Antenna Module

Abstract

This antenna module (100) comprises a dielectric substrate (130A) on which a flat plate-type radiating electrode (121A) is disposed, and a dielectric substrate (130B) on which a flat plate-type radiating electrode (121B) is disposed. The dielectric substrate (130A) has principal surfaces (131A, 132A) that face each other. The radiating electrode (121A) is disposed on the principal surface (131A) or in a position between the principal surface (131A) and the principal surface (132A) in the dielectric substrate (130A). A recess section (170) that is recessed in the normal direction of the principal surface (131A) is formed on the principal surface (131A) of the dielectric substrate (130A). The dielectric substrate (130B) includes a region (RG1) that is disposed so as to enter the inside of the recess section (170), and a region (RG2) that is in contact with the principal surface (131A) of the dielectric substrate (130A). The normal direction of the radiating electrode (121B) is different from the normal direction of the radiating electrode (121A).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna module, and more particularly to a technique for miniaturizing an antenna module capable of radiating radio waves in two directions. [Background technology]

[0002] US Pat. No. 1,108,157 (Patent Document 1) discloses a configuration in which, in an antenna module having a bent dielectric substrate, radiating elements are arranged on two surfaces whose normal directions are different from each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 1,108,157 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The antenna module disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 1,108,157 (Patent Document 1) may be used in communication devices, such as mobile phones, smartphones, and other portable terminals. Such communication devices are desired to be made even smaller and thinner, and accordingly, the antenna modules mounted in such communication devices are also required to be made even smaller and thinner.

[0005] On the other hand, in a configuration using a bent dielectric substrate as in U.S. Pat. No. 1,108,157 (Patent Document 1), if the height is further reduced, there is a concern that the mechanical strength at the bent portion may decrease and it may become difficult to supply power through the bent portion.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to achieve a low profile while maintaining mechanical strength in an antenna module capable of radiating radio waves in two directions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The antenna module according to the present disclosure includes a first substrate on which a flat-plate-shaped first radiating element is disposed, and a second substrate on which a flat-plate-shaped second radiating element is disposed. The first substrate has a first surface and a second surface that face each other. The first radiating element is disposed on the second surface of the first substrate or at a position between the first and second surfaces. A recess is formed in the first surface of the first substrate, recessed in the normal direction of the first surface. The second substrate includes a first region disposed so as to fit inside the recess, and a second region that contacts the first surface of the first substrate. The normal direction of the second radiating element is different from the normal direction of the first radiating element. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the antenna module of the present disclosure, a second substrate, on which a second radiating element with a different radiation direction (normal direction) is arranged, is fitted into a recess formed in a first substrate on which a first radiating element is arranged, and the second substrate is fixed on the main surface (first surface) of the first substrate. With this configuration, the two substrates can be fixed together without providing a bent portion. Therefore, in an antenna module capable of radiating radio waves in two directions, a low profile can be achieved while maintaining mechanical strength. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a communication device to which an antenna module according to a first embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the antenna module of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the antenna module of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an antenna block. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an antenna block of a modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of an antenna module according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the antenna characteristics of the radiating element on the main substrate side in the antenna modules of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of an antenna module according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram for explaining the antenna characteristics of a radiating element on the antenna block side in the antenna modules of the second and third embodiments. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of an antenna module according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an antenna module according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an antenna module according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] (Basic configuration of communication equipment) 1 is a block diagram of a communication device 10 to which an antenna module 100 according to this embodiment is applied. The communication device 10 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet, or a personal computer with a communication function. An example of the frequency band of radio waves used in the antenna module 100 according to this embodiment is millimeter-wave radio waves with center frequencies of 28 GHz, 39 GHz, and 60 GHz, but radio waves in other frequency bands are also applicable.

[0012] 1, a communication device 10 includes an antenna module 100 and a BBIC 200 that constitutes a baseband signal processing circuit. The antenna module 100 includes an RFIC 110, which is an example of a power supply device, and an antenna device 120. The communication device 10 upconverts a signal transmitted from the BBIC 200 to the antenna module 100 into a high-frequency signal and radiates the signal from the antenna device 120, and also downconverts the high-frequency signal received by the antenna device 120 and processes the signal in the BBIC 200.

[0013] The antenna device 120 includes a dielectric substrate 130A and a plurality of dielectric substrates 130B. A plurality of radiating elements 125A are arranged on the dielectric substrate 130A. Each of the radiating elements 125A includes a radiating electrode 121A and a radiating electrode 122A having a flat plate shape. A radiating element 125B is arranged on each of the dielectric substrates 130B. Each of the radiating elements 125B includes a radiating electrode 121B and a radiating electrode 122B having a flat plate shape.

[0014] Each of the radiating electrodes included in the radiating elements 125A and 125B is a flat patch antenna having a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape. In the example of the first embodiment, each of the radiating electrodes is a microstrip antenna having a substantially square shape. In the radiating element 125A, the size of the radiating electrode 121A is smaller than the size of the radiating electrode 122A. Therefore, the frequency band of the radio waves radiated from the radiating electrode 121A is higher than the frequency band of the radio waves radiated from the radiating electrode 122A. Similarly, in the radiating element 125B, the size of the radiating electrode 121B is smaller than the size of the radiating electrode 122B, and the frequency band of the radio waves radiated from the radiating electrode 121B is higher than the frequency band of the radio waves radiated from the radiating electrode 122B. In other words, the antenna module 100 in the example of FIG. 1 is a so-called dual-band antenna module capable of radiating radio waves in two different frequency bands from each of the two dielectric substrates 130A and 130B.

