a wavelength, the two ends of the slit can be formed by bending at a predetermined angle.

[0071] Figure 4 A dipole antenna patch included in an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0072] The radiator according to the embodiment can be made of conductive material or metal. Compared with other materials, conductive material or metal has a lower degree of loss. In addition, unlike radiators made of plastic material, radiators made of metal have a lower risk of permanent deformation due to heat. For example, the radiator can be constructed as a metal plate.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the radiator can be made of a conductive material, and slits can be formed within the radiator. When a signal is applied to the radiator, an electrical path can be formed based on the slits formed in the radiator, and the radiator can operate as a dipole antenna. (Reference) Figure 4 Slits facing each other can be formed about the center of the radiator. For example, the first slit 410, the second slit 420, the third slit 430, and the fourth slit 440 can be formed symmetrically about the center of the radiator, and as... Figure 4 As shown, a fifth slit 45 can be further formed to connect slits 410, 420, 430, and 440.

[0074] For example, when a signal is fed to the center of the radiator, current can flow along slits on the surface of the radiator. Electrical paths can be formed in regions including slits 410, 420, 430, and 440, and RF signals of a specific frequency band can be transmitted and / or received based on these electrical paths.

[0075] refer to Figure 4 At least a portion of the slits may be disposed adjacent to and parallel to the edge of the radiator. For example, at least a portion of the first slit 410 may be disposed adjacent to and parallel to the edge 415 of the radiator. In addition, at least a portion of each of the remaining slits 420, 430 or 440 may be disposed adjacent to and parallel to each edge 425, 435 or 445 of the radiator.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the slit may be formed in a T-shape, and the length 441 of the slit may be configured as half the wavelength corresponding to the resonant frequency of the radiator.

[0077] The radiator 400 according to the embodiment may include power supply units 465 and 485. The power supply units 465 and 485 may be located at the boundary between the radiator 400 and the support portion. Because the radiator 400 is connected to the support portion through the power supply units 465 and 485, the signal output from the balun can be fed to the radiator 400 through the power supply units 465 and 485.

[0078] The portion of the radiator 400 extending from the feed units 465, 485 can be referred to as a support portion. For example, the support portion can be formed by bending a part of the radiator 400, and in this case, cut regions 460, 480 corresponding to the region of the support portion can be formed in the radiator 400. (Refer to...) Figure 8 Describe the support components in detail.

[0079] Figure 5 The polarization components that can be generated using a dipole antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0080] refer to Figure 5 When a signal is applied to the feed units 565 and 585, the signal can flow along the slits and form electrical paths 513, 523, 533, and 543 on the surface of the radiator 500. Based on the electrical paths 513, 523, 533, and 543 formed along the slits, a polarization component 520 in direction A can be generated.

[0081] The slit according to an embodiment can be formed by bending at least a portion of both ends. (As...) Figure 5As shown, bending at least a portion of both ends of the slit shortens path 587. In a dipole antenna, the shorter path 587, shown as a solid line, the stronger the current flowing through the electrical path and the stronger the polarization component.

[0082] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates signal lines and baluns disposed on an antenna substrate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] This disclosure is not limited to, for example Figure 2 The embodiment shown includes one signal line, but it can also be applied to, for example... Figure 6 The example shown includes two signal lines. (See reference) Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the signal lines and balun structure for a dual-polarized antenna. In the case of a dual-polarized antenna, the signal lines may include a first signal line 610 for a first polarization and a second signal line 620 for a second polarization different from the first polarization. The first polarization and the second polarization may be orthogonal to each other.

[0084] When constructing a dual-polarized antenna according to the embodiment, the first signal line 610, the second signal line 620, the ground lines 630 and 640 coupled to the first signal line 610, and the ground lines 650 and 660 coupled to the second signal line 620 can be disposed on the antenna substrate 600.

[0085] Figure 6 The first grounding wires 630 and 650 can correspond to Figure 2 The first grounding wire. In the following description, Figure 6 Grounding wire 630 can be referred to as grounding wire 1-1 because it is the first grounding wire coupled to the first signal line, and grounding wire 650 can be referred to as grounding wire 1-2 because it is the first grounding wire coupled to the second signal line. Similarly, Figure 6 The second grounding wires 640 and 660 can correspond to Figure 2 The second grounding wire. Figure 6 The grounding wire 640 can be referred to as the 2-1 grounding wire because it is the second grounding wire coupled to the first signal line. Figure 6 The grounding wire 660 can be referred to as the second-2 grounding wire because it is the second grounding wire coupled to the second signal line.

[0086] in addition, Figure 6 The first antenna pads 639 and 659 can correspond to Figure 2 The first antenna pad. In the following description, Figure 6 The first antenna pad 639 can be referred to as the 1-1 antenna pad because it is connected to the first ground line 630 coupled to the first signal line. The first antenna pad 659 can be referred to as the 1-2 antenna pad. Similarly, Figure 6The second antenna pads 649 and 669 can correspond to Figure 2 The second antenna pad. Figure 6 The second antenna pad 649 can be referred to as the second-1 antenna pad, and the second antenna pad 669 can be referred to as the second-2 antenna pad.

[0087] like Figure 2 As described in Figure 6 The length 245 of the first grounding wire can be the same as the length 265 of the second grounding wire, and the lengths of each grounding wire 230, 240, 250, 260 can be constructed to be λg / 4. Additionally, [details omitted]. Figure 6 and Figure 2 Those descriptions are redundant.

[0088] Figure 7 The polarization components that can be generated using a dipole antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0089] This disclosure can also be applied to, for example Figure 6 The illustration shows an embodiment of a dual-polarized antenna including two signal lines. (See reference...) Figure 6 A signal can be applied to the first signal line 610 through P1 (611) of the first signal line. The first ground line 630 and the second ground line 640 can be coupled to the first signal line 610, and two types of RF signals with equal amplitude and opposite phase can be output through the first antenna pad 639 and the second antenna pad 649. When RF signals are output through the first antenna pad 639 and the second antenna pad 649, these signals can be connected to the feed unit of the first antenna pad 639 and the second antenna pad 649 (e.g., ...). Figure 5 (565, 585) are fed to radiator 500. (Reference) Figure 5 It can generate a polarization component 520 in direction A.

