Antenna Module

Abstract

To provide an antenna module which allows improvement in antenna characteristics while achieving size reduction.SOLUTION: An antenna module 1 comprises: a body part 2; an antenna 3 which includes an antenna electrode 31 covering a predetermined lateral surface 23 of the body part 2; a shield electrode 4 which covers a top surface 21 of the body part 2 in a manner not making contact with the antenna electrode 31. The body part 2 comprises: a substrate 5; a plurality of electronic components 61, 62 which are mounted on the substrate 5; a first dielectric layer 71 which covers a first principal surface 51 of the substrate 5; a second dielectric layer 72 which covers a second principal surface 52 of the substrate 5; a first ground connection electrode 81 which has a columnar shape penetrating the first dielectric layer 71 and connects the substrate 5 to the shield electrode 4; and a second ground connection electrode 82 which has a columnar shape penetrating the second dielectric layer 72 and is used to connect the substrate 5 to a ground of an external substrate 100. Viewed in a height direction of the body part 2, the second ground connection electrode 82 is located inside the shield electrode 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna module. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an antenna-integrated module. The antenna-integrated module disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a substrate having a radio region and an antenna region on one main surface thereof, and a resin sealing layer provided on one main surface of the substrate so as to cover the radio region and the antenna region. The resin sealing layer is formed by filling one main surface of the substrate so as to cover the radio region and the antenna region.

[0003] A wireless function unit is disposed in the wireless region of the substrate. The wireless function unit includes electronic components including at least an RFIC mounted in the wireless region and embedded in the resin sealing layer, and a shielding layer provided on the surface of the resin sealing layer facing the wireless region.

[0004] An antenna section is disposed in the antenna region of the substrate, and includes a matching circuit provided in the antenna region and an antenna conductor provided on the surface of the resin sealing layer facing the antenna region and separated from the shielding layer.

[0005] On the other main surface of the substrate, there are formed electrodes for connecting the antenna-integrated module to the outside, including a signal electrode connected to the wireless function unit by an internal wiring pattern, an antenna electrode connected to the antenna conductor by the internal wiring pattern, and a ground electrode connected to the shield electrode by the internal wiring pattern. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-179821 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In recent years, research and development of various devices to realize ultra-high-speed, large-capacity communications, such as the fifth generation mobile communications system (5G) and the sixth generation mobile communications system (6G), has been progressing. In this type of ultra-high-speed, large-capacity communications field, electronic components tend to become larger. However, antenna modules that incorporate such electronic components are required to be smaller.

[0008] In order to use larger electronic components in the antenna-integrated module described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to increase the size of the board to secure space for mounting the electronic components, or to reduce the distance between the components of the antenna-integrated module. If the size of the board increases, the size of the antenna-integrated module also increases, and the area required to install the antenna-integrated module also increases. On the other hand, if the distance between the components of the antenna-integrated module is reduced, the antenna characteristics may deteriorate.

[0009] The present disclosure provides an antenna module that allows for miniaturization while improving antenna characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An antenna module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main body having a top surface and a bottom surface in a height direction and a plurality of side surfaces, an antenna including an antenna electrode covering a particular side surface among the plurality of side surfaces, and a shield electrode covering the top surface so as not to come into contact with the antenna electrode. The main body includes a substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface, a plurality of electronic components mounted on the substrate and connected to the antenna, a first dielectric layer covering the first main surface and defining the top surface, a second dielectric layer covering the second main surface and defining the bottom surface, a first ground connection electrode having a columnar shape penetrating the first dielectric layer and connecting the substrate to the shield electrode, and a second ground connection electrode having a columnar shape penetrating the second dielectric layer and used to connect the substrate to the ground of an external substrate. The second ground connection electrode is located inside the shield electrode when viewed in the height direction. Effect of the Invention

[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure allow for improved antenna characteristics while enabling miniaturization. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a configuration example of an antenna module according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] Side view of the antenna module in Figure 1 [Diagram 3] Cross-section of the antenna module in Figure 1 [Figure 4] Plan view of the antenna module in Figure 1 [Diagram 5] A plan view of the antenna module in Figure 1 with some parts omitted. [Figure 6] Bottom view of the antenna module in Figure 1 [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of an antenna module according to a first modified example; [Figure 8] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of an antenna module according to a second modified example; [Figure 9] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of an antenna module according to a third modified example; [Figure 10] Graph of antenna characteristics of the antenna module in Figure 1 [Figure 11] Graph of antenna characteristics of antenna module in Fig. 7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] [1. Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings in some cases. However, the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the following contents (e.g., the shape, dimensions, arrangement, etc. of each component). Positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings unless otherwise specified. Each figure described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the size and thickness ratios of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of each element are not limited to the ratios shown in the drawings.

[0014] In the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish between multiple components, prefixes such as "first" and "second" are added to the names of the components. However, when the components can be distinguished from one another by the symbols added to them, the prefixes such as "first" and "second" may be omitted in consideration of readability of the text.

[0015] In the circuit configuration of the present disclosure, "connected" includes not only direct connection by a connection terminal and / or a wiring conductor, but also electrical connection via other circuit components. Additionally, "connected between A and B" means connected to both A and B between A and B. "Electrically connected" means "electrically connected through direct or indirect contact."

[0016] [1.1 Configuration] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a configuration example of an antenna module 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side view of the antenna module 1 of Fig. 1. In the following description, a Cartesian coordinate system of three axes, XYZ, shown in Fig. 1 will be referred to simply for the purpose of making the description easier to understand.

[0017] The antenna module 1 is mounted on a device for communication in a predetermined frequency band. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the antenna module 1 is mounted on an external board 100. The external board 100 is, for example, a mounting board for an information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet.

[0018] The antenna module 1 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 includes a main body 2, an antenna 3, and a shield electrode 4.

[0019] The main body 2 in FIG. 1 has a top surface 21 and a bottom surface 22 in the height direction (Z direction in FIG. 1), and a number of side surfaces 23 to 26.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a side view of the antenna module 1 in Fig. 1. The bottom surface 22 is the surface of the main body 2 that faces the external substrate 100 on which the main body 2 is mounted, and the top surface 21 is the surface opposite the bottom surface 22. In this embodiment, the direction in which the top surface 21 and the bottom surface 22 face each other is referred to as the height direction. The height direction of the main body 2 may or may not coincide with the vertical direction depending on the manner in which the main body 2 is mounted and the arrangement of the external substrate 100, etc.

[0021] The main body 2 in FIG. 1 is rectangular and has four side surfaces 23 to 26. The four side surfaces 23 to 26 include both side surfaces 23, 24 in a first direction (X direction in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the height direction of the main body 2, and both side surfaces 25, 26 in a second direction (Y direction in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the height direction and the first direction of the main body 2. In this embodiment, the dimension of the main body 2 in the first direction is larger than the dimension of the main body 2 in the second direction. Therefore, it can be said that the first direction is the length direction of the main body 2, and the second direction is the width direction of the main body 2.

[0022] 1 further has a protrusion 27. The protrusion 27 is on a specific side surface 23 among the multiple side surfaces 23 to 26. The protrusion 27 will be described later.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 6.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 2 includes a substrate 5, a plurality of electronic components (a first electronic component 61 and a second electronic component 62), a first dielectric layer 71, and a second dielectric layer 72.

[0025] The substrate 5 has a first main surface 51 and a second main surface 52. The second main surface 52 is the surface opposite to the first main surface 51. The first main surface 51 and the second main surface 52 are, for example, both surfaces in the thickness direction of the substrate 5. In this embodiment, the thickness direction of the substrate 5 corresponds to the height direction of the main body portion 2.