[0015] In the following description, dielectric substrate 130A on which multiple radiating elements 125A are arranged is also referred to as "main substrate 108," and the configuration of each dielectric substrate 130B on which radiating elements 125B are arranged is also referred to as "antenna block 107." As will be described later in FIG. 2, antenna device 120 has a configuration in which multiple antenna blocks 107 are attached to main substrate 108.

[0016] 1 shows an example of a configuration in which antenna device 120 includes four dielectric substrates 130B and four radiating elements 125A are arranged on dielectric substrate 130A, but the number of dielectric substrates 130B and radiating elements 125A is not limited to this. Also, while FIG. 1 shows an example in which radiating elements 125A are arranged in a line on dielectric substrate 130A in a one-dimensional array, radiating elements 125A may also be arranged in a two-dimensional array on dielectric substrate 130A. Alternatively, a configuration in which a single radiating element 125A is arranged on dielectric substrate 130A may also be used.

[0017] The RFIC 110 includes four feed circuits 110A to 110D. The feed circuit 110A is a circuit for supplying a high-frequency signal to the radiation electrode 121A on the main board 108 side. The feed circuit 110B is a circuit for supplying a high-frequency signal to the radiation electrode 122A on the main board 108 side. The feed circuit 110C is a circuit for supplying a high-frequency signal to the radiation electrode 122B on the antenna block 107 side. The feed circuit 110D is a circuit for supplying a high-frequency signal to the radiation electrode 121B on the antenna block 107 side. Since the internal configurations of the feed circuits 110A to 110D are the same, for ease of explanation, FIG. 1 shows only the detailed configuration of the feed circuit 110A, and omits the configurations of the feed circuits 110B to 110D. The function of the feed circuit 110A will be described below as a representative.

[0018] The power supply circuit 110A includes switches 111A to 111D, 113A to 113D, and 117, power amplifiers 112AT to 112DT, low-noise amplifiers 112AR to 112DR, attenuators 114A to 114D, phase shifters 115A to 115D, a signal combiner / divider 116, a mixer 118, and an amplifier circuit 119.

[0019] When transmitting a high frequency signal, the switches 111A to 111D and 113A to 113D are switched to the side of the power amplifiers 112AT to 112DT, and the switch 117 is connected to the transmitting amplifier of the amplifier circuit 119. When receiving a high frequency signal, the switches 111A to 111D and 113A to 113D are switched to the side of the low noise amplifiers 112AR to 112DR, and the switch 117 is connected to the receiving amplifier of the amplifier circuit 119.

[0020] The intermediate frequency signal transmitted from BBIC 200 is amplified by amplifier circuit 119 and up-converted by mixer 118. The up-converted high frequency signal, or transmission signal, is split into four by signal combiner / divider 116, passes through corresponding signal paths, and is fed to different radiation electrodes 121A. By individually adjusting the phase shift of phase shifters 115A to 115D arranged on each signal path, it is possible to adjust the directivity of the radio waves output from radiation electrode 121A.

[0021] The received signals, which are high-frequency signals received by each radiation electrode 121A, are transmitted to the feed circuit 110A of the RFIC 110, and are combined in the signal combiner / divider 116 via four different signal paths. The combined received signals are down-converted in the mixer 118, and further amplified in the amplifier circuit 119 before being transmitted to the BBIC 200.

[0022] The RFIC 110 is formed, for example, as a single-chip integrated circuit component including the above circuit configuration. Alternatively, it may be formed as an individual integrated circuit component for each power feed circuit. Furthermore, for the devices corresponding to each radiating element (switch, power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, attenuator, phase shifter), each corresponding radiating element may be formed as a single-chip integrated circuit component.

[0023] (Antenna module structure) Next, the configuration of the antenna module 100 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the antenna module 100 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, (A) in the upper part shows a state in which the main board 108 and the antenna block 107 are separated. In addition, (B) in the lower part of FIG. 2 shows a state in which the antenna block 107 is attached to the main board 108. FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the antenna module 100 when viewed from the positive direction of the X axis in the state shown in (B) of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the antenna block 107 alone. In the upper part of FIG. 4, (A) is a perspective view of the antenna block 107 when the surface of the antenna block 107 in the Y-axis direction is the front. In addition, (B) in the lower part of FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the antenna block 107 when the surface of the antenna block 107 in the Z-axis direction is the front.

[0024] 2 to 4, for ease of explanation, a case will be described in which radiating element 125A has a single radiating electrode 121A, and radiating element 125B has a single radiating electrode 121B. In addition, in Figures 2 to 4, five radiating elements are arranged on dielectric substrate 130A, and five antenna blocks 107 are provided corresponding to the five radiating elements.

[0025] 2 to 4, the antenna module 100 includes, in addition to the dielectric substrates 130A and 130B, the radiating electrodes 121A and 121B, and the RFIC 110, power supply lines 141A and 141B, connection electrodes 151 and 152, and ground electrodes GND1 and GND2. In the following description, the normal direction to the principal surface of the dielectric substrate 130A is defined as the Z-axis direction. The arrangement direction of the radiating electrodes 121A and the antenna blocks 107 on the principal surface of the dielectric substrate 130A is defined as the X-axis, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis is defined as the Y-axis. In other words, the radiation direction of radio waves from the radiating electrode 121A is defined as the positive Z-axis direction, and the radiation direction of radio waves from the radiating electrode 121B is defined as the positive Y-axis direction. In other words, the normal direction to the radiating electrode 121A and the normal direction to the radiating electrode 121B are perpendicular to each other.

