Antenna Structure

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention provides an antenna structure that includes a radiator whose length in a second direction gradually increases in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction and a sub-radiator spaced apart from the radiator and whose length in the second direction gradually increases in a direction opposite to the first direction, the radiator and the sub-radiator having asymmetric shapes with respect to the second direction, thereby providing a wideband antenna structure capable of radiating in multiple bands.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna structure, and more particularly to an antenna structure including an antenna unit. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of the information society, wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (registered trademark) have been applied to or built into image display devices, electronic devices, buildings, and the like.

[0003] Furthermore, with the recent advancement of mobile communication technology, antennas for performing communication in high frequency or ultra-high frequency bands are now being applied to public transportation such as buses and subways, building structures, various mobile devices, and the like.

[0004] Accordingly, there are cases where it is necessary to realize radiation characteristics in multiple frequency bands through a single antenna device.

[0005] However, when antennas of different frequency bands are arranged adjacent to each other, the radiation characteristics, impedance characteristics, etc. of the different antennas may collide with each other and cause interference.

[0006] For example, an antenna having multiple frequency bands may include multiple radiators or radiating portions having different sizes and shapes, which may increase the space required for antenna placement and hinder the space efficiency and aesthetic properties of the structure to which the antenna equipment is applied. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an antenna structure with improved radiation characteristics and space efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] 1. An antenna structure comprising a radiator whose length in a second direction gradually increases in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction on a plane, and an auxiliary radiator arranged at a distance from the radiator and whose length in the second direction gradually increases in a direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the radiator and the auxiliary radiator have asymmetric shapes with respect to the second direction.

[0009] 2. The antenna structure according to item 1, wherein the radiator includes a plurality of radiating sections whose lengths in the second direction increase sequentially in the first direction.

[0010] 3. The antenna structure according to item 2, wherein the plurality of radiating sections include a first radiating section, a second radiating section, and a third radiating section whose lengths in the second direction increase sequentially in the first direction.

[0011] 4. The antenna structure according to item 3, further including a transmission line electrically connected to the radiator, wherein the first radiating portion includes a first portion directly connected to the transmission line and having a constant length in the second direction, a second portion extending from the first portion and having a length in the second direction that increases in the first direction, and a third portion protruding from the second portion in the second direction.

[0012] 5. The antenna structure according to item 4, wherein the top edge of the first portion, the top edge of the second portion, and the side edge of the third portion form a concave space.

[0013] 6. The antenna structure according to item 3, wherein the second radiating portion has a length in the second direction greater than that of the first radiating portion, and the length in the second direction increases in the first direction.

[0014] 7. The antenna structure according to item 3, wherein the third radiating portion has a length in the second direction greater than that of the second radiating portion, and the length in the second direction increases in the first direction.

[0015] 8. The antenna structure according to item 3, wherein the auxiliary radiator includes a first auxiliary radiating section, a second auxiliary radiating section, and a third auxiliary radiating section whose lengths in the second direction increase sequentially in the direction opposite to the first direction.

[0016] 9. The antenna structure according to item 8, wherein the first auxiliary radiating portion has a shape symmetrical to the first radiating portion with respect to the second direction, and the second auxiliary radiating portion has a shape symmetrical to the second radiating portion with respect to the second direction.

[0017] 10. The antenna structure according to item 8, wherein the third auxiliary radiating portion has an asymmetric shape with respect to the third radiating portion and the second direction.

[0018] 11. The antenna structure according to item 1, further comprising a parasitic element disposed between the radiator and the auxiliary radiator.

[0019] 12. The antenna structure according to item 1, wherein the parasitic element includes a first parasitic portion extending in the second direction and a second parasitic portion connected to the first parasitic portion and extending in the first direction.

[0020] 13. An antenna structure according to item 12, wherein the first parasitic portion is not disposed between the side edge of the radiator closest to the auxiliary radiator and the side edge of the auxiliary radiator closest to the radiator.

[0021] 14. An antenna structure according to item 12, wherein the second parasitic portion includes a plurality of second sub-parasitic portions spaced apart from each other on the same line in the first direction, and one of the plurality of second sub-parasitic portions is connected to the first parasitic portion.

[0022] 15. The antenna structure according to item 1, wherein the antenna structure extends in the first direction and has an asymmetric shape with respect to an imaginary line passing through the radiator and the auxiliary radiator.

[0023] 16. An antenna structure comprising a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit spaced apart from each other, wherein the first antenna unit comprises a first radiator whose length in a second direction gradually increases in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction on a plane, and a first auxiliary radiator spaced apart from the first radiator and whose length in the second direction gradually increases in a direction opposite to the first direction, and the second antenna unit comprises a second radiator whose length in the second direction gradually increases in a direction opposite to the first direction, and a second auxiliary radiator positioned opposite the first auxiliary radiator and whose length in the second direction gradually increases in the first direction.

[0024] 17. The antenna structure according to item 16, wherein the first radiator and the first auxiliary radiator have asymmetric shapes with respect to the second direction, and the second radiator and the second auxiliary radiator have asymmetric shapes with respect to the second direction.

