Antenna Element Module

Abstract

To provide an antenna element module that achieves high gain, cancels interference from a specific direction, and electronically guides a radio beam to direct a different direction for radio direction finding, and a method for forming the same.SOLUTION: An antenna element 8 includes a feeding unit 20 and a radiating element 26, and a dielectric substrate 12 having an upper surface 16 and a lower surface 14, and the dielectric substrate comprises a feeding unit 2 of the antenna element within the dielectric substrate. The antenna element module also includes an integrated circuit (IC) chip 18 adhered to the lower surface of the dielectric substrate and coupled to the feeding unit of the antenna element, and the IC chip has a circuit to adjust a signal communicating with the feeding unit. The antenna element module further includes a plastic antenna carrier 24 adhered to the upper surface of the dielectric substrate. The plastic antenna carrier has a body portion including a cavity for the radiating element of the antenna element, and the radiating element is arranged in the cavity of the body portion of the plastic antenna carrier.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 713,871, filed August 2, 2018, entitled "Phased Array Antenna," the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates generally to antenna element modules. [Background technology]

[0003] An antenna array (or array antenna) is a connected set of multiple antenna elements that cooperate as a single antenna to transmit or receive radio waves. Individual antenna elements (often simply called "elements") can be connected to a receiver or transmitter by feed lines that power the elements in a specific phase relationship. The radio waves radiated by each individual antenna element combine and superimpose with each other, adding (constructively interfering) to enhance the power radiated in the desired direction and canceling (destructively interfering) to reduce the power radiated in other directions. Similarly, when used for reception, the separate radio frequency currents from the individual antenna elements combine in the receiver with the correct phase relationship to enhance the signal received from the desired direction, while signals from undesired directions are canceled.

[0004] Antenna arrays can achieve higher gain (directivity) in a narrow beam of radio waves than can be achieved with a single antenna. Generally, the more individual antenna elements used, the higher the gain and the narrower the beam. Some antenna arrays (such as phased array radar) can consist of thousands of individual antennas. Arrays can be used to achieve higher gain (which increases communication reliability), cancel interference from specific directions, and electronically steer radio beams to point in different directions for radio direction finding (RDF). Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment relates to an antenna element module that can include an antenna element including a feed portion and a radiating element, and a dielectric substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The dielectric substrate includes the feed portion of the antenna element within the dielectric substrate. The antenna element module can also include an integrated circuit (IC) chip adhered to the first surface of the dielectric substrate and coupled to the feed portion of the antenna element. The IC chip can include circuitry for conditioning signals communicated with the feed portion. The antenna element module can further include a plastic antenna support adhered to the second surface of the dielectric substrate. The plastic antenna support can include a body portion including a cavity for the radiating element of the antenna element, the radiating element being disposed within the cavity of the body portion of the plastic antenna support.

[0006] Another embodiment relates to a phased array antenna. The phased array antenna may include an array of antenna element modules. Each of the antenna element modules may include an antenna element including an antenna element including a feed and a radiating element, and a dielectric substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the dielectric substrate including the feed of the antenna element within the dielectric substrate. Each of the antenna element modules may also include an IC chip bonded to the first surface of the dielectric substrate and coupled to the feed of the antenna element, the IC chip including circuitry for conditioning signals communicated with the feed, and a plastic antenna support bonded to the first surface of the dielectric substrate. The plastic antenna support may include a body portion including a cavity for the radiating element of the antenna element, the radiating element being disposed within the cavity in the body portion of the plastic antenna support. The phased array antenna may further include a multilayer substrate below the array of antenna element modules, the multilayer substrate including a beam forming network (BFN) circuit formed on a layer of the multilayer substrate, the BFN circuit electrically communicating with each of the IC chips in the array of antenna element modules.

[0007] Another embodiment relates to a method for forming a plurality of antenna element modules. The method may include bonding a plurality of IC chips to a first surface of a dielectric substrate, the dielectric substrate including a plurality of feeds therein. The method may also include bonding an array of antenna packages to a second surface of the dielectric substrate to form an array of antenna element modules. Each antenna package may include a plastic antenna support, the plastic antenna support including a body portion with a cavity for a radiating element. Each antenna package may also include a radiating element of a radiating antenna disposed within the cavity in the body portion of the plastic antenna support. The method may further include singulating the array of antenna element modules to form a plurality of antenna element modules. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary phased array antenna having a split-level architecture.

[0009] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary phased array antenna having a split-level architecture.

[0010] [Figure 3] 3 illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary phased array antenna of FIG. 2.

[0011] [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a portion of an exemplary phased array antenna having a first architecture.

[0012] [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a portion of an exemplary phased array antenna having a second architecture.

[0013] [Figure 6] 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a dielectric substrate for an antenna element module.

[0014] [Figure 7] 7 illustrates a plan view of an example integrated circuit (IC) chip layer of the dielectric substrate of FIG. 6.

[0015] [Figure 8A] An example of a via layer 250 of the dielectric substrate of FIG. 6 is shown.

[0016] [Figure 8B] 7 shows a plan view of an example of a signal layer of the dielectric substrate of FIG. 6.

[0017] [Figure 9] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of an example of a feeding layer of the dielectric substrate of FIG.

[0018] [Figure 10] 1 shows a perspective view of an example of an antenna package having a first architecture.

[0019] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a side view of the antenna package shown in FIG.

[0020] [Figure 12] 1 shows a perspective view of an example of an antenna package having a second architecture.

[0021] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a side view of the antenna package shown in FIG.

[0022] [Figure 14] 1 shows a perspective view of an example of an antenna package having a third architecture.

[0023] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a side view of the antenna package shown in FIG.

[0024] [Figure 16] 10 shows a perspective view of an example of an antenna package having a fourth architecture.

[0025] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a side view of the antenna package shown in FIG.

[0026] [Figure 18] 10 shows a perspective view of an example of an antenna package having a fifth architecture.

[0027] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a side view of the antenna package shown in FIG.

[0028] [Figure 20] 10 shows a perspective view of an example of an antenna package having a sixth architecture.

[0029] [Figure 21] 21 shows a side view of the antenna package shown in FIG. 20.

[0030] [Figure 22] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the antenna element module.

[0031] [Figure 23] 23 shows a side view of the antenna element module of FIG. 22.

[0032] [Figure 24] 1 shows an example of an array of multiple IC chips mounted on a dielectric substrate.

[0033] [Figure 25] 25 shows an example of an array of multiple antenna packages mounted on the dielectric substrate of FIG. 24.

[0034] [Figure 26] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary phased array antenna operating in a receive mode.

[0035] [Figure 27] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary phased array antenna operating in a transmit mode.

[0036] [Figure 28] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary phased array antenna operating in half-duplex mode.

[0037] [Figure 29] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary phased array antenna operating in frequency division duplex mode.

[0038] [Figure 30] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary phased array antenna operating in dual-polarized mode.

[0039] [Figure 31] 1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for manufacturing an antenna element module.

[0040] [Figure 32] 1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for manufacturing an antenna package. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] This disclosure describes a phased array antenna, in which multiple antenna element modules can be mounted on a multilayer substrate in a split-level architecture. Each antenna element module can include a dielectric substrate having a feed portion (e.g., a slot or a pair of orthogonally arranged slots) integrated with or located on an upper side of the dielectric substrate. Each antenna element module can include an embedded integrated circuit (IC) chip mounted on an underside of the dielectric substrate. Each IC chip can include electrical circuit components for conditioning (e.g., amplifying, filtering, and / or phase shifting) signals communicated between the feed element and the electrical circuit components in the multilayer substrate. The IC chips can be connected to their corresponding feed portions through the dielectric substrate. An antenna package can be adhered to the upper surface of the dielectric substrate. The antenna package can include a plastic antenna support and a radiating element (e.g., a parasitic element) embedded within the plastic antenna support. The plastic antenna support can include legs that space the radiating element from a feed portion integrated with or embedded in the upper surface of the dielectric substrate. In this manner, the radiating elements overlie the feed, so that the radiating elements and the feed work in conjunction to provide the antenna elements for a phased array antenna.

[0042] The multi-layer substrate is located below the array of antenna element modules. The multi-layer substrate can include a beam forming network (BFN) circuit formed on a layer of the multi-layer substrate. The BFN circuit can be in electrical communication with each IC chip in the array of antenna element modules.

[0043] The phased array antennas described herein allow for modular design and manufacturing. Specifically, each of the antenna element modules can be designed and / or manufactured at a separate time and / or facility from the multilayer substrate. This modular design and / or manufacturing can allow for lower cost and higher performance for the resulting phased array antenna. For example, to reduce cost, the antenna package can be formed using injection molding and / or thermoforming techniques. Similarly, each antenna element module can be packaged using flip-chip technology.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary phased array antenna 2. The phased array antenna 2 facilitates wireless communication between a local system 4 and a remote system 6. The local system 4 may be wired to the phased array antenna 2. In some examples, the local system 4 may be implemented on a ground station or an airborne station (e.g., an aircraft or a satellite). Furthermore, the phased array antenna 2 may wirelessly communicate with a remote system 6. The remote system 6 may be an airborne station (e.g., an aircraft or a satellite). Alternatively, the remote system 6 may be a ground station. The local system 4 and the remote system 6 may represent computing systems (e.g., servers) and / or routers that can process, transmit, and receive data.

[0045] The phased array antenna 2 may have a split-level architecture. Specifically, the phased array antenna 2 may include multiple antenna element modules 8 that may be mounted on a multi-layer substrate 10. The multi-layer substrate 10 may be implemented, for example, as a multi-layer circuit board having multiple layers of circuit board material (e.g., dielectric material, conductive material, etc.).

[0046] Each antenna element module 8 may include a dielectric substrate 12. The dielectric substrate 12 may be implemented as a single or multi-layer circuit board, a wide-angle impedance matching metamaterial (WAIM), or the like. The dielectric substrate 12 may include a bottom surface 14 and a top surface 16. Each antenna element module 8 may include an IC chip 18 bonded to the bottom surface 14 of the dielectric substrate 12. Additionally, a feed portion 20 may be disposed on or integrated with the top surface 16 of the dielectric substrate 12. Each antenna element module 8 may further include an antenna package 22. The antenna package 22 may include a plastic antenna support 24 having a radiating element 26, the radiating element 26 being disposed on the plastic antenna support or embedded within a cavity in the plastic antenna support 24. In some embodiments, the plastic antenna support 24 may include one or more features extending to the top surface 16 of the dielectric substrate 12. These one or more features may space a body portion of the plastic antenna support from the top surface 16 of the dielectric substrate 12. In some embodiments, one or more of these features may be embodied as legs 28. These one or more features may define an air gap 30 (or void) that separates radiating element 26 from feed 20. In other embodiments, one or more features (e.g., legs 28) may be omitted such that the main body portion of plastic antenna support 24 contacts top surface 16 of dielectric substrate 12.

[0047] In some embodiments, each feed section 20 may be implemented in the form of a microstrip element (e.g., a slot or a pair of orthogonally arranged slots) formed on a top layer or embedded within the dielectric substrate 12. Each radiating element 26 may be implemented as a patch antenna (e.g., a round or rectangular patch antenna element). Each antenna element module 8 may be glued (mounted) onto the top surface 34 of the multilayer substrate 10. In some embodiments, each antenna element module 8 may include a feed line extending through the dielectric substrate 12 that couples (e.g., direct connection, passive coupling, etc.) the IC chip 18 to the feed section 20. Furthermore, each feed section 20 in FIG. 1 may be a single feed section such that the number of IC chips 18 and feed sections 20 in the phased array antenna 2 is equal. Alternatively, each feed section 20 in FIG. 1 may be multiple feed sections, such as a pair of orthogonally arranged slots, and each IC chip 18 may include multiple circuits for individually conditioning signals communicated between the feed section 20 and the IC chip 18.

