Antenna module and communication device equipped with it

Abstract

An antenna module (100) comprises a dielectric substrate (130), a planar radiation element (121), a ground electrode (GND), a power supply wire (140), and an auxiliary electrode (150). The dielectric substrate (130) has main surfaces (131, 132) which are opposite from each other. The ground electrode (GND) is disposed further to the main surface (132) side than the radiation element (121) and is opposite from the radiation element (121). The power supply wire (140) carries a high frequency signal to a feeding point (SP1) of the radiation element (121). The auxiliary electrode (150) is connected to the power supply wire (140) and disposed between the radiation element (121) and the ground electrode (GND). The feeding point (SP1) is disposed at a position which is offset from the center of the radiation element (121) in a first direction. When seen in plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate (130), the auxiliary electrode (150) protrudes from the radiation element (121) toward the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna module and a communication device equipped with the same, and more specifically, to a technique for improving the directivity of an antenna corresponding to a high-frequency signal in a sub-terahertz frequency band.

Background Art

[0002] WO 2014 / 045966 A1 (Patent Document 1) discloses a configuration for feeding a high-frequency signal to a patch antenna via a stripline and a via.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, in wireless communication devices, communication development in the so-called sub-terahertz frequency band exceeding 100 GHz has been underway. Using the sub-terahertz frequency band can widen the spectral bandwidth, enabling, for example, high-capacity and high-speed communication of 100 Gbps or more.

[0005] On the other hand, in the case of a signal in a frequency band exceeding 100 GHz, the influence of surface waves generated on the surface of the dielectric substrate on which the radiation element is disposed tends to increase. In the case of a patch antenna, since a feeding point is provided at a position offset from the center of the element, asymmetry occurs in the electromagnetic field generated from the radiation element. When the influence of the surface waves increases as described above, the asymmetry of the electromagnetic field becomes prominent, so that the radiation direction (directivity) of the radiated radio wave is likely to deviate. Then, the antenna gain in the desired radiation direction may decrease.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve these problems, and its purpose is to improve the directivity of antenna modules corresponding to the subterahertz frequency band. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The antenna module according to this disclosure comprises a dielectric substrate, a planar first radiating element, a ground electrode, a first feed line, and a planar first electrode. The dielectric substrate has a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other. The first radiating element is disposed on the dielectric substrate. The ground electrode is disposed on the dielectric substrate on the second main surface side of the first radiating element and facing the first radiating element. The first feed line transmits a high-frequency signal to the first feed point of the first radiating element. The first electrode is connected to the first feed line and is disposed between the first radiating element and the ground electrode. The first feed point is located at a position offset in a first direction from the center of the first radiating element. When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in a first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the antenna module according to this disclosure, a flat plate electrode (first electrode) extending in the offset direction (first direction) of the feed point is connected to the feed wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the radiating element, and the flat plate electrode protrudes from the radiating element in the first direction. As a result, a portion of the electric field lines spreading from the radiating element in the first direction reaches the ground electrode via the flat plate electrode. Therefore, the electric field lines spreading from the radiating element in the first direction couple with the ground electrode at a position closer to the radiating element than would be possible without the flat plate electrode. This suppresses the spreading of electric field lines from the radiating element in the first direction, thereby reducing the tilt of the beam in the first direction. Consequently, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an overall configuration diagram of a communication device to which the antenna module according to Embodiment 1 is applied. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the antenna module according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows the top view and side view of the antenna module. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the electromagnetic field distribution and antenna gain of the antenna modules in Embodiment 1 and the Comparative Example. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the change in antenna gain when the width of the auxiliary electrode is altered. [Figure 6] This is a side view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] This is a side view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 10] This is a plan view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 11] This is a plan view of the antenna module in modified example 1. [Figure 12] This is a plan view of the antenna module in modified example 2. [Figure 13] This is a plan view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 7. [Figure 14] This is a side view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 8. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 9. [Figure 16] This is a side view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 10. [Figure 17] This is a side view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 11. [Figure 18] This is a side view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 12. [Modes for carrying out 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 denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] (Basic Configuration of Communication Device) FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of a communication device 10 according to the present embodiment. The communication device 10 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone or a tablet, a personal computer having a communication function, or a base station. The frequency band of the radio wave used for the antenna module 100 according to the present embodiment is a radio wave in a so-called sub-terahertz frequency band exceeding 100 GHz.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, the 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 circuit, and an antenna device 120. The communication device 10 up-converts the signal transmitted from the BBIC 200 to the antenna module 100 into a high-frequency signal and radiates it from the antenna device 120, and down-converts the high-frequency signal received by the antenna device 120 and processes the signal by the BBIC 200.

[0013] In Figure 1, for the sake of clarity, only the configurations corresponding to four of the multiple radiating elements 121 that constitute the antenna device 120 are shown, and the configurations corresponding to other radiating elements 121 with similar configurations are omitted. In Figure 1, an example is shown in which the antenna device 120 is formed by multiple radiating elements 121 arranged in a two-dimensional array, but the number of radiating elements 121 does not necessarily have to be multiple, and the antenna device 120 may be formed by a single radiating element 121. Alternatively, the multiple radiating elements 121 may be arranged in a one-dimensional array in a line. In Embodiment 1, the radiating element 121 is described as a patch antenna having a substantially square flat plate shape, but the shape of the radiating element 121 may be circular, elliptical, or other polygons such as hexagons.

[0014] The RFIC110 comprises switches 111A-111D, 113A-113D, and 117, power amplifiers 112AT-112DT, low-noise amplifiers 112AR-112DR, attenuators 114A-114D, phase shifters 115A-115D, signal combiner / demultiplexer 116, mixer 118, and amplification circuit 119.

[0015] When transmitting a high-frequency signal, switches 111A~111D and 113A~113D are switched to the power amplifier 112AT~112DT side, and switch 117 is connected to the transmitting amplifier of the amplification circuit 119. When receiving a high-frequency signal, switches 111A~111D and 113A~113D are switched to the low-noise amplifier 112AR~112DR side, and switch 117 is connected to the receiving amplifier of the amplification circuit 119.

[0016] The signal transmitted from the BBIC200 is amplified by the amplification circuit 119 and upconverted by the mixer 118. The upconverted high-frequency signal, the transmitted signal, is split into four parts by the signal combiner / demultiplexer 116 and passes through four signal paths to feed power to different radiating elements 121. At this time, the directivity of the antenna device 120 can be adjusted by individually adjusting the phase shift of the phase shifters 115A to 115D located in each signal path. In addition, the attenuators 114A to 114D adjust the strength of the transmitted signal.

