Antenna module and communication device equipped with same

Abstract

An antenna module (100) is provided with a dielectric substrate (130), a radiation element (121), a ground electrode (GND), power supply wiring (140), a via (V1) connected to the radiation element (121), and an auxiliary electrode (150). The dielectric substrate has main surfaces (131, 132) facing each other. The ground electrode is disposed farther to the main surface (132) side in the dielectric substrate than the radiation element, so as to face the radiation element. The power supply wiring transmits a high-frequency signal to a power supply point (SP1) of the radiation element. The auxiliary electrode is connected to the via and is disposed between the radiation element and the ground electrode. The power supply point is disposed at a position offset from the center of the radiation element in a first direction. The via is connected to the radiation element at a position offset from the center of the radiation element in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the auxiliary electrode protrudes from the radiation element in the second direction.

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 technique for improving the directivity of an antenna compatible with high-frequency signals in the sub-terahertz frequency band.

[0002] International Publication No. 2014 / 045966 (Patent Document 1) discloses a configuration in which a high-frequency signal is fed to a patch antenna through a stripline and a via.

[0003] WO 2014 / 045966

[0004] In recent years, developments have been underway in wireless communication devices for communications in the so-called sub-terahertz frequency band, which exceeds 100 GHz. The use of the sub-terahertz frequency band allows for a wider spectral bandwidth, enabling high-capacity, high-speed communications of, for example, 100 Gbps or more.

[0005] On the other hand, for signals in a frequency band above 100 GHz, the influence of surface waves generated on the surface of the dielectric substrate on which the radiating element is placed tends to be significant. In this case, depending on the dielectric constant of the dielectric substrate on which the radiating element is placed, the frequency of the high-frequency signal to be radiated, and / or the structure surrounding the radiating element, the influence of the surface waves may cause the spread of the electromagnetic field from the radiating element to become asymmetric. As described above, when the influence of surface waves becomes significant, the asymmetry of the electromagnetic field becomes more pronounced, making it more likely that the beam direction (directivity) of the radiated radio waves will be tilted. This can reduce the antenna gain in the desired radiation direction.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to improve the directivity of an antenna module compatible with the sub-terahertz frequency band.

[0007] An antenna module according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a dielectric substrate, a flat-plate-shaped first radiating element, a ground electrode, a first feed wiring, a first via connected to the first radiating element, and a flat-plate-shaped first electrode. The dielectric substrate has a first main surface and a second main surface that face each other. The first radiating element is disposed on the dielectric substrate. The ground electrode is disposed on the dielectric substrate closer to the second main surface than the first radiating element and facing the first radiating element. The first feed wiring transmits a high-frequency signal to a first feed point of the first radiating element. The first electrode is connected to the first via and is disposed between the first radiating element and the ground electrode. The first feed point is disposed at a position offset from the center of the first radiating element in a first direction. The first via is connected to the first radiating element at a position offset from the center of the first radiating element in a second direction opposite to the first direction. When viewed in a plan view normal to the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the second direction.

[0008] An antenna module according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a dielectric substrate, a flat-plate radiating element, a ground electrode, a via connected to the radiating element, and a flat plate electrode. The dielectric substrate has a first main surface and a second main surface that face each other. The radiating element is disposed on the dielectric substrate. The ground electrode is disposed on the dielectric substrate closer to the second main surface than the radiating element and facing the radiating element. The flat plate electrode is connected to the via and is disposed between the radiating element and the ground electrode. The via is connected to the radiating element at a position offset from the center of the radiating element in the polarization direction of the radio wave. When viewed from a plane normal to the dielectric substrate, the flat plate electrode protrudes from the radiating element in the polarization direction.

[0009] In the antenna module according to the present disclosure, a plate electrode (first electrode) extending in the polarization direction (second direction) is connected to the center of the radiating element, and the plate electrode protrudes from the radiating element in the polarization direction. As a result, some of the electric field lines extending from the radiating element in the polarization direction reach the ground electrode via the plate electrode. Therefore, the electric field lines extending from the radiating element in the second direction couple with the ground electrode at a position closer to the radiating element than in the absence of the plate electrode. This suppresses the spread of the electric field lines from the radiating element in the polarization direction, thereby reducing the tilt of the beam in the polarization direction. This improves the directivity of the antenna module.

[0010] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a communication device to which an antenna module according to a first embodiment is applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an internal structure of the antenna module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view and a side perspective view of the antenna module of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electromagnetic field distribution and antenna gain of the antenna modules of the first embodiment and a comparative example. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the antenna gain when the width of the auxiliary electrode is changed. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the antenna module according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the antenna module according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the antenna module according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the antenna module according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the antenna module according to the first modification. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the antenna module according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the antenna module according to the fourth embodiment.

[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 an example of a block diagram of a communication device 10 according to this embodiment. The communication device 10 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet, a personal computer with communication capabilities, or a base station. The frequency band of radio waves used in the antenna module 100 according to this embodiment is radio waves in the so-called sub-terahertz frequency band, which exceeds 100 GHz.

[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 circuit, and an antenna device 120. The communication device 10 upconverts a signal transmitted from the BBIC 200 to the antenna module 100 into a high-frequency signal and radiates the signal from the antenna device 120, and downconverts the high-frequency signal received by the antenna device 120 and processes the signal in the BBIC 200.

[0014] For ease of explanation, FIG. 1 shows only the configurations corresponding to four of the multiple radiating elements 121 constituting the antenna device 120, and omits the configurations corresponding to the other radiating elements 121 having similar configurations. Note that while FIG. 1 shows an example in which the antenna device 120 is formed by multiple radiating elements 121 arranged in a two-dimensional array, the number of radiating elements 121 does not necessarily need to be multiple; the antenna device 120 may be formed by a single radiating element 121. Alternatively, the antenna device 120 may be a one-dimensional array in which multiple radiating elements 121 are arranged in a line. In the first embodiment, the radiating element 121 is described as a patch antenna having a substantially square flat plate shape, but the shape of the radiating element 121 may be circular, elliptical, or another polygonal shape such as a hexagon.

[0015] The RFIC 110 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 / demultiplexer 116, a mixer 118, and an amplifier circuit 119.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The signal transmitted from BBIC 200 is amplified by amplifier circuit 119 and up-converted by mixer 118. The up-converted high-frequency transmission signal is split into four by signal combiner / splitter 116, passes through four signal paths, and is fed to different radiating elements 121, respectively. At this time, the phase shift of phase shifters 115A to 115D arranged on each signal path is individually adjusted, thereby adjusting the directivity of antenna device 120. Furthermore, attenuators 114A to 114D adjust the strength of the transmission signal.