[0090] Return to reference Figure 6 A signal can be applied to the second signal line 620 through P1 (621). The first ground line 650 and the second ground line 660 can be coupled to the second signal line 620, and two types of RF signals with equal amplitude and opposite phase can be output through the first antenna pads 659 and 669. When RF signals are output through the first antenna pad 639 and the second antenna pad 649, these signals can be connected to the feed units of the first antenna pad 639 and the second antenna pad 649 (e.g., ...). Figure 7 775 and 795 in the middle are fed to radiator 700.

[0091] The radiator according to the embodiment can be as follows: Figure 7The diagram shows four feed units. For example, it may include feed units 565 and 585 for first polarization and feed units 775 and 795 for second polarization. (Reference) Figure 7 Cutting regions 770 and 790 can be further formed in the radiator 700.

[0092] When a signal is applied to the feed units 775 and 795, the signal can flow along the slits and form electrical paths 713, 723, 733, and 743 on the surface of the radiator 700. Based on the electrical paths 713, 723, 733, and 743 formed along the slits, a polarization component 720 in direction B can be generated. Direction B can be orthogonal to direction A.

[0093] Figure 8 An antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0094] The antenna according to an embodiment may include a balun horizontally disposed on an antenna substrate, a support portion connected to a portion of the balun, and a radiator 810 connected to the upper end of the support portion. Reference Figure 8 The balun 825 can be disposed on the antenna substrate 800, and the antenna element can be disposed on a portion of the balun, such that the balun and the antenna element are connected, and the antenna element can include a radiator 810 and a support portion 819.

[0095] For ease of explanation, Figure 8 This is illustrated based on a dual-polarized antenna. For example, used for Figure 8 The dual-polarized antenna may include two signal lines, two baluns, four feed elements, and four cut-out regions. However, because this disclosure is not limited to dual-polarized antenna embodiments, it can also be applied to embodiments including one signal line and one balun, or embodiments in which the radiator includes two feed elements for applying two unbalanced signals.

[0096] The antenna according to an embodiment may further include one end of a ground wire located at the balun, such that the antenna element can be stably coupled to the antenna pads of the balun. Reference Figure 8 Antenna pads 821, 822, 823, and 824 can be connected to one end of the grounding wire. In this case, the signal line and balun 825 can be disposed on the antenna substrate 800 (820), the support portion 819 can be disposed on the antenna pads 821, 822, 823, and 824 of the balun, and the radiator 810 can be disposed on the top of the support portion 819 (830).

[0097] As previously explained, the support portion 819 may be formed by bending a portion of the radiator 810, and cutting regions 815, 816, 817, and 818 corresponding to the region of the support portion may be formed in the radiator 810.

[0098] According to the embodiment, the antenna can be manufactured by connecting the support portion 819 to one end of the balun's ground wire using an SMT method. Where one end of the balun's ground wire further includes antenna pads, the antenna pads 821, 822, 823, and 824 can be used as receivers for the SMT process.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the balun 825 for the dipole antenna can be horizontally mounted on the antenna substrate 800 (820), and because the antenna height is not limited by the balun structure, design freedom can be improved. Unlike conventional dipole antennas where the antenna height is increased by using a large and complex balun support structure to support the radiator, the dipole antenna of this disclosure allows the height of the support portion 819 (i.e., the antenna height) to be varied according to the designer's intent. For example, because design elements related to the height of the support portion (such as bending position, bending length, and additional bending length) are adjustable according to design intent, the degree of freedom in designing the antenna height can be high.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the support portion 819 may include at least a pair of metal pillars that are centrally symmetrical about the radiator 810. Because the support portion 819 includes at least a pair of metal pillars that are centrally symmetrical about the radiator 810, it can stably support the radiator. Alternatively, the bends or cut regions formed in the radiator 810 may be centrally symmetrical about the radiator 810. The bends or cut regions formed in the radiator 810 may be arranged such that the electric field formed in the antenna is symmetrical. For example, the cut regions may be centrally symmetrical about the radiator 810.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the radiator 810 and the support portion 819 are made of a metallic material, and the support portion can be formed by bending a portion of the radiator. By utilizing a portion of the radiator 810 as the support portion, a stacked structure can be achieved without separate support members, and the antenna substrate-balun-support portion can be easily connected using SMT technology. Furthermore, because the assembly of the components does not require separate parts, manufacturing tolerances can be reduced.

[0102] Because the antenna element according to the embodiment includes a conductive support portion, signals output through the balun can be received via the support portion 819 connected to the balun. The radiator 810 can receive signals from the balun and radiate them into the air via the feed units 812 and 814. For example, when additional antenna pads are provided, signals output via the first antenna pad 821 and the second antenna pad 823 can be fed to the radiator 810 via the support portion 819 and the feed units 811 and 813. Alternatively, signals output via the first antenna pad 822 and the second antenna pad 824 can be fed to the radiator 810 via the support portion 819 and the feed units 812 and 814.

[0103] refer to Figure 8 The antenna height can vary depending on the cut regions 815, 816, 817, 818 and / or whether additional bending is performed. According to an embodiment, the lower end of the support portion 819, formed by bending the radiator, can be further bent (819A). When the radiator is further bent, the surface area of ​​the support portion in contact with the antenna substrate or antenna pads can increase, or the height of the support portion can decrease. Therefore, the bandwidth and radiation performance of the radiator can be controlled by further bending.

[0104] Figure 9 The dimensions of an antenna according to an embodiment of this disclosure are shown.

[0105] Figure 9 A balun 920 and an antenna element are shown disposed on a substrate 900. The antenna element may include a support portion 919 and a radiator 910. The radiator 910 may include a wing portion 912. The wing portion 912 may be formed by bending the edges of the antenna to increase the surface area of ​​the radiator 910 while reducing the size of the antenna.

[0106] Because the radiator 910 according to the embodiment is made of a metallic material, it requires a greater antenna length compared to a plastic radiator of the same structure. Therefore, the radiator 910 can increase the area of ​​the antenna radiator and / or reduce the size of the space occupied by the antenna (i.e., the size of the antenna) by bending the edges of the radiator.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the antenna height h can be constructed to be approximately 10 mm based on 3.5 GHz. Typically, as the antenna height h increases beyond 10 mm, antenna characteristics such as gain, beamwidth, bandwidth, CPR, and interference with other subarrays can degrade. Conventional dipole antennas include large and complex balun support structures supporting the radiators, making it difficult to set the antenna height to 10 mm and potentially causing interference with other subarrays. According to this disclosure, because the balun is constructed horizontally on a substrate (e.g., by placing it on a substrate), the antenna height h and the balun length can be designed independently of each other. In other words, because the antenna height can be designed independently without being constrained by the balun length, antenna miniaturization and weight reduction can be achieved. Furthermore, by appropriately designing the antenna height, degradation of antenna characteristics due to interference with other subarrays can be prevented.

