Antenna device and antenna module

Abstract

To provide an antenna device which has multiple antennas for multiple polarization and has excellent heat dissipation, and an antenna module.SOLUTION: An antenna device includes: a substrate; a first radio communication unit which is provided on the substrate; a second radio communication unit which is provided on the substrate; and a heat dissipation body. The first radio communication unit includes: a first antenna for first polarization; a first control unit; and a first transmission line which connects the first antenna with the first control unit. The second radio communication unit includes: a second antenna for second polarization; a second control unit; and a second transmission line which connects the second antenna with the second control unit. The substrate is bent or twisted such that an angle is formed between a first portion where the first antenna is provided and a second portion in which the second antenna is provided. The heat dissipation body is arranged along the first control unit, the second control unit, the first transmission line, and the second transmission line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna device and an antenna module. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, there is an antenna device in which a conductive layer is formed on a bendable sheet-shaped support, four antennas (slot-shaped Vivaldi antennas) are provided on the conductive layer, and the sheet-shaped support is bent such that the four antennas are respectively positioned on four side surfaces of a rectangular parallelepiped. Two parallel antennas among the four antennas are antennas for horizontal polarization, and the remaining two parallel antennas are antennas for vertical polarization. An LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) is connected to each antenna (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 1671398 Specification [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] By the way, there are constraints on the positional relationship, spacing, and the like between the antenna for horizontal polarization and the antenna for vertical polarization. Further, for example, when the antenna device is used in a base station, the input power increases, so a heat radiator such as a heat sink is required.

[0005] However, in conventional antenna devices, there is no disclosure regarding the configuration of a heat radiator or the like.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an antenna device and an antenna module that have a plurality of antennas for multiple polarizations and have good heat dissipation performance. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0007] An antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a substrate, a first wireless communication unit provided on the substrate, a second wireless communication unit provided on the substrate, and a heat sink. The first wireless communication unit has a first antenna for first polarization, a first control unit, and a first transmission line connecting the first antenna and the first control unit. The second wireless communication unit has a second antenna for second polarization, a second control unit, and a second transmission line connecting the second antenna and the second control unit. The substrate is bent or twisted so that a first portion on which the first antenna is provided and a second portion on which the second antenna is provided are at an angle to each other. The heat sink is arranged along the first control unit, the second control unit, the first transmission line, and the second transmission line. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] We can provide an antenna device and antenna module that have multiple antennas for multiple polarizations and have good heat dissipation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1A] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the antenna device according to the embodiment. [Figure 1B] This figure shows an example of the disassembled configuration of the antenna device shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 2A] This figure illustrates an example of the manufacturing process for the substrate of an antenna device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] This figure illustrates an example of the manufacturing process for the substrate of an antenna device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2C] This figure illustrates a modified example of the substrate of the antenna device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3A] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a modified heatsink. [Figure 3B] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a modified heatsink. [Figure 3C] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a modified heatsink. [Figure 4]This figure shows an example of the configuration of the antenna module in the embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the circuit configuration of the antenna module according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows an example of a specific configuration corresponding to the area enclosed by the dashed line. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an antenna module in a first modified embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an antenna module in a second modified example of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes embodiments to which the antenna device and antenna module of this disclosure are applied. In the following, the same elements may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0011] The following explains the XYZ coordinate system. The directions parallel to the X-axis (X direction), the directions parallel to the Y-axis (Y direction), and the directions parallel to the Z-axis (Z direction) are orthogonal to each other. Also, for the sake of explanation, the -Z direction may be referred to as the lower side or bottom, and the +Z direction as the upper side or top. Furthermore, a planar view refers to viewing from the XY plane.

[0012] Furthermore, in the following, the length, diameter, thickness, etc., of each part may be exaggerated to make the structure easier to understand. Also, the terms parallel, right angle, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, up and down, etc., should be used with a degree of deviation that does not impair the effect of the embodiment.

[0013] Furthermore, in the following explanation, "radio waves" refer to a type of electromagnetic wave, and generally, electromagnetic waves below 3 THz are called radio waves. Below, electromagnetic waves radiated from outdoor base stations or relay stations will be referred to as "radio waves," and when referring to electromagnetic waves in general, the term "electromagnetic wave" will be used. Also, below, when referring to "millimeter waves" or "millimeter wave band," it will include the quasi-millimeter wave band of 24 GHz to 30 GHz in addition to the frequency band of 30 GHz to 300 GHz.

[0014] As an example, the frequency of radio waves transmitted or received by the antenna device of the embodiment (communication frequency) is preferably not less than 50 GHz and not more than 300 GHz. Such a frequency band is a higher frequency band than the 1 GHz to 30 GHz frequency band including the millimeter wave band and Sub-6 of the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G), and may be adopted in the next generation communication system following the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G).

[0015] In addition, the radio waves transmitted or received by the antenna device of the embodiment may be the millimeter wave band or Sub-6 of the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), or UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband). Further, the radio waves transmitted or received by the antenna device of the embodiment may be IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-Wideband), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), etc. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, explanation will be given using radio waves of 50 GHz or more and 300 GHz or less as an example.

[0016] <Embodiment> <Configuration of Antenna Device 100> FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the antenna device 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of an exploded configuration of the antenna device 100 shown in FIG. 1A. The antenna device 100 constitutes the antenna module of the embodiment by arranging a plurality of antenna devices 100 in an array when viewed from the radiation direction (+Y direction). The antenna module performs beamforming by adjusting the phase of radio waves radiated from each antenna device 100.

[0017] Here, using Figures 1A and 1B, we will describe the configuration of one of the multiple antenna devices 100 included in the antenna module of the embodiment. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the following description will focus on the case where the antenna device 100 radiates radio waves, but the antenna device 100 is also capable of receiving radio waves, which is the opposite operation to radio wave radiation.

[0018] The antenna device 100 includes a substrate 101, a first wireless communication unit 110, a second wireless communication unit 120, and a heat sink 130. The heat sink 130 is an example of a heat dissipation device.

[0019] The detailed configuration will be described later, but the first wireless communication unit 110 and the second wireless communication unit 120 include an antenna, an IC (Integrated Circuit), and a phase shifter for beamforming. The IC generates RF signals as transmitted or received waves and adjusts the amount of phase shift of the RF signals in the phase shifter.

[0020] As the communication frequency of the antenna device 100 increases, the wavelength shortens, allowing the antenna to be miniaturized. However, ICs and transmission lines cannot be miniaturized to the same extent as the antenna, and there are limits to this. In particular, when the frequency exceeds 75 GHz to 110 GHz (W band), the size of the IC becomes larger than the size of the antenna. Furthermore, the spacing between antennas is preferably 0.5λ0 or less, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space at the communication frequency. For this reason, in an antenna module 10 (see Figure 4) that includes multiple antenna devices 100, if multiple antennas are arranged at intervals of about 0.5λ0, ingenuity is required in the arrangement of multiple ICs and multiple heat sinks 130.

[0021] The following describes an antenna device 100 and an antenna module 10 that have multiple antennas for multiple polarizations and achieve good heat dissipation by devising the structure of the substrate 101, the arrangement of the first wireless communication unit 110 and the second wireless communication unit 120, and the structure of the heat sink 130.

[0022] <Substrate 101> The substrate 101 has a first portion 101H, a second portion 101V, and a third portion 101C. The first portion 101H is provided with a first antenna 111 for horizontal polarization of the first wireless communication unit 110 and the +Y direction end of the first transmission line 113. The second portion 101V is provided with a second antenna 121 for vertical polarization of the second wireless communication unit 120 and the +Y direction end of the second transmission line 123. Horizontal polarization is an example of first polarization, and vertical polarization is an example of second polarization. Horizontal polarization and vertical polarization are polarizations that are orthogonal to each other.

