Phased array antenna and phased array antenna device

Abstract

This phased array antenna comprises: a first radiation element group having a plurality of first radiation elements; a sub-array group including a plurality of sub-arrays each having a plurality of second radiation elements; and a phase shifter for determining phases of RF signals that are supplied to the first radiation elements and the second radiation elements. The phase shifter includes a plurality of first phase shifters and a plurality of second phase shifters. The plurality of first radiation elements are electrically connected to the plurality of first phase shifters, respectively. The plurality of sub-arrays are electrically connected to the plurality of second phase shifters, respectively. The phases of the RF signals that are respectively supplied to the plurality of second radiation elements forming the sub-arrays are different, so that the maximum gain direction of the sub-arrays is different from a direction perpendicular to a plane including the plurality of second radiation elements forming the sub-arrays.

Description

Phased array antenna and phased array antenna device

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-111796, filed on July 6, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] In the field of high-speed wireless communications, antenna devices capable of beamforming are used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an array antenna device that forms a directional beam whose direction can be controlled. The array antenna device is installed on, for example, a ceiling or a wall.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-94331

[0004] The array antenna device is configured to maximize gain in the direction perpendicular to the array antenna plane. With patch antennas typically used in phased array antennas, the beam can be emitted over a width of approximately ±45 degrees without using a subarray. For example, with the above configuration, if a subarray consisting of two radiating elements (antennas) is used, the range of ±45 degrees is covered, while the subarray antenna is also used in a range of approximately ±20 degrees, resulting in high gain.

[0005] For example, when an antenna device is installed high on a wall, it needs to cover a wide range from the direction perpendicular to the wall to the direction parallel to the wall. In such cases, it is often required to have a higher gain in the direction perpendicular to the wall than in the direction parallel to the wall. However, if the array antenna device is tilted to cover the direction parallel to the wall, it may not be able to direct the subarray beam in the direction perpendicular to the wall, resulting in weaker gain.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a phased array antenna and a phased array antenna device that can arbitrarily set the radiation direction of electromagnetic waves in a wide range and with high gain using a small number of phase shifters.

[0007] A phased array antenna according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a first radiating element group having a plurality of first radiating elements, a subarray group comprising a plurality of subarrays each having a plurality of second radiating elements, and a phase shifter that determines the phase of an RF signal fed to the first radiating elements and the second radiating elements, wherein the phase shifter has a plurality of first phase shifters and a plurality of second phase shifters, and each of the plurality of first radiating elements is electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of first phase shifters, and each of the plurality of subarrays is electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of second phase shifters, and since the phases of the RF signals fed to each of the plurality of second radiating elements constituting the subarray are different, the maximum gain direction of the subarray differs from a direction perpendicular to a plane including the plurality of second radiating elements that form the subarray.

[0008] With this configuration, the maximum gain direction of each subarray is different from the direction perpendicular to the plane including the plurality of second radiating elements that form the subarray. Therefore, by using the subarray group and the first radiating element group in a range tilted at a predetermined angle, it is possible to radiate a high-gain beam with fewer phase shifters.

[0009] According to this configuration, the antenna has a first group of radiating elements in addition to the group of subarrays. For example, by introducing a phase difference within the first group of radiating elements, it is possible to radiate electromagnetic waves from the first group of radiating elements in a direction that cannot be radiated by the group of subarrays. Therefore, it is possible to set a direction for stronger radiation while covering a wide range, depending on the usage environment and usage form of the phased array antenna. Therefore, for example, it is possible to freely set a direction with high gain within the coverage range so as to provide a good communication environment for both users located far from the installation location of the phased array antenna and users located close to the installation location.

[0010] In a second aspect of the present invention, in the phased array antenna of the first aspect, the lengths of signal lines from the second phase shifter to each of the plurality of second radiating elements constituting the subarray may be different, thereby causing the phases of the RF signals supplied to each of the plurality of second radiating elements to differ.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is a phased array antenna according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a plurality of subarray groups, the plurality of subarray groups including a first subarray group and a second subarray group, and the first radiating element group may be located between the first subarray group and the second subarray group.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a phased array antenna according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first radiating element and the second radiating element are each capable of transmitting and receiving a plurality of polarized waves, and a plurality of first phase shifters and a plurality of second phase shifters are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of polarized waves, and the plurality of first phase shifters and the plurality of second phase shifters may each independently control each of the plurality of polarized waves.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a phased array antenna according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the first group of radiating elements and the subarray group are formed on a common substrate, an IC is mounted on the substrate, and the phase shifter is provided on the IC.

[0014] A sixth aspect of the present invention may be such that the phased array antenna according to the fifth aspect includes a plurality of the ICs.

[0015] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the phased array antenna of the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the substrate is provided with a frequency converter that converts the frequency of an RF signal input to the IC during transmission or an RF signal output from the IC during reception.

