Antenna module and communication device equipped with same

Abstract

This antenna module (100) comprises a dielectric board (130), dielectric blocks (121), a tabular ground electrode (GND1), and electric power supply wiring (140, 145). The dielectric blocks (121) have mutually perpendicular surfaces (122, 123) and are positioned so that the surfaces (122) face a mounting surface of the dielectric board (130). The ground electrode (GND1) is positioned so as to be perpendicular to the dielectric board (130) and to face the surfaces (123) of the dielectric blocks (121). The electric power supply wiring (140, 145) is positioned on the dielectric board (130) and transmits high-frequency signals to the dielectric blocks (121). When seen in plan view from the direction normal to the dielectric board (130), end portions of the electric power supply wiring (140, 145) are positioned at positions that overlap the dielectric blocks (121).

Description

Antenna module and communication device equipped with same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna module and a communication device equipped with the same, and more particularly to a configuration for adjusting the radiation direction of a dielectric resonator antenna.

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-209020 (Patent Document 1) discloses a dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) that radiates radio waves by supplying a high-frequency signal to a rectangular parallelepiped (dielectric block) made of dielectric material arranged on a flat substrate.

[0003] In the dielectric resonator antenna disclosed in Patent Document 1, a supplied high-frequency signal (electric field) resonates within the dielectric block, causing radio waves to be radiated in the direction opposite to the ground electrode disposed on the substrate, i.e., in the normal direction of the substrate. The frequency characteristics of the radio waves radiated from the dielectric resonator antenna are determined by the shape, dimensions, and dielectric constant of the dielectric block. Furthermore, in the dielectric resonator antenna of Patent Document 1, the high-frequency signal is supplied to the dielectric block via a single path, so radio waves are radiated from the dielectric block in only one specific polarization direction.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-209020

[0005] The antenna device described above is sometimes used in mobile communication devices such as mobile phones or smartphones. In order to ensure reliable communication with other devices such as base stations or routers, the mobile communication devices are configured with multiple antennas arranged within the device, allowing them to radiate radio waves in different directions.

[0006] When the dielectric resonator antenna disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied to such a communication device, radio waves can only be emitted in the normal direction of the substrate on which the dielectric block is placed.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to provide a dielectric resonator antenna that can radiate radio waves in a direction different from the normal direction of the substrate.

[0008] The antenna module according to the present disclosure includes a substrate, a dielectric block, a flat-plate-shaped first ground electrode, and a feed wiring. The dielectric block has a first surface and a second surface that intersect with each other, and is disposed on the first surface facing the mounting surface of the substrate. The first ground electrode intersects with the substrate and is disposed facing the second surface of the dielectric block. The feed wiring is disposed on the substrate and transmits a high-frequency signal to the dielectric block. When viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the substrate, an end of the feed wiring is disposed in a position that overlaps with the dielectric block.

[0009] The antenna module of the present disclosure has a flat ground electrode in a direction intersecting with the substrate, and a dielectric block disposed opposite the mounting surface of the substrate is disposed so that a surface other than the surface facing the substrate faces the ground electrode. By disposing the dielectric block in this manner, when a high-frequency signal is supplied to the dielectric block, radio waves can be radiated in a direction normal to the ground electrode. Therefore, radio waves can be radiated in a direction different from the normal direction of the substrate on which the dielectric block is disposed.

[0010] 13 is a block diagram of a communication device to which an antenna module according to embodiment 1 is applied. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the antenna module of FIG. 1. FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of the antenna module of FIG. 1. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining modified examples 1 and 2 of the arrangement of the power feed wiring in the dielectric block. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining modified examples 3 and 4 of the coupling state between the dielectric block and the power feed wiring. FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of the antenna module of modified example 5. FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the antenna module of modified example 6. FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a communication device to which an antenna module according to embodiment 2 is applied. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the antenna module of FIG. 8. FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the antenna module of FIG. 8. FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the antenna module of modified example 7. FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the antenna module of modified example 8. FIG. 19 is a partial side perspective view of the communication device according to embodiment 3. FIG. 19 is a partial plan view of the communication device of FIG. 13 when viewed from the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0012] [First Embodiment] (Basic Configuration of Communication Device) Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a communication device 10 to which an antenna module 100 according to this embodiment is applied. The communication device 10 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet, or a personal computer with a communication function. An example of the frequency band of radio waves used in the antenna module 100 according to this embodiment is millimeter-wave radio waves with center frequencies of 28 GHz, 39 GHz, and 60 GHz, for example, but radio waves in other frequency bands are also applicable.

[0013] 1 , a communication device 10 includes an antenna module 100 and a BBIC 200 that constitutes a baseband signal processing circuit. The antenna module 100 includes an RFIC 110, which is an example of a power supply device, and an antenna device 120. The communication device 10 upconverts an intermediate frequency signal transmitted from the BBIC 200 to the antenna module 100 into a high frequency signal and radiates the high frequency signal from the antenna device 120, and also downconverts a high frequency signal received by the antenna device 120 into an intermediate frequency signal and processes the signal in the BBIC 200.

