Antenna device and front end module using same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an antenna device and an electronic device using same, the antenna device having twice as many antennas arranged in the same area so as to be reduced in size by half and be capable of performing high power long-distance transmission. The antenna device according to the present invention comprises: a core printed circuit board having antenna circuits arranged therein; a Yagi-Uda antenna formed on a plurality of printed circuit boards arranged above the core printed circuit board, so as to transmit a single polarization signal; a monopole antenna connected to the Yagi-Uda antenna through a via; and a ground radiation unit arranged below the core printed circuit board so as to be symmetrical to the monopole antenna with respect to the core printed circuit board.

Description

Antenna device and front-end module using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna device, and more particularly, to an antenna device that can reduce the size by half by vertically arranging two antennas in the same area and perform long-distance transmission with high output, and a front-end module using the same.

[0002] Wireless communication systems typically provide various multimedia services, including video, music, and games. To ensure smooth delivery of these services, high-speed data transmission rates for massive amounts of multimedia data must be guaranteed. Research is being conducted to improve the performance of antenna devices in communication terminals.

[0003] This is because the antenna device in a communication terminal is actually responsible for transmitting and receiving data for multimedia services. Recently, a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna device has been proposed as an antenna device mounted on a communication terminal in a wireless communication system. A MIMO antenna device has a number of antenna elements. By transmitting and receiving signals in a certain frequency band through the antenna elements in the MIMO antenna device, high-speed data transmission is possible.

[0004] Future mobile communication services will require data transmission rates exceeding 100 Gbps due to their high speed, high capacity, and high density. Terahertz (THz) technology is expected to become a key wireless transmission technology to achieve this. Current terahertz technology research has primarily focused on non-destructive, non-contact, optical-based short-range detection, while research on radio-based long-distance terahertz wireless transmission technology remains insufficient. With the commercialization of 5G mobile communications and discussions on 6G mobile communications technology, there is a growing need for high-gain antennas capable of high-output, long-distance transmission using the terahertz (THz) band.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an antenna device capable of reducing the size by half by vertically arranging two antennas in the same area, and a front-end module using the same.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a high-gain antenna device capable of long-distance transmission in the terahertz band and a front-end module using the same.

[0007] An antenna device according to the present invention for achieving this purpose may include at least one antenna element, wherein the antenna element comprises: a Yagi-Uda antenna formed in an upper build-up layer; a monopole antenna formed in the upper build-up layer and connected to the Yagi-Uda antenna through a first via; and a ground radiating portion formed in a lower build-up layer disposed under the upper build-up layer and forming a symmetrical structure with at least a portion of the Yagi-Uda antenna and the monopole antenna.

[0008] In an antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the Yagi-Uda antenna may include a power supply unit that supplies power; a dipole inductor that is powered by the power supply unit and radiates radio waves; a wave director that increases the intensity of the radio waves from the dipole inductor; and a reflector that reflects the radio waves.

[0009] In an antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the monopole antenna includes a plurality of conductors, and at least some of the plurality of conductors can be connected to the waveguide through the first via.

[0010] In an antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the ground radiating portion includes a ground portion connected to the ground and at least one conductor electrically connected to the ground portion, and the at least one conductor electrically connected to the ground portion may have a symmetrical structure with the plurality of conductors of the monopole antenna.

[0011] In an antenna device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper build-up layer includes an upper insulating layer and a first insulating layer disposed under the upper insulating layer, the feeding unit is disposed in the upper insulating layer, the dipole inductor is disposed in the upper insulating layer and includes a first inductor connected to the feeding unit and a second inductor disposed in the first insulating layer and disposed at a position corresponding to the first inductor, the wave director is disposed in the upper insulating layer and disposed at a position spaced apart from the first inductor in a first direction, and the reflector is disposed in the first insulating layer and connected to ground.

[0012] In an antenna device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper build-up layer further includes a second insulating layer under the first insulating layer and a third insulating layer under the second insulating layer, and at least one conductor electrically connected to the ground portion includes a first conductor disposed in the third insulating layer; a second conductor disposed in the second insulating layer, one side of which is connected to the first conductor through a second via; and a third conductor disposed in the first insulating layer, one side of which is connected to the second conductor through a third via, and the other side of which is connected to the waveguide through the first via.