[0025] 18. The antenna structure according to item 16, wherein the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit have symmetrical shapes with respect to the second direction.

[0026] 19. The antenna structure of item 16, further including a first parasitic element disposed between the first radiator and the first auxiliary radiator, and a second parasitic element disposed between the second radiator and the second auxiliary radiator.

[0027] 20. The antenna structure according to item 1, which is provided as a relay antenna. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, the antenna structure may include a radiator and an auxiliary radiator spaced apart from the radiator. The width of the radiator may gradually increase in a horizontal direction, and the width of the auxiliary radiator may gradually increase in a direction opposite to the horizontal direction. This reduces the space occupied by the antenna structure, improves the space efficiency of an object to which the antenna structure is coupled, and reduces external visibility of the antenna structure.

[0029] In some embodiments, the antenna structure can form a concave space, which can appropriately adjust the resonant frequency of the radiator and improve impedance matching, thereby improving the radiation characteristics and driving reliability of the antenna structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged plan view of the first radiating portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating an antenna structure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the antenna structure according to the exemplary embodiment is applied as a relay antenna. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a graph showing the maximum antenna gain (Max. gain) according to the frequency in the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a graph showing the average antenna gain (Avg. gain) according to frequency in the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a graph showing the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) according to the frequency of the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view illustrating an antenna structure according to one embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a graph showing VSWR according to frequency in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention provide a structure that provides radiation in multiple resonant frequency bands from a single antenna unit.

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings attached to this specification are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention, and therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters depicted in the drawings.

[0033] 1 and 2 are schematic plan and cross-sectional views, respectively, showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. For convenience of explanation, detailed configuration and structure of the antenna unit are omitted in FIG. 2.

[0034] The antenna structure may include a dielectric layer 105 and an antenna unit formed on the dielectric layer 105 .

[0035] The dielectric layer 105 may include, for example, a transparent resin material. For example, the dielectric layer 105 may include polyester-based resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene isophthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and polybutylene terephthalate; cellulose-based resins such as diacetyl cellulose and triacetyl cellulose; polycarbonate-based resins; acrylic-based resins such as polymethyl (meth)acrylate and polyethyl (meth)acrylate; styrene-based resins such as polystyrene and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers; polyolefin-based resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefins having a cyclo- or norbornene structure, and ethylene-propylene copolymers; vinyl chloride-based resins; amide-based resins such as nylon and aromatic polyamides; imide-based resins; polyethersulfone-based resins; sulfone-based resins; polyetheretherketone-based resins; polyphenylene sulfide-based resins; vinyl alcohol-based resins; vinylidene chloride-based resins; vinyl butyral-based resins; arylate-based resins; polyoxymethylene-based resins; epoxy-based resins; urethane-based or acrylic urethane-based resins; silicone-based resins, etc. These may be used alone or in combination.

[0036] In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 105 may also include an adhesive film such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0037] In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 105 can include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, glass, or the like.

[0038] In one embodiment, the dielectric layer 105 may be provided in substantially a single layer.

[0039] In one embodiment, the dielectric layer 105 may include a multi-layer structure of at least two layers, for example, the dielectric layer 105 may include a substrate layer and an antenna dielectric layer, and may also include an adhesive layer between the substrate layer and the antenna dielectric layer.

[0040] The dielectric layer 105 forms an impedance or inductance for the antenna unit, and can adjust the frequency band in which the antenna structure can be driven or sensed. In some embodiments, the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 105 can be adjusted to a range of about 1.5 to 12. If the dielectric constant exceeds about 12, the driving frequency may be too low, making it impossible to achieve driving in a high frequency band.

[0041] In the exemplary embodiment, the antenna unit may include a radiator 110 and an auxiliary radiator 150 spaced apart from the radiator 110 .

[0042] The length of the radiator 110 in the second direction may gradually increase in the first direction, and the length of the auxiliary radiator 150 in the second direction may gradually increase in the opposite direction to the first direction, thereby reducing the space occupied by the antenna structure, improving the space efficiency of the object to which the antenna structure is coupled, and reducing external visibility of the antenna structure.

[0043] The term "first direction" as used herein may refer to the length direction of the dielectric layer 105 and / or the antenna structure, and may refer to the first direction in Figures 1, 4, 6 to 8, 10, and 11.

[0044] The term "second direction" used in this specification may refer to a direction perpendicular to the first direction on a plane. The second direction may refer to the width direction of the dielectric layer 105 and / or the antenna structure. The second direction may refer to the second direction in Figures 1, 4, 6 to 8, 10, and 11.

[0045] The radiator 110 may include a plurality of radiating sections whose lengths in the second direction increase sequentially in the first direction, thereby realizing a multi-band antenna that can transmit and receive signals in multiple bands using a single radiator.

[0046] In some embodiments, the plurality of radiating portions may include a first radiating portion 112, a second radiating portion 114, and a third radiating portion 116 whose lengths in the second direction sequentially increase in the first direction.