[0017] The received signals, which are high-frequency signals received by each radiating element 121, pass through four different signal paths and are combined by the signal combiner / demultiplexer 116. The combined received signals are down-converted by the mixer 118, amplified by the amplification circuit 119, and transmitted to the BBIC200.

[0018] The RFIC110 is formed, for example, as a single-chip integrated circuit component including the above circuit configuration. Alternatively, the devices corresponding to each radiating element 121 in the RFIC110 (switch, power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, attenuator, phase shifter) may be formed as a single-chip integrated circuit component for each corresponding radiating element 121.

[0019] (Antenna module configuration) Next, the configuration of the antenna module 100 in Embodiment 1 will be described in detail using Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the antenna module 100. Figure 3 is a plan view (upper figure (A)) and a side view (lower figure (B)) of the antenna module 100.

[0020] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the antenna module 100 includes, in addition to the radiating element 121 and RFIC 110, a dielectric substrate 130, a ground electrode GND, a power supply wiring 140, and an auxiliary electrode 150. Note that in Figure 2 and subsequent perspective views, the dielectric material of the dielectric substrate 130 on which each element is arranged is omitted in order to explain the internal structure.

[0021] The dielectric substrate 130 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, including two opposing rectangular main surfaces 131 and 132. In the following description, the normal direction of the main surfaces 131 and 132 of the dielectric substrate 130 will be defined as the Z-axis direction. The direction along one side of each main surface of the dielectric substrate 130 will be defined as the X-axis direction, and the direction along the other side will be defined as the Y-axis direction. In addition, in each figure, the positive Z-axis direction may be referred to as the upward side, and the negative Z-axis direction as the downward side.

[0022] The dielectric substrate 130 is, for example, a low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) multilayer substrate, a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating multiple resin layers made of epoxy, polyimide, or other resins, 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 fluororesin, 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 substrate 130 does not necessarily have to be a multilayer structure and may be a single-layer substrate.

[0023] The dielectric substrate 130 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the normal direction (Z-axis direction) in a plan view. The radiating element 121 is positioned near the main surface 131 on the upper side of the dielectric substrate 130. The radiating element 121 may be positioned so as to be exposed on the surface of the dielectric substrate 130, or it may be positioned in an inner layer of the dielectric substrate 130 as in the example in Figure 3.

[0024] On the dielectric substrate 130, a ground electrode GND is positioned across the entire surface, facing the radiating element 121, on the main surface 132 side of the radiating element 121. Furthermore, the RFIC 110 is mounted on the main surface 132 of the dielectric substrate 130 via solder bumps 160. Note that the RFIC 110 may be connected to the dielectric substrate 130 using a multi-pole connector instead of soldering.

[0025] A high-frequency signal is supplied from the RFIC 110 to the feed point SP1 of the radiating element 121 via a feed line 140. The feed line 140 includes a wiring pattern 141 extending in the X-axis direction from a solder bump 160, and a via 142 extending in the Z-axis direction from the end of the wiring pattern 141. The via 142 passes through the ground electrode GND and is connected to the feed point SP1 of the radiating element 121. The feed point SP1 is offset from the center of the radiating element 121 in the negative X-axis direction (first direction). By supplying a high-frequency signal to the feed point SP1, the radiating element 121 emits radio waves in the Z-axis direction with the X-axis direction as the polarization direction.

[0026] The auxiliary electrode 150 is a rectangular flat electrode. The auxiliary electrode 150 is connected to via 142 of the power supply wiring 140 and is positioned between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND. When viewed from a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130, the auxiliary electrode 150 extends in the negative direction of the X axis from the connection point with via 142 and protrudes in the negative direction of the X axis from the end of the radiating element 121.

[0027] (directional) Next, the directivity of the antenna module and the function of the auxiliary electrode 150 will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 shows an example of the electromagnetic field distribution (upper panel) and antenna gain (lower panel) in the ZX plane for the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1 and the comparative example antenna module 100X. Note that the auxiliary electrode 150 is not provided in the antenna module 100 of the antenna module 100X.

[0028] Generally, in an antenna module with a patch antenna, when a high-frequency signal is supplied to the radiating element 121 via the feed line 140, electromagnetic field coupling occurs between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND due to the fringing effect. When a signal in the subterahertz frequency band exceeding 100 GHz is supplied as the high-frequency signal, the influence of surface waves generated on the surface of the dielectric substrate 130 becomes large, and electric field lines tend to spread in the direction along the surface of the radiating element 121 (i.e., the polarization direction). In particular, in an asymmetric configuration with an offset feed point, such as a patch antenna, as shown in the comparative example in Figure 4, electric field lines generated in the negative direction of the X-axis closer to the feed point (arrow AR11) couple with the ground electrode GND at a position further away from the radiating element 121 than electric field lines generated in the positive direction of the X-axis (arrow AR12).

[0029] Consequently, the electromagnetic field distribution generated by the radio waves emitted from the radiating element 121 will be tilted in the negative direction of the X-axis from the Z-axis direction (i.e., the normal direction of the radiating element 121), as shown by arrow AR13. This can cause the beam pattern generated by the radiating element 121 to also be tilted in the negative direction of the X-axis from the Z-axis direction (arrow AR14), potentially worsening its directivity.

[0030] On the other hand, in the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1, the electric field lines generated from the negative X-axis end of the radiating element 121 are guided to the ground electrode GND via the auxiliary electrode 150 connected to via 142 of the feed wiring 140 (arrows AR21, AR22). As a result, the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND are coupled at a position closer to the radiating element 121 compared to the antenna module 100X of the comparative example. Therefore, by appropriately adjusting the dimensions and position of the auxiliary electrode 150, the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND can be coupled at the same distance as the electric field lines generated from the positive X-axis end (arrow AR23). When this is done, as shown by arrow AR24 in Figure 4, the slope of the electromagnetic field distribution caused by the radio waves radiated from the radiating element 121 is mitigated, and the beam pattern also becomes oriented along the Z-axis direction (arrow AR25). Therefore, even when using signals in the sub-terahertz frequency band, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved by arranging the auxiliary electrode 150.

[0031] In order for the auxiliary electrode 150 to function as described above, it is necessary to properly set the dimensions and placement of the auxiliary electrode 150.

[0032] For example, it is desirable to set the protrusion amount L2 of the auxiliary electrode 150 from the radiating element 121 to be less than or equal to half of the dimension L1 in the X-axis direction of the radiating element 121 (L2 / L1 ≤ 1 / 2). If the protrusion amount L2 of the auxiliary electrode 150 is too large, the coupling point of the electric field lines generated from the auxiliary electrode 150 with the ground electrode GND will be far from the radiating element 121. As a result, the effect of the auxiliary electrode 150 will be lost. On the other hand, in a configuration where there is no protrusion, the induction effect of electric field lines as described above will not occur.