[0018] The received signals, which are high-frequency signals received by the radiating elements 121, respectively pass through four different signal paths and are combined by the signal combiner / demultiplexer 116. The combined received signal is down-converted by the mixer 118, amplified by the amplifier circuit 119, and transmitted to the BBIC 200.

[0019] The RFIC 110 is formed as, for example, a one-chip integrated circuit component including the above circuit configuration. Alternatively, the devices (switches, power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, attenuators, phase shifters) corresponding to the respective radiating elements 121 in the RFIC 110 may be formed as one-chip integrated circuit components for each corresponding radiating element 121.

[0020] (Configuration of Antenna Module) Next, the configuration of the antenna module 100 in embodiment 1 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the antenna module 100. Figure 3 is a plan view (upper figure (A)) and a side see-through view (lower figure (B)) of the antenna module 100.

[0021] 2 and 3, the antenna module 100 includes a dielectric substrate 130, a ground electrode GND, a feeder wiring 140, an auxiliary electrode 150, and a via V1 in addition to the radiating element 121 and the RFIC 110. Note that in Fig. 2 and the subsequent perspective views, the dielectric of the dielectric substrate 130 on which each element is arranged is omitted in order to explain the internal structure.

[0022] The dielectric substrate 130 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape including two rectangular main surfaces 131, 132 facing each other. In the following description, the normal direction to the main surfaces 131, 132 of the dielectric substrate 130 is referred to as the Z-axis direction. The direction along one side of each main surface of the dielectric substrate 130 is referred to as the X-axis direction, and the direction along the other side is referred to as the Y-axis direction. In each drawing, the positive direction of the Z-axis may also be referred to as the upper side, and the negative direction may also be referred to as the lower side.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The dielectric substrate 130 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above in the normal direction (Z-axis direction). The radiating element 121 is disposed at a position close to the main surface 131 on the upper surface side of the dielectric substrate 130. The radiating element 121 may be disposed in a manner that exposes it on the surface of the dielectric substrate 130, or may be disposed on an inner layer of the dielectric substrate 130 as in the example of FIG. 3 .

[0025] In the dielectric substrate 130, a ground electrode GND is arranged over the entire surface, closer to the main surface 132 than the radiating element 121, facing the radiating element 121. In addition, the RFIC 110 is mounted on the main surface 132 of the dielectric substrate 130 via solder bumps 160. Note that the RFIC 110 may be connected to the dielectric substrate 130 using a multi-pole connector instead of a solder connection.

[0026] A high-frequency signal is supplied from the RFIC 110 to a feed point SP1 of the radiating element 121 via a feed wiring 140. The feed wiring 140 includes a wiring pattern 141 extending in the X-axis direction from the solder bump 160 and a via 142 extending in the Z-axis direction from an end of the wiring pattern 141. The via 142 passes through the ground electrode GND and is connected to the feed point SP1 of the radiating element 121. The feed point SP1 is offset from the center of the radiating element 121 in the negative direction of the X-axis (first direction). By supplying a high-frequency signal to the feed point SP1, a radio wave polarized in the X-axis direction is radiated from the radiating element 121 in the Z-axis direction.

[0027] The via V1 is connected to the radiating element 121 at a position offset in the positive direction of the X axis (second direction) from the center of the radiating element 121. The via V1 extends downward from the radiating element 121, i.e., in a direction toward the ground electrode GND. The auxiliary electrode 150 is connected to the lower end of the via V1.

[0028] The auxiliary electrode 150 is a rectangular plate electrode. The auxiliary electrode 150 is connected to the via V1 and is disposed between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND. When viewed from above in the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130, the auxiliary electrode 150 extends in the positive direction of the X-axis from the connection point with the via V1 and protrudes from the end of the radiating element 121 in the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0029] (Directivity) Next, the directivity of the antenna module and the function of the auxiliary electrode 150 will be described using Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows an example of the electromagnetic field distribution (upper part) and antenna gain (lower part) in the ZX plane for the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment and the antenna module 100X of the comparative example. Note that the antenna module 100X does not have the auxiliary electrode 150 of the antenna module 100.

[0030] Generally, in an antenna module having a patch antenna, when a high-frequency signal is supplied to the radiating element 121, electromagnetic field coupling occurs between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND due to the fringing effect. In this case, if a sub-terahertz frequency band signal exceeding 100 GHz is supplied as the high-frequency signal, the influence of surface waves generated on the surface of the dielectric substrate 130 increases, and electric field lines (electric field) tend to spread in a direction along the surface of the radiating element 121 (i.e., the polarization direction). The influence of these surface waves varies depending on the dielectric constant of the dielectric substrate 130, the frequency of the high-frequency signal to be radiated, the power supply method, and / or the composition around the radiating element, and the like, which may result in asymmetric spread of the electric field from the radiating element in the polarization direction. Furthermore, as shown in the comparative example of FIG. 4 , electric field lines generated in the positive direction of the X-axis (arrow AR12) may couple with the ground electrode GND at a position farther from the radiating element 121 than electric field lines generated in the negative direction of the X-axis (arrow AR11).

[0031] As a result, the electromagnetic field distribution caused by the radio waves radiated from the radiating element 121 becomes a distribution tilted in the positive direction of the X axis from the Z axis direction (i.e., the normal direction of the radiating element 121) as shown by arrow AR13. As a result, the beam pattern caused by the radiating element 121 also tilts in the positive direction of the X axis from the Z axis direction (arrow AR14), which can deteriorate the directivity.

[0032] On the other hand, in the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment, the electric field lines emanating from the end of the radiating element 121 in the positive direction of the X-axis are guided to the ground electrode GND via the auxiliary electrode 150 connected to the via V1 (arrows AR22 and AR23). This allows the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND to be coupled at a position closer to the radiating element 121 than in the antenna module 100X of the comparative example. Therefore, by appropriately adjusting the dimensions and position of the auxiliary electrode 150, the radiating element 121 can be coupled to the ground electrode GND at a distance equivalent to the electric field lines emanating from the end in the negative direction of the X-axis (arrow AR21). This reduces the gradient of the electromagnetic field distribution caused by the radio waves radiated from the radiating element 121, as indicated by arrow AR24 in FIG. 4, and the beam pattern is aligned along the Z-axis (arrow AR25). Therefore, even when signals in the sub-terahertz frequency band are used, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved by placing the auxiliary electrode 150.

[0033] In order for the auxiliary electrode 150 to function as described above, it is necessary to appropriately set the dimensions and arrangement of the auxiliary electrode 150.

[0034] For example, it is desirable to set the protrusion amount L2 of the auxiliary electrode 150 from the radiating element 121 to be equal to or less than half the dimension L1 of the radiating element 121 in the X-axis direction (L2 / L1≦1 / 2). If the protrusion amount L2 of the auxiliary electrode 150 is too large, the coupling position of the electric field lines generated from the auxiliary electrode 150 with the ground electrode GND will be farther away from the radiating element 121. As a result, the effect of the auxiliary electrode 150 will be lost. On the other hand, if the auxiliary electrode 150 is configured not to protrude from the radiating element 121, the above-mentioned induction effect of the electric field lines will not occur.