[0047] The antenna unit may include a transmission line 120 electrically connected to the radiator 110 .

[0048] For example, the first radiating portion 112 can be directly connected to the transmission line 120. Details of the structure of the first radiating portion 112 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0049] The first radiating portion 112 can be provided as the radiator 110 or a high-frequency radiator of the antenna unit. For example, the first radiating portion 112 can achieve radiation in the highest frequency band obtainable by the antenna unit. For example, the resonant frequency of the first radiating portion 112 may be in the range of approximately 3.0 GHz to 6.0 GHz.

[0050] In one embodiment, a radiation band corresponding to Sub-6 5G can be obtained from the first radiating portion 112. According to one embodiment, the resonant frequency of the first radiating portion 112 may be in the range of approximately 3 GHz to 5 GHz, or approximately 3.1 GHz to 3.8 GHz.

[0051] The second radiating portion 114 is disposed between the first radiating portion 112 and the third radiating portion 116, and can physically and electrically connect the first radiating portion 112 and the third radiating portion 116 together.

[0052] For example, the length of the second radiating portion 114 in the second direction may increase in the first direction. For example, at least one of the upper and lower sides of the second radiating portion 114 may be inclined. According to one embodiment, the upper side of the second radiating portion 114 may be inclined, and the lower side may not include an incline.

[0053] In some embodiments, the second radiating portion 114 may have a greater length in the second direction than the first radiating portion 112 .

[0054] The second radiating portion 114 can be provided as a mid-band radiating portion of the radiator 110 or the antenna unit. For example, the average resonant frequency of the second radiating portion 114 may be lower than the average resonant frequency of the first radiating portion 112. For example, the resonant frequency of the second radiating portion 114 may be in the range of approximately 1.5 GHz to 3.0 GHz.

[0055] In one embodiment, radiation bands corresponding to the LTE1, LTE2, LTE3, and LTE7 bands can be obtained from the second radiating portion 114. For example, the resonant frequency of the second radiating portion 114 may be in the range of approximately 1.5 GHz to 3.0 GHz.

[0056] The length of the third radiating portion 116 in the second direction may increase in the first direction. For example, at least one of the upper and lower sides of the third radiating portion 116 may be inclined. According to an embodiment, the upper and lower sides of the third radiating portion 116 may be inclined.

[0057] In some embodiments, the length of the third radiating portion 116 in the second direction may be greater than the length of the first radiating portion 112 and the length of the second radiating portion 114 in the second direction.

[0058] In some embodiments, the third radiating portion 116 may be provided as a low-frequency radiator of the radiator 110 or the antenna unit. For example, the third radiating portion 116 may provide radiation in the lowest frequency band available in the antenna unit.

[0059] In one embodiment, radiation bands corresponding to the LTE5, LTE8, LTE12, LTE17, and LTE20 bands can be obtained from the third radiating portion 116. For example, the resonant frequency of the third radiating portion 116 may be in the range of approximately 0.7 GHz to 1.0 GHz.

[0060] 3 is a partially enlarged plan view of the first radiating portion 112. For convenience of explanation, the dielectric layer 105, the second radiating portion 114, the third radiating portion 116, and the transmission line 120 are omitted from FIG.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, the first radiating portion 112 may include a first portion 112a, a second portion 112b, and a third portion 112c that are substantially integral.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first portion 112a may be directly connected to the transmission line 120 and have a constant length in the second direction.

[0063] The second portion 112b may extend from the first portion 112a and increase in length in the second direction relative to the first direction.

[0064] The third portion 112c may protrude in the second direction from the second portion 112b. For example, the third portion 112c may have a shape that protrudes in the second direction from a portion of the second portion 112b that has the greatest length in the second direction.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the top edge of the first portion 112a, the top edge of the second portion 112b, and the side edge of the third portion 112c may form a recessed space CS. By forming the recessed space CS, the resonant frequency of the first radiating portion 112 may be appropriately adjusted and impedance matching may be improved. This may improve the radiation characteristics and driving reliability of the radiator 110.

[0066] For example, the auxiliary radiator 150 can also form a recessed space CS, which can improve radiation reliability and improve impedance matching.

[0067] In some embodiments, the antenna unit may further include a ground pattern 130 arranged around the transmission line 120 and spaced apart from the transmission line 120 and the radiator 110. The ground pattern 130 improves the impedance match of the antenna unit and can improve radiation reliability. For example, the ground pattern 130 can adjust the impedance of the antenna unit to approximately 50 Ω.

[0068] In some embodiments, the ground pattern 130 can be arranged at a distance from the auxiliary radiator 150 across the transmission line 120 .

[0069] For example, the ground pattern 130 may include a bent portion 135 that bends from the second direction to the first direction or from the first direction to the second direction, which can further improve the radiation characteristics.

[0070] In some embodiments, the ground pattern 130 may be provided as a fourth radiating portion by electrical coupling with the radiator 110 and / or the transmission line 120 .