[0108] Figure 10 An electrical path is shown on the surface of a radiator when a signal is applied to the radiator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] refer to Figure 10 When the frequency of the applied signal is 3.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 3.8 GHz, or 4.0 GHz, the surface current flowing on the surfaces of radiators 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040 is similar. Therefore, since the antenna performs similar operations at 3.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 3.8 GHz, or 4.0 GHz, a broadband antenna can be realized.

[0110] Although for the sake of explanation Figures 11 to 15 An embodiment of a dual-polarized antenna has been shown, but this disclosure is not limited to dual-polarized antennas. Furthermore, to avoid repetition, one of the two signal lines constituting a dual-polarized antenna will be described, and the description of the other signal line will be omitted.

[0111] Figure 11 A balun is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] According to an embodiment, a grounding wire can be disposed on both sides of a signal line. Specifically, the first grounding wire 1130 may include a first conductor 1130A and a second conductor 1130B disposed on both sides of a signal line 1110 on an antenna substrate 1100, and may also include a resistor, bridge, or path connecting the first conductor 1130A and the second conductor 1130B.

[0113] Similarly, the second grounding wire 1140 may include a third conductor 1140A and a fourth conductor 1140B disposed on both sides of the signal line 1110 on the antenna substrate 1100, and may also include a resistor, bridge or path connecting the third conductor 1140A and the fourth conductor 1140B.

[0114] One end 1131A of the first conductor 1130A and one end 1131B of the second conductor 1130B of the first grounding wire 1130 can be grounded, and the other ends 1138A of the first conductor 1130A and 1138B of the second conductor 1130B can be connected to each other and / or connected to the first antenna 1139. Similarly, one end 1141A of the first conductor 1140A and one end 1141B of the second conductor 1140B of the second grounding wire 1140 can be grounded, and the other ends 1148A of the first conductor 1140A and 1148B of the second conductor 1140B can be connected to each other and / or connected to the second antenna 1149.

[0115] When each ground wire is positioned on both sides of the signal line, stronger coupling may occur between the signal line and the ground wire, and impedance matching performance can be improved. For example, this is more pronounced when signal line 1110 is coupled to a first conductor 1130A having a length of λ / 4 (see also signal line 1310 coupled to ground wire 1340 having a length of λ / 4). Figure 13 Compared to the embodiment in the example, when the signal line 1110 is coupled with a first conductor 1130A having a length corresponding to 1 / 4 of the wavelength λ corresponding to the resonant frequency of the radiator and a second conductor 1130B having a length of λ / 4, stronger coupling occurs.

[0116] Figure 12 A resistor, bridge, or slot for electrically connecting two conductors of a balun is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] refer to Figure 12When the balun is positioned on both sides of the signal line, the two conductors of the balun can be electrically connected using a resistor, bridge, or slot. For example, a first ground wire 1230 can be positioned on both sides of the signal line 1210, and the first ground wire can include a first conductor 1230A and a second conductor 1230B. In other words, the first conductor 1230A and the second conductor 1230B can be positioned on both sides of the signal line 1210. To connect the first conductor 1230A and the second conductor 1230B, which are spaced apart from each other, a 0-ohm resistor or a bridge (1250) can be used, or passes 1270 and 1280 can be used. When using passes 1270 and 1280, slots 1207 and 1208 can be formed in the ground 1201 of the antenna substrate 1200. Slots 1207 and 1208 can be formed with a length and / or width corresponding to the length and / or width of the first conductor 1230A and the second conductor 1230B. For example, a 0-ohm resistor can be used.

[0118] Figure 13 A balun is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] According to an embodiment, a grounding wire can be provided on one side of the signal line on the antenna substrate 1300. Specifically, a first grounding wire 1330 can be provided parallel to the signal line 1310 on one side of the signal line 1310. A second grounding wire 1340 can be provided parallel to the signal line 1310 on one side of the signal line 1310. Because the signal line 1310 is coupled to a grounding wire 1340 having a length corresponding to 1 / 4 of the wavelength λ corresponding to the resonant frequency of the radiator, the energy conversion efficiency, etc., can be lower than that of the signal line 1310. Figure 11 The energy conversion efficiency of the embodiments, etc. However, because the first balun is constructed with a single conductor and the second balun is also constructed with a single conductor, therefore, compared with... Figure 11 and Figure 12 Unlike other embodiments, it does not require structures for joining the first conductor and the third conductor or connecting the second conductor and the fourth conductor, thereby simplifying the structure.

[0120] Figure 14 A balun is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] refer to Figure 14The antenna substrate 1400 may include a grounding 1401 on a surface 1403 other than one surface 1402 where the signal line 1410 and the ground line 1430 are provided. A groove may be formed in a portion 1405 of the other surface 1403, corresponding to a portion 1404 on one side 1402 of the antenna substrate 1400 where the signal line 1410 and the ground line 1430 are arranged side-by-side. For example, the grounding that was originally present in the portion 1405 of the other surface corresponding to the portion 1404 on one side may be removed. Alternatively, the grounding 1401 may be formed on the remaining portion of the other surface 1403 excluding the portion 1405 of the other surface 1403.

[0122] When a slot is formed in a portion 1405 of another surface 1403 corresponding to a portion 1404 on the surface of the antenna substrate 1400 on which a signal line 1410 and a ground line 1430 are disposed, when coupling occurs between the signal line 1410 and the ground line 1430, the energy generated from the signal line 1410 can be coupled with the ground line 1430 without leaking to the ground 1401, thereby improving impedance matching and energy conversion efficiency.

[0123] Figure 15 A balun is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] refer to Figure 15 The antenna substrate 1500 may have a ground 1501 formed on a surface 1503 on which signal lines 1510 and ground lines 1530 and 1540 are disposed, and the first ground line 1530 and the second ground line 1540 may be disposed on another surface 1502 other than the surface 1503. When an RF signal is applied to the signal line 1510, the signal line 1510 and the first ground line 1530 can be coupled through the antenna substrate 1500, and the signal line 1510 and the second ground line 1540 can be coupled through the antenna substrate 1500.

