Electronic equipment and transmission / reception systems

Abstract

For example, in object detection technologies such as millimeter-wave radar, we provide electronic devices and transmission / reception systems that enhance convenience. [Solution] The electronic device comprises an antenna for transmitting or receiving, a feed point for supplying power to the antenna, and a first patch and a second patch constituting the antenna. The first patch is connected to the feed line from the feed point from a first direction. The second patch is connected to the feed line from the feed point from a second direction different from the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a transmission / reception system.

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 measuring the distance to an object by transmitting radio waves such as millimeter waves and receiving the reflected waves reflected by an object such as an obstacle, that is, radar (Radio Detecting and Ranging) technologies, 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] In technologies such as the above-described radar, those assuming various usage modes have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an antenna configuration having a first antenna formed as an array antenna and a second antenna operable as a transmission antenna. This antenna configuration includes a transmission antenna having two types of polarization planes connected to the same power supply point. Further, Patent Document 2 proposes a technique for improving the resolution of a radar system for detecting an obstacle, for example, at a railroad crossing. This radar system can virtually double the range resolution by receiving two types of polarization waves by switching two types of receiving antennas having different polarization planes with a switch. Further, Patent Document 3 proposes a radar unit operable with a plurality of polarization waves. Furthermore, Patent Document 4 proposes receiving the reflected wave from an object by a receiving antenna while having a delay time by delaying one of the transmission waves instead of switching between horizontal polarization and vertical polarization for transmission.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2021-514153 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-17356 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2021-507219 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-14533 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[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 usage scenarios.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide electronic equipment and a transmission / reception system that can enhance convenience in object detection technologies, such as millimeter-wave radar. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electronic device according to one embodiment is An antenna that transmits or receives, The feed point for supplying power to the aforementioned antenna, The antenna comprises a first patch and a second patch. The first patch is connected to the power supply line from the power supply point from a first direction. The second patch is connected to the power supply line from the power supply point from a second direction different from the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment, it is possible to provide electronic equipment and a transmission / reception system that enhances convenience in object detection technologies such as millimeter-wave radar. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining the directivity of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a top view of the antenna of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a top view of the three-dimensional polar coordinate plot of the gain of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a graph showing the plot of the gain of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the simulation of the operation by an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining the simulation of the operation by an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] ​​​​​​​​​​​​It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by the electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by the electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by the electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by the electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by the electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing the simulation result of the operation by the electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 23] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the dome of the electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 24] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device according to the comparative example of one embodiment. [Figure 25] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device according to the comparative example of one embodiment. [Figure 26] It is a diagram for explaining the directivity of the electronic device according to the comparative example of one embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] In this disclosure, “electronic device” may mean a device powered by electricity. An electronic device according to one embodiment may include at least one of a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna. An electronic device according to one embodiment transmits electromagnetic waves as transmitted waves from the transmitting antenna. For example, if a predetermined object is present around an electronic device according to one embodiment, at least a portion of the transmitted waves transmitted from the electronic device will be reflected by the object and become reflected waves. By receiving such reflected waves with the receiving antenna of the electronic device, the electronic device can detect the object. For example, an electronic device according to one embodiment can measure the distance to a predetermined object. An electronic device according to one embodiment can also measure the relative speed to a predetermined object. Furthermore, an electronic device according to one embodiment can also measure the direction (angle of arrival) from which reflected waves from a predetermined object arrive at the electronic device.

[0011] One embodiment of the electronic device can be installed on a roadside unit that monitors the operation status of vehicles (moving objects) such as automobiles, and can detect predetermined objects such as moving objects that are present around the roadside unit. Another embodiment of the electronic device can be installed on any device such as a traffic light, and can detect predetermined objects such as moving objects that are present around the device.

[0012] An electronic device according to one embodiment may typically be a radar (Radio Detecting and Ranging) sensor that transmits and receives radio waves. However, an electronic device according to one embodiment is not limited to a radar sensor. Such sensors may 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 according to one embodiment may employ, for example, an LED or a laser as a light source. An electronic device according to one embodiment may employ, for example, a photodiode as a light receiving element. An electronic device according to one embodiment may use, for example, a lens for directivity control.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] An electronic device according to one embodiment can also accommodate the usage patterns described above. When describing an electronic device according to one embodiment, we will first describe an electronic device relating to a comparative example of one embodiment.

[0020] Figures 24 and 25 show the configuration of an electronic device according to a comparative example of one embodiment. Figure 24 is a view of the electronic device according to the comparative example of one embodiment from a predetermined direction. Figure 25 is a view of the electronic device according to the comparative example of one embodiment from a direction opposite to the predetermined direction in Figure 24.

[0021] In Figures 24 and 25, the X-axis direction may be the horizontal or left-right direction. In Figures 24 and 25, the Y-axis direction may be the vertical or up-down direction. In particular, in Figures 24 and 25, the positive Y-axis direction may be the upward direction, and the negative Y-axis direction may be the downward direction. In Figures 24 and 25, the Z-axis direction may be the front-back direction. In particular, in Figures 24 and 25, the positive Z-axis direction may be the forward or front (front) direction, and the negative Z-axis direction may be the rear or back direction.

[0022] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, the electronic device 100 according to a comparative example of one embodiment may include a substrate 10'. The substrate 10' may be a circuit board used in ordinary electrical or electronic circuits. The surface of the substrate 10' shown in Figure 24 (i.e., the surface of the substrate 10' in the positive Z-axis direction) will conveniently be referred to as the front surface or front face. Similarly, the surface of the substrate 10' shown in Figure 25 (i.e., the surface of the substrate 10' in the negative Z-axis direction) will conveniently be referred to as the back surface or back face. Figures 24 and 25 show the functional parts of the transmitting and receiving systems of the electronic device 100.

[0023] As shown in Figure 24, the electronic device 100 includes a first transmitting antenna 11', a second transmitting antenna 12', and a third transmitting antenna 13' on the surface of the substrate 10'. As shown in Figure 24, the electronic device 100 also includes a receiving antenna 20' on the surface of the substrate 10'. The first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', the third transmitting antenna 13', and the receiving antenna 20' may be planar antennas (patch antennas) commonly used in millimeter-wave radar.

[0024] As shown in Figure 24, the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13' each include multiple radiating elements. Each of these radiating elements may be made of a metallic material such as copper. In the example shown in Figure 24, the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13' each include a total of 14 radiating elements, 7 on the upper side and 7 on the lower side. In each of the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13', the 7 radiating elements on the upper side are electrically connected in series in the vertical direction, and the 7 radiating elements on the lower side are also electrically connected in series in the vertical direction.

[0025] As shown in Figure 24, in the first transmitting antenna 11', the lower ends of the seven series-connected radiating elements on the upper side and the upper ends of the seven series-connected radiating elements on the lower side are electrically connected to the feed point 31'. The feed point 31' supplies power to the multiple radiating elements that make up the first transmitting antenna 11'. In the first transmitting antenna 12', the lower ends of the seven series-connected radiating elements on the upper side and the upper ends of the seven series-connected radiating elements on the lower side are electrically connected to the feed point 32'. The feed point 32' supplies power to the multiple radiating elements that make up the second transmitting antenna 12'. In the first transmitting antenna 13', the lower ends of the seven series-connected radiating elements on the upper side and the upper ends of the seven series-connected radiating elements on the lower side are electrically connected to the feed point 33'. The feed point 33' supplies power to the multiple radiating elements that make up the third transmitting antenna 13'. In each of the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13', the seven series-connected radiating elements on the upper side and the seven series-connected radiating elements on the lower side may be arranged on approximately the same straight line, as shown in Figure 24. In this way, the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13' may constitute an array antenna.

[0026] The feed points 31', 32', and 33' each supply power from the back surface of the substrate 10' shown in Figure 25 to the front surface of the substrate 10' shown in Figure 24. For this reason, the feed points 31', 32', and 33' may each be configured to include conductors or the like that penetrate the substrate 10' in the thickness direction. The feed points 31', 32', and 33' each supply power from the back side of the substrate 10' to the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the first transmitting antenna 13', which are located on the surface of the substrate 10'.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, the receiving antenna 20' includes receiving antennas 20A', 20B', 20C', and 20D'. As shown in Figure 24, each of the receiving antennas 20A', 20B', 20C', and 20D' includes multiple radiating elements. Each of these radiating elements may be made of a metallic material such as copper. In the example shown in Figure 24, each of the receiving antennas 20A', 20B', 20C', and 20D' includes a total of four radiating elements, two on the upper side and two on the lower side. In each of the receiving antennas 20A', 20B', 20C', and 20D', the two upper radiating elements are electrically connected in series vertically, and the two lower radiating elements are also electrically connected in series vertically.