[0033] It is desirable to set the dimension L3 (i.e., width) of the auxiliary electrode 150 in the Y-axis direction (second direction) to be at least 1 / 10 and at least 2 / 3 of the dimension L1 of the radiating element 121 (1 / 10 ≤ L2 / L1 ≤ 2 / 3). If the width of the auxiliary electrode 150 is too narrow, it will not be able to receive sufficient electric field lines from the radiating element 121, and the induction effect of the electric field lines by the auxiliary electrode 150 will not be realized, resulting in an inability to correct the beam pattern.

[0034] On the other hand, if the width of the auxiliary electrode 150 approaches that of the radiating element 121, the auxiliary electrode 150 itself resonates and functions as part of the radiating element 121. This can result in the beam pattern correction effect being lost or the antenna failing to function properly.

[0035] Figure 5 shows the change in antenna gain when the width of the auxiliary electrode 150 is changed. In the example in Figure 5, the antenna gain is shown when the width L3 of the auxiliary electrode 150 is 150 μm, 350 μm, and 400 μm, given that the dimension L1 of the radiating element 121 is 530 μm. When the width L3 is 150 μm, it corresponds to approximately 1 / 5 of the dimension L1 of the radiating element 121, and when the width L3 is 350 μm, it corresponds to approximately 2 / 3 of the dimension L1 of the radiating element 121. When the width L3 is 350 μm, it exceeds 2 / 3 of the dimension L1 of the radiating element 121.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, when the width L3 of the auxiliary electrode 150 becomes larger than 2 / 3 of the dimension L1 of the radiating element 121, the beam pattern splits in the left-right direction, and the antenna gain in the Z-axis direction becomes extremely low. In other words, it ceases to function as a normal antenna.

[0037] Furthermore, the connection position of the auxiliary electrode 150 in via 142 must be within a predetermined range. If the distance between the auxiliary electrode 150 and the ground electrode GND in the Z-axis direction is H2, it is desirable to position the auxiliary electrode 150 such that the distance H2 is at least 1 / 3 and at least 2 / 3 of the distance H1 between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND. If the distance H2 is too small, the auxiliary electrode 150 will be too close to the ground electrode GND, resulting in the same effect as if it were directly coupled to the ground electrode GND, thus eliminating the induction effect of electric field lines. On the other hand, if the distance H2 is too large, the auxiliary electrode 150 will be too close to the radiating element 121, causing the auxiliary electrode 150 to function as part of the radiating element 121, thus eliminating the beam pattern correction effect.

[0038] Therefore, by adjusting the dimensions and arrangement of the auxiliary electrode 150 within the range described above, it is possible to improve the directivity of the antenna module.

[0039] As described above, by arranging auxiliary electrodes of a predetermined size in the via portion of the feed wiring that transmits high-frequency signals to the feed point of the patch antenna, so as to protrude from the radiating element, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved when using high-frequency signals in the subterahertz frequency band.

[0040] In Embodiment 1, the "radiating element 121" corresponds to the "first radiating element" in this disclosure. In Embodiment 1, the "main surface 131" and "main surface 132" correspond to the "first main surface" and "second main surface" in this disclosure, respectively. In Embodiment 1, the "power supply wiring 140" corresponds to the "first power supply wiring" in this disclosure. In Embodiment 1, the "auxiliary electrode 150" corresponds to the "first electrode" in this disclosure.

[0041] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 describes a configuration in which multiple auxiliary electrodes are arranged. Figure 6 is a side view of the antenna module 100A according to Embodiment 2. The antenna module 100A further includes auxiliary electrodes 151 in addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1. In Figure 6, the explanation of elements that overlap with the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0042] Referring to Figure 6, the auxiliary electrode 151, like the auxiliary electrode 150, is a flat electrode connected to via 142 of the power supply wiring 140. The auxiliary electrode 151 is positioned between the auxiliary electrode 150 and the ground electrode GND in the direction normal to the dielectric substrate 130. The dimension of the auxiliary electrode 151 in the X-axis direction is longer than the dimension of the auxiliary electrode 150 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the auxiliary electrode 151 protrudes more in the negative X-axis direction than the auxiliary electrode 150.

[0043] This configuration ensures that the electric field lines generated by the radiating element 121 are reliably guided to the ground electrode GND via the auxiliary electrodes 150 and 151. Therefore, the stability of the improved directivity of the antenna module can be enhanced.

[0044] Although not shown in Figure 6, it is desirable that the Y-axis dimension of the auxiliary electrode 151 be greater than or equal to the Y-axis dimension of the auxiliary electrode 150. If the auxiliary electrode 151 is narrower than the auxiliary electrode 150, the electric field lines generated from the auxiliary electrode 150 may not be adequately received by the auxiliary electrode 151. Also, as explained in Embodiment 1, it is desirable that the width of the auxiliary electrode 151 be 2 / 3 or less of the dimension L1 of the radiating element 121.

[0045] The "auxiliary electrode 151" in Embodiment 2 corresponds to the "second electrode" in this disclosure.

[0046] [Embodiment 3] In Embodiment 3, a configuration in which the auxiliary electrode is formed by multiple electrodes will be described. Figure 7 is a side view of the antenna module 100B according to Embodiment 3. In addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1, the antenna module 100B further includes an auxiliary electrode 152 and a via V1. In Figure 7, the explanation of elements that overlap with the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0047] Referring to Figure 7, in the antenna module 100B, via V1 is connected to the vicinity of the negative X-axis end of the auxiliary electrode 150. Via V1 extends from the auxiliary electrode 150 in the negative Z-axis direction, that is, toward the ground electrode GND. Auxiliary electrode 152 is connected to the lower end of via V1.

[0048] The auxiliary electrode 152 is, for example, a flat plate-shaped electrode with a rectangular shape, extending in the negative direction of the X-axis from the connection portion with via V1. Furthermore, the auxiliary electrode 152 protrudes more in the negative direction of the X-axis than the auxiliary electrode 150.

[0049] This configuration allows the electric field lines from the radiating element 121, received by the auxiliary electrode 151, to be guided from the auxiliary electrode 152 to the ground electrode GND.

[0050] In the antenna module 100B, as with the antenna module 100A of Embodiment 2, electric field lines from the radiating element 121 can be reliably guided in multiple stages to the ground electrode GND, thereby increasing the stability of the improvement in the directivity of the antenna module.

[0051] In comparison with the antenna module 100A of Embodiment 2, the antenna module 100B has an auxiliary electrode 152 connected to the auxiliary electrode 150 via via V1, so that the auxiliary electrode 150 and the auxiliary electrode 152 function as a single auxiliary electrode. Therefore, it is easier to make gradual adjustments to the electric field and is suitable for fine-tuning.