[0013] In an antenna device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lower build-up layer includes a lower insulating layer and a fourth insulating layer on the lower insulating layer; a fifth insulating layer on the fourth insulating layer; and a sixth insulating layer on the fifth insulating layer, wherein the grounding portion is disposed on the sixth insulating layer, and at least one conductor electrically connected to the grounding portion includes a fourth conductor disposed on the sixth insulating layer and connected to the grounding portion; a fifth conductor disposed on the fifth insulating layer and having one side connected to the fourth conductor through a fourth via; a sixth conductor disposed on the fourth insulating layer and having one side connected to the fifth conductor through the fifth via; and a seventh conductor disposed on the lower insulating layer and having one side connected to the sixth conductor through the sixth via.

[0014] In an antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the waveguide may include a first waveguide extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a second waveguide extending in the second direction and spaced apart from the first waveguide in the first direction.

[0015] In an antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first via may include a first-1 via connecting one end of the first waveguide and the third conductor, and a first-2 via connecting the other end of the second waveguide and the third conductor.

[0016] In an antenna device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seventh conductor includes a 7-1 conductor extending in the second direction and a 7-2 conductor extending in the second direction and spaced apart from the 7-1 conductor in the first direction.

[0017] In an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the sixth via may include a 6-1 via connecting one end of the 7-1 conductor and the sixth conductor, and a 6-2 via connecting the other end of the 7-2 conductor and the sixth conductor.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, an antenna device further includes a core layer between the upper build-up layer and the lower build-up layer, and the ground radiating portion can form a symmetrical structure with at least a portion of the Yagi-Uda antenna and the monopole antenna based on the core layer.

[0019] In an antenna device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the S parameter in a frequency band of 110 GHz to 170 GHz can be 6 dB or more.

[0020] In an antenna device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length of the dipole inductor of the Yagi-Uda antenna may be 0.4 to 0.6 times the length of the wavelength corresponding to the signal.

[0021] In an antenna device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length of the plurality of conductors of the monopole antenna in the first direction may be 0.2 to 0.3 times the length of the wavelength corresponding to the signal.

[0022] In an antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one antenna element may include a first antenna element and a second antenna element arranged on a side of the first antenna element on the same plane as the first antenna element.

[0023] The antenna device according to the present invention can reduce the antenna size by half by vertically arranging two antennas in the same area.

[0024] The antenna device according to the present invention can increase the electromagnetic wave coverage area along with high gain directionality in the terahertz band by forming an antenna pattern through a printed circuit board having a stack structure of a Yagi-Uda antenna and a monopole antenna.

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an antenna device according to the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an antenna element of one of the antenna devices according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the antenna element shown in Figure 2.

[0028] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 3.

[0029] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing the arrangement relationship of elements constituting the Yagi-Uda antenna of the antenna device according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 is a graph showing the operational characteristics of an antenna device according to the present invention.

[0031] Figures 7 to 9 are graphs showing radiation patterns according to the operation of the antenna device.

[0032] Figure 10 shows a block diagram of a front-end module according to the present invention.

[0033] With respect to the embodiments of the present invention disclosed in the text, specific structural and functional descriptions are merely illustrative for the purpose of explaining the embodiments of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described in the text.

[0034] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and takes various forms. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific disclosed forms, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0035] While terms like "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, these components are not 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 could be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component could also be referred to as a "first component."

[0036] 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 there may also be other components in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. Other expressions that describe the relationship between components, such as "between" and "directly between" or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to", should be interpreted similarly. Similarly, "disposed on" can mean disposed directly on the surface of another component or disposed above the surface by a distance.

[0037] 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 "comprises" or "has" indicate the presence of a disclosed feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0038] 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 to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0039] Meanwhile, if a particular embodiment can be implemented differently, the functions or operations specified within a particular block may occur in a different order than specified in the flowchart. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be performed substantially simultaneously, or, depending on the related functions or operations, the blocks may be performed in reverse order.

[0040] Hereinafter, an antenna device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. For convenience, the antenna device will be described using a Cartesian coordinate system (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis), but it is obvious that the antenna device can also be described using other coordinate systems. In addition, according to the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are orthogonal to each other, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may also intersect each other.

