Phase-adjustable antenna and wireless communication device including phase-adjustable antenna

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. An antenna module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises one or more sub-arrays, wherein each of the one or more sub-arrays comprises a plurality of antenna elements, and each of the plurality of antenna elements comprises: an antenna patch; a first diode and a second diode configured to apply a radio frequency (RF) signal to the antenna patch; a feeding unit located at the center of the antenna patch and electrically connected to the antenna patch by one of the first diode and the second diode; a plurality of coupling poles configured to be coupled to the antenna patch, the plurality of coupling poles including a first coupling pole and a second coupling pole; and a third diode and a fourth diode configured to adjust electrical lengths of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole.

Description

Wireless communication device including a phase-adjustable antenna and a phase-adjustable antenna

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system, and more specifically, to an antenna capable of controlling the radiation phase in a wireless communication system and a wireless communication device including said antenna.

[0002] 5G mobile communication technology defines a wide frequency band to enable fast transmission speeds and new services, and can be implemented not only in frequency bands below 6 GHz ('Sub 6 GHz'), such as 3.5 gigahertz (3.5 GHz), but also in ultra-high frequency bands called millimeter waves (mmWave), such as 28 GHz and 39 GHz ('Above 6 GHz'). In addition, for 6G mobile communication technology, which is referred to as a system beyond 5G, implementation in the terahertz (THX) band (e.g., the 3 terahertz band at 95 GHz) is being considered to achieve transmission speeds 50 times faster and ultra-low latency reduced to one-tenth compared to 5G mobile communication technology.

[0003] In the early stages of 5G mobile communication technology, aiming to satisfy service support and performance requirements for enhanced Mobile BroadBand (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), and massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), technologies such as beamforming and Massive MIMO to mitigate path loss and increase transmission distance in ultra-high frequency bands, support for various numerologies (such as the operation of multiple subcarrier spacings) and dynamic operation of slot formats for the efficient utilization of ultra-high frequency resources, initial access techniques to support multi-beam transmission and broadband, definition and operation of Band-Width Parts (BWP), Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes for high-volume data transmission, new channel coding methods such as Polar Codes for the reliable transmission of control information, and L2 pre-processing (L2 Standardization has been carried out for pre-processing, network slicing which provides a dedicated network specialized for specific services, and other methods.

[0004] Currently, discussions are underway to improve and enhance the performance of the initial 5G mobile communication technology, taking into account the services that the 5G mobile communication technology was intended to support. Additionally, standardization of the physical layer is in progress for technologies such as V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), which helps autonomous vehicles make driving decisions and enhance user convenience based on their own location and status information transmitted by the vehicle; NR-U (New Radio Unlicensed), which aims for system operation in unlicensed bands to comply with various regulatory requirements; NR terminal low power consumption technology (UE Power Saving); Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), which is direct terminal-satellite communication for securing coverage in areas where communication with the terrestrial network is impossible; and positioning.

[0005] In addition, standardization is underway in the field of wireless interface architecture / protocols for technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for supporting new services through linkage and convergence with other industries, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) which provides nodes for expanding network service areas by integrating wireless backhaul links and access links, Mobility Enhancement including Conditional Handover and Dual Active Protocol Stack (DAPS) Handover, and 2-step Random Access (2-step RACH for NR) which simplifies random access procedures. Standardization is also underway in the field of system architecture / services for 5G baseline architectures (e.g., Service based Architecture, Service based Interface) for incorporating Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies, and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), which provides services based on the location of the terminal.

[0006] When such 5G mobile communication systems are commercialized, connected devices, which are increasing explosively, will be connected to communication networks. Accordingly, it is expected that there will be a need to enhance the functionality and performance of 5G mobile communication systems and to integrate the operation of connected devices. To this end, new research is planned to be conducted on 5G performance improvement and complexity reduction, support for AI services, support for metaverse services, and drone communication using eXtended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) to efficiently support Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR).

[0007] Furthermore, the advancement of these 5G mobile communication systems encompasses multi-antenna transmission technologies such as new waveforms to guarantee coverage in the terahertz band of 6G mobile communication technology, Full Dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, and large-scale antennas; metamaterial-based lenses and antennas to improve terahertz band signal coverage; high-dimensional spatial multiplexing technology using OAM (Orbital Angular Momentum); and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) technology; as well as Full Duplex technology for enhancing frequency efficiency and system networks in 6G mobile communication technology; AI-based communication technologies that realize system optimization by utilizing satellites and AI from the design stage and internalizing end-to-end AI support functions; and the realization of services of complexity exceeding the limits of terminal computing capabilities by utilizing ultra-high-performance communication and computing resources. It could serve as a foundation for the development of next-generation distributed computing technologies.

