Array antenna substrate and array antenna device

Abstract

To provide a technology that increases the practicality of an array antenna device.SOLUTION: An array antenna substrate includes a base body (11) extending parallel to the ZX plane in the orthogonal coordinate system XYZ, a plurality of first antenna elements (21L) provided at the edge on the X direction side of one surface of the base body and emitting radio waves at least in the X direction, and a plurality of second antenna elements (21R) provided at the edge of the other surface of the base body on the X direction side and emitting radio waves at least in the X direction, and the plurality of first antenna elements is provided in line in the Z direction, the plurality of second antenna elements is arranged in line in the Z direction, and the first antenna element and the second antenna element are alternately located when viewed in the Z direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an array antenna substrate and an array antenna device.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, as an antenna device used in a base station or the like, an array antenna device capable of emitting a radio wave having directivity has been developed. Patent Document 1 proposes an example of an array antenna device configured by arranging a plurality of antenna elements.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, an array antenna device needs to suppress grating lobes and increase antenna gain. Therefore, the distance between antenna elements can be, for example, a distance equal to half of the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the antenna element.

[0005] On the other hand, in the millimeter wave band and the terahertz wave band, the wavelength of the radio wave becomes very short. As a specific example, the wavelength of a 150 GHz radio wave is about 2 mm. Therefore, when dealing with a 150 GHz radio wave in the millimeter wave band or the terahertz wave band, the distance between the antenna elements of the array antenna device may be about 1 mm, which is a distance equal to half of the wavelength of the radio wave. Therefore, such an array antenna device has room for further improvement in order to enhance practicality, such as narrowing the distance between antenna elements.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a technique for enhancing the practicality of an array antenna device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the antenna comprises a base body extending parallel to the ZX plane in a Cartesian coordinate system XYZ, a plurality of first antenna elements provided on the X-direction edge of one face of the base body and emitting radio waves in at least the X direction, and a plurality of second antenna elements provided on the X-direction edge of the other face of the base body and emitting radio waves in at least the X direction, wherein the plurality of first antenna elements are arranged in the Z direction, the plurality of second antenna elements are arranged in the Z direction, and the first and second antenna elements are alternately positioned when viewed in the Z direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The above configuration enhances the practicality of the array antenna device. Other issues, configurations, and effects will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a ZX plan view showing an example of antenna elements in an array antenna system. [Figure 2] This is a beam graph where the vertical axis shows the beam intensity and the horizontal axis shows the azimuth angle, with the X direction being 0°. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of an on-chip antenna circuit where the distance between antenna elements is narrower than the width of the high-frequency circuit. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an antenna device. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an antenna substrate. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a semiconductor integrated circuit. [Figure 7] This explanatory diagram combines three views of the antenna substrate: a YZ plan view as seen from the X direction, a left-side ZX plan view as seen from the left of the YZ plan view, and a right-side ZX plan view as seen from the right of the YZ plan view, all arranged in a single horizontal line. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an antenna substrate according to the first modification. [Figure 9] It is a YZ plan view of the antenna substrate according to the first modification as viewed from the X - direction side. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a semiconductor integrated circuit body according to the second modification. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram in which a YZ plan view of the antenna substrate according to the second modification as viewed from the X - direction side, a left - hand ZX plan view of the antenna substrate as viewed from the left with respect to the YZ plan view, and a right - hand ZX plan view of the antenna substrate as viewed from the right with respect to the YZ plan view are arranged side by side in a row and combined into one. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the antenna substrate 303 according to the second embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, one or more embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, for elements that can be similarly described, the same reference numerals are given and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] The description will be made in the following order. 1. Outline of the embodiment 2. First embodiment 2 - 1. Configuration of the antenna device 2 - 2. Configuration of the antenna substrate 2 - 3. Effects 2 - 4. Modifications 3. Second embodiment

[0012] <<1. Outline of the embodiment>> Referring to FIG. 1, beamforming, which is a technology related to the present embodiment, will be described.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a ZX plan view showing an example of an antenna element 1021 in an array antenna device. The array antenna device includes a plurality of antenna substrates 1003. The antenna substrate 1003 is a linear antenna array having a plurality of antenna elements 1021. The antenna elements 1021 are arranged in a row along the edge on the X-direction side of the antenna substrate 1003. Also, the antenna elements 1021 are arranged at equal intervals. Here, the distance between two adjacent antenna elements 1021 is, for example, a distance corresponding to 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio wave emitted by the antenna element 1021.

[0014] The antenna substrate 1003 can emit a radio wave with directivity (hereinafter also referred to as a beam) by combining the radio waves of the plurality of antenna elements 1021. Specifically, the antenna substrate 1003 adjusts the phase of the radio wave emitted from each antenna element 1021 to change the angle (direction) of the beam.