[0041] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing the configuration of an antenna device according to the present invention. As illustrated, the antenna device (10) according to the present invention has a structure in which first to fourth antenna elements (11 to 14) are arranged in parallel with each other. Specifically, the antenna device (10) has a structure in which the first to fourth antenna elements (11 to 14) are arranged in the x-axis direction (first direction) on the same plane. That is, the antenna device (10) has a structure in which the side surfaces of each of the first to fourth antenna elements (11 to 14) are arranged adjacent to each other. In one embodiment, the first to fourth antenna elements (11 to 14) have the same shape. At this time, each of the antenna elements (11 to 14) has substantially the same width and length. Specifically, the widths (W1 to W4) of each of the first to fourth antenna elements (11 to 14) in the first direction have substantially the same values. In addition, the first to fourth antenna elements (11 to 14) have substantially the same length (L) in the second direction intersecting the first direction. That is, the width of each antenna element (11 to 14) has the same value. Meanwhile, although FIG. 1 illustrates and describes the antenna device (10) as including four antenna elements, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the antenna device (10) may be implemented to include three or fewer or five or more antenna elements.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a first antenna element among a plurality of antenna elements according to the present invention, Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the first antenna element, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 3. The configuration of the first antenna element (11) described in Fig. 2 can be equally applied to each of the second to fourth antenna elements (12 to 14) described above.

[0043] The first antenna element (11) of the antenna device (10) according to the present invention can be implemented as a substrate including a core layer (207), a lower build-up layer (210) disposed below the core layer (207), and an upper build-up layer (220) disposed above the core layer (207).

[0044] The lower build-up layer (210) includes a plurality of insulating layers (204 to 206) that are stacked and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, a lower insulating layer (101), and a wiring layer. The upper build-up layer (220) includes a plurality of insulating layers (201 to 203) that are stacked and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, an upper insulating layer (102), and a wiring layer. Here, the wiring layer includes an antenna wiring layer that constitutes an antenna. In one embodiment, the wiring layer may further include a routing wiring layer. The routing wiring layer may include a transmission line, a signal pattern, a power pattern, or a resistance pattern for controlling the antenna. The wiring layer may be disposed between or in an area penetrating the plurality of insulating layers (101, 102, 201 to 203, 205 to 207).

[0045] In this way, the first antenna element (11) may be implemented as a substrate having nine layers laminated thereon, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first antenna element (11) may be implemented as a substrate in which the core layer (207) is omitted. For example, the first antenna element (11) may be implemented as a substrate in which each of the lower build-up layer (210) and the upper build-up layer (220) has a number of layers that is less than or greater than three.

[0046] As illustrated, the first antenna element (11) of the antenna device (10) according to the present invention may include an antenna portion (20) formed in an upper build-up layer (220) and a ground radiating portion (30) formed in a lower build-up layer (210). Specifically, the antenna portion (20) may include a Yagi-Uda antenna (21) and a monopole antenna (22) formed in the upper build-up layer (220). In one embodiment, the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) and the monopole antenna (22) may be connected to each other through a via, which will be described later. In addition, the ground radiating portion (30) may be formed in the lower build-up layer (210). In the antenna device (10) according to the present invention, the antenna portion (20) and the ground radiating portion (30) are arranged to have a partially symmetrical shape with respect to the core layer (207). Specifically, the remaining components of the antenna section (20) excluding the dipole inductor of the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) described later and the ground radiating section (30) can form a symmetrical shape based on the core layer (207).

[0047] In one embodiment, the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) can transmit and receive signals in a horizontal polarization manner. Specifically, the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) can transmit and receive signals that vibrate horizontally with respect to the direction of propagation of the signal. In one embodiment, the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) can include a dipole-shaped inductor, a waveguide, and a reflector. In one embodiment, the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) can be configured with a length of a signal wavelength (=λ) / 2, and can transmit and receive highly directional signals.

[0048] In one embodiment, the monopole antenna (22) may include an antenna that transmits and receives signals in a vertical polarization manner. Specifically, the monopole antenna (22) may transmit and receive signals that vibrate vertically with respect to the direction of propagation of the signal. In one embodiment, the monopole antenna (22) may be configured with a length of λ / 4 and may transmit and receive omnidirectional signals.

[0049] The first antenna element (11) according to the present invention has a form in which a Yagi-Uda antenna (21) and a monopole antenna (22) are vertically arranged and connected to each other through a via, and thus can have both the characteristics of a Yagi-Uda antenna (21) and the characteristics of a monopole antenna (22).

[0050] In one embodiment, the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) may be implemented as an antenna wiring layer of the upper build-up layer (220). For example, the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) may include a feeder (310), a first inductor (320), a first waveguide (331), a second waveguide (332), a reflector (410), and a second inductor (420).

