Antennas and antenna equipment

Abstract

For example, we provide antennas and antenna devices that enhance convenience in object detection technologies such as millimeter-wave radar. [Solution] The antenna device comprises a substrate, a first conductor formed on the first surface of the substrate, a placement conductor arranged along a part of the edge of the first conductor, and a feeding unit that electromagnetically supplies power to the first conductor. The feeding unit electromagnetically supplies power to the first conductor on the first edge side when viewed from the midpoint of a straight line connecting a point on the first edge along which the placement conductor of the first conductor is aligned and a point on the second edge along which the placement conductor of the first conductor is not aligned.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In fields such as industries related to automobiles, for example, technologies for measuring the distance between a host vehicle and a predetermined object are highly regarded. In particular, in recent years, technologies for radar (Radio Detecting and Ranging) that measure the distance to an object by transmitting radio waves such as millimeter waves and receiving reflected waves reflected by an object such as an obstacle have been variously studied. The importance of such technologies for measuring distances and the like is expected to increase further in the future with the development of technologies for assisting a driver's driving and technologies related to autonomous driving that automate part or all of the driving.

[0003] As antennas applicable to technologies such as the above-described radar, those assuming various applications or usage modes have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a planar antenna that can be thinned and is easy to manufacture. This planar antenna is said to be able to improve the directivity in a specific direction and increase the gain before and after the directed direction. Also, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a microstrip line type planar array antenna that can improve the antenna gain and reduce the number of feeding antenna elements.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In technologies such as the radar described above, the ability to change the directivity of the receiving antenna to a different direction without using an RF switch can enhance convenience in certain applications or usage modes.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an antenna and antenna device that enhance convenience in object detection technologies, such as millimeter-wave radar. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An antenna device according to one embodiment, circuit board and A first conductor formed on the first surface of the substrate, An arrangement conductor positioned along a portion of the side of the first conductor, A power supply unit that electromagnetically supplies power to the first conductor, It is equipped with. The power supply unit electromagnetically supplies power to the first conductor on the first side when viewed from the midpoint of the straight line connecting a point on the first side along which the arranged conductor of the first conductor is aligned and a point on the second side along which the arranged conductor is not aligned. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment, it is possible to provide an antenna and antenna device that enhance convenience in object detection technologies such as millimeter-wave radar. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the configuration of an antenna according to a comparative example of one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows a cross-section of the line A-A' shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows the simulation results of the operation of an antenna according to a comparative example of one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the configuration of an antenna device according to a comparative example of one embodiment. [Figure 5]It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by the antenna device according to the comparative example of one embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a front view showing the configuration of the antenna according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the cross section of the line B-B’ shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by the antenna according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a front view showing the configuration of the antenna device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by the antenna device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a front view showing the configuration of the antenna according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the cross section of the line C-C’ shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by the antenna according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a front view showing the configuration of the antenna device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by the antenna device according to the second embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] In the present disclosure, an antenna may be an energy converter for emitting electrical energy into space in the form of electromagnetic waves or receiving electromagnetic waves from space and taking them in. In the present disclosure, an antenna may be an electric circuit designed to improve the energy conversion efficiency as described above. Further, in the present disclosure, an antenna may be a device for transmitting (radiating) and / or receiving (absorbing) radio waves, and may be a device for converting electrical energy into radio waves and emitting them into space or receiving radio waves and converting them into the current of a circuit.

[0011] In the present disclosure, an "electronic device" equipped with an antenna may be a device driven by electric power. An electronic device equipped with an antenna according to one embodiment may include at least one of a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna. An electronic device equipped with an antenna according to one embodiment transmits an electromagnetic wave as a transmission wave from the transmitting antenna. For example, when a predetermined object exists around an electronic device equipped with an antenna according to one embodiment, at least a part of the transmission wave transmitted from the electronic device is reflected by the object to become a reflected wave. Then, by receiving such a reflected wave with the receiving antenna of the electronic device, the electronic device can detect the object. For example, an electronic device equipped with an antenna according to one embodiment can measure the distance to a predetermined object. Also, an electronic device equipped with an antenna according to one embodiment can measure the relative speed with a predetermined object. Furthermore, an electronic device equipped with an antenna according to one embodiment can also measure the direction (angle of arrival) in which the reflected wave from a predetermined object arrives at the electronic device.

[0012] An electronic device equipped with an antenna according to one embodiment can be installed, for example, in a roadside unit that monitors the operating status of a vehicle (mobile body) such as an automobile, to detect a predetermined object such as a mobile body existing around the roadside unit. Also, an electronic device equipped with an antenna according to one embodiment can be installed in an arbitrary device such as a traffic signal, for example, to detect a predetermined object such as a mobile body existing around the device.

[0013] An electronic device equipped with an antenna according to one embodiment may typically be a radar (Radio Detecting and Ranging) sensor that transmits and receives radio waves. However, an electronic device equipped with an antenna according to one embodiment is not limited to a radar sensor. Such sensors can be configured to include, for example, a patch antenna. Since technologies such as RADAR are already known, detailed explanations may be simplified or omitted as appropriate. An electronic device equipped with an antenna according to one embodiment may employ, for example, an LED or a laser as a light source. An electronic device equipped with an antenna according to one embodiment may employ, for example, a photodiode as a light receiving element. An electronic device equipped with an antenna according to one embodiment may use, for example, a lens for directivity control.

[0014] In radar technology, methods are known to estimate the direction of arrival (DOA) of radio waves from the phase difference of radio waves received by multiple antennas, such as an array antenna (antenna array). Examples of such direction of arrival estimation methods include the MUSIC (Multiple Signal Classification) method and the ESPRIT (Estimation of Signal Parameter via Rotational Invariance Techniques) method. The direction of arrival of radio waves can be estimated with at least two antennas. On the other hand, in order to increase the angular resolution of the direction of arrival estimation (to increase the array degrees of freedom (N-1 if the number of antennas is N)), the multiple receiving antennas may all be identical array antennas.