[0052] Furthermore, since the auxiliary electrode 152 is located in the layer between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND, it may have a considerable impact on the operation of the antenna. However, because the auxiliary electrode 152 has a smaller electrode size than the auxiliary electrode 151 in the antenna module 100A, it can have a smaller impact on the operation of the antenna compared to the auxiliary electrode 151.

[0053] On the other hand, in the case of the antenna module 100A of Embodiment 2, since the auxiliary electrode 150 and the auxiliary electrode 151 are independent, the change in the electric field can be set to be larger than in the antenna module 100B of Embodiment 3. In other words, the configuration of the antenna module 100A is suitable for rough adjustment of the electric field.

[0054] The configuration of antenna module 100A and antenna module 100B is appropriately selected depending on the desired specifications and the magnitude of the electric field to be varied.

[0055] In Embodiment 3, the "auxiliary electrode 152" corresponds to the "third electrode" in this disclosure. In Embodiment 3, the "via V1" corresponds to the "first via" in this disclosure.

[0056] [Embodiment 4] In Embodiment 4, a modification of the shape of the auxiliary electrode will be described. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the antenna module 100C according to Embodiment 4. The antenna module 100C includes an auxiliary electrode 150A in place of the auxiliary electrode 150 in the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1. In Figure 8, the explanation of elements that overlap with the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0057] Referring to Figure 8, the auxiliary electrode 150A in the antenna module 100C is a flat electrode having a roughly T-shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. When viewed from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130, the Y-axis dimension of the portion of the auxiliary electrode 150A that protrudes from the radiating element 121 (first portion) is larger than the Y-axis dimension of the portion where the auxiliary electrode 150A and the radiating element 121 overlap (second portion).

[0058] If the overlapping area between the auxiliary electrode 150A and the radiating element 121 increases, the impact on the impedance between the radiating element 121 and the power supply wiring 140 may increase. Therefore, by reducing the dimensions of the auxiliary electrode 150A in the portion that overlaps with the radiating element 121, the impact of impedance mismatch due to the addition of the auxiliary electrode 150A can be reduced.

[0059] Furthermore, by setting the protruding portion from the radiating element 121 to the same dimensional range as the auxiliary electrode 150 in the antenna module 100, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved when using high-frequency signals in the subterahertz frequency band.

[0060] [Embodiment 5] Embodiment 5 describes a configuration in which an auxiliary electrode is placed on a patch antenna with one end of the radiating element grounded. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the antenna module 100D according to Embodiment 5. The antenna module 100D includes a radiating element 122 in place of the radiating element 121 in the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1. In Figure 9, the explanation of elements that overlap with the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0061] Referring to Figure 9, the radiating element 122 is a flat electrode, similar to the radiating element 121, but its dimension in the X-axis direction is approximately half the size of the radiating element 121. The end furthest from the feed point SP1 is connected to the ground electrode GND. In other words, the radiating element 122 is a so-called half-patch antenna, with its polarization direction dimension set to a length of 1 / 4 wavelength. The auxiliary electrode 150 is connected to via 142 of the feed wiring 140 that transmits high-frequency signals to the radiating element 122.

[0062] In the radiating element 122, electric field lines are generated from the open end in the negative direction of the X-axis toward the ground electrode GND. Therefore, by providing the auxiliary electrode 150, the electric field lines generated from the radiating element 122 can be guided to the ground electrode GND via the auxiliary electrode 150. This suppresses the effect of surface waves when using high-frequency signals in the subterahertz frequency band, thereby improving the directivity of the antenna module.

[0063] The "radiating element 122" in Embodiment 5 corresponds to the "first radiating element" in this disclosure.

[0064] [Embodiment 6] In Embodiment 6 and Modifications 1 and 2, variations in the element shape of the radiating element will be described.

[0065] Figure 10 is a plan view of the antenna module 100E according to Embodiment 6. The antenna module 100E includes a radiating element 121A in place of the radiating element 121 in the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0066] The radiating element 121A has a substantially circular shape when viewed from a plan view in the direction normal to the dielectric substrate 130. A feed point SP1 is located at a position offset in the negative direction of the X axis from the center of the radiating element 121A, and an auxiliary electrode 150 is connected to a feed line 140 that supplies a high-frequency signal to the feed point SP1. The auxiliary electrode 150 protrudes from the radiating element 121A in the negative direction of the X axis.

[0067] Even in the case of patch antennas with circular radiating elements like this, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved by providing auxiliary electrodes on the vias of the feed wiring.

[0068] In Embodiment 6, the "radiating element 121A" corresponds to the "first radiating element" in this disclosure.

[0069] (Variation 1) Figure 11 is a plan view of the antenna module 100F of the first modified example. The antenna module 100F includes a radiating element 121B in place of the radiating element 121 in the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment.

[0070] When viewed from above from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130, the radiating element 121B has a roughly cross shape with protrusions that extend along the X-axis and Y-axis directions. In other words, the radiating element 121B is configured such that notches are formed at the four corners of the roughly square radiating element 121 in the antenna module 100.

[0071] The feed point SP1 is located on a protruding portion that extends in the negative direction of the X-axis. The auxiliary electrode 150 is connected to the feed line 140 that supplies a high-frequency signal to the feed point SP1. The auxiliary electrode 150 protrudes from the radiating element 121B in the negative direction of the X-axis.

[0072] Even in the case of a patch antenna with such a cross-shaped radiating element, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved by providing auxiliary electrodes on the vias of the feed wiring. Furthermore, by forming notches in the radiating element, the impedance mismatch caused by the placement of auxiliary electrodes can be adjusted.

[0073] In Modification Example 1, "radiating element 121B" corresponds to "first radiating element" in this disclosure.

[0074] (Modification 2) Figure 12 is a plan view of the antenna module 100G of the modified example 2. The antenna module 100G includes a radiating element 121C in place of the radiating element 121 in the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0075] When viewed from a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130, the radiating element 121C has a roughly cross shape with protrusions extending along the X-axis and Y-axis directions, similar to the radiating element 121B in Modified Example 1. However, in the radiating element 121C, each protrusion has a tapered shape, becoming narrower towards the center of the element.

[0076] Furthermore, an auxiliary electrode 150 is connected to a power supply wiring 140 that supplies a high-frequency signal to a power supply point SP1 located on a protrusion that extends in the negative direction of the X-axis. The auxiliary electrode 150 protrudes from the radiating element 121B in the negative direction of the X-axis.