[0016] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, the phased array antenna according to any one of the first to seventh aspects may be installed on an installation surface in an attitude inclined with respect to a horizontal plane and a vertical plane.

[0017] A phased array antenna apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention may include a plurality of phased array antennas according to any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0018] One aspect of the present invention provides a phased array antenna and a phased array antenna device that can arbitrarily set the radiation direction of electromagnetic waves in a wide range and with high gain using a small number of phase shifters.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a phased array antenna according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first radiating element and a first IC of the phased array antenna according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a subarray and a second IC of the phased array antenna according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an installation example of the phased array antenna according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a phased array antenna device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the phased array antenna according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the phased array antenna according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of the phased array antenna according to the embodiment.

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A phased array antenna and a phased array antenna device according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] [Phased Array Antenna] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a phased array antenna 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the phased array antenna 100 includes a first radiating element group 50, a plurality of subarray groups 40, a plurality of first ICs 60, a plurality of second ICs 20, and a substrate 30. The phased array antenna 100 is also referred to as a "phased array antenna substrate."

[0022] In the following description, the X direction and the Y direction are parallel to the first main surface 30a of the substrate 30. The X direction and the Y direction are perpendicular to each other. The Z direction is perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction. A planar view is a view in the Z direction. The Y direction is an example of a first direction. The X direction is an example of a second direction. A plane including the X direction and the Y direction is an "XY plane."

[0023] +X is one direction along the X direction, which is to the right in FIG. 1. -X is the opposite direction to +X. +Y is one direction along the Y direction, which is upward in FIG. 1. -Y is the opposite direction to +Y. +Z is one direction along the Z direction, which is the direction toward the front of the page in FIG. 1. -Z is the opposite direction to +Z.

[0024] The substrate 30 has a rectangular shape in plan view having a pair of sides extending along the X direction and a pair of sides extending along the Y direction. The first major surface 30a is the surface of the substrate 30 on the +Z side.

[0025] The first radiating element group 50 and the subarray group 40 are patterned on the first main surface 30a of the substrate 30 based on a predetermined arrangement pattern. As a result, the first radiating element group 50 and the subarray group 40 are formed on the common substrate 30. The first radiating element group 50 and the subarray group 40 are formed from a conductive material such as metal (copper, etc.). The first radiating element group 50 and the subarray group 40 are formed by, for example, an additive method, a subtractive method, etc. The first radiating element group 50 and the subarray group 40 constitute the antenna array 11.

[0026] The first radiating element group 50 has a plurality of first radiating elements 52. The plurality of first radiating elements 52 are arranged in a rectangular lattice (matrix) in the X and Y directions. The plurality of first radiating elements 52 arranged in the Y direction are formed at intervals in the Y direction. The plurality of first radiating elements 52 arranged in the X direction are formed at intervals in the X direction.

[0027] 1 , the first radiating element group 50 has a total of 16 first radiating elements 52, with two arranged in the Y direction and eight arranged in the X direction. That is, the first radiating element group 50 has the first radiating elements 52 arranged in a rectangular lattice shape (matrix shape) of two rows and eight columns.

[0028] The multiple first radiating elements 52 include, for example, a first group 51A and a second group 51B. The first group 51A includes first radiating elements 52 located on the -X side from the center in the X direction of the first radiating element group 50. That is, the first group 51A includes eight first radiating elements 52 that make up four columns from the left in Fig. 1. The second group 51B includes first radiating elements 52 that are located on the +X side from the center in the X direction of the first radiating element group 50. That is, the second group 51B includes eight first radiating elements 52 that make up four columns from the right in Fig. 1.

[0029] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the first radiating element 52 and the first IC 60. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first radiating element 52 has a rectangular shape having a pair of sides along the X direction and a pair of sides along the Y direction. The first radiating element 52 is electrically connected to the first IC 60 by a signal line 53. A first RF (Radio Frequency) signal sent from the first IC 60 is supplied to the first radiating element 52 through the signal line 53. The first radiating element 52 receives the first RF signal and radiates an electromagnetic wave. The first RF signal is an example of an "RF signal."

[0030] The first IC 60 is an integrated circuit that processes RF signals. The first IC 60 is mounted on, for example, the surface of the substrate 30 opposite the first main surface 30a. The first IC 60 feeds a first RF signal to the first radiating element 52 via the signal line 53. The first IC 60 is, for example, a beam forming IC (BFIC). The first IC 60 is an example of an "IC".

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2 , the first IC 60 has a first phase shifter 61 and a first amplifier 62. The first IC 60 may have a plurality of first phase shifters 61. The first IC 60 may have a plurality of first amplifiers 62. The first phase shifter 61 can adjust the phase shift amount of the first RF signal. The first phase shifter 61 can determine the phase of the first RF signal. The first amplifier 62 amplifies the first RF signal as necessary. The first phase shifter 61 is an example of a "phase shifter."