[0051] Specifically, a power supply unit (310) for supplying power, a first inductor (320) for radiating radio waves by being supplied by the power supply unit (310), and waveguides (331, 332) for increasing the directivity and intensity of radio waves radiated from the first inductor (320) are disposed on the upper insulating layer (102). In addition, a reflector (410) for reflecting radio waves by being connected to the ground and a second inductor (420) for radiating radio waves together with the first inductor (310) are disposed on the insulating layer (201) disposed below the upper insulating layer (102). That is, the first inductor (310) and the second inductor (420) can together form a structure of a planar dipole antenna.

[0052] In one embodiment, one end of the feeder (310) is connected to one surface of the upper insulating layer (102), and the other end extends in the y-axis direction (second direction). And the first inductor (320) is connected to the other end of the feeder (310) and is implemented in the shape of the alphabet L. For example, the first inductor (320) may include a first part extending in the y-axis direction from the feeder (310) and a second part extending in the x-axis direction (first direction). And each of the waveguides (331, 332) is arranged to be spaced apart from the first inductor (320) in the y-axis direction. For example, the first waveguide (331) may be spaced apart from the first inductor (320) in the y-axis direction and may extend in the x-axis direction. And the second waveguide (332) may be spaced apart from the first waveguide (331) in the y-axis direction and may extend in the x-axis direction.

[0053] The reflector (410) may be arranged on one surface of the insulating layer (201). And the second inductor (420) is implemented in the shape of the alphabet L by extending from the reflector (410). For example, the second inductor (420) may include a first part extending in the y-axis direction from the reflector (410) and a second part extending in the x-axis direction. At this time, the second part of the second inductor (420) may extend in the opposite direction to the second part of the first inductor (320). That is, the second inductor (420) may be implemented in an L shape that is symmetrical with respect to the y-axis direction with respect to the first inductor (320). In one embodiment, the first part of the first inductor (320) and the first part of the second inductor (420) may overlap in the vertical direction.

[0054] The antenna portion (20) may include a second ground portion (605) formed on the upper build-up layer (220). The ground radiating portion (30) may include a first ground portion (603) formed on the lower build-up layer (210). According to an embodiment, the first antenna element (11) may further include a via (not shown) connecting the first ground portion (603) and the second ground portion (605). The via may be formed by penetrating the core layer (207) between the first ground portion (603) and the second ground portion (605).

[0055] In one embodiment, the ground radiating portion (30) may be implemented as an antenna wiring layer of the lower build-up layer (210). Specifically, the ground radiating portion (30) is disposed on the sixth insulating layer (206), is connected to the first ground portion (603), and includes a fourth conductor (504) extending in the y-axis direction (second direction). In addition, the ground radiating portion (30) is disposed on the fifth insulating layer (205) and includes a fifth conductor (505) extending in the y-axis direction. In addition, the ground radiating portion (30) is disposed on the fourth insulating layer (204) and includes a sixth conductor (506) extending in the y-axis direction. In addition, the ground radiating portion (30) is disposed on the lower insulating layer (101), and includes a 7-1 conductor (507) and a 7-2 conductor (508) extending in the x-axis direction (first direction). The 7-1 conductor (507) and the 7-2 conductor (508) are arranged spaced apart from each other in the y-axis direction, and may partially overlap with the 6th conductor (506) in the z-axis direction.

[0056] And the grounding radiator (30) may further include a fourth via (V4), a fifth via (V5), and a sixth via (V6: V6-1, V6-2) that electrically connect the fourth to seventh-second conductors (504 to 508) to each other. In one embodiment, one surface of the fourth conductor (504) may be electrically connected to one surface of the fifth conductor (505) by the fourth via (V4). The other surface of the fifth conductor (505) may be electrically connected to one surface of the sixth conductor (506) by the fifth via (V5). One end of the other surface of the sixth conductor (506) may be electrically connected to a part of the seventh-first conductor (507) by the sixth-first via (V6-1). The other end of the 6th conductor (506) may be electrically connected to a portion of the 7th-2nd conductor (508) via the 6th-2nd via (V6-2). At this time, the area of ​​the 7th-1st conductor (507) connected to the 6th-1st via (V6-1) is the center of the 7th-1st conductor (507), and the area of ​​the 7th-2nd conductor (508) connected to the 6th-2nd via (V6-2) is the center of the 7th-2nd conductor (508). That is, the 7th-1st conductor (507) extends in the x-axis direction with the portion connected to the 6th-1st via (V6-1) as the center.