[0048] For simplicity of description, the terms "top" and "bottom" are used throughout this disclosure to indicate opposite surfaces in a selected orientation. Similarly, the terms "top" and "bottom" are used to indicate relative positions in a selected orientation. Furthermore, the terms "under" and "overlying" (and their derivatives) are used to indicate the relative positions of two adjacent surfaces or elements in a selected orientation. Indeed, the examples used throughout this disclosure indicate one selected orientation. However, in the described examples, the selected orientation is arbitrary, and other orientations (e.g., upside down, rotated 90 degrees, etc.) are possible within the scope of this disclosure.

[0049] The multilayer substrate 10 may include a beam-forming network (BFN) circuit 40. The BFN circuit 40 may be formed on a layer (or multiple layers) of the multilayer substrate 10. In some embodiments, the BFN circuit 40 may be formed on an internal layer of the multilayer substrate 10. In other embodiments, the BFN circuit 40 may be formed on an external layer, such as the top or bottom layer. As described herein, the BFN circuit 40 operates as a combiner and / or divider circuit that combines and / or divides signals in phase. In some embodiments, the BFN circuit 40 may be a passive circuit. As used herein, the term “passive circuit” indicates that the BFN circuit 40 may include circuit components (e.g., resistive traces, capacitors, and / or inductors) that are not powered by a power source. The BFN circuit 40 may be in electrical communication with the IC chip 14 of each antenna element module 8.

[0050] The local system 4 may include a controller 38 capable of controlling the operational mode of the phased array antenna 2. In one example, the controller 38 may be implemented as a microcontroller with embedded instructions. In another example, the controller 38 may be implemented as a computing device having a processing unit (e.g., one or more processor cores) that executes machine code stored in non-transitory memory. In some examples, the controller 38 may provide control signals to the IC chip 18 via control lines (not shown). Such control signals cause the IC chip 18 to set amplitude and / or phase adjustment levels of signals communicated between the BFN circuit 40 and the power feed 20 of the antenna element module 8. That is, the controller 38 may control the signal conditioning of the IC chip 18. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the controller 38 may provide control signals to the IC chip 18 that cause the phased array antenna 2 to operate in a receive mode or a transmit mode. Additionally, for purposes of simplicity, in the examples described herein, the controller 38 also provides a power signal to the IC chip 18 of the antenna element module 8. However, in other examples, other sources may provide power to the IC chip 18.

[0051] During operation, in some embodiments, the architecture of the phased array antenna 2 can be designed to operate only in a receive mode or a transmit mode. In other embodiments, as described herein, the architecture of the phased array antenna 2 can be designed to operate in a half-duplex mode or a dual-polarization mode, where the phased array antenna 2 switches between receive and transmit modes. In yet other embodiments, the architecture of the phased array antenna 2 can be designed to operate in a frequency division multiplexed mode, such that the phased array antenna 2 can operate in receive and transmit modes simultaneously.

[0052] In receive mode, electromagnetic (EM) signals may be received from the remote system 6 by the radiating elements 26 of each of the plurality of antenna element modules 8, or some subset thereof. The radiating elements 26 may couple the received EM signals to an air gap 30 and a corresponding feed 20. The corresponding feed 20 may convert the received EM signals to electrical signals and provide the electrical signals to a corresponding IC chip 18 of the respective antenna element module 8. Each corresponding IC chip 18 may include electrical circuitry that may condition the received electrical signals to output an element signal. Specifically, each IC chip 14 may amplify, filter, and / or phase shift the received electrical signals to form an element signal.

[0053] Furthermore, different IC chips 18 can provide different levels and types of conditioning. For example, a first IC chip 18 of a first antenna element module 8 can amplify a received electrical signal by a first gain and / or phase-shift the received electrical signal by a first phase shift. Additionally, a second IC chip 14 of a second antenna element module 8 can amplify a received electrical signal by a second gain and / or phase-shift the received electrical signal by a second phase shift. In this manner, the multiple element signals output by the IC chips 18 can have specific characteristics to facilitate combination by the BFN circuit 40.

[0054] Each of the element signals output by IC chip 18 can be provided to BFN circuitry 40. BFN circuitry 40 can combine the element signals to form receive beam signals. The receive beam signals can be provided to local system 4 via connection ports, which can be located on bottom surface 41 of multi-layer substrate 10 or elsewhere. Local system 4 can process (e.g., demodulate) the receive beam signals and consume the decoded data.

[0055] The BFN circuit 40 may be implemented as stages of combiner / divider circuits 42, shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, there are three such stages, but in other embodiments, there may be more or fewer stages of combiner / divider circuits 42 (as few as one stage). Each combiner / divider circuit 42 may be implemented as a power combiner / divider circuit, such as a Wilkinson power divider, a hybrid combiner, a directional coupler, or any other circuit capable of combining and / or dividing signals. Each combiner / divider circuit 42 may combine or divide signals passing through the BFN circuit 40. For example, when used for reception, signals communicated between the IC chip 14 and the local system 4 may be combined by each stage of the combiner / divider circuit 42. Additionally or alternatively, when used for transmission, signals communicated from the local system 4 to the IC chip 14 may be divided by each stage of the combiner / divider circuit 42 of the BFN circuit 40. As some examples, the BFN circuit 40 may combine element signals in phase or out of phase. Additionally or alternatively, BFN circuitry 40 can combine element signals equally or unequally. In general, the architecture of BFN circuitry 40 can be designed to combine and / or split most forms of signals.

[0056] In transmit mode, the local system 4 may provide a transmit beam signal to the BFN circuitry 40 intended to be transmitted to the remote system 6. The BFN circuitry 40 splits the transmit beam signal to form multiple split signals, referred to as element signals. The element signals may be provided to the IC chips 18 of the antenna element module 8. Each IC chip 18 may condition (e.g., amplify, filter, and / or phase shift) the received element signal and output the conditioned signal to a corresponding feed 20. In transmit mode, each IC chip 18 may be configured to provide a different level of conditioning than in receive mode, including instances where the phased array antenna 2 operates simultaneously in receive and transmit modes. For example, a given IC chip 18 may provide a different level of gain, a different phase shift, and / or a different passband in transmit mode than in receive mode.

[0057] The feed 20 of each antenna element module 8 can convert the conditioned element signal provided by its corresponding IC chip 14 into an EM signal provided across the air gap 30 to its corresponding radiating element 26. Each radiating element 26 can couple its transmitted EM signal into free space, so that the transmitted EM signal is superimposed with the transmissions of the other antenna element modules 8 to form a beam of transmit beam signals that propagate through free space to the remote system 6, as indicated by arrow 44. The remote system 6 can demodulate the received transmit beam signals and process the resulting data. The phased array antenna 2 can be designed so that the transmit signals interfere constructively and destructively to form a beam of transmit beam signals having a radiation pattern with desired characteristics (e.g., a desired direction of maximum gain and / or polarization). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the conditioning (e.g., amplification and / or phase shift) of the multiple IC chips 18 of each antenna element module 8 can be controlled by the controller 38 to combine into a beam of transmit beam signals in a desired direction. In embodiments where the phased array antenna 2 is designed to operate in both receive and transmit modes, two-way wireless communication can be established between the remote system 6 and the local system 4. Alternatively, in examples where the phased array antenna 2 operates only in receive mode or only in transmit mode, one-way wireless communication can be established between the remote system 6 and the local system 4.

[0058] 1 can be implemented to produce a relatively simple, low-cost phased array antenna. Specifically, the antenna element modules 8 can be manufactured separately from the multilayer substrate 10 and mounted on the multilayer substrate 10. Furthermore, as described in detail herein, the antenna element modules 8 can be manufactured as an array of antenna element modules that can be singulated and adhered to the top surface 34 of the multilayer substrate 10.

[0059] Furthermore, the antenna element module 8 can be manufactured using a relatively simple and low-cost process. For example, the antenna package 22 can be formed using an injection molding or thermoforming method. In an example where the antenna package 22 can be formed using injection molding, the plastic antenna support 24 of a given antenna package 22 can be formed by injecting a first polymer (e.g., a first type of plastic) into a mold that can include a cavity shaped for the radiating element 26. A second polymer (e.g., a second type of plastic) can then be injected into the cavity of the plastic antenna support 24 to form the antenna package 22. Additionally, the IC chip 18 can be attached to the bottom surface 14 of the dielectric substrate 12. The antenna package 22 can then be bonded to the top surface of the dielectric substrate 12.

[0060] Additionally, mounting the IC chip 18 on the antenna element module 8 eliminates the need for an IC chip on the BFN circuit 40 and / or the bottom surface 41 of the multilayer substrate 10, thereby reducing the complexity of the BFN circuit 40. For example, including the IC chip 18 on the antenna element module 8 avoids the printed circuit board (PCB) complexity that would result from routing received signals through the multilayer substrate 10 to an IC chip mounted on the opposite (bottom) surface and then to the BFN circuit 40 for combination. Still further, including both the feed section 20 and the radiating elements 26 increases the directivity and gain of the phased array antenna 2.

[0061] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary phased array antenna 50 having a split-level architecture for transmitting and / or receiving EM signals, such as RF signals. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the phased array antenna 50. Figures 2 and 3 use the same reference numerals to indicate the same structures. Furthermore, unless otherwise noted, references to elements of the phased array antenna 50 apply to both Figures 2 and 3. The phased array antennas 50 of Figures 2 and 3 can be used to implement the phased array antenna 2 of Figure 1.

[0062] In some embodiments, the phased array antenna 50 may be manufactured and assembled as a module. Specifically, the phased array antenna 50 may include N antenna element modules 52 (only some of which are shown in detail in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) mounted on a multi-layer substrate 54. Each antenna element module 52 may include a dielectric substrate 56 having an upper surface 58 and a lower surface 60. The dielectric substrate 56 may include one or more layers and may be implemented, for example, as a circuit board or a WAIM.

[0063] The multiple IC chips 62 embedded in the phased array antenna 50 may be disposed on an intermediate layer of the phased array antenna 50. The IC chips 62 of the multiple IC chips 62 may be bonded (attached) to each of the antenna element modules 52. Specifically, the IC chips 62 may be bonded to the lower surface 60 of each dielectric substrate 56. Each IC chip 62 may be bonded onto the dielectric substrate 56 of the corresponding antenna element module 52 using a flip-chip soldering technique, wire bonding such as thermionic bonding, or other techniques.

[0064] Additionally, each antenna element module 52 may include a feed section 64. In some embodiments, the feed section 64 may be disposed on the top surface 58 of the dielectric substrate 56. In other embodiments, the feed section 64 may be integral with the dielectric substrate 56. In some embodiments, an embedded feed line (or multiple feed lines) extending through the dielectric substrate 56 may interconnect the feed section 64 and the IC chip 62. In some embodiments, the feed section 64 may be implemented as a microstrip element, such as a slot, fabricated in the dielectric substrate 56 by metallization. Additionally, in some embodiments, the feed section 64 may represent multiple microstrip elements. For example, the feed section 64 may represent a pair of orthogonally arranged slots. In such a situation, the corresponding IC chip 62 may include multiple circuit paths (having multiple circuit elements) to individually condition signals communicated with each of the corresponding multiple feed sections 64. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the feed section 64 may represent a single radiating element. In this situation, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the IC chip 62 and the power supply 64 .

[0065] Additionally, each antenna element module 52 may include an antenna package 70 adhered to the top surface 58 of the dielectric substrate 56. More specifically, the antenna package 70 may include a plastic antenna support 72. The plastic antenna support 72 may include a body portion and legs (e.g., three or more legs) extending from the body portion. As used herein, the term "plastic" refers to any of a number of organic synthetic or processed materials, most of which are high molecular weight thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers, that can be fabricated into objects, films, or filaments. The body portion of the plastic antenna support 72 may include a cavity with a radiating element 74 disposed therein. The cavity may be a recess or hole in the plastic antenna support 72. The radiating element 74 may be implemented as a patch antenna, such as a round patch antenna or a polygonal patch antenna (e.g., a rectangular patch antenna or a hexagonal patch antenna).

