Antenna module operating with circular polarization in dual band

Abstract

An antenna module comprises: a conductive ground patch formed on a first surface of a substrate, the conductive ground patch being formed in a ring shape having a hollow interior; a conductive patch disposed in a region inside the conductive ground patch; a first pattern formed on a second surface of the substrate and electrically connecting the feed patch and a first point of the conductive patch; a second pattern spaced apart from the first pattern and extending inwardly from a second point of the conductive ground patch so as to be electrically connected to a second point of the conductive patch; and a third pattern spaced apart from the second pattern and extending inwardly from a third point of the conductive ground patch so as to be electrically connected to a third point of the conductive patch.

Description

Antenna module operating in circular polarization in dual band

[0001] This specification relates to an antenna module operating in circular polarization. A specific implementation relates to a planar antenna module operating in circular polarization in dual bands implemented on a substrate and a vehicle equipped with the same.

[0002] A vehicle can perform wireless communication services with other vehicles, surrounding objects, infrastructure, or base stations. In this regard, various communication services can be provided through a wireless communication system equipped with LTE communication technology or 5G communication technology. Meanwhile, a portion of the LTE frequency band may be allocated to provide 5G communication services. Additionally, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) antenna configured to perform satellite communication may be installed in the vehicle.

[0003] Since the antenna must be directed toward the satellite and receive signals from any angle, the location where the antenna is attached may be a car body made of injection-molded material that is not glass or metal with a gentle angle.

[0004] Meanwhile, a radiation pattern of an antenna with semi-sphere circular polarization for receiving satellite signals must be implemented. Since satellite signals must be received from any direction, a radiation pattern with wide coverage is required. In this regard, a beam coverage of FoV ±75 degrees may be required. Circular polarization (CP) is required due to the diffraction characteristics of satellite signals, and the axial ratio is an important factor in the CP gain.

[0005] Meanwhile, there is a need for an ultra-thin circular polarization antenna for implementation on a film or transparent substrate. In this regard, to attach the antenna to a vehicle body excluding glass or metal, it is necessary to implement the antenna on a thin flexible or transparent substrate. Conventional antennas achieve low-elevation performance based on the height between the antenna and the ground plane. However, there is an issue with ultra-thin antennas where it is difficult to achieve low-elevation performance because the antenna and the ground plane are located on nearly the same plane. Therefore, we propose a planar antenna structure capable of achieving low-elevation performance using an ultra-thin antenna that can be placed on vehicle glass.

[0006] In addition, it is necessary to identify the influence of glass or dielectric materials corresponding to the attachment surface to which the antenna module is attached, and to design an antenna structure that facilitates performance optimization based on these influences.

[0007] The purpose of this specification is to provide a planar circular polarization antenna module implemented on a substrate and a vehicle equipped with the same.

[0008] The purpose of this specification is to address the issue that it is difficult to achieve low-altitude angle performance in ultra-thin antennas because the antenna and the ground plane are located on nearly the same plane.

[0009] The purpose of this specification is to propose an antenna structure design that facilitates performance optimization based on the influence of glass or dielectrics.

[0010] The purpose of this specification is to propose an antenna module having a feed structure capable of operating as a circularly polarized antenna in a dual band.

[0011] The purpose of this specification is to propose an antenna structure that facilitates optimization for changes in antenna performance depending on the type, physical properties, size, etc. of the attachment.

[0012] An antenna module operating with circular polarization according to the present specification comprises: a substrate; a conductive ground patch formed in a ring shape with a hollow interior on a first surface of the substrate; a conductive patch disposed in an inner region of the conductive ground patch; a first pattern electrically connecting the feed patch and a first point of the conductive patch on a second surface of the substrate; a second pattern formed spaced apart from the first pattern and extending inward from a second point of the conductive ground patch to an inner surface and electrically connected to the second point of the conductive patch; a third pattern formed spaced apart from the second pattern and extending inward from a third point of the conductive ground patch to an inner surface and electrically connected to the third point of the conductive patch; and a fourth pattern formed spaced apart from the third pattern and extending inward from a fourth point of the conductive ground patch to an inner surface and electrically connected to the fourth point of the conductive patch.

[0013] According to an embodiment, a recessed region is formed inwardly in one area of ​​the conductive grounding patch, and a feeding patch formed in the recessed region may be formed.

[0014] According to an embodiment, a second extension pattern is formed extending from any point of the second pattern in a direction toward the third pattern, and the end portion of the second extension pattern may be electrically connected to the conductive ground patch. A third extension pattern is formed extending from any point of the third pattern in a direction toward the fourth pattern, and the end portion of the third extension pattern may be electrically connected to the conductive ground patch. A fourth extension pattern is formed extending from any point of the fourth pattern in a direction toward the first pattern, and the end portion of the fourth extension pattern may be electrically connected to the conductive ground patch. The first pattern and the second pattern may be formed at a first angle, and the second pattern and the third pattern may be formed at a second angle.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the third pattern and the fourth pattern may be formed at the same angle as the first angle, and the fourth pattern and the first pattern may be formed at the same angle as the second angle. It is characterized in that one of the first angle and the second angle is an angle smaller than 90 degrees and the other is an angle larger than 90 degrees.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the first end portion of the first pattern may be electrically connected to the feed patch through the first via. The second end portion of the first pattern may be electrically connected to the conductive patch through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from it.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the first end of the first extension pattern may be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch. The second end of the first extension pattern may be electrically connected to the conductive ground patch through a second via.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the first end of the second pattern may be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch. The second end of the second pattern may be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive patch.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the first end of the second extension pattern may be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch. The second end of the second extension pattern may be electrically connected to the conductive ground patch through a third via.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the first end portion of the second pattern and the first end portion of the second extended pattern may be formed as the same area.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the first end of the third pattern may be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch. The second end of the third pattern may be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the first end of the third extension pattern may be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch. The second end of the third extension pattern may be electrically connected to the conductive patch through a fourth via.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the first end portion of the third pattern and the first end portion of the third extension pattern may be formed as the same area.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the first end of the fourth pattern may be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch. The second end of the fourth pattern may be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive patch.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the first end of the fourth extension pattern may be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch. The second end of the fourth extension pattern may be electrically connected to the conductive ground patch through a fifth via.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the first end portion of the fourth pattern and the first end portion of the fourth extended pattern may be formed as the same area.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the first pattern may be formed in a first axis direction. The antenna module may further include a fifth pattern formed in a second axis direction orthogonal to the first axis direction and electrically connecting a fifth point of the feed patch and the conductive ground patch on a second surface of the substrate.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the first pattern may be configured to transmit a first signal of a first frequency band from the feed patch to the conductive patch so that the antenna module radiates a circularly polarized signal in the first frequency band. The second pattern may be configured to transmit a second signal of a second frequency band from the feed patch to the conductive patch so that the antenna module radiates a circularly polarized signal in the second frequency band. The second frequency band may be configured as a frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the conductive ground patch may further include a plurality of stubs formed to protrude at different points on its circumference. The plurality of stubs may include a first stub formed at a position corresponding to a second end of the second pattern and configured to protrude from the second point so as to overlap with the second pattern; and a second stub formed at a position corresponding to a second end of the third pattern and configured to protrude from the third point so as to overlap with the third pattern. The plurality of stubs may further include a fourth stub formed at a position corresponding to a second end of the fourth pattern and configured to protrude from the fourth point so as to overlap with the fourth pattern.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the first angle may be formed in a range greater than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees. The sum of the first angle and the second angle may be formed in a range greater than 150 degrees and less than 210 degrees. The antenna module may be configured to radiate a signal of right-handed circular polarization (RHCP).