[0057] And the 7-2 conductor (508) extends in the x-axis direction centered on the portion connected to the 6-2 via (V6-2).

[0058] In one embodiment, the 7-1 conductor (507) and the 7-2 conductor (508) may have the same length. Meanwhile, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiment, the length of the 7-1 conductor (507) may be implemented to be longer than the 7-2 conductor (508). In one embodiment, the area of ​​the 4th conductor (504) among the 4th to 7-2 conductors (508) may be the largest. In one embodiment, the 7-1 conductor (507) and the 7-2 conductor (508) may have the same area. Alternatively, depending on the embodiment, the area of ​​the 7-1 conductor (507) may be larger than that of the 7-2 conductor (508).

[0059] In one embodiment, the monopole antenna (22) may be implemented as an antenna wiring layer of the upper build-up layer (220). Specifically, the monopole antenna (22) is disposed on the third insulating layer (203), is spaced apart from the second ground portion (605), is connected through a feed portion (not shown), and includes a first conductor (501) extending in the y-axis direction (second direction). In addition, the monopole antenna (22) is disposed on the second insulating layer (202) and includes a second conductor (502) extending in the y-axis direction. In addition, the monopole antenna (22) is disposed on the first insulating layer (201) and includes a third conductor (503) extending in the y-axis direction.

[0060] And the monopole antenna (22) may further include a second via (V2) and a third via (V3) that electrically connect the first to third conductors (501 to 503) to each other. In one embodiment, one end of the first conductor (501) may be electrically connected to one end of the second conductor (502) by the second via (V2). The other end of the second conductor (502) may be electrically connected to one end of the third conductor (503) by the third via (V3).

[0061] And the antenna unit (20) may further include a plurality of antennas connecting the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) and the monopole antenna (22) to each other. Specifically, the antenna unit (20) may include a first-first via (V1-1) connecting the first director (331) of the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) and one end of the third conductor (503) of the monopole antenna (22). In addition, the antenna unit (20) may include a first-second via (V1-2) connecting the second director (332) of the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) and the other end of the third conductor (503). Meanwhile, when the director of the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) is implemented to include one or three or more directors, vias as many as the number of directors may be implemented to connect each of the directors and the third conductor (503).

[0062] Among the first to third conductors (501 to 503) forming the monopole antenna (22), the area of ​​the first conductor (501) placed on the third insulating layer (203) can be formed to be the widest.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be confirmed that the structure of the ground radiating portion (30) has a symmetrical structure with at least a portion of the antenna portion (20). In one embodiment, the structure of the ground radiating portion (30) may have a symmetrical structure with at least a portion of the antenna portion (20) with respect to the core layer (207).

[0064] Specifically, the ground radiating portion (30) may include components (i.e., the 7-1 conductor (507) and the 7-2 conductor (508)) that are symmetrical with the remaining structures (i.e., the waveguides (331, 332)) except for the dipole inductor and the feed portion of the Yagi-Uda antenna (21). In addition, the ground radiating portion (30) may include components (i.e., the 4th to 6th conductors (504 to 506) and the 4th and 5th vias (V4, V5)) that are symmetrical with the 1st to 3rd conductors (501 to 503) and the 2nd and 3rd vias (V2, V3) of the monopole antenna (22). And the ground radiating portion (30) may include configurations having a symmetrical structure with the first-first and first-second vias (V1-1, V1-2) (i.e., the sixth-first and sixth-second vias (V6-1, V6-2)). Here, the symmetrical structure means that when one side is rotated around a reference (e.g., core layer (207)), it overlaps with the other side, and the degree of overlap may be set differently depending on the embodiment.

[0065] Meanwhile, although FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate and describe the monopole antenna (22) as including three conductors (501, 502, 503), the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Specifically, the monopole antenna (22) may be implemented to include two or fewer or four or more conductors, and it is sufficient if some of the conductors of the monopole antenna (22) can be connected to the waveguide of the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) through vias.

[0066] In addition, although FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate and describe that the third conductor (503) of the monopole antenna (22) is formed on the same insulating layer as the second inductor (420) of the Yagi-Uda antenna (21), the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Specifically, the conductors of the monopole antenna (22) may be implemented so that they are formed on insulating layers below one or more layers, respectively, and it is sufficient if a part of the conductor of the monopole antenna (22) can be connected to the waveguide of the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) through a via.