[0008] Products equipped with multiple antennas are being developed to improve communication performance, and it is expected that equipment with an increasingly large number of antennas will be used by utilizing Massive MIMO technology. As the number of antenna elements in communication devices increases, the number of RF (radio frequency) components (e.g., RFIC (radio frequency integrated circuit), phase shifter (PS), RF filter) will inevitably increase as well.

[0009] In particular, in the RF structure of a wireless communication system, the antenna element performs only the role of signal radiation, and the phase converter of the RFIC in front of the antenna element controls the radiation phase of the antenna element. As the phase converter is an essential component for beam steering of a wireless communication device, one RFIC is used for each antenna element in conventional RF structures. The increase in the number of antenna elements due to Massive MIMO, along with an increase in the number of RFICs, can lead to increased complexity, cost, and power consumption in hardware implementation. A large number of RFICs has come to account for a significant portion of the size and material costs of the communication device.

[0010] In order to enhance product competitiveness through the miniaturization of wireless communication devices, reduction of material costs, and simplification of processes, it is necessary to provide a new RF structure.

[0011] Based on the discussion above, the present disclosure can resolve the structural limitation that an RFIC must be configured for each antenna element for beam steering of antennas included in a wireless communication device.

[0012] Specifically, the antenna of the present disclosure and the wireless communication device including the antenna provide a new RF structure to replace a phase converter that performs beam steering, thereby enabling excellent beam steering performance even without having an RFIC equal to the number of antenna elements.

[0013] An antenna module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises one or more sub-arrays, each of the one or more sub-arrays comprises a plurality of antenna elements, and each of the plurality of antenna elements (610-1) may comprise: an antenna patch (700); a first diode (D1) and a second diode (D2) for applying an RF (radio frequency) signal to the antenna patch; a feed portion (805) located at the center of the antenna patch and electrically connected to the antenna patch by one of the first diode or the second diode; a plurality of coupling poles for coupling with the antenna patch, the plurality of coupling poles comprising a first coupling pole (730) and a second coupling pole (740); and a third diode (D3) and a fourth diode (D4) for adjusting the electrical length of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole.

[0014] A wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: one or more sub-arrays; and one or more RFICs (radio frequency integrated circuits) (613) for supplying RF (radio frequency) signals to the one or more sub-arrays, wherein each of the one or more sub-arrays comprises a plurality of antenna elements, and each of the plurality of antenna elements (610-1) comprises: an antenna patch (700); a first diode (D1) and a second diode (D2) for applying the RF signal to the antenna patch; a feed portion (805) located at the center of the antenna patch and electrically connected to the antenna patch by one of the first diode or the second diode; a plurality of coupling poles for coupling with the antenna patch, wherein the plurality of coupling poles comprise a first coupling pole (730) and a second coupling pole (740); and a third diode (D3) and a fourth diode (D4) for adjusting the electrical length of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole.

[0015] A novel phase array antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can process multiple signals simultaneously by organically combining multiple antennas, thereby enabling effective utilization of bandwidth.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a new RF structure that replaces an RFIC is provided, thereby enabling the miniaturization of the RF structure due to the omission of the RFIC, simplification of implementation, cost reduction, and power consumption reduction.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the RF structure can be reduced by omitting the RFIC, thereby improving the degree of freedom in the placement of components within a wireless communication device.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, costs can be reduced and product competitiveness enhanced through the miniaturization of a wireless communication device and simplification of the process.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a functional configuration for beamforming of a communication unit of a wireless communication device in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) including a phase converter according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a phased array antenna.

[0023] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a scenario for controlling the phase of multiple antennas using a divider and a single phase converter.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an RF structure including an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer substrate for explaining the structure of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a multilayer substrate for explaining the structure of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a multilayer substrate for explaining the structure of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 10 briefly illustrates diode control of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a table summarizing the number of radiation phases that can be obtained through diode control of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 12 illustrates the arrangement of antenna elements in a phase array antenna.

