Dual harmonic radiator module using dual-function radiator

Abstract

Provided is a dual harmonic radiator module using a dual-function radiator. The dual harmonic radiator module comprises: a first radiator configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a first frequency band including a first frequency; a second radiator configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a second frequency band including a second frequency different from the first frequency; and a signal supply path for supplying signals from a control circuit to the first radiator and the second radiator. Here, the first radiator is a dual-function radiator configured to radiate a signal corresponding to the first frequency band and transmit a signal corresponding to the second frequency band.

Description

Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiator

[0001] The present invention relates to wireless communications, and more particularly, to a dual harmonic radiator module capable of implementing a multi- and wideband phased array antenna for a frequency spacing of more than twice by using a dual-function radiator.

[0002] Wireless communication technologies for transmitting and receiving information are constantly evolving. Transmitting and receiving signals for wireless communication requires antenna devices, and various types and methods of antenna devices have been developed to achieve higher performance. Recently, technologies such as MIMO antennas have been developed to overcome performance limitations that are difficult to achieve with a single antenna. Beamforming technology has also been developed to control the direction of signal radiation to maximize the strength of transmission and reception signals between base stations and terminals.

[0003] In particular, to implement high-speed data transmission rates and low-latency communications, recent wireless communication technologies such as 3GPP 5G and 6G have begun to utilize frequencies in the millimeter wave (mmWave) band and even the terahertz (THz) band. In order to address the potential for signal attenuation in the millimeter wave band wireless channel environment due to the characteristics of free space path loss and diffraction reduction, beamforming technology utilizing phased array antennas is becoming increasingly important. This beamforming technology is required at both base stations and terminals, and is especially essential for securing wide coverage and overcoming propagation loss in mobile wireless channel environments.

[0004] While early millimeter wave band utilization focused on specific frequency bands, such as the 28 GHz band, efforts are now being made to utilize a wider range of frequency bands, such as the 43 GHz band. In other words, as various types of mmWave communications develop, the frequency bands used are becoming more segmented and expanded. Because the millimeter wave frequency bands used by different applications and countries can vary, the question arises whether multiple antenna devices are required to transmit and receive signals corresponding to various millimeter wave frequency bands.

[0005] In particular, beamforming requires adjusting the spacing between each radiator in the antenna array to match the frequency band of the signal to be emitted. If the antenna array is arranged at a spacing that does not match the frequency band of the signal to be emitted, a grating lobe problem may occur.

[0006] Accordingly, a method of providing antenna devices each including a radiator array corresponding to each frequency band in order to perform beamforming for signals of multiple frequency bands may be considered, but especially in mobile devices, the area that can be utilized for mounting antennas is gradually shrinking, such as by reducing the bezel area, so the importance of designing for multiple and wideband antennas is increasing.

[0007] One object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problem is to provide a dual harmonic radiator module using a dual-function radiator capable of implementing a complete phased array antenna for dual harmonic frequencies by using a dual-function radiator capable of operating to radiate a signal of a first frequency but transmit a signal corresponding to a second frequency for a first frequency and a second frequency having a frequency interval of more than twice (dual-harmonic).

[0008] Another object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problem is to provide a radiator array capable of implementing a multi-band phased array antenna operable for dual harmonic frequencies by using a dual-function radiator operable to radiate a signal of a first frequency but transmit a signal corresponding to a second frequency for a first frequency and a second frequency having a frequency interval of more than twice (dual-harmonic).

[0009] However, the problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to this, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0010] A dual harmonic radiator module using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first radiator configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a first frequency band including a first frequency; a second radiator configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a second frequency band including a second frequency different from the first frequency; and a signal supply path that supplies a signal from a control circuit to the first radiator and the second radiator; wherein the first radiator may be a dual-function radiator configured to radiate a signal corresponding to the first frequency band but transmit a signal corresponding to the second frequency band.

[0011] According to one aspect, the second frequency may be a frequency n times that of the first frequency, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0012] According to one aspect, the dual harmonic radiator module is configured as a laminated structure having a plurality of layers, and the first radiator can be arranged in a layer higher than the second radiator.

[0013] According to one aspect, the first radiator may include a first patch configured in a plate shape having a predetermined first thickness or less and electrically coupled to the second radiator.

[0014] According to one aspect, the first patch may have a plurality of slots arranged at a predetermined first interval on at least one side.

[0015] According to one aspect, the plurality of slots may have a length of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the second frequency.

[0016] According to one aspect, the first interval may be determined to cancel out a cross-polarization current component of a signal corresponding to the first frequency band.

[0017] According to one aspect, the first radiator may further include a shorting pin connecting the first patch and the ground.

[0018] According to one aspect, the second radiator comprises a second patch, which is configured in a plate shape having a second thickness or less, and a dielectric layer may be disposed on the second patch.