[0028] As shown in Figure 24, in the receiving antenna 20A', the lower ends of the two upper series-connected radiating elements and the upper ends of the two lower series-connected radiating elements are each electrically connected to the feed point 40A'. The feed point 40A' supplies power to the multiple radiating elements that make up the receiving antenna 20A'. In the receiving antenna 20B', the lower ends of the two upper series-connected radiating elements and the upper ends of the two lower series-connected radiating elements are each electrically connected to the feed point 40B'. The feed point 40B' supplies power to the multiple radiating elements that make up the receiving antenna 20B'. In the receiving antenna 20C', the lower ends of the two upper series-connected radiating elements and the upper ends of the two lower series-connected radiating elements are each electrically connected to the feed point 40C'. The feed point 40C' supplies power to the multiple radiating elements that make up the receiving antenna 20C'. In the receiving antenna 20D', the lower ends of the two upper series-connected radiating elements and the upper ends of the two lower series-connected radiating elements are electrically connected to the feed point 40D'. The feed point 40D' supplies power to the multiple radiating elements that make up the receiving antenna 20D'. In each of the receiving antennas 20A', 20B', 20C', and 20D', the two upper series-connected radiating elements and the two lower series-connected radiating elements may be arranged on approximately the same straight line, as shown in Figure 24. In this way, the receiving antennas 20A', 20B', 20C', and 20D' may constitute an array antenna.

[0029] The feed points 40A', 40B', 40C', and 40D' each supply power from the back surface of the substrate 10' shown in Figure 25 to the front surface of the substrate 10' shown in Figure 24. For this reason, the feed points 40A', 40B', 40C', and 40D' may each be configured to include conductors that penetrate the substrate 10' in the thickness direction. The feed points 40A', 40B', 40C', and 40D' each supply power from the back surface of the substrate 10' to the receiving antennas 20A', 20B', 20C', and 20D', respectively, which are located on the surface of the substrate 10'.

[0030] In each of the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13', the wiring connecting the seven upper radiating elements (wiring that connects adjacent radiating elements in series) may be of the same length. Similarly, in each of the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13', the wiring connecting the seven lower radiating elements may also be of the same length. Each of these wirings (wiring that connects adjacent radiating elements) may be, for example, the same length as the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave transmitted from the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13'. By making the length of the wiring connecting adjacent radiating elements the same length as the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave, the phase of the transmitted waves transmitted from the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13' can be aligned. However, the length of the wiring may be the length of the wavelength λ, but in the case of a transmission line, the wavelength shortening factor 1 / √εr=(εr)^(-0.5), which is determined by the relative permittivity of the dielectric material constituting the substrate, is multiplied by it. In other words, the wavelength of the transmitted wave on the transmission line may be considered to be shorter than the wavelength λ0 in a vacuum. In this disclosure, the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave in a vacuum is denoted as λ0, and the wavelength in a medium with relative permittivity εr is denoted as λ. Then, it is assumed that λ=λ0(εr)^(-0.5) holds.

[0031] Furthermore, in each of the receiving antennas 20A', 20B', 20C', and 20D', the wiring connecting the two upper radiating elements (wiring that connects adjacent radiating elements in series) may be of the same length. Similarly, in each of the receiving antennas 20A', 20B', 20C', and 20D', the wiring connecting the two lower radiating elements (wiring that connects adjacent radiating elements in series) may be of the same length. Such wiring (wiring that connects adjacent radiating elements) may be, for example, the same length as the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave. By making the length of the wiring connecting adjacent radiating elements the same length as the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave, the phase of the reflected waves received from the receiving antennas 20A', 20B', 20C', and 20D' can be aligned. However, while the length of the wiring can be considered to be the length of the wavelength λ0, in the case of a transmission line, the wavelength shortening factor (εr)^(-0.5), which is determined by the relative permittivity of the dielectric material constituting the substrate, is multiplied by it. In other words, the wavelength of the received wave on the transmission line can be considered to be shorter than the wavelength λ0 in a vacuum.

[0032] The wiring connecting feed points 31', 32', and 33' to the radiating elements positioned above and below them may be, for example, the same length as the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave. This configuration allows the phases of the transmitted waves transmitted from the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13' to be aligned. In addition, the wiring connecting feed points 40A', 40B', 40C', and 40D' to the radiating elements positioned above and below them may be, for example, the same length as the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave.

[0033] As shown in Figure 25, the electronic device 100 includes a control unit 50' on the back surface of the circuit board 10'. The electronic device 100 also includes power supply points 31', 32', 33', 40A', 40B', 40C', and 40D' on the back surface of the circuit board 10'.

[0034] The control unit 50' can control the operation of the entire electronic device 100, including the control of each functional part constituting the electronic device 100. The control unit 50' may include at least one processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), to provide control and processing capabilities for executing various functions. The control unit 50' may be implemented as a single processor, as several processors, or as separate processors. The processor may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. An integrated circuit is also called an IC (Integrated Circuit). The processor may be implemented as a plurality of communicably connected integrated circuits and discrete circuits. The processor may be implemented based on various other known technologies. In one embodiment, the control unit 50' may be configured as, for example, a CPU and a program executed by the CPU. Alternatively, the control unit 50' may be configured as any SoC (System-on-a-chip). The control unit 50' may include any memory as appropriate. In one embodiment, any memory may store various parameters for defining the transmission wave to be transmitted from at least one of the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13'.

[0035] The feed points 40A' to 40D' and 31' to 33' shown in Figure 25 correspond to the feed points 40A' to 40D' and 31' to 33' shown in Figure 24, respectively. The feed points 40A' to 40D' and 31' to 33' shown in Figure 25 are electrically connected to the feed points 40A' to 40D' and 31' to 33' shown in Figure 24, respectively. These corresponding feed points may be electrically connected to each other, for example, by a conductor, through through-holes drilled in the substrate 10'.

[0036] As shown in Figure 25, the feed point 31' may be electrically connected to the transmit port 61' by wiring. The feed point 32' may be electrically connected to the transmit port 62' by wiring. The feed point 33' may be electrically connected to the transmit port 63' by wiring. Transmit ports 61', 62', and 63' may each be the transmit RF (Radio Frequency) ports of the control unit 50'. The wiring connecting the feed point 31' and the transmit port 61', the wiring connecting the feed point 32' and the transmit port 62', and the wiring connecting the feed point 33' and the transmit port 63' may be the same length. With this configuration, if the transmit ports 61', 62', and 63' of the control unit 50' simultaneously output transmit waves with the same phase, the phase of the transmit signals supplied to the feed points 31', 32', and 33' can be aligned.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25, the feed point 40A' may be electrically connected to the receiving port 70A' by wiring. The feed point 40B' may be electrically connected to the receiving port 70B' by wiring. The feed point 40C' may be electrically connected to the receiving port 70C' by wiring. The feed point 40D' may be electrically connected to the receiving port 70D' by wiring. The receiving ports 70A', 70B', 70C', and 70D' may each be receiving RF ports of the control unit 50'. The wiring connecting the feed point 40A' and the receiving port 70A', the wiring connecting the feed point 40B' and the receiving port 70B', the wiring connecting the feed point 40C' and the receiving port 70C', and the wiring connecting the feed point 40D' and the transmitting port 70D' may be the same length. This configuration makes it possible to align the phases of the received signals supplied simultaneously from each of the power supply points 40A' to 40D' to the receiving ports 70A' to 70D' of the control unit 50' in the same phase.

[0038] As mentioned above, making the wiring connecting adjacent radiating elements, and the wiring connecting radiating elements to the feed point, all the same length is a good design choice when transmitting the waves simultaneously (at the same time). For example, if the waves are not transmitted simultaneously (at the same time), the wiring connecting adjacent radiating elements, and / or the wiring connecting radiating elements to the feed point, do not need to be the same length.

[0039] The first transmitting antenna 11', second transmitting antenna 12', and third transmitting antenna 13' of the electronic device 100 may transmit radio waves in frequency bands such as millimeter waves (30 GHz or higher) or quasi-millimeter waves (e.g., around 20 GHz to 30 GHz). For example, the first transmitting antenna 11', second transmitting antenna 12', and third transmitting antenna 13' of the electronic device 100 may transmit radio waves having a frequency bandwidth of 4 GHz, such as 77 GHz to 81 GHz. In the electronic device 100, the transmission signal for transmitting such transmission waves may be generated, for example, by the control unit 50'.