[0125] Signal line 1510 can be disposed on a portion 1505 of one surface 1503 of antenna substrate 1500, and ground line 1530 can be disposed parallel to signal line 1510 on another surface 1502 of antenna substrate 1500. Because the portion 1505 of the surface 1503 of antenna substrate 1500 where signal line 1510 is disposed is not grounded, the energy generated from signal line 1510 can be coupled with ground line 1530 or ground line 1540, thereby improving impedance matching and energy conversion efficiency.

[0126] Figure 16 Examples of antenna performance based on antenna structure according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0127] Figure 16 Smith chart 1610, dB scale chart 1620 and antenna radiation chart 1630 are shown to illustrate the impedance matching performance, bandwidth, linearity, directivity and CPR performance of an antenna combining a Marchand balun with a metal patch.

[0128] The Smith chart 1610 shows the impedance values ​​of reflected signals at frequencies from 3.25 GHz to 4.3 GHz. The dB-scale chart 1620 displays the Smith chart 1610 on a dB scale. According to both the Smith chart 1610 and the dB-scale chart 1620, because the impedance value of the reflected signal is located at the center point of the Smith chart, the impedance at the input is matched to the impedance seen at the output. Reference Figure 16 The antenna can have a bandwidth performance of 900 MHz based on 14 dB.

[0129] Antenna radiation pattern 1630 represents the level difference (cross-polarization ratio (CPR)) 1633 between co-polarization and cross-polarization. Antenna radiation pattern 1630 is symmetrical and not skewed to the left or right, indicating that the antenna can produce a constant phase difference (i.e., 180 degrees) over a wide bandwidth. Furthermore, the linearity of the antenna can be determined based on the density of antenna radiation pattern 1630. In the ideal case where there is no interference between antennas, antenna radiation pattern 1630 appears as identical curves; therefore, the less interference between antennas (or the better the isolation), the denser the antenna radiation pattern can be formed.

[0130] Figure 17 An antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0131] Figure 17 The antennas shown can be referred to as antenna element 1710, subarray 1720, antenna array 1730, and full array 1720, respectively.

[0132] refer to Figure 17 Multiple antenna elements 1710 can be arranged in rows to form subarrays 1720, and multiple subarrays 1720 can be arranged in rows to form antenna array 1730 and full array 1720.

[0133] Next, the performance of a subarray with three antenna elements constructed in a row will be evaluated. The antenna elements used for performance evaluation include a radiator constructed as a metal plate and a support portion that connects the output port of the balun to the radiator and supports the radiator. For each antenna element, two types of signal lines used for dual-polarized antennas and a Marchand balun horizontally mounted on the antenna substrate for each signal line are used. Specifically, bandwidth performance, linearity against frequency, and isolation performance are evaluated. Figure 18 In this context, the performance of the subarray is evaluated by manipulating the subarray, and... Figures 19 to 21In this study, the average performance of the subarrays is evaluated by operating the entire array.

[0134] Figure 18 An example of the performance of a subarray according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0135] Figure 18 It shows Figure 17 The bandwidth performance and radiation efficiency of the 1720 subarray in the reference. Figure 18 The subarray can achieve a bandwidth of 1200 MHz at -14 dB. Gain can be increased by constructing the subarray by combining multiple antenna elements.

[0136] refer to Figure 16 The bandwidth performance of the antenna element is 900 MHz at -14 dB. Compared with the antenna element, the subarray constructed by combining antenna elements can have improved bandwidth performance.

[0137] Referring to the frequency-radiation efficiency graph on the right, the antenna element according to the embodiment can achieve an efficiency of 95%, which is higher than the efficiency of a dipole antenna made of plastic (approximately in the lower 90%).

[0138] Figures 19 to 21 The performance of a dipole antenna and a patch antenna according to an embodiment was compared. According to the embodiment, Figures 19 to 21 The dipole antenna and patch antenna may include a radiator constructed as a metal plate and a support portion for feeding power to the radiator. The dipole antenna may also include a Marchand balun formed horizontally on the antenna substrate and a slit formed in the metal plate, and the patch antenna may also include a T-junction power divider.

[0139] Figure 19 The average gain performance of a subarray according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0140] refer to Figure 19 The gain of the subarray at a single frequency (e.g., approximately 3.8 dB) is approximately 11 dB for both the patch antenna and the dipole antenna. At frequencies below or above the single frequency, the gain of the patch antenna decreases significantly compared to the gain of the dipole antenna.

[0141] Figure 20 An example of the average half-power beamwidth (HPBW) performance of a subarray according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0142] refer to Figure 20 The degree of beamwidth variation, which depends on frequency, is smaller in dipole antennas than in patch antennas. In other words, because the beamwidth variation rate of dipole antennas is small, dipole antennas have better linearity.

[0143] Figure 21 An example of the average CPR performance of a subarray according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0144] refer to Figure 21 The degree of change in CPR performance depending on frequency is smaller in dipole antennas than in patch antennas. In other words, because the rate of change in CPR performance is smaller in dipole antennas, they are more shapeable. (Although) Figure 21 The CPR value of the patch antenna is greater than that of the dipole antenna, but the difference in CPR values ​​is less than 1 / 100, which is therefore negligible.

[0145] Figure 22 An antenna module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0146] refer to Figure 22 Antenna module 2200 may include multiple antenna elements 2210-1, 2210-2, 2210-3, ..., 2210-n, antenna PCB 2220, metal plate 2230, calibration board, filter, amplifier AMP, and radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC).

[0147] Antenna module 2200 may include antenna elements 2210-1, 2210-2, 2210-3, ..., or 2210-n, a balun structure horizontally formed on antenna PCB 2220, and an RFIC.

[0148] Antenna elements 2210-1, 2210-2, 2210-3, ..., or 2210-n can be electrically connected to the filter via RF signal lines. Antenna elements 2210-1, 2210-2, 2210-3, ..., or 2210-n, signal lines, and baluns can be mounted on antenna PCB 2220. Antenna PCB 2220 may include multiple RF signal lines connecting each antenna element to the filter. Metal plate 2230 can be used as a ground plane for antenna PCB 2220.

[0149] The RF processor may include an amplifier AMP and an RFIC, and may be implemented on the antenna PCB 2220 like antenna elements 2210-1, 2210-2, 2210-3, ..., or 2210-n.