[0031] According to an embodiment, the antenna module may further include a guide ring formed in a circular ring shape to surround the conductive ground patch and spaced apart from the conductive ground patch by a second distance. The guide ring is disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and the first to fifth patterns and the first to fourth extension patterns may be disposed in the inner region of the guide ring.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the resonant frequency of the first frequency band can be adjusted by the radius of the conductive patch and the first gap between the conductive patch and the conductive ground patch. Impedance matching of the first frequency band can be achieved by the overlapping area of ​​the first pattern and the conductive patch and the overlapping area of ​​the second to fourth patterns and the conductive patch.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the resonant frequency of the second frequency band can be adjusted by the overlapping area between the first end portion of the second to fifth patterns and the conductive ground patch. The resonant frequency of the second frequency band can be adjusted by the length and width of the first to fourth extension patterns. The gain of the first frequency band and the second frequency band can be adjusted by the second gap between the conductive ground patch and the guide ring and the width of the guide ring.

[0034] According to an embodiment, a first surface of the substrate of the antenna module may be attached to an opaque area of ​​a glass panel. A connection pattern and a guide ring may be disposed on the first surface of the substrate. A conductive patch, a feed patch, a conductive ground patch, and a coaxial cable may be disposed on the second surface of the substrate. A signal line of the coaxial cable may be connected to the feed patch, and a ground line of the coaxial cable may be attached to the conductive ground patch surrounding the feed patch. The connection pattern may include the first to fourth patterns and the first to fourth extension patterns.

[0035] The technical effects of an antenna module operating with circular polarization according to the present specification may be summarized as follows, but are not limited thereto.

[0036] According to the present specification, a planar circular polarization antenna module implemented as an ultra-thin structure on a substrate and a vehicle equipped with the same can be provided.

[0037] According to the present specification, through a parallel capacitor structure and a via connection structure between metal patterns, the ultra-thin antenna can solve the issue that it is difficult to achieve low elevation angle performance because the antenna and the ground plane are located on almost the same plane.

[0038] According to the present specification, when a planar circular polarization antenna module is attached to glass or a dielectric, an antenna structure design can be proposed that facilitates performance optimization depending on the influence of the glass or dielectric.

[0039] According to the present specification, an antenna module having connection patterns in which signals are applied in mutually orthogonal directions can be proposed as a feed structure capable of operating as a circularly polarized antenna in a dual band.

[0040] According to the present specification, an antenna structure can be proposed that facilitates optimization of antenna performance changes, particularly changes in resonance frequency, depending on the type and physical properties of the attachment, dielectric constant, dielectric loss, size, thickness, etc.

[0041] Further scope of the applicability of this specification will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this specification are clearly understood by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments, such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of this specification, should be understood as being given merely as examples.

[0042] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a vehicle in which a vehicle antenna module operating with circular polarization is placed on the front or rear windshield of the vehicle.

[0043] Figure 2a shows multiple frequency bands in relation to a vehicle GNSS antenna.

[0044] Figure 2b shows polarization characteristics in relation to a vehicle GNSS antenna.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a vehicle antenna module formed on the first and second surfaces of a transparent substrate and a side view of the vehicle antenna module formed on the second surface of the transparent substrate.

[0046] Figure 4 shows a plan view of a vehicle antenna formed on the first and second surfaces of a transparent substrate.

[0047] FIG. 5 shows metal patterns disposed on the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate of the vehicle antenna module of FIG. 4.

[0048] Figures 6 and 7 show the equivalent circuit structure of the antenna module of Figures 4 and 5.

[0049] FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings showing the angles between adjacent patterns and the spacing between metal patterns of the vehicle antenna module of FIG. 5, and drawings of a certain area enlarged.

[0050] Figure 10 shows the structure of an antenna module that radiates a signal having right-circle polarization.

[0051] Figure 11 shows the reflection coefficient characteristics of the antenna module of Figure 10.

[0052] FIGS. 12 and FIGS. 13 show the electric field distributions of an antenna module operating at specific frequencies in the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

[0053] Figure 14 shows a side view of an antenna module attached to a body.

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols will be assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Furthermore, in describing embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0055] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0056] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0057] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0058] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0059] The vehicle antenna described in this specification may be mounted on a vehicle. The configuration and operation according to the embodiments described in this specification may also be applied to a communication system mounted on a vehicle, i.e., a vehicle antenna. In this regard, a vehicle antenna mounted on a vehicle may include a plurality of antennas, a transceiver circuit and a processor that control them.

[0060] Hereinafter, an antenna assembly (antenna module) that can be disposed on a window of a vehicle according to the present specification and a vehicle antenna including the antenna assembly are described. In this regard, the antenna assembly refers to a structure in which conductive patterns are combined on a dielectric substrate and may also be referred to as an antenna module.

[0061] In this regard, Figure 1 shows the configuration of a vehicle in which a vehicle antenna module operating with circular polarization is placed on the front or rear windshield of the vehicle.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, an antenna module (1000) operating with circular polarization may be placed on the front windshield (310) or rear windshield (330) of a vehicle. The antenna module (1000) formed on the substrate (1010) may be formed as a transparent antenna. The substrate (1010) may be electrically connected to an opaque substrate (1010b). The antenna module (1000) may be electrically connected to a TCU (300) via a coaxial cable (100c). If the coaxial cable (100c) is connected to a metal pattern of the substrate (1010), it may be implemented without an opaque substrate.

[0063] A vehicle antenna module operating with circular polarization according to the present specification is described. Meanwhile, the vehicle antenna module operating with circular polarization according to the present specification may be implemented on a single dielectric substrate coplanar with the CPW feed section. In addition, a broadband transparent antenna structure that can be placed on the glass of a vehicle according to the present specification may be implemented with a structure in which grounds are formed on both sides of the radiator to form a broadband structure. The vehicle broadband transparent antenna may include an antenna module configured to perform 4G wireless communication and 5G wireless communication. In addition, the vehicle broadband transparent antenna may include a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) antenna configured to provide location services.

[0064] Hereinafter, a vehicle antenna module operating with circular polarization is described in this specification. In this regard, FIG. 2a shows a plurality of frequency bands in relation to a vehicle GNSS antenna. FIG. 2b shows polarization characteristics in relation to a vehicle GNSS antenna.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 2a, the frequency band in which the vehicle GNSS antenna operates may include a first frequency band corresponding to the L1 band and a second frequency band corresponding to the L5 band. The first frequency band corresponding to the L1 band may be set to 1559.0 to 1605.9 MHz. The first frequency band may include the L1 band associated with GPS. The first frequency band may include the L1 band associated with GLONASS. The second frequency band corresponding to the L5 band may be set to 1164 MHz to 1188 MHz. The second frequency band may include the L5 band associated with GPS.

[0066] An antenna assembly implemented as a vehicle GNSS antenna may be configured to resonate in a dual band to operate in a first frequency band and a second frequency band. An antenna assembly implemented as a vehicle GNSS antenna may operate to have circular polarization. An antenna assembly may operate to have right-hand circular polarization (RHCP).

[0067] Referring to FIG. 2b(a), the signal formed by the vehicle GNSS antenna can propagate in the z-axis direction. Referring to FIG. 2b(a) to FIG. 2b(c), the signal formed by the vehicle GNSS antenna can be formed to have circular polarization in which the electric field direction rotates on the x-axis and y-axis. Referring to FIG. 2b(a) and FIG. 2b(c), the signal formed by the vehicle GNSS antenna can be formed to propagate in the z-axis direction while having right circular polarization (RHCP) on the x-axis and y-axis. The signal formed by the vehicle GNSS antenna can be expressed as Equation 1.

[0068]

[0069] For a signal with Right-Handed Circular Polarization (RHCP), A=B in Equation 1, and a phase difference of 90 degrees can be formed. For a signal with Left-Handed Circular Polarization (LHCP), A=B in Equation 1, and a phase difference of -90 degrees can be formed. The maximum value of |E| in Equation 1 (|E| max ) and minimum value(|E| min The ratio of ) can be defined as the axial ratio (AR) as shown in Equation 2.