[0014] The antenna device 120 includes a dielectric substrate 130 in the shape of a flat plate having a substantially rectangular shape, and a plurality of dielectric blocks 121 arranged on the dielectric substrate 130. While Fig. 1 illustrates an example of an array configuration in which four dielectric blocks 121 are arranged in a row on the dielectric substrate 130, the number of dielectric blocks 121 is not limited to this. A single dielectric block 121 may be arranged on the dielectric substrate 130, or a configuration in which a plurality of dielectric blocks 121 other than four are arranged may also be used. Furthermore, an array configuration in which the dielectric blocks 121 are arranged two-dimensionally may also be used. When the dielectric blocks 121 are arranged in a one-dimensional array configuration, it is desirable that the center-to-center distance between adjacent dielectric blocks be set to approximately λ / 2, where λ is the free-space wavelength of the radio waves radiated from the dielectric block 121.

[0015] The dielectric block 121 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. When a high-frequency signal in a predetermined frequency band is supplied to the dielectric block 121, an electric field resonates within the dielectric block 121, and radio waves corresponding to the resonant frequency are radiated from the dielectric block 121 to the outside. In other words, the antenna module 100 is a dielectric resonator antenna (DRA). The resonant frequency of the resonance occurring in the dielectric block 121 is determined by the shape and dimensions of the dielectric block 121 and the dielectric constant of the dielectric material constituting the block. The dielectric constant of the dielectric block 121 is set higher than that of the dielectric substrate 130. The relative dielectric constant of the dielectric block 121 is, for example, 10 or more, preferably 15 to 20. By setting the dielectric constant of the dielectric block 121 higher than that of the dielectric substrate 130, the wavelength of the electric field resonating within the dielectric block 121 can be shortened, thereby allowing the size of the dielectric block 121 to be reduced.

[0016] In the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment, high-frequency signals are supplied to each dielectric block 121 via two power supply lines. As will be described later with reference to Fig. 2 and other figures, the polarization direction of the radiated radio waves differs depending on the position at which the high-frequency signals are fed to the dielectric block 121. In other words, the antenna module 100 is a so-called dual-polarized type antenna module that can radiate radio waves in two different polarization directions.

[0017] The RFIC 110 includes two feed circuits 110A and 110B. The feed circuit 110A is a circuit for supplying a high-frequency signal for a first polarization direction. The feed circuit 110B is a circuit for supplying a high-frequency signal for a second polarization direction. Since the internal configuration of the feed circuit 110B is similar, for ease of explanation, FIG. 1 shows the detailed configuration of only the feed circuit 110A, and omits the configuration of the feed circuit 110B. Below, the function of the feed circuit 110A will be described as a representative.

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

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

[0020] The intermediate frequency signal transmitted from the BBIC 200 is amplified by the amplifier circuit 119 and up-converted by the mixer 118. The up-converted high frequency signal, or transmission signal, is split into four by the signal combiner / divider 116, passes through the corresponding signal paths, and is fed to different dielectric blocks 121. By individually adjusting the phase shift of the phase shifters 115A to 115D arranged on each signal path, it is possible to adjust the directivity of the radio waves output from the dielectric block 121. Furthermore, the attenuators 114A to 114D adjust the intensity of the transmission signal.

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

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

[0023] (Structure of Antenna Module) Next, the configuration of the antenna module 100 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the antenna module 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a side view of the antenna module 100 when viewed from the Y-axis direction in Figure 2. In the following description, the normal direction of the flat dielectric substrate 130 is referred to as the Z-axis direction, the direction along the short side of the dielectric substrate 130 is referred to as the X-axis direction, and the direction along the long side of the dielectric substrate 130 is referred to as the X-axis direction. In each figure, the positive direction of the Z-axis may be referred to as the upper side, and the negative direction may be referred to as the lower side.

[0024] The antenna module 100 further includes ground electrodes GND1 and GND2 and feed lines 140 and 145 in addition to the RFIC 110, the dielectric block 121, and the dielectric substrate .

[0025] The dielectric substrate 130 may be, for example, a low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) multilayer substrate, a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating multiple resin layers made of resins such as epoxy or polyimide, a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating multiple resin layers made of liquid crystal polymer (LCP) having a lower dielectric constant, a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating multiple resin layers made of fluorine-based resin, a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating multiple resin layers made of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), or a ceramic multilayer substrate other than LTCC. Note that the dielectric substrate 130 does not necessarily have a multilayer structure and may be a single-layer substrate.