[0026] The substrate 5 is, for example, a dielectric substrate. Examples of the dielectric substrate include a low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) multilayer substrate, a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating a plurality of resin layers made of resin such as epoxy or polyimide, a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating a plurality of resin layers made of liquid crystal polymer (LCP) having a lower dielectric constant, a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating a plurality of resin layers made of fluorine-based resin, and a ceramic multilayer substrate other than LTCC.

[0027] The multiple electronic components are mounted on a substrate 5 and connected to an antenna 3. The multiple electronic components configure a communication circuit for communicating via the antenna 3. Examples of the electronic components include a switch circuit, a switch integrated circuit, a filter circuit, a power amplifier circuit, a signal processing circuit (RFIC, BBIC, etc.), a matching circuit, and various chip components (capacitors, inductors, etc.).

[0028] In this embodiment, the multiple electronic components include a first electronic component 61 and a second electronic component 62. The first electronic component 61 is mounted on the first main surface 51, and the second electronic component 62 is mounted on the second main surface 52. In this embodiment, since electronic components are mounted on both the first main surface 51 and the second main surface 52 of the substrate 5, it is possible to improve the antenna characteristics while making it possible to reduce the size, compared to the case where electronic components are mounted on only one of the first main surface 51 and the second main surface 52 of the substrate 5.

[0029] The first dielectric layer 71 covers the first main surface 51 and defines a top surface 21. In this embodiment, the first electronic component 61 is mounted on the first main surface 51, and the first dielectric layer 71 covers the first main surface 51 together with the first electronic component 61. The top surface 21 is the surface of the first dielectric layer 71 opposite to the substrate 5 (the upper surface in FIG. 2). The material of the first dielectric layer 71 is a resin material having insulating properties. Examples of materials for the first dielectric layer 71 include typical thermosetting resins for molding, such as epoxy resins and cyanate resins.

[0030] The second dielectric layer 72 covers the second main surface 52 and defines a bottom surface 22. In this embodiment, the second electronic component 62 is mounted on the second main surface 52, and the second dielectric layer 72 covers the second main surface 52 together with the second electronic component 62. The bottom surface 22 is the surface of the second dielectric layer 72 opposite to the substrate 5 (the lower surface in FIG. 2). The material of the second dielectric layer 72 is a resin material having insulating properties. Examples of materials for the second dielectric layer 72 include typical thermosetting resins for molding, such as epoxy resins and cyanate resins.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the antenna module 1. In the main body 2 in Fig. 4, when viewed from the height direction (Z direction in Fig. 1), the outer circumferential shapes of the substrate 5, the first dielectric layer 71 and the second dielectric layer 73 are the same. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 1, each of the multiple side surfaces 23 to 26 of the main body 2 is formed by the corresponding side surfaces of the substrate 5, the first dielectric layer 71 and the second dielectric layer 73.

[0032] The above-mentioned protrusion 27 is a part of the second dielectric layer 72. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the protrusion 27 is located at the end of the specific side surface 23 on the bottom surface 22 side. That is, the second dielectric layer 27 has the protrusion 27 at a portion corresponding to the end of the specific side surface 23 on the bottom surface 22 side. As shown in Fig. 1, the protrusion 27 is rectangular parallelepiped-shaped. The protrusion 27 extends over the entire specific side surface 23 in the second direction.

[0033] Thus, in this embodiment, the surfaces of the main body 2 (top surface 21, bottom surface 22, and multiple side surfaces 23 to 26) are defined by the substrate 5, the first dielectric layer 71, and the second dielectric layer 72.

[0034] The antenna 3 and the shield electrode 4 are provided on the main body 2 .

[0035] The antenna 3 constitutes, for example, a grounded λ / 4 monopole antenna. The shape of the antenna 3 is determined according to the frequency band used for communication by the antenna 3. As an example, the frequency band is the Bluetooth (registered trademark) frequency band (for example, about 2.4 GHz).

[0036] 1 includes an antenna electrode 31 that covers a specific side surface 23 of the multiple side surfaces 23 to 26. In this embodiment, the entire antenna electrode 31 is located within the specific side surface 23. In other words, the antenna electrode 31 is not located on any surface other than the specific side surface 23, i.e., on the top surface 21, bottom surface 22, and multiple side surfaces 24 to 26. This allows the antenna 3 to be miniaturized while improving the antenna characteristics.

[0037] 2 spans between the first dielectric layer 71 and the second dielectric layer 72 in the height direction. This configuration allows the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31 to be larger than when the antenna electrode 31 is contained within the first dielectric layer 71, making it possible to improve the antenna characteristics.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the antenna electrode 31 has a first portion 311 and a second portion 312 .

[0039] The first portion 311 covers an area of ​​the specific side surface 23 from the end of the specific side surface 23 on the top surface 21 side to the protrusion 27. Therefore, the antenna electrode 31 covers the specific side surface 23 so that the end of the specific side surface 23 on the bottom surface 22 side is exposed. This allows the distance between the antenna electrode 31 and the external substrate 100 to be greater than when the antenna electrode 31 extends from the end of the specific side surface 23 on the top surface 21 side to the end of the bottom surface 22, and reduces the capacitive coupling that may occur between the external substrate 100 and the antenna electrode 31. In this embodiment, the main body 2 has a protrusion 27 at the end of the specific side surface 23 on the bottom surface 22 side. This also reduces the capacitive coupling that may occur between the external substrate 100 and the antenna electrode 31. Here, the height dimension of the protrusion 27 is set according to the distance by which the first portion 311 of the antenna electrode 31 is separated from the external substrate 100.

[0040] The second portion 312 extends from the first portion 311 along the protrusion 27. When viewed from the second direction of the main body 2, the antenna electrode 31 is L-shaped. This configuration allows the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31 to be increased by the amount of the second portion 312 compared to when the antenna electrode 31 has only the first portion 311, making it possible to improve the antenna characteristics. Here, the dimension of the protrusion 27 in the first direction, that is, the protruding dimension of the protrusion 27, is appropriately set according to the length of the second portion 312 described later. In this embodiment, the dimension of the protrusion 27 in the first direction is not particularly limited, but is 15% of the dimension of the main body 2 in the first direction.

[0041] 1, the antenna electrode 31 covers the entirety of the specific side surface 23 in a direction (second direction, Y direction in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the height direction (Z direction in FIG. 1) within the specific side surface 23 (within the YZ plane in FIG. 1). In other words, the antenna electrode 31 spans both ends of the specific side surface 23 in the second direction. This makes it possible to increase the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31 and improve the antenna characteristics.

[0042] The antenna 3 further includes an adjustment circuit 32 connected to the antenna electrode 31. The adjustment circuit 32 is located on the substrate 5. The adjustment circuit 32 will be described later.

[0043] The shield electrode 4 is provided for the purpose of electromagnetic field shielding against electronic components (first electronic component 61, second electronic component 62) mounted on the substrate 5. As shown in FIG. 1, the shield electrode 4 covers the top surface 21 of the main body 2 so as not to come into contact with the antenna electrode 31. In this embodiment, the shield electrode 4 covers not only the top surface 21 but also the side surfaces 24-26, excluding the specific side surface 23, among the multiple side surfaces 23-26 so as not to come into contact with the antenna electrode 31. This enables improvement of the shielding effect (electromagnetic field shielding function) of the shield electrode 4. More specifically, the shield electrode 4 includes a top surface portion 41 that covers the top surface 21, and side surface portions 42, 43, and 44 that cover the side surfaces 24, 25, and 26, respectively.