[0015] As an example, the antenna substrate 1003 transmits a beam (B1 in FIG. 1) having directivity in the X direction. Specifically, all the antenna elements 1021 emit radio waves of the same frequency with the same phase. As another example, the antenna substrate 1003 transmits a beam (B2 in FIG. 1) inclined from the X direction to the -Z direction. Specifically, as the antenna elements 1021 go from the ones on the Z-direction side to the ones on the side opposite to the Z direction (hereinafter referred to as the -Z direction), a phase difference (for example, a phase difference corresponding to 0.1 wavelength) is added to the input signal.

[0016] (1) Technical Problem FIG. 2 is a graph of a beam in which the intensity of the beam (Directivity (dBi)) is shown on the vertical axis and the azimuth angle (Azimuth Angle (degrees)) with the X direction being 0° is shown on the horizontal axis. According to this graph, it can be seen that the beam (B1 in FIGS. 1 and 2) having directivity in the X direction is the beam with the highest intensity at the azimuth angle of 0°, that is, in the X direction. That is, the beam of B1 has high directivity and high antenna gain.

[0017] Here, let's consider the case where the wavelength of the radio wave and the distance between the antenna elements 1021 are the same. That is, even if all antenna elements 1021 emit radio waves of the same frequency and in the same phase, if the distance between the antenna elements 1021 is the same as the wavelength of the radio wave, multiple (for example, three) beams of low intensity will be formed (B3 in Figures 1 and 2). This phenomenon is called a grating lobe. In other words, the beams of B3 have low directivity and low antenna gain.

[0018] Furthermore, in the millimeter wave and terahertz wave bands (hereinafter referred to as high frequency bands) exceeding 100 GHz, the wavelength of radio waves becomes shorter. Therefore, in order to suppress grating lobes in high frequency bands, the distance between antenna elements must be shortened. Moreover, antennas that handle high frequency bands have problems such as connection losses between high-frequency circuits and antenna elements, and variations in radio wave intensity. Such problems can degrade the quality of radio waves, such as generating grating lobes. Typical high-frequency circuits include elements such as amplifiers, phase shifters, frequency converters, variable attenuators, and low-noise amplifiers, but are not limited to these.

[0019] Therefore, antennas handling high-frequency bands are preferably so-called on-chip antennas, in which the transmitting and receiving circuits and antenna elements are formed on a semiconductor circuit. This allows on-chip antennas to shorten the distance between antenna elements and suppress connection losses and variations in radio wave intensity between the high-frequency circuit and the antenna elements. However, depending on the wavelength of the radio wave, even with an on-chip antenna, there may be cases where the distance between antenna elements is narrower than the width of the high-frequency circuit.

[0020] Figure 3 shows an example of the circuit of the on-chip antenna 1103 when the distance between antenna elements is narrower than the width of the high-frequency circuit. In other words, it is preferable that the on-chip antenna 1103 forms feed lines 1125 extending from each high-frequency circuit 1123 to each corresponding antenna element 1121. This allows the on-chip antenna 1103 to increase the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the antenna elements 1121 and the high-frequency circuits 1123.

[0021] On the other hand, the feed line 1125 is relatively long because it extends from the high-frequency circuit 1123 to the antenna element 1121. Also, if the distances from the high-frequency circuit 1123 to the antenna element 1121 are different, the feed line 1125 will have different lengths. Such a feed line 1125 results in increased transmission loss and amplitude differences between antenna elements. Therefore, feed lines 1125 of different lengths may reduce antenna gain.

[0022] (2) Technical features In one or more embodiments, an array antenna substrate is provided. The array antenna substrate comprises a base body, a plurality of first antenna elements, and a plurality of second antenna elements. The base body extends parallel to the ZX plane. The plurality of first antenna elements are provided on the X-direction side edge of one face of the base body and emit radio waves in at least the X direction. The plurality of second antenna elements are provided on the X-direction side edge of the other face of the base body and emit radio waves in at least the X direction. The plurality of first antenna elements and the plurality of second antenna elements are arranged side by side in the Z direction. The first antenna elements and the second antenna elements are positioned alternately when viewed in the Z direction.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the array antenna substrate can enhance its practicality and the practicality of the array antenna device. Specifically, by positioning the first and second antenna elements alternately when viewed in the Z direction, the relative positions of the first and second antenna elements in the Z direction can be shifted. Therefore, the array antenna substrate can form a beam with the first and second antenna elements. Thus, even if the distance between the first and second antenna elements becomes greater than the desired distance due to, for example, the size of the high-frequency circuit, the array antenna substrate can maintain the same feed line length while allowing the distance between the first and second antenna elements to be the desired distance.

[0024] Furthermore, in an antenna device in which multiple array antenna substrates are arranged in the Y direction, the beam direction can also be adjusted in the Y direction by combining the radio waves from adjacent array antenna substrates.