[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates an arrangement of antenna elements in a phase array antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a cutting structure for improving the characteristics of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a cutting structure for improving the characteristics of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of the edge of an antenna patch according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 17 illustrates a portion of the edge of an antenna patch according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 18 illustrates various forms of a coupling pole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 19 is a drawing for explaining the beam steering performance of an array antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 20 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a coupling pole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 21 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a coupling pole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art described in this disclosure. Terms used in this disclosure that are defined in a general dictionary may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as they have in the context of the relevant technology, and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure. In some cases, even terms defined in this disclosure are not to be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0041] In the various embodiments of the present disclosure described below, a hardware-based approach is described as an example. However, since the various embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques using both hardware and software, the various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude a software-based approach.

[0042] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that identical components in the accompanying drawings are represented by the same reference numerals whenever possible. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations that could obscure the essence of the present disclosure will be omitted.

[0043] In describing the embodiments in this specification, technical details that are well known in the technical field to which this disclosure belongs and are not directly related to this disclosure are omitted. This is intended to convey the essence of this disclosure more clearly without obscuring it by omitting unnecessary explanations.

[0044] For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings have been exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted. Additionally, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual dimensions. Identical or corresponding components in each drawing have been assigned the same reference numbers.

[0045] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present disclosure is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0046] At this time, it will be understood that each block of the process flow diagrams and combinations of the flow diagrams can be executed by computer program instructions. Since these computer program instructions can be loaded into the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, the instructions executed through the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment create means to perform the functions described in the flow diagram block(s). Since these computer program instructions can also be stored in computer-available or computer-readable memory that can be directed toward the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement the function in a specific way, the instructions stored in computer-available or computer-readable memory can also produce a manufactured item containing the means of instruction to perform the function described in the flow diagram block(s). Since computer program instructions can be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, instructions that perform a series of operation steps on the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to create a process executed by the computer can also provide steps for executing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0047] Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or part of code containing one or more executable instructions for executing a specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative execution examples, the functions mentioned in the blocks may occur out of order. For instance, two blocks described in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may be executed in reverse order according to their corresponding functions.

[0048] In this embodiment, the term "part" refers to a software or hardware component, such as an FPGA or ASIC, and the "part" performs certain roles. However, the meaning of "part" is not limited to software or hardware. The "part" may be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium or configured to operate one or more processors. Thus, as an example, the "part" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided within the components and "parts" may be combined into a smaller number of components and "parts" or further separated into additional components and "parts." Furthermore, the components and "parts" may be implemented to operate one or more CPUs within a device or secure multimedia card.

[0049] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, a wireless communication device may refer to nodes utilizing a wireless channel in a wireless communication system. Referring to FIG. 1, a base station (110) and a terminal (120) are exemplified as some of the nodes. The terminal (120) may also be connected to a plurality of base stations. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, base stations may be connected to the terminal (120) through multiple connectivity (e.g., dual connectivity, DC).

[0050] A base station (110) is a network infrastructure that provides wireless access to a terminal (120). The base station (110) has coverage defined as a specific geographical area based on the distance at which it can transmit signals. The term 'coverage' used below may refer to a service coverage area available at the base station (110). The base station (110) may cover one cell or multiple cells. Here, the multiple cells may be distinguished by the supported frequency and the area of ​​the sector covered.

[0051] In addition to being a base station, the base station (110) may be referred to as an 'access point (AP)', 'eNodeB (eNB)', '5G node (5th generation node)', '5G NodeB (NB)', 'gNB (next generation node B)', 'wireless point', 'transmission / reception point (TRP)', 'distributed unit (DU)', 'radio unit (RU)', 'remote radio head (RRH)', or other terms having an equivalent technical meaning. According to various embodiments, the base station (110) may be connected to one or more 'transmission / reception points (TRPs)'. The base station (110) may transmit a downlink signal to a terminal (120) or receive an uplink signal through one or more TRPs.

[0052] A terminal (120) is a device used by a user and performs communication with a base station (110) via a wireless channel. In some cases, the terminal (120) may be operated without user involvement. That is, at least one of the terminals (120) may be a device that performs machine type communication (MTC) and may not be carried by a user. The terminal (120) may be referred to as 'user equipment (UE)', 'mobile station', 'subscriber station', 'customer premises equipment (CPE)', 'remote terminal', 'wireless terminal', 'electronic device', or 'vehicle terminal', 'user device', or other terms having an equivalent technical meaning.

[0053] FIG. 1 is merely an example and does not limit the wireless communication device of the present disclosure to base stations and terminals. The present disclosure may be applied to any wireless communication device including an RF structure that transmits and receives signals through an antenna.