[0023] The first part 101H and the second part 101V are, for example, bent at a 90-degree angle. The first part 101H and the second part 101V form an L-shape when viewed from the +Y direction, and the third part 101C forms an L-shape corresponding to the L-shape of the first part 101H and the second part 101V when viewed from the +Y direction.

[0024] Here, as an example, the XYZ coordinates are defined such that the polarization plane of the electric field of the first antenna 111 for horizontal polarization is contained within the XY plane. The first part 101H of the substrate 101 is parallel to the XY plane, and the second part 101V is parallel to the YZ plane. The first part 101H and the second part 101V constitute approximately half of the substrate 101 on the +Y side. The third part 101C constitutes approximately half of the substrate 101 on the -Y side.

[0025] The width of the first portion 101H of the substrate 101 in the extending direction (X direction) of the radiating end (+Y direction end) of the first antenna 111 is preferably λ0 or less, more preferably 0.75λ0 or less, and more preferably 0.5λ0 or less, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space at the communication frequency of the first antenna 111. In an antenna module 10 (see Figure 4) including multiple antenna devices 100, it is preferable to keep the spacing between the first antennas 111 to 0.5λ0 or less, so the width of the first portion 101H is preferably within the range described above.

[0026] Similarly, the width of the second portion 101V of the substrate 101 in the extending direction (Z direction) of the radiating end (+Y direction end) of the second antenna 121 should be less than or equal to λ0, preferably 0.75λ0 or less, and more preferably 0.5λ0 or less, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space at the communication frequency of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121. The reason is the same as for the first antenna 111.

[0027] Furthermore, the thickness of the portion of the substrate 101 in which the first transmission line 113 and the second transmission line 123 are provided is preferably 0.3λe or less, and more preferably 0.2λe or less, where λe is the electrical length of the wavelength at the communication frequency of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 within the substrate 101. As will be described in detail later, the first transmission line 113 and the second transmission line 123 become longer due to the adoption of the end-fire type, so the thickness of the substrate 101 is reduced in order to reduce transmission loss.

[0028] The third portion 101C is approximately half of the substrate 101 on the -Y side, and has a horizontal portion that is continuous with the first portion 101H on the -Y side and parallel to the XY plane, and a vertical portion that is continuous with the second portion 101V on the -Y side and parallel to the YZ plane. In other words, the third portion 101C is bent at a 90-degree angle.

[0029] The horizontal portion of the third section 101C is provided with the first control unit 112 of the first wireless communication unit 110 and a portion of the first transmission line 113. The portion of the first transmission line 113 is the part of the first transmission line 113 excluding the end connected to the first antenna 111 on the +Y direction side.

[0030] The vertical portion of the third section 101C is provided with the second control unit 122 of the second wireless communication unit 120 and a portion of the second transmission line 123. The portion of the second transmission line 123 is the part of the second transmission line 123 excluding the end connected to the second antenna 121 on the +Y direction side.

[0031] The substrate 101 is preferably a flexible substrate, for example. The flexible substrate can be made from resins such as polyimide, fluororesin, maleimide resin, or cycloolefin polymer, or liquid crystal polymer, for example.

[0032] On the +Z-direction side surface between the horizontal portion of the first portion 101H and the third portion 101C, for example, the first antenna 111, the first control unit 112, and the first transmission line 113 of the first wireless communication unit 110 are provided. On the -X-direction side surface between the vertical portion of the second portion 101V and the third portion 101C, for example, the second antenna 121, the second control unit 122, and the second transmission line 123 of the second wireless communication unit 120 are provided.

[0033] Note that the substrate 101 has a ground layer, but this is omitted in Figures 1A and 1B. The ground layer is provided on the surface of the substrate 101 opposite to the portion where the first control unit 112 and the first transmission line 113 are provided (the -Z direction side) and on the surface of the substrate 101 opposite to the portion where the second control unit 122 and the second transmission line 123 are provided (the +X direction side). If the substrate 101 has an inner layer, the ground layer may be provided in the inner layer.

[0034] Approximately half of the substrate 101 on the -Y direction side is housed inside the housing portion 135 of the heat sink 130. In this state, the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 protrude from the heat sink 130. In other words, in this state, the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 are located outside the heat sink 130. By having the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 located outside the heat sink 130, good radiation characteristics can be obtained.

[0035] When multiple antenna devices 100 are arranged, it is preferable that the spacing between multiple first antennas 111 and the spacing between multiple second antennas 121 is 0.5λ0 or less, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space at the communication frequency of the first antennas 111 and the second antennas 121. Arranging multiple antenna devices 100 with such spacing between the first antennas 111 and the second antennas 121 may make it difficult to arrange the first control unit 112 and the second control unit 122, which have limitations in miniaturization. Therefore, the substrate 101 is made longer in the -Y direction by using end-fire type first antennas 111 and second antennas 121 that radiate from the +Y direction end of the substrate 101, and the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123 are arranged in the third section 101C, and the third section 101C is arranged inside the housing section 135. This configuration makes it possible to ensure the spacing between the first antennas 111 and the second antennas 121, while also aligning the arrangement of components such as the first control unit 112 and the second control unit 122.

[0036] Here, the manufacturing process of the substrate 101 will be explained using Figures 2A and 2B. Figures 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating an example of the manufacturing process of the substrate 101.

[0037] To fabricate the substrate 101, first, a flat flexible substrate is prepared as shown in Figure 2A, and a notch 101A is formed in the -Y direction from approximately the center in the X direction on the +Y direction side. The notch 101A is the boundary between the first part 101H and the second part 101V, and in the Y direction, it extends to the boundary between the first part 101H and the second part 101V and the third part 101C. The notch 101A can be fabricated in the flexible substrate by laser processing, punching, or cutting with a cutter or the like.

[0038] Next, by folding the second part 101V and the +X-side half of the third part 101C 90 degrees clockwise when viewed from the +Y direction, relative to the first part 101H and the -X-side half of the third part 101C shown in Figure 2A, the substrate 101 is completed as shown in Figure 2B. By providing the notch 101A, the first part 101H and the second part 101V are independent at their respective boundaries, making it easier to obtain the first part 101H parallel to the XY plane and the second part 101V parallel to the YZ plane. This makes it possible to realize a configuration in which it is easy to obtain the first antenna 111 parallel to the XY plane and the second antenna 121 parallel to the YZ plane. Alternatively, instead of providing the notch 101A, the second part 101V and the +X-direction half of the third part 101C may be bent relative to the first part 101H and the -X-direction half of the third part 101C.

[0039] Furthermore, the substrate 101 is not limited to this configuration, and may have a configuration such as that shown in Figure 2C. Figure 2C illustrates a modified example of the substrate 101. The substrate 101 shown in Figure 2C is made parallel to the YZ plane, similar to the second part 101V shown in Figure 2B, by twisting the second part 101V 90 degrees clockwise when viewed from the +Y direction side, relative to the entirety of the first part 101H and the third part 101C shown in Figure 2A.

[0040] In the portion of the second portion 101V that is in contact with the third portion 101C on the -Y direction side, there is a portion where the second portion 101V is twisted from a state in which it is continuous with the third portion 101C and parallel to the XY plane, to a state in which it is parallel to the YZ plane as it moves toward the +Y direction. However, if the portion of the second portion 101V on which the second antenna 121 is provided is parallel to the YZ plane, the second antenna 121 can radiate vertically polarized radio waves. The substrate 101 may be manufactured by twisting, as shown in Figure 2C.