[0026] The dielectric substrate 130 has an upper surface 131 and a lower surface 132. A ground electrode GND2 is disposed in an internal layer of the dielectric substrate 130, covering the entire surface of the dielectric substrate 130. A flat ground electrode GND1 is disposed on the end of the dielectric substrate 130 in the positive direction of the X axis, in a direction intersecting the dielectric substrate 130. In the example of the antenna module 100, the ground electrode GND1 has a flat plate shape that extends from the upper surface 131 of the dielectric substrate 130 in the positive direction of the Z axis and is disposed parallel to the YZ plane. Each of the ground electrodes GND1 and GND2 is electrically connected to a ground terminal on a mounting substrate (not shown). The ground electrodes GND1 and GND2 may be connected to each other.

[0027] The dielectric blocks 121 are arranged on the dielectric substrate 130 at a position closer to the end of the dielectric substrate 130 in the positive direction of the X axis than the ground electrode GND1, and are spaced apart from each other along the Y axis. The dielectric blocks 121 are arranged so that a lower surface 122 of the approximately rectangular parallelepiped faces an upper surface 131 of the dielectric substrate 130 and protrudes further in the X axis direction from the end surface of the dielectric substrate 130 in the positive direction of the X axis. A surface 123 of the dielectric block 121 in the negative direction of the X axis is arranged to face the main surface of the ground electrode GND1. The surface 123 of the dielectric block 121 has a substantially square shape. The dielectric block 121 may be in contact with the ground electrode GND1 or may be spaced apart from it.

[0028] A SiP (System In Package) module 105 is disposed on an upper surface 131 of the dielectric substrate 130. The SiP module 105 is a control device incorporating an RFIC 110 and a circuit in which a power module IC for a power supply and a power inductor (not shown) are mounted on a substrate. As shown in Fig. 3, the circuit is sealed with resin 106 and is mounted on the dielectric substrate 130 by connecting members such as solder bumps 160. Note that the SiP module 105 is omitted from Fig. 2.

[0029] Furthermore, on the upper surface 131 of the dielectric substrate 130, power supply wirings 140 and 145 for transmitting high frequency signals from the RFIC 110 to the dielectric block 121 are arranged.

[0030] The power supply wiring 140 includes a wiring electrode 141 connected to the dielectric block 121 and to the solder bumps 160 that connect the SiP module 105 to the dielectric substrate 130, and a stub 142 branching off from the wiring electrode 141. The wiring electrode 141 extends in the X-axis direction on the upper surface 131 of the dielectric substrate 130, passes through an opening OP1 in the ground electrode GND1, and is connected to an end of the lower surface 122 of the dielectric block 121 that is in the negative Y-axis direction. The stub 142 branches off from the middle of the wiring electrode 141 on the dielectric substrate 130 in the negative Y-axis direction.

[0031] Similarly, the power supply wiring 145 includes a wiring electrode 146 connected to the solder bump 160 and the dielectric block 121, and a stub 147 branching off from the wiring electrode 146. The wiring electrode 146 extends in the X-axis direction on the upper surface 131 of the dielectric substrate 130, passes through an opening OP2 in the ground electrode GND1, and is connected to an end of the lower surface 122 of the dielectric block 121 in the positive direction of the Y-axis. The stub 147 branches off midway along the wiring electrode 146 on the dielectric substrate 130 in the positive direction of the Y-axis.

[0032] The wiring electrode 141 and the wiring electrode 146 are arranged spaced apart from each other in a direction (Y-axis direction) parallel to the surface 123 of the dielectric block 121. The wiring electrode 141 and the wiring electrode 146 are arranged opposite the ground electrode GND2 of the dielectric substrate 130, and function as strip lines.

[0033] The stubs 142 and 147 are provided for impedance matching with the dielectric block 121. Note that the stubs 142 and 147 are not essential components, and as long as impedance matching with the dielectric block 121 can be achieved, the stubs 142 and 147 may be omitted.

[0034] In the antenna module 100 of embodiment 1, an example is shown in which the power supply wirings 140, 145 are arranged on the upper surface 131 of the dielectric substrate 130, but the power supply wirings 140, 145 may also be arranged on an inner layer of the dielectric substrate 130.

[0035] In the antenna module 100 configured as described above, when a high-frequency signal is supplied to the feeder wiring 140, radio waves polarized in the direction of the arrow AR1 in Fig. 2, i.e., one diagonal direction of the substantially square end face 123, are radiated in the positive direction of the X-axis (the direction of the arrow AR3 in Fig. 3). Also, when a high-frequency signal is supplied to the feeder wiring 145, radio waves polarized in the direction of the arrow AR2 in Fig. 2, i.e., the other diagonal direction of the substantially square end face 123, are radiated in the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0036] In this way, two radio waves having different polarization directions can be radiated by supplying high-frequency signals to different positions on the cross section of the dielectric block 121. In other words, the antenna module 100 is a dual-polarized type antenna module. In the antenna module 100, the surface 123 of the dielectric block 121 is approximately square, so the polarization directions of the two radiated radio waves are perpendicular to each other.