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the plurality of first ICs 60 include two first ICs 60. The two first ICs 60 are aligned in the X direction. The two first ICs 60 are also referred to as first IC 60A and first IC 60B, respectively. The first IC 60A is electrically connected to each of the plurality (eight in this embodiment) of first radiating elements 52 included in the first group 51A. The first IC 60B is electrically connected to each of the plurality (eight in this embodiment) of first radiating elements 52 included in the second group 51B. Note that the number of first ICs 60 is not limited to two. The number of first ICs 60 may be one or more (any number equal to or greater than two).

[0033] The first IC 60 includes a plurality of first phase shifters 61 (see FIG. 2 ). For example, each of the first IC 60A and the first IC 60B includes eight first phase shifters 61. Each of the plurality of first radiating elements 52 is electrically connected to a different first phase shifter 61. That is, each of the plurality of first radiating elements 52 is electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of first phase shifters 61. In this embodiment, the plurality of first radiating elements 52 correspond one-to-one to the plurality of first phase shifters 61, and each of the plurality of first radiating elements 52 is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of first phase shifters 61.

[0034] Each subarray group 40 has a plurality of subarrays 10. The plurality of subarray groups 40 includes a first subarray group 40A and a second subarray group 40B. Each of the first subarray group 40A and the second subarray group 40B has a plurality of subarrays 10. The plurality of subarrays 10 constituting the first subarray group 40A and the second subarray group 40B are arranged in a rectangular lattice shape (matrix shape) aligned in the X direction and the Y direction, respectively.

[0035] The first subarray group 40A has a total of 16 subarrays 10, two arranged in the Y direction and eight arranged in the X direction. That is, the first subarray group 40A has subarrays 10 arranged in a rectangular lattice shape (matrix shape) of two rows and eight columns. The second subarray group 40B has a total of 16 subarrays 10, two arranged in the Y direction and eight arranged in the X direction. That is, the second subarray group 40B has subarrays 10 arranged in a rectangular lattice shape (matrix shape) of two rows and eight columns.

[0036] The plurality of subarrays 10 aligned in the Y direction are spaced apart in the Y direction, and the plurality of subarrays 10 aligned in the X direction are spaced apart in the X direction.

[0037] The multiple subarrays 10 constituting the first subarray group 40A include, for example, a first group 10A and a second group 10B. The first group 10A includes subarrays 10 located on the -X side of the center of the first subarray group 40A in the X direction. That is, the first group 10A includes eight subarrays 10 constituting the four columns from the left in the first subarray group 40A in FIG. 1. The second group 10B includes subarrays 10 located on the +X side of the center of the first subarray group 40A in the X direction. That is, the second group 10B includes eight subarrays 10 constituting the four columns from the right in the first subarray group 40A in FIG. 1.

[0038] The plurality of subarrays 10 constituting the second subarray group 40B include, for example, a third group 10C and a fourth group 10D. The third group 10C includes subarrays 10 located on the -X side of the center in the X direction of the second subarray group 40B. That is, the third group 10C includes eight subarrays 10 constituting the four columns from the left in the second subarray group 40B in FIG. 1. The fourth group 10D includes subarrays 10 located on the +X side of the center in the X direction of the second subarray group 40B. That is, the fourth group 10D includes eight subarrays 10 constituting the four columns from the right in the second subarray group 40B in FIG. 1.

[0039] The first subarray group 40A and the second subarray group 40B are formed side by side in the Y direction, with an interval between them in the Y direction.

[0040] The first subarray group 40A, the first radiating element group 50, and the second subarray group 40B are arranged in this order in the Y direction. The first radiating element group 50 is located between the first subarray group 40A and the second subarray group 40B. For example, when the phased array antenna 100 is installed on the wall surface 2a of the wall 2, it is desirable that the first subarray group 40A, the first radiating element group 50, and the second subarray group 40B be arranged in the vertical direction.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the subarray 10 and the second IC 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the subarray 10 includes two second radiating elements 12 arranged in the Y direction and a signal line 13. The second radiating element 12 has a rectangular shape with a pair of sides along the X direction and a pair of sides along the Y direction. The two second radiating elements 12 constituting the subarray 10 are formed adjacent to each other with a gap in the Y direction. One of the two second radiating elements 12 is also referred to as second radiating element 12A. The other of the two second radiating elements 12 is also referred to as second radiating element 12B. The second radiating element 12B is located on the +Y side of the second radiating element 12A. The second radiating elements 12A and 12B are formed on a first main surface 30a. The first main surface 30a is a plane including a plurality of second radiating elements 12.

[0042] The second radiating element 12 is electrically connected to the second IC 20 by a signal line 13. A second RF signal sent from the second IC 20 is fed to the second radiating element 12 through the signal line 13. The second radiating element 12 (12A, 12B) receives the second RF signal and radiates an electromagnetic wave. The second RF signal is an example of an "RF signal."