[0019] According to one aspect, the second patch may be formed with a curved edge shape.

[0020] According to one aspect, the second radiator may further include an L-shaped probe formed with a vertical feed pin and horizontal wiring.

[0021] According to one aspect, the second patch provided on the second radiator may be configured to have a smaller size than the first patch provided on the first radiator.

[0022] According to one aspect, the device may further include a soft surface formed to surround the second radiator and configured to suppress the flow of radio waves.

[0023] According to one aspect, the soft surface may be configured to have a multi-layer structure including a first layer corresponding to a second lower frequency that is included in the second frequency band and is lower than the second frequency; a second layer corresponding to a second frequency; and a third layer corresponding to a second upper frequency that is included in the second frequency band and is higher than the second frequency.

[0024] According to one aspect, the signal supply path may be configured to receive at least one of a signal for the first radiator and a signal for the second radiator from the control circuit, and to supply the signal for the first radiator to the first radiator and to supply the signal for the second radiator to the second radiator.

[0025] According to one aspect, the signal supply path may include: a common line connected to the control circuit; a first branch line for connecting the common line and the first radiator; and a second branch line for connecting the common line and the second radiator.

[0026] According to one aspect, the signal supply path may be configured to have at least one bent structure so that the first branch line and the second branch line are arranged in the same direction.

[0027] A dual harmonic radiator array module using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first radiator array configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a first frequency band including a first frequency; a second radiator array configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a second frequency band including a second frequency different from the first frequency; and a signal supply path that supplies a signal from a control circuit to the first radiator array and the second radiator array; wherein a plurality of first radiators included in the first radiator array may be dual-function radiators configured to radiate a signal corresponding to the first frequency band but transmit a signal corresponding to the second frequency band.

[0028] According to one aspect, a plurality of first radiators included in the first radiator array are arranged at a first array interval, a plurality of second radiators included in the second radiator array are arranged at a second array interval different from the first array interval, and at least some of the first radiators are electrically connected to the plurality of second radiators, and the remainder of the first radiators are arranged not to be electrically connected to the second radiators.

[0029] According to one aspect, the control circuit may include any one of an RFIC for applying a signal to at least one of the first radiator and the second radiator; or a digital integrated circuit, a modem, or an AP controller configured to control the RFIC for applying a signal to at least one of the first radiator and the second radiator.

[0030] The disclosed technology may have the following effects. However, this does not mean that a particular embodiment must include all or only the following effects, and therefore the scope of the disclosed technology should not be construed as being limited thereby.

[0031] According to the dual harmonic radiator or radiator array using the dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention described above, a complete phased array antenna can be implemented even for dual harmonic frequencies by using a dual-function radiator that can operate to radiate a signal of a first frequency but transmit a signal corresponding to the second frequency for a first frequency and a second frequency having a frequency interval of more than twice (Dual-Harmonic).

[0032] That is, a phased array antenna capable of operating on multiple frequency bands with frequency spacings of more than twice can be designed within a narrow space, thereby ensuring cost and space design efficiency while performing beamforming for multiple bands. In other words, it is possible to implement a multi-band beamforming antenna for harmonic frequencies within a narrow space.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dual harmonic radiator module using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a dual harmonic radiator module using the dual-function radiator of FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dual harmonic radiator array module using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a dual harmonic radiator array module using the dual-function radiator of FIG. 3.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a design according to one side of the first radiator of FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0038] Fig. 6 shows the reflection coefficient according to the frequency of the first radiator according to the design of Fig. 5.

[0039] Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the detailed configuration of the first radiator of Fig. 5.

[0040] Fig. 8 shows the radiation pattern at 48 GHz depending on the presence or absence of a slot in the first radiator of Fig. 7.

[0041] Figure 9 shows the cancellation of cross-polarized current according to the slot of Figure 7.

[0042] FIG. 10 shows a design according to one side of the second radiator of FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0043] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the second radiator of Fig. 10.

[0044] Fig. 12 shows the reflection coefficient according to the frequency of the second radiator according to the design of Fig. 10.

[0045] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the signal supply path of Figures 1 and 2.

[0046] Fig. 14 is a plan view of the signal supply path of Fig. 13.

[0047] Figure 15 illustrates an example of a soft surface according to one side.

[0048] Figure 16 illustrates the multi-layer structure of the soft surface of Figure 15.

[0049] Figure 17 shows radiation patterns at various frequencies with and without the soft surface having multiple layers of Figure 16.

[0050] Figure 18 is a side view of a dual harmonic radiator module using a dual-function radiator configured in a stacked manner along one side.