[0037] As described above, in the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment, by arranging the dielectric block 121 opposite the main surface of the ground electrode GND1, which is arranged to intersect with the dielectric substrate 130, it is possible to radiate radio waves in a direction different from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130. Furthermore, by supplying high-frequency signals to different positions on the surface of the dielectric block 121 opposite the ground electrode GND1, it is possible to create a dual-polarization type antenna module. Note that by orthogonally arranging the polarization directions of the two radio waves radiated from the dielectric block 121 to be orthogonal to each other, it is possible to improve the cross-polarization discrimination ratio (XPD).

[0038] In the example of the antenna module 100, the ground electrode GND1 for the dielectric block 121 is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the dielectric substrate 130, i.e., so that the angle between the ground electrode GND1 and the dielectric substrate 130 is 90°. However, the angle between the ground electrode GND1 and the dielectric substrate 130 does not necessarily have to be 90°.

[0039] The "ground electrode GND1" and the "ground electrode GND2" in the first embodiment correspond to the "first ground electrode" and the "second ground electrode" in the present disclosure, respectively. The "wiring electrode 141" and the "wiring electrode 146" in the first embodiment correspond to the "first wiring" and the "second wiring" in the present disclosure, respectively. The "lower surface 122" and the "surface 123" of the dielectric block 121 in the first embodiment correspond to the "first surface" and the "second surface" in the present disclosure, respectively.

[0040] (Modifications 1 and 2) Modifications 1 and 2 will be described with respect to variations in the power feed position in the dielectric block 121. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining modifications 1 and 2 of the arrangement of the power feed wirings 140 and 145 in the dielectric block 121.

[0041] As explained in the first embodiment, by arranging the feeder wirings 140 and 145 at a distance from each other in a direction parallel to the surface 123 of the dielectric block 121 that faces the ground electrode GND1, two radio waves with different polarization directions can be radiated from the dielectric block 121. In the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment, the feeder wiring 145 is connected to the end of the lower surface 122 of the dielectric block 121 facing the positive direction of the Y axis, and the feeder wiring 140 is connected to the end of the lower surface 122 facing the negative direction of the Y axis.

[0042] In the antenna module 100A of Modification 1, the connection portions of the power feed lines 140A and 145A with the dielectric block 121 have a substantially L-shaped cross section when viewed in a plan view from the X-axis direction. That is, the power feed line 140A extends from the lower surface 122 to the side surface 125 at the end of the lower surface 122 of the dielectric block 121 facing in the negative direction of the Y-axis. Furthermore, the power feed line 145A extends from the lower surface 122 to the side surface 124 at the end of the lower surface 122 of the dielectric block 121 facing in the positive direction of the Y-axis. By adopting the configuration as in Modification 1, the symmetry of the electric field in the diagonal direction of the dielectric block 121 is stabilized, thereby improving the polarization characteristics of the two radio waves.

[0043] The power supply wiring 140B, 145B in the antenna module 100B of the second modified example has a cross-sectional shape similar to that of the power supply wiring 140, 145 in the first embodiment, but is connected to the dielectric block 121 at a position slightly offset inward from the end in the Y-axis direction on the lower surface 122.

[0044] Even when a high frequency signal is supplied to the power feed position as in the first and second modifications, two radio waves having different polarization directions can be emitted.

[0045] (Modifications 3 and 4) Modifications 3 and 4 will be described below with reference to variations in the state of coupling between the dielectric block 121 and the power supply lines 140 and 145. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining modifications 3 and 4 of the state of coupling between the dielectric block 121 and the power supply lines 140 and 145.

[0046] In the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment, the dielectric block 121 and the feeder lines 140, 145 are directly connected. In the antenna module 100C of the third modification (left view in FIG. 5 ), a small gap is provided between the lower surface 122 of the dielectric block 121 and the feeder lines 140, 145, so that the dielectric block 121 and the feeder lines 140, 145 are not in contact with each other. If the attenuation of high-frequency signals due to this gap is less than a predetermined amount, high-frequency signals can be transmitted to the dielectric block 121 even in the non-contact state, and radio waves can be emitted from the dielectric block 121. Furthermore, impedance can be adjusted by adjusting the gap between the dielectric block 121 and the feeder lines 140, 145. Note that, assuming that the free-space wavelength of the radio waves radiated from the dielectric block 121 is λ, the gap between the dielectric block 121 and the feeder lines 140, 145 is set to within λ / 10.

[0047] The gap may be an air layer, or another dielectric such as a resist may be disposed in the gap.

[0048] In the antenna module 100D of the fourth modification (the right diagram in FIG. 5 ), the power supply wiring 140 is connected to a plate electrode 150 arranged on the lower surface 122 of the dielectric block 121 via a solder bump 155. Although not shown, the power supply wiring 145 is also connected to a plate electrode arranged on the dielectric block 121 via a solder bump in a similar manner.