[0040] When measuring distance and other parameters using millimeter-wave radar, frequency-modulated continuous wave radar (FMCW radar) is often used. FMCW radar generates its transmission signal by sweeping the frequency of the transmitted radio waves. Therefore, for example, in a millimeter-wave FMCW radar using radio waves in the 79 GHz frequency band, the frequency of the radio waves used will have a frequency bandwidth of 4 GHz, such as 77 GHz to 81 GHz. Radar in the 79 GHz frequency band has the advantage of having a wider usable frequency bandwidth than other millimeter-wave / sub-millimeter-wave radars in frequency bands such as 24 GHz, 60 GHz, and 76 GHz.

[0041] With the configuration described above, the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13' of the electronic device 100 can transmit electromagnetic waves (transmitted waves) for detecting objects. In addition, the receiving antennas 20A', 20B', 20C', and 20D' of the electronic device 100 can receive reflected waves that are reflected off objects from the transmitted waves.

[0042] Here, we consider the case where the transmission wave is transmitted from only one of the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13'. For example, we will describe the case where the control unit 50' controls the system to transmit the transmission wave only from the first transmitting antenna 11'. As mentioned above, the feed path from each of the multiple radiating elements constituting the first transmitting antenna 11' to the feed point 31' is an integer multiple of the wavelength λ of the transmission wave. Therefore, as mentioned above, the transmission waves transmitted from each of the multiple radiating elements constituting the first transmitting antenna 11' will be in phase. For this reason, the first transmitting antenna 11' as a whole has directivity in the positive Z-axis direction shown in Figure 24, that is, in the direction in front of the electronic device 100 (substrate 10'), and forms a beam of the transmission wave. Figure 26 is a diagram illustrating the directivity of the antenna of the electronic device 100. As shown in Figure 26, the first transmitting antenna 11' as a whole has directivity in the positive Z-axis direction shown in Figure 26, that is, in direction d1, and forms a beam of the transmission wave as shown in Figure 26.

[0043] Furthermore, the same applies when, for example, the control unit 50' controls the system to transmit the wave from only one of the second transmitting antenna 12' or the third transmitting antenna 13'. Therefore, the second transmitting antenna 12' or the third transmitting antenna 13' as a whole has directivity in the positive Z-axis direction shown in Figure 24, i.e., in the direction in front of the electronic device 100 (substrate 10'), and forms a beam of the transmitted wave. As shown in Figure 26, the second transmitting antenna 12' or the third transmitting antenna 13' as a whole has directivity in the positive Z-axis direction shown in Figure 26, i.e., direction d1, and forms a beam of the transmitted wave as shown in Figure 26.

[0044] Next, we consider the case where the transmission wave is transmitted from all three transmitting antennas: the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13'. As described above, the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13' are connected to each other in phase. Therefore, the transmission wave transmitted from the first transmitting antenna 11', the transmission wave transmitted from the second transmitting antenna 12', and the transmission wave transmitted from the third transmitting antenna 13' are combined in phase. Furthermore, all three transmitting antennas, from the first to the third, have directivity in the positive Z-axis direction, i.e., the forward direction. For this reason, the combined (composite) transmission wave transmitted from all three transmitting antennas, i.e., the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13', has directivity in the positive Z-axis direction, i.e., the forward direction, and forms a beam of the combined wave in the positive Z-axis direction, i.e., the forward direction (see Figure 26).

[0045] Thus, the composite wave transmitted from the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13' has its main lobe facing forward (0° in both the X and Y directions) relative to the positive Z-axis direction, i.e., the plane of the substrate 10'. Furthermore, the composite wave transmitted from the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13' has a greater gain than the transmitted wave transmitted from any one of them alone. Therefore, the composite wave transmitted from the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and the third transmitting antenna 13' can extend the detection distance compared to the transmitted wave transmitted from any one of them alone. On the other hand, the directivity in the forward direction (0° in both the X and Y directions) of the transmitted wave transmitted from the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', and / or the third transmitting antenna 13' becomes sharper (narrower) as the number of radiating elements increases, as will be described later. Therefore, the directivity of the transmitted waves from each of the 14 radiating elements, such as the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', or the third transmitting antenna 13', is relatively sharp (narrow). Here, we have described the directivity of the transmitting antenna, but the directivity of the receiving antenna has similar characteristics to that of the transmitting antenna.

[0046] Technologies like millimeter-wave radar require high-gain antennas to detect objects at relatively long distances. In such cases, multiple antenna elements are arranged according to the required gain and combined in phase to direct the signal in the desired direction. However, the higher the gain of the antenna, the more elements are needed, resulting in a narrower directivity.

[0047] In certain use cases, the electronic device 100 described above is useful. On the other hand, there are also use cases where functions that are difficult to implement with the electronic device 100 are desired. For example, there may be a need for a radar device that can be switched appropriately depending on several use cases, such as the roadside unit or traffic light or a radar device installed near these to detect vehicles traveling on the road. For example, there may be use cases in which a device installed at a relatively high position, such as a roadside unit or traffic light or a radar device near these, detects vehicles and pedestrians traveling on the road. In such use cases, a function to detect vehicles at a relatively close distance below the device may be desired. Also, in the use cases described above, there may be a need to detect vehicles at a relatively far distance from the device.

[0048] Even if we try to meet these requirements, the electronic device 100 cannot change the direction of its directivity. For this reason, the electronic device 100 cannot switch between directing its directivity to a horizontal direction relatively far away from the device and directing its directivity to a downward direction relatively close to the device. Here, it is conceivable that the control unit 50' could change the directivity of the transmitted wave by controlling the phase of the transmitted wave transmitted from each radiating element (beamforming). However, even if such beamforming is performed, the directivity of the transmitted wave transmitted from a relatively large number of radiating elements such as the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', or the third transmitting antenna 13' will be relatively sharp (narrow). Even with beamformed transmitted waves from the first transmitting antenna 11', the second transmitting antenna 12', or the third transmitting antenna 13', it is conceivable that the desired detection accuracy may not be obtained due to the presence of null points, etc. As described above, millimeter-wave radar installed in a relatively high place, such as a roadside unit or traffic light, requires a high antenna gain in the downward direction to detect objects at close range. However, the directivity of antennas combined in phase is relatively narrow, so it is conceivable that the gain may be insufficient to detect objects. The electronic device 100 shown in Figure 24 has its radiating elements arranged only in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the electronic device 100, the horizontal directivity per antenna is relatively wide (half-width 40-50°). Thus, according to the electronic device 100 shown in Figure 24, a reasonable steering angle can be obtained even with beamforming using three antennas. On the other hand, the electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1, which will be described later, also has its radiating elements arranged in the horizontal direction. Therefore, even if beamforming is performed in the electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1, the steering angle will be relatively narrow.

[0049] Therefore, the electronic device according to one embodiment enhances convenience in a particular usage configuration by making it possible to switch the direction of the transmitted or received wave beam, as well as the width of the directivity. Such an electronic device will be described further below.

[0050] Figures 1 and 2 show the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Figure 1 is a view of the electronic device according to one embodiment from a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction in Figure 1 may be the same as the predetermined direction mentioned in Figure 24. Figure 2 is a view of the electronic device according to one embodiment from a direction opposite to the predetermined direction in Figure 1.

[0051] In Figures 1 and 2, the X-axis direction may be the horizontal or left-right 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 upward direction, and the negative Y-axis direction may be the downward 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 forward or front (front) direction, and the negative Z-axis direction may be the rear or back direction.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may include a circuit board 10. The circuit board 10 may be a circuit board used in ordinary electrical or electronic circuits. The surface of the circuit board 10 shown in Figure 1 (i.e., the surface of the circuit board 10 in the positive Z-axis direction) will conveniently be referred to as the front surface or front face. Similarly, the surface of the circuit board 10 shown in Figure 2 (i.e., the surface of the circuit board 10 in the negative Z-axis direction) will conveniently be referred to as the back surface or back face. Figures 1 and 2 show the functional parts of the transmitting and receiving systems of the electronic device 1.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, the electronic device 1 includes a first transmitting antenna 11, a second transmitting antenna 12, and a third transmitting antenna 13 on the surface of the substrate 10. As shown in Figure 1, the electronic device 1 also includes a first receiving antenna 21 and a second receiving antenna 22 on the surface of the substrate 10. The first transmitting antenna 11, the second transmitting antenna 12, the third transmitting antenna 13, the first receiving antenna 21, and the second receiving antenna 22 may be planar antennas (patch antennas) commonly used in millimeter-wave radar.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, the first transmitting antenna 11 may be configured as a transmitting patch antenna on the right side of the electronic device 1 in Figure 1, and the second transmitting antenna 12 may be configured as a transmitting patch antenna on the left side of the electronic device 1 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12 may be arranged adjacent to each other on the left and right sides, above the center of the substrate 10. The third transmitting antenna 12 may be positioned on the lower side of the substrate 10, closer to the first transmitting antenna 11 than the center of the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12 in the left-right direction.