[0025] <<2. First Embodiment>> Next, the first embodiment and its modified forms will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 11. For the sake of convenience, the following explanation will use the Cartesian coordinate system XYZ.

[0026] <2-1. Antenna System Configuration> Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the antenna device 1. The antenna device 1 is, for example, an array antenna device capable of emitting radio waves in the X direction or any other direction. This antenna device 1 comprises a plurality of antenna boards 3 and a housing 5. The plurality of antenna boards 3 are provided inside the housing 5. The antenna boards 3 are linear array antennas having a plurality of antenna elements 21, which will be described later. The antenna elements 21 face in the X direction from the housing 5. As a result, the antenna device 1 is capable of emitting radio waves in the X direction from the plurality of antenna elements 21. For the sake of explanation, the antenna device 1 and antenna boards 3 are described below as being configured to emit radio waves in the X direction from the antenna elements 21, but they may also be configured to receive radio waves, or to be capable of both transmitting and receiving.

[0027] <2-2. Antenna board configuration> Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the antenna substrate 3. The antenna substrate 3 has a base body 11 and a plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits 13. The base body 11 is a flat plate-shaped member mainly composed of an insulating material, for example. The plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits 13 are attached to both sides of the base body 11.

[0028] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of a semiconductor integrated circuit body 13. The semiconductor integrated circuit body 13 is a planar (thin film) semiconductor integrated circuit body that includes a plurality (e.g., four) of integrated circuit sections 15. The integrated circuit section 15 has an antenna element 21, a high-frequency circuit element 23, and a feed line 25. The frequency band used by the high-frequency circuit element 23 is a high-frequency band of 100 GHz or higher. The antenna element 21 is, for example, a Vivaldi antenna that converts power supplied from the high-frequency circuit element 23 via the feed line 25 into radio waves and radiates them. The plurality of antenna elements 21 are formed on the X-direction side edge of the integrated circuit section 15 so as to be equally spaced in the Z direction. Hereinafter, the length of the antenna element 21 in the Z direction will be referred to as length C1. Note that a dipole antenna may be used instead of a Vivaldi antenna for the antenna element 21, and the most suitable type of antenna element may be used as appropriate.

[0029] The high-frequency circuit element 23 is a circuit containing multiple elements. These multiple elements include amplifiers, phase shifters, frequency converters, variable attenuators, low-noise amplifiers, etc. Each of these high-frequency circuit elements 23 is electrically connected to each antenna element 21 via a feed line 25. This allows each high-frequency circuit element 23 to supply power to the electrically connected antenna element 21 by adjusting the voltage, current, frequency, etc. Furthermore, when the high-frequency circuit element 23 contains multiple elements as described above, these elements are arranged in the X direction. In addition, the length of the high-frequency circuit element 23 in the Z direction is length C2.

[0030] Here, multiple (for example, four) integrated circuit sections 15 are arranged at equal intervals in the Z direction along the X-direction edge of the semiconductor integrated circuit body 13. These multiple integrated circuit sections 15 position the antenna elements 21 along the X-direction edge of the semiconductor integrated circuit body 13. In other words, multiple (for example, four) antenna elements 21 are arranged along the X-direction edge of the semiconductor integrated circuit body 13 at equal intervals (for example, width W) in the Z direction. Furthermore, the high-frequency circuit elements 23 extend in the direction opposite to the X direction of the antenna elements 21 (hereinafter referred to as the -X direction).

[0031] As a result, the semiconductor integrated circuit 13 can have multiple (for example, four) antenna elements 21 arranged at equal intervals (for example, width W) in the Z direction while keeping its width in the Z direction small.

[0032] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram that combines three views of the antenna substrate 3: a YZ plan view as seen from the X direction, a left ZX plan view as seen from the left (-Y direction) relative to the YZ plan view, and a right ZX plan view as seen from the right (Y direction) relative to the YZ plan view, arranged in a single horizontal line. These YZ plan view, left ZX plan view, and right ZX plan view are unified in terms of the Z-direction coordinates. For the sake of explanation, the semiconductor integrated circuit 13 shown in the left ZX plan view will be referred to as semiconductor integrated circuit 13L, and the semiconductor integrated circuit 13 shown in the right ZX plan view will be referred to as semiconductor integrated circuit 13R. Similarly, the components of each semiconductor integrated circuit 13 will also be denoted by L and R respectively.

[0033] The semiconductor integrated circuit 13L has a shape that is symmetrical to the semiconductor integrated circuit 13R with respect to the base body 11. Furthermore, the antenna element 21L is spaced apart from the antenna element 21R by a distance D in the Y direction. In other words, the antenna elements 21L and 21R are spaced apart by a distance D and are aligned in a line in the Z direction.