[0071] The fourth radiator may be provided as a mid-band radiator of the antenna unit. For example, the fourth radiator may provide a radiation band corresponding to LTE1, LTE2, LTE3, LTE7, or Sub-6 5G. For example, the resonant frequency of the fourth radiator may be approximately 1.5 GHz to 5.0 GHz.

[0072] The driving frequency bands of the first radiating portion 112, the second radiating portion 114, the third radiating portion 116 and the fourth radiating portion described above are merely examples and may be changed depending on the radiation characteristics of the antenna unit.

[0073] For example, the size / area of ​​the radiator 110 may be adjusted depending on the target frequency band. For example, the driving frequency band may be shifted to a higher frequency band by reducing the overall area of ​​the radiator 110. In this case, the third radiator 116 may be driven in the radiation band of the second radiator 114, and the second radiator 114 may be driven in the radiation band of the first radiator 112. The fourth radiator may be driven in a higher frequency band that exceeds the radiation band of the fourth radiator.

[0074] By including a plurality of radiating sections having different resonant frequency ranges in one radiator 110, it is possible to improve space efficiency while realizing, for example, a multi-band antenna.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the length of the first radiating portion 112 in the first direction may be approximately 15 mm to 25 mm.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the length of the second radiating portion 114 in the first direction may be approximately 8 mm to 13 mm.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the length of the third radiating portion 116 in the first direction may be approximately 15 to 25 mm.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the maximum length of the antenna structure in the first direction may be between about 80 mm and 120 mm, and the maximum length in the second direction may be between about 25 mm and 50 mm.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the radiator 110 and the auxiliary radiator 150 may have asymmetric shapes with respect to the second direction.

[0080] For example, the radiator 110 and the auxiliary radiator 150 may have an asymmetric shape with respect to a first imaginary line VL1 that extends in the second direction and passes between the radiator 110 and the auxiliary radiator 150. This makes it possible to prevent signal interference and signal blockage when multiple antenna units are arranged.

[0081] In some embodiments, the antenna structure may have an asymmetric shape with respect to a second imaginary line VL2 extending in the first direction and passing through the radiator 110 and the auxiliary radiator 150. Thus, the antenna structure may have an asymmetric shape with respect to the first direction and also have an asymmetric shape with respect to the second direction, thereby improving the radiation characteristics in the drive frequency band.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, auxiliary radiator 150 may include a plurality of auxiliary radiating sections whose lengths in the second direction sequentially increase in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0083] The plurality of auxiliary radiating portions may include a first auxiliary radiating portion 152, a second auxiliary radiating portion 154, and a third auxiliary radiating portion 156 whose lengths in the second direction increase sequentially in the direction opposite to the first direction.

[0084] As used herein, the term "direction opposite to the first direction" may refer to a direction in which the length of the radiator 110 decreases in the second direction.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the first auxiliary radiating portion 152 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the first radiating portion 112 with respect to the second direction, and the second auxiliary radiating portion 154 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the second radiating portion 114 with respect to the second direction.

[0086] As used herein, the term "symmetrical shape" can refer to a specular shape.

[0087] For example, the first auxiliary radiating section 152 may be driven in substantially the same range of resonant frequencies as the first radiating section 112, and the second auxiliary radiating section 154 may be driven in substantially the same range of resonant frequencies as the second radiating section 152.

[0088] In some embodiments, the third auxiliary radiating portion 156 may have an asymmetric shape with respect to the second direction relative to the third radiating portion 116. For example, the length of the third auxiliary radiating portion 156 in the first direction may be smaller than the length of the third radiating portion 116 in the first direction. This makes it possible to suppress signal interference or signal blockage between antenna units when multiple antenna units are arranged.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna unit may further include a signal pad 122 electrically connected to the transmission line 120. For example, one end of the transmission line 120 may be connected to the first radiating portion 112, and the other end may be connected to the signal pad 122. The signal pad 122 may be electrically connected to a driving integrated circuit (IC) chip via an antenna cable. This allows signal transmission and reception and power supply from the driving IC chip to the radiator 110.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the other end of the transmission line 120 may be provided as a signal pad 122 .

[0091] According to one embodiment, the transmission line 120 may be formed substantially integrally with the radiator 110 using the same material as the radiator 110 .

[0092] The antenna unit may include a ground pad 132 disposed around the signal pad 122 and spaced apart from the signal pad 122 .

[0093] For example, a pair of ground pads 132 may be arranged on either side of the signal pad 122. For example, one of the pair of ground pads 132 may be electrically connected to the ground pattern 130, and the other may be electrically connected to the first auxiliary radiating portion 152.

[0094] For example, the antenna unit may include a ground connection portion 160 connecting the first auxiliary radiating portion 152 and the ground pad 132 .

[0095] According to one embodiment, the extension direction of the ground connection portion 160 may be parallel to the extension direction of the transmission line 120 .