[0049] By using a configuration in which the power supply wirings 140, 145 and the dielectric block 121 are connected by solder bumps, as in the antenna module 100D, the connection strength between the power supply wirings 140, 145 and the dielectric block 121 can be increased.

[0050] (Modification 5) In Modification 5, variations in the arrangement of the dielectric substrate and the dielectric block will be described. Fig. 6 is a side perspective view of an antenna module 100E of Modification 5. In antenna module 100E, dielectric substrate 130 in antenna module 100 of embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 3 is replaced with a dielectric substrate 130A. The other configuration of antenna module 100E is the same as that of antenna module 100, and description of elements that overlap with Fig. 3 will not be repeated.

[0051] 6, the dielectric substrate 130A in the antenna module 100E is longer in the X-axis direction than the dielectric substrate 130 in the antenna module 100. As a result, the dielectric block 121 is arranged so that the end of the dielectric block 121 in the positive direction of the X-axis is substantially aligned with the end of the dielectric substrate 130 in the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0052] On the other hand, the ground electrode GND2 disposed on the dielectric substrate 130A is disposed only up to the positions where the power supply wirings 140 and 145 are disposed. In other words, the ground electrode GND2 is not disposed near the end of the dielectric substrate 130A in the positive direction of the X axis. Therefore, when viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130A, at least a part of the region where the dielectric substrate 130A and the dielectric block 121 overlap does not overlap with the ground electrode GND2.

[0053] With this configuration, the electric field leaking from the dielectric block 121 may cause resonance in the area of ​​the dielectric substrate 130A where the ground electrode GND2 is not present, thereby improving the gain. Alternatively, the antenna module can be made smaller by reducing the size of the dielectric block 121 while maintaining the gain.

[0054] Furthermore, by supporting the dielectric block 121 with resin or double-sided tape placed between the dielectric block 121 and the dielectric substrate 130A, the connection between the dielectric block 121 and the dielectric substrate 130A can be stabilized.

[0055] (Variation 6) In Variation 6, a configuration will be described in which a metal package of a SiP module is used as a ground electrode for a dielectric block. Fig. 7 is a side perspective view of an antenna module 100F of Variation 6. In the antenna module 100F, the SiP module 105 in the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1 is replaced with a SiP module 105A, and further the ground electrode GND1 is removed. In Fig. 7, the description of elements that overlap with Fig. 3 will not be repeated.

[0056] 7, a conductive shielding member 107 configured to block electromagnetic waves is disposed around the SiP module 105A in the antenna module 100F. The shielding member 107 is formed of a metal material such as copper, aluminum, or iron, and is electrically connected to ground potential. The shielding member 107 prevents electromagnetic waves generated in the internal circuitry of the SiP module 105A from leaking to the outside, thereby suppressing their impact on external devices. The shielding member 107 also prevents external electromagnetic noise from entering the internal circuitry of the SiP module 105A.

[0057] Furthermore, the dielectric block 121 is arranged such that the surface 123 in the negative direction of the X axis faces the shield member 107 on the side surface of the SiP module 105A. With this configuration, the ground electrode GND1 can be eliminated, reducing manufacturing costs and contributing to miniaturization of the antenna module.

[0058] The "shield member 107" in the sixth modification corresponds to the "conductive member" in the present disclosure.

[0059] Second Embodiment (Basic Configuration of Communication Device) In a second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which a flat patch antenna is provided as a radio wave radiating element in addition to a dielectric block, and radio waves can be radiated in different directions.

[0060] Fig. 8 is a block diagram of a communication device to which an antenna module 100G according to embodiment 2 is applied. In the antenna module 100G of Fig. 8, the RFIC 110 in the antenna module 100 of Fig. 1 is replaced with an RFIC 110X, and a flat plate-shaped radiating element 127 is added to a dielectric substrate 130. Note that Fig. 8 shows an example in which four radiating elements 127 are arranged on the dielectric substrate 130.

[0061] 8, the radiating element 127 has a substantially square shape when viewed from above in the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130. The radiating element 127 has two feed points SP1 and SP2 arranged at positions offset from the center of the element in different directions, and a high-frequency signal is supplied to each of the feed points SP1 and SP2.

[0062] The RFIC 110X further includes feed circuits 110C and 110D in addition to the feed circuits 110A and 110B. The feed circuits 110A and 110B are circuits for supplying a high-frequency signal to the dielectric block 121, similar to the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment. The feed circuit 110C is a circuit for supplying a high-frequency signal to a feed point SP1 of the radiating element 127. The feed circuit 110D is a circuit for supplying a high-frequency signal to a feed point SP2 of the radiating element 127. The internal configurations of the feed circuits 110B to 110D are the same as that of the feed circuit 110A, and FIG. 8 shows the detailed configuration of only the feed circuit 110A.