[0015] To extend the detectable distance by radar, it is necessary to increase the antenna gain. To increase the antenna gain, an array antenna can be constructed by regularly arranging the antenna elements. For example, in the case of automotive corner radar, by arranging array antennas vertically, an antenna with a beam width that is wide horizontally and narrow vertically can be constructed. For example, in the case of forward-facing radar, a high-gain antenna can be constructed by arranging antennas vertically and horizontally and focusing the beams in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0016] Conventionally, array antennas with high gain and narrow beamwidth directivity have been used by combining the transmission or reception of radio waves from multiple antenna elements. In such array antennas, the maximum gain, direction of directivity, and beamwidth can be adjusted by controlling the number of antenna elements, the spacing between antenna elements, and the phase difference between antenna elements. A characteristic of array antennas is that increasing the gain is necessary to extend the detection range of the radar. On the other hand, increasing the gain narrows the beamwidth of the antenna, thus narrowing the detection range. Also, generally, interference can occur between antenna elements when directivity in different directions is combined. In such antennas, the antenna characteristics cannot be determined by simple summation. Therefore, the design of such antennas can be complex.

[0017] In transmitting antennas, it is possible to differentiate antenna characteristics by giving each of the multiple ports different gains, directivity, and beamwidths. On the other hand, in receiving antennas, in order to estimate the direction of arrival with high accuracy, it is necessary to make the antenna characteristics the same for all ports within a limited number of ports. As mentioned above, it is possible to estimate the direction of arrival of radio waves with at least two receiving antennas. However, it is difficult to estimate the direction of arrival with good accuracy using only two receiving antennas.

[0018] Furthermore, it is conceivable that millimeter-wave radar installed in relatively high places (e.g., 2.5m or more), such as traffic lights or poles on which traffic lights are installed, may be used to detect both long-range and short-range objects (e.g., automobiles and pedestrians). In such cases, it is desirable to have a directivity in the forward direction for detecting long-range objects and a directivity in the downward or diagonally downward direction for detecting short-range objects.

[0019] However, if the directivity is directed downwards by phase control, the gain in the forward direction decreases. Therefore, it is difficult to secure antenna gain in two directions with a single antenna system. In such cases, it might seem that this could be addressed by switching the receiving antenna with a switch. However, RF switches compatible with the 79GHz band are not readily available. Also, switching the receiving antenna with a switch degrades the noise figure (NF). Therefore, such a receiving antenna becomes a factor that degrades the receiving sensitivity. Furthermore, when multiple antennas are used, interference between antennas also becomes a problem.

[0020] An antenna according to one embodiment can accommodate the usage patterns described above. An antenna according to one embodiment can receive two polarizations with different directivity. Furthermore, an antenna according to one embodiment can strengthen directivity in a predetermined direction. In particular, an antenna according to one embodiment can strengthen directivity in a direction including the vertical component using only the antenna element. When describing an antenna according to one embodiment below, first, an antenna according to a comparative example of one embodiment will be described as a comparison target for the antenna according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figures 1 and 2 schematically show the configuration of an antenna according to a comparative example of one embodiment. Figure 1 is a front view of the antenna according to the comparative example of one embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna according to the comparative example of one embodiment shown in Figure 1, taken along line A-A'.

[0022] In Figures 1 and 2, the X-axis direction may be the horizontal or left-right direction. In particular, in Figures 1 and 2, the positive X-axis direction may be the right direction, and the negative X-axis direction may be the left direction. In Figures 1 and 2, the Y-axis direction may be the vertical or up-down direction. In particular, in Figures 1 and 2, the positive Y-axis direction may be the up direction, and the negative Y-axis direction may be the down direction. In Figures 1 and 2, the Z-axis direction may be the front-back direction. In particular, in Figures 1 and 2, the positive Z-axis direction may be the front direction, and the negative Z-axis direction may be the back direction.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1 and / or Figure 2, the antenna 1' according to a comparative example of one embodiment may include a substrate 10', a conductor 20', a ground conductor 30', and a power supply section 40'.

[0024] The substrate 10' may be a circuit board used in ordinary electrical or electronic circuits. The substrate 10' may be composed of, for example, a dielectric material. The surface of the substrate 10' shown in Figure 1 (i.e., the surface of the substrate 10' in the positive Z-axis direction) will conveniently be referred to as the front surface, front surface, or first surface. The surface of the substrate 10' shown in Figure 1 opposite to the first surface (i.e., the surface of the substrate 10' in the negative Z-axis direction) will conveniently be referred to as the back surface, back surface, or second surface.

[0025] Figures 1 and 2 may illustrate a portion of the substrate 10'. For example, Figure 1 may show the portion of the substrate 10' up to the vicinity of the conductor 20'. For example, the substrate 10' may have a larger portion than shown in Figure 1, as the portion near the conductor 20'. The size and / or shape of the substrate 10' is not particularly limited, but as an example, it may be larger than the conductor 20' described later, and may have a shape based on a quadrilateral, for example.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the antenna 1', a conductor 20' may be formed on the first surface side of the substrate 10'. The conductor 20' may function as an antenna element (radiating element). The conductor 20' may be made of a metallic material such as copper. Alternatively, the conductor 20' may be formed on the first surface of the substrate 10' by, for example, printed wiring. The size and / or shape of the conductor 20' is not particularly limited, but as an example, it may be a shape based on a quadrilateral, for example, with sides of about 1 mm. In Figures 1 and 2, the conductor 20' is a shape based on a square. However, the conductor 20' may be of other shapes.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, in the antenna 1', a ground conductor 30' may be formed on the second surface side of the substrate 10'. The ground conductor 30' may be made of a metal material such as copper. The ground conductor 30' may also be formed on the second surface of the substrate 10' by, for example, printed wiring. The size and / or shape of the ground conductor 30' is not particularly limited. The ground conductor 30' may be formed over the entire second surface of the substrate 10', or it may be formed on a part of the second surface of the substrate 10'. The pattern of the ground conductor 30' formed on the second surface of the substrate 10' may also be of various types.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, in antenna 1', the conductor 20' is electrically connected via the feed point 40'. In Figure 1, the feed point 40' is indicated by a dashed line. The feed point 40' may include a feed point made of a metal material such as copper. The feed point 40' may be formed, for example, at a location where vias and / or through-holes are drilled in the substrate 10'. In antenna 1', power is supplied to the conductor 20' via the feed point 40'. As a result, the conductor 20' functions as an antenna element (radiating element). The power supplied to antenna 1' may be supplied from a feed line. The power supplied to antenna 1' may be supplied from the RF port of the SoC via a microstrip line and then to antenna 1' via the feed point 40'. Therefore, the feed point 40' and the ground conductor 30' may not be electrically connected.