[0026] The dielectric substrates 130A and 130B may be, for example, a low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) multilayer substrate, a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating multiple resin layers made of resins such as epoxy or polyimide, a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating multiple resin layers made of liquid crystal polymer (LCP) having a lower dielectric constant, a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating multiple resin layers made of fluorine-based resin, a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating multiple resin layers made of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), or a ceramic multilayer substrate other than LTCC. Note that the dielectric substrates 130A and 130B do not necessarily have a multilayer structure and may be single-layer substrates.

[0027] The dielectric substrate 130A of the main substrate 108 has a generally rectangular shape with its long sides extending in the X-axis direction when viewed from above in the Z-axis direction. A plurality of recesses (cutouts) 170 are formed on one of the long sides (ends in the positive direction of the Y-axis) of the dielectric substrate 130A along the X-axis. The recesses 170 are formed up to the side surfaces (ends) of the dielectric substrate 130A in the positive direction of the Y-axis and penetrate in the Z-axis direction. The antenna block 107 is partially fitted into and fixed in the recessed portions of the recesses 170. The recesses 170 do not necessarily have to penetrate the dielectric substrate 130A in the Z-axis direction as shown in FIG. 2, but only need to be recessed from the main surface 131A in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the recesses 170 do not necessarily have to be located at the ends of the dielectric substrate 130A.

[0028] A flat-plate-shaped connection electrode 151 is disposed on the main surface 131A in a portion that contacts the antenna block 107. This connection electrode 151 is used for electrical connection between the antenna block 107 and the main substrate .

[0029] The dielectric substrate 130A has a principal surface 132A located in the positive direction of the Z axis and a principal surface 131A located in the negative direction of the Z axis. A plurality of radiating electrodes 121A are arranged in a line in the X axis direction on the principal surface 132A of the dielectric substrate 130A or inside the dielectric substrate 130A near the principal surface 132A. A SiP (System In Package) module 105 incorporating an RFIC 110 and a power module IC (not shown), as well as a connector 106 used for connecting to an external device, are mounted on the principal surface 131A. In addition, a ground electrode GND1 facing the radiating electrode 121A is arranged over the entire surface of the dielectric substrate 130A on a layer between the radiating electrode 121A and the principal surface 131A.

[0030] A high-frequency signal is supplied to each radiation electrode 121A from the RFIC 110 via a feed wiring 141A. The feed wiring 141A penetrates the ground electrode GND1 within the dielectric substrate 130A and is connected to a feed point SP1A of the radiation electrode 121A. In the example of Fig. 3, the feed point SP1A is disposed at a position offset in the negative direction of the Y axis from the center of the radiation electrode 121A. Therefore, a radio wave polarized in the Y axis direction is emitted from the radiation electrode 121A in the positive direction of the Z axis.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4, the dielectric substrate 130B of the antenna block 107 has a central region RG1 where the radiation electrode 121B is arranged, and regions RG2 that protrude from the region RG1 in the positive and negative directions of the X axis. The dimension of the region RG2 in the Z axis direction is shorter than the dimension of the region RG1 in the Z axis direction. In other words, the dielectric substrate 130B has a substantially T-shape when viewed from the Y axis direction. As shown in Fig. 2, the region RG1 of the dielectric substrate 130B is the same as the region RG1 of the dielectric substrate 130. A The region RG2 is disposed so as to enter the inside of the recess 170 and so that the surface of the region RG2 in the positive direction of the Z axis is in contact with the main surface 131A of the dielectric substrate 130A.

[0032] 3, a radiating electrode 121B is arranged on a principal surface 131B of the dielectric substrate 130B in the positive direction of the Y axis. A ground electrode GND2 facing the radiating electrode 121B is arranged on the dielectric substrate 130B at a position close to a principal surface 132B in the negative direction of the Y axis, over the entire area of ​​the region RG1.

[0033] A flat connection electrode 152 is arranged on the surface of the dielectric substrate 130B in the positive direction of the Z axis in region RG2. The connection electrode 152 is arranged at a position where it comes into contact with the connection electrode 151 arranged on the main surface 131A of the main substrate 108 when the antenna block 107 is fitted into the main substrate 108. The connection electrodes 151 and 152 are electrically connected by, for example, soldering. Note that the electrical coupling between the connection electrodes 151 and 152 is not limited to a direct connection, and may be capacitive coupling in which the electrodes are not in contact with each other.