[0070]

[0071] Referring to Equations 1 and 2 and Fig. 2b(d), if A and B have different values, the signal formed by the vehicle GNSS antenna can be configured to have elliptical polarization. The circularly polarized signal needs to be formed at a specific level, for example, 3 dB or 6 dB or less, in the ceiling direction relative to the plane where the vehicle antenna is placed. The antenna gain needs to be formed at a specific level, for example, -3 dBic or less, in the 45-degree range relative to 0 degrees in the ceiling direction.

[0072] A vehicle antenna module operating with circular polarization according to the present specification is described. In this regard, FIG. 3 shows a vehicle antenna module formed on a first surface and a second surface of a transparent substrate and a side view of the vehicle antenna module formed on the second surface of the transparent substrate.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 3(a), the vehicle antenna module (1000) may be formed as a double-sided structure in which a metal pattern is disposed on both layers (both sides) of a substrate (1010). A connection pattern (1100c) and a guide ring (1100r) may be disposed on the first side (first layer) of the substrate (1010). A conductive patch (1100) and a conductive ground patch (1100g) may be disposed on the second side (second layer) of the substrate (1010). A coaxial cable (100c) may be disposed on the second side (second layer) of the substrate (1010).

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3(b), the vehicle antenna module (1000b) may be formed with a cross-sectional structure in which a metal pattern is disposed on one layer (one surface) of the substrate (1010). A conductive patch (1100), a conductive ground patch (1100g), and a guide ring (1100r) may be disposed on the second surface (second layer) of the substrate (1010). A connection pattern (1100c) may be disposed in the area between the conductive patch (1100) and the conductive ground patch (1100g) on ​​the second surface (second layer) of the substrate (1010). A coaxial cable (100c) may be disposed on the second surface (second layer) of the substrate (1010).

[0075] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a vehicle antenna formed on the first and second surfaces of a transparent substrate. Referring to FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 4, a conductive patch (1100), a conductive ground patch (1100g), and a conductive guide ring (1100r) may be disposed on the first surface (La1) of the substrate (1010). A conductive patch (1100) and a conductive guide ring (1100r) may be disposed on the first surface (La1) of the substrate (1010). A conductive ground patch (1100g) may be disposed on the second surface (La2) of the substrate (1010).

[0076] Slits or slots may be added inside the conductive patch (1100) to improve the axial ratio and gain characteristics. Stubs, slits, or slots may be added between the conductive patch (1100) and the conductive ground patch (1100g) to improve impedance matching, axial ratio, and gain characteristics. Stubs, slits, or slots may be added between the conductive ground patch (1100g) and the conductive guide ring (1100r). Additionally, the conductive guide ring (1100r) may be connected or coupled to the conductive ground patch (1100g) through vertical vias or stubs, etc.

[0077] Metal patterns disposed on the first surface (La1) and the second surface (La2) of the substrate (1010) may be configured to radiate linearly polarized or circularly polarized signals by means of a connection pattern structure connected at a predetermined position. In this regard, the connection pattern (1100c) may be configured to include a first connection pattern (1110c), a second connection pattern (1120c), a third connection pattern (1130), and a fourth connection pattern (1140c).

[0078] The first connection pattern (1110c) may include a first pattern (CP1) and a first extension pattern (EP1) extended from the first pattern (CP1). The second connection pattern (1120c) may include a second pattern (CP2) and a second extension pattern (EP2) extended from the second pattern (CP2).

[0079] The third connection pattern (1130c) may include the third pattern (CP3) and the third extension pattern (EP3) extended from the third pattern (CP3). The fourth connection pattern (1140c) may include the fourth pattern (CP4) and the fourth extension pattern (EP4) extended from the fourth pattern (CP4).

[0080] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 shows metal patterns disposed on the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate of the vehicle antenna module of FIG. 4. FIG. 5(a) shows a connection pattern (1100c) and a conductive guide ring (1100r) disposed on the first surface (La1) of the substrate (1010) of the antenna module.

[0081] FIG. 5(b) shows a conductive patch (1100) and a conductive ground patch (1100g) disposed on a second surface (La2) of a substrate (1010) of an antenna module. The conductive ground patch (1100g) can be electrically isolated from the feed patch (1100f). The conductive ground patch (1100g) may include a plurality of stubs protruding inwardly on the circumference at different points on the circumference of the conductive ground patch (1100g).

[0082] A plurality of stubs may include a first stub (SB1), a second stub (SB2), and a third stub (SB3) formed at different points on the circumference of a conductive ground patch (1100g). The first stub (SB1), the second stub (SB2), and the third stub (SB3) may each be formed at a second point (P2g), a third point (P3g), and a fourth point (P4g) on ​​the circumference of the conductive ground patch (1100g).

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a planar structure vehicle antenna module (1000) is proposed, which is implemented with a double-sided FPCB structure of 0.5 mm or less. To implement circular polarization operating in a dual band, the structure of a circular polarization antenna operating in a single band may be modified. A parallel LC resonator connected to a conductive ground patch (1100g) may be added to the feed stub and three parallel stubs.

[0084] In this regard, FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the equivalent circuit structure of the antenna module of FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 6 illustrates the parallel LC resonator structure of the first to fourth patterns (CP1 to CP4) and the first to fourth extension patterns (EP1 to EP4) of the antenna module (1000) of FIGS. 4 and 5 on the antenna structure. FIG. 7 illustrates the LC equivalent circuit structure including the parallel LC resonator structure, the conductive patch, and the feed patch structure of FIG. 6.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the conductive patch (1100) can be equivalent to an impedance (Z_patch). The combined structure of the feed patch (1100f) and the conductive patch (1100) is a first inductance (L F A first inductor having ) and a first capacitance (C F It can be equivalent to a series structure of a first capacitor having ). In the first frequency band, the combined structure of the conductive patch (1100) and the conductive ground patch (1100g) has a second inductance (L LA second inductor having ) and a second capacitance (C L It can be equivalent to a series structure of a second capacitor having ). In the second frequency band, the combined structure of the conductive patch (1100) and the conductive ground patch (1100g) has a third inductance (L H A third inductor having ) and a third capacitance (C H It can be equivalent to a parallel structure of a third capacitor having ).

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 7, a feed patch (1100f) disposed on a first surface (La1) of a substrate (1010) can be formed into a CPW (coplanar waveguide) transmission line structure. The feed patch (1100f) corresponds to a feeding line that applies a signal to a conductive patch (1100). A conductive ground patch (1100g) operating as ground can be disposed on one side and the other side of the feed patch (1100f). Thus, the feed patch (1100f) and the conductive ground patch (1100g) form a CPW transmission line structure.

[0087] The shape of the conductive patch (1100) can be formed to correspond to the inner shape of the conductive ground patch (1100g). The shape of the conductive patch (1100) can be formed as a circular, square, or polygonal shape. The inner shape of the conductive ground patch (1100g) can be formed as a circular, square, or polygonal shape. The conductive patch (1100) and the conductive ground patch (1100g) can be spaced apart by a first gap (Gg). The conductive patch (1100) can be placed on the inner side of the conductive ground patch (1100g) spaced apart by a first gap (Gg).

[0088] The feed patch (1100f) of the CPW transmission line structure on the second surface (La2) of the substrate (1010) is connected to the first pattern (CP1) of the first surface (La1) through the first via (V1). The feed patch (1100f) can be connected to the first pattern (CP1) and the fifth pattern (CP5) of the first surface (La1) through the first via (V1). The end of the first pattern (CP1) forms a capacitive coupled structure with the conductive patch (1100). The end of the fifth pattern (CP5) forms a capacitive coupled structure with the conductive ground patch (1100g).