[0066] In some embodiments, the radiating element 74 may be coupled to a parasitic element 76 disposed on or integrated with the underside of the plastic antenna support 72 .

[0067] The legs of the plastic antenna support 72 space a cavity within the body portion of the plastic antenna support 72 from the top surface 58 of the dielectric substrate 56. More specifically, the legs of the plastic antenna support 72 establish an air gap 76 (or void) that separates the feed portion 64 from the radiating element 74. In this manner, the feed portion 64 and the radiating element 74 work in conjunction to form an antenna element.

[0068] The multilayer substrate 54 may be implemented, for example, as a multilayer circuit board (e.g., as a lower circuit board). In some embodiments, the multilayer substrate 54 may include a base conductive layer 80 (e.g., a ground plane) located at the bottom (or lowest layer) of the multilayer substrate 54. The base conductive layer 80 may include etchings and / or traces that enable the multilayer substrate 54 to communicate with external components, such as a local system having a controller and / or power source. A lower dielectric layer 82 is disposed above the base conductive layer 80. A beam-forming network (BFN) circuit 84 may be formed on a layer (or multiple layers) of the multilayer substrate 54. In some embodiments, the BFN circuit 84 may be formed on an internal layer of the multilayer substrate 54. In embodiments in which the BFN circuit 84 is formed on an internal layer, the BFN circuit 84 may be disposed above the lower dielectric layer 82. Additionally, an upper dielectric layer 86 may be disposed above the BFN circuit 84. In this manner, the BFN circuit 84 may be sandwiched between the lower dielectric layer 82 and the upper dielectric layer 86 such that the BFN circuit 84 may be electrically shielded from electromagnetic interference (EMI). A top conductive layer 90 may be positioned above the upper dielectric layer 86. In other embodiments, the BFN circuit 84 may be formed in or near the upper dielectric layer 86 of the multi-layer substrate 54. In such a situation, the BFN circuit 84 may be patterned in the top conductive layer 90.

[0069] The top conductive layer 90 may include a patterned mounting interface (e.g., etchings and / or conductive pads) to receive each of the N antenna element modules 52. Additionally, the top conductive layer 90 may include a patterned conductive interface with vias that allow for the passage of signals between the BFN circuit 84 and the IC chip 62 and / or the dielectric substrate 56 of the N antenna element modules 52. The N antenna element modules 52 may be mounted on the top conductive layer 90 at the patterned mounting interface of the top conductive layer 90. In some embodiments, the N antenna element modules 52 may be arranged in an ordered array, such as in a grid of a phased array antenna 50. In some embodiments, each IC chip 62 may be mounted on the top conductive layer 90 using an electrical bonding material (e.g., solder), as described in detail herein. In other embodiments, the bottom surface 60 of each dielectric substrate 56 can be attached onto the top conductive layer 90 using an electrical bonding material, and traces and / or vias in each dielectric substrate 56 can couple the corresponding IC chip 62 to connection pads on the top conductive layer 90.

[0070] The multilayer substrate 54 may include vias extending therethrough to connect components to different layers of the multilayer substrate 54. For example, if the BFN circuit 84 may be formed on an interior layer of the multilayer substrate 54, the multilayer substrate 54 may include vias for electrically connecting the BFN circuit 84 to the antenna element module 52. Such vias may be coupled to the BFN circuit 84 at the signal interface to couple the antenna element module 52 to the BFN circuit 84.

[0071] In some embodiments, the BFN circuitry 84 may be a passive circuit and may be configured to split / combine signals that may be communicated between the N antenna element modules 52 and external components of the local system.

[0072] Additionally, each IC chip 62 of each antenna element module 52 may include circuitry for conditioning signals communicated between the feed 64 and the BFN circuitry 84. Specifically, each antenna element module 52 may filter, amplify, and / or phase shift signals communicated between the feed 64 and the BFN circuitry 84. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each IC chip 62 may be matched to a particular corresponding feed 64. That is, a first IC chip 62 may be configured to apply a different gain and / or phase shift to a signal than a second IC chip 62. Additionally or alternatively, the tuning parameters (e.g., bandpass, gain, and / or phase shift) of each IC chip 62 may be set by a controller operating in the local system.

[0073] As described with respect to the phased array antenna 2 of FIG. 1 , in one example, the phased array antenna 50 can operate in a transmit mode. Additionally or alternatively, the phased array antenna 50 can operate in a receive mode. In some embodiments, the phased array antenna 50 can be configured to operate solely in a receive mode or a transmit mode. In other embodiments, the phased array antenna 50 can operate in a half-duplex mode or a polarized mode, switching between a receive mode and a transmit mode. In yet other embodiments, the phased array antenna 50 can operate in a frequency division duplex mode, where the phased array antenna 50 can operate simultaneously in a transmit mode and a receive mode.

[0074] By implementing the phased array antenna 50, a relatively simple and low-cost phased array antenna can be provided. Specifically, the split-level architecture of the phased array antenna 50 reduces the number of layers required to implement the multilayer substrate 54. The split-level architecture of the phased array antenna 50 allows the complexity of each dielectric substrate 56 and the multilayer substrate 54 to be relatively low (e.g., blind vias can be avoided), and therefore the overall cost of the phased array antenna 50 can be lower compared to using a single circuit board. Additionally, by integrating the IC chip 62 with the antenna element module 52, the IC chip 62 is positioned relatively close to the feed portion 64. Therefore, the length of the via between the IC chip 62 and the feed portion 64 can be shortened.

[0075] Additionally, by reducing the complexity of the multi-layer substrate 54, simpler and less expensive techniques can be employed to manufacture the antenna element modules 52. Specifically, each of the antenna element modules 52 can be manufactured with standard processing and packaging techniques, such as injection molding, thermoforming, and flip-chip processing.

[0076] Additionally, by disposing the IC chip 62 separately from the multi-layer substrate 54, the number of vias required to implement the phased array antenna 50 can be reduced, thereby reducing the via density within the multi-layer substrate 54. This, in turn, reduces and / or eliminates the need to back-drill vias (which are relatively complex and expensive) using controlled-depth drilling techniques. Furthermore, as described above, each antenna element module 52 can be mounted on a patterned conductive interface of the top conductive layer 90 of the multi-layer substrate 54. The pattern of the top conductive layer 90 defines the locations of the N antenna element modules 52. Therefore, the N antenna element modules 52 can be manufactured at a different time and / or facility than the multi-layer substrate 54.

[0077] Furthermore, when disposing the antenna element modules 52 on the top conductive layer 90 of the multilayer substrate 54, each of the antenna element modules 52 can be separated by free space (e.g., air or an air gap), thereby avoiding the presence of continuous dielectric material between the feed sections 64. In this manner, undesired surface wave propagation of the signal is suppressed / reduced (reduced and / or eliminated), thereby improving the performance (signal-to-noise ratio) of the phased array antenna 50. For example, surface waves that would otherwise propagate parallel to the continuous surface of the dielectric material can be suppressed / reduced. Specifically, the pattern of the top conductive layer 90 ensures that gaps of free space separate each IC chip 62. These free space gaps introduce refractive index discontinuities in the top conductive layer 90 between the IC chips 62. These refractive index discontinuities reduce the propagation of surface waves across the top conductive layer 90.

[0078] 4 illustrates a portion of an exemplary phased array antenna 100 having an exemplary architecture for mounting multiple antenna element modules 102 on a multi-layer substrate 104. The phased array antenna 100 can be used to implement the phased array antenna 2 of FIG. 1 and / or the phased array antenna 50 of FIGS. 2 and 3. Each antenna element module 102 can include a dielectric substrate 106 having a feed section 108 disposed on or integral with a top surface 110 of the dielectric substrate 106. Each feed section 108 can be implemented, for example, as a slot or a pair of orthogonally arranged slots.

[0079] As an example, the IC chip 112 can be bonded (attached) to the bottom surface 114 of the dielectric substrate 106. In other embodiments, the IC chip 112 can be bonded to a different surface of the dielectric substrate 106. Each IC chip 112 can also be bonded to the top surface 116 (e.g., a conductive layer) of the multilayer substrate 104. Each IC chip 112 can be bonded to the top surface 116 of the multilayer substrate 104 via an electrical interface 113 (e.g., solder balls). The multilayer substrate 104 can include circuitry such as a BFN circuit. Additionally, the multilayer substrate 104 can be coupled to power circuitry and / or a controller that can provide signals to the IC chip 112. In some embodiments, each IC chip 112 can include an IC chip top interface 118 that can provide a signal interface between the dielectric substrate 106 and the IC chip 112. Additionally, each IC chip 112 can include an IC chip bottom interface 120 that can provide a signal interface between the IC chip 112 and the multilayer substrate 104.

[0080] The IC chip 112 may include one or more through-chip vias (e.g., through-silicon vias (TSVs)) that extend completely through the IC chip 112 to provide a conductive interface to both interfaces 118, 120. In some embodiments, the IC chip bottom interface 120 may be coupled to circuitry (such as BFN circuitry) on the multilayer substrate 104 via vias. For example, a direct electrical connection may be provided by a solder joint between each IC chip 112 and solder pads on the top surface 116 of the multilayer substrate 104. In this manner, each IC chip 112 may be directly coupled to the multilayer substrate 104. In operation, each IC chip 112 mediates signals communicated between the corresponding power supply 108 and the multilayer substrate (including the BFN circuitry) 104. Specifically, signals communicated between each IC chip 112 and the multilayer substrate 104 may pass through the IC chip bottom interface 120. Additionally, signals communicated between the IC chip 112 and the power feed 108 may pass through the IC chip top interface 118. Each IC chip 112 may condition (e.g., amplify, filter, and / or phase shift) signals communicated between the multilayer substrate 104 and the dielectric substrate 106.

[0081] Additionally, each antenna element module 102 may include an antenna package 130. Each antenna package 130 may include a plastic antenna support 132 and a radiating element 134. The plastic antenna support 132 may include one or more features, such as legs 136 and a body portion 138. The radiating element 134 may be disposed within a cavity formed within the body portion 138 of the plastic antenna support 132. In some embodiments, the radiating element 134 may be a single antenna element, such as a patch antenna. In other embodiments, the radiating element 134 as shown may be implemented with multiple radiating elements, such as a pair of patch antennas disposed on opposite sides of the body portion 138 of the plastic antenna support 132.

[0082] The legs 136 of the plastic antenna support 132 space the top surface 110 of the dielectric substrate 106 from the cavity in which the radiating element 134 resides. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the legs 136 (or other features) can be omitted such that the body portion 138 of the plastic antenna support contacts the top surface 110 of the dielectric substrate. If the legs 136 are included, the legs 136 may be, for example, about 0.25 millimeters (mm) to about 2 mm long. However, in other embodiments, the legs 136 may be longer or shorter than this range. Thus, the legs 136 form an air gap 140 (or void) between the feed portion 108 and the radiating element 134. In this manner, the feed portion 108 and the radiating element 134 can operate in conjunction as components of an antenna element. Specifically, signals communicated to and from the feed portion 108 can be coupled by the radiating element 134. For example, in a receive mode, an EM signal received from an external source may be coupled by the radiating element 134 towards the feed 108 and converted into an electrical signal by the feed 108 for communication with the IC chip 112. Conversely, in a transmit mode, a signal communicated from the IC chip 112 to the feed 108 may be converted into an EM signal by the feed 108 and propagated into free space by the radiating element 134.