[0044] The top surface portion 41 is rectangular when viewed from the height direction (Z direction). The top surface portion 41 covers the entire top surface 21 in the second direction, but exposes an end portion of the top surface 21 on the side of a specific side surface 23 in the first direction. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the end portion of the top surface portion 41 on the side of the specific side surface 23 (the right end in FIG. 4) is spaced apart from the antenna electrode 31. The side surface portion 42 is rectangular when viewed from the first direction (X direction). The side surface portion 42 covers the entire side surface 24 in each of the height direction and the second direction. The side surface portions 43, 44 are rectangular when viewed from the second direction (Y direction). The side surface portions 43, 44 cover the entire side surfaces 25, 26 in the height direction, but expose an end portion of the side surfaces 25, 26 on the side of the specific side surface 23 in the first direction. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the end of the side surface portions 43, 44 on the side of the specific side surface 23 (the right end in FIG. 4) is spaced apart from the antenna electrode 31.

[0045] The shield electrode 4 is disposed on the main body 2 such that a portion of the main body 2 is exposed from a gap g1 between the shield electrode 4 and the antenna electrode 31. The portion of the main body 2 exposed from the gap g1 is a portion of the main body 2 that is not covered by the shield electrode 4 and is therefore a portion of the substrate 5 that can be used for arranging an antenna. Hereinafter, the portion of the substrate 5 that can be used for arranging an antenna is referred to as an antenna area 2a. The size of the gap g1 is appropriately set so that the shield electrode 4 and the antenna electrode 31 do not affect each other.

[0046] Fig. 5 is a partially omitted plan view of the antenna module 1. The shield electrode 4 and the first dielectric layer 71 are omitted in Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, a dashed line L1 indicates the position of the end of the shield electrode 4 on the side of a specific side surface 23.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the adjustment circuit 32 of the antenna 3 is between the antenna electrode 31 and the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction. That is, the adjustment circuit 32 is located in the antenna area 2a on the substrate 5. The adjustment circuit 32 is connected to the antenna electrode 31, and includes a wiring portion 33 and an adjustment element 34. The wiring portion 33 is used to adjust the electrical length of the antenna 3. The electrical length of the antenna 3 is determined by the shapes of the wiring portion 33 and the antenna electrode 31. By appropriately setting the shape of the wiring portion 33, it is possible to adjust the electrical length of the antenna 3. The adjustment element 34 is used to adjust the frequency (resonant frequency) of the antenna 3. Examples of the adjustment element 34 include a capacitor and an inductor. In FIG. 5, the adjustment element 34 can be disposed in the middle of the wiring portion 33, or between a part of the wiring portion 33 and the ground. The antenna 3 includes the adjustment circuit 32, and the performance of the antenna 3 can be easily set to a desired performance.

[0048] 5 includes a portion 33a extending in a first direction and connected to an electronic component, a portion 33b extending from portion 33a in a second direction, and a portion 33b extending from portion 33b in the first direction and connected to antenna electrode 31. Thus, wiring portion 33 includes portion 33b extending in a height direction (Z direction) and in a direction (Y direction) intersecting a normal line (X direction) of specific side surface 23. The entire length of wiring portion 33 can be adjusted by adjusting the length of portion 33b. This makes it easier to set the electrical length of antenna 3 to a desired electrical length.

[0049] In this embodiment, the dimension d1 of the antenna electrode 31 in the height direction (see FIG. 2) is larger than the width d2 of the wiring portion 33 (see FIG. 5). This configuration makes it possible to improve the antenna characteristics because the tip side of the antenna 3 is thicker than the base side. The narrow width d2 of the wiring portion 33 can reduce capacitive coupling that may occur with the ground of the external substrate 100. The dimension d1 of the antenna electrode 31 in the height direction is equal to the dimension of the first portion 311 of the antenna electrode 31 in the height direction.

[0050] The substrate 5 in FIG. 5 includes a ground pattern 511 connected to the shield electrode 4. In this embodiment, the ground pattern 511 is located inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction. The ground pattern 511 is formed, for example, on the first main surface 51 of the substrate 5. The ground pattern 511 is arranged, for example, so as to surround a mounting area 51a in which electronic components are mounted on the substrate 5. The ground pattern 511 has a passage 511a connecting the mounting area 51a and the antenna area 2a. In the passage 511a, a connection line 512 for connecting the antenna 3 and an electronic component (first electronic component 61 in FIG. 5) is formed separately from the ground pattern 511. In this embodiment, the connection line 512 connects the first electronic component 61 to a portion 33a of the wiring portion 33 of the antenna 3. This connects the first electronic component 61 to the antenna electrode 31.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body 2 further includes a first ground connection electrode 81, a second ground connection electrode 82, an input / output connection electrode 83, and an auxiliary connection electrode 84.

[0052] The first ground connection electrode 81 is used to connect the substrate 5 to the shield electrode 4. More specifically, the first ground connection electrode 81 is used to connect the ground pattern 511 of the substrate 5 to the shield electrode 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the first ground connection electrode 81 is columnar and penetrates the first dielectric layer 71. The material of the first ground connection electrode 81 is, for example, a copper metal. The first ground connection electrode 81 is a metal columnar electrode (also called a post). In the present embodiment, an end of the first ground connection electrode 81 is exposed from the top surface 21 and is in direct contact with the top surface portion 41 of the shield electrode 4.

[0053] In this embodiment, the main body 2 includes a plurality of (two in FIG. 4) first ground connection electrodes 81. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the two first ground connection electrodes 81 form a first row 811 aligned in a predetermined direction (Y direction) intersecting the height direction and the normal to the specific side surface 23. In FIG. 5, the first row 811 is located inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction (Z direction). The first row 811 is located on the specific side surface 23 side, inside the shield electrode 4, when viewed from the height direction (Z direction).

[0054] The second ground connection electrode 82 is used to connect the substrate 5 to the ground of the external substrate 100 (see FIG. 2). Since the main body 2 includes the second dielectric layer 72 covering the second main surface 52 of the substrate 5, the second ground connection electrode 82 is provided to connect the substrate 5 to the ground of the external substrate 100. More specifically, the second ground connection electrode 82 is used to connect the ground pattern 511 of the substrate 5 to the shield electrode 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the second ground connection electrode 82 is a columnar electrode penetrating the second dielectric layer 72. In this embodiment, the diameter of the second ground connection electrode 82 is smaller than the diameter of the first ground connection electrode 81, but is not particularly limited. The material of the second ground connection electrode 82 is, for example, a metal such as copper. The second ground connection electrode 82 is a columnar electrode (also called a post) made of metal. In this embodiment, an end of the second ground connection electrode 82 is exposed from the bottom surface 22. Therefore, the second ground connection electrode 82 can be connected to the ground of the external substrate 100 by the bump 9 or the like.

[0055] The second ground connection electrode 82 is connected to the ground of the external substrate 100, and is therefore equivalent to the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the antenna electrode 31. Therefore, the second ground connection electrode 82 approaching the antenna electrode 31 is synonymous with the shield electrode 4 approaching the antenna electrode 31. Therefore, the second ground connection electrode 82 is located inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction (Z direction). This reduces the possibility that the distance between the shield electrode 4 and the antenna electrode 31 appears to be closer due to the second ground connection electrode 82. Therefore, even when the second ground connection electrode 82 is provided, it is possible to improve the antenna performance.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the antenna module 1. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the main body 2 includes a plurality of (12 in FIG. 6) second ground connection electrodes 82. In FIG. 6, the 12 second ground connection electrodes 82 form second rows 821 and 822 arranged in a predetermined direction (Y direction) intersecting the height direction and the normal line of the specific side surface 23. In each of the second rows 821 and 822, the number of second ground connection electrodes 82 is six. In FIG. 6, the second rows 821 and 822 are located inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction (Z direction). The second row 821 is located on the side surface 24 side inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction (Z direction). The second row 822 is located on the side surface 23 side inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction (Z direction).