[0054] Since the various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to wireless communication devices utilizing an RF structure comprising a plurality of antenna elements for beamforming and Massive MIMO, the functional configuration of a wireless communication device for beamforming and an RFIC including a phase converter will be described in detail below.

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a functional configuration for beamforming of a communication unit of a wireless communication device in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless communication device comprises a wireless communication unit or a communication unit including an encoding and modulation unit (202), a digital beamforming unit (204), a plurality of transmission paths (206-1 to 206-N), and an analog beamforming unit (208). However, FIG. 2 is merely an example and does not limit the configuration of the wireless communication device of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be applied to any wireless communication device that performs beamforming operations.

[0057] The encoding and modulation unit (202) performs channel encoding. For channel encoding, at least one of a low density parity check (LDPC) code, a convolution code, and a polar code may be used. The encoding and modulation unit (202) generates modulation symbols by performing contellation mapping.

[0058] The digital beamforming unit (204) performs beamforming on a digital signal (e.g., modulation symbols). To do this, the digital beamforming unit (204) multiplies the modulation symbols by beamforming weights. Here, the beamforming weights are used to change the magnitude and phase of the signal and may be referred to as a 'precoding matrix', 'precoder', etc. The digital beamforming unit (204) outputs the digitally beamformed modulation symbols to multiple transmission paths (206-1 to 206-N). At this time, according to the MIMO (multiple input multiple output) transmission technique, the modulation symbols may be multiplexed, or the same modulation symbols may be provided to multiple transmission paths (206-1 to 206-N).

[0059] Multiple transmission paths (206-1 to 206-N) convert digitally beamformed digital signals into analog signals. To this end, each of the multiple transmission paths (206-1 to 206-N) may include an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) operation unit, a cyclic prefix (CP) insertion unit, a DAC, and an up-conversion unit. The CP insertion unit is intended for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and may be excluded when other physical layer methods (e.g., filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC)) are applied. That is, the multiple transmission paths (206-1 to 206-N) provide independent signal processing processes for multiple streams generated through digital beamforming. However, depending on the implementation method, some of the components of the multiple transmission paths (206-1 to 206-N) may be used in common.

[0060] The analog beamforming unit (208) performs beamforming on the analog signal. To this end, the digital beamforming unit (204) multiplies the analog signals by beamforming weights. Here, the beamforming weights are used to change the magnitude and phase of the signal. Specifically, the analog beamforming unit (240) can be configured in various ways depending on the connection structure between the multiple transmission paths (206-1 to 206-N) and antennas. For example, each of the multiple transmission paths (206-1 to 206-N) can be connected to a single antenna array. As another example, the multiple transmission paths (206-1 to 206-N) can be connected to a single antenna array. As yet another example, the multiple transmission paths (206-1 to 206-N) can be adaptively connected to a single antenna array or connected to two or more antenna arrays.

[0061] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) including a phase converter according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] In 5G communication, mmWave phased array RFICs are being developed for efficient communication in the mmWave band. To achieve high communication performance in the mmWave band, the development of high-power, highly efficient, and highly linear power amplifiers (PAs) within the IC (e.g., CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) / Si (silicon)-based PAs) is required.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, the RFIC (300) may include a plurality of RF chains (316, 316-1). The plurality of RF chains (316, 316-1) may include a power amplifier (PA) and a low noise amplifier (LNA). Unlike the power amplifier (PA), which is responsible for signal amplification at the output of the transmitting end, the low noise amplifier (LNA) is responsible for signal amplification at the input of the receiving end and is located near the antenna to amplify the weak signal captured by the antenna, thereby reducing attenuation in the transmission line.

[0064] The RF signal (312) input to the RFIC (300) can be distributed to each RF chain through a distributor (or coupler, coupler) (314). According to one embodiment, the distributor (314) may be composed of a passive element or an active element.

[0065] Each of the multiple RF chains (316, 316-1) may include a power amplifier (PA). In a wireless communication system, the transmission signal of a base station (110) or a terminal (120) undergoes severe attenuation because it is transmitted through a wireless channel. To this end, the transmitter of the base station (110) or the terminal (120) may be configured to include an amplifier for amplifying the transmission signal. A power amplifier (PA) may be placed in each of the multiple RF chains to amplify the signal transmitted through the air. The power amplifier (PA) can amplify the applied signal and transmit it to the antenna. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the signal passing through the power amplifier (PA) is transmitted to the antenna (e.g., the antenna element of an array antenna) via a filter and a transmission line.