[0063] (Structure of Antenna Module) Next, details of the antenna module 100G will be described using Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the antenna module 100G in Figure 8, and Figure 110 is a side perspective view of the antenna module 100G as viewed from the opposite direction of the Y axis. Note that the SiP module 105 is omitted from Figure 9.

[0064] 9 and 10, in the antenna module 100G, four dielectric blocks 121 are arranged spaced apart from one another along the Y-axis on the end side of the dielectric substrate 130 in the positive direction of the X-axis. The wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the dielectric block 121 is λ １ Then, the adjacent dielectric block 121 has a thickness λ １ . / 2 pitch.

[0065] Furthermore, four radiating elements 127 are arranged on the lower surface 132 side of the dielectric substrate 130 at intervals along the Y-axis direction. The wavelength of the radio wave radiated from the radiating elements 127 is λ ２ Then, the adjacent radiating element 127 has a λ ２ The frequency band of the radio waves radiated from the radiating element 127 may be the same as or different from the frequency band of the radio waves radiated from the dielectric block 121.

[0066] Radiating element 127 is arranged facing ground electrode GND2 and closer to lower surface 132 than ground electrode GND2 arranged on dielectric substrate 130. Radiating element 127 may be arranged so as to be exposed on lower surface 122 of dielectric substrate 130 as shown in FIG. 10 , or may be arranged on an inner layer between ground electrode GND2 and lower surface 132.

[0067] A high-frequency signal is transmitted from RFIC 110A to radiating element 127 via power supply lines 151 and 152. Power supply line 151 passes from solder bump 160 through ground electrode GND2 and is connected to power supply point SP1 of radiating element 127. Power supply line 152 passes from solder bump 160 through ground electrode GND2 and is connected to power supply point SP2 of radiating element 127.

[0068] Feed point SP1 is located at a position offset in the Y-axis direction from the center of radiating element 127. When a high-frequency signal is supplied to feed point SP1, radio waves polarized in the Y-axis direction are radiated in the negative direction of the Z-axis (the direction of arrow AR4 in FIG. 10). Feed point SP2 is located at a position offset in the negative direction of the X-axis from the center of radiating element 127. When a high-frequency signal is supplied to feed point SP2, radio waves polarized in the X-axis direction are radiated in the negative direction of the Z-axis.

[0069] The configuration of the dielectric block 121 is similar to that of the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0070] In this way, by providing a patch antenna on the dielectric substrate in addition to the dielectric block, it becomes possible to radiate radio waves in two different directions.

[0071] (Variation 7) Fig. 11 is a side perspective view of an antenna module 100H of Variation 7. The antenna module 100H has a configuration in which a flat patch antenna is provided on the dielectric substrate 130 in the configuration of Variation 6 described in Fig. 7. In Fig. 11, the description of elements that overlap with Fig. 7 will not be repeated.

[0072] 11 , in antenna module 100H, similarly to antenna module 100G of the second embodiment, a flat plate-shaped radiating element 127 is disposed on lower surface 132 of dielectric substrate 130. High frequency signals are supplied from RFIC 110 to feeding points SP1 and SP2 of radiating element 127 via feeding lines 151 and 152, respectively.

[0073] The configuration of the antenna module 100H makes it possible to reduce the number of ground electrodes GND1, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and miniaturizing the antenna module, and also makes it possible to radiate radio waves in two different directions.

[0074] 12 is a side perspective view of an antenna module 100I according to Modification 8. The antenna module 100I is an example in which the antenna module 100H shown in FIG.

[0075] Specifically, in antenna module 100I, the dimensions of dielectric substrate 130 and SiP module 105A in the X-axis direction are smaller than those in antenna module 100H. Radiating element 127 is disposed close to the end of dielectric substrate 130 in the positive direction of the X-axis. In other words, when viewed from a plane normal to dielectric substrate 130, at least a portion of radiating element 127 overlaps dielectric block 121.

[0076] By using a configuration like the antenna module 100I, it is possible to further reduce the size of the antenna module.

[0077] Third Embodiment In a third embodiment, an example of the arrangement of antenna modules in a communication device will be described.

[0078] Fig. 13 is a partial side perspective view of a communication device 10 according to a third embodiment. In Fig. 13, the antenna module 100 described in Fig. 3 of the first embodiment will be used for explanation. Fig. 14 is a partial plan view of the communication device of Fig. 13 as viewed from the positive direction of the X axis. In the following explanation, the description of each element of the antenna module 100 that overlaps with Fig. 3 will not be repeated.

[0079] The communication device 10 includes a housing 20 for housing internal devices including the antenna module 100. The housing 20 includes a first portion 21 formed of a material containing metal, and a second portion 22 formed of a dielectric material such as a resin that does not contain metal. The second portion 22 is disposed inside a through-hole 23 formed in the first portion 21 made of metal.