[0150] Figure 23 The functional configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0151] refer to Figure 23An exemplary functional configuration of electronic device 2310 is shown. Electronic device 2310 may include antenna unit 2311, filter unit 2312, radio frequency (RF) processor 2313, and controller 2314.

[0152] Antenna unit 2311 may include multiple antennas. The antennas perform the function of transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless channel. Antennas may include radiators configured to form conductors or conductive patterns on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). Antennas may radiate up-converted signals or receive signals radiated by another device via the wireless channel. Each antenna may be referred to as a radiator or antenna element. In some embodiments, antenna unit 2311 may include an antenna array (e.g., a subarray) in which multiple antenna elements form rows. Antenna unit 2311 may be electrically connected to filter unit 2312 via RF signal lines. Antenna unit 2311 may be mounted on a PCB including multiple antenna elements. The PCB may include multiple RF signal lines connecting each antenna element to a filter in filter unit 2312. These RF signal lines may be referred to as a feed network. Antenna unit 2311 may provide received signals to filter unit 2312 or radiate signals provided from filter unit 2312 into the air. Antennas with structures according to embodiments of this disclosure may be included in antenna unit 2311.

[0153] According to various embodiments, antenna element 2311 may include at least one antenna module having a dual-polarized antenna. The dual-polarized antenna can transmit and receive signals with different polarizations. For example, the dual-polarized antenna can transmit and receive a first signal with +45° polarization and a second signal with -45° polarization. Needless to say, the polarization can be configured to other orthogonal polarizations besides +45° and -45°. Each antenna element can be connected to a feed line or indirectly connected via coupling, and can be electrically connected to filter element 2312, RF processor 2313, and controller 2314, which will be described later.

[0154] According to embodiments, a dual-polarized antenna can be a patch antenna (or a microstrip antenna). A dual-polarized antenna can be easily implemented and integrated into an array antenna in the form of a patch antenna. Two signals with different polarizations can be input to each antenna port. Each antenna port corresponds to an antenna element. For high efficiency, it is necessary to optimize the relationship between the co-polarization and cross-polarization characteristics of the two signals with different polarizations. In a dual-polarized antenna, the co-polarization characteristic represents the characteristics of a specific polarization component, and the cross-polarization characteristic represents the characteristics of polarization components other than the specific polarization component.

[0155] Antennas (e.g., antenna elements, subarrays, and antenna arrays) of antenna devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be included in antenna element 2311. For example, a radiator or balun of a horizontal balun structure of a dipole metal patch antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be included. Figure 23 In antenna element 2311.

[0156] Filter unit 2312 can perform filtering to transmit a signal at a desired frequency. Filter unit 2312 can perform the function of selectively identifying frequencies by forming resonance. In some embodiments, filter unit 2312 can form resonance through a cavity that structurally includes a dielectric. Additionally, in some embodiments, filter unit 2312 can form resonance through elements forming an inductor or capacitor. Additionally, in some embodiments, filter unit 2312 can include an elastic filter such as a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filter or a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter. Filter unit 2312 can include at least one of a bandpass filter, a low-pass filter, a high-pass filter, or a band-stop filter. That is, filter unit 2312 can include RF circuitry for obtaining signals within a transmit or receive frequency band. Filter unit 2312 according to various embodiments can be electrically connected to antenna unit 2311 and RF processor 2313.

[0157] RF processor 2313 may include multiple RF paths. An RF path can be a unit of a path through which a signal received by an antenna or a signal radiated by an antenna passes. At least one RF path may be referred to as an RF chain. An RF chain may include multiple RF components. RF components may include amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, DACs, ADCs, etc. For example, RF processor 2313 may include an upconverter that upconverts a baseband digital transmission signal to a transmission frequency and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that converts the upconverted digital transmission signal into an analog RF transmission signal. The upconverter and DAC form part of the transmission path. The transmission path may also include a power amplifier (PA) or a coupler (or combiner). Additionally, for example, RF processor 2313 may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts an analog RF received signal into a digital received signal and a downconverter that converts the digital received signal into a baseband digital received signal. The ADC and downconverter form part of the receiving path. The receiving path may also include a low-noise amplifier (LNA) or a coupler (or power divider). The RF components of the RF processor may be implemented on a PCB. Antennas and RF components of the RF processor can be implemented on a PCB, and filters can be repeatedly connected between PCBs to form multiple layers.

[0158] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) and packaged board (PKG) of the electronic device including the antenna element can be included. Figure 23In the RF processor 2313. That is, the RF processor 2313 may include a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) as an RF element for mmWave. As described above in this disclosure, the RFIC may be formed as an RFIC chip combined with a package board and coupled to the RU board, or the RFIC may be directly coupled through the RU board.

[0159] Controller 2314 can control the overall operation of electronic device 2310. Controller 2314 may include various modules for performing communication. Controller 2314 may include at least one processor, such as a modem. Controller 2314 may include modules for digital signal processing. For example, controller 2314 may include a modem. When transmitting data, controller 2314 generates complex symbols by encoding and modulating the transmitted bit sequence. Additionally, for example, when receiving data, controller 2314 recovers the received bit sequence by demodulating and decoding the baseband signal. Controller 2314 can perform the functions of the protocol stack required by the communication standard.

[0160] Figure 23 The functional configuration of electronic device 2310 is described in terms of the equipment to which the device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, can be applied. However, Figure 23 The examples shown are for reference only. Figures 1 to 22 The embodiments of the present disclosure describe exemplary configurations of devices with structures according to various embodiments, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described herein. Figure 23 The components of the equipment shown. Therefore, the antenna element structure itself, as well as the electronic equipment including the structure, can also be understood as embodiments of this disclosure.

[0161] In the specific embodiments of this disclosure described above, the components included in this disclosure are expressed in either a singular or plural form according to the presented specific embodiments. However, the singular or plural representations are chosen to suit the circumstances presented for ease of explanation, and this disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components; even if a component is expressed in a plural form, it may also be constructed in a singular form, and even if a component is expressed in a singular form, it may also be constructed in a plural form.

[0162] Furthermore, the embodiments of this disclosure disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings are merely specific examples presented to readily illustrate the technical concept of this disclosure and to aid in understanding it, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In other words, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other variations are possible based on the technical concept of this disclosure. Moreover, corresponding embodiments can be combined and operated as needed. For example, portions of embodiments in this disclosure and other embodiments can be combined to function as a base station and a UE. For example, portions of embodiments in this disclosure and other embodiments can be combined to form an antenna element or an electronic device including therein.