[0041] Furthermore, although this description describes a configuration in which the first part 101H and the second part 101V form a 90-degree angle when viewed from the Y direction, the angle between the first part 101H and the second part 101V may be an angle other than 90 degrees. The substrate 101 may be configured such that the first part 101H on which the first antenna 111 is provided and the second part 101V on which the second antenna 121 is provided are at an angle to each other, by being bent or twisted.

[0042] <First Wireless Communication Unit 110> The first wireless communication unit 110 includes a first antenna 111 for horizontal polarization, a first control unit 112, and a first transmission line 113 connecting the first antenna 111 and the first control unit 112. In addition to these, the first wireless communication unit 110 also includes an RFFE (Radio Frequency Front End) circuit, which will be described later with reference to Figure 5.

[0043] Here, Figures 1A and 1B show a configuration in which one first antenna 111 is connected to one first control unit 112, for the sake of simplicity. However, multiple first antennas 111 may be connected to one first control unit 112 to form a sub-array antenna for horizontal polarization, and beamforming may be performed with the sub-array antenna for horizontal polarization. Such a configuration will be described later using Figure 5. It is preferable that the spacing between multiple first antennas 111 is 0.5λ0 or less, where λ0 is the wavelength of the first antenna 111 in free space at the communication frequency.

[0044] The first antenna 111 is, for example, an end-fire type antenna, and the direction of radio wave radiation is in the +Y direction. The first antenna 111 can be implemented as an end-fire type broadband antenna such as a Vivaldi antenna, a Quasi-Yagi antenna, or a Yagi-Uda antenna. Note that in Figure 1B, the first antenna 111 is simplified and shown as a triangular conductor.

[0045] By using an end-fire type first antenna 111 that radiates from the +Y direction end of the substrate 101, the substrate 101 can be made longer in the -Y direction. This makes it possible to ensure sufficient spacing between multiple first antennas 111 when arranging them in a row, which can be miniaturized by increasing the communication frequency, and to arrange components that have limitations in miniaturization, such as the first control unit 112 and the first transmission line 113. Achieving such a balance between conflicting requirements is difficult, for example, if a patch antenna is used instead of an end-fire type antenna, and the first control unit 112 is placed on the back side of the patch antenna.

[0046] The first antenna 111 can be fabricated, for example, by patterning a metal foil formed on the surface of the first portion 101H of the substrate 101 on the +Z direction side. The metal foil may be, for example, copper foil or aluminum foil. The -Y direction end of the first antenna 111 is connected to the first transmission line 113.

[0047] The first control unit 112 is connected to the first antenna 111 via the first transmission line 113. The first control unit 112 is composed of an IC (Integrated Circuit) and includes an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter), a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter), and a mixer. The first control unit 112 performs analog conversion of the transmitted wave, conversion from an IF (Intermediate Frequency) signal to an RF signal, and conversion of the received wave to an IF (Intermediate Frequency) signal or digital conversion. The first control unit 112 also adjusts the phase shift amount of the RF signal in the phase shifter included in the first wireless communication unit 110.

[0048] The first transmission line 113 is a transmission line connecting the first antenna 111 and the first control unit 112, and is composed of, for example, a microstrip line, a grounded coplanar waveguide, a slotted line, or a substrate laminated waveguide. Similar to the first antenna 111, the first transmission line 113 can be manufactured, for example, by patterning a metal foil formed on the surface of the horizontal portion of the first portion 101H and the third portion 101C of the substrate 101 on the +Z direction side. The metal foil may be, for example, copper foil or aluminum foil. An RFFE circuit is inserted in series with the first transmission line 113, and the RFFE circuit will be described later with reference to Figure 5.

[0049] <Second Wireless Communication Unit 120> The second wireless communication unit 120 includes a second antenna 121 for vertical polarization, a second control unit 122, and a second transmission line 123 connecting the second antenna 121 and the second control unit 122. In addition to these, the second wireless communication unit 120 also includes an RFFE circuit, which will be described later with reference to Figure 5.

[0050] Here, Figures 1A and 1B show a configuration in which one second antenna 121 is connected to one second control unit 122, for the sake of simplicity. However, multiple second antennas 121 may be connected to one second control unit 122 to form a sub-array antenna for horizontal polarization, and beamforming may be performed with the sub-array antenna for horizontal polarization. Such a configuration will be described later using Figure 5. It is preferable that the spacing between multiple second antennas 121 is 0.5λ0 or less, where λ0 is the wavelength of the second antenna 121 in free space at the communication frequency.

[0051] The second antenna 121 is, for example, an end-fire type antenna, and the direction of radio wave radiation is in the +Y direction. The communication frequency of the second antenna 121 is, for example, equal to the communication frequency of the first antenna 111. The second antenna 121 can be implemented as an end-fire type broadband antenna such as a Vivaldi antenna, a Quasi-Yagi antenna, or a Yagi-Uda antenna. In Figure 1B, the second antenna 121 is simplified and shown as a triangular conductor.

[0052] By using an end-fire type second antenna 121 that radiates from the +Y direction end of the substrate 101, the substrate 101 can be made longer in the -Y direction. This makes it possible to ensure sufficient spacing between the second antennas 121 when arranging multiple second antennas 121, which are miniaturized by increasing the communication frequency, and to arrange components that have limitations in miniaturization, such as the second control unit 122 and the second transmission line 123. Achieving such a balance between conflicting requirements is difficult, for example, in a configuration where a patch antenna is used instead of an end-fire type antenna, and the second control unit 122 is placed on the back side of the patch antenna.

[0053] The second antenna 121 can be fabricated, for example, by patterning a metal foil formed on the -X-direction surface of the second portion 101V of the substrate 101. The metal foil may be, for example, copper foil or aluminum foil. The -Y-direction end of the second antenna 121 is connected to the second transmission line 123.

[0054] The second control unit 122 is connected to the second antenna 121 via the second transmission line 123. The second control unit 122 is composed of an integrated circuit and includes an ADC, DAC, mixer, etc. The second control unit 122 performs analog conversion of the transmitted wave, conversion from IF signals to RF signals, and conversion of the received wave to IF signals and digital conversion. The second control unit 122 also adjusts the phase shift amount of the RF signal in the phase shifter included in the second wireless communication unit 120.

[0055] The second transmission line 123 is a transmission line connecting the second antenna 121 and the second control unit 122, and is composed of, for example, a microstrip line, a grounded coplanar waveguide, a slotted line, or a substrate laminated waveguide. Similar to the second antenna 121, the second transmission line 123 can be fabricated, for example, by patterning a metal foil formed on the -X direction surface of the second portion 101V and the vertical portion of the third portion 101C of the substrate 101. The metal foil may be, for example, copper foil or aluminum foil. An RFFE circuit is inserted in series with the second transmission line 123, and the RFFE circuit will be described later with reference to Figure 5.

[0056] <Heat Sink 130> The heat sink 130 has a base portion 131, a protrusion portion 132, and a housing portion 135. The base portion 131 is a plate-shaped portion parallel to the XY plane, and the protrusion portion 132 protrudes from the +X side end of the base portion 131 toward the +Z side. The base portion 131 and the protrusion portion 132 are L-shaped when viewed from the radiation direction (+Y direction) side of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121.

[0057] The housing portion 135 is formed, for example, spanning the base portion 131 and the protrusion portion 132, and, for example, penetrating the heat sink 130 in the Y direction. The housing portion 135 is an L-shaped through-hole when viewed from the radiation direction (+Y direction) side of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121.