[0096] One end of the ground connection portion 160 may be connected to the first auxiliary radiator 152, and the other end may be connected to the ground pad 132. The ground pad 132 may not be electrically connected to the driving IC chip. For example, power or signals may not be transmitted to the auxiliary radiator 150. This allows the antenna units to be driven independently, improving antenna beam characteristics.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the other end of the ground connection 160 may be provided as a ground pad 132 .

[0098] In some embodiments, the minimum distance between the transmission line 120 and the ground connection 160 may be approximately 1 mm to 5 mm, and preferably approximately 2 mm to 4 mm, which can improve the antenna gain and impedance match.

[0099] 4 and 5 are schematic plan and cross-sectional views, respectively, showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. For convenience of explanation, detailed configuration and structure of the antenna unit are omitted in FIG. 5.

[0100] In some embodiments, the antenna unit may further include a parasitic element 180 disposed between the radiator 110 and the auxiliary radiator 150 .

[0101] According to some embodiments, the parasitic element 180 can be spaced apart from the radiator 110 and the auxiliary radiator 150 in the space between them, thereby improving the maximum gain, average gain, and impedance match of the antenna unit.

[0102] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the parasitic element 180 described above may be disposed in the recessed space CS, thereby reducing the space occupied by the antenna unit and improving the space efficiency of the antenna structure.

[0103] In some embodiments, the parasitic element 180 may include a first parasitic portion 182 extending in the second direction and a second parasitic portion 184 extending in the first direction and connected to the first parasitic portion 182. For example, the first parasitic portion 182 and the second parasitic portion 184 may be integrally formed using the same material. For example, the second parasitic portion 184 may be connected to one end of the first parasitic portion 182.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first parasitic portion 182 does not have to be disposed between the side of the radiator 110 closest to the auxiliary radiator 150 and the side of the auxiliary radiator 150 closest to the radiator 110. This can improve the antenna gain characteristics while suppressing signal interference. Therefore, the radiation reliability and gain characteristics of the antenna can be improved.

[0105] For example, the second parasitic portion 184 may include a plurality of second sub-parasitic portions 184a spaced apart from one another on the same line in the first direction. The positions, shapes, and / or sizes of the second sub-parasitic portions 184a may be adjusted to fine-tune the resonant frequency and improve impedance matching.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, the parasitic element 180 may be provided as a fifth radiating portion by electrical coupling with the radiator 110, the transmission line 120 and / or the auxiliary radiator 150.

[0107] For example, the fifth radiator may be driven in substantially the same or similar resonant frequency band as the fourth radiator.

[0108] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 6, the second parasitic portion 184 of the parasitic element 180 may be formed in a rod shape extending in a first direction. For example, the second parasitic portion 184 may be formed in a single rod shape without a separating region. Changing the shape of the second parasitic portion 184 allows for fine adjustment of the resonant frequency band and impedance matching. For example, the antenna unit may include silver (Ag), gold (Au), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), vanadium (V), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), molybdenum (Mo), calcium (Ca), or an alloy containing at least one of these. These may be used alone or in combination.

[0110] In one embodiment, the antenna unit may include silver (Ag) or a silver alloy (e.g., a silver-palladium-copper (APC) alloy), or copper (Cu) or a copper alloy (e.g., a copper-calcium (CuCa) alloy) to achieve low resistance and fine linewidth patterning.

[0111] In some embodiments, the antenna unit can include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium zinc tin oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnOx), etc.

[0112] In some embodiments, the antenna unit may include a laminated structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer and a metal layer, for example, a two-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer and a metal layer, or a three-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer, a metal layer, and a transparent conductive oxide layer. In this case, the metal layer can improve flexibility and reduce resistance to improve signal transmission speed, and the transparent conductive oxide layer can improve corrosion resistance and transparency.

[0113] The antenna unit may include a blackening treatment portion, which reduces the reflectance on the surface of the antenna unit and reduces the visibility of the pattern due to light reflection.

[0114] In one embodiment, the surface of a metal layer included in the antenna unit may be converted to a metal oxide or metal sulfide to form a blackened layer. In one embodiment, a blackened layer such as a black material coating layer or a plating layer may be formed on the antenna unit or the metal layer. The black material or plating layer may include silicon, carbon, copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, or an oxide, sulfide, alloy, or the like containing at least one of these elements.

[0115] The composition and thickness of the blackening layer can be adjusted taking into consideration the effect of reducing reflectance and the radiation characteristics of the antenna.

[0116] 7 and 8 are schematic plan views illustrating antenna structures according to example embodiments.

[0117] 7 and 8, the antenna structure may further include a dummy mesh pattern 170 disposed around the antenna unit. For example, the dummy mesh pattern 170 may be electrically and physically separated from the antenna unit by a separation region 175.

[0118] For example, a conductive layer containing the aforementioned metal or alloy may be formed on the dielectric layer 105. The conductive layer may be etched to form a mesh structure, thereby forming the antenna units and dummy mesh patterns 170 separated from each other by the separation regions 175.

[0119] In some embodiments, the antenna unit may also share a mesh structure, which improves the transparency of the antenna unit and distributes the dummy mesh pattern 170 to uniformize the optical properties around the antenna unit, thereby preventing the antenna unit from being visually recognized.