[0163] The accompanying drawings describing the methods of this disclosure may omit some parts and include only some parts without prejudice to the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0164] Additionally, the methods of this disclosure can be implemented by combining some or all of the descriptions included in each embodiment without prejudice to the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0165] Various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. The description of this disclosure above is for illustrative purposes only, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those disclosed. Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will understand that this disclosure can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims set forth below and not by the detailed description, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0166] An antenna module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an antenna substrate; a signal line disposed on the antenna substrate; a first ground line disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate and grounded at one end; a second ground line disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate and grounded at one end; an array antenna including a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the antenna substrate; and a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) configured to control signals applied to the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the antenna elements may include: a first support portion and a second support portion, the first support portion being connected to the first ground line and the second support portion being connected to the second ground line; and a radiator connected to the upper end of the first support portion and the upper end of the second support portion.

[0167] At least one pair of slits can be formed symmetrically about the center of the radiator.

[0168] Radiators may include metal plates.

[0169] At least a portion of the dipole may be arranged adjacent to and parallel to the edge of the radiator.

[0170] The first grounding wire can send a first radio frequency (RF) signal generated from the first grounding wire to the first support portion, and the second grounding wire can send a second RF signal generated from the second grounding wire to the second support portion, wherein the first RF signal and the second RF signal can have opposite phases and equal amplitudes.

[0171] The antenna module may further include a first antenna pad and a second antenna pad, the first antenna pad being connected to the other end of a first ground wire, the second antenna pad being connected to the other end of a second ground wire, a first support portion being disposed on the first antenna pad to be connected to the first ground wire, and the second support portion being disposed on the second antenna pad to be connected to the second ground wire. The first antenna pad may transmit a first radio frequency (RF) signal generated from the first ground wire to the first support portion, and the second antenna pad may transmit a second RF signal generated from the second ground wire to the second support portion. The first RF signal and the second RF signal may have opposite phases and equal amplitudes.

[0172] The first support portion and the second support portion can be formed by bending a part of the radiator. A first cutting region corresponding to the region of the first support portion and a second cutting region corresponding to the region of the second support portion can be formed in the radiator, and the first cutting region can be symmetrical about the center of the radiator with respect to the second cutting region.

[0173] The first grounding wire may include a first conductor and a second conductor disposed on both sides of a signal line on the antenna substrate. The second grounding wire may include a third conductor and a fourth conductor disposed on both sides of a signal line on the antenna substrate. The first conductor and the second conductor may be connected to each other by a resistor, a bridge, or a path, and the third conductor and the fourth conductor may be connected to each other by a resistor, a bridge, or a path.

[0174] Grounding can be formed on a surface of the antenna substrate other than the surface of the antenna substrate on which signal lines are provided, and a groove corresponding to the first grounding line and the second grounding line can be formed in the grounding.

[0175] Grounding can be formed on a surface of the antenna substrate on which signal lines are provided. The first ground line and the second ground line can be provided on a surface other than the first ground line. The signal lines and the first ground line can be coupled through the antenna substrate, and the signal lines and the second ground line can be coupled through the antenna substrate.

[0176] The signal lines may include a first signal line for a first polarization and a second signal line for a second polarization different from the first polarization. The first ground line may include a first ground line 1-1 disposed adjacent to the first signal line and a first ground line 1-2 disposed adjacent to the second signal line. The second ground line may include a second ground line 2-1 disposed adjacent to the first signal line and a second ground line 2-2 disposed adjacent to the second signal line. The first antenna pad may include a first antenna pad 1-1 connected to the first ground line 1-1 and a first antenna pad 1-2 connected to the first ground line 1-2. The second antenna pad may include a second antenna pad 2-1 connected to the second ground line 2-1 and a second antenna pad 2-2 connected to the second ground line 2-2. The first support portion may include a first support portion 1-1 disposed on the first antenna pad 1-1 and a first support portion 1-2 disposed on the first antenna pad 1-2. The second support portion may include a second support portion 2-1 disposed on the second antenna pad 2-1 and a second support portion 2-2 disposed on the second antenna pad 2-2.

[0177] When the first ground wire is coupled to the signal line, it can feed a first radio frequency (RF) signal to the radiator through the first support portion. When the second ground wire is coupled to the signal line, it can feed a second RF signal to the radiator through the second support portion. The first RF signal and the second RF signal can have opposite phases and equal amplitudes. An electrical path can be formed in the radiator based on the first RF signal and the second RF signal, and an RF signal of a specified frequency band can be transmitted and / or received based on the electrical path.

[0178] A base station according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: an antenna unit including an antenna module; and a controller, wherein the antenna module may include: an antenna substrate; a signal line disposed on the antenna substrate; a first ground line disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate and grounded at one end; a second ground line disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate and grounded at one end; an array antenna including a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the antenna substrate; and a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) configured to control signals applied to the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the antenna elements may include: a first support portion and a second support portion, the first support portion being connected to the first ground line and the second support portion being connected to the second ground line; and a radiator connected to the upper end of the first support portion and the upper end of the second support portion.

[0179] At least one pair of slits can be formed symmetrically about the center of the radiator.

[0180] Radiators may include metal plates.

[0181] At least a portion of the slit may be disposed adjacent to and parallel to the edge of the radiator.

[0182] A first radio frequency (RF) signal generated from a first ground wire can be sent to a first support portion, and a second RF signal generated from a second ground wire can be sent to a second support portion, wherein the first RF signal and the second RF signal can have opposite phases and equal amplitudes.

[0183] The antenna module may further include a first antenna pad and a second antenna pad, the first antenna pad being connected to the other end of a first ground wire, the second antenna pad being connected to the other end of a second ground wire, a first support portion being disposed on the first antenna pad to be connected to the first ground wire, and the second support portion being disposed on the second antenna pad to be connected to the second ground wire. The first antenna pad may transmit a first radio frequency (RF) signal generated from the first ground wire to the first support portion, and the second antenna pad may transmit a second RF signal generated from the second ground wire to the second support portion. The first RF signal and the second RF signal may have opposite phases and equal amplitudes.

[0184] The first support portion and the second support portion can be formed by bending a part of the radiator. A first cutting region corresponding to the region of the first support portion and a second cutting region corresponding to the region of the second support portion can be formed in the radiator, and the first cutting region can be symmetrical about the center of the radiator with respect to the second cutting region.