[0083] 4 , direct electrical connections can be achieved between the multi-layer substrate 104 and the IC chips 112. In this manner, the IC chips 112 of the antenna element modules 102 can be directly coupled to vias and / or traces connected to the BFN circuitry and / or the power and control systems of the multi-layer substrate 104. The architecture of the phased array antenna 100 of FIG. 4 reduces losses by positioning each IC chip 112 in relative proximity to the feed 158 and the radiating element 172. Furthermore, in some embodiments, providing direct electrical connections between the multi-layer substrate 104 and the IC chips 112 can further reduce such losses.

[0084] 5 shows a portion of an exemplary phased array antenna 150 having another exemplary architecture for mounting multiple antenna element modules 152 on a multi-layer substrate 154. The phased array antenna 150 can be used to implement the phased array antenna 2 of FIG. 1 and / or the phased array antenna 50 of FIGS. 2 and 3. Each antenna element module 152 can include a dielectric substrate 156 having a feed portion 158 disposed on or integral with a top surface 159 of the dielectric substrate 156. Each feed portion 158 can be implemented, for example, as a slot or a pair of orthogonally arranged slots.

[0085] In some embodiments, the IC chips 160 can be attached to the bottom surface 162 of the dielectric substrate 156. In other embodiments, the IC chips 160 can be bonded to different surfaces of the dielectric substrate 156. Each dielectric substrate 156 can be attached to the top surface 164 (e.g., a conductive layer) of the multilayer substrate 154 via a conductive bonding material 166, such as solder balls or pillars. Each IC chip 160 can be spaced apart from the top surface 164 of the multilayer substrate 154. In other words, a free space gap (e.g., air or an air gap) can separate the surface of each IC chip 160 from the top surface 164 of the multilayer substrate 154. Additionally, the amount of conductive bonding material 166 (e.g., solder balls) can be adjusted to provide a desired spacing (e.g., size of the free space gap) between the IC chips 160 and the multilayer substrate 154. In some embodiments, each IC chip 160 can be circumscribed by a corresponding dielectric substrate 156. In such a situation, the electrical connections formed by the conductive bonding material 166 may be formed near the periphery of the corresponding dielectric substrate 156 .

[0086] Multilayer substrate 154 may include circuitry such as BFN circuitry. Additionally, multilayer substrate 154 may be coupled to power circuitry and / or a controller that may provide signals to IC chips 160. In operation, each IC chip 160 may condition (e.g., amplify, filter, and / or phase shift) signals communicated between multilayer substrate 154 and power supply 158.

[0087] In some embodiments, each IC chip 160 may include an IC chip interface 168 that can provide a conductive interface between the dielectric substrate 156 and the IC chip 160. In some embodiments, each IC chip 160 may be inverted and mounted on the bottom surface 162 of the dielectric substrate 156. This architecture reduces losses by positioning the IC chip 160 in relative proximity to the feed 158. Additionally, the dielectric substrate 156 may include vias and / or traces that provide an electrical path between the multilayer substrate 154 and the IC chip 160. In this manner, signals provided from the multilayer substrate 154 to the IC chip 160 may be routed through the dielectric substrate 156. Specifically, signals communicated between the multilayer substrate 154 and the IC chip 160 may pass through the conductive bonding material 166, pass through the vias and / or traces in the dielectric substrate 156, and pass through the IC chip interface 168. Additionally, signals communicated between the IC chip 160 and the feed 158 may pass through the IC chip interface 168 and pass through the dielectric substrate 156.

[0088] Antenna package 170 may be adhered to top surface 159 of dielectric substrate 156. Antenna package 170 may be implemented as antenna package 130 of FIG. 4. Accordingly, antenna package 170 may include a radiating element 172 disposed within a cavity in a plastic antenna support 174. Radiating element 172 may be spaced from feed portion 158 by an air gap or void 176 formed by plastic antenna support 174. In this manner, feed portion 158 and radiating element 172 may operate in conjunction as components of an antenna element. Specifically, signals communicated to and from feed portion 158 may be coupled by radiating element 172.

[0089] 5, the electrical path between the multi-layer substrate 154 and the IC chip 160 can be achieved using a single IC interface 168 on one side of the IC chip 160. By using the architecture shown in the phased array antenna 150 of FIG. 5, the IC chip 160 of each antenna element module 102 can be indirectly coupled to vias and / or traces connected to the BFN circuitry and / or the power and control systems of the multi-layer substrate 154.

[0090] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of a dielectric substrate 200, such as the dielectric substrate 106 of FIGS. 4 and 5. The dielectric substrate 200 can be used in an antenna element module, such as the antenna element module 152 of the phased array antenna 150 of FIG. 5. The dielectric substrate 200 includes multiple laminated layers. The bottom layer of the dielectric substrate 200 can be implemented as an IC chip layer 201. The dielectric substrate 200 may also include internal layers, such as a via layer 250 and a signal layer 280. The dielectric substrate 200 can further include a top layer implemented as a feed layer 300. The layers listed in FIG. 6 are not meant to be exhaustive. For example, some layers, such as insulating (dielectric) layers and / or ground plane layers, are not shown for the sake of brevity.

[0091] 7 shows a plan view of the IC chip layer 201 of FIG. 1 of an antenna element module, such as the antenna element module 152 of the phased array antenna 150 of FIG. 5. The IC chip layer 201 may represent the bottom surface of the dielectric substrate 200. In the illustrated example, it may include various groups of conductive bonding material 202 (e.g., solder balls, pillars, etc.) between the bottom surface of the dielectric substrate 200 and the multilayer substrate (not shown in FIG. 6, see reference numeral 154 in FIG. 5).

[0092] The conductive adhesive 202 may be arranged in a ball grid array (BGA). Specifically, in the illustrated example, the conductive adhesive 202b is arranged along the periphery of the bottom surface of the dielectric substrate 200. The conductive adhesive 206b can provide a desired spacing between the IC chip 208 and the multilayer substrate, as described above with reference to FIG. 5. Some or all of the conductive adhesives 206b may be connected to ground to shield the IC chip 208 from external electromagnetic sources. As another example, one or more of the conductive adhesives 206b may be connected to a supply voltage (or multiple supply voltages) used to power the IC chip 208 via one or more conductive traces (not shown) coupled to corresponding ports of the IC chip 208. As yet another example, one or more of the conductive adhesives 202b may be connected to control lines in the multilayer substrate to provide control signals to the IC chip 208 via conductive traces (not shown) coupled to corresponding ports of the IC chip. In the illustrated example, the conductive bonding material 202b is shown as being disposed along the periphery, but in other embodiments it may be disposed in a different manner.

[0093] In the illustrated example, an electrical path for communicating signals between the multilayer substrate and a port (e.g., a pad, lead, etc.) on the IC chip 208 is provided by the conductive bonding material 202a, the conductive trace 210, and the conductive bonding material (e.g., solder, etc.) 212a. Thus, the conductive bonding material 202a extends from the top surface of the multilayer substrate to the conductive trace 210 (e.g., a patterned metal material) on the bottom surface of the dielectric substrate 200. The conductive trace 210 extends between the conductive bonding material 202a and the conductive bonding material 212a that is adhered to the port on the IC chip 208. Alternatively, the manner in which the electrical path is established may be different.

[0094] In the illustrated example, an electrical path for communicating signals between one or more ports of IC chip 208 and a power feed (not shown) is provided by a conductive bonding material (e.g., solder) extending between the bottom surface of dielectric substrate 2200 and the top surface of IC chip 208. In the illustrated example, the power feed may be implemented as an orthogonally arranged slot having two ports, such that a first signal (e.g., corresponding to horizontal polarization) is communicated between the first port of IC chip 208 and the first port 216 of the power feed through conductive bonding material 214b-1, and a second signal (e.g., corresponding to vertical polarization) is communicated between the second port of IC chip 208 and the second port 218 of the power feed through conductive bonding material 214b-2. Alternatively, the manner in which the electrical path is established between the IC chip and the power feed may be different.

[0095] In the illustrated example, additional conductive bonding material is disposed along the periphery of IC chip 208 to provide additional electrical paths between other ports on IC chip 208 and the multilayer substrate, such as through conductive bonding material 202b and conductive traces (not shown) to provide ground, DC power voltage(s), etc., as described above.

[0096] 8A shows a top view of an example of a via layer 250 (internal layer) of the dielectric substrate 200 shown in FIG. 6. The via layer may include a first via 252 and a second via 254, which may be coupled to the first port 216 and the second port 218 of FIG. 7 of each IC chip layer 201 of the dielectric substrate 200. The via layer 250 may be placed above the IC chip layer 201 of FIG. 7. Each of the first via 252 and the second via 254 may be surrounded by a shielding region 256 formed from a non-conductive material.

[0097] 8B shows an example of a signal layer 280 (another internal layer) of the dielectric substrate 200 of FIG. 6 that may be located above the via layer 250 of FIG. 8A and the IC chip layer 201 of FIG. 7. The signal layer 280 may include an etched region 282. The signal layer 280 includes an end of a first via 284 and an end of a second via 286. The end of the first via 284 may be coupled to the first via 252 of FIG. 8A and the first port 216 of FIG. 7. The end of the second via 286 may be coupled to the second via 254 of FIG. 7 and the second port 218 of FIG. 7. Additionally, the end of the first via 284 and the end of the second via 286 may be partially surrounded by a shielding region 288 formed from a non-conductive material.

[0098] The etched region 282 can be formed from a non-conductive material. Additionally, the etched region 282 can include a first microstrip line 290 and a second microstrip line 292, each of which can be formed from a conductive material (e.g., a metal). The first microstrip line 290 and the second microstrip line 292 can be shaped to underlie their respective slots.

[0099] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a plan view of a feed layer 300 of the dielectric substrate 200 shown in FIG. 6, which may be located above the signal layer 280 of FIG. 8B, the via layer 250 of FIG. 8A, and the IC chip layer 201 of FIG. 7. The feed layer 300 may be disposed on or integrated with the top surface of the dielectric substrate 200. The feed layer 300 may be located above the signal layer 280, the via layer 250 of FIG. 8A, and the IC chip layer 201 of FIG. 7. The feed layer 300 may include a first slot 302 and a second slot 304, each of which may be formed in a conductive material (e.g., metal). The first slot 302 and the second slot 304 may each be implemented as components of a feed section for an antenna element. Thus, the first slot 302 and the second slot 304 may be disposed orthogonally to each other. Additionally, although two slots are shown in FIG. 9, more or fewer slots may be present in other embodiments.

[0100] 10-19 illustrate examples of antenna packages. Furthermore, the same reference numbers are used to indicate the same structures in FIGS. 10-19. Furthermore, for purposes of brevity, some reference numbers are not included and / or reintroduced for each figure.

[0101] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of an example antenna package 400, and Figure 11 shows a side view of the antenna package 400. Figures 10 and 11 use the same reference numerals to indicate the same structures. Furthermore, unless otherwise noted, references to elements of the antenna package 400 apply to both Figures 10 and 11. The antenna package 400 can be used to implement the antenna package 22 of Figure 1, the antenna package 70 of Figure 2, and / or the antenna package 130 of Figure 3.

[0102] The antenna package 400 can be formed by injection molding or thermoforming (also called thermoforming) techniques. The antenna package 400 can include a plastic antenna support 402. The plastic antenna support 402 can include a body portion 404 and a plurality of legs 406 extending from the body portion 404. In this embodiment, the body portion 404 can have a rectangular base shape. However, in other embodiments, other base shapes are possible. More specifically, the body portion 404 can have a regular tile base shape (e.g., triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.).

[0103] The legs 406 can be located at each vertex (e.g., corner) of the plastic antenna support 402. The legs 406 can have a length of about 0.25 mm to about 2 mm. Each leg can include at least one draft angle 410 that extends away from the body portion at an obtuse draft angle. In some embodiments, the draft angle 410 can be an angle of less than 90 degrees. The draft angles 410 can facilitate injection molding or thermoforming techniques used to manufacture the antenna package 400.