[0058] The housing section 135 houses approximately half of the substrate 101 on the -Y side, along with the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123. Since approximately half of the substrate 101 on the -Y side is the third section 101C, the housing section 135 is an L-shaped space corresponding to the L-shape of the third section 101C. Furthermore, the heat sink 130 is configured in an L-shape to accommodate the L-shaped housing section 135. That is, the heat sink 130 has an L-shaped outer shape corresponding to the L-shaped space of the housing section 135.

[0059] Furthermore, the first control unit 112 and the second control unit 122 are connected to an external control unit that performs control such as beamforming. For example, a signal cable can be connected to the first control unit 112 and the second control unit 122 from the -Y direction side of the housing unit 135, and the first control unit 112 and the second control unit 122 can be connected to the external control unit via the signal cable. Note that the housing unit 135 does not have to penetrate the heat sink 130 in the Y direction. The housing unit 135 may be a recess (hole) formed from the surface of the heat sink 130 on the +Y direction side toward the -Y direction side. In this case, a through hole can be provided to connect the inner surface of the housing unit 135, which is composed of a recess, and the outer surface of the heat sink 130, and the signal cable can be passed through it.

[0060] The heat sink 130 absorbs the heat generated by the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123, and releases it to the outside of the heat sink 130. For this reason, the heat sink 130 is preferably made of metal, for example. Furthermore, the heat sink 130 is preferably configured to increase its surface area by providing fins or the like on its outer surface, for example, in order to improve heat dissipation. The heat sink 130 can be made of metal such as aluminum or copper, for example. Here, as an example, a configuration in which the heat sink 130 is made of metal will be described.

[0061] Since the heat sink 130 is made of metal, when housing approximately half of the -Y direction portion of the substrate 101 in the housing section 135, thermally conductive resins 115H and 115V (see Figure 1B) covering the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123 are provided inside the housing section 135. The thermally conductive resin 115H covers the +Z direction side of the first control unit 112 and the first transmission line 113, and the thermally conductive resin 115V covers the -X direction side of the second control unit 122 and the second transmission line 123.

[0062] The thermally conductive resins 115H and 115V are preferably made of a highly thermally conductive insulator, for example, a resin such as epoxy resin or a resin mixed with a filler to improve thermal conductivity can be used. This is to insulate the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123 from the heat sink 130, and to efficiently transfer heat to the heat sink 130.

[0063] Furthermore, in order to efficiently transfer the heat dissipation from the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123 to the heat sink 130, it is preferable that the distance between the inner surface of the housing section 135 and the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123 is narrow. For this reason, the housing section 135 may have an inner dimension that takes into account a predetermined distance from the outer dimension of the substrate 101 on which the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123 are provided. For example, the predetermined distance is 10 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm, and even more preferably approximately 0 millimeters.

[0064] In this way, by housing approximately half of the -Y-direction portion of the substrate 101 on which the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123 are provided within the housing portion 135, the heat sink 130 is arranged along the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123. Furthermore, since the housing portion 135 surrounds approximately half of the -Y-direction portion of the substrate 101 on which the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123 are provided, efficient heat dissipation is possible.

[0065] Furthermore, when approximately half of the -Y-direction side of the substrate 101 is housed in the housing section 135, the +Y-direction ends of the first transmission line 113 and the second transmission line 123 are located outside the heat sink 130. This is because the heat sink 130 is made of metal, and the -Y-direction ends of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 are not housed inside the housing section 135, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the radiation characteristics of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121. For this reason, when we say that the first transmission line 113 and the second transmission line 123 are housed in the housing section 135, it means that, as described above, the +Y-direction ends connected to the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 are located outside the housing section 135.

[0066] <Modified heatsinks 130M1~130M3> The heatsink 130 may have a configuration as shown in Figures 3A to 3C. Figures 3A to 3C show an example of the configuration of modified heatsinks 130M1 to 130M3. Figures 3A to 3C show the positional relationship between the third part 101C, the first control unit 112, and the second control unit 122 and the heatsinks 130M1 to 130M3 in an XZ plane view.

[0067] <Configuration of Figure 3A> In Figure 3A, the first control unit 112 is provided on the +Z-direction surface of the horizontal portion of the third section 101C, and the second control unit 122 is provided on the -X-direction surface of the vertical portion of the third section 101C. The heat sink 130M1 shown in Figure 3A is a rectangular parallelepiped heat sink that is square in XZ plane view and extends in the Y direction. The heat sink 130M1 has its -Z-direction surface in contact with the +Z-direction surface of the first control unit 112, and its +X-direction surface in contact with the -X-direction surface of the second control unit 122. Although not shown in Figure 3A, a thermally conductive resin may be provided between the first control unit 112 and the second control unit 122 and the heat sink 130M1.

[0068] <Configuration of Figure 3B> In Figure 3B, the first control unit 112 is provided on the -Z-direction surface of the horizontal portion of the third section 101C, and the second control unit 122 is provided on the +X-direction surface of the vertical portion of the third section 101C. The heat sink 130M2 shown in Figure 3B is an elongated rectangle in XZ plane view and consists of two rectangular parallelepiped heat sinks extending in the Y direction. The +Z-direction surface of one of the two heat sinks 130M2 is in contact with the -Z-direction surface of the first control unit 112, and the -X-direction surface of the other heat sink 130M2 is in contact with the +X-direction surface of the second control unit 122. Although not shown in Figure 3B, a thermally conductive resin may be provided between the first control unit 112 and the second control unit 122 and the heat sink 130M2.

[0069] <Configuration of Figure 3C> In Figure 3C, the first control unit 112 is provided on the +Z-direction surface of the horizontal portion of the third section 101C, and the second control unit 122 is provided on the +X-direction surface of the vertical portion of the third section 101C. The heat sink 130M3 shown in Figure 3C is an elongated rectangle in XZ plane view and consists of two rectangular parallelepiped heat sinks extending in the Y direction. The surface of one of the two heat sinks 130M3 on the -Z direction side is in contact with the +Z-direction surface of the first control unit 112, and the surface of the other heat sink 130M3 on the -X direction side is in contact with the +X-direction surface of the second control unit 122. Although not shown in Figure 3C, a thermally conductive resin may be provided between the first control unit 112 and the second control unit 122 and the heat sink 130M3.

[0070] As shown in Figures 3A to 3C, the heat sinks 130M1 to 130M3 that contact the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123 are arranged along the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123.

[0071] <Configuration of antenna module 10> Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the antenna module 10. The antenna module 10 includes, as an example, 32 antenna devices 100. The 32 antenna devices 100 are arranged in an array in an 8x4 configuration, with 8 in the X direction and 4 in the Y direction.

[0072] The number of antenna devices 100 included in the antenna module 10 is not limited to 32, nor is it limited to an 8x4 arrangement. Since the antenna module 10 includes multiple antenna devices 100 and performs beamforming, the number of antenna devices 100 can be any number that enables beamforming. For example, the number of antenna devices 100 included in the antenna module 10 may be 4 or more, preferably 16 or more, and more preferably 32 or more. Here, as an example, a configuration in which the antenna module 10 includes 32 antenna devices 100 will be described.

[0073] The 32 antenna devices 100 are, for example, made up of 32 heat sinks 130 fixed to each other. Alternatively, the 32 heat sinks 130 may be integrally molded. When the 32 L-shaped heat sinks 130 are arranged in an 8x4 configuration in an XZ plane view, gaps are created, allowing for efficient cooling of the first control unit 112, the first transmission line 113, the second control unit 122, and the second transmission line 123.