[0051] FIG. 19 shows the radiation pattern at each frequency of a dual harmonic radiator module using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 20 shows a radiation pattern according to multiple beam steering directions at a first frequency of a dual harmonic radiator array module using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 21 shows a radiation pattern according to multiple beam steering directions at a second frequency of a dual harmonic radiator array module using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The present invention can be modified in various ways and has various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail.

[0055] However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0056] While terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a "first component." The term "and / or" includes any combination of multiple related items described herein or any item among multiple related items described herein.

[0057] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0058] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0060] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail. In order to facilitate an overall understanding in describing the present invention, identical reference numerals will be used for identical components in the drawings, and redundant descriptions of identical components will be omitted.

[0061]

[0062] Transmitting or receiving signals for wireless communication requires antenna devices. To achieve higher performance, various antenna types and methods have been developed, and beamforming technology is widely utilized to control the direction of signal radiation to maximize the strength of transmission and reception signals between base stations and terminals. In particular, recent wireless communication technologies, such as 3GPP 5G, have begun to utilize frequencies in the millimeter wave (mmWave) band. Millimeter wave wireless channels are characterized by high free space path loss and diffraction reduction, which can cause signal attenuation. To address this, beamforming technology utilizing phased array antennas is becoming increasingly important. This beamforming technology is required at both base stations and terminals, and is essential to ensuring high gain, wide coverage, and overcoming propagation loss in mobile wireless channel environments.

[0063] In general, it is known that in order to perform beamforming without generating grating lobes using a radiator array, it is desirable that the spacing between the multiple radiators constituting the phased array antenna be approximately half a wavelength, more specifically, 0.4 to 0.6 λ. Since the antenna spacing that does not match the operating frequency band causes high mutual coupling between the multiple radiators and the generation of grating lobes, the implementation of multi- and wideband phased array antennas poses a very great engineering challenge. However, considering the flexibility of communication applications and the shrinking antenna area in mobile devices, the development of multi- and wideband phased array antennas is essential.

[0064] However, as mentioned above, when implementing a phased array antenna that can operate for multiple diverse frequencies, there are problems such as the occurrence of grating lobes, beam tilt, and high mutual coupling, and these problems are especially maximized at frequency intervals of more than twice (dual-harmonic). For example, a signal at a second frequency that is twice the frequency of a first frequency signal may be referred to as a harmonic or higher frequency. For example, assuming that the spacing between the radiator arrays is set based on the half-wavelength of the first frequency, the radiator arrays may be arranged at intervals of one wavelength for the second frequency. If the radiator arrays are arranged at intervals of one wavelength of the corresponding frequency in this way, considering the principle of overlap, overlap may occur at multiple locations, and the occurrence of severe grating lobes may be experienced. Therefore, not only the gain is inevitably reduced, but also the accuracy of the beamforming is inevitably reduced.

[0065] The present invention is intended to solve such a problem, and according to a dual harmonic radiator module or radiator array module using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention, a complete phased array antenna for dual harmonic frequencies can be implemented in one space by utilizing a dual-function radiator configured to radiate a signal of a first frequency but transmit a signal of a second frequency which is a harmonic frequency thereof, and its compact structure allows it to be utilized in mobile devices as well.

[0066]

[0067] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dual harmonic radiator module using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the dual harmonic radiator module using the dual-function radiator of FIG. 1. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dual harmonic radiator module (1000) using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a dual harmonic radiator module (1000) using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first radiator (100), a second radiator (200), a signal supply path (300), and a soft surface (400). According to one aspect, the first radiator (100) and the second radiator (200) may be formed on a substrate, but are not limited thereto, and it should be understood that various forms for implementing a radiator array, including, for example, a stacked antenna device such as an Antenna-in-Package (AiP) or an Antenna on Display (AoD), and a transparent antenna device, are included in the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0069] The first radiator (100) and / or the second radiator (200) according to embodiments of the present invention may be configured to transmit and receive signals for a wide band of frequencies, respectively, so as to correspond to a diversified millimeter wave frequency band. According to one aspect, the first radiator (100) may be configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a first frequency band including a first frequency, and the second radiator (200) may be configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a second frequency band including a second frequency different from the first frequency. According to one aspect, the second frequency may be a frequency n times the first frequency, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. That is, for example, the second frequency may be a harmonic frequency of the first frequency. The radiator module according to the embodiments can be implemented as a radiator module capable of radiating both a signal corresponding to a first frequency, which is a harmonic frequency, and a signal corresponding to a second frequency in the same space by having a first radiator (100) and a second radiator (200) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0070] Here, the signal supply path (300) can be configured to supply a signal from the control circuit to the first radiator (100) and the second radiator (200), and the first radiator (100) can be a dual-function radiator configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a first frequency band but transmit a signal corresponding to a second frequency band.