[0043] The signal line 13 includes a base line 14, a first branch line 15, and a second branch line 16. A base end 14a (first end) of the base line 14 is electrically connected to the second IC 20. The first branch line 15 and the second branch line 16 branch off from a tip end 14b (second end opposite the first end) of the base line 14.

[0044] The first branch line 15 extends from the tip 14b of the base line 14 and reaches the second radiating element 12A. The second radiating element 12A is electrically connected to the second IC 20 by the base line 14 and the first branch line 15. The first branch line 15 is L-shaped and has a first line 15A extending along the Y direction and a second line 15B extending along the X direction. The first line 15A extends linearly from the tip 14b of the base line 14 to the -Y side. The second line 15B extends linearly from the -Y side tip of the first line 15A to the -X side. L1 is the length of the first branch line 15.

[0045] The second branch line 16 extends from the tip 14b of the base line 14 and reaches the second radiating element 12B. The second radiating element 12B is electrically connected to the second IC 20 by the base line 14 and the second branch line 16. The second branch line 16 is L-shaped and has a first line 16A extending along the Y direction and a second line 16B extending along the X direction. The first line 16A extends linearly from the tip 14b of the base line 14 to the +Y side. The second line 16B extends linearly from the tip of the +Y side of the first line 16A to the -X side. L2 is the length of the second branch line 16.

[0046] The second branch line 16 is longer than the first branch line 15. That is, length L2 > length L1. Therefore, the signal line from the second IC 20 to the second radiating element 12B is longer than the signal line from the second IC 20 to the second radiating element 12A. As a result, the phase of the second RF signal fed from the second IC 20 to the second radiating element 12A is different from the phase of the second RF signal fed from the second IC 20 to the second radiating element 12B. In other words, the phases of the second RF signals fed from the second IC 20 to the two second radiating elements 12 are different from each other.

[0047] The difference in length (L2-L1) between the first branch line 15 and the second branch line 16 can be determined, for example, so as to generate a phase difference equivalent to 1 / 8 to 1 / 2 (e.g., 1 / 4 to 1 / 2) of the designed wavelength of the second RF signal. The difference in phase between the second RF signal fed from the second IC 20 to the second radiating element 12A and the second RF signal fed from the second IC 20 to the second radiating element 12B is, for example, 30 to 180 degrees (preferably 60 to 150 degrees). In other words, the difference in phase between the second RF signals fed from the second IC 20 to the two second radiating elements 12 (12A, 12B) is, for example, 30 to 180 degrees (preferably 60 to 150 degrees).

[0048] The difference in phase between the second RF signal fed to the second radiating element 12A and the second RF signal fed to the second radiating element 12B does not have to be the same for all subarrays 10. That is, the phase difference of the second RF signal may be different for multiple subarrays 10. To make the phase difference different for multiple subarrays 10, the difference in length (L2-L1) between the first branch line 15 and the second branch line 16 may be different for each of the multiple subarrays 10. This allows the radiation direction of electromagnetic waves from the subarrays 10 to be set in multiple directions. By setting the radiation direction of electromagnetic waves to multiple directions, a good communication environment can be provided for users over a wide range.

[0049] The second IC 20 is an integrated circuit that processes the second RF signal. The second IC 20 is mounted on, for example, the surface opposite to the first main surface 30a of the substrate 30. The second IC 20 feeds the second RF signal to the second radiating element 12 via the signal line 13. The second IC 20 is, for example, a BFIC. The second IC 20 is an example of an "IC".

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3 , the second IC 20 has a second phase shifter 21 and a second amplifier 22. The second IC 20 may have a plurality of second phase shifters 21. The second IC 20 may have a plurality of second amplifiers 22. The second phase shifter 21 can adjust the phase shift amount of the second RF signal. The second phase shifter 21 can determine the phase of the second RF signal. The second amplifier 22 amplifies the second RF signal as necessary. The second phase shifter 21 is an example of a "phase shifter."

[0051] 1 , the plurality of second ICs 20 include four second ICs 20. The four second ICs 20 are also referred to as second IC 20A, second IC 20B, second IC 20C, and second IC 20D. Second IC 20A and second IC 20B are aligned in the X direction. Second IC 20C and second IC 20D are aligned in the X direction.

[0052] The second IC 20A is electrically connected to each of the multiple (eight in this embodiment) subarrays 10 included in the first group 10A. The second IC 20B is electrically connected to each of the multiple (eight in this embodiment) subarrays 10 included in the second group 10B. The second IC 20C is electrically connected to each of the multiple (eight in this embodiment) subarrays 10 included in the third group 10C. The second IC 20D is electrically connected to each of the multiple (eight in this embodiment) subarrays 10 included in the fourth group 10D. Note that the number of second ICs 20 is not limited to four. The number of second ICs 20 may be one or more (any number greater than or equal to two).