[0034] Furthermore, the semiconductor integrated circuit 13L is provided on the base body 11 at a position offset by a distance F in the Z direction compared to the semiconductor integrated circuit 13R. As a result, the antenna element 21L is positioned offset by a distance F in the Z direction compared to the antenna element 21R. Consequently, the distance between the antenna element 21L adjacent to the antenna element 21R in the Z direction and the antenna element 21L located in the positive direction when viewed from the Z direction of the antenna element 21R is also distance F. For the sake of explanation, the distance between the antenna element 21L located in the negative direction when viewed from the Z direction of the antenna element 21R and the said antenna element 21R will be denoted as distance E.

[0035] <2-3. Effects> In this way, by making the distance in the Z direction between antenna element 21L and antenna element 21R equal to distance F, the antenna substrate 3 can shift the phase between the radio waves emitted from antenna element 21L and the radio waves emitted from antenna element 21R.

[0036] Here, the distance F is preferably about half the wavelength L of the radio waves emitted from antenna elements 21L and 21R, specifically, at least 0.4 times the wavelength L and at least 0.8 times it. More preferably, the distance F is at least 0.5 times the wavelength L and at least 0.6 times it. By arranging antenna elements 21L and 21R so that the distance F is such that the wavelength L is taken into consideration, the antenna substrate 3 can adjust the characteristics of the composite wave waveform and other factors by shifting the phase of the radio waves. In particular, by setting the distance F to about half the wavelength L of the radio waves as illustrated, adjacent antenna elements 21L and 21R viewed in the Z direction can increase the antenna gain while suppressing grating lobes.

[0037] Furthermore, distance F should be the same value as distance E. That is, distance F should be about half the width W, preferably at least 1 / 3 and no more than 2 / 3 of the width W. This allows the multiple antenna elements 21L and 21R to be arranged alternately and at equal intervals when viewed in the Z direction. Thus, the antenna substrate 3 can effectively suppress grating lobes while increasing antenna gain. Also, the width W between the antenna elements 21R should be, for example, approximately the same distance as the wavelength L. This makes distances F and E half the wavelength L. Therefore, the antenna substrate 3 can more effectively suppress grating lobes while increasing antenna gain.

[0038] Furthermore, it is preferable that the distance W is 0.8 times or more and 1.6 times or less the wavelength L. More preferably, the distance W is 1 time or more and 1.2 times or less the wavelength L. As a result, the distances F and E may be 0.27 times or more and 1.07 times or less the wavelength L, and more preferably 0.33 times or more and 0.8 times or less the wavelength L. Therefore, the antenna substrate 3 can shift the phase of the radio waves within an appropriate range.

[0039] Furthermore, the distance D between antenna elements 21L and 21R is, for example, less than or equal to the wavelength L. This allows adjacent antenna elements 21L and 21R, viewed in the Z direction, to adjust characteristics such as the waveform of the composite wave in the Y direction by the distance D, which takes wavelength L into consideration, thereby increasing the antenna gain while suppressing grating lobes.

[0040] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the length of the antenna element 21L in the Z direction is defined as length C1, and the length of the high-frequency circuit element 23L in the Z direction is defined as length C2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance between adjacent high-frequency circuit elements 23L in the Z direction within the semiconductor integrated circuit body 13L is defined as distance C3, the distance from the negative end to the most negative semiconductor integrated circuit body 13L when viewed in the Z direction is defined as distance C4, and the distance from the positive end to the most positive semiconductor integrated circuit body 13L when viewed in the Z direction is defined as distance C5.

[0041] The length C2 should be greater than or equal to the length C1. This allows the high-frequency circuit element 23 to include elements that are larger in the Z direction compared to the antenna element 21. On the other hand, the length C2 should be less than or equal to the average value of the width W. This allows the semiconductor integrated circuit body 13 to have a smaller width in the Z direction of the integrated circuit section 15. Therefore, high-frequency circuit elements 23 with a length C2 less than or equal to the width W can have the average values ​​of distances F and E less than or equal to half the width W without interfering with adjacent high-frequency circuit elements 23.

[0042] Preferably, the length C2 is 0.8 times or more and 1.6 times or less the wavelength L. More preferably, the length C2 is 1 time or more and 1.2 times or less the wavelength L. As a result, the distance W is 0.8 times or more and 1.6 times or less the wavelength L, preferably 1 time or more and 1.2 times or less the wavelength L. Therefore, the semiconductor integrated circuit 13 can make the average value of distances F and E 0.27 times or more and 1.07 times or less the wavelength L, preferably 0.33 times or more and 0.8 times or less the wavelength L.