[0071]

[0072] In relation to this, a dual harmonic radiator module using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention may be implemented as, for example, a stacked radiator module, but is not limited thereto. When implemented in a stacked form, it may be manufactured using various processes and materials such as PCB, LTCC, and Glass, for example, by utilizing a two-dimensional stacking technique. For example, it is possible to implement the height of the entire radiator module to be 0.1 λ (based on 24 GHz), and a coaxial GSG (Ground Signal Ground) pad is set on the upper surface to enable easy surface mounting with a communication chip. It can be connected to a signal supply path through a vertical interconnection from the GSG pad. Current is frequency-selectively transmitted through the signal supply path, and the current can power the antenna in the form of a vertical probe.

[0073] Fig. 18 is a side view of a dual harmonic radiator module using a dual-function radiator configured in a stacked manner according to one aspect. As illustrated in Fig. 18, a dual harmonic radiator module using a dual-function radiator according to one aspect of the present invention can be implemented based on, for example, an LTCC process. For example, it can be configured with a total of 12 metal layers (Ag 10 um) and 11 dielectric layers (LTCC 100 um). Structures L1 to L5 can be used for a power supply structure, and in the remaining area, for example, L10 can be used as a space for implementing a second radiator (200), and for example, L12 can be used as a space for implementing a first radiator (100). In other words, the dual harmonic radiator module (1000) according to one aspect may be configured as a laminated structure having a plurality of layers, and for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 2 and FIG. 18, the first radiator (100) may be placed in a layer higher than the second radiator (200).

[0074]

[0075] As a non-limiting but more specific example, a dual harmonic radiator module (1000) using a dual-function radiator according to one aspect of the present invention can be implemented by a combination of an upper antenna (100), a lower antenna (200), a bent CLSC (300), and a soft surface (400), but is not limited thereto. For example, the bent CLSC (300) can be a feeding structure that enables frequency-selective path selection of current, and is described later in the present disclosure. The first radiator (100), which may be referred to as an upper antenna, can be configured to function as a dual-function radiator that operates as a radiator at a first frequency of 24 GHz and transmits electromagnetic waves at a second frequency of 48 GHz, as a non-limiting example. The soft surface (400) can be configured to improve radiation pattern distortion of the small lower antenna (200), and is also described later in the present disclosure.

[0076]

[0077] Below, the configuration of the first radiator (100) and the second radiator (200) will be described in more detail.

[0078] A first radiator (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a first frequency band including a first frequency. For example, the first frequency may be 24 GHz, but is not limited thereto. Meanwhile, the first radiator (100) may be a dual-function radiator configured to transmit a signal corresponding to a second frequency band. For example, the second frequency may be 48 GHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0079]

[0080] FIG. 5 shows a design according to one aspect of the first radiator of FIGS. 1 to 4. In addition, FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a detailed configuration of the first radiator of FIG. 5. As shown in 5a of FIG. 5, the first radiator (100) may be implemented as, for example, a patch antenna. That is, the first radiator (100) may include, for example, a first patch (110) configured in a plate shape having a first thickness or less that is predetermined. The patch antenna may be arranged on a substrate and may be fed through a via or may adopt a structure in which it is indirectly fed by being electrically connected to a feeding portion. FIG. 5 illustrates a case in which it is fed through a via as an example. As a non-limiting example, when using the fundamental resonance mode of a square patch antenna as illustrated in 5a of FIG. 5, broadside radiation of 24 GHz resonance can be performed.

[0081]

[0082] As illustrated in 5b of FIG. 5, according to one aspect of the present invention, the first radiator (100) may further include a shorting pin (120) connecting the first patch (110) and the ground. That is, the first radiator (100) according to one aspect of the present invention may connect the first patch (110) and the ground based on the shorting pin (120). By providing the shorting pin (120) as described above, the bandwidth of the first radiator may be expanded.

[0083] Fig. 6 shows the reflection coefficient according to the frequency of the first radiator according to the design of Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 6, when comparing the reflection coefficient (6a) in the fundamental resonance mode of the square patch antenna of Fig. 5a with the reflection coefficient (6b) in the case of having the short pin (120) of Fig. 5b, it can be confirmed that the bandwidth of the radiated signal by the first radiator (100) is increased.