[0077] Even in the case of a patch antenna having such a cross-shaped radiating element, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved by providing auxiliary electrodes in the feed wiring vias. Furthermore, by making the element shape tapered, resonance occurs in multiple lengths of the radiating element, allowing the radiating element to operate at different frequencies. Therefore, by using a shape like that of the radiating element 121C, a wider bandwidth can be achieved compared to the rectangular radiating element 121 in the antenna module 100.

[0078] In Modification Example 2, the "radiating element 121C" corresponds to the "first radiating element" in this disclosure.

[0079] [Embodiment 7] Embodiment 7 describes a configuration in which the features of this disclosure are applied to a so-called dual-polarization type antenna module capable of radiating radio waves in two different polarization directions.

[0080] Figure 13 is a plan view of the antenna module 100H according to Embodiment 7. The antenna module 100H further includes a power supply wiring 143 and an auxiliary electrode 153 in addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1. In Figure 13, the explanation of elements that overlap with the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0081] The power supply line 143 is connected to the radiating element 121 at a power supply point SP2 located at a position offset from the center of the radiating element 121 in the positive Y-axis direction. By supplying a high-frequency signal to the radiating element 121 via the power supply line 143, radio waves with polarization in the Y-axis direction are radiated in the positive Z-axis direction.

[0082] The auxiliary electrode 153 is a flat plate electrode connected to the power supply wiring 143. Like the auxiliary electrode 151, the auxiliary electrode 153 is positioned between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND in the power supply wiring 143. The auxiliary electrode 153 extends in the positive Y-axis direction from the connection point with the power supply wiring 143 and protrudes from the radiating element 121 in the positive Y-axis direction.

[0083] By adopting this configuration, it is possible to improve the directivity not only for radio waves polarized in the X-axis direction, but also for radio waves polarized in the Y-axis direction.

[0084] In Embodiment 7, the "power supply wiring 143" corresponds to the "second power supply wiring" in this disclosure. In Embodiment 7, the "auxiliary electrode 153" corresponds to the "fourth electrode" in this disclosure. In Embodiment 7, the "Y-axis direction" corresponds to the "third direction" in this disclosure.

[0085] [Embodiment 8] Embodiment 8 describes a configuration in which the features of this disclosure are applied to a so-called dual-band type antenna module capable of radiating radio waves in two different frequency bands.

[0086] Figure 14 is a side view of the antenna module 100I according to Embodiment 8. The antenna module 100I further includes a radiating element 125, a power supply wiring 145, and an auxiliary electrode 155 in addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1. In Figure 14, the explanation of elements that overlap with the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0087] Referring to Figure 14, the radiating element 125 is positioned within the dielectric substrate 130, between the auxiliary electrode 150 and the ground electrode GND, facing the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND. Although not shown in Figure 14, the radiating element 125 has a substantially square shape when viewed from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130, and is positioned so that the center of the radiating element 121 and the center of the radiating element 125 overlap.

[0088] The size of radiating element 125 is larger than the size of radiating element 121. Therefore, the frequency of the radio waves emitted from radiating element 125 is lower than the frequency of the radio waves emitted from radiating element 121.

[0089] A high-frequency signal is supplied to the feed point SP3 of the radiating element 125 from the RFIC 110 via a feed line 145. The feed line 145 includes a wiring pattern 146 extending in the X-axis direction from the solder bump 160, and a via 147 extending in the Z-axis direction from the end of the wiring pattern 146. The via 147 passes through the ground electrode GND and is connected to the feed point SP3 of the radiating element 125. The feed point SP3 is offset from the center of the radiating element 125 in the positive X-axis direction (fourth direction). Radio waves with polarization in the X-axis direction are radiated from the radiating element 125 in the Z-axis direction.

[0090] The auxiliary electrode 155 is a rectangular-shaped flat electrode. The auxiliary electrode 155 is connected to via 147 of the power supply wiring 145. The auxiliary electrode 155 extends in the positive X-axis direction from the connection point with via 147 and protrudes in the positive X-axis direction from the end of the radiating element 125.

[0091] This configuration improves the directivity of not only the radio waves emitted from the radiating element 121, but also the radio waves emitted from the radiating element 125.

[0092] The "radiating element 125" in Embodiment 8 corresponds to the "second radiating element" in this disclosure. The "power supply wiring 145" in Embodiment 8 corresponds to the "third power supply wiring" in this disclosure. The "auxiliary electrode 155" in Embodiment 8 corresponds to the "fifth electrode" in this disclosure.

[0093] [Embodiment 9] Embodiment 9 describes a configuration in which a grounding member is placed around the radiating element to reduce the influence of surface waves.

[0094] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the antenna module 100J according to Embodiment 9. The antenna module 100J further includes a grounding member 170 in addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1. In Figure 15, the explanation of elements that overlap with the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0095] In the example of the antenna module 100J shown in Figure 15, the grounding member 170 is a wall-shaped flat electrode arranged around the radiating element 121, when viewed from a plan view in the direction normal to the dielectric substrate 130. The lower end of the grounding member 170 is connected to the grounding electrode GND, and the upper end of the grounding member 170 extends to the main surface 131 of the dielectric substrate 130.

[0096] Note that the grounding member 170 is not limited to a flat plate electrode as shown in Figure 15. For example, the grounding member 170 may be configured with multiple vias arranged around the radiating element 121.

[0097] By arranging such a grounding member 170, the propagation of surface waves on the surface of the dielectric substrate 130 can be suppressed compared to when the grounding member 170 is not provided. This also makes it possible to miniaturize the auxiliary electrode 150.

[0098] [Embodiment 10] In Embodiment 10, a configuration in which auxiliary electrodes are provided in the direction opposite to the power supply point of the radiating element will be described.

[0099] Figure 16 is a side view of the antenna module 100K according to Embodiment 10. The antenna module 100K further includes an auxiliary electrode 154 and via V2 in addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1. In Figure 16, the explanation of elements that overlap with the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0100] Via V2 is connected to the radiating element 121 at a position offset from the center of the radiating element 121 on the opposite side of the feed point SP1 (in the positive direction of the X-axis). Via V2 extends from the radiating element 121 toward the ground electrode GND. An auxiliary electrode 154 is connected to the lower end of via V2.

[0101] The auxiliary electrode 154 is a rectangular flat electrode positioned in the layer between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND. The auxiliary electrode 154 extends in the positive X-axis direction (fifth direction) from the connection point with via V2. When viewed from a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130, it protrudes from the end of the radiating element 121 in the positive X-axis direction. Due to this auxiliary electrode 154, some of the electric field lines generated from the positive X-axis end of the radiating element 121 reach the ground electrode GND via the auxiliary electrode 154.