[0053] The second IC 20 includes a plurality of second phase shifters 21 (see FIG. 3 ). For example, each of the second ICs 20A to 20D includes eight second phase shifters 21. Each of the plurality of subarrays 10 is electrically connected to a different second phase shifter 21. That is, each of the plurality of subarrays 10 is electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of second phase shifters 21. In this embodiment, the plurality of subarrays 10 correspond one-to-one to the plurality of second phase shifters 21, and each of the plurality of subarrays 10 is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of second phase shifters 21. For example, each of the eight subarrays 10 belonging to the first group 10A is electrically connected to a respective one of the eight second phase shifters 21 included in the second IC 20A. Each of the eight subarrays 10 belonging to the second group 10B is electrically connected to a respective one of the eight second phase shifters 21 included in the second IC 20B. The eight subarrays 10 belonging to the third group 10C are electrically connected to the eight second phase shifters 21 included in the second IC 20C, respectively. The eight subarrays 10 belonging to the fourth group 10D are electrically connected to the eight second phase shifters 21 included in the second IC 20D, respectively.

[0054] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of installation of the phased array antenna 100. Fig. 4 shows an example in which the phased array antenna 100 is installed on a wall 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the phased array antenna 100 is installed on a wall surface 2a (installation surface) of the wall 2. The wall surface 2a is, for example, perpendicular to the horizontal plane. G is the ground. The ground G is horizontal.

[0055] Assume that a user U1 and a user U2 are standing on the ground G. The user U1 is located far away from the wall 2. The user U2 is located close to the wall 2.

[0056] The phased array antenna 100 is installed so that the first main surface 30a of the substrate 30 is inclined relative to the wall surface 2a. The phased array antenna 100 is installed on the wall surface 2a in an inclined position relative to the horizontal and vertical planes. More specifically, the phased array antenna 100 is installed so that the first main surface 30a of the substrate 30 is oriented diagonally downward. The inclination angle of the substrate 30 (first main surface 30a) relative to the wall surface 2a is, for example, greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. The inclination angle of the phased array antenna 100 is preferably greater than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees.

[0057] Reference numeral 101 denotes an electromagnetic wave radiated from the subarray group 40 (more specifically, the second radiating element 12). V1 denotes a vertical line orthogonal to the substrate 30 (first principal surface 30a). R1 ​​denotes the peak direction of the electromagnetic wave 101 (maximum gain direction: the direction in which the gain is highest). The peak direction R1 of the electromagnetic wave 101 is, for example, the direction of the central axis of the electromagnetic wave 101.

[0058] Reference numeral 102 denotes an electromagnetic wave radiated from the first radiating element group 50 (more specifically, the first radiating element 52). In the example shown in Fig. 4, the peak direction of the electromagnetic wave 102 is a direction at a smaller inclination angle with respect to the wall surface 2a than the peak direction R1 of the electromagnetic wave 101.

[0059] In the phased array antenna 100, the phases of the second RF signals fed to the two second radiating elements 12 constituting the subarray 10 are different from each other (see FIG. 3 ). Therefore, the peak direction R1 of the electromagnetic waves 101 radiated from the subarray group 40 (second radiating elements 12) is different from the direction perpendicular to the first principal surface 30a (the plane including the second radiating elements 12). In other words, the peak direction R1 of the electromagnetic waves 101 is inclined with respect to the perpendicular line V1. The inclination angle A1 of the peak direction R1 with respect to the perpendicular line V1 is, for example, greater than 0 degrees and equal to or less than 60 degrees. The inclination angle A1 may be equal to or greater than 20 degrees and equal to or less than 50 degrees.

[0060] By adjusting the installation posture of the phased array antenna 100, the radiation direction of electromagnetic waves can be adjusted according to the usage environment, usage pattern, etc. For example, to improve the communication environment in a location far from the installation location of the phased array antenna 100, the inclination angle of the substrate 30 with respect to the wall surface 2 a can be reduced. To improve the communication environment in a location close to the installation location of the phased array antenna 100, the inclination angle of the substrate 30 with respect to the wall surface 2 a can be increased.

[0061] When there is a large difference between the tilt angle A1 of the peak direction R1 of the electromagnetic wave 101 relative to the vertical line V1 and the maximum radiation angle of the subarray 10, the grating lobes tend to become large. However, by keeping the power supply to the subarray 10 low, the grating lobes can be suppressed.

[0062] The phased array antenna 100 can be used to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves. The phased array antenna 100 may be used for only one of transmission and reception. The phased array antenna 100 can be used for communications in the field of IoT (Internet of Things) or high-speed wireless communications such as WiGig (Wireless Gigabit).