[0035] It is desirable to set the dimension L3 (i.e., width) of the auxiliary electrode 150 in the Y-axis direction (second direction) to be 1 / 10 or more and 2 / 3 or less of the dimension L1 of the radiating element 121 (1 / 10≦L2 / L1≦2 / 3). If the width of the auxiliary electrode 150 is too narrow, the auxiliary electrode 150 will not be able to fully receive the electric field lines from the radiating element 121, and therefore the auxiliary electrode 150 will not be able to exert its effect of inducing the electric field lines, and as a result, the beam pattern will not be able to be corrected.

[0036] On the other hand, if the width of the auxiliary electrode 150 becomes close to that of the radiating element 121, the auxiliary electrode 150 itself will resonate and function as part of the radiating element 121. This may result in the beam pattern correction effect not being obtained or the antenna not functioning normally.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the change in antenna gain when the width of auxiliary electrode 150 is changed. The example of Fig. 5 shows the antenna gain when the dimension L1 of radiating element 121 is 530 µm and the width L3 of auxiliary electrode 150 is 150 µm, 350 µm, and 400 µm. When width L3 is 150 µm, it corresponds to approximately 1 / 5 of the dimension L1 of radiating element 121, and when width L3 is 350 µm, it corresponds to approximately 2 / 3 of the dimension L1 of radiating element 121. When width L3 is 400 µm, it becomes more than 2 / 3 of the dimension L1 of radiating element 121.

[0038] 5, when the width L3 of the auxiliary electrode 150 becomes larger than two-thirds of the dimension L1 of the radiating element 121, the effect of the auxiliary electrode 150 is lost and the beam pattern cannot be properly corrected. In other words, the antenna does not function properly.

[0039] Furthermore, the position of the auxiliary electrode 150 in the Z-axis direction must be within a predetermined range. If the distance between the auxiliary electrode 150 and the ground electrode GND in the Z-axis direction is H2, the auxiliary electrode 150 is preferably positioned such that the distance H2 is greater than or equal to one-third and less than two-thirds of the distance H1 between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND. If the distance H2 is too small, the auxiliary electrode 150 will be too close to the ground electrode GND, resulting in the same effect as when the auxiliary electrode 150 is directly coupled to the ground electrode GND, and the induction effect of the electric field lines will be lost. On the other hand, if the distance H2 is too large, the auxiliary electrode 150 will be too close to the radiating element 121, and the auxiliary electrode 150 will function as part of the radiating element 121, thereby failing to achieve the beam pattern correction effect.

[0040] Therefore, by adjusting the dimensions and arrangement of the auxiliary electrode 150 within the above range, it is possible to improve the directivity of the antenna module.

[0041] As described above, when using a high-frequency signal in the sub-terahertz frequency band, if the influence of surface waves causes the electric field to spread more in the direction opposite the feed point of the patch antenna, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved by arranging an auxiliary electrode of a specified dimension so that it protrudes from the radiating element in the direction opposite the feed point.

[0042] The "radiating element 121" in the first embodiment corresponds to the "first radiating element" in the present disclosure. The "principal surface 131" and the "principal surface 132" in the first embodiment correspond to the "first principal surface" and the "second principal surface", respectively, in the present disclosure. The "power supply wiring 140" in the first embodiment corresponds to the "first power supply wiring" in the present disclosure. The "auxiliary electrode 150" in the first embodiment corresponds to the "first electrode" in the present disclosure. The "via V1" in the first embodiment corresponds to the "first via" in the present disclosure.

[0043] [Embodiment 2] In embodiment 2, a configuration in which a plurality of auxiliary electrodes are arranged will be described. Fig. 6 is a side perspective view of an antenna module 100A according to embodiment 2. The antenna module 100A further includes an auxiliary electrode 151 in addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100 of embodiment 1. In Fig. 6, the description of elements that overlap with those of the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0044] 6 , the auxiliary electrode 151 is a plate electrode connected to the via V1, similar to the auxiliary electrode 150. The auxiliary electrode 151 is disposed between the auxiliary electrode 150 and the ground electrode GND in the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130. The dimension of the auxiliary electrode 151 in the X-axis direction is longer than the dimension of the auxiliary electrode 150 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the auxiliary electrode 151 protrudes further in the positive direction of the X-axis than the auxiliary electrode 150.

[0045] With this configuration, the electric field lines generated in the radiating element 121 can be reliably guided to the ground electrode GND via the auxiliary electrodes 150 and 151. This increases the stability of the improvement in the directivity of the antenna module.

[0046] 6, it is desirable that the dimension of auxiliary electrode 151 in the Y-axis direction be equal to or greater than the dimension of auxiliary electrode 150 in the Y-axis direction. If auxiliary electrode 151 is narrower than auxiliary electrode 150, auxiliary electrode 151 may not be able to adequately receive the electric lines of force generated from auxiliary electrode 150. Furthermore, as described in the first embodiment, it is desirable that the width of auxiliary electrode 151 be equal to or less than two-thirds of dimension L1 of radiating element 121.

[0047] The "auxiliary electrode 151" in the second embodiment corresponds to the "second electrode" in the present disclosure.

[0048] [Embodiment 3] In embodiment 3, a configuration in which an auxiliary electrode is formed of a plurality of electrodes will be described. Fig. 7 is a side perspective view of an antenna module 100B according to embodiment 3. The antenna module 100B further includes an auxiliary electrode 152 and a via V2 in addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100 of embodiment 1. In Fig. 7, the description of elements that overlap with those of the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0049] 7, in antenna module 100B, via V2 is connected near the end of auxiliary electrode 150 in the positive direction along the X axis. Via V2 extends from auxiliary electrode 150 in the negative direction along the Z axis, i.e., toward ground electrode GND. Auxiliary electrode 152 is connected to the lower end of via V2.

[0050] The auxiliary electrode 152 is, for example, a rectangular, flat electrode that extends in the positive direction of the X axis from the connection portion with the via V2. The auxiliary electrode 152 protrudes in the positive direction of the X axis beyond the auxiliary electrode 150.

[0051] With this configuration, the electric lines of force from the radiating element 121 received by the auxiliary electrode 151 can be guided from the auxiliary electrode 152 to the ground electrode GND.

[0052] In the antenna module 100B, as in the antenna module 100A of embodiment 2, the electric field lines from the radiating element 121 can be reliably guided to the ground electrode GND in multiple stages, thereby increasing the stability of the improvement in the directivity of the antenna module.