[0057] In the main body 2, the plurality of first ground connection electrodes 81 includes a first row 811 in which two or more first ground connection electrodes 81 are arranged in a predetermined direction intersecting the height direction and the normal to the specific side surface 23. The plurality of second ground connection electrodes 82 includes second rows 821, 822 in which two or more second ground connection electrodes 82 are arranged in a predetermined direction intersecting the height direction and the normal to the specific side surface 23. Here, the number of second ground connection electrodes 82 in the second row 822, which is closest to the antenna electrode 31 among the second rows 821, 822, is smaller than the number of first ground connection electrodes 81 in the first row 811. This makes it possible to reduce capacitive coupling that may occur between the shield electrode 4 and the antenna electrode 31, thereby enabling improvement of antenna characteristics.

[0058] The input / output connection electrode 83 is used to connect the substrate 5 to the input / output portion of the external substrate 100 (see FIG. 2). Examples of the input / output portion of the external substrate 100 include a power input terminal or a power output terminal for transmitting power to and from the antenna module 1, a communication signal input terminal or a communication signal output terminal for transmitting a communication signal to and from the antenna module 1, and a control signal input terminal or a control signal output terminal for transmitting a control signal to and from the antenna module 1. More specifically, the second ground connection electrode 82 is used to connect electronic components of the substrate 5 to the external substrate 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the input / output connection electrode 83 is a columnar electrode penetrating the second dielectric layer 72. The material of the input / output connection electrode 83 is, for example, a copper metal. The input / output connection electrode 83 is a metal columnar electrode (also called a post). In this embodiment, an end of the input / output connection electrode 83 is exposed from the bottom surface 22. Therefore, the input / output connection electrode 83 can be connected to the input / output portion of the external substrate 100 by a bump 9 or the like.

[0059] The input / output connection electrodes 83 in FIG. 6 are located inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction (Z direction). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the main body 2 includes a plurality of input / output connection electrodes 83 (14 in FIG. 6). In FIG. 6, the 14 input / output connection electrodes 83 form third rows 831 and 832 arranged in a direction (first direction, X direction) along the normal line of a specific side surface 23. The number of input / output connection electrodes 83 in each of the third rows 831 and 832 is seven. In FIG. 6, the third rows 831 and 832 are located inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction (Z direction). The third row 831 is located on the side surface 25 side inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction (Z direction). The third row 832 is located on the side surface 26 side inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction (Z direction). Moreover, when viewed from the height direction (Z direction), the third rows 831 and 832 are located between the second rows 821 and 822. This configuration allows for miniaturization while improving the antenna characteristics.

[0060] The auxiliary connection electrode 84 is used to connect the substrate 5 to a portion of the external substrate 100 that is different from the ground. In this embodiment, the auxiliary connection electrode 84 is used to connect the substrate 5 to an auxiliary connection portion that is a portion of the external substrate 100 that is different from the ground and the input / output portion. Examples of the auxiliary connection portion include a dummy electrode and an antenna function extension electrode. The dummy electrode is an electrode that is provided only for the purpose of fixing the auxiliary connection electrode 84, and unlike the ground or the input / output portion, does not have a substantial function of an electric circuit. In this case, the auxiliary connection electrode 84 is also connected to the substrate 5 so as not to affect the operation and characteristics of the antenna module 1. The antenna function extension electrode is an electrode for extending the function of the antenna 3. Specifically, the antenna function extension electrode is used to connect the antenna 3 to an antenna circuit provided on the external substrate 100 for adjusting the electrical length, frequency, etc. of the antenna 3. In this case, the auxiliary connection electrode 84 can be connected to the antenna 3 through the substrate 5.

[0061] 3, the auxiliary connection electrode 84 is columnar and penetrates the second dielectric layer 72. The material of the auxiliary connection electrode 84 is, for example, a metal such as copper. The auxiliary connection electrode 84 is a metal columnar electrode (also called a post). In this embodiment, an end of the auxiliary connection electrode 84 is exposed from the bottom surface 22. Therefore, the auxiliary connection electrode 84 can be connected to an auxiliary connection portion of the external substrate 100 by a bump 9 or the like.

[0062] The auxiliary connection electrode 84 in FIG. 6 is located between the antenna electrode 31 and the shield electrode 4 (antenna area 2a) when viewed from the height direction (Z direction). This allows the antenna module 1 to be mounted on the external substrate 100 between the antenna electrode 31 and the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction, thereby improving the stability of mounting the antenna module 1 on the external substrate 100. In this embodiment, the second ground connection electrode 82 connected to the ground is located inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction (Z direction) in consideration of the antenna performance. Therefore, unlike the case where the second ground connection electrode 82 is located between the antenna electrode 31 and the shield electrode 4, the main body 2 is not supported by the external substrate 100 between the antenna electrode 31 and the shield electrode 4, and the stability of mounting may decrease. However, in this embodiment, the auxiliary connection electrode 84 that is not connected to the ground and does not affect the antenna performance is provided between the antenna electrode 31 and the shield electrode 4, and the auxiliary connection electrode 84 is mounted on the external substrate 100, thereby allowing the antenna module 1 to be mounted on the external substrate 100 in a well-balanced manner.

[0063] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the main body 2 includes a plurality of (six in Fig. 6) auxiliary connection electrodes 84. In Fig. 6, the six auxiliary connection electrodes 84 form a fourth row 841 aligned in a predetermined direction (Y direction) intersecting the height direction and the normal line of a specific side surface 23. In Fig. 6, the fourth row 841 is located between the antenna electrode 31 and the shield electrode 4 (antenna area 2a) when viewed from the height direction (Z direction). This enables further improvement in the stability of mounting the antenna module 1 on the external board 100.

[0064] [1.2 Evaluation] As described above, in the antenna module 1, the second ground connection electrode 82 is located inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction (Z direction). This reduces the possibility that the distance between the shield electrode 4 and the antenna electrode 31 appears to be closer due to the second ground connection electrode 82. Therefore, even when the second ground connection electrode 82 is provided, it is possible to improve the antenna performance. In order to confirm the effect of the second ground connection electrode 82 being located inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction (Z direction), the antenna efficiency was evaluated for a configuration (configuration of the present embodiment) in which the second ground connection electrode 82 is located inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction (Z direction) and a configuration (configuration of the comparative example) in which the second ground connection electrode 82 is located between the shield electrode 4 and the antenna electrode 31 (antenna area 2a) when viewed from the height direction (Z direction).

[0065] Table 1 below shows the antenna efficiency [dB] in the configuration of this embodiment and the configuration of the comparative example. The antenna efficiency is calculated as the radiated power relative to the input power of the antenna.

[0066] [Table 1]

[0067] From Table 1, it was confirmed that the configuration of this embodiment has better antenna efficiency than the configuration of the comparative example.

[0068] [1.3 Effects, etc.] The antenna module 1 described above includes a main body 2 having a top surface 21 and a bottom surface 22 in the height direction and a plurality of side surfaces 23 to 26, an antenna 3 including an antenna electrode 31 covering a specific side surface 23 of the plurality of side surfaces 23 to 26, and a shield electrode 4 covering the top surface 21 so as not to come into contact with the antenna electrode 31. The main body 2 includes a substrate 5 having a first main surface 51 and a second main surface 52, a plurality of electronic components (first electronic components 61, second electronic components 62) mounted on the substrate 5 and connected to the antenna 3, a first dielectric layer 71 covering the first main surface 51 and defining the top surface 21, a second dielectric layer 72 covering the second main surface 52 and defining the bottom surface 22, a first ground connection electrode 81 having a columnar shape penetrating the first dielectric layer 71 and connecting the substrate 5 to the shield electrode 4, and a second ground connection electrode 82 having a columnar shape penetrating the second dielectric layer 72 and used to connect the substrate 5 to the ground of an external substrate 100. When viewed in the height direction, the second ground connection electrode 82 is located inside the shield electrode 4. This configuration enables miniaturization while improving the antenna characteristics.