[0084]

[0085] As illustrated in 5c of FIG. 5, according to one aspect of the present invention, a first radiator (100) and a second radiator (200) can be coupled to each other. More specifically, but not limited to, a first patch (110) of the first radiator (100) can be electrically coupled to a second patch (210) of the second radiator (200). As illustrated in 5c to 7 of FIG. 5, for coupling the first radiator (100) and the second radiator (200), a height distance (d1) between the first patch (110) and the second patch (210) can be arranged within a predetermined distance. Here, for example, d1 can be 0.21 mm, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for the coupling of the first radiator (100) and the second radiator (200), the horizontal distance (d2) between the first patch (110) and the second patch (210) can be arranged within a predetermined distance. Here, for example, d2 can be 0.075 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] According to one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 5c to FIG. 7, the first patch (110) may have a plurality of slots (111) arranged at a first predetermined interval on at least one side. More specifically, but not limited to, the plurality of slots (111) may be designed to have a length (d3) of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the second frequency of the signal radiated by the second radiator (200), but is not limited thereto. In addition, the first interval between the plurality of slots may be determined to cancel a cross-polarization current component of the signal corresponding to the first frequency band. FIG. 9 illustrates the cancellation of the cross-polarization current according to the slots of FIG. 7. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the slots may serve to cancel (900) the cross-polarization current.

[0087] In this way, for example, by mutually coupling the first radiator (100) and the second radiator (200) and changing the shape of the first patch (110) so that the first patch has a plurality of slots, the first radiator (100) can be made to operate as a dual-function radiator that radiates a signal of a first frequency but passes an electromagnetic wave of a second frequency.

[0088] More specifically, but not exclusively, the first radiator (100) can operate as a dual-function radiator, for example, radiating at 24 GHz and transmitting electromagnetic waves at 48 GHz, by utilizing a periodic slot structure. The length (d3) of the slots (211) can be determined similarly to the quarter-wavelength of 48 GHz. Therefore, it can operate to transmit electromagnetic waves at 48 GHz. The width of the slots can be configured to have a very narrow width, for example, 0.05 mm, so as to cancel out cross-polarization current components when operating as a 24 GHz radiator, thereby realizing smooth broadside radiation.

[0089] Fig. 8 shows the radiation pattern at 48 GHz depending on the presence or absence of a slot in the first radiator of Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 8, it was confirmed that when a slot is provided, a higher gain is achieved and precise beamforming can be performed compared to when a slot is not provided.

[0090]

[0091] A second radiator (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a second frequency band including a second frequency. Here, the second frequency may be a higher frequency than the first frequency, and may be, for example, a harmonic frequency that is n times the frequency of the first frequency (wherein, n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2). For example, the first frequency may be 24 GHz and the second frequency may be 48 GHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] FIG. 10 shows a design according to one side of the second radiator of FIGS. 1 to 4, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the second radiator of FIG. 10.

[0093] As illustrated in 10a of FIG. 10, the second radiator (200) may be implemented as, for example, a patch antenna. That is, the second radiator (200) may include, for example, a second patch (210) configured in a plate shape having a second thickness or less that is predetermined. The patch antenna may be arranged on a substrate and may be fed through a via or may be indirectly fed by being electrically connected to a feeding portion. FIG. 10 illustrates a case in which the antenna is fed through a via as an example. As illustrated in 10a of FIG. 10, when the fundamental resonance mode of a square patch antenna is used, broadside radiation of 39 GHz resonance can be performed as a non-limiting example. A dielectric layer may be arranged on the second patch (210) illustrated in 10a of FIG. 10. By stacking a dielectric on top of the patch in this way, the Q-factor can be reduced and the bandwidth can be expanded.

[0094] As illustrated in 10b of FIG. 10, the second patch (210) may be formed with a curved edge shape (210r). By changing the shape of the patch in this way, the size of the antenna can be minimized.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 10c and FIG. 11, the second radiator (200) may further include an L-shaped probe (220) formed by a vertical feeding pin (220v) and a horizontal wiring (220h). That is, by changing the feeding structure to L-probe feeding, additional resonance and bandwidth expansion are possible. As a non-limiting example, it is possible to secure a band of 39 to 50 GHz by including such an L-shaped probe. Therefore, signal radiation of a second frequency of 48 GHz, which is a harmonic frequency, is possible for the exemplary first frequency of 24 GHz.

[0096] Fig. 12 shows the reflection coefficient according to the frequency of the second radiator according to the design of Fig. 10. Referring to Fig. 12, the reflection coefficient (12a) when a dielectric is laminated on a square patch antenna of Fig. 10a, the reflection coefficient (12b) when the shape of the patch antenna of Fig. 10b is changed, and the reflection coefficient (12c) when the feeding structure is changed to L probe feeding of Fig. 10c can be confirmed.

[0097]

[0098] Fig. 15 illustrates an example of a soft surface according to one side. Fig. 16 illustrates a multi-layer structure of the soft surface of Fig. 15.

[0099] As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, according to one aspect of the present invention, a soft surface (400) configured to suppress the flow of radio waves may be provided around the first radiator and / or the second radiator. According to one aspect, the second patch (210) provided to the second radiator (100) may be configured to have a smaller size than the first patch (110) provided to the first radiator (100). As a non-limiting example, since the second patch (210) having a relatively small size may suffer from a radiation pattern distortion problem due to the size of the ground, the soft surface (400) may be arranged to surround the second radiator (200) as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. That is, a dual harmonic radiator module (1000) using a dual-function radiator according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a soft surface (400) formed to surround the second radiator (200) and configured to suppress the flow of radio waves.