[0102] Depending on the required specifications, it may be necessary for the electric field lines originating from the positive X-axis end of the radiating element 121 to be coupled to the ground electrode GND at a position closer to the radiating element 121. In such cases, by placing the auxiliary electrode 154 in the opposite direction to the auxiliary electrode 150, the electric field lines can be guided to a position closer to the radiating element 121 compared to when the auxiliary electrode 154 is not present.

[0103] Furthermore, by appropriately adjusting the amount of protrusion of the auxiliary electrodes 150 and 154 from the radiating element 121, the distance (height) from the ground electrode GND, and the element width in the Y-axis direction, the balance of electric field lines generated in the positive and negative directions of the X-axis can be adjusted. This improves the directivity of the radio waves radiated from the radiating element 121.

[0104] In Embodiment 10, the "auxiliary electrode 154" corresponds to the "sixth electrode" in this disclosure. In Embodiment 10, the "via V2" corresponds to the "second via" in this disclosure.

[0105] [Embodiment 11] Embodiment 11 describes a configuration in which a dielectric lens for concentrating radio waves is placed on a dielectric substrate.

[0106] Figure 17 is a side view of the antenna module 100L according to Embodiment 11. The antenna module 100L further includes a dielectric lens 180 in addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1. In Figure 17, the explanation of elements that overlap with the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0107] Referring to Figure 17, the dielectric lens 180 is a dielectric having a curved convex portion that protrudes in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The dielectric lens 180 is positioned on the main surface 131 of the dielectric substrate 130 and covers the radiating element 121 when viewed from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130. The convex portion of the dielectric lens 180 is formed in a spherical or aspherical shape and has the function of concentrating radio waves at a specific focal position by utilizing the refraction of radio waves due to the dielectric constant difference in the curved shape.

[0108] The focal position can be adjusted by changing the dielectric constant of the dielectric lens 180. Note that the difference in dielectric constant between the dielectric lens 180 and the dielectric substrate 130, and between the dielectric lens 180 and the surrounding space (air), can cause reflection of radio waves at the interface. Therefore, using materials with a small difference in dielectric constant can reduce reflection loss at the interface.

[0109] On the other hand, if a material with a relatively high dielectric constant is used as the material for the dielectric lens 180, the effective wavelength within the dielectric lens 180 becomes shorter and the refractive index at the interface becomes larger. Therefore, compared to the case where a material with a relatively low dielectric constant is used, miniaturization can be achieved.

[0110] High-frequency signals in the subterahertz frequency band tend to be more difficult to achieve antenna gain with compared to signals in the lower frequency band. Therefore, by placing such a dielectric lens 180, the radiated radio waves can be concentrated, thereby increasing the antenna gain.

[0111] In this case, if the beam direction of the radio waves emitted from the radiating element 121 is tilted from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130, it may become difficult to properly focus the radio waves to the desired position using the dielectric lens 180. Therefore, by adjusting the beam direction by arranging the auxiliary electrode 150, the degree of antenna gain concentration can be increased.

[0112] [Embodiment 12] Embodiment 12 describes a configuration in which a dielectric material different from the dielectric substrate is placed on the dielectric substrate in order to adjust the frequency band.

[0113] Figure 18 is a side view of the antenna module 100M according to Embodiment 12. In addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1, the antenna module 100M further includes a dielectric 190 disposed on the main surface 131 of the dielectric substrate 130. In Figure 18, the explanation of elements that overlap with the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0114] The dielectric 190 has a different dielectric constant than the dielectric substrate 130 and is arranged across the entire surface of the main surface 131. That is, when viewed from a plan view in the direction normal to the dielectric substrate 130, the dielectric 190 covers the radiating element 121.

[0115] The surface waves of the electric field propagating across the surface of the dielectric substrate 130 are affected by the dielectric constant of the dielectric material constituting the dielectric substrate 130. When the dielectric constant of the substrate is relatively high, the surface wave propagation is greater than when the dielectric constant is low.

[0116] Therefore, by using a material with a higher dielectric constant than that of the dielectric substrate 130 as the dielectric 190, the surface wave propagation can be increased, and the frequency band can be expanded.

[0117] On the other hand, if the frequency bandwidth becomes excessively wide due to the influence of surface waves and the desired antenna gain cannot be secured, the influence of surface waves can be reduced and the antenna gain increased by using a material with a dielectric constant lower than that of the dielectric substrate 130 as the dielectric 190.

[0118] The dielectric constant of the dielectric 190 is appropriately selected considering the required frequency bandwidth, antenna gain, and the dielectric constant of the dielectric used in the dielectric substrate 130.

[0119] In this case as well, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved by providing auxiliary electrodes in the vias of the power supply wiring.

[0120] [Aspect] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0121] (Section 1) An antenna module according to one embodiment comprises a dielectric substrate, a planar first radiating element, a ground electrode, a first feed line, and a planar first electrode. The dielectric substrate has a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other. The first radiating element is disposed on the dielectric substrate. The ground electrode is disposed on the dielectric substrate on the second main surface side of the first radiating element and facing the first radiating element. The first feed line transmits a high-frequency signal to the first feed point of the first radiating element. The first electrode is connected to the first feed line and is disposed between the first radiating element and the ground electrode. The first feed point is located at a position offset in a first direction from the center of the first radiating element. When viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in a first direction.

[0122] (Article 2) In the antenna module described in Article 1, the amount of protrusion of the first electrode from the first radiating element is 1 / 2 or less of the dimension in the first direction of the first radiating element.

[0123] (Article 3) In the antenna module described in Article 1 or Article 2, the first electrode includes a first portion that protrudes from the first radiating element and a second portion that overlaps with the first radiating element when viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate. If the second direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the first direction along the surface of the first electrode, the dimension of the first portion in the second direction is at least 1 / 10 and at most 2 / 3 of the dimension of the first radiating element in the first direction.

[0124] (Clause 4) In the first electrode of the antenna module described in Clause 3, the dimension in the second direction of the first portion is greater than the dimension in the second direction of the second portion.

[0125] (Section 5) The antenna module described in any one of Sections 1 to 4 further comprises a second electrode connected between the first electrode and the ground electrode in the first feed wiring. When viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, the second electrode protrudes from the first electrode in the first direction.

[0126] (Section 6) The antenna module described in any one of Sections 1 to 4 further comprises a first via extending from the first electrode toward the ground electrode and a flat third electrode connected to the first via. When viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, the third electrode protrudes from the first electrode toward the first direction.