[0067] In addition, although FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate and describe the monopole antenna (22) as being formed at the bottom of the Yagi-Uda antenna (21), the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Specifically, the monopole antenna (22) may be formed at the top of the Yagi-Uda antenna (21), and it is sufficient if a part of the conductor of the monopole antenna (22) can be connected to the waveguide of the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) through a via.

[0068] Fig. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing the arrangement relationship of components constituting the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) of the antenna device according to the present invention. The Yagi-Uda antenna (21) is formed through the upper insulating layer (102) and the first insulating layer (201), but for the convenience of explanation, it will be described by showing it on the same plane.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 5, the first inductor (320) and the second inductor (420) can together form a dipole inductor. And the length (L2) of the dipole inductor can be defined as the distance on the x-axis from one end of the second part of the first inductor (320) that is not in contact with the first part of the first inductor (320) to one end of the second part of the second inductor (420) that is not in contact with the first part of the second inductor (420). The length (L2) of the dipole inductor is designed according to the frequency of the signal, and is designed to be a length corresponding to approximately 1 / 2 of the wavelength (λ) corresponding to the frequency of the signal. In general, in the case of a dipole antenna such as a Yagi-Uda antenna, the length of the dipole inductor is referred to as the length of the corresponding antenna.

[0070] As shown, the total length of the dipole inductor, i.e., the first inductor (320) and the second inductor (420), has a length (L2) corresponding to 0.45 to 0.55 times the wavelength (λ). More preferably, the dipole inductor has a length (L2) corresponding to 0.458 to 0.55 times the wavelength (λ). The length (L1) of the reflector (410) is formed to be longer than the combined length (L2) of the first inductor (320) and the second inductor (420) in the range of 0.5λ to 0.6λ. Preferably, the length (L1) of the reflector (410) may be formed to be 0.55λ to 0.58λ.

[0071] In one embodiment, the two waveguides (331, 332) may have the same length (L3), and the length (L3) may be formed to be 0.3λ to 0.5λ. Preferably, the length (L3) of the two waveguides (331, 332) may be formed to be 0.35λ to 0.45λ. More preferably, the length (L3) of the two waveguides (331, 332) may be formed to be 0.4λ to 0.45λ. In one embodiment, the length of the second waveguide (332) may be shorter than the length of the first waveguide (331). For example, the length of the first waveguide (331) may be formed to be 0.45λ, and the length of the second waveguide (332) may be formed to be 0.4λ. Meanwhile, in a case where the length of the second waveguide (332) is shorter than the length of the first waveguide (331), the length of the second waveguide (332) is not limited to the example described above, and it is sufficient if it is shorter than the length of the first waveguide (331) while satisfying the range of the length (L3). The length (L3) of the two waveguides (331, 332) can be formed to be slightly shorter than the lengths (L2) of the first waveguide (320) and the second waveguide (420). At this time, the lengths of each component have the relationship of "L1 ≥ L2 ≥ L3".

[0072] The reflector (410) is positioned at a distance D1 from the second part of the inductor (320, 420) in the y-axis direction (second direction). The distance (D1) is 0.2 to 0.4 times the wavelength (λ). Preferably, the distance (D1) is formed to be 0.35λ.

[0073] The inductors (320, 420) are arranged at a distance D2 from the first waveguide (331) in the y-axis direction (second direction). The distance D2 is 0.1 to 0.2 times the wavelength λ. Preferably, the distance D2 is formed to be 0.125λ.

[0074] The first waveguide (331) and the second waveguide (332) are arranged at a distance D3 in the y-axis direction (second direction). The distance D3 is 0.1 to 0.3 times the wavelength λ. Preferably, the distance D3 is formed as 0.2λ. At this time, the arrangement interval between each component has the relationship "D1 ≥ D3 ≥ D2".

[0075] Meanwhile, the length of the monopole antenna (22) is also designed according to the frequency of the signal, and is generally designed to be about 1 / 4 of the wavelength (λ) corresponding to the frequency of the signal. Specifically, the length can be defined as the length extended in the y-axis direction of the first to third conductors (501 to 503) when the monopole antenna (22) is viewed from the z-axis. For example, the length of the monopole antenna (22) can be defined as the distance on the y-axis from one end of the first conductor (501) adjacent to the second ground portion (605) to one end of the third conductor (503) that is arranged further from the second ground portion (605). And the length of the monopole antenna (22) is 0.2 to 0.3 times the wavelength (λ). Preferably, the length of the monopole antenna (22) can be formed to be 0.23λ to 0.28λ. More preferably, the length of the monopole antenna (22) can be formed to be 0.25λ.