[0100] Meanwhile, soft surfaces are utilized as a means of improving radiation pattern distortion due to ground size, but they are frequency-dependent structures. That is, existing soft surfaces are characterized by narrow bandwidths. Therefore, a soft surface according to one aspect of the present invention can implement a soft surface that operates in a wide band of 39 to 50 GHz by employing a multi-layer soft surface (e.g., 40 GHz / 44 GHz / 48 GHz).

[0101] That is, according to one aspect of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the soft surface may have a multi-layer structure including a first layer (210) corresponding to a second lower frequency (e.g., 40 GHz) that is included in a second frequency band and is lower than the second frequency, a second layer (420) corresponding to a second frequency (e.g., 44 GHz), and a third layer (430) corresponding to a second upper frequency (48 GHz) that is included in the second frequency band and is higher than the second frequency. Accordingly, it may play a role in improving radiation pattern distortion in a wide band.

[0102] Figure 17 shows radiation patterns at various frequencies depending on the presence or absence of the soft surface with multiple layers of Figure 16. Referring to Figure 17, it can be confirmed that radiation pattern distortion is prevented when the soft surface is provided compared to when the soft surface is not provided at all of 40 GHz, 44 GHz, and 48 GHz.

[0103]

[0104] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the signal supply path of Figs. 1 and 2, and Fig. 14 is a plan view of the signal supply path of Fig. 13. As illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14, according to one aspect of the present invention, the signal supply path may be a CLSC (Compact, Low-loss, Selective Coupler) using stub line matching. Such a CLSC may have miniaturization, low loss, and frequency selective characteristics compared to a conventional coupler. The stub-based matching may include, for example, a suppression branch (340) to ensure that a signal corresponding to a specific frequency is transmitted to a desired path.

[0105] A signal supply path (300) according to one aspect of the present invention may be configured to receive at least one of a signal for a first radiator and a signal for a second radiator from a control circuit, and to supply the signal for the first radiator to the first radiator and to supply the signal for the second radiator to the second radiator. As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the signal supply path (300) may include a common line (310) connected to the control circuit, a first branch line (320) for connecting the common line and the first radiator, and a second branch line (330) for connecting the common line and the second radiator. Meanwhile, according to one aspect of the present invention, the signal supply path (300) may be configured to include at least one bent structure (350) so that the first branch line and the second branch line are arranged in the same direction. That is, through the additional Bent structure, Bent CLSC can enable the signal lines to be arranged in the same direction.

[0106] Here, the control circuit may be, but is not limited to, an RFIC that applies a signal to the radiator array. For example, the control circuit may be any one of a digital integrated circuit, a modem, or an AP controller configured to control the RFIC that applies a signal to the radiator array, or may be any configuration selected from various configurations that supply a signal to other radiators.

[0107] In the above, the signal supply path (300) according to one aspect of the present invention has been described using the Bent CLSC as an example, but the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited thereto, and any configurations for frequency-selectively transmitting a signal may be included in the signal supply path (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the signal supply path (300) may have a branch element between the common line, the first branch line, and the second branch line, and the branch element may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a power divider, a ring hybrid coupler, and a directional coupler. Impedance adjustment for each branch path may be appropriately controlled according to the adopted signal branch configuration.

[0108]

[0109] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dual harmonic radiator array module using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the dual harmonic radiator array module using the dual-function radiator of FIG. 3.

[0110] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a dual harmonic radiator array module (1000a) using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first radiator array (100a) configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a first frequency band including a first frequency, a second radiator array (200a) configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a second frequency band including a second frequency that is n times the frequency of the first frequency, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2, and a signal supply path (300) that supplies a signal from a control circuit to the first radiator array and the second radiator array.

[0111] A plurality of first radiators (100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4) included in the first radiator array (100a) may be dual-function radiators configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a first frequency band but transmit a signal corresponding to a second frequency band.

[0112]

[0113] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a dual harmonic radiator array module (1000a) using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first radiator array (100a), a second radiator array (200a), and a signal supply path (300). According to one aspect, the first radiator array (100a) and the second radiator array (200a) may be formed on a substrate, but are not limited thereto, and it should be understood that various forms for implementing the radiator array are included in the technical idea of ​​the present invention, including, for example, a stacked antenna device such as an Antenna-in-Package (AiP) or an Antenna on Display (AoD), and a transparent antenna device.