[0104] The body portion 404 may include a cavity 412 shaped for the radiating element 414. The cavity 412 may therefore be implemented as a recess in the top surface of the body portion 404. In some embodiments, an edge surface 418 within the cavity 412 may be formed with a draft angle (e.g., an angle less than 90 degrees) relative to the top surface 416 of the body portion 404. The radiating element 414 may be implemented as a patch antenna. As used herein, the term “patch antenna” refers to a low-profile antenna mounted on a flat (or nearly flat) surface. A patch antenna includes a flat sheet or patch mounted on a larger flat (or nearly flat) surface. The radiating element 414 may be disposed within the cavity 412. The cavity 412 may therefore be shaped to encase the radiating element 414 and form a coplanar surface with the top surface 416. In other embodiments, the radiating element 414 may extend beyond the top surface 416 of the body portion 404. In yet other embodiments, radiating element 414 may extend to a height below top surface 416 of body portion 404 .

[0105] In some embodiments, radiating element 414 may be formed or disposed within cavity 412 by electroplating or insert molding methods. Radiating element 414 may be implemented with a low-loss dielectric material, such as plastic. However, the plastic used to manufacture plastic antenna support 402 is a different type of plastic than the plastic used to manufacture radiating element 414.

[0106] As mentioned above, the antenna package 400 can be designed to be adhered to the top surface of a dielectric (e.g., the feed layer 300 of FIG. 9 ), which can include a feed portion (e.g., the first slot 302 and the second slot 304 shown in FIG. 9 ). The plastic antenna support 402 can thus be configured such that the legs 406 space the radiating element 414 from the feed portion, thereby forming an air gap or air gap between the radiating element 414 and the feed portion. During operation, the radiating element 414 couples EM waves between free space and the feed portion.

[0107] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an example antenna package 500, and Figure 13 shows a side view of the antenna package 500. Additionally, unless otherwise noted, references to elements of the antenna package 500 can apply to either or both Figures 12 and 13.

[0108] The antenna package 500 is similar to the antenna package 400 shown in FIGS. 10-11 . Additionally, the antenna package 500 may include a first cavity 502 molded for a radiating element 504 and a second cavity 506 molded for a parasitic element 508 of the antenna element. The first cavity 502 may be formed on the top surface 416 of the body portion 404 of the plastic antenna support 402. The second cavity 506 may be formed on the bottom surface 510 of the body portion 404 of the plastic antenna support 402. In some embodiments, as shown, an air gap 512 separates the first cavity 502 from the second cavity 506. In other embodiments, the air gap 512 may be omitted, such that the solid material (e.g., plastic) of the body portion 404 is between the first cavity 502 and the second cavity 506.

[0109] The air gap 512 may have a smaller diameter than the first cavity 502 and the second cavity 506. In embodiments including the air gap 512, the radiating element 504 may be insert molded to form a plastic ring around the periphery of the radiating element 504. In such a situation, the plastic ring may extend over the edge of the radiating element 504. Additionally, the parasitic element 508 may be fabricated in a similar manner to the radiating element 504. In forming the radiating element 504 and the parasitic element 508, the plastic antenna support 402 may be formed with the first cavity 502, the second cavity 506, and the air gap 512 between the first cavity 502 and the second cavity 506. The combination of the first cavity 502, the second cavity 506, and the air gap 512 may be referred to as a combined cavity 509. Therefore, the central portion of the combined cavity 509, which corresponds to the air gap 512, can be narrower than the width for inserting the molded radiating element 504 and parasitic element 508. Additionally, the combined cavity 509 can be wider where the radiating element 504 and parasitic element 508 are located, i.e., the first cavity 502 and the second cavity 506. Therefore, when the combined cavity 509 forms the plastic antenna support 402, the radiating element 504 and the parasitic element 508 can be disposed in a wider area within the combined cavity 509, i.e., the first cavity 502 and the second cavity 506, respectively (e.g., the wider portion of the combined cavity 509). Therefore, the plastic rings of the radiating element 504 and the parasitic element 508 can rest on and be supported by the material of the plastic antenna support 402.

[0110] The first cavity 502 may be placed above a second cavity 506. The radiating element 504 may be disposed within the first cavity 502, and the parasitic element 508 may be disposed within the second cavity 506.

[0111] The radiating element 504 and the parasitic element 508 may be implemented as a patch antenna. Additionally, while the radiating element 504 and the parasitic element 508 are illustrated as being round (e.g., circular), in other embodiments, the radiating element 504 and the parasitic element 508 may be polygonal (e.g., rectangular). Thus, the radiating element 504 may be positioned above the parasitic element 508. The inclusion of the parasitic element 508 adds further directionality to the electromagnetic waves communicated between the feed and free space.

[0112] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of an example antenna package 550, and Figure 15 shows a side view of antenna package 550. Additionally, unless otherwise noted, references to elements of antenna package 550 can apply to either or both Figures 14 and 15.

[0113] The antenna package 550 is similar to the antenna package 400 shown in Figures 10-11 and the antenna package 500 shown in Figures 11-12. Additionally, the antenna package 550 may include a first set of cavities 552 for a set of radiating elements 554 of four different antenna elements 554. The antenna package 550 may also include a second set of cavities 556 for a set of parasitic elements 558 of the four different antenna elements 554.

[0114] Each cavity 552 in the first set of cavities 552 may be formed on or integral with the top surface 416 of the body portion 404. Additionally, each cavity 556 in the second set of cavities 556 may be formed on or integral with the bottom surface 510 of the body portion 404. Additionally, each cavity 552 in the first set of cavities 552 may be positioned above a respective cavity 556 in the second set of cavities 556. Thus, each radiating element 554 in the set of radiating elements 554 may be positioned above a respective parasitic element 558 in the second set of parasitic elements 558.

[0115] Each radiating element 554 in the set of radiating elements 554 and each parasitic element 558 in the set of parasitic elements 558 may be implemented as a patch antenna. Additionally, although each radiating element 554 in the set of radiating elements 554 and each parasitic element 558 in the set of parasitic elements 558 are illustrated as being round (e.g., circular), in other embodiments, the radiating elements 504 and parasitic elements 508 may be polygonal (e.g., rectangular). Each radiating element 554 in the set of radiating elements 554 and each radiating element 554 in the set of parasitic elements 558 may be arranged in a lattice of a phased array antenna. In this embodiment, there are four radiating elements 554 in the set of radiating elements 554 and four parasitic elements 558 in the set of parasitic elements 558. However, in other embodiments, there may be more or fewer instances of radiating elements 554 of set of radiating elements 554 and parasitic elements 558 of set of parasitic elements 558.

[0116] Additionally, the top surface 416 of the body portion 404 may include a first groove 570 and a second groove 572 that traverse the body portion 404 of the plastic antenna support 402. The first groove 570 and the second groove 572 may each be embodied as a groove (e.g., a square groove) extending from one edge to the opposite edge of the body portion 404 of the plastic antenna support 402. The first groove 570 and the second groove 572 may intersect near a middle portion 574 of the body portion 404. In this manner, each radiating element 554 of the first set of radiating elements 554 may be separated from each other by the first groove 570 or the second groove 572.

[0117] Each radiating element 554 may be grouped with a parasitic element 558 below it within that particular antenna element. Thus, in the illustrated example, the antenna package 400 includes components for four antenna elements: a first antenna element 580, a second antenna element 582, a third antenna element 584, and a fourth antenna element 586. As described herein, the antenna package 550 may be mounted on a dielectric substrate of a (single) antenna element module that includes a plastic antenna support 402 formed from a continuous material (e.g., a polymer). In such a situation, the resulting antenna element module may accommodate four antenna elements separated by a first recessed groove 570 and a second recessed groove 572.

[0118] During operation, EM waves communicated with the radiating elements 554 of the set of radiating elements 554 can cause surface waves to propagate across the top surface 416 of the body portion 404. The first groove 570 and the second groove 572 provide a refractive index discontinuity in the plastic antenna support 402 that interrupts and / or disrupts the flow of such surface waves.

[0119] Figure 16 shows a perspective view of an example antenna package 700, and Figure 17 shows a side view of the antenna package 700. Additionally, unless otherwise noted, references to elements of the antenna package 700 can apply to either or both Figures 16 and 17.

[0120] Antenna package 700 represents four instances of antenna package 550 of Figures 14 and 15 that may be combined into a single antenna package. Thus, antenna package 700 may include 16 radiating elements 554 of the set of radiating elements 554 and 16 parasitic elements 558 of the set of parasitic elements 558. Like antenna package 550 of Figures 14-15, antenna package 700 may be implemented into a (single) antenna element module that houses components for 16 antenna elements.

[0121] Furthermore, there is no limit to the number of antenna elements that can be used in antenna package 700. For example, in some embodiments, there may be a sufficient number (e.g., hundreds or thousands) of sets of radiating elements 554 and parasitic elements 558 for an entire phased array antenna.

[0122] Figure 18 shows a perspective view of an example of an antenna package 750, and Figure 19 shows a side view of the antenna package 750. The antenna package 750 is similar to the antenna package 500 of Figures 12 and 13. The antenna package 750 may include a first cavity 752 for a radiating element 754 of an antenna element disposed in the top surface 416 of the body portion 404 of the plastic antenna support 402. Additionally, the antenna package 750 may include a second cavity 756 for a parasitic element 758 of the antenna element in the bottom surface 510 of the body portion 404. The first antenna element 754 is positioned above the parasitic element 758.

[0123] The radiating element 754 and the parasitic element 758 may be implemented as a patch antenna. The radiating element 754 and the parasitic element 758 may each have a polygonal (e.g., rectangular) shape.

[0124] Figure 20 shows a perspective view of an example antenna package 800, and Figure 21 shows a side view of the antenna package 800. Figures 20 and 21 use the same reference numerals to indicate the same structures. Furthermore, unless otherwise noted, references to elements of the antenna package 800 apply to both Figures 10 and 11. The antenna package 800 can be used to implement the antenna package 22 of Figure 1, the antenna package 70 of Figure 2, and / or the antenna package 130 of Figure 3.

[0125] The antenna package 800 may include a plastic antenna support 802 having a body portion 804 and legs 806. The antenna package 800 is similar to the antenna package 400 of FIG. 10. The body portion 804 may have a hexagonal base shape rather than the rectangular base shape of the body portion 404 of FIGS. 10-19. Each leg 806 may be disposed at a vertex of the body portion 804. Additionally, in some embodiments, each leg 806 may have a length of about 0.25 mm to about 2 mm. Furthermore, the antenna package 800 may include a cavity 808 formed by or integral with a top surface 810 of the body portion 804 of the plastic antenna support 802. A radiating element 812 may be disposed within the cavity 808.

[0126] Antenna package 800 may be adapted to include multiple sets of cavities and multiple sets of radiating elements, as shown and described in connection with Figures 12-17. Additionally, although radiating element 812 is shown as being round in shape, in other embodiments, radiating element 812 may have a polygonal shape, such as radiating element 754 shown in Figures 18 and 19.

[0127] FIG. 22 shows a plan view of an antenna element module 900 that can be used to implement antenna element module 8 and / or antenna element module 52 of FIG. 2. FIG. 23 shows a side view of antenna element module 900. FIGS. 22 and 23 use the same reference numerals to indicate the same structures. Antenna element module 900 can be mounted on a multi-layer substrate, such as multi-layer substrate 10 of FIG. 1 and / or multi-layer substrate 54 of FIGS. 2 and 3. Antenna element module 900 can include an antenna package 902. Antenna package 902 can be implemented, for example, by antenna package 550 of FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0128] The antenna element module 900 may include a first dielectric substrate 906 having a feed portion 908 disposed on a top surface 909 of the first dielectric substrate 906 or a feed portion 908 integral with the top surface. Each feed portion 908 may be implemented, for example, as a slot or as a pair of orthogonally arranged slots. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four instances of such feed portions (e.g., four pairs of orthogonally arranged slots).