[0074] Furthermore, if the 32 heat sinks 130 are fixed to each other, then the 32 antenna devices 100 are also fixed to each other, making them easier to handle and improving the accuracy of their alignment. If the 32 heat sinks 130 are integrally molded, the accuracy of their alignment can be further improved, manufacturing becomes easier, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0075] A DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 20 is provided on the -Y direction side of each of the 32 antenna devices 100. The DSP 20 is an external control unit that performs control such as beamforming, and is an example of a main control unit. A signal cable 21 is also connected to the -Y direction side of each antenna device 100. For example, each signal cable 21 is routed from the -Y direction side of the housing section 135 of each antenna device 100 through the inside of the housing section 135 and connected to the first control section 112 and the second control section 122, and the first control section 112 and the second control section 122 are connected to the DSP 20.

[0076] Since the parts of each antenna device 100 other than the heat sink 130 are unitized by mounting the first wireless communication unit 110 and the second wireless communication unit 120 on a circuit board 101, when manufacturing the antenna module 10, it is only necessary to insert the third part 101C of the unitized circuit board 101 into the housing 135 of the heat sink 130. Furthermore, because of this configuration, if either the first wireless communication unit 110 or the second wireless communication unit 120 malfunctions and needs to be replaced, it is only necessary to replace the circuit board 101 on which the first wireless communication unit 110 and the second wireless communication unit 120 are mounted.

[0077] Furthermore, in order to achieve even wider bandwidth and higher gain, dielectric lenses may be provided to cover the +Y direction tips of the first antenna 111 and second antenna 121 of the 32 antenna devices 100.

[0078] <Circuit configuration of antenna module 10> Figure 5 shows an example of the circuit configuration of the antenna module 10. The antenna module 10 includes M antenna devices 100 and 1 DSP 20. Here, the antenna module 10 is described as including M antenna devices 100. M can be any integer greater than or equal to 4, preferably 16 or greater, and more preferably 32 or greater.

[0079] Figure 5 shows a first control unit 112 and a second control unit 122 included in one of the M antenna devices 100. The antenna module 10 shown in Figure 5 is a hybrid beamforming antenna module that includes M first control units 112 and second control units 122 to digitally control the phase, and includes a first RFFE circuit 114 and a second RFFE circuit 124 to adjust the phase analogously.

[0080] In Figure 5, N first transmission lines 113 are connected to one first control unit 112, and each first transmission line 113 is connected to one first antenna 111. One first RFFE circuit 114 is inserted in series with each first transmission line 113. Here, N is an integer of 2 or more, for example.

[0081] Similarly, in Figure 5, one second control unit 122 included in one of the M antenna devices 100 is connected to N second transmission lines 123, and each second transmission line 123 is connected to one second antenna 121. One second RFFE circuit 124 is inserted in series with each second transmission line 123. Here, N is an integer of 2 or more, for example.

[0082] In Figure 5, one antenna device 100 has one first control unit 112, one second control unit 122, N first antennas 111, N second antennas 121, N first transmission lines 113, N second transmission lines 123, N first RFFE circuits 114, and N second RFFE circuits 124.

[0083] In other words, in Figure 5, one first control unit 112 of one antenna device 100 is connected to N first antennas 111 via N first transmission lines 113, and one first RFFE circuit 114 is inserted in series in each first transmission line 113 between each first antenna 111 and the first control unit 112. The N first antennas 111 connected to one first control unit 112 constitute a sub-array antenna for horizontal polarization, and horizontal polarization beamforming is possible with the sub-array antenna for horizontal polarization (N first antennas 111).

[0084] The phase adjustment of the transmitted or received waves of the N first antennas 111 is performed by the first control unit 112 according to the control of the DSP 20. Since the N first antennas 111 constitute a sub-array antenna for horizontal polarization, the number of DACs 112Tx2, ADCs 112Rx2, and mixers 112Tx1 and 112Rx1 can be reduced relative to the number of first antennas 111, thereby reducing the data processing load and power consumption.

[0085] Furthermore, the first wireless communication unit 110 of one antenna device 100 will have N first antennas 111, one first control unit 112, N first transmission lines 113, and N first RFFE circuits 114.

[0086] Similarly, in Figure 5, one second control unit 122 of one antenna device 100 is connected to N second antennas 121 via N second transmission lines 123, and one second RFFE circuit 124 is inserted in series in each second transmission line 123 between each second antenna 121 and the second control unit 122. The N second antennas 121 connected to one second control unit 122 constitute a sub-array antenna for vertical polarization, and vertical polarization beamforming is possible with the sub-array antenna for vertical polarization (N second antennas 121).

[0087] The phase adjustment of the transmitted or received waves of the N second antennas 121 is performed by the second control unit 122 according to the control of the DSP 20. Since the N second antennas 121 constitute a sub-array antenna for vertical polarization, the number of DACs 122Tx2, ADCs 122Rx2, and mixers 122Tx1 and 122Rx1 can be reduced relative to the number of second antennas 121, thereby reducing the data processing load and power consumption.

[0088] In other words, the second wireless communication unit 120 of one antenna device 100 has N second antennas 121, one second control unit 122, N second transmission lines 123, and N second RFFE circuits 124.

[0089] <Configuration of the first control unit 112> The first control unit 112 includes a changeover switch 112A, mixers 112Tx1 and 112Rx1, a DAC 112Tx2, and an ADC 112Rx2. The changeover switch 112A switches the connection destination of the N first transmission lines 113 to either the mixer 112Tx1 or 112Rx1.

[0090] The first control unit 112 converts the transmitted wave (IF signal) to an analog signal using DAC112Tx2, and then converts the IF signal to an RF signal using mixer 112Tx1. The first control unit 112 also converts the received wave to an IF signal using mixer 112Rx1, and then performs digital conversion using ADC112Rx2. In addition, DAC112Tx2 modulates the transmitted wave, and ADC112Rx2 demodulates the received wave.

[0091] <Configuration of the second control unit 122> The second control unit 122 includes a changeover switch 122A, mixers 122Tx1 and 122Rx1, a DAC 122Tx2, and an ADC 122Rx2. The changeover switch 122A switches the connection destination of the N second transmission lines 123 to either the mixer 122Tx1 or 122Rx1.

[0092] The second control unit 122 converts the transmitted wave (IF signal) to an analog signal using DAX122Tx2 and converts the IF signal to an RF signal using mixer 122Tx1. The second control unit 122 also converts the received wave to an IF signal using mixer 122Rx1 and performs digital conversion using ADC122Rx2. In addition, DAC122Tx2 modulates the transmitted wave, and ADC122Rx2 demodulates the received wave.

[0093] <Configuration and operation of the first RFFE circuit 114> The first RFFE circuit 114 includes PA114Tx and LNA114Rx, as well as two selector switches. The first RFFE circuit 114 amplifies the transmitted wave with PA114Tx and outputs it to the first antenna 111. The first RFFE circuit 114 also amplifies the received wave received by the first antenna 111 with LNA114Rx and outputs it to the first control unit 112. The first RFFE circuit 114 includes a phase shifter that shifts the phase of the transmitted wave and the received wave, but the phase shifter is omitted in Figure 5. The amount of phase shift by the phase shifter is controlled by the DSP 20 and adjusted by the first control unit 112.

[0094] <Configuration and operation of the second RFFE circuit 124> The second RFFE circuit 124 has two selector switches in addition to the PA124Tx and LNA124Rx. The second RFFE circuit 124 amplifies the transmitted wave with the PA124Tx and outputs it to the second antenna 121. The second RFFE circuit 124 also amplifies the received wave received by the second antenna 121 with the LNA124Rx and outputs it to the second control unit 122. The second RFFE circuit 124 includes a phase shifter that shifts the phase of the transmitted wave and the received wave, but the phase shifter is omitted in Figure 5. The amount of phase shift by the phase shifter is controlled by the DSP 20 and adjusted by the second control unit 122.