[0069] In the antenna module 1, the antenna electrode 31 straddles, in the height direction, between the first dielectric layer 71 and the second dielectric layer 72. This configuration can increase the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31, enabling improvement of the antenna characteristics.

[0070] In the antenna module 1, the antenna electrode 31 covers the specific side surface 23 so that an end portion of the specific side surface 23 on the bottom surface 22 side is exposed. This configuration can reduce capacitive coupling that may occur between the external substrate 100 and the antenna electrode 31.

[0071] In the antenna module 1, the entire antenna electrode 31 is located within the particular side surface 23. This configuration allows for miniaturization while improving the antenna characteristics.

[0072] In the antenna module 1, the antenna electrode 31 covers the entire specific side surface 23 in a direction perpendicular to the height direction within the specific side surface 23. This configuration can increase the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31, enabling improvement of the antenna characteristics.

[0073] In the antenna module 1, the antenna 3 is located on the substrate 5 and includes an adjustment circuit 32 connected to the antenna electrode 31. The adjustment circuit 32 includes at least one of a wiring portion 33 for adjusting the electrical length of the antenna 3 and an adjustment element 34 for adjusting the frequency of the antenna 3. The adjustment circuit 32 is located between the antenna electrode 31 and the shield electrode 4 when viewed in the height direction. This configuration makes it easy to set the performance of the antenna 3 to a desired performance.

[0074] In the antenna module 1, the adjustment circuit 32 includes a wiring portion 33. A dimension d1 of the antenna electrode 31 in the height direction is greater than a width d2 of the wiring portion 33. This configuration makes it possible to improve the antenna characteristics because the tip side of the antenna 3 is thicker than the base side.

[0075] In the antenna module 1, the wiring portion 33 includes a portion 33b extending in the height direction and in a direction intersecting the normal to the specific side surface 23. This configuration makes it easier to set the electrical length of the antenna 3 to a desired electrical length.

[0076] In the antenna module 1, the main body 2 includes a plurality of first ground connection electrodes 81 and a plurality of second ground connection electrodes 82. The plurality of first ground connection electrodes 81 includes one or more first rows 811 in which two or more first ground connection electrodes 81 are arranged in a predetermined direction intersecting the height direction and the normal line of the specific side surface 23. The plurality of second ground connection electrodes 82 includes one or more second rows 821, 822 in which two or more second ground connection electrodes 82 are arranged in a predetermined direction. The number of second ground connection electrodes 82 in the second row 822 that is closest to the antenna electrode 31 among the one or more second rows 821, 822 is smaller than the number of first ground connection electrodes 81 in the first row 811 that is closest to the antenna electrode 31 among the one or more first rows 811. This configuration can reduce capacitive coupling that may occur between the shield electrode 4 and the antenna electrode 31, and enables improvement of antenna characteristics.

[0077] In the antenna module 1, the main body 2 includes an auxiliary connection electrode 84. The auxiliary connection electrode 84 is columnar and penetrates the second dielectric layer 72, and is used to connect the substrate 5 to a portion of the external substrate 100 other than the ground. The auxiliary connection electrode 84 is located between the antenna electrode 31 and the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction. This configuration allows the antenna module 1 to be mounted on the external substrate 100 between the antenna electrode 31 and the shield electrode 4 when viewed from the height direction, thereby improving the stability of mounting the antenna module 1 on the external substrate 100.

[0078] In the antenna module 1, the main body 2 includes an input / output connection electrode 83. The input / output connection electrode 83 is columnar and penetrates the second dielectric layer 72, and is used to connect the substrate 5 to an input / output section of the external substrate 100. The input / output connection electrode 83 is located inside the shield electrode 4 when viewed in the height direction. This configuration allows for miniaturization while improving the antenna characteristics.

[0079] In the antenna module 1, the multiple electronic components (first electronic component 61, second electronic component 62) include a first electronic component 61 mounted on the first main surface 51 and a second electronic component 62 mounted on the second main surface 52. A first dielectric layer 71 covers the first main surface 51 together with the first electronic component 61. A second dielectric layer 72 covers the second main surface 52 together with the second electronic component 62. This configuration enables miniaturization while improving antenna characteristics.

[0080] In the antenna module 1, the second dielectric layer 72 has a protrusion 27 at a portion corresponding to an end portion of the specific side surface 23 on the bottom surface 22 side. This configuration can reduce capacitive coupling that may occur between the external substrate 100 and the antenna electrode 31.

[0081] In the antenna module 1, the antenna electrode 31 has a first portion 311 covering the specific side surface 23, and a second portion 312 extending from the first portion 311 along the protrusion 27. This configuration can increase the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31, enabling improvement of the antenna characteristics.

[0082] In the antenna module 1, the shield electrode 4 covers one or more of the side surfaces 24-26 among the multiple side surfaces 23-26, excluding a specific side surface 23. This configuration enables the shielding effect provided by the shield electrode 4 to be improved.

[0083] [2. Modifications] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. The above-mentioned embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Below, modified examples of the above-mentioned embodiments are listed. The modified examples described below can be applied in appropriate combination.

[0084] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of an antenna module 1A according to Modification 1. The antenna module 1A in Fig. 7 includes a main body 2A, an antenna 3A, and a shield electrode 4. Like the main body 2 of the antenna module 1 in the above embodiment, the main body 2A in Fig. 7 has a top surface 21, a bottom surface 22, and a plurality of side surfaces 23-26, but does not have a protrusion 27.

[0085] In the antenna 3A in Fig. 7, the entire antenna electrode 31A is located within the specific side surface 23. This allows the antenna 3A to be miniaturized while improving the antenna characteristics. The antenna electrode 31A in Fig. 7 straddles between the first dielectric layer 71 and the second dielectric layer 72 in the height direction. This allows the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31A to be larger than when the antenna electrode 31A is contained within the first dielectric layer 71, improving the antenna characteristics.

[0086] In particular, the antenna electrode 31A covers an area of ​​the specific side surface 23 from the end of the specific side surface 23 on the top surface 21 side to the end of the specific side surface 23 on the bottom surface 22 side. Therefore, the antenna electrode 31A covers the entire specific side surface 23 in the height direction. This makes it possible to increase the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31A.

[0087] Similar to the antenna electrode 31, the antenna electrode 31A covers the entirety of the specific side surface 23 in a direction (second direction, Y direction in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the height direction within the specific side surface 23. In other words, the antenna electrode 31A spans between both ends of the specific side surface 23 in the second direction. This makes it possible to increase the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31A and improve the antenna characteristics.

[0088] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of an antenna module 1B according to Modification 2. The antenna module 1B in Fig. 8 includes a main body 2B, an antenna 3B, and a shield electrode 4. Like the main body 2 of the antenna module 1 in the above embodiment, the main body 2B in Fig. 8 has a top surface 21, a bottom surface 22, and a plurality of side surfaces 23-26, but does not have a protrusion 27.

[0089] In the antenna 3B of Fig. 8, the entire antenna electrode 31B is located within the specific side surface 23. This allows the antenna 3B to be miniaturized while improving the antenna characteristics. The antenna electrode 31B of Fig. 8 straddles between the first dielectric layer 71 and the second dielectric layer 72 in the height direction. This allows the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31B to be larger than when the antenna electrode 31B is contained within the first dielectric layer 71, improving the antenna characteristics.