[0055] As shown in Figure 1, the first transmitting antenna 11 may include transmitting antennas 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. The second transmitting antenna 12 may include transmitting antennas 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D. The third transmitting antenna 13 may include transmitting antenna 13A. As shown in Figure 1, the first transmitting antenna 11, the second transmitting antenna 12, and the third transmitting antenna 13 may each include multiple radiating elements. Each of these radiating elements may be made of a metallic material such as copper.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 1, the first transmitting antennas 11A to 11D and the second transmitting antennas 12A to 12D each contain a total of eight radiating elements, four on the upper side and four on the lower side. As shown in Figure 1, in the first transmitting antennas 11A to 11D and the second transmitting antennas 12A to 12D, each radiating element constituting them may be fed laterally. In each of the first transmitting antennas 11A to 11D and the second transmitting antennas 12A to 12D, the four upper radiating elements are arranged vertically and electrically connected to be fed laterally. Also, in each of the first transmitting antennas 11A to 11D and the second transmitting antennas 12A to 12D, the four lower radiating elements are also arranged vertically and electrically connected to be fed laterally.

[0057] Furthermore, the third transmitting antenna 13 includes four radiating elements. As shown in Figure 1, in the third transmitting antenna 13, each radiating element constituting it may be fed vertically. In the third transmitting antenna 13, the four radiating elements are arranged vertically and electrically connected in series so as to be fed vertically.

[0058] As shown in Figure 1, in the first transmitting antennas 11A to 11D, the lower ends of the four upper connected radiating elements and the upper ends of the four lower connected radiating elements are electrically connected to feed points 31A to 31D, respectively. Feed points 31A to 31D supply power to the multiple radiating elements that make up the first transmitting antennas 11A to 11D, respectively. In the second transmitting antennas 12A to 22D, the lower ends of the four upper connected radiating elements and the upper ends of the four lower connected radiating elements are electrically connected to feed points 32A to 32D, respectively. Feed points 32A to 32D supply power to the multiple radiating elements that make up the second transmitting antennas 12A to 22D, respectively. In the third transmitting antenna 13 (third transmitting antenna 13A), the upper ends of the four series-connected radiating elements are electrically connected to feed point 33. The feed point 33 supplies power to multiple radiating elements that make up the third transmitting antenna 13 (third transmitting antenna 13A).

[0059] In the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12, the four connected radiating elements on the upper side and the four connected radiating elements on the lower side may be arranged vertically and fed horizontally, as shown in Figure 1. In the third transmitting antenna 13, the four radiating elements connected in series may be arranged vertically and fed vertically, as shown in Figure 1. In this way, the first transmitting antenna 11, the second transmitting antenna 12, and the third transmitting antenna 13 may constitute an array antenna.

[0060] The feed points 31A to 31D, 32A to 32D, and 33 each supply power from the back surface of the substrate 10 shown in Figure 2 to the front surface of the substrate 10 shown in Figure 1. For this reason, the feed points 31A to 31D, 32A to 32D, and 33 may each be configured to include conductors that penetrate the substrate 10 in the thickness direction. The feed points 31A to 31D each supply power from the back side of the substrate 10 to the first transmitting antennas 11A to 11D, which are located on the surface of the substrate 10. The feed points 32A to 32D each supply power from the back side of the substrate 10 to the second transmitting antennas 12A to 22D, which are located on the surface of the substrate 10. The power supply point 33 supplies power to the third transmitting antenna 13 (third transmitting antenna 13A), which is located on the surface of the circuit board 10, from the back side of the circuit board 10.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the receiving antenna of the electronic device 1 may include receiving antenna 20A, receiving antenna 20B, receiving antenna 20C, and receiving antenna 20D on the surface of the substrate 10. As shown in Figure 1, each of the receiving antennas 20A to 20D may include multiple radiating elements. Each of these radiating elements may be made of a metallic material such as copper.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 1, each receiving antenna 20A to 20D includes a total of eight radiating elements: four on the upper side and four on the lower side. As shown in Figure 1, the four upper radiating elements of each receiving antenna 20A to 20D may be fed horizontally. The four upper radiating elements of each receiving antenna 20A to 20D may be arranged vertically and electrically connected to be fed horizontally. On the other hand, the four lower radiating elements of each receiving antenna 20A to 20D may be fed vertically. The four lower radiating elements of each receiving antenna 20A to 20D may be arranged vertically and electrically connected to be fed vertically. As a result, the electronic device 1 of this embodiment can transmit and / or receive horizontally polarized and vertically polarized waves. Furthermore, by arranging the electronic device 1 of this embodiment as shown in Figure 1, interference between antenna elements is suppressed, particularly interference between horizontal and vertical polarization, and the desired characteristics as designed can be obtained, such as suppressing a decrease in gain. In the structure of the electronic device 1 of this embodiment, it is important that the antenna elements are arranged linearly above and below the power supply branching point. As is clear from the explanation of directivity shown in Figure 3 below, the electronic device 1 of this embodiment is an example of transmitting forward and downward beams. In the electronic device 1 of this embodiment, the small overlap of the optical path is one reason why the desired characteristics as designed can be obtained, such as suppressing a decrease in gain.

[0063] In the electronic device 1 of this embodiment, each radiating element constituting the transmitting antenna 11 and the transmitting antenna 12 may be fed in a first direction, and each radiating element constituting the transmitting antenna 13 may be fed in a second direction different from the first direction. Here, the first and second directions may be perpendicular to each other, or they may be at an angle other than perpendicular. Also, the first and second directions may be parallel to the X-axis or Y-axis shown in Figure 1, or they may not be parallel. In the electronic device of this embodiment, each radiating element constituting the receiving antenna 21 may be fed in a third direction, and each radiating element constituting the receiving antenna 22 may be fed in a fourth direction different from the third direction. Here, the third and fourth directions may be perpendicular to each other, or they may be at an angle other than perpendicular. Also, the third and fourth directions may be parallel to the X-axis or Y-axis shown in Figure 1, or they may not be parallel. In this disclosure, the direction in which a radiating element is fed may be defined as the direction in which the power supply wiring connected to the radiating element is connected.

[0064] As shown in Figure 1, in receiving antennas 20A to 20D, the lower ends of the four connected radiating elements on the upper side and the upper ends of the four connected radiating elements on the lower side are electrically connected to feed points 40A to 40D, respectively. Feed points 40A to 40D supply power to the multiple radiating elements that make up receiving antennas 20A to 20D, respectively.

[0065] In receiving antennas 20A to 20D, the four upper connected radiating elements may be arranged vertically and fed horizontally, as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the four upper connected radiating elements in receiving antennas 20A to 20D may function as the first receiving antenna 21. In receiving antennas 20A to 20D, the four lower connected radiating elements may be arranged vertically and fed vertically, as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the four lower connected radiating elements in receiving antennas 20A to 20D may function as the second receiving antenna 22. In this way, receiving antennas 20A to 20D, or the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22, may constitute an array antenna.

[0066] The feed points 40A to 40D each supply power from the back surface of the substrate 10 shown in Figure 2 to the front surface of the substrate 10 shown in Figure 1. For this reason, the feed points 40A to 40D may each be configured to include a conductor or the like that penetrates the substrate 10 in the thickness direction. The feed points 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D each supply power from the back surface of the substrate 10 to the receiving antennas 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D, which are located on the surface of the substrate 10. In this disclosure, the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22 are capable of simultaneous reception in the horizontal directional direction (d1 in Figure 3) and the downward directional direction (d2 in Figure 3) without the need for a mechanism such as a changeover switch.

[0067] In the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12, the wiring connecting the four upper radiating elements (wiring that connects adjacent radiating elements in series) may be the same length. In the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12, the wiring connecting the four lower radiating elements may also be the same length. In the third transmitting antenna 13, the wiring connecting the four radiating elements may be longer than, and the same length as, the wiring connecting the four upper radiating elements of the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12. Thus, in the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12, the wiring (wiring that connects adjacent radiating elements) may be the same length as, for example, the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave transmitted from the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12.

[0068] In the third transmitting antenna 13, each wire (wire connecting adjacent radiating elements) may be longer than the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave transmitted from the third transmitting antenna 13. By making the length of the wires connecting adjacent radiating elements the same as the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave, the phases of the transmitted waves transmitted from the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12 can be aligned. Also, in the third transmitting antenna 13, by making each wire (wire connecting adjacent radiating elements) longer than the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave transmitted from the third transmitting antenna 13, the directivity of the third transmitting antenna 13 can be directed downwards. In the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12, each wire connecting the four upper radiating elements (wire connecting adjacent radiating elements in series) does not have to be the same length as, for example, the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave transmitted from the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12.