[0127] (Section 7) The antenna module described in any one of Sections 1 to 6 further comprises a second feeding wire and a flat-plate-shaped fourth electrode. The second feeding wire supplies a high-frequency signal to a second feeding point located offset in a third direction from the center of the first radiating element. The fourth electrode is connected to the second feeding wire. The third direction intersects the first direction. The fourth electrode is connected in the second feeding wire between the first radiating element and the ground electrode. When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the fourth electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the third direction.

[0128] (Section 8) The antenna module described in any one of Sections 1 to 6 further comprises a second radiating element, a third feeding line, and a fifth electrode. The second radiating element is positioned between the first electrode and the ground electrode and overlaps with the first radiating element when viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate. The third feeding line transmits a high-frequency signal to a third feeding point positioned offset in the fourth direction from the center of the second radiating element. The fifth electrode is connected to the third feeding line and is positioned between the second radiating element and the ground electrode. The dimensions of the second radiating element are larger than those of the first radiating element. When viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, the fifth electrode protrudes from the second radiating element in the fourth direction.

[0129] (Section 9) The antenna module described in any one of Sections 1 to 6 further comprises a second via and a planar sixth electrode. The second via is connected to the first radiating element at a position offset in a fifth direction opposite to the first direction from the center of the first radiating element. The sixth electrode is connected to the second via and is positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode. When viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, the sixth electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the fifth direction.

[0130] (Clause 10) The antenna module described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 9 further comprises a grounding member that is arranged around the first radiating element and is electrically connected to the grounding electrode, when viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate.

[0131] (Clause 11) The antenna module described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 10 further comprises a dielectric material arranged on the first main surface of the dielectric substrate such that it covers the first radiating element when viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate. The dielectric constant of the dielectric material is different from that of the dielectric substrate.

[0132] (Section 12) The antenna module described in any one of Sections 1 to 10 further comprises a dielectric lens disposed on the first main surface of a dielectric substrate and having a convex shape in the normal direction. When viewed from a plan view in the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, the dielectric lens covers the first radiating element.

[0133] (Section 13) In the antenna module described in Section 1, the first radiating element is substantially rectangular in shape when viewed from a plan view in the direction normal to the dielectric substrate.

[0134] (Section 14) In the antenna module described in Section 1, if the direction perpendicular to the first direction along the surface of the first electrode is defined as the second direction, then when viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first radiating element has a substantially cross shape with protrusions extending along the first and second directions.

[0135] (Section 15) In the antenna module described in Section 14, the protrusion of the first electrode has a tapered shape, becoming narrower in width towards the center of the first radiating element.

[0136] (Section 16) In the antenna module described in Section 1, the first radiating element is approximately circular in shape when viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate.

[0137] (Section 17) In the antenna module described in Section 1, the end of the first radiating element opposite to the first direction from the center of the first radiating element is connected to the ground electrode.

[0138] (Section 18) The antenna module described in any one of Sections 1 to 17 comprises a planar third radiating element, a fourth feeding line, and a planar seventh electrode. The third radiating element is positioned adjacent to the first radiating element when viewed from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate and is positioned opposite the ground electrode. The fourth feeding line transmits a high-frequency signal to the fourth feeding point of the third radiating element. The seventh electrode is connected to the fourth feeding line and is positioned between the third radiating element and the ground electrode. The fourth feeding point is positioned offset in the first direction from the center of the third radiating element. When viewed from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the seventh electrode protrudes from the third radiating element in the first direction.

[0139] (Section 19) The antenna module described in any one of Sections 1 to 18 further comprises a feeding circuit that supplies a high-frequency signal to each radiating element.

[0140] (Paragraph 20) A communication device relating to one aspect is equipped with an antenna module as described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 19.

[0141] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0142] 10 Communication equipment, 100, 100A~100M, 100X antenna modules, 110 RFIC, 111A~111D, 113A~113D, 117 switches, 112AR~112DR low-noise amplifiers, 112AT~112DT power amplifiers, 114A~114D attenuators, 115A~115D phase shifters, 116 signal combiners / demultiplexers, 118 mixers, 119 amplification circuits, 120 antenna equipment, 121, 121A~121C, 122, 125 radiating elements, 130 dielectric substrates, 131, 132 main surfaces, 140, 143, 145 feed wiring, 141, 146 wiring patterns, 142, 147, V1, V2 vias, 151~155, 150A Auxiliary electrode, 160 solder bump, 170 grounding member, 180 dielectric lens, 190 dielectric, 200 BBIC, GND grounding electrode, SP1~SP3 power supply point.

Claims

1. A dielectric substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other, A first radiating element in the shape of a flat plate is disposed on the dielectric substrate, In the dielectric substrate, a ground electrode is provided on the second main surface side of the first radiating element, and is positioned opposite to the first radiating element. A first power supply wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the first power supply point of the first radiating element, It comprises a flat plate-shaped first electrode connected to the first power supply wiring and positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, The first power supply point is positioned at a location offset in a first direction from the center of the first radiating element. When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the first direction. When the first electrode is viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, A first portion protruding from the first radiating element, Including a second portion that overlaps with the first radiating element, An antenna module in which, when the direction perpendicular to the first direction along the surface of the first electrode is defined as the second direction, the dimension of the first portion in the first electrode in the second direction is larger than the dimension of the second portion in the second direction.

2. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the amount of protrusion of the first electrode from the first radiating element is 1 / 2 or less of the dimension in the first direction of the first radiating element.

3. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the dimension of the first portion in the second direction is 1 / 10 or more and 2 / 3 or less of the dimension of the first radiating element in the first direction.

4. The first power supply wiring further comprises a second electrode connected between the first electrode and the ground electrode, The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the second electrode protrudes from the first electrode in the first direction.

5. A first via extending from the first electrode toward the ground electrode, The device further comprises a flat plate-shaped third electrode connected to the first via, The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the third electrode protrudes from the first electrode in the first direction.

6. A second power supply line supplies a high-frequency signal to a second power supply point located at a position offset in a third direction from the center of the first radiating element, The device further comprises a flat plate-shaped fourth electrode connected to the second power supply wiring, The third direction intersects with the first direction. The fourth electrode is connected between the first radiating element and the ground electrode in the second power supply wiring. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the fourth electrode protrudes from the first radiating element toward the third direction.

7. A second radiating element is positioned between the first electrode and the ground electrode, and overlaps with the first radiating element when viewed from a plan view in the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, A third feeding line transmits a high-frequency signal to a third feeding point located at a position offset in the fourth direction from the center of the second radiating element, The system further comprises a fifth electrode connected to the third power supply wiring and positioned between the second radiating element and the ground electrode, The dimensions of the second radiating element are larger than those of the first radiating element. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the fifth electrode protrudes from the second radiating element toward the fourth direction.