[0185] The first grounding wire may include a first conductor and a second conductor disposed on both sides of a signal line on the antenna substrate. The second grounding wire may include a third conductor and a fourth conductor disposed on both sides of a signal line on the antenna substrate. The first conductor and the second conductor may be connected to each other by a resistor, a bridge, or a path, and the third conductor and the fourth conductor may be connected to each other by a resistor, a bridge, or a path.

[0186] Grounding can be formed on a surface of the antenna substrate other than the surface of the antenna substrate on which signal lines are provided, and a groove corresponding to the first grounding line and the second grounding line can be formed in the grounding.

[0187] Grounding can be formed on a surface of the antenna substrate on which signal lines are provided. The first ground line and the second ground line can be provided on a surface other than the first ground line. The signal lines and the first ground line can be coupled through the antenna substrate, and the signal lines and the second ground line can be coupled through the antenna substrate.

[0188] The signal line may include a first signal line for a first polarization and a second signal line for a second polarization different from the first polarization. The first ground line may include a first ground line 1-1 disposed adjacent to the first signal line and a first ground line 1-2 disposed adjacent to the second signal line. The second ground line may include a second ground line 2-1 disposed adjacent to the first signal line and a second ground line 2-2 disposed adjacent to the second signal line. The first support portion may include a first support portion 1-1 connected to the first ground line 1-1 and a first support portion 1-2 connected to the first ground line 1-2. The second support portion may include a second support portion 2-1 connected to the second ground line 2-1 and a second support portion 2-2 connected to the second ground line 2-2.

[0189] When the first ground wire is coupled to the signal line, it can feed a first radio frequency (RF) signal to the radiator through the first support portion. When the second ground wire is coupled to the signal line, it can feed a second RF signal to the radiator through the second support portion. The first RF signal and the second RF signal can have opposite phases and equal amplitudes. An electrical path can be formed in the radiator based on the first RF signal and the second RF signal, and an RF signal of a specified frequency band can be transmitted and / or received based on the electrical path.

[0190] An antenna module according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: an antenna substrate; a signal line disposed on the antenna substrate; a balun disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate; an array antenna including a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the antenna substrate; and a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) configured to control signals applied to the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the antenna elements may include: a first support portion and a second support portion connected to the balun; and a radiator connected to the upper ends of the first support portion and the second support portion.

[0191] At least one pair of slits can be formed symmetrically about the center of the radiator.

[0192] Radiators may include metal plates.

[0193] At least a portion of the slit may be disposed adjacent to and parallel to the edge of the radiator.

[0194] The balun may include a first ground wire for a first radio frequency (RF) signal and a second ground wire for a second RF signal, the first RF signal and the second RF signal may have opposite phases and equal amplitudes, the first ground wire may transmit the first RF signal to a first support portion, the second ground wire may transmit the second RF signal to a second support portion, and the first RF signal and the second RF signal may have opposite phases and equal amplitudes.

[0195] The antenna module may also include a first antenna pad and a second antenna pad connected to the balun. A first support portion can be connected to the balun via the first antenna pad, and a second support portion can be connected to the balun via the second antenna pad. The first antenna pad can send a first radio frequency (RF) signal generated from the balun to the first support portion, and the second antenna pad can send a second RF signal generated from the balun to the second support portion. The first RF signal and the second RF signal may have opposite phases and equal amplitudes.

[0196] The first support portion and the second support portion can be formed by bending a part of the radiator. A first cutting region corresponding to the region of the first support portion and a second cutting region corresponding to the region of the second support portion can be formed in the radiator, and the first cutting region can be symmetrical about the center of the radiator with respect to the second cutting region.

[0197] The balun may include a first ground wire for a first radio frequency (RF) signal and a second ground wire for a second RF signal. The first RF signal and the second RF signal may have opposite phases and equal amplitudes. The first ground wire may include a first conductor and a second conductor disposed on both sides of a signal line on the antenna substrate. The second ground wire may include a third conductor and a fourth conductor disposed on both sides of a signal line on the antenna substrate. The first conductor and the second conductor may be connected to each other by a resistor, a bridge, or a path, and the third conductor and the fourth conductor may be connected to each other by a resistor, a bridge, or a path.

[0198] Grounding can be formed on a surface of the antenna substrate other than the surface of the antenna substrate where the signal line is located, and a slot corresponding to the balun can be formed in the grounding.

[0199] The ground can be formed on one surface of the antenna substrate where the signal line is located, and the balun can be set on a surface other than that one surface, and the signal line and the balun can be coupled through the antenna substrate.

[0200] The signal line may include a first signal line for a first polarization and a second signal line for a second polarization different from the first polarization. The balun may include a first balun disposed adjacent to the first signal line and a second balun disposed adjacent to the second signal line. The first support portion may include a 1-1 support portion connected to the first balun and a 1-2 support portion connected to the second balun. The second support portion may include a 2-1 support portion connected to the first balun and a 2-2 support portion connected to the second balun.

[0201] When the first balun is coupled to the signal line, it can feed a first radio frequency (RF) signal to the radiator through the first support portion. When the second balun is coupled to the signal line, it can feed a second RF signal to the radiator through the second support portion. The first RF signal and the second RF signal can have opposite phases and equal amplitudes. An electrical path can be formed in the radiator based on the first RF signal and the second RF signal, and an RF signal of a specified frequency band can be transmitted and / or received based on the electrical path.

Claims

1. An antenna module, the antenna module comprising: Antenna substrate (200); Signal lines (210, 610, 620, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510), the signal lines being disposed on the antenna substrate; The first grounding wire (230, 630, 650, 1130, 1330, 1530) is disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate and is grounded at one end. The second grounding wire (240, 640, 660, 1140, 1340, 1540) is disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate and is grounded at one end. An array antenna, the array antenna comprising a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the antenna substrate; as well as Radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), the RFIC being configured to control signals applied to the plurality of antenna elements. The antenna element includes: A first support portion and a second support portion, the first support portion being connected to the first grounding wire, and the second support portion being connected to the second grounding wire; and Radiators (400, 500, 700, 810, 910, 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040) are connected to the upper end of the first support portion and the upper end of the second support portion.