[0034] A high-frequency signal is transmitted from the RFIC 110 to the radiation electrode 121B of the antenna block 107 via the feed wiring 141B. The feed wiring 141B passes from the RFIC 110 through the dielectric substrate 130A, the connection electrodes 151 and 152, and the dielectric substrate 130B, and is connected to a feed point SP1B of the radiation electrode 121B. In the example of Fig. 3, the feed point SP1B is disposed at a position offset in the negative direction of the Z axis from the center of the radiation electrode 121B. Therefore, a radio wave polarized in the Z axis direction is emitted from the radiation electrode 121B in the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0035] In the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment, the antenna block 107 is disposed at a distance d1 in the Y-axis direction from the radiation electrode 121A of the main substrate 108. If the wavelength of the radio waves emitted from the radiation electrode 121A is λ, then setting the distance d1 to at least 0.05λ or more enables radio waves to be emitted in two directions. The main surface 131B of the dielectric substrate 130B of the antenna block 107 does not protrude beyond the end of the dielectric substrate 130A in the positive direction of the Y-axis. In other words, when the dielectric substrate 130A is viewed from above in the normal direction (Z-axis direction), the dielectric substrate 130B of the antenna block 107 is disposed so as to be located inside the outermost peripheral end of the dielectric substrate 130A.

[0036] When an antenna module capable of radiating radio waves in two directions is realized using a bent dielectric substrate as disclosed in the above-mentioned U.S. Patent No. 1,108,157 (Patent Document 1), the amount of protrusion of one of the bent substrates from the other substrate tends to be large, which may result in dimensional limitations when further reducing the height. Furthermore, the positions and number of bent portions connecting the two substrate surfaces are limited, and the dielectric thickness of the bent portions must be thin, which may result in insufficient mechanical strength at the bent portions, or in the case of using multiple radiation electrodes, it may be impossible to ensure a passage path for the power supply wiring.

[0037] On the other hand, the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment uses an antenna block 107 in which one radiation electrode 121B is arranged on another dielectric substrate 130B, and is configured so that the antenna block 107 is fitted into a recess 170 of the main substrate 108 and fixed on the main surface 131A of the main substrate 108. As a result, the two dielectric substrates 130A, 130B are fixed in surface contact with each other in an overlapping state, which makes it possible to achieve a further reduction in height and ensure mechanical strength.

[0038] Furthermore, since antenna block 107 can be formed using a separate dielectric substrate, the dielectric thickness (i.e., the distance between radiating electrode 121B and ground electrode GND2) can be ensured, thereby improving antenna characteristics such as the frequency band of the radiated radio waves. In particular, by making the dielectric constant of dielectric substrate 130B of antenna block 107 larger than the dielectric constant of dielectric substrate 130A on the main substrate 108 side, the overall size of radiating electrode 121B and antenna block 107 can be made smaller than when formed using dielectric substrates with the same dielectric constant, thereby achieving even lower height and miniaturization.

[0039] 2 to 4, for ease of explanation, the radiation electrode 121 is used as the radiation element. A Although the configuration of a single-band type antenna module in which only 121B is arranged has been described, the same configuration can also be applied to a dual-band type configuration in which radiation electrodes of different sizes are stacked on each dielectric substrate as shown in Figure 1. The above configuration can also be applied to a dual-polarized type antenna module in which radio waves can be radiated in two different polarization directions from each radiation electrode.

[0040] Note that "radiating element 125A" and "radiating element 125B" in the first embodiment correspond to the "first radiating element" and "second radiating element" in the present disclosure, respectively. "Radiating electrode 121A" and "radiating electrode 122A" in the first embodiment correspond to the "first element" and "second element" in the present disclosure, respectively. "Radiating electrode 121B" and "radiating electrode 122B" in the first embodiment correspond to the "third element" and "fourth element" in the present disclosure, respectively.

[0041] In the first embodiment, in the case of an array antenna, one of adjacent radiating elements 125A corresponds to the "first radiating element" in the present disclosure, and the other corresponds to the "third radiating element" in the present disclosure. Similarly, one of adjacent radiating elements 125B corresponds to the "second radiating element" in the present disclosure, and the other corresponds to the "fourth radiating element" in the present disclosure. The "X-axis direction" in the first embodiment corresponds to the "first direction" and "second direction" in the present disclosure. The "Y-axis direction" in the first embodiment corresponds to the "third direction" in the present disclosure.

[0042] The "dielectric substrate 130A" and the "dielectric substrate 130B" in the first embodiment correspond to the "first substrate" and the "second substrate," respectively, in the present disclosure. The "principal surface 131A" and the "principal surface 132A" in the first embodiment correspond to the "first surface" and the "second surface," respectively, in the present disclosure. The "regions RG1, RG2" in the first embodiment correspond to the "first region" and the "second region," respectively, in the present disclosure. The "ground electrodes GND1, GND2" in the first embodiment correspond to the "first ground electrode" and the "second ground electrode," respectively, in the present disclosure.

[0043] (Variation) In the modified example, another configuration of the antenna block will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining a modified antenna block 107A. As with Fig. 4, the upper part (A) of Fig. 5 is a perspective view when the surface of antenna block 107A in the Y-axis direction is the front, and the lower part (B) of Fig. 5 is a perspective view when the surface of antenna block 107A in the Z-axis direction is the front.

[0044] 5, antenna block 107A differs from antenna block 107 of FIG. 4 in the configuration of region RG2 for fixing to main surface 131A of main substrate 108. More specifically, dielectric substrate 130B1 in antenna block 107A has region RG2A protruding from the back surface of region RG1 (i.e., the main surface in the negative direction of the Y axis) where radiating electrode 121B is arranged, instead of region RG2 of antenna block 107. In other words, dielectric substrate 130B1 is substantially L-shaped when viewed from above in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, connection electrode 152 is arranged on the surface of region RG2A in the positive direction of the Z axis.