[0029] In Figures 1 and 2, the power supply section 40' is located below the center of the conductor 20'. However, the power supply section 40' may be located at other points on the conductor 20'.

[0030] Thus, antenna 1' may be configured in the same way as a normal microstrip antenna (microstrip patch antenna or patch antenna). For example, antenna 1' may be a planar antenna comprising a substrate 10' made of a dielectric or the like, a radiating element (conductor 20') printed on its front surface (first surface), and a ground conductor plate (ground conductor 30') printed on its back surface (second surface).

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, antenna 1' is a basic configuration of a single antenna element, and it is a microstrip antenna formed in a pattern on a dielectric substrate. A microstrip antenna (patch antenna) is excited at a wavelength determined by the dimensions of the antenna, and a main lobe is formed in the direction in front of the conductor. As will be described later, the gain of the main lobe can be increased by increasing the number of antenna elements and forming an array antenna. Furthermore, beamforming technology, which changes the direction of the main lobe by controlling the input phase of each antenna element, can be used in the description of mobile communications and / or radar.

[0032] Next, we will describe the characteristics of antenna 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2, particularly its vertical directivity. The following describes the results of simulating the operation of antenna 1' as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0033] Figure 3 is a graph plotting the gain for each polarization due to the radiating element (conductor 20') of antenna 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 3 shows the relationship between the polarization gain of antenna 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2 and the angle in a plane parallel to the YZ plane. In other words, Figure 3 shows the vertical directivity of antenna 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2 at 0° horizontal. Here, 0° horizontal refers to the positive Y-axis direction, i.e., the upward direction of the radiating element shown in Figures 1 and 2, as will be described later.

[0034] The radial direction of the pie chart in Figure 3 represents the magnitude of the gain (dBi). The circumferential direction of the pie chart in Figure 3 represents the angle (°) in a plane parallel to the YZ plane. In the circumferential direction of the pie chart in Figure 3, 90° represents the positive Z-axis direction, i.e., the front direction of the radiating element shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the circumferential direction of the pie chart in Figure 3, 0° represents the positive Y-axis direction, i.e., the upward direction of the radiating element shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the circumferential direction of the pie chart in Figure 3, 180° (-180°) represents the negative Y-axis direction, i.e., the downward direction of the radiating element shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0035] In the graph of Figure 3, the solid line (gain θ) represents the directivity of antenna 1' shown in Figure 1 with respect to the polarization plane in the Y-axis direction. The dashed line (gain φ) in the graph of Figure 3 represents the directivity of antenna 1' shown in Figure 1 with respect to the polarization plane in the X-axis direction. The output of antenna 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2 is linearly polarized. As shown in Figure 1, gain θ and gain φ are orthogonal to each other.

[0036] According to antenna 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2, the gain θ becomes the primary polarization, as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the simulated gains of θ in the forward direction (90°) and the diagonally downward 60° direction (150°) are as follows. Gain in the 90° direction: 6.3 dBi (point m3 shown in Figure 3) Gain in the 150° direction: 4.1 dBi (point m2 shown in Figure 3)

[0037] Next, we will describe an antenna device that uses multiple arrays of antennas 1' as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0038] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an antenna device formed by arranging multiple antennas 1' as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The directions of each coordinate axis shown in Figure 4 may be defined in the same way as in Figure 1.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the antenna device 100' according to a comparative example of one embodiment may be configured by arranging the antennas 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2 in an array, with 4 elements on the upper side and 4 elements on the lower side, for a total of 8 elements. Thus, the antenna device 100' according to a comparative example of one embodiment may be an array antenna (antenna array) in which multiple antennas 1' are arranged in an array.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, in the antenna device 100', the upper four-element antenna 1' and the lower four-element antenna 1' may be configured so that their feed points are located at different positions. As shown in Figure 4, the upper four-element antenna 1' of the antenna device 100' is positioned in the same orientation as the antenna 1' shown in Figure 1. That is, in the upper four-element antenna 1' of the antenna device 100', the feed point 40' is positioned slightly below the center of the conductor 20'. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, the lower four-element antenna 1' of the antenna device 100' is positioned in the orientation obtained by rotating the antenna 1' shown in Figure 1 90° counterclockwise around the Z-axis. That is, in the lower four-element antenna 1' of the antenna device 100', the feed point 40' is positioned slightly to the right of the center of the conductor 20'. Therefore, in the antenna device 100', the upper four-element antenna 1' and the lower four-element antenna 1' have different polarization planes (they are orthogonal).

[0041] Next, we will describe the characteristics of the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4, particularly its vertical directivity. The following describes the results of simulating the operation of the antenna 1' shown in Figure 4.

[0042] Figure 5 is a graph plotting the gain for each polarization of the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4. Figure 5 shows the relationship between the polarization gain of the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4 and the angle in a plane parallel to the YZ plane. That is, Figure 5 shows the vertical directivity of the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4 at 0° horizontal. The definitions of each element in the graph shown in Figure 5 may be the same as in Figure 3.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the upper four-element antenna 1' has a gain θ that is the primary polarization (directivity is diagonally downward), while the lower four-element antenna 1' has a gain φ that is the primary polarization (directivity is straight ahead). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the main lobe of the upper four-element antenna 1' is oriented diagonally downward (gain θ) due to the phase shift of the inputs of each element. As shown in Figure 5, the main lobe has a peak in the direction of approximately 133°.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the simulation results for the gain φ in the forward direction (90°) and the gain θ in the diagonally downward direction (133°, 150°) using the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4 are as follows: Gain in the 90° direction: 8.7 dBi (point m5 shown in Figure 5) Gain in the 133° direction: 7.6 dBi (point m4 shown in Figure 5) Gain in the 150° direction: 3.7 dBi (point m2 shown in Figure 5)

[0045] (First Embodiment) Next, the antenna according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0046] Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of the antenna according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a front view of the antenna according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 6, taken along the line B-B'. The directions of the coordinate axes shown in Figures 6 and 7 may be defined in the same way as in Figures 1 and 2.