[0053] Compared to antenna module 100A of the second embodiment, antenna module 100B has auxiliary electrode 152 connected to auxiliary electrode 150 through via V2, and auxiliary electrode 150 and auxiliary electrode 152 function as a single auxiliary electrode. This facilitates gradual adjustment of the electric field, making it suitable for fine adjustments.

[0054] Furthermore, the auxiliary electrode 152 is disposed in a layer between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND, and therefore may have a considerable effect on the operation of the antenna. The auxiliary electrode 152 has a smaller electrode size than the auxiliary electrode 151 in the antenna module 100A, and therefore can have a smaller effect on the operation of the antenna than the auxiliary electrode 151.

[0055] On the other hand, in the case of antenna module 100A of embodiment 2, auxiliary electrode 150 and auxiliary electrode 151 are independent, and therefore the change in the electric field can be set larger than in antenna module 100B of embodiment 3. In other words, the configuration of antenna module 100A is suitable for making rough adjustments to the electric field.

[0056] The choice of which configuration of the antenna module 100A or 100B to adopt is made appropriately depending on the desired specifications and the magnitude of the electric field to be varied.

[0057] The "auxiliary electrode 152" in the third embodiment corresponds to the "third electrode" in the present disclosure. The "via V2" in the third embodiment corresponds to the "second via" in the present disclosure.

[0058] [Fourth Embodiment] In a fourth embodiment, a modified example of the shape of the auxiliary electrode will be described. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an antenna module 100C according to the fourth embodiment. The antenna module 100C includes an auxiliary electrode 150A instead of the auxiliary electrode 150 in the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment. In Fig. 8, the description of elements that overlap with those in the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0059] 8, auxiliary electrode 150A in antenna module 100C is a flat electrode that has a substantially T-shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. When viewed from the normal direction of dielectric substrate 130, the dimension in the Y-axis direction of a portion of auxiliary electrode 150A that protrudes from radiating element 121 (first portion) is larger than the dimension in the Y-axis direction of a portion where auxiliary electrode 150A and radiating element 121 overlap (second portion).

[0060] If the overlapping area between the auxiliary electrode 150A and the radiating element 121 increases, the influence on the impedance between the radiating element 121 and the feed wiring 140 may increase. Therefore, by reducing the dimensions of the auxiliary electrode 150A in the portion overlapping with the radiating element 121, the influence of impedance mismatch caused by adding the auxiliary electrode 150A can be reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, by setting the dimension in the Y-axis direction of the portion of auxiliary electrode 150A that protrudes from radiating element 121 to the same dimensional range as auxiliary electrode 150 in antenna module 100, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved when using high-frequency signals in the sub-terahertz frequency band.

[0062] Fifth Embodiment In a fifth embodiment and modifications 1 and 2, variations in the element shape of the radiating element will be described.

[0063] 9 is a plan view of an antenna module 100D according to embodiment 5. The antenna module 100D includes a radiating element 121A instead of the radiating element 121 in the antenna module 100 according to embodiment 1.

[0064] Radiating element 121A has a substantially circular shape when viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of dielectric substrate 130. A feed point SP1 is disposed at a position offset from the center of radiating element 121A in the negative direction of the X axis, and via V1 is connected to a position offset from the center of radiating element 121A in the positive direction of the X axis. An auxiliary electrode 150 is connected to via V1. Auxiliary electrode 150 protrudes from radiating element 121A in the positive direction of the X axis.

[0065] Even in the case of a patch antenna having such a circular radiating element, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved by providing an auxiliary electrode through a via connected from the center of the radiating element in the direction opposite to the feed point.

[0066] 10 is a plan view of an antenna module 100E of Modification 1. The antenna module 100E includes a radiating element 121B instead of the radiating element 121 in the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment.

[0067] The radiating element 121B has a generally cross shape with protrusions that protrude along the X-axis and Y-axis directions when viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130. In other words, the radiating element 121B has a configuration in which notches are formed at the four corners of the generally square radiating element 121 in the antenna module 100.

[0068] A feed point SP1 is disposed on a protrusion that protrudes in the negative direction of the X axis from the center of the radiating element 121. A via V1 is disposed on a protrusion that protrudes in the positive direction of the X axis from the center of the radiating element 121. An auxiliary electrode 150 is connected to the via V1. The auxiliary electrode 150 protrudes in the positive direction of the X axis from the radiating element 121B.

[0069] Even in the case of a patch antenna with such a cross-shaped radiating element, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved by providing an auxiliary electrode in a via located on the opposite side of the feed point from the center of the radiating element. Furthermore, by forming a notch in the radiating element, it is possible to adjust the impedance mismatch caused by the placement of the auxiliary electrode.

[0070] The "radiating element 121B" in Modification 1 corresponds to the "first radiating element" in the present disclosure.

[0071] 11 is a plan view of an antenna module 100F of Modification 2. The antenna module 100F includes a radiating element 121C instead of the radiating element 121 in the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment.

[0072] When viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130, the radiating element 121C has a generally cross shape with protrusions that protrude along the X-axis and Y-axis directions, similar to the radiating element 121B of Modification 1. However, in the radiating element 121C, each protrusion has a tapered shape that narrows toward the center of the element.

[0073] Even in the case of a patch antenna having such a cross-shaped radiating element, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved by providing an auxiliary electrode in a via located on the opposite side of the feed point from the center of the radiating element. Furthermore, by making the element shape tapered, resonance occurs in multiple length portions of the radiating element, allowing the radiating element to operate at different frequencies. Therefore, by using a shape such as radiating element 121C, it is possible to achieve a wider bandwidth than the rectangular radiating element 121 in antenna module 100.

[0074] Sixth Embodiment In a sixth embodiment, a variation of the method of feeding power to a radiating element will be described.

[0075] 12 is a perspective view of an antenna module 100G according to embodiment 6. The antenna module 100G includes a power supply line 140A instead of the power supply line 140 in the antenna module 100 according to embodiment 1.

[0076] The feed wiring 140 in the antenna module 100 is connected to the radiating element 121 by a via 142 from a wiring pattern 141 arranged in a layer lower than the ground electrode GND on the dielectric substrate 130. In the antenna module 100G, the feed wiring 140A includes a wiring pattern arranged in the same layer as the radiating element 121, and is connected to the radiating element 121 by this wiring pattern.

[0077] More specifically, the feed wiring 140A extends along the X-axis from a position further in the negative direction of the X-axis than the radiating element 121, and is connected to a feed point SP1A that is located at the center of the end face in the negative direction of the X-axis of the radiating element 121. The feed wiring 140A is a flat plate electrode that faces the ground electrode GND, and forms a microstrip line together with the ground electrode GND.