[0089] The end of the first extension pattern (CP1) forms an inductive coupled structure connected to a conductive ground patch (1100g) through a second via (V2). The first extension pattern (CP1) has a length (La) and a width (W SL It can be formed in a curved shape having ) to form an inductive coupling structure. The first extension pattern (CP1) has a length (La) and a width (W SL It can be formed in a circumferential shape corresponding to the inner shape of the conductive ground patch (1100g) having )

[0090] Three parallel stubs may be arranged at the ends of the conductive patch (1100) and the conductive ground patch (1100g) to be connected by a capacitive coupling structure. The three parallel stubs are formed into a connection pattern (1100c) having second to fourth patterns (CP2 to CP4) and second to fourth extension patterns (EP2 to EP4).

[0091] The second to fourth patterns (CP2 to CP4) can form a capacitive coupling structure with the first to third stubs (SB1 to SB3) of the conductive ground patch (1100g). The second pattern (CP2) and the first stub (SB1) of the conductive ground patch (1100g) can form a first parallel stub. The third pattern (CP3) and the second stub (SB2) of the conductive ground patch (1100g) can form a second parallel stub. The third pattern (CP3) and the third stub (SB3) of the conductive ground patch (1100g) can form a third parallel stub.

[0092] The second to fourth extension patterns (EP2 to EP4) are connected to a conductive ground patch (1100g) through the second to fourth vias (V2 to V4) at the ends to form an inductive coupling structure. The second to fourth extension patterns (EP2 to EP4) have a length (La) and a width (W SL It can be formed in a curved shape having ) to form an inductive coupling structure. The second to fourth extension patterns (EP2 to EP4) have a length (La) and a width (W SL It can be formed in a circumferential shape corresponding to the inner shape of the conductive ground patch (1100g) having )

[0093] The second to fourth extension patterns (EP2 to EP4) can form an inductive coupling structure through the second to third vias (V2 to V4) of the conductive ground patch (1100g). The second extension pattern (EP2) and the second via (V2) of the conductive ground patch (1100g) can form a first parallel stub. The third extension pattern (EP3) and the third via (V3) of the conductive ground patch (1100g) can form a second parallel stub. The fourth extension pattern (EP4) and the fourth via (V2) of the conductive ground patch (1100g) can form a third parallel stub.

[0094] The conductive patch (1100) may be placed on the same plane as the conductive ground patch (1100g). The conductive patch (1100) and the conductive ground patch (1100g) may be placed on the second surface (La2) of the substrate (1010). The conductive patch (1100) may be placed at a first gap (G1) from the conductive ground patch (1100g). The conductive patch (1100) may be placed in the internal empty space of the conductive ground patch (1100g) at a first gap (Gg) from the inner side of the conductive ground patch (1100g). The conductive ground patch (1100g) may be formed as a circular ring structure having a predetermined width, at a first gap (Gg) from the outer side of the conductive patch (1100). The width of the conductive ground patch (1100g) has a value of Rg - (Rp + Gg).

[0095] Meanwhile, a guide ring (1100r) may be added to the antenna module (1000) to improve the vertical gain of the antenna module (1000). The guide ring (1100r) may be placed on the first surface (La1) of the substrate (1010). The inner side of the guide ring (1100r) may be formed spaced apart from the outer side of the conductive ground patch (1100g) by a second gap (Gr). The guide ring (1100r) may be formed as a circular ring structure having a width (Wr) and spaced apart from the outer side of the conductive ground patch (1100g) by a second gap (Gr).

[0096] Meanwhile, the gain and axial ratio of circular polarization can be improved according to the first angle (α1) of the second pattern (CP2) adjacent to the first pattern (CP1) which is a feed stub, and the second angle (α2) of the third pattern (CP3) adjacent to the second pattern (CP2). If the first angle (α1) is greater than 90 degrees and the second angle (α2) is less than 90 degrees, the antenna module (1000) radiates a signal having left-circular polarization (LHCP). If the first angle (α1) is less than 90 degrees and the second angle (α2) is greater than 90 degrees, the antenna module (1000) radiates a signal having right-circular polarization (RHCP). For example, the first angle (α1) between the first pattern (CP1) and the second pattern (CP2) can be formed as 66 degrees, and the second angle (α2) between the first pattern (CP2) and the third pattern (CP3) can be formed as 114 degrees.

[0097] The antenna module (1000) may be configured to operate in a dual band of a first frequency band and a second frequency band. In this regard, the resonant frequency of the first frequency band, which is a low band, may be determined by the radius (Rp) of the conductive patch (1100). The resonant frequency of the first frequency band may be determined by the first gap (Gg) between the conductive patch (1100) and the conductive ground patch (1100g). Additionally, the resonant frequency of the first frequency band may be determined by the radius (Rg) of the conductive ground patch (1100g).

[0098] In the first frequency band, impedance matching is the overlapping area (W) of the first pattern (CP1) and the conductive patch (1100). FC *W FC1 ), the first gap (Gg) and the second to fourth patterns (CP2 to CP4) and the overlapping area (W) of the conductive patch (1100). C *W C1 It can be determined by ). The overlapping area (W) of the first pattern (CP1) and the conductive patch (1100). FC *W FC1 ) is the first capacitance (C) of the series structure FIt can be equivalent to a first capacitor having ). The overlapping area (W) of the second to fourth patterns (CP2 to CP4) and the conductive patch (1100) C *W C1 ) is the second capacitance (C) in a parallel structure L It can be equivalent to second capacitors having ).

[0099] The impedance matching of the first frequency band is the first inductance (L) of the feed patch (1100f). F It can be determined by ). The feed patch (1100f) is the first inductance (L F It can be equivalent to a first inductor having ). The impedance matching of the first frequency band is the length (La) and width (W) of the first to fourth extension patterns (EP1 to EP4). SL It can be determined by ). The combination of the first to fourth extension patterns (EP2 to EP4) and the conductive ground patch (1100g) is a second inductance (L) in a parallel structure. L It can be equivalent to second inductors having ).

[0100] The resonant frequency of the second frequency band, which is a high band, is the overlapping area (W) between the first end of the second to fifth patterns (CP2 to CP5) and the conductive ground patch (1100g). C *W C1 , W SC *W SC1 It can be determined by ). The overlapping area (W) between the end portions of the second to fifth patterns (CP2 to CP5) and the conductive ground patch (1100g) C *W C1 , W SC *W SC1 ) is the third capacitance (C) in a parallel structure H It can be equivalent to third capacitors having ).

[0101] The resonant frequency of the second frequency band is the length (La) and width (W) of the first to fourth extended patterns (EP1 to EP4). SLIt can be determined by ). The combination of the first to fourth extension patterns (EP2 to EP4) and the conductive ground patch (1100g) is a third inductance (L) in a parallel structure. H It can be equivalent to third inductors having ).

[0102] Meanwhile, FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings showing the angles between adjacent patterns and the spacing between metal patterns of the vehicle antenna module of FIG. 5, and drawings showing enlarged views of a certain area. FIG. 8 shows the angles between adjacent patterns of the vehicle antenna module (1000) of FIG. 5. FIG. 9 shows the spacing between the metal patterns in area A and area B of FIG. 8.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 8, the conductive patch (1100) may be formed in a circular shape having a radius (Rp) smaller than the inner radius of the conductive ground patch (1100g). The conductive patch (1100) is not limited to a circular shape and may be formed in a square or polygonal shape of hexagon or larger. The conductive ground patch (1100g) is also not limited to a circular shape and may be formed in a square or polygonal shape of hexagon or larger.