[0069] In the first transmitting antenna 11, the second transmitting antenna 12, and the third transmitting antenna 13, the length of each wire connecting the radiating elements is the length of the wavelength λ, including the wavelength shortening factor. In other words, in this disclosure, the length of the wire may be the length of the wavelength λ. Furthermore, in this disclosure, in the case of a transmission line, the wavelength of the signal on the transmission line may be multiplied by a wavelength shortening factor (εr)^(-0.5) determined by the relative permittivity of the dielectric material constituting the substrate. In other words, in this disclosure, the wavelength of the signal on the transmission line may be shorter than the wavelength λ0 in a vacuum. In this way, the electronic device 1 of this disclosure can adjust the directivity of the transmitted radio waves by adjusting the length of each wire connecting the radiating elements in the first transmitting antenna 11, the second transmitting antenna 12, and the third transmitting antenna 13.

[0070] Furthermore, in each of the receiving antennas 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D, the wiring connecting the four upper radiating elements (wiring that connects adjacent radiating elements in series) may be the same length. In each of the receiving antennas 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D, the wiring connecting the four lower radiating elements (wiring that connects adjacent radiating elements in series) may be the same length. In addition, in this disclosure, the aforementioned wiring connecting the four upper radiating elements (wiring that connects adjacent radiating elements) may be the same length as, for example, the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave. In this case, the aforementioned wiring connecting the four lower radiating elements may be longer than, for example, the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave. By making the lengths of the wiring that connects adjacent radiating elements the same, the phases of the reflected waves received from the receiving antennas 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D can be aligned. Furthermore, this arrangement makes it possible to align the phases of the reflected waves received by the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22.

[0071] Furthermore, in this disclosure, each of these connections (connecting adjacent radiating elements) may be the same length as, for example, the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave. By making the length of the connections between adjacent radiating elements the same length as the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave, the phases of the reflected waves received by the receiving antennas 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D can be aligned. In addition, with this arrangement, the phases of the reflected waves received by the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22 can be aligned.

[0072] Furthermore, in this disclosure, in the case of a transmission line, the wavelength of the signal on the transmission line may be multiplied by a wavelength shortening factor (εr)^(-0.5) determined by the relative permittivity of the dielectric material constituting the substrate. In other words, in this disclosure, the wavelength of the signal on the transmission line may be shorter than the wavelength λ0 in a vacuum. Thus, in the electronic device 1 of this disclosure, the directivity of the received radio waves can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the wiring connecting the radiating elements in the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22. Also, the electronic device 1 (receiving device) according to one embodiment may include a first receiving antenna 21 and a second receiving antenna 22. The first receiving antenna 21 has directivity in a first direction d1. The second receiving antenna 22 has directivity in a second direction d2. Here, the second direction d2 may be a different direction from the first direction d1. In this disclosure, the first direction d1 may be the horizontal direction (horizontal to the z-axis), and the second direction d2 may be the downward direction (at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the z-axis). Furthermore, in this disclosure, the second direction d2 may be the horizontal direction (horizontal to the z-axis), and the first direction d1 may be the downward direction (at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the z-axis). The first receiving antenna 21 may be configured to maximize the reception gain when the radio waves received by the first receiving antenna 21 are polarized in the first polarization direction (horizontal polarization). The second receiving antenna 22 may be configured to maximize the reception gain when the radio waves received by the second receiving antenna 22 are polarized in the second polarization direction (vertical polarization). Furthermore, the second polarization direction may be a different direction from the first polarization direction. Furthermore, in this disclosure, the first receiving antenna 21 may be configured such that the reception gain increases as the polarization direction of the radio waves received by the first receiving antenna 21 approaches the first polarization direction. The second receiving antenna 22 may be configured such that the reception gain increases as the polarization direction of the radio waves received by the second receiving antenna 22 approaches a second polarization direction that is different from the first polarization direction. Furthermore, the second polarization direction may be different from the first polarization direction. Also, the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction may or may not be perpendicular to each other.

[0073] The wiring connecting feed points 31A to 31D and feed points 32A to 32D to the radiating elements positioned above and below them may, for example, be the same length as the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave. The wiring connecting feed point 33 to the radiating element positioned below it may, for example, be longer than the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave. This configuration allows the phases of the transmitted waves from the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12 to be aligned, and the directivity of the transmitted wave from the third transmitting antenna 13 can be, for example, downward (negative Y-axis direction). Furthermore, the wiring connecting feed points 40A to and feed point 40D to the radiating element positioned above them may, for example, be the same length as the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave. In this case, the wiring connecting feed points 40A to and feed point 40D to the radiating element positioned below them may, for example, be longer than the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave.

[0074] In the electronic device 1 of this disclosure, the wiring connecting the feed points 40A to and 40D to the radiating element located below them may be longer than, for example, the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave. In this case, the wiring connecting the feed points 40A to and 40D to the radiating element located below them may be the same length as, for example, the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave. By making the wiring connecting the radiating element the same length as the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave, a directivity in a direction parallel to the Z-axis may be provided. Alternatively, by making the wiring connecting the radiating element a different length from the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave, a directivity in a direction not parallel to the Z-axis may be provided. In this disclosure, instead of making the wiring connecting the radiating element longer than the wavelength λ of the transmitted or received wave, the wiring connecting the radiating element may be shorter than the wavelength λ of the transmitted or received wave. For antennas such as the first receiving antenna 21 located above the feed point, increasing the element spacing will result in upward directivity. Antennas such as the first receiving antenna 21, which are positioned above the feed point, will have their directivity directed downward if the element spacing is shortened. Antennas such as the third transmitting antenna 13 and / or the second receiving antenna 22, which are positioned below the feed point, will have their directivity directed downward if the element spacing is lengthened. Antennas such as the third transmitting antenna 13 and / or the second receiving antenna 22, which are positioned below the feed point, will have their directivity directed upward if the element spacing is shortened.

[0075] As shown in Figure 2, the electronic device 1 includes a control unit 50 on the back surface of the circuit board 10. The electronic device 1 also includes power supply points 31A to 31D, power supply points 32A to 32D, power supply point 33, and power supply points 40A to 40D on the back surface of the circuit board 10.

[0076] The control unit 50 can control the operation of the entire electronic device 1, including the control of each functional part constituting the electronic device 1. The control unit 50 may include at least one processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), to provide control and processing capabilities for executing various functions. The control unit 50 may be implemented as a single processor, as several processors, or as separate processors. The processor may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. An integrated circuit is also called an IC (Integrated Circuit). The processor may be implemented as a plurality of communicably connected integrated circuits and discrete circuits. The processor may be implemented based on various other known technologies. In one embodiment, the control unit 50 may be configured as, for example, a CPU and a program executed by the CPU. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may be configured as any SoC (System-on-a-chip). The control unit 50 may include any memory as appropriate. In one embodiment, any memory may store various parameters for defining the transmission wave to be transmitted from at least one of the first transmitting antenna 11, the second transmitting antenna 12, and the third transmitting antenna 13.

[0077] The power supply points 31A to 31D, 32A to 32D, and 33 shown in Figure 2 correspond to the power supply points 31A to 31D, 32A to 32D, and 33 shown in Figure 1, respectively. The power supply points 40A to 40D shown in Figure 2 correspond to the power supply points 40A to 40D shown in Figure 1, respectively. These corresponding power supply points may be electrically connected to each other, for example, by a conductor, through through-holes drilled in the substrate 10.

[0078] As shown in Figure 2, feed points 31A to 31D may be electrically connected to the transmit port 61 by wiring. Feed points 32A to 32D may be electrically connected to the transmit port 62 by wiring. Feed point 33 may be electrically connected to the transmit port 63 by wiring. Transmit ports 61, 62, and 63 may each be the transmit RF (Radio Frequency) ports of the control unit 50. The wiring connecting feed points 31A to 31D and the transmit port 61, and the wiring connecting feed points 32A to 32D and the transmit port 62 may be of the same length. With this configuration, if the control unit 50 outputs transmit waves with the same phase simultaneously from the transmit ports 61 and 62, the phase of the transmit signals supplied to feed points 31 and 32 can be aligned.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the feed points 40A to 40D may be electrically connected to the receiving ports 70A to 70D by wiring. The receiving ports 70A to 70D may each serve as the receiving RF ports of the control unit 50. The wiring connecting the feed points 40A to 40D and the receiving ports 70A to 70D may be of the same length. With this configuration, the phases of the received signals supplied simultaneously from each of the feed points 40A to 40D to the receiving ports 70A to 70D of the control unit 50 can be aligned.