[0078] Even in the antenna module 100G that uses a microstrip line power supply wiring such as the power supply wiring 140A, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved by connecting the auxiliary electrode 150 through a via V1 that is connected from the center of the radiating element 121 in the opposite direction to the power supply point SP1A.

[0079] Furthermore, by forming the power supply wiring to the radiating element using a microstrip line located on the same layer as the radiating element, it is possible to supply power to the radiating element seamlessly compared to via-hole power supply, which reduces the impedance mismatch between the power supply wiring and the radiating element and reduces loss in the transmission path.

[0080] (Modification 3) In Modification 3, a configuration using a coplanar line as the power supply wiring will be described.

[0081] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an antenna module 100H according to Modification 3. In addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100G shown in Fig. 12, the antenna module 100H further includes flat ground electrodes GND1 disposed on both sides of the power feed wiring 140A. The ground electrodes GND1 are disposed parallel to and along the power feed wiring 140A at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the power feed wiring 140A. With this configuration, the power feed wiring 140A functions as a coplanar line with a ground.

[0082] Even in the antenna module 100H that uses a coplanar line as the power supply wiring, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved by connecting the auxiliary electrode 150 through a via V1 that is connected from the center of the radiating element 121 in the opposite direction to the power supply point SP1A.

[0083] Furthermore, by arranging the feed wiring 140A on the same layer as the radiating element 121, it is possible to seamlessly feed power to the radiating element 121. This reduces the impedance mismatch between the feed wiring and the radiating element, and reduces loss in the transmission path.

[0084] (Modification 4) In Modification 4, a configuration in which slot feeding is performed on the radiating element will be described.

[0085] 14 is a perspective view of an antenna module 100I of Modification 4. In the antenna module 100I, a high-frequency signal is transmitted to the radiating element 121 using a slot SL, which is an opening formed below the radiating element 121 in the ground electrode GND.

[0086] More specifically, when viewed from above in the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130, the slot SL is formed in the center of the radiating element 121 on the ground electrode GND. The feed wiring 140B is arranged on a layer below the ground electrode GND on the dielectric substrate 130. When viewed from above in the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130, a portion of the feed wiring 140B intersects with the slot SL. The open end of the feed wiring 140B protrudes from the slot SL by approximately one-quarter wavelength. By supplying a high-frequency signal to the feed wiring 140B, power is fed to the radiating element 121 via the slot SL.

[0087] The slot SL is formed in a rectangular shape with its short side in the X-axis direction and its long side in the Y-axis direction, so that radio waves polarized in the X-axis direction are radiated from the radiating element 121 in the positive direction of the Z-axis.

[0088] An auxiliary electrode 150 is disposed via a via V1 connected to a position offset in the positive direction of the X-axis from the center of the radiating element 121. Alternatively, or in addition to this, an auxiliary electrode 153 may be disposed via a via V3 connected to a position offset in the negative direction of the X-axis from the center of the radiating element 121. The auxiliary electrode 153 extends in the negative direction of the X-axis from the connection position with the via V3, and protrudes from the radiating element 121 in the negative direction of the X-axis.

[0089] In this way, by arranging the auxiliary electrode 150 and / or the auxiliary electrode 154 protruding from the radiating element 121 in the polarization direction, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved.

[0090] Seventh Embodiment In a seventh embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the features of the present disclosure are applied to a so-called dual-polarized antenna module capable of radiating radio waves in two different polarization directions.

[0091] Fig. 15 is a plan view of an antenna module 100J according to embodiment 7. In addition to the configuration of antenna module 100 according to embodiment 1, antenna module 100J further includes a via V4 and an auxiliary electrode 154. In Fig. 15, descriptions of elements that overlap with those of antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0092] In addition to feed point SP1, radiating element 121 is also provided with feed point SP2, which is located at a position offset in the positive direction of the Y axis (fourth direction) from the center of radiating element 121. A high-frequency signal is supplied to feed point SP2 via a feed wiring (not shown). When a high-frequency signal is supplied to feed point SP2, a radio wave polarized in the Y axis direction is radiated in the positive direction of the Z axis.

[0093] A via V4 is connected to the radiating element 121 at a position offset in the negative Y-axis direction (fifth direction) from the center of the radiating element 121. The via V4 extends downward from the radiating element 121, i.e., in a direction toward the ground electrode GND. An auxiliary electrode 154 is connected to the lower end of the via V4.

[0094] The auxiliary electrode 154 is a plate electrode connected to the via V4. The auxiliary electrode 154 is disposed between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND in the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130. The auxiliary electrode 154 extends in the negative direction of the Y axis from the connection point with the via V4 and protrudes from the radiating element 121 in the negative direction of the Y axis.

[0095] With this configuration, it is possible to improve the directivity of radio waves polarized in the Y-axis direction as well as radio waves polarized in the X-axis direction.

[0096] The "via V4" in the seventh embodiment corresponds to the "third via" in the present disclosure. The "auxiliary electrode 154" in the seventh embodiment corresponds to the "fourth electrode" in the present disclosure.

[0097] Eighth Embodiment In an eighth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the features of the present disclosure are applied to a so-called dual-band type antenna module capable of emitting radio waves in two different frequency bands.

[0098] Fig. 16 is a side perspective view of an antenna module 100K according to embodiment 8. The antenna module 100K further includes a radiating element 125, a feed wiring 145, an auxiliary electrode 155, and a via V5 in addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100 according to embodiment 1. In Fig. 16, descriptions of elements that overlap with those of the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0099] 16, radiating element 125 is disposed opposite radiating element 121 and ground electrode GND, between auxiliary electrode 150 and ground electrode GND, within dielectric substrate 130. Although not shown in Fig. 16, radiating element 125 has a substantially square shape when viewed in plan from the normal direction of dielectric substrate 130, and is disposed so that the center of radiating element 121 and the center of radiating element 125 overlap.

[0100] The size of the radiating element 125 is larger than the size of the radiating element 121. Therefore, the frequency of the radio waves radiated from the radiating element 125 is lower than the frequency of the radio waves radiated from the radiating element 121.

[0101] A high-frequency signal is supplied from the RFIC 110 to the feed point SP3 of the radiating element 125 via the feed wiring 145. The feed wiring 145 passes through the ground electrode GND and is connected to the feed point SP3 of the radiating element 125. The feed point SP3 is offset from the center of the radiating element 125 in the positive direction of the X-axis (sixth direction). A radio wave polarized in the X-axis direction is radiated from the radiating element 125 in the Z-axis direction.

[0102] The via V5 is connected to the radiating element 125 at a position offset from the center of the radiating element 125 in the negative direction of the X axis (seventh direction). The via V5 extends downward from the radiating element 125, i.e., in a direction toward the ground electrode GND. The auxiliary electrode 155 is connected to the lower end of the via V5.