[0043] Furthermore, it is preferable that distance C3 be less than or equal to length C2. This allows the semiconductor integrated circuit 13 to have a small width in the Z direction. From the above, it is preferable that the semiconductor integrated circuit 13 has length C2 which is greater than or equal to length C1 and less than or equal to wavelength L, and distance C3 which is less than or equal to length C2. With this configuration, the semiconductor integrated circuit 13 can ensure the performance of the high-frequency circuit element 23 while making the distance in the Z direction between the antenna elements 21 less than or equal to twice the wavelength L. Therefore, the antenna substrate 3 can make the distance between antenna element 21L and antenna element 21R, which is the shorter of distance E or distance F, or both, less than or equal to wavelength L.

[0044] Furthermore, distances C4 and C5 should be less than or equal to the shorter of distance E or distance F. This allows the antenna substrate 3 to have a distance between adjacent semiconductor integrated circuits 13L that is the shorter of distance E or distance F, even when multiple semiconductor integrated circuits 13L are arranged in the Z direction.

[0045] Furthermore, the antenna device 1, which arranges the above-mentioned multiple antenna boards 3 in the Y direction, can adjust the beam direction in the Y direction as well by combining the radio waves from adjacent antenna boards 3.

[0046] Returning to Figure 4, in the antenna device 1, multiple antenna substrates 3 are arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction. More specifically, the above equal intervals represent the distance T in the Z direction between the Y-side antenna element 21R of antenna substrate 3 and the -Y-side antenna element 21L of the adjacent antenna substrate 3 in the Y direction. This distance T is preferably the same as distance E or distance F, and may be a distance between distance E and distance F.

[0047] As a result, the antenna device 1 can combine radio waves between the antenna element 21R on the Y side of the antenna substrate 3 and the antenna element 21L on the -Y side of the antenna substrate 3 adjacent to it on the Y side. Therefore, the antenna device 1 can also improve the beam directivity in the Y direction. In particular, as mentioned above, distance T is the same as distances E and F, or a distance between distance E and distance F. Therefore, the antenna device 1 can make the beam directivity in the Y direction equivalent to that in the Z direction.

[0048] <2-4. Variations> The technology relating to this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. (1) First variation Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of the antenna substrate 103 according to the first modified example. The antenna substrate 103 has a first base body 111, a second base body 112, and a plurality of semiconductor integrated circuit bodies 13. The first base body 111 and the second base body 112 according to the first modified example are flat plate-shaped members mainly containing insulating material, similar to the base body 11.

[0049] Multiple semiconductor integrated circuits 13 are arranged on both sides of the first base body 111, which extends along the ZX plane, so as to sandwich the first base body 111. Furthermore, the multiple semiconductor integrated circuits 13 on the Y-direction side of the first base body 111 are sandwiched between the first base body 111 and the second base body 112. In addition, the multiple semiconductor integrated circuits 13 are arranged on the Y-direction side of the second base body 112. For the sake of explanation, the semiconductor integrated circuits 13 arranged on the -Y-direction side of the first base body 111 will be referred to as 13L, the semiconductor integrated circuits 13 positioned sandwiched between the first base body 111 and the second base body 112 will be referred to as 13C, and the semiconductor integrated circuits 13 arranged on the Y-direction side of the second base body 112 will be referred to as 13R.

[0050] Figure 9 is a YZ plan view of the antenna substrate 103 according to the first modified example, viewed from the X direction. The semiconductor integrated circuit body 13 is an integrated circuit body similar to the semiconductor integrated circuit body 13 of the embodiment described above, and the antenna element 21 is located on the X-direction edge of the semiconductor integrated circuit body 13, that is, on the X-direction side of the antenna substrate 103. Specifically, the semiconductor integrated circuit body 13L is positioned at a distance G offset in the Z direction with respect to the semiconductor integrated circuit body 13R. The semiconductor integrated circuit body 13C is positioned at a distance H offset in the -Z direction with respect to the semiconductor integrated circuit body 13R. As an example, the width W (distance between antenna elements 21 on the semiconductor integrated circuit body 13) according to the first modified example may be 3 / 2 of the wavelength L. Also, as an example, distances G and H may both be equivalent to distances E and F of the embodiment described above.

[0051] As a result, in the antenna substrate 203 according to the first modified example, by arranging the semiconductor integrated circuits 13L, 13C, and 13R offset in the Z direction by half the wavelength L, the antenna elements 21L, 21C, and 21R can be arranged offset in the Z direction by half the wavelength L. Furthermore, in the antenna substrate 203 according to the first modified example, the distance W between the antenna elements 21L, 21C, and 21R can be set to a desired distance such as half the wavelength L, while the distance W between the antenna elements 21 on the semiconductor integrated circuit 13 can be made relatively wide. Note that the order of the semiconductor integrated circuits 13R, 13L, and 13C may be changed as appropriate.