[0104] A vehicle antenna module (1000) may be configured to operate in a first frequency band via an uplink (UL) and in a second frequency band via a downlink (DL). The vehicle antenna module (1000) may operate in an S band, an L band, or a band that supports 3GPP Rel-18. The first frequency band of the S band uplink (UL) may be 1980–2010 MHz, and the second frequency band of the S band downlink (DL) may be 2170–2200 MHz. The first frequency band of the L band uplink (UL) may be 1626.5–1660.5 MHz, and the second frequency band of the L band downlink (DL) may be 1525–1559 MHz.

[0105] The first frequency band of the uplink (UL) of the Rel-18 band may be 1610–1626.5 MHz, and the second frequency band of the downlink (DL) of the Rel-18 band may be 2483.5–2500 MHz. The vehicle antenna module (1000) may be configured to operate in the first frequency band of the uplink (UL) of the Rel-18 band and the second frequency band of the downlink (DL). The second frequency band may be configured as a higher frequency band than the first frequency band.

[0106] The resonant frequency of the first frequency band can be adjusted by the radius (Rp) of the conductive patch (1100) and the first gap (Gg) between the conductive patch (1100) and the conductive ground patch (1100g). The direction and axial ratio of circular polarization can be adjusted by the first angle (α1) between the first pattern (CP1) and the second pattern (CP2) and the second angle (α2) between the second pattern (CP2) and the third pattern (CP3). The antenna gain can be optimized by the second gap (Gr) between the conductive patch (1100) and the guide ring (1100r) and the width (Wr) of the guide ring (1100r).

[0107] FIG. 9(a) is an enlarged view of region A of FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 3 through FIG. 9(a), region A corresponds to a recessed region formed by a slot of a conductive ground patch (1100g). In region A, a first pattern (CP1) and a feed patch (1100f) can be connected by a first via (V1). The first pattern (CP1) is formed in a first axial direction, and a fifth pattern (CP5) can be formed in a second axial direction orthogonal to the first axial direction. In region A, a fifth pattern (CP5) and a feed patch (1100f) can be connected by a first via (V1).

[0108] To uniformly and stably transmit a feeding signal to a radiator, the first via (V1) may be composed of multiple vias. The number of first vias (V1) may be formed in a 2x2 structure, but is not limited thereto.

[0109] FIG. 9(b) is an enlarged view of region B of FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 3 through FIG. 9(b), region B corresponds to the area where the conductive patch (1100) and the conductive ground patch (1100g) are electrically coupled by the second pattern (CP2). The coupling structure of region A can be used to adjust the resonance frequency of the first frequency band. The coupling structure of region B can be used to perform impedance matching in the first frequency band.

[0110] The width (Wc) of the second pattern (CP2) and the overlap length (W) between the second pattern (CP2) and the conductive patch (1100). C1 The resonant frequency of the first frequency band can be adjusted by the product of ). The width (W) of the first pattern (CP1) FC ) and the overlap length (W) of the first pattern (CP1) and the conductive patch (1100) FC1 Impedance matching in the first frequency band can be achieved by the product of ).

[0111] Meanwhile, in region A, the resonance frequency of the second frequency band can be adjusted by the fifth pattern (CP5) in the second axial direction and the via length (La). In the region overlapping with the conductive ground patch (1100g), the width (W) of the fifth pattern (CP5) SC1 The overlap length (W) of ) and the 5th pattern (CP5) SC The resonant frequency of the second frequency band can be adjusted by the product of ). The resonant frequency of the second frequency band can be adjusted by the length (La) between the first via (V1) and the second via (V2).

[0112] Meanwhile, the vehicle antenna module operating with circular polarization according to the present specification operates in a dual band. In this regard, FIG. 10 shows the structure of an antenna module that radiates a signal having right-circle polarization. FIG. 11 shows the reflection coefficient characteristics of the antenna module of FIG. 10.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 10, the first pattern (CP1) and the second pattern (CP2) can be formed at a first angle (α1). The second pattern (CP2) and the third pattern (CP3) can be formed at a second angle (α2). The third pattern (CP3) and the fourth pattern (CP4) can be formed at the same angle as the first angle (α1). The fourth pattern (CP4) and the first pattern (CP1) can be formed at the same angle as the second angle (α2).

[0114] The antenna module (1000) may be configured to radiate a signal having right-circle polarization. In this regard, the first angle (α1) may be formed as an angle smaller than 90 degrees. The second angle (α2) may be formed as an angle larger than 90 degrees. The sum of the first angle (α1) and the second angle (α2) may be formed as 180 degrees. For example, the first angle (α1) may be formed as 66 degrees and the second angle (α2) may be formed as 114 degrees, but is not limited thereto.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the vehicle antenna module (1000) has a reflection coefficient (dB(S(1,1)) of -10 dB or less in a first frequency band of 1610 to 1626.5 MHz. Therefore, the antenna module (1000) can operate as a right-circle polarized antenna in the first frequency band of 1610 to 1626.5 MHz. The antenna module (1000) has a reflection coefficient (dB(S(1,1)) of -12 dB or less in a second frequency band of 2483.5 to 2500 MHz. Therefore, the antenna module (1000) can operate as a right-circle polarized antenna in the second frequency band of 2483.5 to 2500 MHz.

[0116] FIGS. 12 and 13 show the electric field distributions of an antenna module operating at specific frequencies in the first frequency band and the second frequency band. FIG. 9 shows the electric field distributions of an antenna module operating at 1.61 GHz in the first frequency band. FIG. 10 shows the electric field distributions of an antenna module operating at 2.49 GHz in the second frequency band.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 12, in the first state having a phase of 0 degrees, the direction of the electric field formed in the conductive patch region (1100) is formed in the negative X-axis direction in the first frequency band. Referring to FIGS. 8(a) and 9(b), in the second state having a phase of 90 degrees, the direction of the electric field formed in the conductive patch region (1100) is formed in the negative Y-axis direction in the first frequency band. Referring to FIGS. 8(a) and 9(c), in the third state having a phase of 180 degrees, the direction of the electric field formed in the conductive patch region (1100) is formed in the positive X-axis direction in the first frequency band. Referring to FIGS. 8(a) and 9(d), in the fourth state having a phase of 270 degrees, the direction of the electric field formed in the conductive patch region (1100) is formed in the positive Y-axis direction in the first frequency band.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 13, in the first state having a phase of 0 degrees, the direction of the electric field formed in the conductive patch region (1100) is formed in the negative Y-axis direction in the second frequency band. Referring to FIGS. 8(a) and 9(b), in the second state having a phase of 90 degrees, the direction of the electric field formed in the conductive patch region (1100) is formed in the negative X-axis direction in the second frequency band. Referring to FIGS. 8(a) and 9(c), in the third state having a phase of 180 degrees, the direction of the electric field formed in the conductive patch region (1100) is formed in the positive Y-axis direction in the second frequency band. Referring to FIGS. 8(a) and 9(d), in the fourth state having a phase of 270 degrees, the direction of the electric field formed in the conductive patch region (1100) is formed in the positive X-axis direction in the second frequency band.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 10, a first signal of a first frequency band applied to a power supply patch (110O) is applied in the Y-axis direction through a first pattern (CP1). A second signal of a second frequency band applied to a power supply patch (110O) is applied in the X-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the Y-axis direction, through a fifth pattern (CP5).

[0120] The antenna module (1000) can transmit and receive a first signal of right-circle polarization in a first frequency band and transmit and receive a second signal of right-circle polarization in a second frequency band. The electric field directions of the first signal of right-circle polarization in a first frequency band and the second signal of right-circle polarization in a second frequency band differ by 90 degrees, so that mutual interference can be reduced even when the first signal and the second signal are transmitted or received simultaneously.

[0121] Mutual interference can be reduced because the direction in which the first signal of the first frequency band and the second signal of the second frequency band are applied to the power supply patch (1100) is orthogonal. Therefore, the direction of the first signal applied to the conductive patch (1100) and the direction of the second signal applied to the conductive ground patch (1100g) must be formed orthogonally. To this end, the first pattern (CP1) coupled with the conductive patch (1100) and the fifth pattern (CP5) coupled with the conductive ground patch (1100g) must be formed in orthogonal directions.