[0103] The auxiliary electrode 155 is a rectangular plate electrode. The auxiliary electrode 155 is connected to the via V5. The auxiliary electrode 155 extends in the negative direction of the X-axis from the connection point with the via V5 and protrudes from the end of the radiating element 125 in the negative direction of the X-axis.

[0104] With this configuration, it is possible to improve the directivity of the radio waves radiated from the radiating element 125 as well as the radio waves radiated from the radiating element 121 .

[0105] The "radiating element 125" in the eighth embodiment corresponds to the "second radiating element" in the present disclosure. The "power supply wiring 145" in the eighth embodiment corresponds to the "third power supply wiring" in the present disclosure. The "auxiliary electrode 155" in the eighth embodiment corresponds to the "fifth electrode" in the present disclosure.

[0106] Ninth Embodiment In a ninth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which a ground member is arranged around a radiating element to reduce the influence of surface waves.

[0107] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of an antenna module 100L according to embodiment 9. The antenna module 100L further includes a grounding member 170 in addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100 according to embodiment 1. In Fig. 17, descriptions of elements that overlap with those of the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0108] 17 , the ground member 170 is a wall-shaped flat plate electrode that is arranged around the radiating element 121 so as to surround the radiating element 121 when viewed from above in the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130. A lower end of the ground member 170 is connected to the ground electrode GND, and an upper end of the ground member 170 continues to the main surface 131 of the dielectric substrate 130.

[0109] The ground member 170 is not limited to a flat plate electrode as shown in Fig. 15. For example, the ground member 170 may have a configuration in which a plurality of vias are arranged so as to surround the radiating element 121.

[0110] By providing such a grounding member 170, it is possible to suppress the spread of the surface waves propagating on the surface of the dielectric substrate 130 compared to when the grounding member 170 is not provided, which also makes it possible to reduce the size of the auxiliary electrode 150.

[0111] Tenth Embodiment In a tenth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which an auxiliary electrode is also provided on the side of the feeding point of the radiating element.

[0112] Fig. 18 is a side perspective view of an antenna module 100M according to embodiment 10. The antenna module 100M further includes an auxiliary electrode 156 in addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100 according to embodiment 1. In Fig. 18, descriptions of elements that overlap with those of the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0113] The auxiliary electrode 156 is a rectangular flat electrode that is disposed in a layer between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND and is connected to the via 142 in the feed wiring 140. The auxiliary electrode 156 extends in the negative direction of the X-axis from the connection position with the via 142. When viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130, the auxiliary electrode 156 protrudes in the negative direction of the X-axis from the end of the radiating element 121. The auxiliary electrode 156 allows some of the electric field lines generated from the end of the radiating element 121 in the negative direction of the X-axis to pass through the auxiliary electrode 156 and reach the ground electrode GND.

[0114] Depending on the required specifications, it may be necessary to couple the electric field lines generated from the end of the radiating element 121 in the negative direction of the X axis with the ground electrode GND at a position closer to the radiating element 121. In such a case, by arranging the auxiliary electrode 156 in the opposite direction to the auxiliary electrode 150, it is possible to induce the electric field lines at a position closer to the radiating element 121 than in the case where the auxiliary electrode 156 is not present.

[0115] By appropriately adjusting the amount of protrusion of auxiliary electrode 150 and auxiliary electrode 156 from radiating element 121, the distance (height) from ground electrode GND, and the element width in the Y-axis direction, it is possible to adjust the balance of the electric field lines generated in the positive and negative directions of the X-axis. This makes it possible to improve the directivity of the radio waves radiated from radiating element 121.

[0116] The "auxiliary electrode 156" in the tenth embodiment corresponds to the "sixth electrode" in the present disclosure.

[0117] Eleventh Embodiment In an eleventh embodiment, a configuration will be described in which a dielectric lens for concentrating radio waves is disposed on a dielectric substrate.

[0118] Fig. 19 is a side perspective view of an antenna module 100N according to embodiment 11. The antenna module 100N further includes a dielectric lens 180 in addition to the configuration of the antenna module 100 according to embodiment 1. In Fig. 19, the description of elements that overlap with those of the antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0119] 19 , the dielectric lens 180 is a dielectric having a curved convex portion that protrudes in the positive direction of the Z axis. The dielectric lens 180 is disposed on the main surface 131 of the dielectric substrate 130, and covers the radiating element 121 when viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130. The convex portion of the dielectric lens 180 is formed in a spherical or aspherical shape, and has the function of concentrating radio waves at a specific focal position by utilizing the refraction of radio waves due to the difference in dielectric constant in the curved shape.

[0120] The focal position can be adjusted by changing the dielectric constant of the dielectric lens 180. Note that differences in dielectric constant between the dielectric lens 180 and the dielectric substrate 130, and between the dielectric lens 180 and space (air), can cause reflection of radio waves at the interface. Therefore, when materials with small differences in dielectric constant are used, it is possible to reduce reflection loss that occurs at the interface.

[0121] On the other hand, when a material with a relatively high dielectric constant is used as the material for the dielectric lens 180, the effective wavelength within the dielectric lens 180 becomes shorter and the refractive index at the interface becomes larger, so that the lens can be made smaller than when a material with a relatively low dielectric constant is used.

[0122] Since it is more difficult to ensure antenna gain for high-frequency signals in the sub-terahertz frequency band than for signals in lower frequency bands, the placement of such a dielectric lens 180 can concentrate the radiated radio waves and increase the antenna gain.

[0123] In this case, if the beam direction of the radio waves radiated from the radiating element 121 is tilted from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 130, it may be difficult to properly concentrate the radio waves at a desired position using the dielectric lens 180. Therefore, by arranging the auxiliary electrode 150 and adjusting the beam direction, the degree of concentration of the antenna gain can be increased.

[0124] Twelfth Embodiment In a twelfth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which a dielectric different from the dielectric substrate is disposed on the dielectric substrate in order to adjust the frequency band.

[0125] Fig. 20 is a side perspective view of an antenna module 100P according to embodiment 12. In addition to the configuration of antenna module 100 of embodiment 1, antenna module 100P further includes a dielectric 190 arranged on main surface 131 of dielectric substrate 130. In Fig. 20, descriptions of elements that overlap with antenna module 100 will not be repeated.

[0126] The dielectric 190 has a dielectric constant different from that of the dielectric substrate 130, and is disposed over the entire main surface 131. That is, when viewed from a plane normal to the dielectric substrate 130, the dielectric 190 covers the radiating element 121.

[0127] The surface wave of the electric field propagating on the surface of the dielectric substrate 130 is affected by the dielectric constant of the dielectric material that makes up the dielectric substrate 130. When the dielectric constant of the substrate is relatively high, the spread of the surface wave becomes larger than when the dielectric constant is low.