[0076] In this way, the length of the Yagi-Uda antenna (21), i.e., the length of the dipole inductor, is formed to be approximately 1 / 2 of the wavelength, and the length of the monopole antenna (22) is formed to be approximately 1 / 4 of the wavelength, so the length of the monopole antenna (22) has a relationship of approximately 1 / 2 the length of the Yagi-Uda antenna (21).

[0077] Figure 6 is a graph showing the reflection loss and isolation of the antenna device according to the present invention.

[0078] The antenna device according to the present invention can be driven in three ways. By arranging four antenna elements side by side and inserting ports into each element, as in the antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a total of eight ports can be inserted. In the following description, the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) corresponds to port 1, and the monopole antenna (22) corresponds to port 2.

[0079] When an antenna device having four antenna elements arranged side by side as in an embodiment of the present invention is used alone, each antenna element (11 to 14) can process two signals, so 2 x 4 (=8) signals can be processed.

[0080] Meanwhile, if eight ports of an antenna device with four antenna elements arranged side by side as in the embodiment of the present invention are each connected to an arbitrary signal processing device, 1 x 8 (=8) signals may be processed.

[0081] Referring to Figure 6, “A” represents the reflection loss (S parameter) when only port 1 is turned on, “B” represents the reflection loss (S parameter) when only port 2 is turned on, and “C” represents the isolation when both ports 1 and 2 are turned on.

[0082] When port 1 is turned on, the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) operates and exhibits -6 dB or less in the 110 GHz to 145 GHz frequency band. In addition, the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) exhibits -10 dB or less in the 117 GHz to 128 GHz and 135 GHz to 142 GHz frequency bands. At this time, the return loss exhibits -32 dB in the 124 GHz frequency band. That is, since the absolute value of the return loss is the largest at this time, it can be seen that the antenna has good radiation characteristics.

[0083] When port 2 is turned on and the monopole antenna (22) and ground radiator (30) are in operation, radio waves are transmitted in all directions and exhibit -6 dB or less in the frequency band of 117 GHz to 150 GHz. In addition, the monopole antenna (22) exhibits -10 dB or less in the frequency band of 118 GHz to 150 GHz. The reflection loss exhibits -15 dB in the frequency band of 122 GHz.

[0084] Meanwhile, when operating ports 1 and 2 simultaneously, the isolation is below -20 dB in both the 110 GHz and 150 GHz ranges. This means that even when operating ports 1 and 2 simultaneously, the influence on each other is minimal.

[0085] Figures 7 to 9 are graphs showing the radiation pattern according to the operation of the antenna device according to the present invention. Figure 7 shows the radiation pattern when only port 1 is turned on, Figure 8 shows the radiation pattern when only port 2 is turned on, and Figure 9 shows the radiation pattern when both ports 1 and 2 are turned on.

[0086] When using the Yagi-Uda antenna (21) by turning on only port 1, a gain of about 8 dB can be obtained, and when turning on only port 2, a gain of about 6.5 dBi can be obtained by the operation of the monopole antenna (22) and the ground radiator (30). When turning on both ports 1 and 2 simultaneously, a gain of about 6.7 dBi can be obtained.

[0087] The antenna device according to the present invention can double the number of antennas on the same area. That is, if four antenna elements are arranged side by side and each has a port, as in the antenna device according to the embodiment of the present invention, a total of eight ports can be installed.

[0088] The commonly used Yagi-Uda antenna is not suitable for constructing a single terahertz antenna because its driver (inductor) is a half-wave dipole and its structural impedance is low. However, as in the present invention, by forming a stacked structure of a Yagi-Uda antenna and a monopole antenna, it is possible to increase the electromagnetic wave coverage area along with high gain and directivity.

[0089] Figure 10 shows a block diagram of a front-end module according to the present invention.

[0090] The front-end module (700) according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 may include an antenna (710), first and second amplifiers (720, 740), a multilayer filter (730), and a switch (750).

[0091] The first amplifier (720) can amplify a signal received through the antenna (710) and provide the amplified result to a multilayer filter (730). For example, the first amplifier (720) can be a low noise amplifier (LNA).

[0092] The multilayer filter (730) can filter the signal amplified by the first amplifier (720) and output it through the output terminal OUT.