[0090] In particular, the antenna electrode 31B covers the specific side surface 23 so that an end portion of the specific side surface 23 on the bottom surface 22 side is exposed. In Fig. 8, the antenna electrode 31B is disposed on the specific side surface 23 so that a part of the specific side surface 23 is exposed from a gap g2 between the end portion of the specific side surface 23 on the bottom surface 22 side and the antenna electrode 31B. This makes it possible to reduce capacitive coupling that may occur between the external substrate 100 and the antenna electrode 31B, compared to the antenna module 1A in Fig. 7. On the other hand, the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31B is smaller than the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31A.

[0091] Similar to the antenna electrode 31, the antenna electrode 31B covers the entirety of the specific side surface 23 in a direction orthogonal to the height direction within the specific side surface 23 (second direction, Y direction in FIG. 1). That is, the antenna electrode 31B spans between both ends of the specific side surface 23 in the second direction. This makes it possible to increase the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31B, thereby enabling improvement in antenna characteristics.

[0092] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of an antenna module 1C according to Modification 3. The antenna module 1C in Fig. 9 includes a main body 2C, an antenna 3C, and a shield electrode 4. Like the main body 2 of the antenna module 1 in the above embodiment, the main body 2C in Fig. 9 has a top surface 21, a bottom surface 22, and a plurality of side surfaces 23-26, but does not have a protrusion 27.

[0093] In the antenna 3C of FIG. 9, the entire antenna electrode 31C is located within the specific side surface 23. This allows the antenna 3C to be miniaturized while improving the antenna characteristics. The antenna electrode 31C of FIG. 9 spans between the first dielectric layer 71 and the substrate 5 in the height direction. That is, the antenna electrode 31C covers the area of ​​the specific side surface 23 from the end of the specific side surface 23 on the top surface 21 side to the second main surface 52 of the substrate 5. This reduces the capacitive coupling that may occur between the external substrate 100 and the antenna electrode 31B compared to the antenna module 1B of FIG. 7. Meanwhile, the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31C is smaller than the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31B.

[0094] Similar to the antenna electrode 31, the antenna electrode 31C covers the entirety of the specific side surface 23 in a direction (second direction, Y direction in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the height direction within the specific side surface 23. That is, the antenna electrode 31C spans between both ends of the specific side surface 23 in the second direction. This makes it possible to increase the area of ​​the antenna electrode 31C and improve the antenna characteristics.

[0095] The shape of the antenna electrode can be modified in various ways according to the above embodiment and modifications 1 to 3. Of course, the antenna electrode is not limited to the configuration examples of the above embodiment and modifications 1 to 3, and may be modified as appropriate. However, the antenna characteristics can be improved by using an antenna electrode with a shape that increases the apparent volume of the antenna.

[0096] Fig. 10 is a graph of the antenna characteristics of the antenna module 1 having the configuration of the above embodiment in Fig. 1. Fig. 11 is a graph of the antenna characteristics of the antenna module 1A having the configuration of Modification 1 in Fig. 7. In Figs. 10 and 11, the lower the intensity, the higher the radiation ability.

[0097] Table 2 below shows the antenna efficiency [dB] in the configuration of this embodiment and the configuration of Modification 1. The antenna efficiency is calculated as the radiated power relative to the input power of the antenna.

[0098] [Table 2]

[0099] From Table 2, it is confirmed that the configuration of this embodiment has better antenna efficiency than the configuration of Modification 1. This is believed to be because the distance between antenna electrode 31 and external substrate 100 is greater in the configuration of this embodiment than in the configuration of Modification 1, and the area of ​​antenna electrode 31 is increased by second portion 312.

[0100] Further variations will be listed below.

[0101] In one modified example, the shape of the main body 2 is not particularly limited. The size relationship of the main body 2 in the height direction, the first direction, and the second direction is not particularly limited. The main body 2 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may have a shape having a top surface 21, a bottom surface 22, and a plurality of side surfaces. The shapes of the substrate 5, the first dielectric layer 71, and the second dielectric layer 72 may be appropriately set according to the desired shape of the main body 2. In the above embodiment, the side surface of the substrate 5 is exposed, but may be covered by the first dielectric layer 71 or the second dielectric layer 72. In this case, the first dielectric layer 71 and the second dielectric layer 72 may be formed integrally.

[0102] In one modified example, the ground pattern 511 and the connection line 512 do not necessarily have to be formed on the first main surface 51 of the substrate 5, and may be formed on the second main surface 52. When the substrate 5 is a multi-layer substrate, the ground pattern 511 and the connection line 512 may be provided as an intermediate layer of the substrate 5. The shapes of the ground pattern 511 and the connection line 512 are also not particularly limited.

[0103] In one modified example, the frequency band of the antenna 3 is not necessarily limited to the frequency band of Bluetooth (registered trademark). The frequency band may be, for example, a frequency band of wireless communication by Wi-Fi. Examples of the frequency band of wireless communication by Wi-Fi include a frequency band around 2.4 GHz (for example, 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz) and a frequency band around 5 GHz (for example, 5.15 GHz to 5.8 GHz). The frequency band may be selected from well-known frequency bands such as a mid-band of the 2G (second generation mobile communication) standard, a low-band of the 4G (fourth generation mobile communication) standard, and a low-band of the 5G (fifth generation mobile communication) standard. The 2G standard is, for example, the GSM (registered trademark) standard (GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications). The 4G standard is, for example, the 3GPP (registered trademark) LTE standard (LTE: Long Term Evolution). The 5G standard is, for example, 5G NR (New Radio). The frequency band may be selected from frequency bands used in various communication standards such as wireless LAN, specific low power radio, and short-distance wireless communication.

[0104] In one modified example, the entirety of the antenna electrode 31 does not have to be located within the specific side surface 23. In other words, part of the antenna electrode 31 may be located on the top surface 21 and the other side surfaces 25 and 26. However, compared to the case where the antenna electrode 31 is located only on the specific side surface 23, the shield electrode 4 needs to be spaced apart from the antenna electrode 31, and the area of ​​the top surface 21 covered by the shield electrode 4 may be reduced.

[0105] In one modified example, the antenna electrode 31 does not necessarily need to cover the entirety of the specific side surface 23 in a direction orthogonal to the height direction within the specific side surface 23 (the second direction, the Y direction in FIG. 1).

[0106] In one modified example, the antenna electrode 31 does not necessarily have to have the second portion 312.

[0107] In one modified example, the adjustment circuit 32 does not necessarily have to be formed on the first main surface 51 of the substrate 5. The adjustment circuit 32 may be formed on the second main surface 52 of the substrate 5. When the substrate 5 is a multi-layer substrate, the adjustment circuit 32 may be provided as an intermediate layer of the substrate 5. The adjustment circuit 32, particularly the wiring portion 33 of the adjustment circuit 32, may include a portion on the first main surface 51 of the substrate 5, an intermediate layer, and a portion on the second main surface 52. This makes it easier to adjust the electrical length. In the adjustment circuit 32, the shape of the wiring portion 33 and the type and number of the adjustment elements 34 are not particularly limited. The adjustment circuit 32 does not necessarily have to include both the wiring portion 33 and the adjustment element 34, and may include at least one of the wiring portion 33 and the adjustment element 34. The adjustment circuit 32 is not essential. That is, the antenna 3 may be composed of only the antenna electrode 31.