[0047] As shown in Figures 6 and / or 7, the antenna 1 according to the first embodiment may include a substrate 10, a first conductor 21, a second conductor 22, a third conductor 23, a ground conductor 30, a power supply section 40, and an intermediate conductor 51.

[0048] The substrate 10 may be constructed in the same way as a circuit board used in a normal electrical or electronic circuit. The substrate 10 may include, for example, a dielectric material. The surface of the substrate 10 shown in Figure 6 (i.e., the surface of the substrate 10 in the positive Z-axis direction) will conveniently be referred to as the front surface, front surface, or first surface. The surface of the substrate 10 opposite to the first surface shown in Figure 6 (i.e., the surface of the substrate 10 in the negative Z-axis direction) will conveniently be referred to as the back surface, back surface, or second surface.

[0049] Figures 6 and 7 may illustrate only a portion of the substrate 10. For example, Figure 6 may show only the portion of the substrate 10 near the periphery of the third conductor 23. For example, the substrate 10 may have a larger portion than shown in Figure 6, which is the portion near the periphery of the third conductor 23. The size and / or shape of the substrate 10 is not particularly limited, but as an example, it may be larger than the third conductor 23 and have a shape based on a quadrilateral, for example.

[0050] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in antenna 1, a first conductor 21, a second conductor 22, and a third conductor 23 may be formed on the first surface of the substrate 10. The first conductor 21, the second conductor 22, and the third conductor 23 may function as antenna elements (radiating elements). The first conductor 21, the second conductor 22, and the third conductor 23 may be made of a metallic material such as copper. Furthermore, the first conductor 21, the second conductor 22, and the third conductor 23 may be formed on the first surface of the substrate 10 by, for example, printed wiring.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 may be formed in a planar shape based on, for example, a quadrilateral with sides of about 1 mm. The first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 may be formed in the same shape or approximately the same shape. The first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 may be arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 may be placed in the vicinity of each other. The first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 may be placed slightly apart from each other, as shown in Figure 6.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, the third conductor 23 may be formed to partially surround the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22. The third conductor 23 may be positioned slightly apart from the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22, as shown in Figure 6. The third conductor 23 may comprise, for example, a first portion 23a, a second portion 23b, and a third portion 23c, as shown in Figure 6. The first portion 23a and the third portion 23c may be formed as elongated conductors extending in the longitudinal direction. The second portion 23b may be formed as elongated conductors extending in the transverse direction, coupled to the first portion 23a and the third portion 23c, respectively. The third conductor 23 may be positioned along three of the four sides forming the first conductor 21 (two sides in the longitudinal direction and one upper side in the transverse direction), as shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, the third conductor 23 may be arranged along one pair of opposite sides (two vertical sides) of the four sides forming the second conductor 22, as shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, the third conductor 23 may be formed as a whole in a U-shape by the first part 23a, the second part 23b, and the third part 23c. The size of the third conductor 23 is not particularly limited, but as an example, the length in the Y-axis direction of the first part 23a and the third part 23c may be about 2 mm, and the length in the X-axis direction of the second part 23b may be about 1 mm.

[0053] Thus, the antenna 1 according to the first embodiment may comprise a substrate 10, a first conductor 21 and a second conductor 22, and a third conductor 23. The first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 may be formed on the first surface of the substrate 10. The third conductor 23 may partially surround the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22. The first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 may each be formed in a planar shape based on a quadrilateral. The second conductor 22 may be arranged in the vicinity of the first conductor 21. The third conductor 23 may be arranged along three of the four sides forming the first conductor 21 and along one pair of opposite sides forming the second conductor 22.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, in the antenna 1, a ground conductor 30 may be formed on the second surface side of the substrate 10. The ground conductor 30 may be made of a metal material such as copper. The ground conductor 30 may also be formed on the second surface of the substrate 10 by, for example, printed wiring. The size and / or shape of the ground conductor 30 is not particularly limited. The ground conductor 30 may be formed over the entire second surface of the substrate 10, or it may be formed on a part of the second surface of the substrate 10. The pattern of the ground conductor 30 formed on the second surface of the substrate 10 may also be of various types.

[0055] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in antenna 1, the first conductor 21 may be electrically connected via a feed point 40. In Figure 6, the feed point 40 is shown by a dashed line. The feed point 40 may include a feed point made of a metal material such as copper. The feed point 40 may be formed, for example, at a location where vias and / or through-holes are drilled in the substrate 10. In antenna 1, power is supplied to the first conductor 21 via the feed point 40. As a result, the first conductor 21, the second conductor 22, the third conductor 23, and the intermediate conductor 51 function as antenna elements (radiating elements). The power supplied to antenna 1 may be supplied from a feed line. The power supplied to antenna 1 may be supplied from the RF port of the SoC via a microstrip line and then to antenna 1 via the feed point 40. Therefore, the feed point 40 and the ground conductor 30 may not be electrically connected.

[0056] In Figures 6 and 7, the power supply unit 40 is positioned above the center of the first conductor 21. However, the power supply unit 40 may be positioned at other locations on the first conductor 21.

[0057] Thus, the antenna 1 according to the first embodiment may include at least one feeding unit 40. The feeding unit 40 may electromagnetically feed power to at least one of the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, an intermediate conductor 51 may be placed between the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 and the ground conductor 30. The intermediate conductor 51 may function as an antenna element (radiating element). The intermediate conductor 51 may have the function of electromagnetically coupling at least one of the first conductor 21, the second conductor 22, and the third conductor 23. The intermediate conductor 51 may be made of a metallic material such as copper. As shown in Figure 7, the intermediate conductor 51 may be formed inside the substrate 10. In Figure 6, the intermediate conductor 51 is shown by a dashed line. As shown in Figure 7, the intermediate conductor 51 may be placed between the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 and the ground conductor 30. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the intermediate conductor 51 may be placed in a position that partially overlaps with the first conductor 21 in the Y-axis direction when the substrate 10 is viewed from above. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the intermediate conductor 51 may be positioned to partially overlap the second conductor 22 in the Y-axis direction when the substrate 10 is viewed from above. As shown in Figure 6, the intermediate conductor 51 may be formed to be smaller than at least one of the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 are arranged side by side (Y-axis direction) (X-axis direction).