[0114]

[0115] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first radiator array (100a) according to one aspect may include a plurality of radiators (100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4), and the second radiator array (200a) may include a plurality of radiators (200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4). In FIG. 2, for example, one radiator array is illustrated as including four radiators, but it should be understood that the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited thereto, and an appropriate number of radiators for performing beamforming may be configured to form one radiator array.

[0116]

[0117] Here, as more specifically illustrated through FIG. 4, a plurality of first radiators (100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4) included in a first radiator array (100a) may be arranged at a first array interval, and a plurality of second radiators (200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) included in a second radiator array (200a) may be arranged at a second array interval that is different from the first array interval. Here, the first array interval may be an interval between radiators for performing beamforming for a signal of a first frequency band, and the second array interval may be an interval between radiators for performing beamforming for a signal of the second frequency band. Accordingly, the first radiator can perform beamforming for a signal in the first frequency band, and the second radiator can perform beamforming for a signal in the second frequency band.

[0118] Meanwhile, as previously discussed, in order for the first radiator (100) to radiate the first frequency signal and transmit the second frequency signal according to one aspect of the present invention, the first radiator (100) and the second radiator (200) may be electrically connected. For the electrical connection according to one aspect, it may be required that the horizontal distance between the first radiator (100) and the second radiator (200) be arranged within a predetermined distance. However, since the first array spacing for beamforming the signal of the first frequency band is different from the second array spacing for beamforming the signal of the second frequency band, it may not be easy to configure all matchings of the radiators of the first radiator array and the radiators of the second radiator array to have the same distance. In relation to this, according to one aspect of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 4, at least some of the first radiators may be arranged so as to be electrically connected to a plurality of second radiators, and the remainder of the first radiators may not be electrically connected to the second radiators. For example, the first radiator (100-2) may be electrically connected to the second radiators (200-1, 200-2), the first radiator (100-3) may be electrically connected to the second radiators (200-3, 200-4), and the first radiators (100-1, 100-4) may not be electrically connected to the second radiators. Even if the first radiators (100-1, 100-4) are not electrically connected to the second radiators, they may be arranged so as to be sufficiently spaced apart from the second radiators so as not to have an influence on the signal of the second frequency.

[0119] Meanwhile, in a dual harmonic radiator array (1000a) using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention, two types of Bent CLSCs each having a different length are used, so that a signal can be supplied according to the spacing between different radiators.

[0120] Additionally, according to one aspect, due to the large size of the phased array antenna, both soft surfaces for the upper and lower antennas can be used. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, an upper soft surface (400t) can be arranged for the first radiator array (100a), and a lower soft surface (400b) can be arranged for the second radiator array (200a).

[0121]

[0122] As described above, the dual harmonic radiator module (1000) or radiator array module (1000a) using a dual-function radiator according to one embodiment of the present invention can miniaturize the antenna device by providing radiator arrays corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands including harmonic frequencies in the same antenna device and controlling them based on the same control circuit, thereby reducing the difficulty of spatial design for a wireless device and also improving cost efficiency.

[0123] FIG. 19 shows the radiation pattern at each frequency of a dual harmonic radiator module using a dual-function radiator according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 19, it can be confirmed that the dual harmonic radiator module (1000) using a dual-function radiator according to an embodiment of the present invention simultaneously implements broadside radiation in a first frequency band (e.g., 24 GHz) and a second frequency band (e.g., 48 GHz) using only one port in an integrated space. A realized gain of 3.3 dBi in the first frequency band (e.g., 24 GHz) and 7.9 dBi in the second frequency band (e.g., 48 GHz) were measured.

[0124] FIG. 20 shows a radiation pattern according to multiple beam steering directions at a first frequency of a dual harmonic radiator array module using a dual function radiator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21 shows a radiation pattern according to multiple beam steering directions at a second frequency of a dual harmonic radiator array module using a dual function radiator according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, a dual harmonic radiator array module (1000a) using a dual-function radiator according to an embodiment of the present invention implements different separation distances for each antenna type by adjusting the signal line length of the Bent CLSC, and when the separation distance of the upper antenna (first radiator) is set to 6 mm and the separation distance of the lower antenna (second radiator) is set to 3.2 mm, a 7.3 dBi Realized gain and -45 to 45 deg beam steering were confirmed based on 24 GHz, and a 12.8 dBi Realized gain and -45 to 45 deg beam steering were confirmed based on 48 GHz.

[0125]

[0126] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings and embodiments, it does not mean that the scope of protection of the present invention is limited by the drawings or embodiments, and it will be understood that a person skilled in the art can modify and change the present invention in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in the following claims.

[0127] Although the present invention described above is described based on a series of functional blocks, it is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the attached drawings, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible within a scope that does not depart from the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0128] The combination of the above-described embodiments is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various combinations may be provided in addition to the above-described embodiments depending on implementation and / or needs.