[0108] In one modified example, the shield electrode 4 does not need to have all of the side surface portions 42, 43, and 44, and may have at least one of the side surface portions 42, 43, and 44. The shield electrode 4 does not need to have the side surface portions 42, 43, and 44.

[0109] In one modified example, the number of electronic components (the number of first electronic components 61 and the number of second electronic components 62) is not particularly limited. The type and number of required electronic components are appropriately set depending on the configuration of the communication circuit that uses the antenna 3. The electronic components may be only one of the first electronic components 61 and the second electronic components 62.

[0110] In one modified example, the shapes of the first ground connection electrode 81, the second ground connection electrode 82, the input / output connection electrode 83, and the auxiliary connection electrode 84 are not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate.

[0111] In one modified example, the input / output connection electrode 83 does not necessarily need to be located inside the shield electrode 4 in the height direction, and may be located between the shield electrode 4 and the antenna electrode 31 in the height direction. In this case, the input / output connection electrode 83 makes it possible to improve the stability of mounting the antenna module 1 on the external substrate 100.

[0112] In one modified example, the number of first ground connection electrodes 81, the number of second ground connection electrodes 82, the number of input / output connection electrodes 83, and the number of auxiliary connection electrodes 84 are not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate.

[0113] As an example, unlike the above embodiment, the number of the first ground connection electrodes 81 may be one or more than two. When there are more than two first ground connection electrodes 81, the multiple first ground connection electrodes 81 may include two or more first rows in which the two or more first ground connection electrodes 81 are arranged in a predetermined direction intersecting the height direction and the normal line of the specific side surface 23. Unlike the above embodiment, the number of the second rows of the second ground connection electrodes 82 may be one or more than two. Even in this case, the number of the second ground connection electrodes 82 in the second row 822 that is closest to the antenna electrode 31 among the one or more second rows 821, 822 may be less than the number of the first ground connection electrodes 81 in the first row that is closest to the antenna electrode 31 among the two or more first rows. Even in this case, it is possible to reduce the capacitive coupling that may occur between the shield electrode 4 and the antenna electrode 31, thereby enabling improvement of the antenna characteristics.

[0114] In one variant, the antenna module 1 may not include the auxiliary connecting electrode 84. That is, the auxiliary connecting electrode 84 may be an optional element.

[0115] [3. Aspects] As is clear from the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples, the present disclosure includes the following aspects. In the following, symbols are given in parentheses only to clarify the correspondence with the embodiment. Note that, in consideration of the readability of the text, the description of symbols in parentheses from the second time onwards may be omitted.

[0116] The first aspect is an antenna module (1; 1A-1C) comprising a main body (2; 2A-2C) having a top surface (21) and a bottom surface (22) in the height direction and a plurality of side surfaces (23-26), an antenna (3; 3A-3C) including an antenna electrode (31; 31A-31C) covering a specific side surface (23) of the plurality of side surfaces (23-26), and a shield electrode (4) covering the top surface (21) so as not to come into contact with the antenna electrode (31; 31A-31C). The main body portion (2; 2A to 2C) comprises a substrate (5) having a first main surface (51) and a second main surface (52), a plurality of electronic components (first electronic components 61, second electronic components 62) mounted on the substrate (5) and connected to the antenna (3; 3A to 3C), a first dielectric layer (71) covering the first main surface (51) and defining the top surface (21), a second dielectric layer (72) covering the second main surface (52) and defining the bottom surface (22), a first ground connection electrode (81) which is columnar and penetrates the first dielectric layer (71) and connects the substrate (5) to the shield electrode (4), and a second ground connection electrode (82) which is columnar and penetrates the second dielectric layer (72) and is used to connect the substrate (5) to the ground of an external substrate (100). When viewed in the height direction, the second ground connection electrode 82 is located inside the shield electrode 4. This embodiment allows for miniaturization while improving the antenna characteristics.

[0117] The second aspect is an antenna module (1; 1A, 1B) based on the first aspect. In this aspect, the antenna electrode (31; 31A, 31B) straddles between the first dielectric layer (71) and the second dielectric layer (72) in the height direction. This aspect makes it possible to increase the area of ​​the antenna electrode (31; 31A, 31B) and increase the apparent volume of the antenna, thereby enabling improvement of the antenna characteristics.

[0118] The third aspect is an antenna module (1; 1B, 1C) based on the first aspect. In this aspect, the antenna electrode (31; 31B, 31C) covers the specific side surface (23) so that the end of the specific side surface (23) on the bottom surface (22) side is exposed. This aspect can reduce capacitive coupling that may occur between the external substrate (100) and the antenna electrode (31; 31B, 31C).

[0119] The fourth aspect is an antenna module (1; 1A to 1C) based on any one of the first to third aspects. In this aspect, the antenna electrode (31; 31A to 31C) is entirely located within the specific side surface (23). This aspect allows for miniaturization while improving antenna characteristics.

[0120] The fifth aspect is an antenna module (1; 1A-1C) based on any one of the first to fourth aspects. In this aspect, the antenna electrode (31; 31A-31C) covers the entire specific side surface (23) in a direction perpendicular to the height direction within the specific side surface (23). This aspect allows the area of ​​the antenna electrode (31; 31A, 31B) to be increased, and the apparent volume as an antenna is increased, thereby enabling improvement of antenna characteristics.

[0121] The sixth aspect is an antenna module (1; 1A to 1C) based on any one of the first to fifth aspects. In this aspect, the antenna (3; 3A to 3C) is located on the substrate (5) and includes an adjustment circuit (32) connected to the antenna electrode (31; 31A to 31C). The adjustment circuit (32) includes at least one of a wiring portion (33) for adjusting the electrical length of the antenna (3; 3A to 3C) and an adjustment element (34) for adjusting the frequency of the antenna (3; 3A to 3C). The adjustment circuit (32) is located between the antenna electrode (31; 31A to 31C) and the shield electrode (4) when viewed from the height direction. This aspect makes it easier to set the performance of the antenna (3; 3A to 3C) to a desired performance.

[0122] The seventh aspect is an antenna module (1; 1A to 1C) based on any one of the sixth aspects. In this aspect, the adjustment circuit (32) includes the wiring portion (33). The dimension (d1) of the antenna electrode (31; 31A to 31C) in the height direction is greater than the width (d2) of the wiring portion (33). In this aspect, the tip side of the antenna (3; 3A to 3C) is thicker than the base side, so that the apparent volume of the antenna increases, thereby enabling improvement of the antenna characteristics.

[0123] The eighth aspect is an antenna module (1; 1A to 1C) based on the seventh aspect. In this aspect, the wiring portion (33) includes a portion (33b) extending in a direction intersecting the height direction and the normal line of the specific side surface (23). This aspect makes it easier to set the electrical length of the antenna (3; 3A to 3C) to a desired electrical length.

[0124] A ninth aspect is an antenna module (1; 1A to 1C) based on any one of the first to eighth aspects. In this aspect, the main body (2; 2A to 2C) includes a plurality of the first ground connection electrodes (81) and a plurality of the second ground connection electrodes (82). The plurality of first ground connection electrodes (81) include one or more first rows (811) in which two or more first ground connection electrodes (81) are aligned in a predetermined direction intersecting the height direction and a normal to the specific side surface (23). The plurality of second ground connection electrodes (82) include one or more second rows (821, 822) in which two or more second ground connection electrodes (82) are aligned in the predetermined direction. The number of second ground connection electrodes (82) in the second row (822) that is closest to the antenna electrode (31; 31A to 31C) among the one or more second rows (821, 822) is less than the number of first ground connection electrodes (81) in the first row (811) that is closest to the antenna electrode (31; 31A to 31C) among the one or more first rows (811). This embodiment can reduce capacitive coupling that may occur between the shield electrode (4) and the antenna electrode (31; 31A to 31C), enabling improvement of antenna characteristics.