[0129] The first dielectric substrate 906 may be attached to a second dielectric substrate 910 (e.g., a circuit board) via a first layer of solder balls 912, which may be arranged as a BGA (ball grid array) on a bottom surface 914 of the first dielectric substrate 906. A first IC chip 916 may be bonded (mounted) to a top surface 917 of the second dielectric substrate 910. A second IC chip 918 and a third IC chip 920 may be bonded (mounted) on a bottom surface 921 of the second dielectric substrate 910. The bottom surface 921 of the second dielectric substrate 910 may include solder balls 922 arranged in a BGA for mounting the antenna element module 900 on a multi-layer substrate. In some embodiments, the second IC chip 918 and the third IC chip 920 may communicate with their respective feeds via vias in the first dielectric substrate 906, the solder balls 912, and vias in the second dielectric substrate 910. Similarly, the second IC chip 918 and the third IC chip 920 can communicate with the first IC chip 916 through the vias in the second dielectric substrate 910. Additionally, the multi-layer substrate can be coupled to power circuitry and / or a controller that can provide signals to the first IC chip 916, the second IC chip 918. In this manner, the vias and solder balls 922 in the second dielectric substrate can enable communication between the first IC chip 916 and the multi-layer substrate.

[0130] In one example of operation, the second IC chip 918 and the third IC chip 920 interpose signals communicated between the corresponding power supply 908 and the first IC chip 916. Additionally, the first IC chip 916, the second IC chip 918, and the third IC chip 920 can condition (e.g., amplify, filter, and / or phase shift) signals communicated between the power supply 908 and the multilayer substrate.

[0131] Further, the antenna package 902 can be adhered to the top surface 909 of the first dielectric substrate 906. As described herein, the legs 930 of the plastic antenna support 932 of the antenna package 902 maintain a gap 934 (e.g., an air gap or an air gap) between the feed 908 and the radiating element 926. Furthermore, signals communicated to the feed 908 can be coupled by the radiating element 926. For example, in a receive mode, an EM signal from an external source can be received by the radiating element 926, and the EM signal is coupled to the respective feed 908 and converted by the feed 908 into an electrical signal for communication with the first IC chip 916, the second IC chip 918, and / or the third IC chip 920. Conversely, in a transmit mode, signals are communicated from the second IC chip 918 and / or the third IC chip 920 to the feed 908. Feed 908 converts such signals into EM signals that can be propagated in free space by radiating element 926 .

[0132] As shown, antenna element module 900 includes four antenna elements: first antenna element 940, second antenna element 942, third antenna element 944, and fourth antenna element 946. Each antenna element includes a radiating element 925 positioned above a feed portion 908. Furthermore, as described above, in some embodiments, a parasitic element can be interposed between radiating element 926 and feed portion 908. Plastic antenna support 932 can be formed from a continuous plastic material. Each of first antenna element 940, second antenna element 942, third antenna element 944, and fourth antenna element 946 can be separated by a first groove 948 and a second groove 950 that prevent undesired surface wave propagation between the antenna elements.

[0133] Figures 24 and 25 illustrate packaging processes for manufacturing antenna element modules such as antenna element module 8 of Figure 1, antenna element module 52 of Figures 2-3, antenna element module 102 of Figure 3, antenna element module 152 of Figure 4, and / or antenna element module 900 of Figures 21 and 22. Figures 24 and 25 use the same reference numbers to indicate the same structures. Additionally, unless otherwise noted, references to elements apply to either or both of Figures 24 and 25.

[0134] 24 illustrates a dielectric substrate 1000 on which four arrays 1002 of IC chips can be mounted. In other embodiments, there can be more or fewer arrays of IC chips 1004. Each array 1002 of IC chips can include 16 IC chips 1004 (e.g., four rows and four columns of IC chips 1004) mounted on the dielectric substrate 1000, with only some of the IC chips 1004 shown. The IC chips 1004 can be mounted on the bottom surface 1006 of the dielectric substrate 1000 in a flip-chip packaging process. Stated another way, each of the IC chips 1004 can be mounted on an exposed surface (e.g., bottom surface 1006) of the dielectric substrate 1000, and the dielectric substrate 1000 can be flipped over.

[0135] When the dielectric substrate 1000 is inverted so that the top surface 1010 is exposed, four arrays 1008 of antenna packages can be adhered to the top surface 1010 of the dielectric substrate 1000, as shown in FIG. 25 . In the illustrated embodiment, each array 1008 of antenna packages can include 16 antenna packages 1014 (e.g., four rows and four columns of antenna packages 1014), with only some of the antenna packages 1014 shown. However, in other embodiments, there may be more or fewer antenna packages 1014. Each antenna package 1014 can be placed over a corresponding IC chip 1004. After adhering the arrays 1008 of antenna packages to the dielectric substrate 1000, the dielectric substrate 1000 can be cut with a laser or saw in a singulation process to provide antenna element modules. More specifically, the dielectric substrate 1000 can be cut with a laser or saw to provide set antenna element modules having any number of IC chips 1004 and antenna packages 1008. The resulting antenna element module can be mounted on a multilayer substrate (e.g., multilayer substrate 10 of FIG. 1, multilayer substrate 54 of FIG. 2, multilayer substrate 104 of FIG. 4, and / or multilayer substrate 154 of FIG. 5) in the manner described herein.

[0136] Figure 26 shows a block diagram of an exemplary phased array antenna 1200 illustrating the logical interconnection of the phased array antenna 2 of Figure 1 and / or the phased array antenna 50 of Figures 2 and 3 operating in a receive mode. Furthermore, the architecture of the phased array antenna 100 of Figure 4 or the architecture of the phased array antenna 150 of Figure 5 can be used to implement the phased array antenna 1200 of Figure 26. In the illustrated example, N antenna element modules 1202 are in communication with a receive (RX) BFN circuit 1204.

[0137] Each of the N antenna element modules 1202 may include a dielectric substrate 1206 having a feed 1208 (e.g., a slot or a pair of orthogonally arranged slots) disposed on or integrated with the dielectric substrate 1206. Each of the N antenna element modules 1202 may also include an IC chip 1210 mounted on the dielectric substrate 1206. In the illustrated example, each IC chip 1210 may include an amplifier 1212 and a phase shifter 1214. The IC chip 1210 may receive control signals from a controller 1216, which may be implemented in an external system (e.g., a local system). In some embodiments, the control signals may control the gain of each amplifier 1212 and / or the phase shift applied by each phase shifter 1214. Thus, in some embodiments, each amplifier 1212 may be implemented as a variable gain amplifier, a switched attenuator circuit, or the like.

[0138] Each of the N antenna element modules 1202 may further include an antenna package 1220 adhered to the dielectric substrate 1206. The antenna package 1220 may include a radiating element 1222 spaced from the feed portion 1208 by an air gap.

[0139] In operation, an EM signal received by each of the N radiating elements 1222 (or some subset thereof) may be coupled toward a corresponding feed 1208 of the dielectric substrate 1206. Each of the N feeds 1208 may convert the EM signal into an electrical signal that may be provided to a corresponding IC chip 1210 for conditioning. Each amplifier 1212 of the IC chip 1210 may amplify the provided electrical signal, and each phase shifter 1214 may apply a phase shift to output N element signals, which may alternatively be referred to as conditioned signals. In some implementations of the phased array antenna 1200 of FIG. 26 , the phase shifters 1214 may apply a variable amount of phase adjustment in response to a control signal provided from the controller 1216. Additionally or alternatively, the amplifiers 1212 may provide a variable amount of amplitude adjustment in response to a control signal provided from the controller 1216. The N element signals may be provided to the RX BFN circuit 1204. The RX BFN circuitry 1204 can combine the N element signals to form receive beam signals that can be provided to a local system for demodulation and processing.

[0140] Figure 27 shows a block diagram of a phased array antenna 1300 illustrating the logical interconnection of the phased array antenna 2 of Figure 1 and / or the phased array antenna 50 of Figures 2 and 3 operating in a transmit mode. Furthermore, the architecture of the phased array antenna 100 of Figure 4 or the architecture of the phased array antenna 150 of Figure 5 can be used to implement the phased array antenna 1300 of Figure 27. In the illustrated example, N antenna element modules 1302 are in communication with a transmit (TX) BFN circuit 1304.

[0141] Each of the N antenna element modules 1302 may include a dielectric substrate 1306 having a feed 1308 (e.g., a slot or a pair of orthogonally arranged slots) disposed on or integrated with the dielectric substrate 1306. Each of the N antenna element modules 1302 may also include an IC chip 1310. In the illustrated example, each IC chip 1310 may include an amplifier 1312 and a phase shifter 1314. The IC chip 1310 may receive control signals from a controller 1316, which may be implemented in an external system (e.g., a local system). In some embodiments, the control signals may control a variable amount of amplitude adjustment applied by each amplifier 1312 and / or a variable amount of phase adjustment applied by each phase shifter 1314. Thus, in some embodiments, each amplifier 1312 may be implemented as a variable gain amplifier, a switched attenuator circuit, or the like.

[0142] Each of the N antenna element modules 1302 may further include an antenna package 1320 bonded to the dielectric substrate 1306. The antenna package 1320 may include a radiating element 1322 spaced apart from the feed portion 1308 by an air gap. The radiating element 1322 may be implemented as a patch antenna or multiple patch antennas.

[0143] In operation, a transmit beam signal may be provided from a local system to the TX BFN circuit 1304. The TX BFN circuit 1304 splits the transmit beam signal into N element signals, which may be provided to the N antenna element modules 1302. Each IC chip 1310 of the N antenna element modules 1302 may condition a corresponding element signal to generate a conditioned signal, which may be provided to a corresponding feed 1308. Each of the N feeds 1308 may convert the corresponding conditioned signal into an EM signal that is propagated toward a corresponding radiating element 1322 of the antenna package 1320. In the illustrated example, the conditioning may include a phase shifter 1314 that phase-shifts the element signal and an amplifier 1312 that amplifies the element signal. Each radiating element 1322 may couple the corresponding conditioned signal into free space as an EM signal.

[0144] Figure 28 shows a block diagram of a phased array antenna 1400 illustrating the logical interconnection of the phased array antenna 2 of Figure 1 and / or the phased array antenna 50 of Figures 2 and 3 operating in half-duplex mode. Furthermore, the architecture of the phased array antenna 100 of Figure 4 or the architecture of the phased array antenna 150 of Figure 5 can be used to implement the phased array antenna 1400 of Figure 28. In half-duplex mode, the phased array antenna 1400 switches between receive and transmit modes. In the illustrated example, N antenna element modules 1402 are in communication with a BFN circuit 1404.

[0145] Each of the N antenna element modules 1402 may include a dielectric substrate 1406 having a feed 1408 (e.g., a slot or a pair of orthogonally arranged slots) disposed on or which may be integrated with the dielectric substrate. Each of the N antenna element modules 1402 may also include an IC chip 1410. In the illustrated example, each IC chip 1410 may include a receive path 1412 and a transmit path 1414. The receive path 1412 may include a receive amplifier 1416 and a receive phase shifter 1418 for conditioning a signal received from the corresponding feed 1408. Similarly, the transmit path 1414 may include a transmit amplifier 1420 and a transmit phase shifter 1422 for conditioning a corresponding element signal provided from the BFN circuitry 1404.