[0120] In one embodiment, the antenna unit may entirely include the mesh structure. In one embodiment, for power supply efficiency, at least a portion of the transmission line 120 (e.g., signal pad 122) and the ground pattern 130, and / or at least a portion of the ground connection 160 (e.g., ground pad 132) may include a solid structure.

[0121] In one embodiment, if the ground pattern 130 is placed in an area of ​​the target object that is not visible to the user, the ground pattern 130 may have a solid structure.

[0122] For example, if the antenna unit is to be placed in an area of ​​the object to which the antenna structure is applied that is not visible to the user, the antenna unit may include a solid structure.

[0123] The dummy mesh pattern 170 may include intersecting conductive lines that form a mesh structure therein. In some embodiments, the dummy mesh pattern 170 may include segmented areas where the conductive lines are cut, thereby preventing the dummy mesh pattern 170 from interfering with the radiation characteristics of the antenna unit.

[0124] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0125] 9, the antenna unit including the radiator 110 and the auxiliary radiator 150 can be disposed between a first dielectric layer 105a and a second dielectric layer 105b. For example, the antenna unit may be sandwiched or embedded between the first and second dielectric layers 105a, 105b.

[0126] The first and second dielectric layers 105a and 105b are disposed on the top and bottom of the antenna unit, thereby making the dielectric and radiation environment around the antenna unit uniform.

[0127] In some embodiments, the second dielectric layer 105b may also serve as a coating layer, an insulating layer and / or a protective film for the antenna unit or antenna structure.

[0128] In some embodiments, the antenna structure may include more than one antenna unit. For example, multiple antenna units may be arranged to form an array. Alternatively, multiple antenna units may be arranged without forming an array. This increases the overall gain of the antenna structure and can fully realize multi-band radiation.

[0129] 10 and 11 are schematic plan views illustrating antenna structures according to example embodiments.

[0130] 10 and 11 , the antenna structure may include a first antenna unit 100 and a second antenna unit 200 spaced apart from each other on a dielectric layer 105. For example, the above-described antenna unit may be provided as the first antenna unit 100. For example, the above-described radiator 110, transmission line 120, ground pattern 130, auxiliary radiator 150, ground connection portion 160, parasitic element 180, signal pad 122, and ground pad 132 may be provided as the first radiator 110, first transmission line 120, first ground pattern 130, first auxiliary radiator 150, first ground connection portion 160, first parasitic element 180, first signal pad 122, and first ground pad 132 of the first antenna unit 100, respectively.

[0131] In an exemplary embodiment, the first antenna unit 100 and the second antenna unit 200 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the second direction. For example, the first antenna unit 100 and the second antenna unit 200 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to a third imaginary line VL3 that passes between the first antenna unit 100 and the second antenna unit 200 and extends in the second direction.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the second antenna unit 200 may have a shape obtained by rotating the first antenna unit 100 by 180 degrees with respect to the third virtual line VL3.

[0133] The second antenna unit 200 may include a second radiator 210 whose length in a second direction increases sequentially in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0134] For example, the first radiator 110 and the first auxiliary radiator 150 may have asymmetric shapes with respect to the second direction, and the second radiator 210 and the second auxiliary radiator 250 may have asymmetric shapes with respect to the second direction.

[0135] The second antenna unit 200 may include a second auxiliary radiator 250 that is disposed opposite the first auxiliary radiator 150 and whose length in the second direction increases sequentially in the first direction.

[0136] The second antenna unit 200 may include a second transmission line 220 electrically connected to the second radiator 210, a second signal pad 222 electrically connected to the second transmission line 220, and a second ground pattern 230 arranged around the second transmission line 220 and spaced apart from the second transmission line 220 and the second radiator 210.

[0137] The second antenna unit 200 may include a second ground connection portion 260 electrically connected to the second auxiliary radiator 250 and a second ground pad 232 electrically connected to the second ground connection portion 260.

[0138] The second antenna unit 200 may include a second parasitic element 280 spaced apart from the second radiator 210 and the second auxiliary radiator 250 and disposed in the space between the second radiator 210 and the second auxiliary radiator 250 .

[0139] The descriptions regarding the transmission line 120, the ground pattern 130, the ground connection 160, the parasitic element 180, the signal pad 122 and the ground pad 132 are applicable to the second transmission line 220, the second ground pattern 230, the second ground connection 260, the second parasitic element 280, the second signal pad 222 and the second ground pad 232, respectively.

[0140] 10 and 11, the first auxiliary radiator 150 and the second auxiliary radiator 250 are arranged to face each other, and a sufficient distance can be secured between the first radiator 110 and the second radiator 210. This makes it possible to suppress signal blockage and signal interference between the antenna units 100 and 200. Furthermore, because power is not supplied to the first auxiliary radiator 150 and the second auxiliary radiator 250, there is no excessive overlap of the radiation areas, making it possible to prevent signal interference.