[0122] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 13, a vehicle antenna module (1000, 1000b) operating with circular polarization according to the present specification will be described. The antenna module (1000, 1000b) may be configured to include a substrate (1010), a conductive ground patch (1100g), a conductive patch (1100), and connection patterns (1100c). The antenna module (1000, 1000b) may be configured to further include a second ring-shaped conductive guide ring (1100r).

[0123] A conductive ground patch (1100g) can be formed in a first ring shape on a substrate (1010). The conductive patch (1100) can be placed in an inner region of the conductive ground patch (1100g) spaced apart from the inner side of the conductive ground patch (1100g). Thus, the conductive ground patch (1100g) can be formed to surround the conductive patch (1100).

[0124] A conductive ground patch (1100g) may be formed in a ring shape with a hollow interior on the first surface of the substrate (1010). A conductive patch (1100) may be disposed in the inner region of the conductive ground patch (1100g).

[0125] A recessed region (1110r) may be formed inwardly in any area of ​​the conductive contact patch (1100g). A feeding patch (1100f) may be formed in the recessed region (1110r).

[0126] The connection patterns (1100c) may be configured to directly connect the conductive patch (1100) and the conductive ground patch (1100g) through vias or to electrically connect them through an indirect coupling structure. The connection patterns (1100c) may be configured to include a first pattern (CP1), a second pattern (CP2), a third pattern (CP3), and a fourth pattern (CP4). The connection patterns (1100c) may be configured to include a first extension pattern (EP1), a second extension pattern (EP2), a third extension pattern (EP3), and a fourth extension pattern (EP4).

[0127] The first pattern (CP1) can electrically connect the first point (P1) of the feed patch (1100f) and the conductive patch (1100) to the second surface of the substrate (1010).

[0128] A second pattern (CP2) may be formed spaced apart from the first pattern (CP1). The second pattern (CP2) may be formed extending inward from the second point (P2g) of the conductive ground patch (1100g). The second point (P2) of the conductive patch (1100) and the second pattern (CP2) may be electrically connected.

[0129] A third pattern (CP3) may be formed spaced apart from the second pattern (CP2). A third pattern (CP3) may be formed extending inward from the third point (P3g) of the conductive ground patch (1100g). The third point (P3) of the conductive patch (1100) and the third pattern (CP3) may be electrically connected.

[0130] A fourth pattern (CP4) may be formed spaced apart from the third pattern (CP3). A fourth pattern (CP4) may be formed extending inward from the fourth point (P4g) of the conductive ground patch (1100g). The fourth point (P4) of the conductive patch (1100) and the fourth pattern (CP4) may be electrically connected.

[0131] A first extension pattern (EP1) may be formed by extending from any point of the first pattern (CP1) in a direction toward the second pattern (CP2). The end portion of the first extension pattern (EP1) may be electrically connected to a conductive ground patch (1100g). A second extension pattern (EP2) may be formed by extending from any point of the second pattern (CP2) in a direction toward the third pattern (CP3). The end portion of the second extension pattern (EP2) may be electrically connected to a conductive ground patch (1100g).

[0132] A third extension pattern (EP3) may be formed by extending from any point of the third pattern (CP2) in a direction toward the fourth pattern (CP4). The end portion of the third extension pattern (EP3) may be electrically connected to a conductive ground patch (1100g). A fourth extension pattern (EP4) may be formed by extending from any point of the third pattern (CP3) in a direction toward the fourth pattern (CP4). The end portion of the fourth extension pattern (EP4) may be electrically connected to a conductive ground patch (1100g).

[0133] The first pattern (CP1) and the second pattern (CP2) can be formed at a first angle (α1). The second pattern (CP2) and the third pattern (CP3) can be formed at a second angle (α2). The third pattern (CP3) and the fourth pattern (CP4) can be formed at the same angle as the first angle (α1). The fourth pattern (CP4) and the first pattern (CP1) can be formed at the same angle as the second angle (α2). One of the first angle (α1) and the second angle (α2) can be formed at an angle smaller than 90 degrees. The other of the first angle (α1) and the second angle (α2) can be formed at an angle larger than 90 degrees.

[0134] The first end portion of the first pattern (CP1) can be electrically connected through a feed patch (1100f) and a via (V1). The second end portion of the first pattern (CP1) can be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive patch (1110). The indirect coupling structure can be formed as a first capacitive coupling structure between the second end portion of the first pattern (CP1) and the conductive patch (1110).

[0135] The first end portion of the first extension pattern (EP1) can be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch (1110g). The indirect coupling structure can be formed by a second capacitive coupling structure between the first end portion of the first extension pattern (EP1) and the conductive ground patch (1110g). The second end portion of the first extension pattern (EP1) can be electrically connected to the conductive ground patch (1110g) through a via (V2).

[0136] The first end portion of the second pattern (CP2) can be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch (1110g). The indirect coupling structure can be formed as a third capacitive coupling structure between the first end portion of the second pattern (CP2) and the conductive ground patch (1110g). The second end portion of the second pattern (CP2) can be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch (1110g). The indirect coupling structure can be formed as a fourth capacitive coupling structure between the second end portion of the second pattern (CP2) and the conductive ground patch (1110g).

[0137] The first end of the second extension pattern (EP2) can be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch (1110g). The indirect coupling structure can be formed as a fifth capacitive coupling structure between the first end of the second extension pattern (EP2) and the conductive ground patch (1110g). The second end of the second extension pattern (EP2) can be electrically connected to the conductive ground patch (1110g) through a via (V3). The first end of the second pattern (CP2) and the first end of the second extension pattern (EP2) can be formed as the same area (same point).

[0138] The first end of the third pattern (CP1) can be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch (1110g). The indirect coupling structure can be formed as a sixth capacitive coupling structure between the first end of the third pattern (CP1) and the conductive ground patch (1110g). The second end of the third pattern (CP1) can be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch (1110g). The indirect coupling structure can be formed as a seventh capacitive coupling structure between the second end of the third pattern (CP1) and the conductive ground patch (1110g).

[0139] The first end of the third extension pattern (EP3) can be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch (1110g). The indirect coupling structure can be formed as an eighth capacitive coupling structure between the first end of the third extension pattern (EP3) and the conductive ground patch (1110g). The second end of the third extension pattern (EP3) can be electrically connected to the conductive ground patch (1110g) through a via (V4). The first end of the third pattern (CP3) and the first end of the third extension pattern (EP3) can be formed as the same area (same point).

[0140] The first end of the fourth pattern (CP4) can be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch (1110g). The indirect coupling structure can be formed as a ninth capacitive coupling structure between the first end of the fourth pattern (CP4) and the conductive ground patch (1110g). The second end of the fourth pattern (CP4) can be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive patch (1110). The indirect coupling structure can be formed as a tenth capacitive coupling structure between the second end of the fourth pattern (CP4) and the conductive ground patch (1110g).

[0141] The first end of the fourth extension pattern (EP4) can be electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch (1110g). The indirect coupling structure can be formed as a first capacitive coupling structure between the first end of the fourth extension pattern (EP4) and the conductive ground patch (1110g). The first end of the fourth extension pattern (EP4) can be electrically connected to the conductive ground patch (1110g) through a via (V5). The first end of the fourth pattern (CP3) and the first end of the fourth extension pattern (EP4) can be formed as the same area (same point).

[0142] The connection patterns (1100c) may be configured to include a first pattern (CP1), a second pattern (CP2), a third pattern (CP3), a fourth pattern (CP4), and a fifth pattern (CP5). The first pattern (CP1) may be formed in a first axial direction. The fifth pattern (CP5) may be formed in a second axial direction orthogonal to the first axial direction. The first pattern (CP1) may be formed in the Y-axis direction, and the fifth pattern (CP5) may be formed in the X-axis direction.