[0146] Each IC chip 1410 may also include a switch 1424 (e.g., a transistor switch) for switching between receive and transmit modes. The IC chip 1410 may receive a control signal from a controller 1430 implemented in an external system (e.g., a local system). The control signal may control the state of the switch 1424 to switch the phased array antenna 1400 from receive mode to transmit mode, or vice versa. Additionally, in some embodiments, the control signal provided from the controller 1430 may control the variable amount of amplitude adjustment applied by each receive amplifier 1416 and each transmit amplifier 1420. Thus, in some embodiments, each receive amplifier 1416 and each transmit amplifier 1420 may be implemented as a variable gain amplifier, a switched attenuator circuit, or the like. Similarly, in some embodiments, the control signal provided from the controller 1430 may control the variable amount of phase adjustment applied by each receive phase shifter 1418 and each transmit phase shifter 1422.

[0147] Each of the N antenna element modules 1402 may further include an antenna package 1440 bonded to the dielectric substrate 1406. The antenna package 1440 may include a radiating element 1442 spaced apart from the feed portion 1408 by an air gap. The radiating element 1442 may be implemented as a patch antenna or multiple patch antennas.

[0148] During operation in receive mode, the controller 1430 configures the switches 1424 of the IC chip 1410 to route signals through the receive path 1412. Also in receive mode, the EM signal received by each of the N radiating elements 1442 (or some subset thereof) can be coupled toward a corresponding feed 1408, which provides the signal to the corresponding IC chip 1410 for conditioning. Each receive amplifier 1416 of the IC chip 1410 amplifies the provided signal, and each receive phase shifter 1418 applies a phase shift to output N element signals, which may alternatively be referred to as conditioned signals. The N element signals can be provided to the BFN circuitry 1404, which can combine the N element signals to form receive beam signals, which can be provided to a local system for demodulation and processing.

[0149] During operation in transmit mode, the controller 1430 configures the switch 1424 to the transmit path 1414 to transmit a beam signal that can be provided from the local system to the BFN circuit 1404. The BFN circuit 1404 splits the transmit beam signal into N element signals, which can be provided to the N antenna element modules 1402. Each IC chip 1410 of the N antenna element modules 1402 can condition a corresponding element signal to generate a conditioned signal, which can be provided to a corresponding feed 1408. In the illustrated example, the conditioning can include a transmit phase shifter 1422 that phase-shifts the element signal and a transmit amplifier 1420 that amplifies the element signal. Each feed 1408 propagates the corresponding conditioned signal as an EM signal toward a corresponding radiating element 1442. The radiating element 1442 can then couple the EM signal into free space.

[0150] In half-duplex mode, the phased array antenna 1400 switches between receive and transmit modes, and in this way the same antenna element module 1402 can be used to both transmit and receive RF signals.

[0151] Figure 29 shows a block diagram of a phased array antenna 1500 illustrating the logical interconnection of the phased array antenna 2 of Figure 1 and / or the phased array antenna 50 of Figures 2 and 3 operating in frequency division duplex mode. Furthermore, the architecture of the phased array antenna 100 of Figure 4 or the architecture of the phased array antenna 150 of Figure 5 can be used to implement the phased array antenna 1500 of Figure 29. In frequency division duplex mode, the phased array antenna 1500 can include electrical circuitry for processing received RF signals in the receive band and propagating RF signals in the transmit band.

[0152] In the illustrated example, N antenna element modules 1502 are in communication with a BFN circuit 1504. Each of the N antenna element modules 1502 may include a dielectric substrate 1506 having a feed 1508 (e.g., a slot or a pair of orthogonally arranged slots) disposed on or integrated with the dielectric substrate 1506. Each of the N antenna element modules 1502 may also include an IC chip 1510. In the illustrated example, each IC chip 1510 may include a receive path 1512 and a transmit path 1514. The receive path 1512 may include a receive amplifier 1516 and a receive phase shifter 1518 for conditioning signals received from the corresponding feed 1508. Additionally, the receive path 1512 may include an input receive filter 1520 and an output receive filter 1522. The input receive filter 1520 and the output receive filter 1522 may be implemented as relatively narrow bandpass filters that reject signals at frequencies outside the receive band. Thus, the input receive filter 1520 and the output receive filter 1522 may have passbands with stopbands.

[0153] Similarly, the transmit path 1514 may include a transmit amplifier 1524 and a transmit phase shifter 1526 for conditioning the corresponding element signals provided from the BFN circuit 1504. Additionally, the transmit path 1514 may include an input transmit filter 1528 and an output receive filter 1522. The input transmit filter 1528 and the output transmit filter 1530 may be implemented as relatively narrow bandpass filters that reject signals at frequencies outside the transmit band. Thus, the input transmit filter 1528 and the output transmit filter 1530 may have a passband set to the transmit band.

[0154] The IC chip 1510 may receive control signals from a controller 1540 implemented in an external system (e.g., a local system). In some embodiments, the control signals control the passbands and / or bandwidths of the input receive filter 1520 and the output receive filter 1522. Similarly, in some embodiments, the control signals provided from the controller 1540 control the passbands and / or bandwidths of the input transmit filter 1528 and the output transmit filter 1530. Additionally or alternatively, the control signals provided from the controller 1540 may control the variable amount of amplitude adjustment applied by each receive amplifier 1516 and each transmit amplifier 1524. Thus, in some embodiments, each receive amplifier 1516 and each transmit amplifier 1524 may be implemented as a variable gain amplifier, a switched attenuator circuit, or the like. Similarly, in some embodiments, the control signals provided from the controller 1540 may control the variable amount of phase adjustment applied by each receive phase shifter 1518 and each transmit phase shifter 1526.

[0155] Each of the N antenna element modules 1502 may further include an antenna package 1550 adhered to the dielectric substrate 1506. The antenna package 1550 may include a radiating element 1552 spaced apart from the feed portion 1508 by an air gap. The radiating element 1552 may be implemented as a patch antenna or multiple patch antennas.

[0156] In operation, the phased array antenna 1500 can operate simultaneously in receive and transmit modes based on the frequency of the signal traversing the phased array antenna 1500. More specifically, EM signals can be received by each of the N radiating elements 1552 (or some subset thereof), and these signals can be coupled to a corresponding feed 1508. Each such feed 1508 can convert the EM signal to an electrical signal, which is provided to a corresponding IC chip 1510 for conditioning. Signals within the passband (receive band) of the input receive filter 1520 can be conditioned (e.g., amplified and phase shifted) by the receive path of the corresponding IC chip 1510. The conditioned signals can be filtered by the output receive filter 1522 and provided to the BFN circuit 1504 as element signals. In this manner, the BFN circuit 1504 receives N element signals from the N antenna element modules 1502, and each of the received N element signals can be within the receive band.

[0157] Additionally, simultaneously with receiving the RF signal, a transmit beam signal can be provided from the local system to the BFN circuit 1504. The BFN circuit 1504 divides the transmit beam signal into N element signals that can be provided to the N antenna element modules 1502. The input transmit filter 1528 of each IC chip 1510 of the N antenna element modules 1502 rejects signals outside the passband (transmit band). Additionally, the transmit path 1514 can condition (phase shift and amplify) the corresponding element signal to generate a conditioned signal, which can be provided to a corresponding feed 1508 through an output transmit filter 1530. Each feed 1508 can convert the corresponding conditioned signal into an EM signal, which is propagated toward a corresponding radiating element 1552. Additionally, each corresponding radiating element 1552 can couple the EM signal into free space.

[0158] In the phased array antenna 1500, the frequency of the signal traversed controls the routing of the signal through the phased array antenna 1500. In this manner, the same antenna element module 1502 can be used to both transmit and receive RF signals. Additionally, in some embodiments, the phased array antenna 1500 can have an architecture that intermittently switches between transmit and receive modes to provide half-duplexing.

[0159] 30 shows a block diagram of a phased array antenna 1600 illustrating the logical interconnection of the phased array antenna 2 of FIG. 1 and / or the phased array antenna 50 of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 operating in a polarization-dual mode, which may be a particular configuration of half-duplex mode. In the polarization-dual mode, the phased array antenna 1600 may include electrical circuitry for processing RF signals received in a first polarization and propagating RF signals in a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization.

[0160] In the illustrated embodiment, N antenna element modules 1602 are in communication with a BFN circuit 1604. Each of the N antenna element modules 1602 may include a dielectric substrate 1606 having a feed 1608 (e.g., a slot or a pair of orthogonally arranged slots) disposed on or integrated with the dielectric substrate 1606. Each of the N antenna element modules 1602 may also include an IC chip 1610. In the illustrated example, each IC chip 1610 may include a receive path 1612 and a transmit path 1614. The receive path 1612 may include a receive amplifier 1616 and a receive phase shifter 1618 for conditioning a signal received from the corresponding feed 1608. Similarly, the transmit path 1614 may include a transmit amplifier 1620 and a transmit phase shifter 1622 for conditioning a corresponding element signal provided from the BFN circuit 1604.

[0161] The receive path 1612 can be coupled to a first port 1624 of the feed 1608, and the transmit path 1614 can be coupled to a second port 1626 of the feed 1608. The first port 1624 of the feed 1608 can be configured to output an electrical signal converted from an EM signal of a first polarization received at the feed 1608, and the second port 1626 of the feed 1608 can be configured to convert the electrical signal into an EM signal of a second polarization received at the feed 1608, the second polarization being orthogonal to the first polarization. For example, the first polarization can be vertical polarization and the second polarization can be horizontal polarization, or vice versa. Alternatively, the first polarization can be right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) and the second polarization can be left-hand circular polarization (LHCP), or vice versa.

[0162] Each IC chip 1610 may also include a switch 1628 (e.g., a transistor switch) for switching between receive and transmit modes. The IC chip 1610 may receive a control signal from a controller 1630, which may be implemented in an external system (e.g., a local system). The control signal may control the state of the switch 1628 to switch the phased array antenna 1600 from receive mode to transmit mode, or vice versa. Additionally, in some embodiments, the control signal provided from the controller 1630 may control the variable amount of amplitude adjustment applied by each receive amplifier 1616 and each transmit amplifier 1620. Accordingly, in some embodiments, each receive amplifier 1616 and each transmit amplifier 1620 may be implemented as a variable gain amplifier, a switched attenuator circuit, or the like. Similarly, in some embodiments, the control signal provided from the controller 1630 may control the variable amount of phase adjustment applied by each receive phase shifter 1618 and each transmit phase shifter 1622.

[0163] Each of the N antenna element modules 1602 may further include an antenna package 1640 bonded to the dielectric substrate 1606. The antenna package 1640 may include a radiating element 1642 spaced apart from the feed portion 1408 by an air gap. The radiating element 1642 may be implemented as a patch antenna or multiple patch antennas.

[0164] During operation in receive mode, the controller 1630 configures the switches 1628 of the IC chip 1610 to route signals through the receive path 1612. Furthermore, in receive mode, the EM signals in the first polarization dual mode received by each of the N radiating elements 1642 (or some subset thereof) can be coupled toward the corresponding feed 1608. The feed 1608 can convert the EM signals to electrical signals that can be provided to the corresponding IC chip 1610 for conditioning. Each receive amplifier 1616 of the IC chip 1610 can amplify the provided signal, and each receive phase shifter 1618 can apply a phase shift to output N element signals, which can alternatively be referred to as conditioning signals. The N element signals can be provided to the BFN circuit 1604. The BFN circuit 1604 can combine the N element signals to form receive beam signals that can be provided to a local system for demodulation and processing.

[0165] During operation in transmit mode, the controller 1630 sets the switch 1628 to the transmit path 1614 to transmit a beam signal, which can be provided from the local system to the BFN circuit 1604. The BFN circuit 1604 splits the transmit beam signal into N element signals, which can be provided to the N antenna element modules 1602. Each IC chip 1610 of the N antenna element modules 1602 can condition a corresponding element signal to generate a conditioned signal, which can be provided to a corresponding feed 1608. In the illustrated example, the conditioning can include a transmit phase shifter 1622 that phase-shifts the element signal and a transmit amplifier 1620 that amplifies the element signal. Each feed 1608 can convert the conditioned signal into an EM signal, which propagates toward a corresponding radiating element 1642 of the antenna package 1640. The radiating element 1642 can couple the EM signal into free space.