[0080] The antenna module 100 is disposed so that the entire surface 126 of the dielectric block 121, which faces the surface 123, i.e., the radio wave radiation surface (the surface in the positive direction of the X-axis), is in contact with the second portion 22 of the housing 20. When the communication device 10 is viewed from above in the positive direction of the X-axis as shown in Fig. 14, the entire surface 126 of the dielectric block 121 overlaps with the second portion 22.

[0081] In this way, by arranging a material that does not contain metal in the portion of the housing in the direction of radiation of the radio waves radiated from the dielectric block 121, it is possible to prevent the radiated radio waves from being blocked or partially interfered with by the housing 20. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the antenna gain of the antenna module 100.

[0082] It is desirable that the dielectric block 121 be in close contact with the second portion 22 of the housing 20. If there is a space between the dielectric block 121 and the second portion 22, the dielectric constant of the radiation path of the radio waves changes due to the air layer in the space, which can cause reflection at the boundary surface between the dielectric block 121 and the air layer and the boundary surface between the air layer and the second portion 22 of the housing 20, which can be a factor in deterioration of the antenna gain. Therefore, by bringing the dielectric block 121 and the second portion 22 into close contact with each other, it is possible to reduce the reflection of the radio waves and suppress deterioration of the antenna gain.

[0083] In addition, from the viewpoint of preventing reflection due to the difference in dielectric constant, it is preferable to make the difference between the dielectric constant of the dielectric block 121 and the dielectric constant of the second portion 22 as small as possible.

[0084] In the above explanation, an example was described in which a part of the housing 20 (first part 21) is made of a material containing metal, but as long as the strength of the housing 20 can be ensured, the entire housing 20 may be made of a material that does not contain metal.

[0085] The "second portion 22" in the third embodiment corresponds to the "specific portion" in the present disclosure. [Aspects] (Item 1) An antenna module according to one aspect includes a substrate, a dielectric block, a flat-plate-shaped first ground electrode, and a feed wiring. The dielectric block has a first surface and a second surface that intersect with each other, and is disposed on the first surface facing the mounting surface of the substrate. The first ground electrode intersects with the substrate and is disposed facing the second surface of the dielectric block. The feed wiring is disposed on the substrate and transmits a high-frequency signal to the dielectric block. When viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the substrate, an end of the feed wiring is disposed in a position that overlaps with the dielectric block.

[0086] (Item 2) In the antenna module described in item 1, the power supply wiring includes a first wiring and a second wiring. The first wiring and the second wiring are arranged spaced apart from each other in a first direction parallel to the second surface.

[0087] (Item 3) In the antenna module described in item 2, the second surface of the dielectric block has a substantially square shape. The first surface of the dielectric block has a first end and a second end facing each other in the first direction. The first wiring is disposed at the first end, and the second wiring is disposed at the second end.

[0088] (4) The antenna module according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3 further includes a second ground electrode and a flat-plate radiating element. The second ground electrode is disposed on the substrate opposite the power supply wiring. The radiating element is disposed on the substrate opposite the second ground electrode.

[0089] (Item 5) In the antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 4, the feed wiring is arranged in contact with the dielectric block.

[0090] (Item 6) In the antenna module according to any one of Items 5, the dielectric block is disposed at a distance from the first ground electrode.

[0091] (7) In the antenna module according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, the feeder wiring is arranged at a distance from the dielectric block. When the wavelength in free space of the radio wave radiated from the dielectric block is λ, the distance between the feeder wiring and the dielectric block is within λ / 10.

[0092] (Item 8) In the antenna module described in item 7, the dielectric block is disposed in contact with the first ground electrode.

[0093] (Item 9) The antenna module according to any one of Items 1 to 8 further includes a second ground electrode disposed on the substrate opposite the feed wiring, and when viewed in a plan view normal to the substrate, at least a portion of the area where the substrate and the dielectric block overlap does not overlap with the second ground electrode.

[0094] (10) In the antenna module according to any one of the above items 1 to 9, the dielectric block has a relative dielectric constant greater than the relative dielectric constant of the substrate.

[0095] (Item 11) In the antenna module according to item 10, the dielectric block has a relative dielectric constant of 10 or more.

[0096] (12) The antenna module according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3 further includes a power supply device. The power supply device is disposed on a main surface of the substrate on which the dielectric block is mounted, and is configured to supply a high-frequency signal to the dielectric block. The power supply device is surrounded by a conductive member. A part of the conductive member is used as a first ground electrode.

[0097] (Item 13) The antenna module according to item 12 further includes a second ground electrode and a flat-plate radiating element. The second ground electrode is disposed on the substrate facing the feed wiring. The radiating element is disposed on the substrate facing the second ground electrode.

[0098] (Item 14) In the antenna module according to item 13, at least a portion of the radiating element overlaps with the dielectric block when viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the substrate.

[0099] (Item 15) The antenna module according to item 4 further comprises a feeding circuit disposed on the substrate and configured to supply a high frequency signal to the dielectric block and the radiating element.