[0095] <Configuration of area A shown in Figure 5> Next, we will explain a specific configuration corresponding to region A enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 5, using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a specific configuration corresponding to region A enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 5.

[0096] Figure 6 shows the first portion 101H of the substrate 101, the horizontal portion of the third portion 101C, the first antenna 111, the first transmission line 113, PA114Tx, LNA114Rx, a switch, and the ground layer 101G. The ground layer 101G is provided, for example, on the back side (-Z direction surface) of the first portion 101H and the horizontal portion of the third portion 101C of the substrate 101. The ground layer 101G may also be provided in the inner layer between the first portion 101H and the horizontal portion of the third portion 101C of the substrate 101.

[0097] Here, the closest metal part to the first antenna 111 is assumed to be the +Y-direction edge of the ground layer 101G. In this case, the shortest distance between the first antenna 111 and the ground layer 101G provided on the substrate 101 is the distance Y1 between the -Y-direction end of the first antenna 111 and the +Y-direction edge of the ground layer 101G.

[0098] In such cases, in order to maintain good radiation characteristics of the end-fire type first antenna 111, the distance Y1 is preferably between 0.1λ0 and 0.5λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space at the communication frequency of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121. The same applies to the second antenna 121. Note that since the thickness in the Z direction of the first portion 101H and the third portion 101C of the substrate 101 is very thin, the thickness in the Z direction is treated as negligible when defining the distance Y1.

[0099] Furthermore, although the heat sink 130 is not shown in Figure 6, the closest metal part to the first antenna 111 may be the heat sink 130, not the ground layer 101G. Therefore, the shorter of the shortest distance between the first antenna 111 and the heat sink 130, or the shortest distance between the first antenna 111 and the ground layer 101G, should be between 0.1λ0 and 0.5λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space at the communication frequency of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121. The same applies to the second antenna 121.

[0100] In other words, the shorter of the shortest distance between the first antenna 111 or the second antenna 121 and the heat sink 130, or the shortest distance between the first antenna 111 or the second antenna 121 and the ground layer 101G, should be between 0.1λ0 and 0.5λ0.

[0101] <Antenna module 10A of the first modified example> Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of the antenna module 10A of the first modified embodiment. The antenna module 10A is a digital beamforming antenna module that digitally controls both phase and phase adjustment.

[0102] The antenna module 10A includes M antenna devices 100A of the first modified embodiment. M can be any integer greater than or equal to 4, preferably 16 or greater, and more preferably 32 or greater. Figure 7 shows only the portion corresponding to the first antenna 111 for horizontal polarization, but the configuration of the portion corresponding to the second antenna 121 for vertical polarization is the same as the configuration shown in Figure 7.

[0103] Each antenna unit 100A has one DAC112Tx2, one ADC112Rx2, one mixer 112Tx1 and one 112Rx1, one PA114Tx, one LNA114Rx, and one switch. The DAC112Tx2 and ADC112Rx2 are connected to the DSP20.

[0104] The DSP20 controls the phase of each first antenna 111 using digital signal processing, and outputs the transmitted signal with its phase adjusted by a phase shifter to the DAC112Tx2 connected to each first antenna 111. This allows both phase control and phase adjustment to be performed digitally.

[0105] <Antenna module 10B of the second modified example> Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of an antenna module 10B of a second modification of the embodiment. The antenna module 10B includes a plurality of antenna devices 100B of the second modification. Figure 8 shows the arrangement of the plurality of antenna devices 100B when viewed from the direction of radiation. As an example, Figure 8 shows the arrangement of the first antenna 111 and second antenna 121 of 17 antenna devices 100B, and other components of the antenna device 100B are omitted.

[0106] The first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 of each antenna device 100B are positioned at an angle of approximately 120 degrees when viewed from the direction of radiation. The 17 antenna devices 100B are arranged to radiate radio waves in OAM (Orbital Angular Momentum) mode. More specifically, one of the 17 antenna devices 100B is at the center, and the remaining 16 antenna devices 100B are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference of two concentric circles shown by dashed lines. When radiating radio waves in OAM mode, the angle between the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 when viewed from the direction of radiation may be greater than or less than 90 degrees.

[0107] <Effects> The antenna device 100 includes a substrate 101, a first wireless communication unit 110 provided on the substrate 101, a second wireless communication unit 120 provided on the substrate 101, and a heat sink 130 (heat dissipation body). The first wireless communication unit 110 has a first antenna 111 for horizontal polarization (first polarization), a first control unit 112, and a first transmission line 113 connecting the first antenna 111 and the first control unit 112. The second wireless communication unit 120 has a second antenna 121 for vertical polarization (second polarization), and a second control The substrate 101 has a section 122 and a second transmission line 123 connecting the second antenna 121 and the second control unit 122. The substrate 101 is bent or twisted so that the first section 101H on which the first antenna 111 is provided and the second section 101V on which the second antenna 121 is provided are at an angle to each other. The heat sink 130 (heat dissipation body) is arranged along the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123.

[0108] As the communication frequency of the antenna device 100 increases, the wavelength shortens, allowing the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 to be miniaturized. However, there are limits to the miniaturization of the first control unit 112 and the second control unit 122, and the first transmission line 113 and the second transmission line 123. Furthermore, when multiple antenna devices 100 are arranged, it is preferable that the spacing between the first antennas 111 and the second antennas 121 is 0.5λ0 or less. There are also constraints on the positional relationship between the first antenna 111 for horizontal polarization and the second antenna 121 for vertical polarization. Under these constraints, in the antenna device 100, the first part 101H and the second part 101V are at an angle to each other, and the heat sink 130 is arranged along the first control unit 112, the second control unit 122, the first transmission line 113, and the second transmission line 123. This configuration makes it possible to achieve both the arrangement of the first antenna 111 for horizontal polarization and the second antenna 121 for vertical polarization, and good heat dissipation.

[0109] Therefore, it is possible to provide an antenna device 100 having multiple antennas for multiple polarizations and good heat dissipation.

[0110] Furthermore, the horizontal polarization (first polarization) and vertical polarization (second polarization) may be orthogonal to each other. Therefore, it is possible to provide an antenna device 100 with multiple antennas for multiple orthogonal polarizations, resulting in good heat dissipation.

[0111] Furthermore, the communication frequencies of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 may be between 50 GHz and 300 GHz. Even if the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 can be miniaturized, there are limitations to the miniaturization of IC chip components such as the first control unit 112 and the second control unit 122. However, by efficiently arranging the heat sink 130, it is possible to provide an antenna device 100 with multiple antennas for multiple polarizations and good heat dissipation.

[0112] Furthermore, the heat sink 130 may have a housing section 135 that accommodates the first control unit 112 and the first transmission line 113 of the first wireless communication unit 110, the second control unit 122 and the second transmission line 123 of the second wireless communication unit 120, and the third section 101C of the substrate 101 on which the first control unit 112, the first transmission line 113, the second control unit 122, and the second transmission line 123 are provided. Since the first control unit 112, the first transmission line 113, the second control unit 122, the second transmission line 123, and the third section 101C can be housed in the housing section 135, heat can be absorbed more efficiently by the heat sink 130, and an antenna device 100 with multiple antennas for multiple polarizations and better heat dissipation can be provided.