[0080] As mentioned above, making the wiring connecting adjacent radiating elements, and the wiring connecting radiating elements to the feed point, all the same length is a good design choice when transmitting the waves simultaneously (at the same time). For example, if the waves are not transmitted simultaneously (at the same time), the wiring connecting adjacent radiating elements, and / or the wiring connecting radiating elements to the feed point, do not need to be the same length.

[0081] The first transmitting antenna 11, the second transmitting antenna 12, and the third transmitting antenna 13 of the electronic device 1 may transmit radio waves in frequency bands such as millimeter waves (30 GHz or higher) or quasi-millimeter waves (e.g., around 20 GHz to 30 GHz). For example, the first transmitting antenna 11, the second transmitting antenna 12, and the third transmitting antenna 13 of the electronic device 1 may transmit radio waves having a frequency bandwidth of 4 GHz, such as 77 GHz to 81 GHz. In the electronic device 1, the transmission signal for transmitting such transmission waves may be generated, for example, by the control unit 50.

[0082] With the configuration described above, the first transmitting antenna 11, the second transmitting antenna 12, and the third transmitting antenna 13 of the electronic device 1 can transmit electromagnetic waves (transmitted waves) for detecting objects. In addition, the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22 of the electronic device 1 can receive reflected waves that are the transmitted waves reflected by objects.

[0083] As shown in Figure 2, in the electronic device 1, a control unit 50 is mounted on the back surface of the circuit board 10. The two transmission ports 61 and 62 of the control unit 50 are wired to feed points 31A to 31D and feed points 32A to 32D, respectively, with equal lengths of wiring. Therefore, the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12 are connected by paths of equal length to the control unit 50. The wiring connected to transmission ports 61 and 62 is divided into four parts, as shown in Figure 2, and connected to feed points 31A to 31D and feed points 32A to 32D on the front surface of the circuit board 10. The four receiving ports 70A to 70D of the control unit 50 are wired to their corresponding feed points 40A to 40D, respectively, with equal lengths of wiring. Therefore, the receiving antennas 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D are connected by paths of equal length to the control unit 50.

[0084] In the electronic device 1, the number of radiating elements constituting each of the transmitting antenna and / or receiving antenna, and the number of wires distributed from the transmitting port and / or receiving port of the control unit 50 to the feed point, can vary depending on the system design. For example, in the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment, the number of radiating elements constituting each of the transmitting antenna and / or receiving antenna may be 16 elements in a row instead of 8 elements in a row. Also, for example, in the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment, the wiring connected from one transmitting port of the control unit 50 to the feed point may be distributed to 8 people instead of 4. Furthermore, the electronic device 1 may appropriately include a demultiplexing circuit for separating signals from the feed points of the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22.

[0085] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the directivity of the electronic device 1. The electronic device 1 shown in Figure 3 is a side view of the electronic device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2. In Figure 3, the electronic device 1 shows only the circuit board 10, the first receiving antenna 21, and the second receiving antenna 22, and other functional parts are omitted from the illustration.

[0086] As shown in Figure 1, each radiating element in the first receiving antenna 21 is fed from the right side of each radiating element. Therefore, the polarization plane of the linearly polarized radiating elements in the first receiving antenna 21 is horizontal to the ground (parallel to the X-axis), i.e., horizontal polarization. In addition, the spacing between each radiating element in the first receiving antenna 21 is such that each input is in phase. As a result, the directivity of each radiating element in the first receiving antenna 21 is directed in the front direction (positive Z-axis direction) with respect to the substrate 10, as shown in direction d1 in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows the directivity of the first receiving antenna 21 directed in direction d1, and how a beam is formed in this direction.

[0087] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1, each radiating element in the second receiving antenna 22 is fed from above. Therefore, the polarization plane of the linearly polarized radiating elements in the second receiving antenna 22 is perpendicular to the ground (perpendicular to the X-axis), i.e., vertical polarization. Furthermore, the spacing between each radiating element in the second receiving antenna 22 is such that the directivity includes a downward component (i.e., diagonally downward). As a result, the directivity of each radiating element in the second receiving antenna 22 is directed diagonally downward with respect to the substrate 10 (a direction including the negative Y-axis component), as shown in direction d2 in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows how the directivity of the second receiving antenna 22 is directed in direction d2, and how a beam is formed in this direction.

[0088] In the radiating elements that constitute an array antenna, the directivity in the horizontal and vertical directions differs slightly depending on the feeding position of the radiating elements. This is because the symmetry of the electromagnetic field is disrupted by the feeding. In one embodiment of the electronic device 1, applying horizontal polarization to the first receiving antenna and vertical polarization to the second receiving antenna has the effect of expanding the radar area. This point will be explained with reference to Figures 4, 5, and 6. Figure 4 is a top view of the antenna of the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is a top view of the 3D polar coordinate plot of the gain of the electronic device of this embodiment. Figure 6 is a graph showing the plot of the gain of the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0089] In Figure 4, the vertical downward direction parallel to the antenna surface is defined as the X-axis direction, the horizontal direction parallel to the antenna surface is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the antenna surface and opposite to the direction in which the radio waves are incident is defined as the Z-axis direction. In Figure 4, the X-axis direction is the E-plane (electric field plane) and represents the direction showing the gain of polarization in the X-axis direction. The Y-axis direction is the H-plane (magnetic field plane) and represents the direction showing the gain of polarization in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the 3D radiation pattern viewed from the Z-axis direction shows that the gain value at Phi90° in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the gain value at Phi0° in the X-axis direction. The graph of gain in the X-axis direction polarization in Figure 6 corresponds to the vertical polarization in this disclosure, and the graph of gain in the Y-axis direction polarization corresponds to the horizontal polarization. Therefore, in this disclosure, the directivity is wider for the gain in the X-axis direction polarization (vertical direction) than for the gain in the Y-axis direction polarization (horizontal direction). Therefore, in this disclosure, by utilizing the fact that the directivity in the horizontal and vertical directions differs slightly depending on the feed position of the elements of the array antenna, it is possible to adjust the directivity in a desired direction to be wider or narrower. Also, in Figure 5, angle θ represents the angle with the z axis, and angle φ represents the angle with the x axis in the xy plane.

[0090] As described above, in one embodiment of the electronic device 1, orthogonality is achieved by shifting the polarization planes of the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22 by 90°. With this configuration, the electronic device 1 in one embodiment can reduce interference between antennas. Furthermore, in the electronic device 1 in one embodiment, the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22 may receive radio waves (signals) of different frequencies, or they may receive signals of the same frequency. In the electronic device 1 of this disclosure, the polarization planes of the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22 may be shifted by any angle other than 90°.

[0091] Here, each radiating element in the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12 is fed from the right side of each radiating element. Therefore, in the electronic device 1, the polarization planes of the radiating elements in the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12 are designed to match the polarization planes of the radiating elements in the first receiving antenna 21. Also, each radiating element in the third transmitting antenna 13 is fed from the top of each radiating element. Therefore, in the electronic device 1, the polarization planes of the radiating elements in the third transmitting antenna 13 are designed to match the polarization planes of the radiating elements in the second receiving antenna 22.

[0092] As described above, in the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12, making the wiring connecting adjacent radiating elements and the wiring connecting the radiating elements to the feed point all the same length is a design choice when transmitting the waves simultaneously (at the same time). For example, if the waves are not transmitted simultaneously (at the same time), the wiring connecting adjacent radiating elements and / or the wiring connecting the radiating elements to the feed point in the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12 does not need to be the same length.

[0093] In the above description, it was assumed that the polarization of each radiating element included in the first receiving antenna 21, the second transmitting antenna 12, and the third transmitting antenna 13 is linear polarization. However, the polarization of each radiating element included in the first receiving antenna 21, the second transmitting antenna 12, and the third transmitting antenna 13 of the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment is not limited to linear polarization, but may be, for example, circular polarization or elliptical polarization. Thus, the polarization in the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may be linear polarization, elliptical polarization, or circular polarization. For example, in the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment, at least one of the horizontal polarization and vertical polarization may be linear polarization, elliptical polarization, or circular polarization.

[0094] In the electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1, the third transmitting antenna 13 is positioned below the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12. This arrangement allows the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment to obtain advantageous effects when a radome 90, which will be described later, is included. Furthermore, as described above, the third transmitting antenna 13 is positioned below the substrate 10, closer to the first transmitting antenna 11 than to the center of the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12 in the left-right direction. This arrangement reduces transmission line loss from the control unit 50.

[0095] On the other hand, if the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment does not include the radome 90 described later, for example, the third transmitting antenna 13 may be arranged laterally alongside the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12. In this case, the transmission line of the third transmitting antenna 13 needs to be longer, which increases the loss. On the other hand, it becomes unnecessary to place the third transmitting antenna 13 below the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12. Therefore, with such an arrangement, the number of radiating elements constituting the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12 (and the third transmitting antenna 13) can be increased.