[0093] The second amplifier (740) amplifies a signal coming through the input terminal IN and transmits the amplified result through the antenna (710). For example, the second amplifier (740) may be a power amplifier (PA).

[0094] A switch (750) is placed between the input terminal of the first amplifier (720) and the output terminal of the second amplifier (740) and the antenna (710), and serves to select their signal paths.

[0095] Since the antenna (710) may correspond to the antenna device (1) according to the above-described embodiment, a redundant description is omitted.

[0096] FIG. 10 is only one embodiment of a front-end module (700), and the antenna device (1) according to the above-described embodiment is not limited to FIG. 10 and can be applied as an antenna device of a front-end module having various configurations.

[0097] The antenna substrate and front-end module according to the above-described embodiment can be applied to modules for mobile devices, base stations, repeaters, automobiles, etc. to enable short-range or medium-range ultra-high-speed broadband communication of mobile devices and mobility devices, but the embodiment is not limited to a specific application example.

[0098] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

[0099] The mode for carrying out the invention has been sufficiently described in the above-mentioned “Best mode for carrying out the invention.”

[0100] The antenna device according to the embodiment can be used in a wireless communication system, etc.

Claims

1. Containing at least one antenna element, The above antenna element, Yagi-Uda antenna formed on the upper build-up layer; A monopole antenna formed on the upper build-up layer and connected to the Yagi-Uda antenna through a first via; and An antenna device comprising a ground radiating portion formed on a lower build-up layer disposed below the upper build-up layer and forming a symmetrical structure with at least a portion of the Yagi-Uda antenna and the monopole antenna.

2. In paragraph 1, The above Yagi-Uda antenna is, Power supply unit that supplies power; A dipole inductor that is powered by the above-mentioned power supply and radiates radio waves; A waveguide for increasing the intensity of the radio waves of the dipole inductor; and An antenna device including a reflector that reflects the above radio waves.

3. In paragraph 2, The above monopole antenna includes a plurality of conductors, At least some of the above plurality of conductors, An antenna device connected through the above-mentioned waveguide and the first via.

4. In paragraph 3, The above ground radiation part is, a grounding part connected to the ground; and comprising at least one conductor electrically connected to the grounding portion; At least one conductor electrically connected to the grounding portion, An antenna device having a symmetrical structure with the plurality of conductors of the above monopole antenna.

5. In paragraph 4, The upper build-up layer is, upper insulation layer; and A first insulating layer disposed under the upper insulating layer; The above power supply unit is, is placed on the upper insulating layer, The above dipole inductor, A first inductor disposed on the upper insulating layer and connected to the power supply; and A second inductor is disposed on the first insulating layer and is disposed at a position corresponding to the first inductor; The above-mentioned waveguide, It is arranged on the upper insulating layer and is arranged at a position spaced apart from the first inductor in the first direction, The above reflector, An antenna device disposed on the first insulating layer and connected to ground.

6. In paragraph 5, The upper build-up layer is, a second insulating layer below the first insulating layer; and Further comprising a third insulating layer below the second insulating layer; At least one conductor electrically connected to the grounding portion, A first conductor disposed on the third insulating layer; A second conductor disposed on the second insulating layer and having one side connected to the first conductor through a second via; and An antenna device comprising a third conductor disposed on the first insulating layer, one side of which is connected to the second conductor through a third via, and the other side of which is connected to the waveguide through the first via.

7. In paragraph 6, The above lower build-up layer is, lower insulation layer; and A fourth insulating layer on the lower insulating layer; A fifth insulating layer on the fourth insulating layer; and A sixth insulating layer on the fifth insulating layer; The above grounding part is, is placed on the sixth insulating layer, At least one conductor electrically connected to the grounding portion, A fourth conductor disposed on the sixth insulating layer and connected to the grounding portion; A fifth conductor disposed on the fifth insulating layer and having one side connected to the fourth conductor through a fourth via; A sixth conductor disposed on the fourth insulating layer and having one side connected to the fifth conductor through a fifth via; and An antenna device comprising a seventh conductor disposed on the lower insulating layer and having one side connected to the sixth conductor through a sixth via.

8. In paragraph 7, The above-mentioned waveguide, A first waveguide extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and An antenna device comprising a second waveguide extending in the second direction and spaced apart from the first waveguide in the first direction.

9. In paragraph 8, The above first via, A first-first via connecting one end of the first waveguide and the third conductor; and An antenna device including a first-second via connecting the second waveguide and the other end of the third conductor.

10. A front-end module comprising an antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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