[0066] Since the performance of the power amplifier affects the overall performance of the RFIC, an RF filter that selectively passes the operating frequency from the input signal of the power amplifier may be included for high performance and high efficiency.

[0067] In FIG. 3, an exemplary structure of an RFIC proposed through the embodiments of the present disclosure is described. Meanwhile, the RFIC structure illustrated in FIG. 3 is merely an example to explain the transmission process from the RF signal input to the antenna. That is, FIG. 3 is not to be interpreted as excluding an RFIC having a different structure from FIG. 3 that includes a power amplifier described later among the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a phased array antenna.

[0069] Beamforming technology is utilized as one of the techniques to mitigate propagation path loss and increase the transmission distance of radio waves. Beamforming generally uses multiple antennas to concentrate the reach area of ​​radio waves or to increase the directivity of reception sensitivity in a specific direction. Therefore, to form beamforming coverage instead of forming a signal in an isotropic pattern using a single antenna, a base station may be equipped with multiple antennas.

[0070] The array antenna illustrated in FIG. 4 is merely an example for explaining a conventional phased array antenna and is not to be interpreted as limiting other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, a wireless communication device may include an antenna array. According to one embodiment, the wireless communication device may include a massive MIMO unit (MMU) that includes the antenna array. Each antenna included in the antenna array may be referred to as an array element or an antenna element (410, 420, ...). In FIG. 4, the antenna array is depicted as a two-dimensional planar array, but this is merely one embodiment and does not limit other embodiments of the present disclosure. According to another embodiment, the antenna array may be configured in various forms, such as a linear array. The antenna array may be referred to as a massive antenna array.

[0072] A key technology for improving the data capacity of 5G communication is beamforming technology using an antenna array connected to multiple RF paths. Since the antenna only radiates signals, a phase converter (415, 425, ...) capable of adjusting the phase of the antenna is required for high beam directivity. Since the phase converter is implemented in an RFIC, one RFIC is required for each antenna element. For example, referring to FIG. 4, an RFIC (413) including a phase converter (415) for adjusting the phase of an antenna element (410) may be used, and an RFIC (423) including a phase converter (425) for adjusting the phase of an antenna element (420) may be used.

[0073] As the number of antennas in wireless communication devices increases, the number of RF components (e.g., amplifiers, phase converters, filters) and other parts required to process RF signals transmitted and received through the antennas also increases, leading to an increase in the number of RFICs. An increase in the number of RFICs results in a further increase in the size of the wireless communication device.

[0074] The antenna and the wireless communication device including the antenna of the present invention can achieve high beam directivity by implementing a new antenna structure capable of beam steering without increasing the number of RFICs. By connecting multiple antenna elements using a splitter or divider in the RF path and adding switches and coupling poles to the antenna elements to enable beam steering within the antenna elements themselves, the antenna of the present invention can achieve high communication performance along with spatial gain and cost efficiency.

[0075] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a scenario for controlling the phase of multiple antennas using a divider and a single phase converter.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, the RFIC (513) is connected to a splitter or divider (519), and the divider (519) can be connected to a plurality of antenna elements (510-1, ..., 510-n). The RFIC (513) includes a phase converter (515) and a PA, and a signal passing through the phase converter (515) can pass through the PA and be input to a plurality of antenna elements (510-1, ..., 510-n) by the divider (519). Alternatively, a sub-array (510) including a plurality of antenna elements (510-1, ..., 510-n) can receive signals simultaneously by the divider (519).

[0077] Antenna elements (510-1, ..., or 510-n) are RF passive elements that only radiate the input power and cannot change the phase. A phase converter (515) can adjust the phase of the signal radiated by the connected plurality of antenna elements (510-1, ..., 510-n). Therefore, the phase of the signal radiated by the plurality of antenna elements (510-1, ..., 510-n) can be adjusted through the control of the phase converter (515). However, since the phases of each of the plurality of antenna elements (510-1, ..., 510-n) are simultaneously adjusted by a single phase converter (515), they may be identical to each other.