2. A base station, the base station comprising: Antenna unit, the antenna unit including antenna module; as well as Controller The antenna module includes: Antenna substrate (200); Signal lines (210, 610, 620, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510), the signal lines being disposed on the antenna substrate; The first grounding wire (230, 630, 650, 1130, 1330, 1530) is disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate and is grounded at one end. The second grounding wire (240, 640, 660, 1140, 1340, 1540) is disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate and is grounded at one end. An array antenna, comprising a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the antenna substrate; and A radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) configured to control signals applied to the plurality of antenna elements, and The antenna element includes: A first support portion and a second support portion, the first support portion being connected to the first grounding wire, and the second support portion being connected to the second grounding wire; and Radiators (400, 500, 700, 810, 910, 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040) are connected to the upper end of the first support portion and the upper end of the second support portion.

3. The base station according to claim 2, in, At least one pair of slits are symmetrically formed about the center of the radiator, and The radiator includes a metal plate, and at least a portion of the slit is disposed adjacent to and parallel to the edge of the radiator.

4. The base station according to claim 2, in, A first radio frequency (RF) signal generated from the first grounding wire is sent to the first support portion. The second RF signal generated from the second grounding wire is sent to the second support portion, and The first RF signal and the second RF signal have opposite phases and equal amplitudes.

5. The base station according to claim 2, in, The antenna module further includes a first antenna pad and a second antenna pad, wherein the first antenna pad is connected to the other end of the first ground wire, and the second antenna pad is connected to the other end of the second ground wire. The first support portion is disposed on the first antenna pad to connect to the first grounding wire. The second support portion is disposed on the second antenna pad to connect to the second ground wire. Specifically, the first antenna pad sends a first radio frequency (RF) signal generated from the first ground wire to the first support portion. The second antenna pad sends a second RF signal generated from the second ground wire to the second support portion, and The first RF signal and the second RF signal have opposite phases and equal amplitudes.

6. The base station according to claim 2, in, The first support portion and the second support portion are formed by bending a portion of the radiator. The radiator has a first cutting region corresponding to the region of the first support portion and a second cutting region corresponding to the region of the second support portion. The first cutting region is symmetrical to the second cutting region about the center of the radiator.

7. The base station according to claim 2, in, The first grounding wire (1130) includes a first conductor (1130A) and a second conductor (1130B) disposed on both sides of the signal line on the antenna substrate. The second grounding wire (1140) includes a third conductor (1140A) and a fourth conductor (1140B) disposed on both sides of the signal line on the antenna substrate. The first conductor and the second conductor are connected to each other via a resistor, bridge, or circuit. The third conductor and the fourth conductor are connected to each other via resistors, bridges, or circuits.

8. The base station according to claim 2, in, A ground plane is formed on a surface of the antenna substrate other than the surface on which the signal line is disposed. In this grounding, grooves corresponding to the first grounding wire and the second grounding wire are formed.

9. The base station according to claim 2, in, A ground plane is formed on one surface of the antenna substrate where the signal lines are disposed. The first grounding wire and the second grounding wire are disposed on a surface other than the aforementioned surface. The signal line and the first ground line are coupled through the antenna substrate, and The signal line and the second ground line are coupled through the antenna substrate.

10. The base station according to claim 2, in, The signal lines include a first signal line (210, 610, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510) for a first polarization and a second signal line (620) for a second polarization different from the first polarization. The first grounding wire includes a first-1 grounding wire (230, 630, 1130, 1330, 1530) disposed adjacent to the first signal wire and a first-2 grounding wire (650) disposed adjacent to the second signal wire. The second grounding wire includes a second-1 grounding wire (240, 640, 1140, 1340, 1540) disposed adjacent to the first signal wire and a second-2 grounding wire (660) disposed adjacent to the second signal wire. The first support portion includes a first-1 support portion connected to the first-1 grounding wire and a first-2 support portion connected to the first-2 grounding wire, and The second support portion includes a 2-1 support portion connected to the 2-1 grounding wire and a 2-2 support portion connected to the 2-2 grounding wire.

11. The base station according to claim 2, in, When the first ground wire is coupled to the signal line, it feeds a first radio frequency (RF) signal to the radiator through the first support portion. When the second grounding wire is coupled to the signal line, it feeds a second RF signal to the radiator through the second support portion. The first RF signal and the second RF signal have opposite phases and equal amplitudes. Wherein, an electrical path is formed in the radiator based on the first RF signal and the second RF signal, and RF signals in a specified frequency band are transmitted and / or received based on the electrical path.

12. An antenna module, the antenna module comprising: Antenna substrate (200); Signal lines (210, 610, 620, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510), the signal lines being disposed on the antenna substrate; A balun (230, 240, 630, 640, 650, 660, 1130, 1140, 1330, 1340, 1530, 1540), wherein the balun is disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the signal line on the antenna substrate; An array antenna, the array antenna comprising a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the antenna substrate; as well as Radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), the RFIC being configured to control signals applied to the plurality of antenna elements. The antenna element includes: A first support portion and a second support portion, the first support portion and the second support portion being connected to the balun; and Radiators (400, 500, 700, 810, 910, 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040) are connected to the upper end of the first support portion and the upper end of the second support portion.

13. The antenna module according to claim 12, in, The balun includes a first ground wire (230, 630, 650, 1130, 1330, 1530) for a first radio frequency (RF) signal and a second ground wire (240, 640, 660, 1140, 1340, 1540) for a second RF signal. Wherein, the first RF signal and the second RF signal have opposite phases and equal amplitudes; Specifically, the first grounding wire sends the first RF signal to the first support portion. The second grounding wire sends the second RF signal to the second support portion, and The first RF signal and the second RF signal have opposite phases and equal amplitudes.

14. The antenna module according to claim 12, in, The first support portion and the second support portion are formed by bending a portion of the radiator. The radiator has a first cutting region corresponding to the region of the first support portion and a second cutting region corresponding to the region of the second support portion. The first cutting region is symmetrical to the second cutting region about the center of the radiator.

15. The antenna module according to claim 12, in, The balun includes a first ground wire for a first radio frequency (RF) signal and a second ground wire for a second RF signal. The first RF signal and the second RF signal have opposite phases and equal amplitudes. The first grounding wire includes a first conductor and a second conductor disposed on both sides of the signal line on the antenna substrate. The second grounding wire includes a third conductor and a fourth conductor disposed on both sides of the signal line on the antenna substrate. The first conductor and the second conductor are connected to each other via a resistor, bridge, or circuit. The third conductor and the fourth conductor are connected to each other via resistors, bridges, or circuits.

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