[0141] The antenna structure described above can be applied to various structures and objects, such as windows of public transportation such as buses and subways, buildings, windows, vehicles, decorative objects, and guide signs (e.g., directional signs, emergency exit signs, and emergency lights), and can be provided as, for example, a relay antenna structure. The relay antenna structure can include, for example, an access point (AP) such as a repeater, router, small cell, or internet sharer.

[0142] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the antenna structure according to the exemplary embodiment is applied as a relay antenna.

[0143] For example, FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a router configuration in which the antenna structure is attached to an object 300 (eg, public transport such as a bus, subway, etc.).

[0144] For example, FIG. 12 shows a configuration in which the antenna structure having the shape shown in FIG. 10 is attached to the target object 300 after being rotated 180° based on the first direction.

[0145] 12, the antenna structure may have a structure that can be fixed to, for example, a window in a public transportation system, a building structure such as a wall or ceiling, a window, a vehicle, a sign, etc. For example, the antenna units 100, 200 described above may be inserted or attached into a substrate.

[0146] For example, the substrate may be provided as the dielectric layer 105 shown in Figure 1. As described with reference to Figure 7, the first dielectric layer 105a and the second dielectric layer 105b may together provide a substrate within which the antenna units 100, 200 may be embedded. The substrate may be provided in public transport windows, buildings, various decorative structures, directional signs, windows, etc.

[0147] In some embodiments, the antenna structures described above can be applied onto a substrate in the form of a film.

[0148] In some embodiments, as previously described, a dummy mesh pattern 170 is formed around the periphery of the antenna units 100, 200 to reduce or prevent visual recognition of the antenna units 100, 200. At least a portion of the antenna units 100, 200 may also have a mesh pattern structure.

[0149] In some embodiments, the antenna units 100, 200 can be connected to an external circuit board via signal pads 122, 222. For example, the external circuit board can be a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) board, including a rigid board, etc.

[0150] For example, a conductive bonding structure such as an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) may be attached to the signal pads 122, 222 and / or the ground pads 130, 230, and then the bonding region of the external circuit board may be disposed on the conductive bonding structure. Then, the external circuit board may be connected to the antenna units 100, 200 by a heat treatment and pressure process.

[0151] The antenna cable is electrically connected to the conductive bonding structure and can provide power to the signal pads 122, 222 of the antenna units 100, 200.

[0152] The antenna cable may be embedded in the target object 300 and coupled to an external power source, an integrated circuit chip, or an integrated circuit board, for example, to power the antenna units 100 and 200 and enable antenna radiation.

[0153] 12, the above-described antenna units 100 and 200 can be attached to an object 300 (e.g., a window of a public transportation such as a bus or subway) and electrically connected to a public Wi-Fi repeater in the public transportation via an antenna cable, thereby realizing a multi-band wireless communication network in the public transportation.

[0154] Below, preferred examples are presented to aid in understanding the present invention. However, these examples are merely illustrative of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications to the examples are possible within the scope and technical spirit of the present invention, and it is natural that such changes and modifications also fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0155] Example 1 Copper (Cu) was applied to a glass substrate and then patterned to manufacture an antenna structure having the same shape as that shown in FIGS. The first radiating portion was patterned so that its length in the first direction was 22 mm, the second radiating portion was patterned so that its length in the first direction was 9.85 mm, and the third radiating portion was patterned so that its length in the first direction was 19 mm.

[0156] Example 2 An antenna structure was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no parasitic element was formed, thereby manufacturing an antenna structure having the same shape as that shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0157] Experimental Example (1) Measurement of maximum antenna gain (Max. gain) A port was connected to the signal pad of the antenna structure manufactured according to the example, and the maximum antenna gain as a function of frequency was measured. The measurement device used was the E5080B ENA Network Analyzer, and the simulator used was the CST Simulation.

[0158] (2) Measurement of average antenna gain (Avg.gain) Ports were connected to the signal pads of the antenna structures manufactured according to the examples, and the average antenna gain with frequency was measured. The measurement device used was the E5080B ENA Network Analyzer, and the simulator used was the CST Simulation.

[0159] (3) Voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) A port was connected to the signal pad of the antenna structure manufactured according to the example, and the VSWR was measured according to frequency.

[0160] The measurement device used was the E5080B ENA Network Analyzer, and the simulator used was the CST Simulation.

[0161] The closer the VSWR is to 1, the better the impedance match is.

[0162] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the maximum antenna gain (Max. gain) according to the frequency in the first and second embodiments.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 13, in Example 1 including the parasitic element, the maximum antenna gain in the resonant frequency band ranging from approximately 1.5 GHz to 5 GHz was relatively improved compared to Example 2.

[0164] FIG. 14 is a graph showing the average antenna gain (Avg. gain) according to frequency in Examples 1 and 2.

[0165] 14, in Example 1 including the parasitic element, the average antenna gain in the resonant frequency bands in the range of about 1.5 GHz to 3 GHz and around 4.5 GHz was relatively improved compared to Example 2.