[0096] As described above, according to the electronic device 1 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 electronic device 1 of one embodiment, convenience can be improved in object detection technologies such as millimeter-wave radar.

[0097] With the above configuration, the electronic device 1 can receive reflected waves from an object by having directivity, for example, downward (diagonally downward). Furthermore, with the above configuration, the electronic device 1 can receive reflected waves from an object by having directivity, for example, forward (front direction).

[0098] According to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, it can be used, for example, as a roadside device or traffic light, or a device installed near such devices to detect vehicles and pedestrians traveling on the road. Specifically, the electronic device 1 can detect vehicles at a relatively close distance below the device. Furthermore, the electronic device 1 can also detect vehicles at a relatively far distance from the device in a direction close to the horizontal of the device.

[0099] Thus, according to the electronic device 1 of one embodiment, the direction of directivity can be changed. Therefore, the electronic device 1 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.

[0100] The following describes some examples of the effects of the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment.

[0101] Figure 7 shows an example of the effect of a configuration in which the radiating elements are arranged vertically in receiving antennas 20A to 20D. Figure 7 shows a configuration in which the number of radiating elements arranged vertically in the receiving antenna is changed from the configuration shown in Figure 1. The results of simulating the operation with such a configuration will be explained below.

[0102] In this simulation, a configuration with 12 radiating elements arranged vertically was adopted, as shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, of the 12 radiating elements arranged vertically, the upper 6 were assumed to be horizontally polarized array antennas, and the lower 6 were assumed to be vertically polarized array antennas. In addition, in this simulation, the radiating elements shown in Figure 7 were matched to 79 GHz. Furthermore, in this simulation, a feed point was provided for each radiating element, allowing the amplitude and phase of the transmitted wave to be changed individually for each.

[0103] In Figure 7, the six upper radiating elements for horizontal polarization are combined in phase, and the main lobe is oriented in the forward direction (positive Z-axis direction) from the surface of the substrate 10. In addition, the six lower radiating elements for vertical polarization shown in Figure 7 are given a phase difference, and the main lobe is oriented diagonally downward relative to the surface of the substrate 10 (having a positive Z-axis component and a negative Y-axis component).

[0104] Figure 8 is a graph plotting the gain for each polarization from the radiating element shown in Figure 7. Figure 8 shows the relationship between the polarization gain from the radiating element shown in Figure 7 and the angle in a plane parallel to the YZ plane. 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 Figure 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 Figure 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 Figure 7.

[0105] Of the curves shown in Figure 8, the solid lines represent the horizontal polarization gain from the six upper radiating elements shown in Figure 7. The dashed-dotted lines represent the vertical polarization gain from the six lower radiating elements shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, the dashed lines represent the combined horizontal and vertical polarization gain from the six upper and six lower radiating elements shown in Figure 7.

[0106] As shown in Figure 8, the horizontal polarization, indicated by the solid line, has its main lobe pointing forward (90°) (gain 10.7 dBi). Also, as shown in Figure 8, the vertical polarization, indicated by the dashed line, has its main lobe pointing diagonally downward at 45° (135°) (gain 9.8 dBi). From Figure 8, it can be seen that the peak of the main lobe exists at different angles for each polarization.

[0107] Figure 9 shows an example of a 3D plot of the gain shown in Figure 8. In Figure 9, the gain curve shown by the dashed line in Figure 8, that is, the combined gain of horizontal and vertical polarization from the six upper and six lower radiating elements shown in Figure 7, is shown as an example of a 3D plot. In Figure 9, darker grayscale areas indicate higher gain. As can be seen in Figure 9, the horizontal polarization has a peak in the forward direction, and the vertical polarization has a peak in the diagonally downward direction.

[0108] Next, we will show the simulation results for other configurations. Figure 10 shows a configuration in which the number of lower radiating elements is changed to only one, as shown in Figure 7. Below, we will explain the results of simulating the operation with this configuration. In the following, explanations that overlap with the simulation explanation described above will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0109] Figure 11 is a graph plotting the gain for each polarization from the radiating elements shown in Figure 10. Of the curves in Figure 11, the solid line shows the gain of horizontal polarization from the six upper radiating elements shown in Figure 10. The dashed line shows the gain of vertical polarization from the single lower radiating element shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, the dashed line shows the combined gain of horizontal and vertical polarization from the six upper radiating elements and the single lower radiating element shown in Figure 10.

[0110] As described above, the configuration shown in Figure 10 is the same as the configuration shown in Figure 7, but with only one lower radiating element. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, the curve shown by the dashed line, i.e., the gain of vertical polarization, has a lower peak in the diagonally downward 45° direction (135°) compared to the result shown in Figure 8. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11, it can be seen that there are no null points in the curve shown by the dashed line, i.e., the gain of vertical polarization. Therefore, the robustness of detection by vertical polarization can be improved in the configuration shown in Figure 7. Figure 12 shows an example of a 3D plot of the gain shown in Figure 11. The configuration shown in Figure 10 can reduce the cost of the device.

[0111] Next, we will show the simulation results for other configurations. Figure 13 shows a configuration in which the number of lower radiating elements is changed to two, as in the configuration shown in Figure 10. Below, we will explain the results of simulating the operation with this configuration. In the following, explanations that overlap with the simulation explanation described above will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0112] Figure 14 is a graph plotting the gain for each polarization from the radiating elements shown in Figure 13. Of the curves in Figure 14, the solid lines represent the horizontal polarization gain from the upper six radiating elements shown in Figure 13. The dashed lines represent the vertical polarization gain from the lower two radiating elements shown in Figure 13. Furthermore, the dashed lines represent the combined gain of horizontal and vertical polarization from the upper six radiating elements and the lower two radiating elements shown in Figure 13.

[0113] As described above, the configuration shown in Figure 13 is the same as the configuration shown in Figure 10, but with two lower radiating elements. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 14, the direction in which the curve shown by the dashed line, i.e., the main lobe of vertical polarization, peaks can be changed compared to the example shown in Figure 11. Furthermore, with this configuration, as shown in Figure 14, the curve shown by the dashed line, i.e., the gain of vertical polarization, can be increased in the diagonally downward 45° direction (135°) compared to the result shown in Figure 11. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 14, it can be seen that there are no null points in the curve shown by the dashed line, i.e., the gain of vertical polarization, except in the forward direction (90°). Therefore, even with the configuration shown in Figure 13, the robustness of detection by vertical polarization can be increased. Figure 15 shows an example of a 3D plot of the gain shown in Figure 14.

[0114] Next, we will show the simulation results for other configurations. Figure 16 shows a configuration in which the number of upper radiating elements has been changed to 12, as shown in Figure 13. Below, we will explain the results of simulating the operation with this configuration. In the following, explanations that overlap with the simulation explanation described above will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0115] Figure 17 is a graph plotting the gain for each polarization from the radiating elements shown in Figure 16. Of the curves in Figure 17, the solid lines show the gain of horizontal polarization from the upper 12 radiating elements shown in Figure 16. The dashed lines show the gain of vertical polarization from the lower 2 radiating elements shown in Figure 16. Furthermore, the dashed lines show the combined gain of horizontal and vertical polarization from the upper 12 radiating elements and the lower 2 radiating elements shown in Figure 16.

[0116] As shown in Figure 1, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment is equipped with two receiving antennas, a first receiving antenna 21 and a second receiving antenna 22, which are split vertically. Therefore, the gain of the first receiving antenna 21, which is located on the upper side, is about half that of the first receiving antenna 21, which is located on the upper side. For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 7, if the six lower radiating elements are not fed, the simulation result shows that the maximum gain of horizontal polarization is +3 dB higher (13.7 dBi) than the result shown in Figure 8. In order to obtain a gain equivalent to the maximum gain of the original six radiating elements, so that the gain of the first receiving antenna 21 located on the upper side is not halved, it is necessary to arrange 12 radiating elements, which is twice the number of 6. The curve shown by the solid line in Figure 17 shows the gain of horizontal polarization by the 12 upper radiating elements shown in Figure 16. The gain in the forward direction (90°) of the curve shown by the solid line in Figure 17 is about 13.4 dBi. However, in this case, because the number of radiating elements has been increased, the beam width in the forward direction (90°) of the curve shown by the solid line in Figure 17 becomes narrower. Figure 18 shows an example of a 3D plot of the gain shown in Figure 17.