[0166] In dual-polarization mode, the phased array antenna 1600 switches between receive and transmit modes. However, by taking advantage of the orthogonal relationship between the signal at the first port 1624 and the signal at the second port 1626 of the radiating element 1608, each antenna element module 1602 can be implemented with a single switch 1628 to reduce losses. Additionally, the same antenna element module 1602 can be used to both transmit and receive RF signals.

[0167] In view of the foregoing structure and features described above, the exemplary method will be better appreciated with reference to Figures 31 and 32. For purposes of simplicity, the exemplary method of Figures 31 and 32 is shown and described as being performed sequentially, however, the present embodiment is not limited to the order shown, and in other embodiments, actions may occur multiple times and / or simultaneously in an order different from that shown and described herein. Furthermore, not all of the actions described need to be performed to implement the method.

[0168] FIG. 31 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 1700 for forming a plurality of antenna element modules, such as the antenna element module 8 of FIG. 1 , the antenna element module 52 of FIGS. 2 and 3 , the antenna element module 102 of FIG. 4 , the antenna element module 152 of FIG. 5 , and / or the antenna element module 900 of FIGS. 22 and 23 . The method 1700 can be implemented using flip-chip packaging technology. At 1710, a plurality of IC chips (e.g., the IC chip 1004 of FIG. 24 ) can be bonded (attached) to a bottom surface of a dielectric substrate (e.g., the dielectric substrate 1000 of FIG. 24 ). The dielectric substrate can include a plurality of feeds within the dielectric substrate. At 1720, an array of antenna packages (e.g., the antenna package 1008 of FIG. 25 ) can be bonded to a top surface of the dielectric substrate to form an array of antenna element modules. Each antenna package can include a plastic antenna support. The plastic antenna support can include a body portion having a cavity for a radiating element and a plurality of legs extending from the body portion to the dielectric substrate. The plastic antenna support may also include a radiating element of a radiating antenna disposed within a cavity in a body portion of the plastic antenna support. The plurality of legs may space each radiating element from a feed portion in the dielectric substrate. At 1730, the array of antenna element modules may be singulated to form a plurality of antenna element modules.

[0169] FIG. 32 shows a flowchart of an example method 1800 for forming an antenna package, such as the antenna package used in method 1700. In some examples, the resulting antenna package can be used to implement antenna package 22 of FIG. 1, antenna package 70 of FIG. 2, and / or antenna package 130 of FIG. 3. At 1810, a plastic antenna support for the antenna package (e.g., plastic antenna support 402 of FIGS. 10-19 or plastic antenna support 802 of FIGS. 20 and 21) can be formed. The plastic antenna support can be formed, for example, by injecting a first polymer into a mold to form the array plastic of the antenna support via an injection molding process. Alternatively, the plastic antenna support can be formed by heating a sheet of the first polymer and molding the heated sheet of the first polymer into a mold via a thermoforming process. The resulting plastic antenna support can include a cavity for a radiating element (e.g., cavity 412 of FIGS. 10 and 11). At 1820, radiating elements (e.g., radiating element 414 in FIGS. 10 and 11) can be formed within the cavities of the plastic antenna supports to form the antenna package. The radiating elements can be formed by injecting a second polymer into the cavities of each plastic antenna support. Alternatively, the radiating elements can be formed by using electroplating to attach the second polymer to the cavities of each plastic antenna support.

[0170] What has been described above is an example. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of elements or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many additional combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of this application, including the appended claims. As used herein, the term "includes" means including, but not limited to, and the term "including" means including, but not limited to. The term "based on" means based at least in part on. In addition, when this disclosure or claims recite "a," "an," "a first," or "another" element or equivalent thereof, the "first" or "another" element (or equivalent) should be interpreted to include one or more such elements, and not to require or exclude two or more such elements.

Claims

1. A radiating element; a dielectric substrate having a first surface, the dielectric substrate including a feeding portion; a plastic antenna support bonded to the first surface of the dielectric substrate, The radiating element and the feeding portion operate in cooperation to form an antenna element, The plastic antenna support is a body portion including a cavity for the radiating element of the antenna element; the cavity is a recess in the body portion that has an opening in a first surface of the body portion and exists between the first surface of the body portion and a second surface of the body portion that is opposite to the first surface; the radiating element is disposed in the opening in the cavity of the body portion such that when disposed in the cavity, the radiating element is at least partially located between the first surface and the second surface of the body portion; the plastic antenna support has one or more legs extending from a second surface of the body portion facing the opening to the first surface of the dielectric substrate, the legs introducing an air gap between the radiating element and the feed portion.

2. the cavity is a first cavity; the body portion further comprises a second cavity having an opening in the second surface of the body portion and being a recess formed in the body portion between the first surface and the second surface of the body portion; the antenna element further comprises a parasitic element disposed in the opening in the second cavity of the body portion such that the parasitic element is at least partially located between the first surface and the second surface of the body portion when disposed in the second cavity; the parasitic element is below the radiating element; The antenna element module according to claim 1 , wherein the downward direction is a direction from the radiating element toward the dielectric substrate.

3. the plastic antenna support is formed from a first polymer; The antenna element module of claim 1 , wherein the radiating element is formed from a second polymer.

4. the antenna element is a first antenna element of a plurality of antenna elements; each antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements includes a respective feed portion of a plurality of feed portions and a respective radiating element of a plurality of radiating elements; each radiating element being a first radiating element of the plurality of radiating elements, and each feed being a first feed of the plurality of feeds; the cavity is a first cavity of a plurality of cavities, each cavity having an opening in a first surface of the body portion and being a recess formed in the body portion between the first surface and the second surface of the body portion; The antenna element module according to claim 1 , wherein each radiating element is disposed within a respective one of the plurality of cavities.

5. The antenna element module of claim 4 , wherein the plastic antenna support further comprises one or more recessed grooves separating each of the plurality of antenna elements.

6. The antenna element is a first antenna element of a plurality of antenna elements, and each antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements comprises: a first radiating element that is one radiating element among the plurality of radiating elements; a first power supply unit that is one of the plurality of power supplies; a parasitic element among the plurality of parasitic elements; the cavity is a first cavity of a first set of cavities having an opening formed on the first surface of the body portion; the body portion of the plastic antenna support includes a second set of cavities having openings formed on the second surface of the body portion; each radiating element of the plurality of radiating elements is disposed within a respective cavity of the first set of cavities; each parasitic element of the plurality of parasitic elements is disposed within a respective cavity of the second set of cavities; each radiating element of the plurality of radiating elements is positioned above a corresponding one of the plurality of parasitic elements and spaced apart from the corresponding one of the plurality of parasitic elements; The antenna element module according to claim 1 , wherein the upward direction is from the dielectric substrate toward the radiating element.

7. 7. The antenna element module of claim 6, wherein the body portion of the plastic antenna support further comprises one or more recessed grooves formed in the first surface of the body portion for separating each of the plurality of antenna elements.

8. The antenna element module according to claim 1 , wherein the radiating element is a patch antenna.

9. The antenna element module of claim 1 , wherein the one or more legs are located at one or more vertices of the plastic antenna support.

10. The one or more legs of the plastic antenna support are The antenna element module of claim 1 , extending from the second surface at a draft angle.

11. the feed portion of the antenna element includes a pair of slots disposed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate; The antenna element module according to claim 1 , wherein the pair of slots are disposed perpendicular to each other.

12. The antenna element module of claim 1 , wherein the length of the one or more legs is between 0.25 mm and 2 mm.

13. 1. A phased array antenna comprising an array of antenna element modules, Each of the array of antenna element modules comprises: a radiating element; a dielectric substrate having a first surface, the dielectric substrate including a feeding portion; a plastic antenna support adhered to the first surface of the dielectric substrate and including a body portion; an IC chip provided on the dielectric substrate, The radiating element and the feeding portion operate in cooperation to form an antenna element, In the plastic antenna support, the body portion includes a cavity for the radiating element of the antenna element; the cavity is a recess in the body portion that has an opening in a first surface of the body portion and exists between the first surface of the body portion and a second surface of the body portion that is opposite to the first surface; the radiating element is disposed in the opening in the cavity of the body portion such that when disposed in the cavity, the radiating element is at least partially located between the first surface and the second surface of the body portion; the plastic antenna support includes one or more legs extending from a second surface of the body portion facing the opening to the first surface of the dielectric substrate, the legs introducing an air gap between the radiating element and the feed portion; The phased array antenna comprises a multi-layer substrate positioned below the array of antenna element modules, the multi-layer substrate including a beam forming network (BFN) circuit formed on a layer of the multi-layer substrate, the BFN circuit electrically communicating with the IC chip of each of the array of antenna element modules.

14. The cavity of each antenna element module of the array of antenna element modules is a first cavity formed in an upper surface of the respective body portion, and each antenna element module of the array of antenna element modules comprises: a second cavity formed in the second surface and located between the first surface of the body portion and the second surface of the body portion, thereby located between the first surface and the second surface of the body portion of each of the plastic antenna supports; a parasitic element for each antenna element disposed within the second cavity of the body portion of each plastic antenna support; the parasitic element is below each of the radiating elements; The phased array antenna of claim 13 , wherein the downward direction is from the radiating elements toward the dielectric substrate.

15. 1. A method for forming a plurality of antenna element modules, comprising: adhering an array of antenna packages to a surface of a dielectric substrate to form an array of antenna element modules, wherein each antenna package comprises: a radiating element; a plastic antenna support including a body portion containing a cavity for the radiating element; an antenna element is formed by the radiating element and a power supply portion provided on the dielectric substrate operating in cooperation with each other; the cavity is a recess in the body portion that has an opening in a first surface of the body portion and exists between the first surface of the body portion and a second surface of the body portion that is opposite to the first surface; the radiating element is disposed in the opening in the cavity of the body portion such that when disposed in the cavity, the radiating element is at least partially located between the first surface and the second surface of the body portion; the plastic antenna support includes one or more legs extending from the second surface of the body portion facing the opening to the first surface of the dielectric substrate, the legs introducing an air gap between the radiating element and the feed portion; and singulating the array of antenna element modules to form the plurality of antenna element modules.

16. injecting a first polymer into a mold to form an array of plastic antenna supports; 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising injecting a second polymer into cavities in the array of plastic antenna supports to form the radiating element on each of a plurality of the plastic antenna supports to form the array of antenna packages.

17. The cavity of each antenna package in the array of antenna packages is a first cavity formed in a top surface of the body portion of the respective plastic antenna support, and the radiating element is a radiating element, and each antenna package comprises: a second cavity formed in a lower surface of the body portion of each of the plastic antenna supports; a parasitic element disposed within the second cavity of the body portion below the radiating element of each of the antenna packages; The method of claim 15 , wherein the downward direction is from the radiating element toward the dielectric substrate.

18. The method of claim 15 , wherein each antenna module has a regular tile-based shape.

19. The method of claim 15 , wherein each singulated antenna element module of the plurality of antenna element modules includes two or more antenna elements.

20. The method of claim 15 , wherein the one or more legs of each plastic antenna support extend from a respective body portion at a draft angle.

21. The method described in claim 15, wherein the radiating element of each of the plurality of antenna packages is a patch antenna.

22. each feed portion of the plurality of feed portions of the dielectric substrate includes a pair of slots disposed in the first surface of the dielectric substrate; The method of claim 15 , wherein the pair of slots are disposed orthogonally to each other.

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