[0045] When the antenna block 107A is placed on the main substrate 108 shown in FIG. 2, the region RG2A is fixed to the dielectric substrate 130A on the main surface 131A at a position facing the SiP 105 from the recess 170.

[0046] Even when the antenna block 107A of the modified example is used, it is possible to achieve a low height while ensuring mechanical strength, as in the first embodiment.

[0047] The "dielectric substrate 130B1" in the modified example corresponds to the "second substrate" in the present disclosure.

[0048] [Embodiment 2] In the second embodiment, a configuration in which the antenna block 107 is arranged at a different position on the main board 108 will be described.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a side perspective view of an antenna module 100A according to embodiment 2. Antenna module 100A differs from antenna module 100 according to embodiment 1 in that antenna block 107 is arranged in a position that protrudes outward from main substrate 108. Note that in Fig. 6, description of configurations that overlap with antenna module 100 according to embodiment 1 will not be repeated.

[0050] 6, antenna block 107 in antenna module 100A is disposed at a position spaced apart from radiation electrode 121A by d2 (>d1) in the positive direction of the Y axis. As a result, a part of dielectric substrate 130B in antenna block 107 protrudes in the positive direction of the Y axis beyond the end (i.e., the outermost end) of dielectric substrate 130A of main substrate 108 in the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0051] A ground electrode GND2 is disposed on the dielectric substrate 130B of the antenna block 107. Therefore, if the distance between the radiation electrode 121A and the dielectric substrate 130B is short, the electric field lines generated from the radiation electrode 121A may interfere with the ground electrode GND2 for radio waves polarized in the Y-axis direction from the radiation electrode 121A toward the dielectric substrate 130B, possibly affecting the antenna characteristics.

[0052] In such a case, as in the antenna module 100A of the second embodiment, by arranging a portion of the antenna block 107 so that it protrudes from the main substrate 108 and ensuring the separation distance between the radiation electrode 121A and the ground electrode GND2, it is possible to suppress the degradation of the antenna characteristics of the radiation electrode 121A.

[0053] 7 is a diagram illustrating the antenna characteristics of the radiating electrode 121A on the main substrate 108 side of the antenna module 100 according to the first embodiment and the antenna module 100A according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 7, a schematic configuration diagram (upper row) of the antenna module according to the first embodiment (left column) and the second embodiment (right column) is shown, along with a graph of the antenna gain of the radiating electrode 121A (middle row), and the value of the peak gain in the Z-axis direction (lower row). Radio waves are emitted from the radiating electrode 121A in the positive direction of the Z-axis (the direction of arrow AR1 in FIG. 7). In the example of FIG. 7, d1=0.44 mm and d2=0.94 mm.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, the peak gain in the first embodiment is 3.28 [dBi], whereas the peak gain in the second embodiment is 5.16 [dBi]. Increasing the distance between the radiation electrode 121A and the antenna block 107 improves the gain characteristics of the radiation electrode 121A.

[0055] However, in the case of the antenna module 100A of the second embodiment, the dimension in the Y-axis direction is larger than that of the antenna module 100, which has the opposite effect from the viewpoint of miniaturization. In other words, there is a trade-off between antenna characteristics and miniaturization. Therefore, the configuration of the antenna module 100 or 100A to be adopted is appropriately selected in consideration of the required specifications.

[0056] [Embodiment 3] In the third embodiment, a configuration for improving the antenna characteristics of the radiating element on the antenna block 107 side will be described.

[0057] 8 is a side perspective view of an antenna module 100B according to the third embodiment. In the antenna module 100B, the antenna block 107A of the antenna module 100A according to the second embodiment is replaced with an antenna block 107B. The other configuration of the antenna module 100B is the same as that of the antenna module 100A. In FIG. 8, the description of the configuration that overlaps with the antenna module 100A according to the second embodiment will not be repeated.

[0058] 8, in the antenna block 107B of the antenna module 100B, the dimension in the Z-axis direction of the dielectric substrate 130B2 is longer than that of the dielectric substrate 130B of the antenna block 107. As a result, the dimension in the Z-axis direction of the ground electrode GND2 is also larger. The dielectric substrate 130B2 is disposed so as to protrude in both the positive and negative directions of the Z-axis from the dielectric substrate 130A of the main substrate 108. In other words, the dielectric substrate 130B2 protrudes in the Z-axis direction, which is the normal direction, from the main surfaces 131A and 132A of the dielectric substrate 130A.

[0059] It is generally known that a patch antenna can obtain good antenna characteristics if the area of ​​the ground electrode placed opposite the radiating electrode is sufficiently large. If the area of ​​the ground electrode is small, the electric field lines generated from the radiating electrode will wrap around to the back side of the ground electrode, increasing the radiation components toward the side and back sides of the dielectric substrate, which can cause a decrease in antenna gain.

[0060] In the antenna module of this embodiment, the dimension in the Z-axis direction of the dielectric substrate of the antenna block is made extremely shorter than the dimension in the X-axis direction in order to achieve a low profile, as shown in Fig. 4. Therefore, the antenna characteristics are more likely to deteriorate for radio waves polarized in the Z-axis direction than for radio waves polarized in the X-axis direction.