[0113] Furthermore, the first portion 101H and the second portion 101V of the substrate 101 are L-shaped when viewed from the radiation direction of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121, the third portion 101C of the substrate 101 is L-shaped when viewed from the radiation direction of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121, corresponding to the L-shape of the first portion 101H and the second portion 101V, and the housing portion 135 may be an L-shaped space corresponding to the L-shape of the third portion 101C. The fact that the housing portion 135 is an L-shaped space corresponding to the L-shape of the first portion 101H and the second portion 101V and the L-shape of the third portion 101C allows the third portion 101C to fit well when housed in the housing portion 135, and the heat sink 130 can cover the L-shaped third portion 101C to efficiently dissipate heat.

[0114] Furthermore, the heat sink 130 may have an L-shaped outer shape corresponding to the L-shaped space of the housing 135. By having an L-shaped outer shape corresponding to the L-shape of the housing 135, heat accumulation in the heat sink 130 can be suppressed. As a result, the heat absorbed in the housing 135 can be quickly released to the outside of the heat sink 130, improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0115] Furthermore, the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 may protrude from the heat sink 130. By positioning the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 outside the heat sink 130, the degradation of the radiation characteristics of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 due to the heat sink 130 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to provide an antenna device 100 that can achieve both good radiation characteristics for multiple antennas for multiple polarizations and good heat dissipation.

[0116] The first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 may be end-fire type antennas. By using end-fire type first antenna 111 and second antenna 121, even if the first part 101H and the second part 101V are at an angle to each other, the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 can radiate in the same direction. Therefore, an antenna device 100 can be provided that can achieve good radiation characteristics for multiple antennas for multiple polarizations.

[0117] Furthermore, the heat sink 130 (heat dissipation body) is made of metal, and the shorter of the shortest distance between the first antenna 111 or the second antenna 121 and the heat sink 130 (heat dissipation body), or the shortest distance between the first antenna 111 or the second antenna 121 and the ground layer provided on the substrate 101, may be between 0.1λ0 and 0.5λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space at the communication frequency of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121. This allows for the maintenance of good radiation characteristics of the end-fire type first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121, the realization of good radiation characteristics for multiple antennas for multiple polarization, and the provision of an antenna device 100 with good heat dissipation.

[0118] Furthermore, the widths of the first portion 101H and the second portion 101V of the substrate 101 in the direction of extension of the radiating ends of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 may be less than or equal to λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space at the communication frequency of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121. In an antenna module 10 including multiple antenna devices 100, it is preferable to keep the spacing between the first antennas 111 to 0.5λ0 or less, so the widths of the first portion 101H and the second portion 101V are preferably within the range described above. By making the widths of the first portion 101H and the second portion 101V less than or equal to λ0, it becomes possible to arrange multiple antenna devices 100.

[0119] Furthermore, the first transmission line 113 and the second transmission line 123 may be a microstrip line, a grounded coplanar waveguide, a slotted line, or a substrate laminated waveguide. By using such lines or waveguides as the first transmission line 113 and the second transmission line 123, transmission loss can be reduced, and an antenna device 100 capable of achieving good radiation characteristics for multiple antennas for multiple polarizations can be provided.

[0120] Furthermore, the thickness of the portion of the substrate 101 on which the first transmission line 113 and the second transmission line 123 are provided may be 0.3λe or less, where λe is the electrical length of the wavelength of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 within the substrate 101 at the communication frequency. This is because using end-fire type first antenna 111 and second antenna 121 makes the substrate 101 longer in the Y direction, and the lengths of the first transmission line 113 and the second transmission line 123 increase. Therefore, the thickness of the substrate 101 is reduced to eliminate unwanted propagation modes propagating within the substrate 101, thereby reducing transmission loss. As a result, an antenna device 100 can be provided that can reduce transmission loss and achieve good radiation characteristics for multiple antennas for multiple polarizations.

[0121] Furthermore, the first control unit 112 and the second control unit 122 are composed of integrated circuits. The first control unit 112 has ADC112Rx2, DAC112Tx2, and mixers 112Tx1 and 112Rx1, while the second control unit 122 has ADC122Rx2, DAC122Tx2, and mixers 122Tx1 and 122Rx1. As a result, it is possible to perform analog conversion of transmitted waves, conversion from IF signals to RF signals, and conversion of received waves to IF signals and digital conversion. In addition, the phase shift amount of the RF signal in the phase shifter can be adjusted based on a phase shift control signal generated by the DSP20 outside the antenna device 100.

[0122] Furthermore, the first wireless communication unit 110 may have PA114Tx and LNA114Rx provided in the first transmission line 113, and the second wireless communication unit 120 may have PA124Tx and LNA124Rx provided in the second transmission line 123. This makes it possible to provide an antenna device 100 that can amplify transmitted and received waves, has multiple antennas for multiple polarizations, and has good heat dissipation.

[0123] Furthermore, the antenna module 10 includes multiple antenna devices 100.

[0124] The antenna device 100, with the configuration described above, can achieve both the arrangement of the first antenna 111 for horizontal polarization and the second antenna 121 for vertical polarization, and good heat dissipation.

[0125] Therefore, it is possible to provide an antenna module 10 that has multiple antennas for multiple polarizations and good heat dissipation.

[0126] Furthermore, the multiple antenna devices 100 may be arranged in an array when viewed from the direction of radiation. This makes it easier to calculate the phase shift amount of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 121 of each antenna device 100 when performing beamforming, enabling highly accurate beamforming control.

[0127] Furthermore, the multiple antenna devices 100 may be arranged to radiate radio waves in orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode. This makes it possible to provide an antenna module 10 that can radiate and receive radio waves in OAM mode, has multiple antennas for multiple polarizations, and has good heat dissipation.

[0128] Furthermore, the multiple heat sinks 130 of the multiple antenna devices 100 may be fixed to each other. This makes handling easier and improves the accuracy of their alignment. Therefore, it is possible to provide an antenna module 10 that is easy to handle, allows for high-precision alignment, has multiple antennas for multiple polarizations, and has good heat dissipation.

[0129] Furthermore, the multiple heat sinks 130 may be integrally molded. This further improves the accuracy of their alignment, simplifies manufacturing, and reduces manufacturing costs. This allows for the provision of an antenna module 10 that is easier to handle, allows for more precise alignment, is easy to manufacture, and has low manufacturing costs. Such an antenna module 10 has multiple antennas for multiple polarizations and has good heat dissipation.

[0130] Furthermore, the system may also include a DSP 20 (main control unit) connected to the first control unit 112 and second control unit 122 of each of the multiple antenna devices 100, which controls beamforming. The DSP 20 can comprehensively control beamforming, and an antenna module 10 can be provided that has multiple antennas for multiple polarizations and good heat dissipation.