[0117] Next, we will show the simulation results for other configurations. In the electronic device 1 described above, the polarization planes of the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22 were assumed to be orthogonal. Below, we will describe the results of simulating the operation of the configuration shown in Figure 7, where the polarization planes of the upper radiating element and the lower radiating element are not orthogonal but the same (parallel). In addition, explanations that overlap with the simulation explanation described above will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0118] Figure 19 is a graph plotting the gain for each polarization from the radiating elements shown in Figure 16. In Figure 19, the solid lines represent the polarization gain from the upper six radiating elements, while the dashed lines represent the polarization gain from the lower six radiating elements. As shown in Figure 19, even with this configuration, the gain from the lower six radiating elements at a diagonal downward 45° (135°) was relatively good. Figure 20 shows an example of a 3D plot of the gains shown in Figure 19.

[0119] Figure 21 is a graph plotting the gain for each polarization under different configurations with varying numbers of radiating elements, as shown in the simulation in Figure 19. Figure 21 shows the results of simulating the operation under the same configuration as in Figure 19, where the upper radiating elements remain at six, but the lower radiating element is reduced to only one. The solid line shows the polarization gain from the six radiating elements at the top. The dashed line shows the polarization gain from the single radiating element at the bottom. As shown in Figure 21, even with this configuration, the gain at a diagonal downward 45° (135°) from the single radiating element at the bottom was relatively good. However, as shown in Figure 21, in this configuration, a slight drop in gain was observed depending on the angle.

[0120] Figure 22 is a graph plotting the gain for each polarization under different configurations with varying numbers of radiating elements, as shown in the simulation in Figure 19. Figure 22 shows the results of simulating the operation under the same configuration as in Figure 19, with six radiating elements on the upper side and two radiating elements on the lower side. The solid line shows the polarization gain from the six radiating elements on the upper side. The dashed line shows the polarization gain from the two radiating elements on the lower side. As shown in Figure 21, even with this configuration, the gain in the diagonally downward 45° direction (135°) from the two radiating elements on the lower side was relatively good. However, as shown in Figure 22, in this configuration, a slight drop in gain was observed depending on the angle.

[0121] As described above, the electronic device 1 (receiving device) according to one embodiment may include a first receiving antenna 21 and a second receiving antenna 22. The first receiving antenna 21 has directivity in a first direction d1. The second receiving antenna 22 has directivity in a second direction d2. Here, the second direction d2 may be a different direction from the first direction d1. The first receiving antenna 21 may be configured to have maximum reception gain when the radio waves received by the first receiving antenna 21 are polarized in a first polarization direction (horizontal polarization). The second receiving antenna 22 may be configured to have maximum reception gain when the radio waves received by the second receiving antenna 22 are polarized in a second polarization direction (vertical polarization). The second polarization direction may also be a different direction from the first polarization direction. In this disclosure, the first receiving antenna 21 may have increased reception gain as the radio waves received by the first receiving antenna 21 approach the first polarization direction. The second receiving antenna 22 may be configured such that its reception gain increases as the radio waves received by the second receiving antenna 22 approach the second polarization direction. Furthermore, the second polarization direction may be different from the first polarization direction.

[0122] At least one of the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22 may be supplied with power from a feed point (feed point 40A to feed point 40d) on the substrate 10.

[0123] Furthermore, the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22 may be configured to include patch antennas. In this case, the patch antenna of the first receiving antenna 21 may be fed from the horizontal direction. The patch antenna of the second receiving antenna 22 may be fed from the vertically upward direction to the vertically downward direction. The first direction d1 of the directivity of the first receiving antenna 21 may be substantially horizontal. The second direction d2 of the directivity of the second receiving antenna 22 may be a direction that includes a vertically downward component with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0124] According to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, 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 one embodiment of the electronic device 1, when directing the directivity of the receiving antenna in the forward direction and diagonally downward direction, one can be used as a high-gain receiving antenna with a narrow beamwidth, and the other as a low-gain receiving antenna with a wide beamwidth, thus allowing the use of different characteristics. According to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, by changing the polarization of the antenna in two directions, such as the forward direction and diagonally downward direction, interference between elements when directivity in different directions is combined is suppressed. As a result, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment can improve the degree of design freedom and ease of design. In particular, according to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, by splitting the power supply circuit into two parts, one for the antenna element in the forward direction and one for the antenna element in the downward direction, it can be treated as an individual array antenna. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the design of directivity becomes easier. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the distribution of power supplied to the forward direction and diagonally downward direction is also easy, and the design of gain also becomes easier. According to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the two-branched antenna can be positioned such that the antenna with directivity in the forward direction is placed above the ground, and the antenna with directivity in the diagonally downward direction is placed below the ground. With this configuration, according to the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment, interference between elements, including the radome, is suppressed, and the design can be simplified. As described above, according to the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment, the designability of the antenna directivity can be improved.

[0125] Next, a radome suitable for an electronic device 1 according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 23 is a diagram showing an example of a radome configuration that can be mounted on an electronic device 1 according to one embodiment.

[0126] As shown in Figure 1, in the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment, the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, and the third transmitting antenna 13 may be arranged below them. In this case, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may include a radome 90 as shown in Figure 23. Figure 23 shows the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment, including the substrate 10, covered with the radome 90. Figure 23 shows the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment viewed from the side. Directions d1 and d2 shown in Figure 23 may correspond to directions d1 and d2 shown in Figure 3.

[0127] As shown in Figure 23, the front surface (facing the positive Z-axis direction) of the radome 90 suitable for the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may have a shape with a radius (R) as it extends downward (negative Y-axis direction). By giving the radome 90 such a shape, the distance from the antenna built into the radome 90 to the radome 90 becomes λ0 / 2, and the shape can be brought close to satisfying the relationship that the thickness of the radome 90 is λ0 / 2·(εr)^(-0.5). With such an arrangement, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment can obtain advantageous effects by having a radome 90 as shown in Figure 23.

[0128] Thus, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may include a radome 90 that covers at least one of the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22. The radome 90 may have a shape that reduces the transmission loss of radio waves in the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. The radome 90 may also have a shape such that the distance from at least one of the first receiving antenna 11 and the second receiving antenna to the radome 90 is λ / 2, and the thickness of the radome 90 is λ / 2·(εr)^(-0.5). Here, λ is the wavelength of the received signal received by at least one of the first receiving antenna 21 and the second receiving antenna 22. ε is the permittivity of the radome 90. εr is the relative permittivity (ε / ε0), which is the ratio of the permittivity of the radome 90 to the permittivity of vacuum ε0. In this disclosure, εr is the relative permittivity (ε / ε0), which is the ratio of the permittivity ε of the medium in which the electromagnetic wave exists to the permittivity ε0 of vacuum. In this disclosure, the dielectric constant ε0' of air may be used instead of the dielectric constant ε0 of vacuum.

[0129] 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.

[0130] For example, the electronic device 1 according to the above embodiment was described assuming a device such as a receiving device equipped with a first receiving antenna 21 and a second receiving antenna 22. However, the electronic device according to one embodiment may be implemented as a device such as a transmitting device equipped with a first transmitting antenna 11, a second transmitting antenna 12 and a third transmitting antenna 13. In this case, the first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12 may transmit radio waves directional in a first direction d1 with a first polarization. The third transmitting antenna 13 may transmit radio waves directional in a second direction d2, which is different from the first direction d1, with a second polarization. The first transmitting antenna 11 and the second transmitting antenna 12 may transmit a signal in the direction of a first polarization (e.g., horizontal polarization) by a first feeding configuration (e.g., feeding in the horizontal direction). The third transmitting antenna 13 may transmit a signal in the direction of a second polarization (e.g., vertical polarization) by a second feeding configuration (e.g., feeding in the vertical direction).

[0131] 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.

[0132] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are not limited to implementation as electronic equipment 1 or a transceiver system. For example, the embodiments described above may be implemented as a control method for equipment such as electronic equipment 1 or a transceiver system. Moreover, for example, the embodiments described above may be implemented as a control program for equipment such as electronic equipment 1 or a transceiver system. Furthermore, the embodiments described above may be implemented, for example, as a recording medium that stores a program executed in equipment such as electronic equipment 1 or a transceiver system, i.e., a computer-readable recording medium. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0133] 1 Electronic equipment 10 circuit boards 11. First transmitting antenna 12 Second transmitting antenna 13 Third transmitting antenna 21 First receiving antenna 22 Second receiving antenna 31, 32, 33 Power supply points 40 Power supply point 50 Control Unit 61, 62, 63 Sending ports 70 Incoming Ports 90 Radome

Claims

[Claim 1] An antenna that transmits or receives, The feed point for supplying power to the aforementioned antenna, The antenna comprises a first patch and a second patch, The first patch is connected to the power supply line from the power supply point from a first direction, The second patch is an electronic device to which the power supply line from the power supply point is connected from a second direction different from the first direction.

Images