[0063] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a phased array antenna device 300 (wireless communication device) according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the phased array antenna device 300 has a plurality (e.g., two) of phased array antennas 100. The plurality of phased array antennas 100 are installed on the top surface 1a (the installation surface) of the ceiling 1 so that their installation orientations (e.g., inclination angles with respect to the top surface 1a) are different from each other. The top surface 1a is, for example, a horizontal plane. The number of phased array antennas 100 included in the phased array antenna device 300 may be any number equal to or greater than two.

[0064] Since the phased array antennas 100 are installed in different positions, the radiation directions (maximum gain directions) of the electromagnetic waves are different from one another. Therefore, the phased array antenna device 300 can set the radiation direction of the electromagnetic waves in multiple directions.

[0065] [Effects of the Phased Array Antenna of the Embodiment] The phased array antenna 100 of the present embodiment comprises a first radiating element group 50, a subarray group 40, and phase shifters 61 and 21. In the phased array antenna 100, the peak direction R1 of the electromagnetic waves 101 radiated from each subarray group 40 (more specifically, the second radiating element 12) is different from the direction perpendicular to the first principal surface 30a (the direction of the perpendicular line V1) (see FIG. 4 ). Therefore, in the phased array antenna 100, by using the subarray group 40 and the first radiating element group 50 in a range tilted at a predetermined angle, it is possible to radiate a high-gain beam with fewer phase shifters.

[0066] The phased array antenna 100 has the first radiating element group 50 in addition to the subarray group 40, and therefore can radiate electromagnetic waves from the first radiating element group 50 in directions that cannot be radiated by the subarray group 40. For example, by providing a phase difference between the multiple first radiating elements 52 that make up the first radiating element group 50 (i.e., by making the phases of the first RF signals fed to the multiple first radiating elements 52 different), it is possible to radiate electromagnetic waves in directions that cannot be radiated by the subarray group 40. Therefore, it is possible to set a direction for stronger radiation while covering a wide range, depending on the environment and usage form of the phased array antenna 100.

[0067] 4, for example, the phased array antenna 100 can communicate with user U1 who is far from wall 2 (installation location) on which the phased array antenna 100 is installed by mainly using the subarray group 40 (or both the subarray group 40 and the first radiating element group 50). Communication with user U2 who is close to wall 2 can be mainly performed using the first radiating element group 50. Therefore, a direction with high gain can be freely set within the coverage area so as to provide a good communication environment for both user U1 and user U2.

[0068] In the phased array antenna 100, the phases of the second RF signals fed to the two second radiating elements 12 constituting the subarray 10 are different, so that the peak direction R1 of the electromagnetic wave 101 is inclined with respect to the vertical line V1 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, by adjusting the phases of the second RF signals fed to the two second radiating elements 12 constituting the subarray 10, the peak direction R1 of the electromagnetic wave 101 can be set arbitrarily. This makes it easy to set the peak direction R1 of the electromagnetic wave 101.

[0069] In the phased array antenna 100, the lengths of the signal lines to the two second radiating elements 12 that make up the subarray 10 are different from each other (see FIG. 3), which causes the phases of the second RF signals fed to the two second radiating elements 12 that make up the subarray 10 to differ. This configuration makes it possible to adjust the phases of the RF signals fed to the two second radiating elements 12 that make up the subarray 10 with a simple structure. This makes it possible to reduce the size and cost of the phased array antenna 100.

[0070] In the phased array antenna 100, the first radiating element group 50 is located between the first subarray group 40A and the second subarray group 40B (see FIG. 1). Therefore, when the subarray groups 40A, 40B and the first radiating element group 50 are both operating simultaneously, the power density near the center of the phased array antenna 100 increases. This reduces the side lobes of the phased array antenna 100. Furthermore, the radiation pattern of the phased array antenna 100 also becomes nearly symmetrical with the main lobe at the center.

[0071] In the phased array antenna 100, the first radiating element group 50 and the subarray group 40 are formed on a common substrate 30. This reduces the number of components compared to when the first radiating element group 50 and the subarray group 40 are formed on different substrates, thereby enabling the phased array antenna 100 to be made smaller.

[0072] In the phased array antenna 100, the second phase shifter 21 is provided in the second IC 20 (see FIG. 1 ). Therefore, the second phase shifter 21 can be mounted together with other electronic components (such as the second amplifier 22). This saves space and allows the phased array antenna 100 to be made smaller.

[0073] The phased array antenna 100 includes a plurality of second ICs 20 (second ICs 20A to 20D). Therefore, the load on the second IC 20 can be reduced compared to when there is only one second IC 20. Therefore, stable operation of the second IC 20 can be achieved.

[0074] The phased array antenna device 300 shown in Fig. 5 has a plurality of (for example, two) phased array antennas 100. The phased array antennas 100 can be configured to have different electromagnetic wave radiation directions (maximum gain directions). This allows the phased array antenna device 300 to set the electromagnetic wave radiation direction in a plurality of directions. This makes it possible to provide a good communication environment for users over a wide area.