[0059] Thus, the antenna 1 according to the first embodiment may include a ground conductor 30 and an intermediate conductor 51. The ground conductor 30 may be formed on a second surface of the substrate 10 opposite to the first surface. The intermediate conductor 51 may be positioned between the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 and the ground conductor 30. The intermediate conductor 51 may be embedded inside the substrate 10. The intermediate conductor 51 may be positioned so as to have a partial overlap with the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 when the substrate 10 is viewed through from above. The intermediate conductor 51 may be formed to be smaller in size than at least one of the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 are arranged side by side.

[0060] Next, we will describe the characteristics of antenna 1 shown in Figures 6 and 7, particularly its vertical directivity. The following describes the results of simulating the operation of antenna 1 as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0061] Figure 8 is a graph plotting the gain for each polarization due to the radiating element of antenna 1 shown in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 8 shows the relationship between the polarization gain of antenna 1 shown in Figures 6 and 7 and the angle in a plane parallel to the YZ plane. In other words, Figure 8 shows the vertical directivity of antenna 1 at 0° horizontal, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0062] The radial direction of the pie chart in Figure 8 represents the magnitude of the gain (dBi). The circumferential direction of the pie chart in Figure 8 represents the angle (°) in a plane parallel to the YZ plane. In the circumferential direction of the pie chart in Figure 8, 90° represents the positive Z-axis direction, i.e., the front direction of the radiating element shown in Figures 6 and 7. In the circumferential direction of the pie chart in Figure 8, 0° represents the positive Y-axis direction, i.e., the upward direction of the radiating element shown in Figures 6 and 7. In the circumferential direction of the pie chart in Figure 8, 180° (-180°) represents the negative Y-axis direction, i.e., the downward direction of the radiating element shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0063] In the graph of Figure 8, the solid line (gain θ) represents the directivity of antenna 1 shown in Figure 6 with respect to the polarization plane in the Y-axis direction. The dashed line (gain φ) in the graph of Figure 8 represents the directivity of antenna 1 shown in Figure 6 with respect to the polarization plane in the X-axis direction. The output of antenna 1 shown in Figures 6 and 7 is linearly polarized. As shown in Figure 6, gain θ and gain φ are orthogonal to each other.

[0064] According to Antenna 1 shown in Figures 6 and 7, the gain θ becomes the primary polarization, as shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the simulated gains of θ in the forward direction (90°) and the diagonally downward 60° direction (150°) are as follows. Gain in the 90° direction: 6.5 dBi (point m2 shown in Figure 8) Gain in the 150° direction: 5.5 dBi (point m4 shown in Figure 8)

[0065] The antenna 1 according to the first embodiment includes a first conductor 21, a second conductor 22, and a third conductor 23 that partially surrounds the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22, thereby strengthening the current distribution in the downward direction (negative Y-axis direction). As a result, the antenna 1 according to the first embodiment can improve the gain in the diagonally downward direction compared to the antenna 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2. The gain in the 150° direction for the antenna 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2 was 4.1 dBi. The gain in the 150° direction for the antenna 1 according to the first embodiment was 5.5 dBi. Therefore, the antenna 1 according to the first embodiment can achieve an improvement of +1.4 dBi compared to the antenna 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0066] Next, we will describe an antenna device that uses multiple arrays of antennas 1, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0067] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an antenna device formed by arranging multiple antennas 1 as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The directions of each coordinate axis shown in Figure 9 may be defined in the same way as in Figure 6.

[0068] As shown in Figure 9, the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment may be configured by arranging the antenna 1 shown in Figures 6 and 7 in a four-element array on the upper side. In addition, in the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment, the four lower elements may be configured in the same way as the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4. That is, the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment may be configured by arranging the antenna 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2 in a four-element array on the lower side. Thus, the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment may be an array antenna (antenna array) in which multiple antennas 1' and antenna 1 are arranged in arrays.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, in the antenna device 100, the upper four-element antenna 1 and the lower four-element antenna 1' may be configured to have different feed point positions. As shown in Figure 9, the upper four-element antenna 1 of the antenna device 100 is positioned in the same orientation as antenna 1 shown in Figure 6. That is, in the upper four-element antenna 1 of the antenna device 100, the feed point 40 is positioned slightly above the center of the first conductor 20. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, the lower four-element antenna 1' of the antenna device 100 is positioned in the orientation obtained by rotating antenna 1' shown in Figure 1 90° counterclockwise around the Z-axis. That is, in the lower four-element antenna 1' of the antenna device 100, the feed point 40' is positioned slightly to the right of the center of the conductor 20'. Therefore, in the antenna device 100, the upper four-element antenna 1 and the lower four-element antenna 1' have different (orthogonal) polarization planes for radiation.

[0070] Thus, in the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment, multiple antennas 1 according to the first embodiment may be arranged on the substrate 10. In this case, the antennas 1 according to the first embodiment may be arranged in an array on the substrate 10. Furthermore, in the antennas 1 arranged in multiple quantities on the substrate 10, the portions of the third conductor 23 that do not surround the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 may be arranged in substantially the same direction. That is, in the antennas 1 arranged in multiple quantities on the substrate 10, the patterns of each third conductor 23 may be arranged to face the same direction.

[0071] Next, we will describe the characteristics of the antenna device 100 shown in Figure 9, particularly its vertical directivity. The following describes the results of simulating the operation of the antenna 1 shown in Figure 9.

[0072] Figure 10 is a graph plotting the gain for each polarization of the antenna device 100 shown in Figure 9. Figure 10 shows the relationship between the polarization gain of the antenna device 100 shown in Figure 9 and the angle in a plane parallel to the YZ plane. That is, Figure 10 shows the vertical directivity of the antenna device 100 shown in Figure 9 at 0° horizontal. The definitions of each element in the graph shown in Figure 10 may be the same as in Figure 8.

[0073] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the upper four-element antenna 1 has a gain θ that is the primary polarization (directivity is diagonally downward), while the lower four-element antenna 1' has a gain φ that is the primary polarization (directivity is straight ahead). Also, as shown in Figure 10, the main lobe of the upper four-element antenna 1 is oriented diagonally downward (gain θ) due to the phase shift of the inputs of each element. As shown in Figure 10, the main lobe has a peak in the direction of approximately 133°. As shown in Figure 10, the upper four-element antenna 1 of the antenna device 100 has a polarization plane that increases the gain θ, similar to the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4, and the main lobe is oriented downward by applying a phase difference.