[0052] Furthermore, in the first modified example, the semiconductor integrated circuit bodies 13L, 13C, and 13R form three layers in the Y direction. If the number of layers is N and the distance Q is the average of the distances between adjacent antenna elements 21L, 21C, and 21R in the Z direction, then the following equation 1 holds true. Distance W = Number of layers N × Distance Q (Equation 1)

[0053] Therefore, according to Equation 1 above, the antenna substrate 203 can maintain the average distance Q between the antenna elements 21 while increasing the distance W by increasing the number of layers N of the semiconductor integrated circuit 13 according to the size of the high-frequency circuit element 23.

[0054] Furthermore, distance G should be the same value as distance H. That is, distance G should be approximately 1 / 3 of width W, preferably at least 1 / 4 and at least 1 / 2 of width W. As a result, the multiple antenna elements 121L, 121C, and 121R are arranged alternately at equal intervals when viewed in the Z direction. Therefore, the antenna substrate 103 can increase antenna gain while effectively suppressing grating lobes. Also, width W, which is the width between antenna elements 121R, should be approximately the same distance as, for example, 3 / 2 times the wavelength L. As a result, distances G and H become 1 / 2 of the wavelength L. Therefore, the antenna substrate 3 can increase antenna gain while more effectively suppressing grating lobes.

[0055] (2) Second variation Figure 10 shows an example of the configuration of a semiconductor integrated circuit 213 according to the second modified example. The antenna element 221 according to the second modified example is offset by a distance C6 in the Z direction compared to the antenna element 21. The feed line 25 may also be offset by a distance C6 in the Z direction, similar to the antenna element 221, or it may be shaped to extend in the Z direction to match the offset of the antenna element 221. In this case, the length of all feed lines 25 may be the same. With this configuration, the feed line 25 can suppress variations in radio wave intensity. Furthermore, the length of the feed line 25 should be as short as possible.

[0056] The aforementioned distance C5 of the semiconductor integrated circuit 213 is smaller than the distance C4. In the second modification, the distance C5 is described as being smaller than the distance C4, but it may be greater than or equal to the distance C4 depending on the overall configuration of the antenna substrate 203.

[0057] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram that combines three views of the antenna substrate 203 according to the second modified example: a YZ plan view of the antenna substrate 203 viewed from the X direction, a left ZX plan view of the antenna substrate 203 viewed from the left (-Y direction) relative to the YZ plan view, and a right ZX plan view of the antenna substrate 203 viewed from the right (Y direction) relative to the YZ plan view, arranged in a single row from left to right. In the antenna substrate 203 according to the second modified example, the semiconductor integrated circuit bodies 213L and 213R are the same semiconductor integrated circuit body 213. Specifically, the semiconductor integrated circuit body 213R is an electrical circuit with the same shape as the semiconductor integrated circuit body 213L, and is arranged in a position where the semiconductor integrated circuit body 213L is rotated 180° around the X direction as the axis.

[0058] As mentioned above, distance C5 is smaller than distance C4. Therefore, if the Z coordinates of the Z-direction ends of semiconductor integrated circuit body 213L and semiconductor integrated circuit body 213R are made to coincide, the integrated circuit portion 215L is located at a position offset in the Z direction by the amount obtained by subtracting distance C5 from distance C4 compared to the integrated circuit portion 215R.

[0059] Furthermore, as described above, the antenna element 221 according to the second modified example is offset by a distance C6 in the Z direction compared to the antenna element 21. Therefore, for example, when the integrated circuit section 215L and the integrated circuit section 215R are facing each other, the antenna element 221L is positioned at an offset of twice the distance C6 relative to the antenna element 221R.

[0060] In other words, the integrated circuit section 215L is offset in the Z direction by the amount obtained by subtracting distance C5 from distance C4 compared to the integrated circuit section 215R. Also, the antenna element 221L is located at a position offset by twice the distance C6 relative to the antenna element 221R. As a result, the relative distance F in the Z direction of the antenna element 221L with respect to the antenna element 221R is given by the following equation 2, assuming that the Z coordinates of the Z-direction ends of the semiconductor integrated circuit body 213L and the semiconductor integrated circuit body 213R are the same. Distance F = Distance C4 - Distance C5 + Distance C6 × 2 (Formula 2)

[0061] Therefore, the antenna substrate 203 can create a relative distance F in the Z direction between the antenna element 221L and the antenna element 221R, while matching the Z coordinates of the Z-direction ends of the semiconductor integrated circuit body 213L and the semiconductor integrated circuit body 213R. As a result, the size of the antenna substrate 203 in the Z direction can be reduced compared to the case where the relative distance F in the Z direction of the antenna element is created by relatively shifting the semiconductor integrated circuit body in the Z direction.

[0062] Furthermore, the semiconductor integrated circuit 213 can adjust distances C4, C5, and C6 so that distance F becomes a specific value. As a result, the antenna substrate 203 can use the same semiconductor integrated circuit 213 according to the second modified example as semiconductor integrated circuit 213L and semiconductor integrated circuit 213R. Therefore, the semiconductor integrated circuit 213 according to the second modified example can improve mass production efficiency and ease of design compared to the case where semiconductor integrated circuit 213L and semiconductor integrated circuit 213R are produced separately.