[0166] FIG. 15 is a graph showing VSWR according to frequency in Examples 1 and 2.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 15, in Example 1 including the parasitic element, the impedance match in the resonant frequency band ranging from about 1.5 GHz to 3 GHz was relatively improved compared to Example 2.

[0168] Example 3 FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna structure according to the third embodiment.

[0169] Copper (Cu) was applied onto a glass substrate and then patterned to manufacture an antenna structure having the same shape as that shown in Fig. 16. This resulted in the manufacture of an antenna structure that did not include a recessed space.

[0170] The first radiating portion was patterned so that its length in the first direction was 22 mm, the second radiating portion was patterned so that its length in the first direction was 9.85 mm, and the third radiating portion was patterned so that its length in the first direction was 19 mm.

[0171] FIG. 17 is a graph showing VSWR according to frequency in Examples 2 and 3.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 17, in Example 2 including the recessed space, the impedance match in the resonant frequency band ranging from about 3.5 GHz to 4.0 GHz was relatively improved compared to Example 3.

Claims

1. a radiator whose length in a second direction gradually increases in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction on a plane; an auxiliary radiator spaced apart from the radiator, the length of which in the second direction increases sequentially in a direction opposite to the first direction; The antenna structure, wherein the radiator and the auxiliary radiator have asymmetric shapes with respect to the second direction.

2. The antenna structure according to claim 1 , wherein the radiator includes a plurality of radiating sections whose lengths in the second direction increase sequentially in the first direction.

3. The antenna structure according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of radiating portions include a first radiating portion, a second radiating portion, and a third radiating portion whose lengths in the second direction increase sequentially in the first direction.

4. further comprising a transmission line electrically connected to the radiator; The first radiating portion is a first portion directly connected to the transmission line and having a constant length in the second direction; a second portion extending from the first portion and having a length in the second direction that increases in the first direction; 4. The antenna structure of claim 3, further comprising: a third portion projecting from said second portion in said second direction.

5. The antenna structure of claim 4 , wherein a top edge of the first portion, a top edge of the second portion, and a side edge of the third portion form a recessed space.

6. The antenna structure according to claim 3 , wherein the second radiating portion has a length in the second direction greater than that of the first radiating portion, and the length in the second direction increases in the first direction.

7. The antenna structure according to claim 3 , wherein the third radiating portion has a length in the second direction greater than that of the second radiating portion, and the length in the second direction increases in the first direction.

8. 4. The antenna structure according to claim 3, wherein the auxiliary radiator includes a first auxiliary radiating portion, a second auxiliary radiating portion, and a third auxiliary radiating portion whose lengths in the second direction increase sequentially in a direction opposite to the first direction.

9. 9. The antenna structure according to claim 8, wherein the first auxiliary radiating portion has a shape symmetrical to the first radiating portion with respect to the second direction, and the second auxiliary radiating portion has a shape symmetrical to the second radiating portion with respect to the second direction.

10. The antenna structure according to claim 8 , wherein the third auxiliary radiating portion has an asymmetric shape with respect to the second direction and the third auxiliary radiating portion.

11. 10. The antenna structure of claim 1, further comprising a parasitic element disposed between said radiator and said auxiliary radiator.

12. The antenna structure according to claim 11 , wherein the parasitic element includes a first parasitic portion extending in the second direction and a second parasitic portion connected to the first parasitic portion and extending in the first direction.

13. 13. The antenna structure of claim 12, wherein the first parasitic portion is not located between a side of the radiator closest to the auxiliary radiator and a side of the auxiliary radiator closest to the radiator.

14. 13. The antenna structure of claim 12, wherein the second parasitic portion includes a plurality of second sub-parasitic portions spaced apart from each other on the same line in the first direction, and one of the plurality of second sub-parasitic portions is connected to the first parasitic portion.

15. 2. The antenna structure of claim 1, wherein the antenna structure has an asymmetric shape with respect to an imaginary line extending in the first direction and passing through the radiator and the auxiliary radiator.

16. a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit spaced apart from each other; The first antenna unit is a first radiator whose length in a second direction gradually increases in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction on a plane; a first auxiliary radiator disposed apart from the first radiator, the length of which in the second direction increases sequentially in a direction opposite to the first direction; The second antenna unit is a second radiator whose length in the second direction increases sequentially in a direction opposite to the first direction; a second auxiliary radiator arranged opposite the first auxiliary radiator, the length of the second auxiliary radiator increasing sequentially in the first direction.

17. 17. The antenna structure of claim 16, wherein the first radiator and the first auxiliary radiator have asymmetric shapes with respect to the second direction, and the second radiator and the second auxiliary radiator have asymmetric shapes with respect to the second direction.

18. The antenna structure according to claim 16 , wherein the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit have symmetrical shapes with respect to the second direction.

19. 17. The antenna structure of claim 16, further comprising: a first parasitic element disposed between the first radiator and the first auxiliary radiator; and a second parasitic element disposed between the second radiator and the second auxiliary radiator.

20. 10. The antenna structure of claim 1 provided as a relay antenna.

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