[0131] While exemplary antenna devices and antenna modules of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0132] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above. (Note 1) circuit board and The substrate includes a first wireless communication unit, The substrate includes a second wireless communication unit, Heat sink and Includes, The first wireless communication unit includes a first antenna for first polarization, a first control unit, and a first transmission line connecting the first antenna and the first control unit. The second wireless communication unit includes a second antenna for second polarization, a second control unit, and a second transmission line connecting the second antenna and the second control unit. The substrate is bent or twisted so that the first portion on which the first antenna is provided and the second portion on which the second antenna is provided are at an angle to each other. The heat sink is arranged along the first control unit, the second control unit, the first transmission line, and the second transmission line in an antenna device. (Note 2) The antenna device as described in Appendix 1, wherein the first polarization and the second polarization are mutually orthogonal polarizations. (Note 3) The antenna device as described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the communication frequencies of the first antenna and the second antenna are 50 GHz or higher and 300 GHz or lower. (Note 4) The antenna device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the heat sink has a housing portion that houses the first control unit and the first transmission line of the first wireless communication unit, the second control unit and the second transmission line of the second wireless communication unit, and the third portion of the substrate on which the first control unit, the first transmission line, the second control unit, and the second transmission line are provided. (Note 5) The first and second portions of the substrate are L-shaped when viewed from the radiation direction of the first and second antennas. The third portion of the substrate has an L-shape corresponding to the L-shape of the first portion and the second portion when viewed from the radiation direction of the first antenna and the second antenna. The aforementioned housing is an L-shaped space corresponding to the L-shape of the third portion, as described in Appendix 4 of the antenna device. (Note 6) The antenna device as described in Appendix 5, wherein the heat dissipator has an L-shaped outer shape corresponding to the L-shaped space of the housing. (Note 7) The antenna device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna protrude from the heat sink. (Note 8) The antenna device described in Appendix 7, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are end-fire type antennas. (Note 9) The heat sink is made of metal. The antenna device according to Appendix 7 or 8, wherein the shorter of the shortest distance between the first antenna or the second antenna and the heat sink, or the shortest distance between the first antenna or the second antenna and the ground layer provided on the substrate, is 0.1λ0 or more and 0.5λ0 or less, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space at the communication frequency of the first antenna and the second antenna. (Note 10) The antenna device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 9, wherein the widths of the first and second portions of the substrate in the direction of extension of the radiating ends of the first and second antennas are less than or equal to λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space at the communication frequency of the first and second antennas. (Note 11) The antenna device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 10, wherein the first transmission line and the second transmission line are a microstrip line, a grounded coplanar waveguide, a slotted line, or a substrate laminated waveguide. (Note 12) The antenna device as described in Appendix 11, wherein the thickness of the portion of the substrate on which the first transmission line and the second transmission line are provided is 0.3λe or less, where λe is the electrical length of the wavelength of the first antenna and the second antenna in the substrate at the communication frequency. (Note 13) The antenna device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 12, wherein the first control unit and the second control unit are composed of an integrated circuit and include an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, and a mixer. (Note 14) The first wireless communication unit includes a first power amplifier and a first low-noise amplifier provided in the first transmission line. The antenna device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 13, wherein the second wireless communication unit has a second power amplifier and a second low-noise amplifier provided in the second transmission line. (Note 15) An antenna module including multiple antenna devices as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 14. (Note 16) The aforementioned multiple antenna devices are arranged in an array-like configuration when viewed from the direction of radiation, as described in Appendix 15. (Note 17) The plurality of antenna devices are arranged to radiate radio waves in orbital angular momentum mode, as described in Appendix 15 or 16, the antenna module. (Note 18) The antenna module according to any one of the appendices 15 to 17, wherein the multiple heat sinks of the multiple antenna devices are fixed to each other. (Note 19) The aforementioned multiple heat sinks are integrally molded in the antenna module described in Appendix 18. (Note 20) The antenna module according to any one of the appendices 15 to 19, further comprising a main control unit connected to the first control unit and the second control unit of each of the plurality of antenna devices for controlling beamforming. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0133] 10, 10A, 10B Antenna Modules 20 DSP (Example of a main control unit) 21 Signal Cable 100, 100A, 100B Antenna Equipment 101 circuit board 101H Part 1 101V 2nd part 101C Part 3 101G Ground Layer 110 First Radio Communication Section 111 First Antenna 112 First Control Unit 112A Changeover Switch 112Tx1 Mixer 112Rx1 Mixer 112Rx2 ADC (an example of an analog-to-digital converter) 112Tx2 DAC (an example of a digital-to-analog converter) 113 First transmission line 114 First RFFE Circuit 114Tx PA (Example of a first power amplifier) 114Rx LNA (an example of a first low-noise amplifier) 115H thermally conductive resin 115V thermally conductive resin 120 Second Radio Communication Section 121 Second Antenna 122 Second Control Unit 122A Changeover Switch 122Tx1 Mixer 122Rx1 Mixer 122Rx2 ADC (an example of an analog-to-digital converter) 122Tx2 DAC (an example of a digital-to-analog converter) 123 Second transmission line 124 2nd RFFE circuit 124Tx PA (Example of a second power amplifier) 124Rx LNA (an example of a second low-noise amplifier) 130, 130M1, 130M2, 130M3 Heatsink (Example of a heat dissipation device) 131 Base 132 Convex part 135 Storage Unit

Claims

1. circuit board and The substrate includes a first wireless communication unit, A second wireless communication unit is provided on the substrate, Heat sink and Includes, The first wireless communication unit includes a first antenna for first polarization, a first control unit having an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, and a mixer, and a first transmission line connecting the first antenna and the first control unit. The second wireless communication unit includes a second antenna for second polarization, a second control unit having an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, and a mixer, and a second transmission line connecting the second antenna and the second control unit. The substrate is bent or twisted so that the first portion on which the first antenna is provided and the second portion on which the second antenna is provided are at an angle to each other. The heat sink is arranged along the first control unit, the second control unit, the first transmission line, and the second transmission line in an antenna device.

2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the first polarization and the second polarization are mutually orthogonal polarizations.

3. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the communication frequencies of the first antenna and the second antenna are 50 GHz or more and 300 GHz or less.

4. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the heat sink has a housing portion that houses the first control unit and the first transmission line of the first wireless communication unit, the second control unit and the second transmission line of the second wireless communication unit, and the third portion of the substrate on which the first control unit, the first transmission line, the second control unit, and the second transmission line are provided.

5. The first and second portions of the substrate are L-shaped when viewed from the side. The third portion of the substrate has an L-shape in a side view corresponding to the L-shapes of the first and second portions. The antenna device according to claim 4, wherein the housing portion is an L-shaped space corresponding to the L-shape of the third portion.

6. The antenna device according to claim 5, wherein the heat dissipator has an L-shaped outer shape corresponding to the L-shaped space of the housing.

7. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna protrude from the heat sink.

8. The antenna device according to claim 7, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are end-fire type antennas.

9. The heat sink is made of metal. The shorter of the shortest distance between the first antenna or the second antenna and the heat sink, or the shortest distance between the first antenna or the second antenna and the ground layer provided on the substrate, is λ, whichever is shorter. ０ Therefore, 0.1λ ０ The above is 0.5λ ０ The antenna device according to claim 7, which is as follows:

10. The widths of the first and second portions of the substrate in the direction of extension of the radiating ends of the first and second antennas are such that the wavelength in free space at the communication frequency of the first and second antennas is λ. ０ Therefore, λ ０ The antenna device according to claim 1, which is as follows:

11. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission line and the second transmission line are a microstrip line, a grounded coplanar waveguide, a slotted line, or a substrate laminated waveguide.

12. The antenna device according to claim 11, wherein the thickness of the portion of the substrate on which the first transmission line and the second transmission line are provided is 0.3λe or less, where λe is the electrical length of the wavelength at the communication frequency of the first antenna and the second antenna within the substrate.

13. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit and the second control unit are composed of integrated circuits.

14. The first wireless communication unit includes a first power amplifier and a first low-noise amplifier connected to the first control unit. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the second wireless communication unit has a second power amplifier and a second low-noise amplifier connected to the second control unit.

15. An antenna module comprising a plurality of antenna devices as described in claim 1.

16. The antenna module according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of antenna devices are arranged in an array when viewed from the direction of radiation.

17. The antenna module according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of antenna devices are arranged to radiate radio waves in orbital angular momentum mode.

18. The antenna module according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the multiple heat sinks of the multiple antenna devices are fixed to each other.

19. The antenna module according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of heat sinks are integrally molded.

20. The antenna module according to claim 15, further comprising a main control unit connected to the first control unit and the second control unit of each of the plurality of antenna devices for controlling beamforming.

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