[0075] 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating a first modified example of the phased array antenna 100. As shown in FIG. 6, in this example, the first radiating element 52 is capable of transmitting and receiving multiple polarized waves. For example, the first radiating element 52 is a dual-polarized antenna capable of transmitting and receiving two polarized waves (vertically polarized wave and horizontally polarized wave). The first IC 60 includes two first phase shifters 61 (61A, 61B) and two first amplifiers 62 for each first radiating element 52. The two first phase shifters 61 (61A, 61B) are connected to the first radiating element 52. That is, the first IC 60 includes multiple first phase shifters 61 corresponding to each of the multiple polarized waves. For example, the first phase shifter 61A controls the vertically polarized wave, and the first phase shifter 61B controls the horizontally polarized wave. The two first phase shifters 61 (61A, 61B) independently control each of the multiple polarized waves.

[0076] The first phase shifter 61A is electrically connected to the first radiating element 52 via a signal line 53A. The first phase shifter 61B is electrically connected to the first radiating element 52 via a signal line 53B. In the example shown in Fig. 6 , the signal line 53A is connected to the top side of the rectangular first radiating element 52. The signal line 53B is connected to the right side of the first radiating element 52. The top side and the right side of the first radiating element 52 are two adjacent sides.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 7 , in this example, the second radiating element 12 is capable of transmitting and receiving multiple polarized waves. For example, the second radiating element 12 is a dual-polarized antenna capable of transmitting and receiving two polarized waves (vertically polarized wave and horizontally polarized wave). The second IC 20 includes two second phase shifters 21 (21A, 21B) and two second amplifiers 22 for one subarray 110. Two second phase shifters 21 (21A, 21B) are connected to the second radiating element 12. That is, the IC 20 includes multiple second phase shifters 21 corresponding to each of the multiple polarized waves. For example, the second phase shifter 21A controls the vertically polarized wave. The second phase shifter 21B controls the horizontally polarized wave. The two second phase shifters 21 (21A, 21B) independently control each of the multiple polarized waves.

[0078] The subarray 110 includes two second radiating elements 12 (12A, 12B), a signal line 113A, and a signal line 113B. The second phase shifter 21A is electrically connected to the second radiating elements 12 (12A, 12B) via the signal line 113A. The signal line 113A includes a base line 114A, a first branch line 115A, and a second branch line 116A. The base end (first end) of the base line 114A is electrically connected to the second phase shifter 21A. The first branch line 115A and the second branch line 116A branch off from the tip end (second end opposite the first end) of the base line 114A. The first branch line 115A is electrically connected to the second radiating element 12A. The second branch line 116A is electrically connected to the second radiating element 12B.

[0079] The second phase shifter 21B is electrically connected to the second radiating element 12 (12A, 12B) via a signal line 113B. The signal line 113B includes a base line 114B, a first branch line 115B, and a second branch line 116B. The base end (first end) of the base line 114B is electrically connected to the second phase shifter 21B. The first branch line 115B and the second branch line 116B branch off from the tip end (second end opposite the first end) of the base line 114B. The first branch line 115B is electrically connected to the second radiating element 12A. The second branch line 116B is electrically connected to the second radiating element 12B.

[0080] 7, the branch lines 115A and 116A are connected to the top side of the rectangular second radiating element 12. The branch lines 115B and 116B are connected to the right side of the second radiating element 12. The top side and the right side of the second radiating element 12 are two adjacent sides.

[0081] In this example of the phased array antenna 100, a first phase shifter 61A for vertical polarization and a first phase shifter 61B for horizontal polarization are electrically connected to the first radiating element 52. A second amplifier 22A for vertical polarization and a second amplifier 22B for horizontal polarization are electrically connected to the second radiating element 12. This allows each of the multiple polarizations to be controlled independently.

[0082] 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams showing a second modified example of the phased array antenna 100. As shown in FIG. 8 , in this example, a frequency converter 63 is connected to the first IC 60. The frequency converter 63 is mounted on, for example, the substrate 30. The frequency converter 63 is provided on the input side of the first IC 60 during transmission (i.e., the output side during reception). The frequency converter 63 can convert the frequency of a first RF signal input to the first IC 60 during transmission. The frequency converter 63 can convert the frequency of a first RF signal output from the first IC 60 during reception. A filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that attenuates noise (signals in a frequency band excluding the frequency band of the first RF signal) may be provided between the frequency converter 63 and the first IC 60.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 9 , in this example, a frequency converter 23 is connected to the second IC 20. The frequency converter 23 is mounted on, for example, a substrate 30. The frequency converter 23 is provided on the input side of the second IC 20 during transmission (i.e., the output side during reception). The frequency converter 23 can convert the frequency of a second RF signal input to the second IC 20 during transmission. The frequency converter 23 can convert the frequency of a second RF signal output from the second IC 20 during reception. A filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that attenuates noise (signals in a band excluding the frequency band of the second RF signal) may be provided between the frequency converter 23 and the second IC 20.