[0074] As shown in Figure 10, the simulation results for the gain φ in the forward direction (90°) and the gain θ in the diagonally downward direction (133°, 150°) using the antenna device 100 shown in Figure 9 are as follows: Gain in the 90° direction: 8.8 dBi (point m5 shown in Figure 5) Gain in the 133° direction: 8.5 dBi (point m9 shown in Figure 5) Gain in the 150° direction: 5.0 dBi (point m4 shown in Figure 5)

[0075] According to the antenna device 100 of the first embodiment, the gain in the diagonally downward direction can be improved compared to the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4. According to the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4, the gain in the 133° direction was 7.6 dBi. According to the antenna device 100 of the first embodiment, the gain in the 133° direction was 8.5 dBi. Therefore, according to the antenna device 100 of the first embodiment, an improvement of +0.9 dBi can be obtained compared to the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4. Also, according to the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4, the gain in the 150° direction was 3.7 dBi. According to the antenna device 100 of the first embodiment, the gain in the 150° direction was 5.0 dBi. Therefore, according to the antenna device 100 of the first embodiment, an improvement of +1.3 dB can be obtained compared to the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4. Thus, according to the antenna device 100 of the first embodiment, even if multiple antennas 1 of the first embodiment are arranged in an array, the gain in the diagonally downward direction can be improved.

[0076] (Second Embodiment) Next, we will describe the antenna according to the second embodiment.

[0077] Figures 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of an antenna according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 is a front view of the antenna according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 11, taken along the line C-C'. The directions of the coordinate axes shown in Figures 11 and 12 may be defined in the same way as in Figures 1 and 2.

[0078] The following explanation will focus on the differences between the antenna 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and explanations that are the same as or similar to the antenna 1 according to the first embodiment described above will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0079] As shown in Figures 11 and / or 12, the antenna 2 according to the second embodiment may include a substrate 10, a first conductor 21, a second conductor 22, a third conductor 23, a ground conductor 30, and a power supply unit 40. In the antenna 2 according to the second embodiment, the substrate 10, the first conductor 21, the second conductor 22, the third conductor 23, the ground conductor 30, and the power supply unit 40 may be configured in the same way as the antenna 1 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0080] As shown in Figure 11, the antenna 2 according to the second embodiment may include a fourth conductor 24 on the first surface side of the substrate 10. The fourth conductor 24 may function as an antenna element (radiating element). The fourth conductor 24 may be made of a metallic material such as copper. The fourth conductor 24 may also be formed on the first surface of the substrate 10 by, for example, printed wiring.

[0081] As shown in Figure 11, the fourth conductor 24 may be formed to partially surround the second conductor 22. The fourth conductor 24 may be positioned slightly apart from the second conductor 22, as shown in Figure 11. The fourth conductor 24 may be formed as an elongated conductor extending laterally. The fourth conductor 24 may be positioned along one of the four sides (the lower side in the later direction) that form the second conductor 22, as shown in Figure 11. As shown in Figure 6, the fourth conductor 24 may be positioned around the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 in the portion not surrounded by the third conductor 23. The size of the fourth conductor 24 is not particularly limited, but as an example, its length in the X-axis direction may be about 1 mm.

[0082] Thus, the antenna 2 according to the second embodiment may include a fourth conductor 24 formed on the first surface of the substrate 10. In the antenna 2 according to the second embodiment, the fourth conductor 24 may be arranged in a location around the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 that is not surrounded by the third conductor 23. Alternatively, the fourth conductor 24 may be arranged along one of the four sides forming the second conductor 22, excluding the side on which the first conductor 21 is arranged side by side and the pair of opposite sides along which the third conductor 23 is arranged.

[0083] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in antenna 2, the fourth conductor 24 may be connected to the ground conductor 30 via through-holes 42, 44, and 46. In Figure 11, the through-holes 42, 44, and 46 are shown by dashed lines. The through-holes 42, 44, and 46 may include feed points made of a metallic material such as copper. The through-holes 42, 44, and 46 may be formed, for example, in locations where vias and / or through-holes are drilled in the substrate 10. Power may be supplied to the fourth conductor 24 by coupling with the second conductor 22. As a result, the fourth conductor 24 may function as an antenna element (radiating element).

[0084] Thus, in the antenna 2 according to the second embodiment, the fourth conductor 24 formed on the first surface of the substrate 10 may be electrically connected to the ground conductor 30 through at least one of the through holes 42, 44, and 46.

[0085] As shown in Figure 12, an intermediate conductor 52 may be placed between the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 and the ground conductor 30. The intermediate conductor 52 may function as an antenna element (radiating element). The intermediate conductor 52 may have the function of electromagnetically coupling at least one of the first conductor 21, the second conductor 22, and the third conductor 23. The intermediate conductor 52 may be made of a metallic material such as copper. As shown in Figure 12, the intermediate conductor 52 may be formed inside the substrate 10. In Figure 11, the intermediate conductor 52 is shown by a dashed line. As shown in Figure 12, the intermediate conductor 52 may be placed between the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 and the ground conductor 30. Also, as shown in Figure 11, the intermediate conductor 52 may be placed in a position that partially overlaps with the first conductor 21 in the Y-axis direction when the substrate 10 is viewed from above. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the intermediate conductor 52 may be positioned to partially overlap the second conductor 22 in the Y-axis direction when the substrate 10 is viewed from above.

[0086] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the intermediate conductor 52 may be formed to be approximately the same size as the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 are arranged side by side (Y-axis direction) (X-axis direction). Thus, the intermediate conductor 52 may be formed to be approximately the same size as at least one of the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 are arranged side by side.

[0087] Next, we will describe the characteristics of antenna 2 shown in Figures 11 and 12, particularly its vertical directivity. The following describes the results of simulating the operation of antenna 2 as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0088] Figure 13 is a graph plotting the gain for each polarization due to the radiating element of antenna 2 shown in Figures 11 and 12. Figure 13 shows the relationship between the polarization gain of antenna 2 shown in Figures 11 and 12 and the angle in a plane parallel to the YZ plane. In other words, Figure 13 shows the vertical directivity of antenna 2 at 0° horizontal, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. The interpretation of the graph in Figure 13 is the same as the interpretation of the graph in Figure 8.