[0129] In the above-described embodiments, the methods are described based on a flowchart as a series of steps or blocks. However, the present invention is not limited to the order of the steps, and some steps may occur in a different order or simultaneously with other steps described above. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the steps depicted in the flowchart are not exclusive, and other steps may be included, or one or more steps in the flowchart may be deleted without affecting the scope of the present invention.

[0130] The above-described embodiments include examples of various aspects. While not all possible combinations to illustrate the various aspects can be described, those skilled in the art will recognize that other combinations are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to encompass all other alterations, modifications, and variations within the scope of the following claims.

[0131]

[0132] [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 100: 1st emitter

[0134] 110: Patch 1

[0135] 120: Short pin

[0136] 200: Second emitter

[0137] 210: Second Patch

[0138] 300: Signal supply path

[0139] 400: Soft Surface

Claims

1. A dual harmonic radiator module using a dual-function radiator, A first radiator configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a first frequency band including a first frequency; A second radiator configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a second frequency band including a second frequency different from the first frequency; and A signal supply path for supplying a signal from a control circuit to the first radiator and the second radiator; The first radiator is a dual-function radiator configured to radiate a signal corresponding to the first frequency band while transmitting a signal corresponding to the second frequency band. Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

2. In paragraph 1, The second frequency is, a frequency n times the first frequency, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2, Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

3. In paragraph 1, The above dual harmonic radiator module, It is composed of a laminated structure having multiple layers, The first radiator is arranged in a layer higher than the second radiator, Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first radiator is, A first patch comprising a plate shape having a predetermined first thickness or less and electrically coupled to the second radiator; Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

5. In paragraph 4, The above first patch is, Having a plurality of slots arranged at a predetermined first interval on at least one side, Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

6. In paragraph 5, The above multiple slots are, having a length of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the second frequency, Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first interval is, It is determined to cancel the cross polarization current component of the signal corresponding to the first frequency band. Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

8. In paragraph 4, The above first radiator is, Further comprising a shorting pin connecting the first patch and the ground; Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

9. In paragraph 3, The second radiator is, A second patch comprising a plate shape having a predetermined second thickness or less; A dielectric layer is placed on top of the second patch, Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

10. In paragraph 9, The above second patch is, The corners are formed into a curved shape, Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

11. In paragraph 9, The second radiator is, L-shaped probe formed by vertical feed pins and horizontal wiring; further comprising, Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

12. In paragraph 3, The second patch provided in the second radiator has a smaller size than the first patch provided in the first radiator. Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

13. In paragraph 12, Further comprising a soft surface formed to surround the second radiator and configured to suppress the flow of radio waves; Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

14. In paragraph 13, The above soft surface is, A first layer corresponding to a second lower limit frequency, which is included in the second frequency band and is a frequency lower than the second frequency; a second layer corresponding to the second frequency; and A multi-layer structure including a third layer corresponding to a second upper limit frequency which is included in the second frequency band and is a frequency higher than the second frequency; Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

15. In paragraph 1, The above signal supply path is, A device configured to receive at least one of a signal for the first radiator and a signal for the second radiator from the control circuit, and to supply the signal for the first radiator to the first radiator and to supply the signal for the second radiator to the second radiator. Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

16. In paragraph 15, The above signal supply path is, Common line connected to the above control circuit; A first branch line for connecting the common line and the first radiator; and a second branch line for connecting the common line and the second radiator; Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

17. In paragraph 16, The above signal supply path is, At least one bent structure is provided, so that the first branch line and the second branch line are arranged in the same direction. Dual harmonic radiator module using dual function radiators.

18. A dual harmonic radiator array module using a dual-function radiator, A first radiator array configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a first frequency band including a first frequency; A second radiator array configured to radiate a signal corresponding to a second frequency band including a second frequency different from the first frequency; and A signal supply path for supplying a signal from a control circuit to the first radiator array and the second radiator array; The plurality of first radiators included in the first radiator array are dual-function radiators configured to radiate a signal corresponding to the first frequency band but transmit a signal corresponding to the second frequency band. Dual harmonic radiator array module using dual function radiators.

19. In paragraph 18, A plurality of first radiators included in the first radiator array are arranged at a first array interval, A plurality of second radiators included in the second radiator array are arranged at a second array spacing different from the first array spacing, At least some of the first radiators are electrically connected to a plurality of second radiators, and the remainder of the first radiators are arranged so as not to be electrically connected to the second radiators. Dual harmonic radiator array module using dual function radiators.

20. In paragraph 19, The above first array spacing is, The spacing between the radiators for performing beam forming for the signal of the first frequency band, The above second array spacing is, The spacing between the radiators for performing beam forming for the signal of the second frequency band, Dual harmonic radiator array module using dual function radiators.

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