[0128] Therefore, by using a material for the dielectric 190 having a higher dielectric constant than that of the dielectric substrate 130, the spread of the surface wave can be increased, and the frequency band can be expanded.

[0129] On the other hand, if the effect of surface waves causes the frequency band to become excessively wide and the desired antenna gain cannot be secured, the effect of surface waves can be reduced and the antenna gain can be increased by using a material for dielectric 190 that has a dielectric constant lower than that of dielectric substrate 130.

[0130] The dielectric constant of the dielectric 190 is appropriately selected taking into consideration the required frequency bandwidth, antenna gain, the dielectric constant of the dielectric used in the dielectric substrate 130, and the like.

[0131] In this case as well, the directivity of the antenna module can be improved by providing an auxiliary electrode in the via of the power supply wiring.

[0132] Aspects It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0133] (Item 1) An antenna module according to one aspect includes a dielectric substrate, a flat-plate-shaped first radiating element, a ground electrode, a first feed wiring, a first via connected to the first radiating element, and a flat-plate-shaped first electrode. The dielectric substrate has a first main surface and a second main surface that face each other. The first radiating element is disposed on the dielectric substrate. The ground electrode is disposed on the dielectric substrate closer to the second main surface than the first radiating element and facing the first radiating element. The first feed wiring transmits a high-frequency signal to a first feed point of the first radiating element. The first electrode is connected to the first via and is disposed between the first radiating element and the ground electrode. The first feed point is disposed at a position offset from the center of the first radiating element in a first direction. The first via is connected to the first radiating element at a position offset from the center of the first radiating element in a second direction opposite to the first direction. When viewed in a plan view normal to the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the second direction.

[0134] (Item 2) In the antenna module described in item 1, the amount of protrusion of the first electrode from the first radiating element is equal to or less than half the dimension of the first radiating element in the first direction.

[0135] (Item 3) In the antenna module described in items 1 or 2, the first electrode includes a first portion protruding from the first radiating element and a second portion overlapping the first radiating element when viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate. When a direction perpendicular to the second direction along the surface of the first electrode is defined as a third direction, the dimension of the first portion in the third direction is equal to or greater than 1 / 10 and equal to or less than 2 / 3 of the dimension of the first radiating element in the second direction.

[0136] (Item 4) In the first electrode of the antenna module described in item 3, the dimension of the first portion in the third direction is greater than the dimension of the second portion in the third direction.

[0137] (5) The antenna module according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 4 further includes a second electrode connected between the first electrode and the ground electrode in the first via. When viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the second electrode protrudes from the first electrode in a second direction.

[0138] (Item 6) The antenna module according to any one of Items 1 to 4 further includes a second via extending from the first electrode toward the ground electrode, and a flat third electrode connected to the second via. When viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the third electrode protrudes from the first electrode in the second direction.

[0139] (Item 7) The antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 6 further includes a second feed wiring, a third via, and a flat-plate-shaped fourth electrode. The second feed wiring supplies a high-frequency signal to a second feed point located at a position offset in the fourth direction from the center of the first radiating element. The third via is connected to the first radiating element at a position offset in a fifth direction opposite the fourth direction from the center of the first radiating element. The fourth electrode is connected to the third via and is located between the first radiating element and the ground electrode. The fourth direction intersects with the first direction. When viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the fourth electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the fifth direction.

[0140] (Item 8) The antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 6 further includes a second radiating element, a third feed wiring, a fourth via, and a flat-plate-shaped fifth electrode. The second radiating element is disposed between the first electrode and the ground electrode, and overlaps with the first radiating element when viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate. The third feed wiring transmits a high-frequency signal to a third feed point disposed at a position offset in the sixth direction from the center of the second radiating element. The fourth via is connected to the first radiating element at a position offset in a seventh direction opposite the sixth direction from the center of the first radiating element. The fifth electrode is connected to the fourth via and is disposed between the second radiating element and the ground electrode. The second radiating element has a larger dimension than the first radiating element. When viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the fifth electrode protrudes from the second radiating element in the seventh direction.

[0141] (Item 9) The antenna module according to any one of Items 1 to 6 further includes a sixth electrode having a flat plate shape, connected to the first power supply wiring and disposed between the first radiating element and the ground electrode. When viewed from above in a direction normal to the dielectric substrate, the sixth electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the first direction.

[0142] (Item 10) The antenna module described in any one of items 1 to 9 further includes a grounding member that is arranged around the first radiating element so as to surround the first radiating element when viewed in a plane from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, and is electrically connected to the grounding electrode.

[0143] (Item 11) The antenna module according to any one of Items 1 to 10 further includes a dielectric disposed on the first main surface of the dielectric substrate so as to cover the first radiating element when viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate. The dielectric has a dielectric constant different from that of the dielectric substrate.

[0144] (Item 12) The antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 10 further includes a dielectric lens disposed on the first main surface of the dielectric substrate and having a convex shape in a normal direction to the dielectric substrate, the dielectric lens covering the first radiating element when viewed in a plan view from the normal direction to the dielectric substrate.

[0145] (Item 13) In the antenna module described in item 1, the first radiating element has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate.

[0146] (Clause 14) In the antenna module described in clause 1, if the direction perpendicular to the second direction along the surface of the first electrode is defined as the third direction, when viewed in a plane from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first radiating element has an approximately cross shape with protrusions protruding along the second and third directions.

[0147] (Item 15) In the antenna module described in item 1, the first feed wiring is a microstrip line arranged in the same layer as the first radiating element.

[0148] (Item 16) In the antenna module described in item 1, the first feed wiring is a coplanar line arranged in the same layer as the first radiating element.

[0149] (Item 17) The antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 16 further includes a flat-plate-shaped third radiating element and a seventh electrode, a fourth feed wiring, and a fifth via. The third radiating element is disposed adjacent to the first radiating element and facing the ground electrode when viewed from a plane normal to the dielectric substrate. The fourth feed wiring transmits a high-frequency signal to a fourth feed point of the third radiating element. The fifth via is connected to the third radiating element. The seventh electrode is connected to the fifth via and is disposed between the third radiating element and the ground electrode. The fourth feed point is disposed at a position offset from the center of the third radiating element in the first direction. The fifth via is connected to the third radiating element at a position offset from the center of the third radiating element in the second direction when viewed from a plane normal to the dielectric substrate.

[0150] (Item 18) An antenna module according to one aspect includes a dielectric substrate, a flat-plate-shaped radiating element, a ground electrode, a via connected to the radiating element, and a flat-plate electrode. The dielectric substrate has a first main surface and a second main surface that face each other. The radiating element is disposed on the dielectric substrate. The ground electrode is disposed on the dielectric substrate closer to the second main surface than the radiating element, facing the radiating element. The flat-plate electrode is connected to the via and is disposed between the radiating element and the ground electrode. The via is connected to the radiating element at a position offset from the center of the radiating element in the polarization direction of the radio wave. When viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the flat-plate electrode protrudes from the radiating element in the polarization direction.