[0089] According to antenna 2 shown in Figures 11 and 12, the gain θ becomes the primary polarization, as shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 13, the simulated gains of θ in the forward direction (90°) and the diagonally downward 60° direction (150°) are as follows. Gain in the 90° direction: 6.3 dBi (point m2 shown in Figure 13) Gain in the 150° direction: 6.0 dBi (point m4 shown in Figure 13)

[0090] The antenna 2 according to the second embodiment includes a first conductor 21, a second conductor 22, a third conductor 23 that partially surrounds the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22, and a fourth conductor 24, thereby strengthening the current distribution in the downward direction (negative Y-axis direction). As a result, the antenna 2 according to the second embodiment can improve the gain in the diagonally downward direction compared to the antenna 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2. The gain in the 150° direction for the antenna 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2 was 4.1 dBi. The gain in the 150° direction for the antenna 2 according to the second embodiment was 6.0 dBi. Therefore, the antenna 2 according to the second embodiment can achieve an improvement of +1.9 dBi compared to the antenna 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0091] Next, we will describe an antenna device that uses multiple arrays of antennas 2 as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0092] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an antenna device formed by arranging multiple antennas 2 as shown in Figures 11 and 12. The directions of each coordinate axis shown in Figure 14 may be defined in the same way as in Figure 6.

[0093] As shown in Figure 14, the antenna device 200 according to the second embodiment may be configured by arranging the antenna 2 shown in Figures 11 and 12 in a four-element array on the upper side. In addition, in the antenna device 200 according to the second embodiment, the four lower elements may be configured in the same way as the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4. That is, the antenna device 200 according to the second embodiment may be configured by arranging the antenna 1' shown in Figures 1 and 2 in a four-element array on the lower side. Thus, the antenna device 200 according to the second embodiment may be an array antenna (antenna array) in which multiple arrays of antenna 1' and antenna 2 are arranged.

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, in the antenna device 200, the upper four-element antenna 2 and the lower four-element antenna 1' may be configured to have different feed point positions. As shown in Figure 14, the upper four-element antenna 2 of the antenna device 200 is positioned in the same orientation as the antenna 2 shown in Figure 11. That is, in the upper four-element antenna 2 of the antenna device 200, the feed point 40 is positioned slightly above the center of the first conductor 20. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 14, the lower four-element antenna 1' of the antenna device 200 is positioned in the orientation obtained by rotating the antenna 1' shown in Figure 1 90° counterclockwise around the Z-axis. That is, in the lower four-element antenna 1' of the antenna device 200, the feed point 40' is positioned slightly to the right of the center of the conductor 20'. Therefore, in the antenna device 200, the polarization planes of the radiation of the upper four-element antenna 2 and the lower four-element antenna 1' are different (orthogonal).

[0095] Thus, in the antenna device 200 according to the second embodiment, multiple antennas 2 according to the second embodiment may be arranged on the substrate 10. In this case, the antennas 2 according to the second embodiment may be arranged in an array on the substrate 10. Furthermore, in the antennas 2 arranged in multiple quantities on the substrate 10, the portions of the third conductor 23 that do not surround the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 may be arranged in substantially the same direction. That is, in the antennas 2 arranged in multiple quantities on the substrate 10, the patterns of each third conductor 23 may be arranged to face the same direction. Furthermore, in the antennas 2 arranged in multiple quantities on the substrate 10, the patterns of each fourth conductor 24 may also be arranged to face the same direction.

[0096] Next, we will describe the characteristics of the antenna device 200 shown in Figure 14, particularly its vertical directivity. The following describes the results of simulating the operation of the antenna 2 shown in Figure 14.

[0097] Figure 15 is a graph plotting the gain for each polarization of the antenna device 200 shown in Figure 14. Figure 15 shows the relationship between the polarization gain of the antenna device 200 shown in Figure 14 and the angle in a plane parallel to the YZ plane. That is, Figure 15 is a graph showing the vertical directivity of the antenna device 200 shown in Figure 14 at 0° horizontal. The definitions of each element in the graph shown in Figure 15 may be the same as in Figure 8.

[0098] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the upper four-element antenna 2 has a gain θ that is the primary polarization (directivity is diagonally downward), while the lower four-element antenna 1' has a gain φ that is the primary polarization (directivity is straight ahead). Also, as shown in Figure 15, the main lobe of the upper four-element antenna 1 is oriented diagonally downward (gain θ) due to the phase shift of the inputs of each element. As shown in Figure 15, the main lobe has a peak in the direction of approximately 133°. As shown in Figure 15, the upper four-element antenna 2 of the antenna device 200 has a polarization plane that increases the gain θ, similar to the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4, and the main lobe is oriented downward by applying a phase difference.

[0099] As shown in Figure 15, the simulation results for the gain φ in the forward direction (90°) and the gain θ in the diagonally downward direction (133°, 150°) using the antenna device 200 shown in Figure 14 are as follows: Gain in the 90° direction: 8.8 dBi (point m5 shown in Figure 5) Gain in the 133° direction: 8.5 dBi (point m9 shown in Figure 5) Gain in the 150° direction: 5.1 dBi (point m4 shown in Figure 5)

[0100] According to the antenna device 200 of the second embodiment, the gain in the diagonally downward direction can be improved compared to the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4. According to the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4, the gain in the 133° direction was 7.6 dBi. According to the antenna device 200 of the second embodiment, the gain in the 133° direction was 8.5 dBi. Therefore, according to the antenna device 200 of the second embodiment, an improvement of +0.9 dBi can be obtained compared to the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4. Also, according to the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4, the gain in the 150° direction was 3.7 dBi. According to the antenna device 200 of the second embodiment, the gain in the 150° direction was 5.1 dBi. Therefore, according to the antenna device 200 of the second embodiment, an improvement of +1.4 dB can be obtained compared to the antenna device 100' shown in Figure 4. Thus, according to the antenna device 200 of the second embodiment, even if multiple antennas 2 of the second embodiment are arranged in an array, the gain in the diagonally downward direction can be improved.

[0101] As described above, according to the antenna and antenna device of one embodiment, the directivity of the receiving antenna can be directed, for example, in the forward direction and diagonally downward direction, without using a functional part such as an RF switch. Therefore, according to the antenna and antenna device of one embodiment, convenience can be improved in object detection technologies such as millimeter-wave radar.