[0063] <<3. Second Embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. While the first embodiment described above is a specific embodiment, the second embodiment is a more generalized embodiment.

[0064] Figure 12 shows an example of the configuration of an antenna substrate 303 according to the second embodiment. The antenna substrate 303 comprises a base body 311, a plurality of antenna elements 321L (first antenna elements), and a plurality of antenna elements 321R (second antenna elements).

[0065] The base body 311 extends parallel to the ZX plane in the Cartesian coordinate system XYZ. Multiple antenna elements 321L are provided on the X-direction edge of one face of the base body 311 and emit radio waves in at least the X direction. Multiple antenna elements 321R are provided on the X-direction edge of the other face of the base body 311 and emit radio waves in at least the X direction.

[0066] Here, multiple antenna elements 321L are arranged in the Z direction. Also, multiple antenna elements 321R are arranged in the Z direction.

[0067] Furthermore, antenna elements 321L and 321R are positioned alternately when viewed in the Z direction.

[0068] Some or all of the above embodiments and modifications may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following.

[0069] (Note 1) A base body extending parallel to the ZX plane in the Cartesian coordinate system XYZ, A plurality of first antenna elements are provided on the edge of one surface of the base body on the X-direction side, and emit radio waves in at least the X-direction. The base body comprises a plurality of second antenna elements provided on the X-direction edge of the other surface of the base body, which emit radio waves in at least the X direction, The plurality of first antenna elements are arranged in the Z direction, The plurality of second antenna elements are arranged in the Z direction, The first antenna element and the second antenna element are positioned alternately when viewed in the Z direction. Array antenna substrate.

[0070] (Note 2) The plurality of first antenna elements and the plurality of second antenna elements are arranged at equal intervals in the Z direction. The array antenna substrate as described in Appendix 1.

[0071] (Note 3) A first high-frequency circuit element extending in the -X direction from the first antenna element, The system comprises a second high-frequency circuit element extending in the -X direction from the second antenna element. The array antenna substrate as described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0072] (Note 4) The magnitude of at least one of the first and second high-frequency circuit elements in the Z direction is less than or equal to the average distance between adjacent first antenna elements. The array antenna substrate described in Appendix 3.

[0073] (Note 5) The system has feed lines connecting the plurality of antenna elements and the plurality of high-frequency circuit elements, A plurality of first feed lines connecting the plurality of first antenna elements and the first high-frequency circuit elements, The system comprises a plurality of second feed lines connecting the plurality of second antenna elements and the second high-frequency circuit elements, The lengths of the first and second power supply lines are the same. The array antenna substrate as described in Appendix 3 or 4.

[0074] (Note 6) A first semiconductor integrated circuit body provided on one side of the base body, The base body comprises a second semiconductor integrated circuit body provided on the other side of the base body, The first antenna element is formed in the first semiconductor integrated circuit, The second antenna element is formed on the second semiconductor integrated circuit. An array antenna substrate as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5.

[0075] (Note 7) The antenna element comprises a high-frequency circuit element extending in the -X direction, The high-frequency circuit element is formed in the first semiconductor integrated circuit and the second semiconductor integrated circuit. The array antenna substrate described in Appendix 6.

[0076] (Note 8) The first semiconductor integrated circuit is an electrical circuit having the same shape as the second semiconductor integrated circuit, and is provided in a position where the second semiconductor integrated circuit is rotated 180° around the X direction as an axis. An array antenna substrate as described in either item 6 or 7 of the appendix.

[0077] (Note 9) The system comprises multiple array antenna boards as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8. Array antenna device.

[0078] (Note 10) A first semiconductor integrated circuit body extending parallel to the ZX plane in the Cartesian coordinate system XYZ, A second semiconductor integrated circuit body extending parallel to the ZX plane, A plurality of first antenna elements are provided on the X-direction edge of the first semiconductor integrated circuit body and emit radio waves in at least the X direction, The second semiconductor integrated circuit comprises a plurality of second antenna elements provided on the X-direction edge of the second semiconductor integrated circuit, which emit radio waves in at least the X direction, The plurality of first antenna elements are arranged in the Z direction, The plurality of second antenna elements are arranged in the Z direction, The semiconductor integrated circuit of connected group 1 is At least a portion of the plurality of first antenna elements are positioned so that they face the plurality of second antenna elements in the Y direction. It is provided at a position offset by a predetermined distance in the Z direction. Array antenna substrate.

[0079] (Note 11) It further comprises multiple third antenna elements aligned in the Z direction and emitting radio waves in at least the X direction, The base body comprises a first base body and a second base body. The first antenna element is provided on the first base body, The second antenna element is provided on the second base body, The third antenna element is located between the first base and the second base. The first antenna element, the second antenna element, and the third antenna element are positioned sequentially when viewed in the Z direction. An array antenna substrate as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 9.