[0084] The phased array antenna 100 of this example has frequency converters 63 and 23, which allow the frequencies of the first RF signal and the second RF signal to be adjusted to any value. Normally, RF signal loss is large, but the phased array antenna 100 of this example can reduce RF signal loss by using the frequency converters 63 and 23 to lower the frequency of the RF signal input to the ICs 60 and 20 during transmission (or the RF signal output from the ICs 60 and 20 during reception).

[0085] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in a phased array antenna 100, the number of second radiating elements 12 constituting a subarray 10 is two. However, the number of second radiating elements constituting a subarray is not limited to this. The number of second radiating elements constituting a subarray may be any number equal to or greater than two. When the number of second radiating elements constituting a subarray is three or more, it is sufficient that the phases of the second RF signals fed to the second radiating elements are different from each other for at least two of the multiple second radiating elements.

[0086] 3 , in the phased array antenna 100, the lengths of the two signal lines from the second IC 20 (second phase shifter 21) to the second radiating elements 12 of the two second radiating elements 12 constituting the subarray 10 are different, which causes the phases of the second RF signals supplied to the two second radiating elements 12 to be different. However, the method for making the phases of the second RF signals supplied to the two second radiating elements 12 constituting the subarray 10 different is not limited to this. For example, a device for changing the phase of the second RF signal (e.g., a phase shifter, hybrid coupler, rat-race coupler, etc.) may be provided on only one of the paths to one of the two second radiating elements 12 constituting the subarray 10 and the other second radiating element 12 constituting the subarray 10. This makes it possible to make the phases of the second RF signals supplied to the two second radiating elements 12 different from each other even when the lengths of the signal lines to the two second radiating elements 12 constituting the subarray 10 are equal.

[0087] 3, in the phased array antenna 100, the lengths of the signal lines to the two second radiating elements constituting the subarray 10 are different, but it is not necessary that the lengths of the two signal lines be different for all of the subarrays 10. For example, the lengths of the two signal lines may be different for only some of the multiple subarrays 10, and the lengths of the two signal lines may be the same for the other subarrays 10.

[0088] In addition, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0089] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a...Top surface (surface to be installed) 2a...Wall surface (surface to be installed) 10...Subarray 12...Second radiating element 13...Signal line 20...Second IC (IC) 21...Second phase shifter (phase shifter) 23...Frequency converter 30...Substrate 30a...First main surface (plane including a plurality of second radiating elements) 40...Subarray group 40A...First subarray group 40B...Second subarray group 50...First radiating element group 52...First radiating element 60...First IC (IC) 61...First phase shifter (phase shifter) 63...Frequency converter 100...Phased array antenna 101...Electromagnetic wave 300...Phased array antenna device R1...Electromagnetic wave peak direction (maximum gain direction) V1...Vertical line

Claims

1. a first radiating element group having a plurality of first radiating elements; a subarray group including a plurality of subarrays each having a plurality of second radiating elements; a phase shifter for determining the phase of an RF signal fed to the first radiating element and the second radiating element; Equipped with the phase shifter includes a plurality of first phase shifters and a plurality of second phase shifters; each of the first radiating elements is electrically connected to each of the first phase shifters; each of the plurality of subarrays is electrically connected to each of the plurality of second phase shifters; a phase difference between the RF signals fed to each of the plurality of second radiating elements constituting the subarray, so that the maximum gain direction of the subarray is different from a direction perpendicular to a plane including the plurality of second radiating elements constituting the subarray; Phased array antenna.

2. the lengths of signal lines from the second phase shifter to the plurality of second radiating elements constituting the subarray are different, so that the phases of the RF signals supplied to the plurality of second radiating elements are different.

2. The phased array antenna of claim 1.

3. a plurality of subarray groups; the plurality of subarray groups include a first subarray group and a second subarray group; the first radiating element group is located between the first subarray group and the second subarray group; 3. A phased array antenna according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first radiating element and the second radiating element are each capable of transmitting and receiving a plurality of polarized waves; a plurality of the first phase shifters and a plurality of the second phase shifters are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of polarized waves, and each of the plurality of first phase shifters and the plurality of second phase shifters independently controls each of the plurality of polarized waves; 3. A phased array antenna according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the first group of radiating elements and the subarray group are formed on a common substrate; An IC is mounted on the substrate, The phase shifter is provided in the IC.

3. A phased array antenna according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A plurality of the ICs are provided.

6. The phased array antenna of claim 5.

7. a frequency converter is provided on the substrate to convert the frequency of an RF signal input to the IC during transmission or an RF signal output from the IC during reception; 6. The phased array antenna of claim 5.

8. The device is installed on a surface at an angle relative to the horizontal and vertical planes.

3. A phased array antenna according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A phased array antenna according to claim 1 or 2, Phased array antenna system.