[0125] A tenth aspect is an antenna module (1; 1A-1C) based on any one of the first to ninth aspects. In this aspect, the main body portion (2; 2A-2C) includes an auxiliary connection electrode (84). The auxiliary connection electrode (84) is columnar and penetrates the second dielectric layer (72), and is used to connect the substrate (5) to a portion of the external substrate (100) different from the ground. The auxiliary connection electrode (84) is located between the antenna electrode (31; 31A-31C) and the shield electrode (4) as viewed in the height direction. This aspect allows the antenna module (1; 1A-1C) to be mounted on the external substrate (100) between the antenna electrode (31; 31A-31C) and the shield electrode (4) as viewed in the height direction, thereby improving the stability of mounting the antenna module (1; 1A-1C) to the external substrate (100).

[0126] An eleventh aspect is an antenna module (1; 1A to 1C) based on the tenth aspect. In this aspect, the main body portion (2; 2A to 2C) includes an input / output connection electrode (83). The input / output connection electrode (83) is columnar and penetrates the second dielectric layer (72), and is used to connect the substrate (5) to an input / output portion of the external substrate (100). The input / output connection electrode (83) is located inside the shield electrode (4) when viewed from the height direction. This aspect allows for miniaturization while improving antenna characteristics.

[0127] The twelfth aspect is an antenna module (1; 1A-1C) based on any one of the first to eleventh aspects. In this aspect, the plurality of electronic components (first electronic component 61, second electronic component 62) include a first electronic component (61) mounted on the first main surface (51) and a second electronic component (62) mounted on the second main surface (52). The first dielectric layer (71) covers the first main surface (51) together with the first electronic component (61). The second dielectric layer (72) covers the second main surface (52) together with the second electronic component (62). This aspect enables miniaturization while improving antenna characteristics.

[0128] The thirteenth aspect is an antenna module (1; 1A-1C) based on any one of the first to twelfth aspects. In this aspect, the second dielectric layer (72) has a protrusion (27) at a portion of the specific side surface (23) corresponding to an end portion on the bottom surface (22) side. This aspect can reduce capacitive coupling that may occur between the external substrate (100) and the antenna electrode (31; 31B, 31C).

[0129] The fourteenth aspect is an antenna module (1; 1A-1C) based on any one of the first to thirteenth aspects. In this aspect, the antenna electrode (31; 31A-31C) has a first portion (311) covering the specific side surface (23) and a second portion (312) extending from the first portion (311) along the protrusion (27). This aspect allows the antenna electrode (31; 31A, 31B) to be made larger, increasing the apparent volume of the antenna, thereby enabling improved antenna characteristics.

[0130] The fifteenth aspect is an antenna module (1; 1A-1C) based on any one of the first to fourteenth aspects. In this aspect, the shield electrode (4) covers one or more side surfaces (24-26) of the multiple side surfaces (23-26) except for the specific side surface (23). This aspect makes it possible to improve the shielding effect of the shield electrode (4).

[0131] The second to fifteenth aspects are optional elements and are not essential. [Industrial Applicability]

[0132] The present disclosure is applicable to an antenna module, specifically, an antenna module in which an antenna and an electronic component are integrated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1,1A~1C Antenna Module 2,2A~2C Main body 21 Top 22 Bottom 23 Aspects (specific aspects) 24,25,26 Side 27 Protrusion 3,3A~3C Antenna 31, 31A~31C Antenna electrode 311 Part 1 312 Part 2 32 Adjustment circuit 33 Wiring section 33b Part 34 Adjustment element 4 Shield electrode 5 Substrate 51 First main surface 52 Second main surface 61 First Electronic Component (Electronic Component) 62 Secondary Electronic Components (Electronic Components) 71 First dielectric layer 72 Second dielectric layer 81 First ground connection electrode 811 Row 1 82 Second ground connection electrode 821,822 2nd column 83 Input / Output Connection Electrode 84 Auxiliary connection electrode 100 External Board

Claims

1. A main body portion having a top surface and a bottom surface in a height direction and a plurality of side surfaces; an antenna including an antenna electrode covering a specific side surface among the plurality of side surfaces; a shield electrode covering the top surface so as not to come into contact with the antenna electrode; Equipped with The main body portion is a substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; a plurality of electronic components mounted on the substrate and connected to the antenna; a first dielectric layer covering the first main surface and defining the top surface; a second dielectric layer covering the second major surface and defining the bottom surface; a first ground connection electrode having a columnar shape penetrating the first dielectric layer and connecting the substrate to the shield electrode; a second ground connection electrode having a columnar shape penetrating the second dielectric layer and used for connecting the substrate to a ground of an external substrate; Equipped with the second ground connection electrode is located inside the shield electrode when viewed in the height direction; Antenna module.

2. the antenna electrode straddles between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer in the height direction; The antenna module according to claim 1 .

3. the antenna electrode covers the specific side surface such that an end portion of the specific side surface on the bottom surface side is exposed; The antenna module according to claim 1 .

4. The entire antenna electrode is located within the specific side surface. The antenna module according to claim 1 .

5. the antenna electrode covers the entirety of the specific side surface in a direction perpendicular to the height direction within the specific side surface, The antenna module according to claim 1 .

6. the antenna includes an adjustment circuit located on the substrate and connected to the antenna electrode; the adjustment circuit includes at least one of a wiring portion for adjusting an electrical length of the antenna and an adjustment element for adjusting a frequency of the antenna, the adjustment circuit is located between the antenna electrode and the shield electrode when viewed in the height direction. The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the adjustment circuit includes the wiring portion, The dimension of the antenna electrode in the height direction is greater than the width of the wiring portion. The antenna module according to claim 6.

8. The wiring portion includes a portion extending in the height direction and in a direction intersecting a normal line of the specific side surface. The antenna module according to claim 7.

9. the main body portion includes a plurality of first ground connection electrodes and a plurality of second ground connection electrodes; the plurality of first ground connection electrodes include one or more first rows in which two or more first ground connection electrodes are arranged in a predetermined direction intersecting the height direction and a normal line to the specific side surface, the plurality of second ground connection electrodes include one or more second rows in which two or more second ground connection electrodes are aligned in the predetermined direction, a number of second ground connection electrodes in a second row that is closest to the antenna electrode among the one or more second rows is smaller than a number of first ground connection electrodes in a first row that is closest to the antenna electrode among the one or more first rows; The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The main body portion includes an auxiliary connection electrode, the auxiliary connection electrode has a columnar shape penetrating the second dielectric layer and is used to connect the substrate to a portion of the external substrate different from the ground; the auxiliary connection electrode is located between the antenna electrode and the shield electrode when viewed in the height direction. The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. the main body portion includes an input / output connection electrode; the input / output connection electrode is a columnar electrode penetrating the second dielectric layer and is used to connect the substrate to an input / output portion of the external substrate; the input / output connection electrode is located inside the shield electrode when viewed in the height direction; The antenna module according to claim 10.

12. the plurality of electronic components include a first electronic component mounted on the first main surface and a second electronic component mounted on the second main surface; the first dielectric layer covers the first main surface together with the first electronic component; the second dielectric layer covers the second main surface together with the second electronic component; The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

13. the second dielectric layer has a protrusion at a portion of the specific side surface corresponding to an end portion of the bottom surface side, The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

14. the antenna electrode has a first portion covering the specific side surface and a second portion extending from the first portion along the protrusion; The antenna module according to claim 13.

15. the shield electrode covers one or more of the plurality of side surfaces excluding the specific side surface, The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images