[0100] (16th Item) A communication device according to one aspect is equipped with the antenna module according to any one of the first to fifteenth items.

[0101] (Item 17) The communication device according to item 16 further includes a housing that houses the antenna module. The housing includes a specific portion formed at least in part from a material that does not contain metal. When viewed from a plane normal to the radio wave radiation surface of the dielectric block, the entire radiation surface overlaps with the specific portion.

[0102] (Item 18) In the communication device according to item 17, the radiation surface is in contact with a specific portion. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0103] 10 Communication device, 20 Housing, 21 First part, 22 Second part, 23 Through hole, 100, 100A to 100I Antenna module, 105, 105A SiP module, 106 Resin, 107 Shielding member, 110, 100X RFIC, 110A to 110D Power supply circuit, 111A to 111D, 113A to 113D, 117 Switch, 112AR to 112DR Low noise amplifier, 112AT to 112DT Power amplifier, 114A to 114D Attenuator, 115A to 115D Phase shifter, 116 Signal combiner / divider, 118 Mixer, 119 Amplifier circuit, 120 Antenna device, 121 Dielectric block, 122, 132 Bottom surface, 123, 126 Surface, 124, 125 Side, 127 Radiating element, 130, 130A Dielectric substrate, 131 Top surface, 140, 140A, 140B, 145, 145A, 145B, 151, 152 Power supply wiring, 141, 146 Wiring electrode, 142, 147 Stub, 150 Plate electrode, 155, 160 Solder bump, 200 BBIC, GND1, GND2 Ground electrode, OP1, OP2 Opening, SP1, SP2 Power supply point.

Claims

1. A substrate; a dielectric block having a first surface and a second surface intersecting each other, the first surface being disposed facing a mounting surface of the substrate; a first ground electrode having a flat plate shape arranged to intersect with the substrate and to face the second surface of the dielectric block; a power supply wiring disposed on the substrate and configured to transmit a high-frequency signal to the dielectric block; an end of the power supply wiring is disposed at a position overlapping with the dielectric block when viewed in a plan view from a normal direction of the substrate;

2. the power supply wiring includes a first wiring and a second wiring, The antenna module according to claim 1 , wherein the first wiring and the second wiring are arranged spaced apart from each other in a first direction parallel to the second surface.

3. the second surface of the dielectric block has a substantially square shape, the first surface of the dielectric block has a first end and a second end opposed to each other in the first direction, The first wiring is disposed at the first end, The antenna module according to claim 2 , wherein the second wiring is disposed at the second end portion.

4. a second ground electrode disposed on the substrate so as to face the power supply wiring; 4. The antenna module according to claim 1, further comprising a flat-plate shaped radiating element disposed on the substrate opposite the second ground electrode.

5. 4. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the power supply wiring is disposed in contact with the dielectric block.

6. The antenna module according to claim 5 , wherein the dielectric block is disposed spaced apart from the first ground electrode.

7. the power supply wiring is disposed at a distance from the dielectric block, 4. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, when the wavelength in free space of the radio wave radiated from the dielectric block is λ, the distance between the power supply wiring and the dielectric block is within λ / 10.

8. The antenna module according to claim 7 , wherein the dielectric block is disposed in contact with the first ground electrode.

9. The substrate further includes a second ground electrode disposed opposite the power supply wiring, The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when viewed in a plane from a normal direction of the substrate, at least a portion of an overlapping area between the substrate and the dielectric block does not overlap with the second ground electrode.

10. 4. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the dielectric constant of the dielectric block is greater than the dielectric constant of the substrate.

11. The antenna module according to claim 10 , wherein the dielectric block has a relative dielectric constant of 10 or more.

12. a power supply device arranged on a main surface of the substrate on which the dielectric block is mounted and configured to supply a high-frequency signal to the dielectric block, The power supply device is surrounded by a conductive member, The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the conductive member is used as the first ground electrode.

13. a second ground electrode disposed on the substrate so as to face the power supply wiring; The antenna module according to claim 12 , further comprising: a flat-plate shaped radiating element disposed on the substrate so as to face the second ground electrode.

14. The antenna module according to claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of the radiating element overlaps with the dielectric block when viewed in a plan view from a normal direction of the substrate.

15. The antenna module of claim 4 , further comprising a feeding circuit disposed on the substrate and configured to feed a high frequency signal to the dielectric block and the radiating element.

16. A communication device equipped with the antenna module according to claim 1.

17. Further comprising a housing for accommodating the antenna module, the housing includes a specific portion formed at least in part of a material that does not contain metal; The communication device according to claim 16 , wherein, when viewed in a plan view from a normal direction of a radiation surface of the dielectric block for radio waves, the entire radiation surface overlaps with the specific portion.

18. The communication device according to claim 17 , wherein the radiation surface is in contact with the specific portion.