8. A second via connected to the first radiating element at a position offset from the center of the first radiating element in a fifth direction opposite to the first direction, The system further comprises a flat plate-shaped sixth electrode connected to the second via and positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the sixth electrode protrudes from the first radiating element toward the fifth direction.

9. The antenna module according to claim 1, further comprising a grounding member arranged around the first radiating element so as to surround the first radiating element when viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, and electrically connected to the grounding electrode.

10. The dielectric substrate further comprises a dielectric material arranged on the first main surface such that it covers the first radiating element when viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the dielectric constant of the dielectric material is different from the dielectric constant of the dielectric substrate.

11. The dielectric substrate further comprises a dielectric lens disposed on the first main surface and having a convex shape in the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, the dielectric lens covers the first radiating element.

12. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the first radiating element has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate.

13. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first radiating element has a substantially cross shape with protrusions extending along the first direction and the second direction.

14. The antenna module according to claim 13, wherein the protruding portion of the first electrode has a tapered shape that narrows in width towards the center of the first radiating element.

15. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the first radiating element has a substantially circular shape when viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate.

16. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the end of the first radiating element opposite to the first direction from the center of the first radiating element is connected to the ground electrode.

17. A third radiating element, which is a flat plate shape, is positioned adjacent to the first radiating element when viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate and is positioned opposite the ground electrode, A fourth power supply wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the fourth power supply point of the third radiating element, It comprises a flat plate-shaped seventh electrode connected to the fourth power supply wiring and positioned between the third radiating element and the ground electrode, The fourth power supply point is positioned at a location offset from the center of the third radiating element in the first direction, The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the seventh electrode protrudes from the third radiating element toward the first direction.

18. A dielectric substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other, A first radiating element in the shape of a flat plate is disposed on the dielectric substrate, In the dielectric substrate, a ground electrode is provided on the second main surface side of the first radiating element, and is positioned opposite to the first radiating element. A first power supply wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the first power supply point of the first radiating element, A flat plate-shaped first electrode is connected to the first power supply wiring and positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, A first via extending from the first electrode toward the ground electrode, It comprises a flat plate-shaped third electrode connected to the first via, The first power supply point is positioned at a location offset in a first direction from the center of the first radiating element. When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the first direction. An antenna module in which, when viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the third electrode protrudes from the first electrode in the first direction.

19. A dielectric substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other, A first radiating element in the shape of a flat plate is disposed on the dielectric substrate, In the dielectric substrate, a ground electrode is provided on the second main surface side of the first radiating element, and is positioned opposite to the first radiating element. A first power supply wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the first power supply point of the first radiating element, A flat plate-shaped first electrode is connected to the first power supply wiring and positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, A second power supply line supplies a high-frequency signal to a second power supply point located at a position offset in a third direction from the center of the first radiating element, It comprises a flat plate-shaped fourth electrode connected to the second power supply wiring, The first power supply point is positioned at a location offset in a first direction from the center of the first radiating element. When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the first direction. The third direction intersects with the first direction. The fourth electrode is connected between the first radiating element and the ground electrode in the second power supply wiring. An antenna module in which, when viewed from a plan view in the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, the fourth electrode protrudes from the first radiating element toward the third direction.

20. A dielectric substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other, A first radiating element in the shape of a flat plate is disposed on the dielectric substrate, In the dielectric substrate, a ground electrode is provided on the second main surface side of the first radiating element, and is positioned opposite to the first radiating element. A first power supply wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the first power supply point of the first radiating element, A flat plate-shaped first electrode is connected to the first power supply wiring and positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, A second radiating element is positioned between the first electrode and the ground electrode, and overlaps with the first radiating element when viewed from a plan view in the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, A third feeding line transmits a high-frequency signal to a third feeding point located at a position offset in the fourth direction from the center of the second radiating element, The device comprises a fifth electrode connected to the third power supply wiring and positioned between the second radiating element and the ground electrode, The first power supply point is positioned at a location offset in a first direction from the center of the first radiating element. When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the first direction. The dimensions of the second radiating element are larger than those of the first radiating element. An antenna module in which, when viewed from a plan view in the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, the fifth electrode protrudes from the second radiating element toward the fourth direction.

21. An antenna module, A dielectric substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other, A first radiating element in the shape of a flat plate is disposed on the dielectric substrate, In the dielectric substrate, a ground electrode is provided on the second main surface side of the first radiating element, and is positioned opposite to the first radiating element. A first power supply wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the first power supply point of the first radiating element, It comprises a flat plate-shaped first electrode connected to the first power supply wiring and positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, The first power supply point is positioned at a location offset in a first direction from the center of the first radiating element. The aforementioned antenna module is A second via connected to the first radiating element at a position offset from the center of the first radiating element in a fifth direction opposite to the first direction, The system further comprises a flat plate-shaped sixth electrode connected to the second via and positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the first direction. An antenna module in which, when viewed from a plan view in the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, the sixth electrode protrudes from the first radiating element toward the fifth direction.

22. A dielectric substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other, A first radiating element in the shape of a flat plate is disposed on the dielectric substrate, In the dielectric substrate, a ground electrode is provided on the second main surface side of the first radiating element, and is positioned opposite to the first radiating element. A first power supply wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the first power supply point of the first radiating element, It comprises a flat plate-shaped first electrode connected to the first power supply wiring and positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, The first power supply point is positioned at a location offset in a first direction from the center of the first radiating element. When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the first direction. If the direction perpendicular to the first direction along the surface of the first electrode is defined as the second direction, An antenna module in which, when viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first radiating element has a substantially cross shape with protrusions extending along the first and second directions.

23. A dielectric substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other, A first radiating element in the shape of a flat plate is disposed on the dielectric substrate, In the dielectric substrate, a ground electrode is provided on the second main surface side of the first radiating element, and is positioned opposite to the first radiating element. A first power supply wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the first power supply point of the first radiating element, A flat plate-shaped first electrode is connected to the first power supply wiring and positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, A third radiating element, which is a flat plate shape, is positioned adjacent to the first radiating element when viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate and is positioned opposite the ground electrode, A fourth power supply wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the fourth power supply point of the third radiating element, It comprises a flat plate-shaped seventh electrode connected to the fourth power supply wiring and positioned between the third radiating element and the ground electrode, The first power supply point is positioned at a location offset in a first direction from the center of the first radiating element. When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the first direction. The fourth power supply point is positioned at a location offset from the center of the third radiating element in the first direction, An antenna module in which, when viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the seventh electrode protrudes from the third radiating element toward the first direction.

24. The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising a power supply circuit that supplies a high-frequency signal to each radiating element.

25. A communication device equipped with an antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

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