[0061] Therefore, if the antenna characteristics of radio waves polarized in the Z-axis direction do not meet the desired required characteristics, 3 As in the antenna module 100B, the antenna characteristics can be adjusted by increasing the dimension of the dielectric substrate 130B2 in the Z-axis direction.

[0062] However, the embodiment 3 In the case of the antenna module 100B, the dimension of the entire antenna module 100B in the Z-axis direction is larger than that of the antenna module 100A, which has the opposite effect from the perspective of miniaturization. Therefore, which configuration of the antenna module 100A or 100B to adopt is selected appropriately in consideration of the required specifications.

[0063] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the antenna characteristics of the radiating element on the antenna block side of the antenna module 100A of the second embodiment and the antenna module 100B of the third embodiment. Similar to Fig. 7, Fig. 9 also shows a schematic configuration diagram (top row) of the antenna module for the second embodiment (left column) and the third embodiment (right column), a graph of the antenna gain of the radiating electrode 121B (middle row), and the value of the peak gain in the Y-axis direction (bottom row). Radio waves are radiated from the radiating electrode 121B in the positive direction of the Y-axis (the direction of the arrow AR2 in Fig. 9).

[0064] As shown in FIG. 9, the peak gain in the second embodiment is 2.23 [dBi], while the peak gain in the third embodiment is 2.57 [dBi]. By expanding the area of ​​the ground electrode GND2 in the antenna block 107B in the Z-axis direction, the gain characteristics of the radiation electrode 121B are improved.

[0065] [Embodiment 4] In the fourth embodiment, a configuration in which the directions of radio waves radiated from the antenna blocks are changed will be described.

[0066] Fig. 10 is a side perspective view of an antenna module 100C according to the fourth embodiment. In the antenna module 100C, the antenna block 107 in the antenna module 100 according to the first embodiment is replaced with an antenna block 107C. In addition, in the antenna module 100C, a radiation electrode 122A and a power supply wiring 142A are added to the main substrate 108. The other configuration of the antenna module 100C is the same as that of the antenna module 100. In Fig. 10, descriptions of elements that overlap with those of the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0067] 10, on the main substrate 108, a radiating electrode 122A is arranged on a layer between the radiating electrode 121A and the ground electrode GND1 on the dielectric substrate 130A so as to face the radiating electrode 121A. A high-frequency signal is transmitted to the radiating electrode 122A from the RFIC 110 via a feed wiring 142A. The feed wiring 142A passes from the RFIC 110 through the ground electrode GND1 and is connected to a feed point SP2A of the radiating electrode 122A. A radio wave is emitted from the radiating electrodes 121A and 122A in the positive direction of the Z axis, as indicated by an arrow AR1.

[0068] The antenna block 107C includes a dielectric substrate 130B3, radiation electrodes 121B and 122B, and a ground electrode GND2A. 3 When viewed from above in the X-axis direction, the dielectric substrate 130B has a rectangular cross section with some corners cut off. 3 has a main surface 133B whose normal direction is in a diagonal direction between the positive direction of the Y axis and the negative direction of the Z axis.

[0069] The radiating electrodes 121B and 122B are arranged on the dielectric substrate 130B3 so as to be parallel to the main surface 133B. The ground electrode GND2A is a metal body having a surface parallel to the main surface 133B. The ground electrode GND2A can be configured, for example, by stacking a plurality of plate electrodes parallel to the main surface 133B and connecting these plate electrodes with one or more vias. The radiating electrode 122B is arranged between the radiating electrode 121B and the ground electrode GND2A so as to face the radiating electrode 121B.

[0070] A high-frequency signal from the RFIC 110 is transmitted to the radiation electrodes 121B and 122B via the power feed lines 141B and 142B, respectively. The power feed line 141B runs from the RFIC 110 through the dielectric substrate 130A and the corresponding connection electrodes 151 and 152, penetrates the ground electrode GND2A and the radiation electrode 122B in the dielectric substrate 130B3, and is connected to the power feed point SP1B of the radiation electrode 121B. The power feed line 142B runs from the RFIC 110 through the dielectric substrate 130A and the corresponding connection electrodes 151 and 152, penetrates the ground electrode GND2A in the dielectric substrate 130B3, and is connected to the power feed point SP2B of the radiation electrode 122B.

[0071] With this configuration, radio waves are radiated from antenna block 107C in the direction of arrow AR3 in Fig. 10. The angle formed between the radiation direction of radio waves radiated from radiating element 125B (radiating electrodes 121B, 122B) of antenna block 107C, i.e., the normal direction of radiating element 125B (arrow AR3), and the radiation direction of radio waves radiated from radiating element 125A (radiating electrodes 121A, 122A) of main substrate 108, i.e., the normal direction of radiating element 125A (arrow AR1), is greater than 90° and smaller than 180°. In antenna module 100C, the coverage range of radio waves radiated from the entire antenna module can be expanded compared to antenna module 100 of the first embodiment.

[0072] Note that a recess may be formed in a portion of the ground electrode GND2A facing the radiation electrode 122B to increase the thickness of the dielectric layer between the radiation electrode 122B and the ground electrode GND2A. This configuration can widen the bandwidth of the radiated radio waves.

[0073] [Embodiment 5] In the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment, the antenna block 107 is arranged along one long side of the dielectric substrate 130A of the main substrate 108, and a configuration is described in which radio waves are radiated in one direction using the antenna block 107. In the fifth embodiment, a configuration is described in which radio waves are radiated in two directions using the antenna block.