[0143] The fifth pattern (CP5) may be placed on the first surface (La1) of the substrate (1010). The fifth pattern (CP5) may be formed by connecting to the end of the first pattern (CP1) and extending in the X-axis direction to the fifth point (P5g). The fifth pattern (CP5) may be configured to electrically connect the fifth point (P5g) of the power supply patch (1100f) and the conductive ground patch (1100g) on ​​the second surface (La2) of the substrate (1010).

[0144] The first pattern (CP1) can transmit a first signal of a first frequency band from the feed patch (1100g) to the conductive patch (1100). Thus, the first pattern (CP1) can be configured so that the antenna module (1000) radiates a circularly polarized signal in the first frequency band. The second pattern (CP2) can transmit a second signal of a second frequency band from the feed patch (1100g) to the conductive patch (1100). Thus, the second pattern (CP2) can be configured so that the antenna module (1000) radiates a circularly polarized signal in the second frequency band. The second frequency band can be configured as a frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

[0145] Meanwhile, the antenna module (1000) may further include a plurality of stubs formed to protrude at different points on the circumference of the conductive ground patch (1100g). The plurality of stubs may be configured to include a first stub (SB1), a second stub (SB2), and a third stub (SB3).

[0146] A first stub (SB1) may be formed at a position corresponding to the second end of the second pattern (CP2). The first stub (SB1) may be configured to protrude from the second point (P2g) of the conductive ground patch (1100g) so as to overlap with the second pattern (CP2). A second stub (SB2) may be formed at a position corresponding to the second end of the third pattern (CP3). The second stub (SB2) may be configured to protrude from the third point (P3g) of the conductive ground patch (1100g) so as to overlap with the third pattern (CP3). A fourth stub (SB4) may be configured to protrude from the fourth point (P4g) of the conductive ground patch (1100g) so as to overlap with the fourth pattern (CP4).

[0147] Meanwhile, the circular polarization performance, including the axial ratio of the antenna module (1000), can be optimized according to the angle between adjacent patterns among the first pattern (CP1) to the fourth pattern (CP4). The first angle (α1) between the first pattern (CP1) and the second pattern (CP2) and the first angle (α1) between the third pattern (CP3) and the fourth pattern (CP4) can be formed in a range greater than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees. The second angle (α2) between the second pattern (CP2) and the third pattern (CP3) and the second angle (α2) between the fourth pattern (CP4) and the first pattern (CP1) can be formed in a range greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. The sum of the first angle (α1) and the second angle (α2) can be formed in a range greater than 150 degrees and less than 210 degrees. The antenna module (1000) can be configured to radiate a right-handed circular polarization (RHCP) signal.

[0148] Meanwhile, the antenna module (1000) operating with circular polarization may further be provided with a circular ring-shaped guide ring (1100r) to optimize antenna gain characteristics. The guide ring (1100r) may be formed in a circular ring shape to surround the conductive ground patch (1100g) and spaced apart from the conductive ground patch (1100g) by a second distance (Gr). The guide ring (1100r) may be disposed on the first surface (La1) of the substrate (1010). A first pattern (CP1) to a fifth pattern (CP5) and a first extension pattern (EP1) to a fourth extension pattern (EP4) may be disposed in the inner region of the guide ring (1100r).

[0149] Meanwhile, a vehicle antenna module (1000) operating as a circularly polarized antenna in a dual band can have its resonant frequency adjusted by parameter adjustment in each frequency band. The resonant frequency of the first frequency band can be adjusted by the radius (Rp) of the conductive patch (1100) and the first gap (Gg) between the conductive patch (1100) and the conductive ground patch (1100). Impedance matching in the first frequency band is achieved by the overlapping area (W) of the first pattern (CP1) and the conductive patch (1100). FC *W FC1 ) and the overlapping area (W) of the second to fourth patterns (CP2 to CP4) and the conductive patch (1100) C *W C1 It can be accomplished by ).

[0150] Meanwhile, the resonant frequency of the second frequency band is the overlapping area (W) between the first end portion of the second to fifth patterns (CP2 to CP5) and the conductive ground patch (1100g). C *W C1 , W SC *W SC1 The resonant frequency of the second frequency band can be adjusted by the length (La) and width (W) of the first extension pattern (EP1) to the fourth extension pattern (EP4). SLThe gain of the first frequency band and the second frequency band can be adjusted by the second gap (Gr) between the conductive ground patch (1100g) and the guide ring (1100r) and the width (Wr) of the guide ring (1100r).

[0151] Meanwhile, one of the first and second surfaces of the substrate (1010) may be attached to a glass panel. In this regard, FIG. 14 shows a side view of an antenna module attached to an attachment.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 16, an antenna module (1000) can be attached to a glass panel (10). The glass panel (10) may be configured to include a transparent region (11) and an opaque region (12). An antenna module (1000) may be placed in the opaque region (12) of the glass panel (10). Accordingly, the substrate (1010) of the antenna module (1000) may be implemented as an opaque substrate.

[0153] Depending on the application, at least a portion of the antenna module (1000) may be placed in the transparent area (11) of the glass panel (10). In this regard, the substrate (1010) of the antenna module (1000) may be implemented as a transparent substrate. A conductive ground patch (1100g), a conductive patch (1100), and a guide ring (1100r) placed on the substrate (1010) may be implemented as a metal mesh grid to form a transparent antenna structure.

[0154] A connection pattern (1100c) and a guide ring (1100r) may be placed on one of the first surface (La1) and the second surface (La2) of the substrate (1010). A conductive ground patch (1100g), a conductive patch (1100), and a coaxial cable (100c) may be placed on the other of the first surface (La1) and the second surface (La2) of the substrate (1010). A signal line (110c) of the coaxial cable (100c) may be connected to a feed patch (1100f). A ground line (120c) of the coaxial cable (100c) may be connected to a conductive ground patch (1100g). Accordingly, a signal of a specific frequency band may be applied to the antenna module through the signal line (110c) of the coaxial cable (100c) and the feed patch (1100f).

[0155] In summary, a first surface (La1) of the substrate (1010) of the antenna module (1000) may be attached to an opaque area (12) of the glass panel (10), or at least a portion of the first surface (La1) of the substrate (1010) may be attached to a transparent area (12) of the glass panel (10). A connection pattern (1100c) and a guide ring (1100r) may be placed on either the first surface (La1) or the second surface (La2) of the substrate (1010). For example, a connection pattern (1100c) and a guide ring (1100r) may be placed on the first surface (La1) of the substrate (1010).

[0156] A conductive ground patch (1100g), a conductive patch (1100), a power supply patch (1100f), and a coaxial cable (100c) may be placed on the other of the first surface (La1) and the second surface (La2) of the substrate (1010). For example, a conductive ground patch (1100g), a conductive patch (1100), a power supply patch (1100f), and a coaxial cable (100c) may be placed on the substrate (1010). A signal line (110c) of the coaxial cable (100c) may be connected to the power supply patch (1100f). A ground line (120c) of the coaxial cable (100c) may be attached to the conductive ground patch (1100g) surrounding the power supply patch (1100f). The connection pattern (1100c) may include the first pattern (CP1) to the fourth pattern (CP4) and the first extension pattern (EP1) to the fourth extension pattern (EP4).

[0157] The above describes an antenna module operating with circular polarization in a dual band according to the present specification. The technical effects of the antenna module operating with circular polarization in a dual band according to the present specification can be summarized as follows, but are not limited thereto.

[0158] According to the present specification, a planar circular polarization antenna module implemented as an ultra-thin structure on a substrate and a vehicle equipped with the same can be provided.