[0151] (19th Item) The antenna module according to any one of items 1 to 18 further comprises a power supply circuit that supplies a high frequency signal to each radiating element.

[0152] (20th Item) A communication device according to one aspect is equipped with the antenna module according to any one of the first to 19th items.

[0153] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0154] 10 Communication device, 100 Antenna module, 100A to 100N, 100P, 100X Antenna module, 110 RFIC, 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 / demultiplexer, 118 Mixer, 119 Amplifier circuit, 120 Antenna device, 121, 121A to 121C, 125 Radiating element, 130 Dielectric substrate, 131, 132 Main surface, 140, 140A, 140B, 145 Power supply wiring, 141 Wiring pattern, 142 Via, 150 to 156, 150A Auxiliary electrode, 160 solder bump, 170 ground member, 180 dielectric lens, 190 dielectric, 200 BBIC, GND, GND1 ground electrode, SL slot, SP1 to SP3, SP1A feeding points, V1 to V5 vias.

Claims

1. A dielectric substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other, A first radiating element in the shape of a flat plate is disposed on the dielectric substrate, In the dielectric substrate, a ground electrode is provided on the second main surface side of the first radiating element, and is positioned opposite to the first radiating element. A first power supply wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the first power supply point of the first radiating element, A first via connected to the first radiating element, The first electrode is connected to the first via and is a flat plate shape positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, The first power supply point is positioned at a location offset in a first direction from the center of the first radiating element. The first via is connected to the first radiating element at a position offset from the center of the first radiating element in a second direction opposite to the first direction, When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the second direction. An antenna module in which the amount of protrusion of the first electrode from the first radiating element is 1 / 2 or less of the dimension in the first direction of the first radiating element.

2. When the first electrode is viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, A first portion protruding from the first radiating element, Including a second portion that overlaps with the first radiating element, The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, when the direction perpendicular to the second direction along the surface of the first electrode is defined as the third direction, the dimension of the first portion in the third direction is 1 / 10 or more and 2 / 3 or less of the dimension of the first radiating element in the second direction.

3. The antenna module according to claim 2, wherein in the first electrode, the dimension in the third direction in the first portion is greater than the dimension in the third direction in the second portion.

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

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

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

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

8. The device further comprises a flat plate-shaped sixth electrode connected to the first power supply wiring and positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the sixth electrode protrudes from the first radiating element toward the first direction.

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

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

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

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

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

14. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the first power supply wiring is a microstrip line arranged in the same layer as the first radiating element.

15. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the first power supply wiring is a coplanar line arranged in the same layer as the first radiating element.

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

17. A dielectric substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other, A flat plate-shaped radiating element arranged on the dielectric substrate, In the dielectric substrate, a ground electrode is provided on the second main surface side of the radiating element, and is positioned opposite the radiating element. via connected to the aforementioned radiating element, The system includes a flat plate electrode connected to the via and positioned between the radiating element and the ground electrode, The via is connected to the radiating element at a position offset from the center of the radiating element in the direction of the polarization of the radio waves, When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the flat electrode protrudes from the radiating element in the polarization direction. An antenna module in which the amount of protrusion of the flat plate electrode from the radiating element is 1 / 2 or less of the dimension in the polarization direction of the radiating element.

18. A dielectric substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other, A first radiating element in the shape of a flat plate is disposed on the dielectric substrate, In the dielectric substrate, a ground electrode is provided on the second main surface side of the first radiating element, and is positioned opposite to the first radiating element. A first power supply wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the first power supply point of the first radiating element, A first via connected to the first radiating element, The first electrode is connected to the first via and is a flat plate shape positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, The first power supply point is positioned at a location offset in a first direction from the center of the first radiating element. The first via is connected to the first radiating element at a position offset from the center of the first radiating element in a second direction opposite to the first direction, When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the second direction. When the first electrode is viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, A first portion protruding from the first radiating element, Including a second portion that overlaps with the first radiating element, An antenna module in which, when the direction perpendicular to the second direction along the surface of the first electrode is defined as the third direction, the dimension of the first portion in the third direction is 1 / 10 or more and 2 / 3 or less of the dimension of the first radiating element in the second direction.

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

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

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

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

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

24. A dielectric substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other, A first radiating element in the shape of a flat plate is disposed on the dielectric substrate, In the dielectric substrate, a ground electrode is provided on the second main surface side of the first radiating element, and is positioned opposite to the first radiating element. A first power supply wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the first power supply point of the first radiating element, A first via connected to the first radiating element, The first electrode is connected to the first via and is a flat plate shape positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, The first power supply point is positioned at a location offset in a first direction from the center of the first radiating element. The first via is connected to the first radiating element at a position offset from the center of the first radiating element in a second direction opposite to the first direction, When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the second direction. The antenna module according to claim 1, further comprising a grounding member that, when viewed in plan from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate, is arranged around the first radiating element so as to surround the first radiating element and is electrically connected to the grounding electrode.

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

26. A dielectric substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other, A first radiating element in the shape of a flat plate is disposed on the dielectric substrate, In the dielectric substrate, a ground electrode is provided on the second main surface side of the first radiating element, and is positioned opposite to the first radiating element. A first power supply wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the first power supply point of the first radiating element, A first via connected to the first radiating element, The first electrode is connected to the first via and is a flat plate shape positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, The first power supply point is positioned at a location offset in a first direction from the center of the first radiating element. The first via is connected to the first radiating element at a position offset from the center of the first radiating element in a second direction opposite to the first direction, When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the second direction. The first power supply wiring is a microstrip line arranged in the same layer as the first radiating element, in an antenna module.

27. ​​A dielectric substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other, A first radiating element in the shape of a flat plate is disposed on the dielectric substrate, In the dielectric substrate, a ground electrode is provided on the second main surface side of the first radiating element, and is positioned opposite to the first radiating element. A first power supply wiring that transmits a high-frequency signal to the first power supply point of the first radiating element, A first via connected to the first radiating element, The first electrode is connected to the first via and is a flat plate shape positioned between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, The first power supply point is positioned at a location offset in a first direction from the center of the first radiating element. The first via is connected to the first radiating element at a position offset from the center of the first radiating element in a second direction opposite to the first direction, When viewed in plan from the normal direction of the dielectric substrate, the first electrode protrudes from the first radiating element in the second direction. The first power supply wiring is a coplanar line arranged in the same layer as the first radiating element, in an antenna module.

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

29. The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 28, further comprising a power supply circuit that supplies a high-frequency signal to each radiating element.

30. A communication device equipped with an antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 28.