[0080] (Note 12) The distance between adjacent first and second antenna elements in the Z direction is at least 1 / 3 and at least 2 / 3 of the distance between the first antenna elements in the Z direction. An array antenna substrate or array antenna device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 11.

[0081] (Note 13) The distance between the first antenna element and the second antenna element in the Z direction is such that it is at least 1 / 3 and at least 2 / 3 of the wavelength of the radio waves emitted from the antenna elements. An array antenna substrate or array antenna device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 12.

[0082] (Note 14) The distance between adjacent first and second antenna elements in the Y direction is at least 1 / 3 and at least 2 / 3 of the distance between the first antenna elements in the Z direction. An array antenna substrate or array antenna device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 13.

[0083] (Note 15) The distance between the first antenna element and the second antenna element in the Y direction is such that it is at least 1 / 3 and at least 2 / 3 of the wavelength of the radio waves emitted from the antenna elements. An array antenna substrate or array antenna device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 14. [Industrial applicability]

[0084] This can improve the practicality of array antenna devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1: Antenna device 3: Antenna board 11: Base body 13L: Semiconductor integrated circuit (first semiconductor integrated circuit) 13R: Semiconductor integrated circuit (second type of semiconductor integrated circuit) 21L: Antenna element (first antenna element) 21R: Antenna element (second antenna element) 23L: High-frequency circuit element (first high-frequency circuit element) 23R: High-frequency circuit element (second high-frequency circuit element) 25:Power line

Claims

1. a base body extending parallel to a ZX plane in an orthogonal coordinate system XYZ; a plurality of first antenna elements provided on an edge portion of one surface of the base body on an X-direction side, the first antenna elements emitting radio waves in at least the X-direction; a plurality of second antenna elements provided on an edge portion on the X-direction side of the other surface of the base body, the second antenna elements emitting radio waves in at least the X-direction; The plurality of first antenna elements are arranged side by side in a Z direction, The plurality of second antenna elements are arranged side by side in the Z direction, The first antenna elements and the second antenna elements are alternately positioned when viewed in the Z direction. Array antenna board.

2. The plurality of first antenna elements and the plurality of second antenna elements are arranged at equal intervals in the Z direction. The array antenna substrate according to claim 1 .

3. a first high-frequency circuit element extending in a −X direction from the first antenna element; a second high-frequency circuit element extending in the −X direction from the second antenna element; 3. The array antenna substrate according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a size in the Z direction of at least one of the first high-frequency circuit element and the second high-frequency circuit element is equal to or less than an average value of distances between adjacent first antenna elements; The array antenna substrate according to claim 3 .

5. a power supply line connecting the plurality of antenna elements and the plurality of high-frequency circuit elements, a plurality of first feed lines connecting the plurality of first antenna elements and the first high-frequency circuit element; a plurality of second feed lines connecting the plurality of second antenna elements and the second high-frequency circuit element; The length of the first power supply line and the length of the second power supply line are the same.

5. The array antenna substrate according to claim 3 or 4.

6. a first semiconductor integrated circuit body provided on one surface of the base body; a second semiconductor integrated circuit body provided on the other surface of the base body, the first antenna element is formed in the first semiconductor integrated circuit; the second antenna element is formed in the second semiconductor integrated circuit body; The array antenna substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a high-frequency circuit element extending in a −X direction from the antenna element; the high-frequency circuit element is formed in the first semiconductor integrated circuit body and the second semiconductor integrated circuit body; The array antenna substrate according to claim 6 .

8. the first semiconductor integrated circuit body is an electric circuit having the same shape as the second semiconductor integrated circuit body, and is provided in a position rotated by 180° from the second semiconductor integrated circuit body around an axis in the X direction; 8. The array antenna substrate according to claim 6 or 7.

9. A plurality of array antenna substrates according to any one of claims 1 to 8 are provided. Array antenna device.

10. a first semiconductor integrated circuit extending parallel to a ZX plane in an orthogonal coordinate system XYZ; a second semiconductor integrated circuit body extending parallel to the ZX plane; a plurality of first antenna elements provided on an edge portion of the first semiconductor integrated circuit body in the X direction and emitting radio waves in at least the X direction; a plurality of second antenna elements provided on an edge portion of the second semiconductor integrated circuit body on the X-direction side and emitting radio waves in at least the X-direction; The plurality of first antenna elements are arranged side by side in a Z direction, The plurality of second antenna elements are arranged side by side in the Z direction, The first semiconductor integrated circuit body is From a position where at least some of the plurality of first antenna elements directly face the plurality of second antenna elements in the Y direction It is provided at a position offset by a predetermined distance in the Z direction. Array antenna board.

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