[0074] 11 is a perspective view of an antenna module 100D according to the fifth embodiment. The antenna module 100D has a configuration in which an antenna block 107D is further disposed at the end of the dielectric substrate 130A in the positive direction of the X axis. That is, in addition to radiating radio waves in the positive directions of the Y axis and the Z axis, radio waves can also be radiated from the antenna block 107D in the positive direction of the X axis.

[0075] In the example of antenna module 100D, a portion of the high-frequency signal supplied to antenna block 107 is branched and supplied to antenna block 107D. With this configuration, radio waves can be radiated over a wider range, so that the total radiation power (TRP) can be maintained, and the equivalent isotopically radiated power (EIRP) and the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the radiated power can be improved while suppressing an increase in the dimension of dielectric substrate 130A in the X-axis direction.

[0076] (Variation) In the modified example, a configuration will be described in which an antenna block is further disposed at the end of the dielectric substrate 130A in the negative direction of the X axis.

[0077] 12 is a perspective view of a modified antenna module 100E. In the antenna module 100E, similar to the antenna module 100D of the fifth embodiment, an antenna block 107D is disposed at the end of the dielectric substrate 130A facing in the positive direction along the X axis, and an antenna block 107E is disposed at the end facing in the negative direction along the X axis. A radio wave is emitted from the antenna block 107E in the negative direction along the X axis.

[0078] In the antenna module 100E, one of the antenna blocks 107 arranged along the long side of the dielectric substrate 130A has been removed, leaving four. In other words, the position of one of the antenna blocks 107 in the antenna module 100D has been changed to the end in the negative direction of the X axis. In addition, in the antenna module 100E, the dimension in the X axis direction of the SiP module 105E is shorter and more compact than that of the antenna module 100, thereby shortening the overall dimension in the X axis direction of the dielectric substrate 130A.

[0079] This configuration allows for the emission of radio waves in the negative direction of the X axis, enabling the radio waves to be emitted over a wider range, thereby improving the EIRP and CDF while maintaining the TRP.

[0080] [Aspect] (Item 1) An antenna module according to one aspect includes a first substrate on which a flat-plate-shaped first radiating element is arranged, and a second substrate on which a flat-plate-shaped second radiating element is arranged. The first substrate has a first surface and a second surface facing each other. The first radiating element is arranged on the second surface of the first substrate or at a position between the first and second surfaces. A recess is formed in the first surface of the first substrate, recessed in the normal direction of the first surface. The second substrate includes a first region arranged to fit inside the recess, and a second region in contact with the first surface of the first substrate. The normal direction of the second radiating element is different from the normal direction of the first radiating element.

[0081] (Item 2) In the antenna module described in item 1, the second substrate is disposed in the second region and includes a connection electrode for enabling electrical connection with the first substrate. A high-frequency signal is transmitted to the second radiating element via the connection electrode.

[0082] (Item 3) In the antenna module described in item 1 or 2, when viewed in a plane from the normal direction of the first substrate, at least a portion of the second substrate protrudes outward beyond the outermost edge of the first substrate.

[0083] (Item 4) In the antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 3, the second substrate protrudes from the first surface in a direction normal to the first substrate.

[0084] (Item 5) In the antenna module described in item 4, the second substrate protrudes from the second surface in the normal direction of the first substrate.

[0085] (Item 6) In the antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 5, the recess is formed up to the side surface of the first substrate.

[0086] (Item 7) In the antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 6, the normal direction of the second radiating element is orthogonal to the normal direction of the first radiating element.

[0087] (Item 8) In the antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 6, the angle formed between the normal direction of the second radiating element and the normal direction of the first radiating element is greater than 90° and smaller than 180°.

[0088] (Item 9) The antenna module described in any one of items 1 to 8 further includes a first ground electrode arranged on the first substrate between the first surface and the first radiating element, and a second ground electrode arranged on the second substrate opposite the second radiating element.

[0089] (Item 10) In the antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 9, each of the first radiating element and the second radiating element can radiate radio waves in two different polarization directions.

[0090] (Item 11) In the antenna module described in any one of items 1 to 10, the first radiating element includes a first element arranged opposite each other and capable of radiating radio waves in a first frequency band, and a second element capable of radiating radio waves in a second frequency band lower than that of the first element.

[0091] (Item 12) In the antenna module described in any one of items 1 to 11, the second radiating element includes a third element arranged opposite each other and capable of radiating radio waves in a third frequency band, and a fourth element capable of radiating radio waves in a fourth frequency band lower than that of the third element.

[0092] (13) The antenna module according to any one of the first to 12th paragraphs further includes a power supply device that supplies a high frequency signal to the first radiating element and the second radiating element.

[0093] (14) In the antenna module described in the 13th aspect, the power supply device is disposed on the first surface.

[0094] (Item 15) The antenna module described in item 1 further includes a power supply device and a power supply wiring. The power supply device supplies high-frequency signals to the first radiating element and the second radiating element. The power supply wiring transmits the high-frequency signals from the power supply device to the second radiating element. The second substrate is disposed in the second region and includes a connection electrode for enabling electrical connection with the first substrate. The power supply wiring passes through the first substrate and is connected to the second radiating element via the connection electrode.