[0159] According to the present specification, through a parallel capacitor structure and a via connection structure between metal patterns, the ultra-thin antenna can solve the issue that it is difficult to achieve low elevation angle performance because the antenna and the ground plane are located on almost the same plane.

[0160] According to the present specification, when a planar circular polarization antenna module is attached to glass or a dielectric, an antenna structure design can be proposed that facilitates performance optimization depending on the influence of the glass or dielectric.

[0161] According to the present specification, an antenna module having connection patterns in which signals are applied in mutually orthogonal directions can be proposed as a feed structure capable of operating as a circularly polarized antenna in a dual band.

[0162] The purpose of this specification is to propose an antenna structure that facilitates optimization for changes in antenna performance, particularly changes in resonant frequency, depending on the type and physical properties of the attachment, dielectric constant, dielectric loss, size, thickness, etc.

[0163] Further scopes of the applicability of this specification will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this specification are clearly understood by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments, such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of this specification, should be understood as being given merely as examples. Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects but should be considered exemplary. The scope of this specification shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of this specification are included within the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. In an antenna module operating with circular dual polarization, Substrate; A conductive ground patch formed in a hollow ring shape on the first surface of the substrate; A conductive patch disposed in the inner region of the above-mentioned conductive ground patch; A recessed region is formed inwardly in one area of ​​the conductive ground patch, and a feeding patch is formed in the recessed region. A first pattern electrically connecting the first point of the feed patch and the conductive patch on the second surface of the substrate; A second pattern spaced apart from the first pattern and formed to extend inwardly from a second point of the conductive ground patch, and electrically connected to the second point of the conductive patch; A third pattern spaced apart from the second pattern and formed to extend inwardly from a third point of the conductive ground patch and electrically connected to the third point of the conductive patch; and It includes a fourth pattern that is spaced apart from the third pattern and formed to extend inwardly from a fourth point of the conductive ground patch and is electrically connected to the fourth point of the conductive patch. A first extension pattern is formed extending from any point of the first pattern toward the second pattern, and the end portion of the first extension pattern is electrically connected to the conductive ground patch. A second extension pattern is formed extending from any point of the second pattern toward the third pattern, and the end portion of the second extension pattern is electrically connected to the conductive ground patch. A third extension pattern is formed extending from any point of the third pattern toward the fourth pattern, and the end portion of the third extension pattern is electrically connected to the conductive ground patch. A fourth extension pattern is formed extending from any point of the fourth pattern toward the first pattern, and the end portion of the fourth extension pattern is electrically connected to the conductive ground patch. The first pattern and the second pattern are formed at a first angle, and The above second pattern and the above third pattern are formed at a second angle, and The above third pattern and the above fourth pattern are formed at the same angle as the above first angle, and The above-mentioned fourth pattern and the above-mentioned first pattern are formed at the same angle as the above-mentioned second angle, and An antenna module characterized in that one of the first angle and the second angle is an angle smaller than 90 degrees and the other is an angle larger than 90 degrees.

2. In Paragraph 1, The first end portion of the first pattern is electrically connected to the feed patch and the first via. An antenna module characterized in that the second end portion of the first pattern is electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive patch.

3. In Paragraph 2, The first end of the first extension pattern is electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch, and An antenna module characterized in that the second end of the first extension pattern is electrically connected to the conductive ground patch through the second via.

4. In Paragraph 1, The first end of the second pattern is electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch, and An antenna module characterized in that the second end portion of the second pattern is electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive patch.

5. In Paragraph 4, The first end of the second extension pattern is electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch, and An antenna module characterized in that the second end of the second extension pattern is electrically connected to the conductive ground patch and the third via.

6. In Paragraph 5, An antenna module characterized in that the first end portion of the second pattern and the first end portion of the second extension pattern are in the same area.

7. In Paragraph 1, The first end of the above third pattern is electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch, and An antenna module characterized in that the second end of the third pattern is electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch.

8. In Paragraph 7, The first end of the above third extension pattern is electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch, and An antenna module characterized in that the second end of the third extension pattern is electrically connected to the conductive patch and the fourth via.

9. In Paragraph 8, An antenna module characterized in that the first end portion of the third pattern and the first end portion of the third extension pattern are in the same area.

10. In Paragraph 1, The first end of the above-mentioned fourth pattern is electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch, and An antenna module characterized in that the second end portion of the above-mentioned fourth pattern is electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive patch.

11. In Paragraph 10, The first end of the above-mentioned fourth extension pattern is electrically connected through an indirect coupling structure spaced apart from the conductive ground patch, and An antenna module characterized in that the second end of the fourth extension pattern is electrically connected to the conductive ground patch and the fifth via.

12. In Paragraph 11, An antenna module characterized in that the first end portion of the fourth pattern and the first end portion of the fourth extension pattern are in the same area.

13. In Paragraph 2, The above first pattern is formed in the first axial direction, and An antenna module further comprising a fifth pattern formed in a second axis direction orthogonal to the first axis direction and electrically connecting a fifth point of the feed patch and the conductive ground patch on a second surface of the substrate.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above first pattern is configured to transmit a first signal of a first frequency band from the feed patch to the conductive patch so that the antenna module radiates a circularly polarized signal in the first frequency band, and The second pattern is configured to transmit a second signal of a second frequency band from the feed patch to the conductive patch so that the antenna module radiates a circularly polarized signal in the second frequency band, and An antenna module in which the second frequency band is composed of a frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

15. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a plurality of stubs formed to protrude at different points on the circumference of the conductive ground patch, and The above plurality of stubs are, A first stub formed at a position corresponding to the second end portion of the second pattern and configured to protrude from the second point so as to overlap with the second pattern; A second stub formed at a position corresponding to the second end portion of the third pattern and configured to protrude from the third point so as to overlap with the third pattern; and An antenna module comprising a fourth stub formed at a position corresponding to the second end portion of the fourth pattern and configured to protrude from the fourth point so as to overlap with the fourth pattern.

16. In Paragraph 1, The above first angle is formed in a range greater than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and The sum of the first angle and the second angle is formed in a range greater than 150 degrees and less than 210 degrees, and The antenna module is configured to radiate a signal of right-handed circular polarization (RHCP).

17. In Paragraph 14, It further includes a guide ring formed in a circular ring shape to surround the conductive ground patch and spaced apart from the conductive ground patch by a second distance. An antenna module, wherein the guide ring is disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and the first to fifth patterns and the first to fourth extension patterns are disposed in the inner region of the guide ring.

18. In Paragraph 17, The resonant frequency of the first frequency band is adjusted by the radius of the conductive patch and the first gap between the conductive patch and the conductive ground patch, and An antenna module in which impedance matching of the first frequency band is achieved by the overlapping area of ​​the first pattern and the conductive patch and the overlapping area of ​​the second to fourth patterns and the conductive patch.

19. In Paragraph 18, The resonant frequency of the second frequency band is adjusted by the overlapping area between the first end portion of the second to fifth patterns and the conductive ground patch, and The resonant frequency of the second frequency band is adjusted by the length and width of the first to fourth extension patterns, and An antenna module in which the gain of the first frequency band and the second frequency band is adjusted by the second gap between the conductive ground patch and the guide ring and the width of the guide ring.

20. In Paragraph 17, The first surface of the substrate of the above antenna module is attached to an opaque area of ​​a glass panel, and A connection pattern and the guide ring are disposed on the first surface of the above substrate, and The conductive patch, the feed patch, the conductive ground patch, and the coaxial cable are disposed on the second surface of the substrate, and The signal line of the coaxial cable is connected to the above-mentioned power supply patch, and the ground line of the coaxial cable is attached to the conductive ground patch surrounding the above-mentioned power supply patch, and The above connection pattern comprises the first to fourth patterns and the first to fourth extension patterns, an antenna module.

Images