[0102] With the above configuration, the antenna and antenna device according to one embodiment have directivity, for example, downward (diagonally downward), so that they can receive reflected waves that have been reflected off an object below the transmitted wave. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the antenna and antenna device according to one embodiment have directivity, for example, forward (front direction), so that they can receive reflected waves that have been reflected off an object in front of the transmitted wave.

[0103] According to one embodiment of the antenna and antenna device, use cases such as a device installed near a roadside unit or traffic light, or in the vicinity thereof, to detect vehicles and pedestrians traveling on the road, can be addressed. Specifically, according to one embodiment of the antenna and antenna device, a function is realized to detect vehicles and other objects at a relatively close distance below the device. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the antenna and antenna device, a function is also realized to detect vehicles and other objects at a relatively far distance from the device in a direction close to the horizontal direction of the device.

[0104] Thus, according to the antenna and antenna device of one embodiment, the direction of directivity can be changed. Therefore, the antenna and antenna device of one embodiment can enhance convenience in a particular usage configuration by making it possible to switch the width of the directivity along with the direction of the beam of the transmitted or received wave.

[0105] As described above, according to the antenna and antenna device of one embodiment, the directivity of the receiving antenna can be directed in the forward direction and diagonally downward direction without using an RF switch or the like. Furthermore, according to the antenna and antenna device of one embodiment, when directing the directivity of the receiving antenna in the forward direction and diagonally downward direction, different characteristics can be used by using one as a high-gain receiving antenna with a narrow beamwidth and the other as a low-gain receiving antenna with a wide beamwidth. According to the antenna and antenna device of one embodiment, interference between elements when directivity in different directions is combined is suppressed by changing the polarization of the antenna in two directions, such as the forward direction and diagonally downward direction. As a result, the antenna and antenna device of one embodiment can improve the degree of freedom and ease of design.

[0106] In particular, according to one embodiment of the antenna device, the power supply circuit can be split into two parts: a portion for antenna elements facing forward and a portion for antenna elements facing downward, allowing them to be treated as separate array antennas. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the antenna device, the design of the directivity is simplified. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the antenna device, the distribution of power supplied to the forward and diagonally downward directions is also simplified, and the design of the gain is also simplified. According to one embodiment of the antenna device, the antenna with directivity in the forward direction can be placed below the ground, and the antenna with directivity in the diagonally downward direction can be placed above the ground. With this configuration, according to one embodiment of the antenna device, interference between elements, including the radome, is suppressed, and the design is simplified. As described above, according to one embodiment of the antenna device, the designability of the antenna directivity can be improved.

[0107] According to one embodiment of the antenna, the directivity in the diagonally downward direction can be strengthened in a single antenna element. As a result of this effect, even when an array antenna (antenna device) is configured using the antenna according to one embodiment, the gain in the downward direction can be improved.

[0108] While this disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art will find it easy to make various modifications or alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each functional part can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner. Multiple functional parts may be combined into one or divided. The embodiments relating to this disclosure described above are not limited to being implemented strictly according to the respective embodiments, but can be implemented by combining features or omitting parts as appropriate. In other words, the contents of this disclosure can be modified and altered in various ways based on this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Therefore, these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in each embodiment, each functional part, each means, each step, etc. can be added to other embodiments in a logically consistent manner, or replaced with each functional part, each means, each step, etc. from other embodiments. Also, in each embodiment, multiple functional parts, each means, each step, etc. can be combined into one or divided. Furthermore, the embodiments of this disclosure described above are not limited to being implemented strictly according to the respective embodiments described, but can also be implemented by combining or omitting some of the features as appropriate.

[0109] Furthermore, the embodiments described above may be implemented as a transmitting and receiving system including a transmitting device equipped with a transmitting antenna and a receiving device equipped with a receiving antenna. In this case, the transmitting device may include a first transmitting antenna that transmits radio waves directional in a first direction with a first polarization, and a second transmitting antenna that transmits radio waves directional in a second direction different from the first direction with a second polarization. The receiving device may include a first receiving antenna directional in a first direction and a second receiving antenna directional in a second direction. The first receiving antenna may be configured to maximize the reception gain when the radio waves received by the first receiving antenna are polarized in the first polarization direction. The second receiving antenna may be configured to maximize the reception gain when the radio waves received by the second receiving antenna are polarized in the second polarization direction.

[0110] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are not limited to implementation as antennas and antenna devices. For example, the embodiments described above may be implemented as electronic equipment or a transmitting / receiving system including an antenna or antenna device according to one embodiment. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are not limited to implementation as electronic equipment or a transmitting / receiving system. For example, the embodiments described above may be implemented as a control method for equipment such as electronic equipment or a transmitting / receiving system including an antenna or antenna device according to one embodiment. Furthermore, for example, the embodiments described above may be implemented as a control program for equipment such as electronic equipment or a transmitting / receiving system including an antenna or antenna device according to one embodiment. Furthermore, the embodiments described above may be implemented as a recording medium or storage medium that records a program executed in equipment such as electronic equipment or a transmitting / receiving system including an antenna or antenna device according to one embodiment, i.e., a computer-readable recording medium or storage medium. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 1,2 Antennas 10 circuit boards 21 First Conductor 22 Second Conductor 23 Third conductor 24 Fourth conductor 30 Grounding conductor 40 Power supply section 42, 44, 46 Through-holes 51, 52 Intermediate conductor 100,200 Antenna equipment

Claims

1. circuit board and A first conductor formed on the first surface of the substrate, An arrangement conductor positioned along a portion of the side of the first conductor, A power supply unit that electromagnetically supplies power to the first conductor, Equipped with, The power supply unit is an antenna device that electromagnetically supplies power to the first conductor on the first side when viewed from the midpoint of a straight line connecting a point on the first side along which the first conductor is aligned and a point on the second side along which the first conductor is not aligned.

2. The substrate comprises a second conductor formed on the first surface, The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the arranged conductor is arranged along a portion of the side of the second conductor.

3. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit electromagnetically supplies power to the first conductor on the first side when viewed from the midpoint of a straight line connecting the midpoint of the first side of the first conductor along which the arranged conductor of the first conductor follows and the midpoint of the second side of the first conductor not along which the arranged conductor of the first conductor follows.

Images