[0095] (Item 16) The antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 15 further includes a third substrate on which a flat-plate-shaped third radiating element is disposed. The third substrate is disposed adjacent to the second substrate in the first direction. The normal direction of the third radiating element is the same as the normal direction of the second radiating element.

[0096] (Item 17) The antenna module according to item 16 further includes a fourth radiating element having a flat plate shape and arranged adjacent to the first radiating element in the first direction on the first substrate.

[0097] (Item 18) In the antenna module described in any one of items 1 to 17, if a direction perpendicular to the direction from the first area toward the first radiating element and along the first surface is defined as a second direction, the second area extends from the first area in the second direction.

[0098] (Item 19) In the antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 17, the second area extends in a third direction from the first area toward the first radiating element.

[0099] (Item 20) The antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 19 further includes a connector disposed on the first surface for electrically connecting to an external device.

[0100] (Item 21) A communication device equipped with the antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 20.

[0101] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10 Communication equipment, 100, 100A to 100E Antenna module, 105, 105E SiP module, 106 Connector, 107, 107A to 107E Antenna block, 108 Main board, 110A to 110D Power supply circuit, 110 BBIC, 111A to 111D, 113A to 113D, 117 Switch, 112AR to 112DR Low noise amplifier, 112AT to 112DT Power amplifier, 114A to 114D Attenuator, 115A to 115D Phase shifter, 116 Signal combiner / divider, 118 Mixer, 119 Amplifier circuit, 120 Antenna device, 121, 121A, 121B, 122A, 122B Radiation electrode, 125A, 125B Radiating element, 130A, 130B, 130B1 to 130B3 dielectric substrate, 131A, 131B, 132A, 133B main surface, 141A, 141B, 142A, 142B power supply wiring, 151, 152 connection electrode, 170 recess, 200 BBIC, GND1, GND2, GND2A ground electrode, SP1B, SP1A, SP2B, SP2A power supply point.

Claims

1. a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface facing each other and on which a flat-plate-shaped first radiating element is disposed; a second substrate on which a flat-plate-shaped second radiating element is arranged, the first radiating element is disposed on the second surface of the first substrate or at a position between the first surface and the second surface, a recess formed on the first surface of the first substrate, the recess being recessed in a normal direction of the first surface; The second substrate is a first region disposed so as to extend into the recess; a second region in contact with the first surface of the first substrate; a normal direction of the second radiating element is different from a normal direction of the first radiating element; An antenna module, wherein, when the wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the first radiating element is λ, the distance from the first radiating element to the second substrate is 0.05λ or more.

2. the second substrate includes a connection electrode disposed in the second region and configured to enable electrical connection with the first substrate; The antenna module according to claim 1 , wherein a high frequency signal is transmitted to the second radiating element via the connecting electrode.

3. The antenna module according to claim 1 , wherein, when viewed in a plan view from a normal direction of the first substrate, at least a portion of the second substrate protrudes outward beyond an outermost edge of the first substrate.

4. The antenna module according to claim 1 , wherein the second substrate protrudes from the first surface in a direction normal to the first substrate.

5. The antenna module according to claim 4 , wherein the second substrate protrudes from the second surface in a direction normal to the first substrate.

6. 6. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the recess is formed up to a side surface of the first substrate.

7. 6. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein a normal direction of the second radiating element is orthogonal to a normal direction of the first radiating element.

8. 6. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein an angle formed between a normal direction of said second radiating element and a normal direction of said first radiating element is greater than 90° and smaller than 180°.

9. a first ground electrode disposed on the first substrate between the first surface and the first radiating element; 6. The antenna module according to claim 1, further comprising: a second ground electrode disposed on said second substrate so as to face said second radiating element.

10. 6. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein each of the first radiating element and the second radiating element is capable of radiating radio waves in two different polarization directions.

11. The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first radiating elements are arranged opposite each other and include a first element capable of radiating radio waves in a first frequency band and a second element capable of radiating radio waves in a second frequency band lower than that of the first element.

12. The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second radiating element includes a third element arranged opposite each other and capable of radiating radio waves in a third frequency band, and a fourth element capable of radiating radio waves in a fourth frequency band lower than that of the third element.

13. 6. The antenna module according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply device that supplies a high-frequency signal to said first radiating element and said second radiating element.

14. The antenna module according to claim 13 , wherein the power supply device is disposed on the first surface.

15. a power supply device that supplies a high frequency signal to the first radiating element and the second radiating element; a power supply wiring for transmitting a high-frequency signal from the power supply device to the second radiating element, the second substrate includes a connection electrode disposed in the second region and configured to enable electrical connection with the first substrate; The antenna module according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply wiring passes through the first substrate and is connected to the second radiating element via the connection electrode.

16. Further provided is a third substrate on which a third radiating element having a flat plate shape is arranged, the third substrate is disposed adjacent to the second substrate in a first direction, 6. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein a normal direction of the third radiating element is the same as a normal direction of the second radiating element.

17. The antenna module according to claim 16 , further comprising: a fourth radiating element having a flat plate shape, disposed adjacent to the first radiating element in the first direction on the first substrate.

18. If a direction perpendicular to a direction from the first region toward the first radiating element and along the first surface is defined as a second direction, The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second region extends from the first region in the second direction.

19. 6. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the second region extends in a third direction from the first region toward the first radiating element.

20. 6. The antenna module according to claim 1, further comprising a connector disposed on the first surface for electrically connecting to an external device.

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