[0078] Likewise, the RFIC (523) is connected to the divider (529), and the divider (529) can be connected to a plurality of antenna elements (520-1, ..., 520-n). The output signal of the RFIC (523) passing through the phase converter (525) and the PA can be input to the sub-array (520), i.e., the plurality of antenna elements (520-1, ..., 520-n), by the divider (529). The phase converter (525) can adjust the phase of the signal radiated by the connected plurality of antenna elements (520-1, ..., 520-n). Since the phases of each of the plurality of antenna elements (520-1, ..., 520-n) are simultaneously adjusted by a single phase converter (525), they can be identical to each other. For example, a wireless communication device including an RF structure illustrated in FIG. 5 can control a phase converter (515) so that a plurality of antenna elements (510-1, ..., 510-n) radiate an RF signal of phase (A), and control a phase converter (525) so that a plurality of antenna elements (520-1, ..., 520-n) radiate an RF signal of phase (B).

[0079] Therefore, a wireless communication device including the RF structure illustrated in FIG. 5 can radiate only RF signals having phase A and RF signals having phase B using a plurality of antenna elements (510-1, ..., 510-n, 520-1, ..., 520-n), so beam steering performance is limited.

[0080] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an RF structure including an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, the RFIC (613) is connected to a divider (619), and the divider (619) can be connected to a plurality of antenna elements (610-1, ..., 610-n). The output signal of the RFIC (613) passing through the phase converter (615) and the PA can be input to the sub-array (610), i.e., the plurality of antenna elements (610-1, ..., 610-n), by the divider (619). The phase converter (615) can adjust the phase of the signal radiated by the connected plurality of antenna elements (610-1, ..., 610-n). Likewise, the phase of the signal radiated by the plurality of antenna elements (620-1, ..., 620-n) can be adjusted by the phase converter (625) of the RFIC (623).

[0082] Each of the plurality of antenna elements (610-1, ..., 610-n) according to one embodiment may include a switch. For example, an antenna element (610-1) may include a switch (600) and may radiate an RF signal having phase A-1 by the switch (600). An antenna element (610-n) may include a switch (600-n) and may radiate an RF signal having phase An by the switch (600-n).

[0083] In a wireless communication device including the RF structure illustrated in Fig. 6, beam steering is performed within the antenna element itself, so there is no need to connect RFICs for beam steering to every antenna element. Therefore, even with a reduced number of RFICs, the radiation phase can be controlled for each of the antenna elements, thereby achieving cost reduction and reduced power consumption.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the RF structure illustrated in FIG. 6 may include a PA to compensate for the small output because it uses a small number of RFICs relative to the number of antenna elements. For example, the RF structure may include one or more additional PAs at stages after RFIC (613) and RFIC (623). As another example, RFIC (613) and RFIC (623) may include a PA with higher amplification performance.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer substrate for explaining the structure of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are top views of a multilayer substrate for explaining the structure of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a top-down view of the surface of the multilayer substrate, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a layer in which a divider (619) and a short stub are arranged. FIG. 10 briefly illustrates diode control of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a table summarizing the number of radiation phase cases obtainable through diode control of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] The antenna element (610-1) shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may correspond to one of the antenna elements among the plurality of antenna elements shown in FIG. 6.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, an antenna patch (700), coupling poles (730, 740), and a divider (619) may be disposed on a multilayer substrate. The antenna patch (700) and coupling poles (730, 740) may be disposed on the surface of the multilayer substrate. The divider (619) may distribute or transmit the input of the divider to a plurality of connected antenna elements (610-1, ..., 610-n). For example, the input of the divider may refer to the output of an RFIC. The signal transmitted from the divider may be fed to the antenna patch (700) through a feed section (805). The antenna element (610-1) may radiate the signal received from the divider (619).

[0088] An antenna element according to one embodiment may include a switch for adjusting the phase of the antenna element. A diode or a positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) diode may be used as the switch for adjusting the phase of the antenna element. Thus, the phase adjustment operation may refer to the on / off switching operation of the diode. For example, the phase delay value of the signal radiated by the antenna patch (700) may change depending on whether diode (D3) and diode (D4) are connected. The change in the phase delay value may be determined by the electrical length of the coupling pole. For example, the phase difference may be reduced by decreasing the electrical length of the coupling pole, or the phase difference may be increased by increasing the electrical length of the coupling pole.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, on the surface of a multilayer substrate, an antenna patch (700), a plurality of coupling poles (730, 740) for coupling with the antenna patch (700), a feed section (805), and diodes (D1) and (D2) connecting the feed section (805) and the antenna patch (700) may be disposed. A slot for separating the feed section (805) and the antenna patch (700) may be formed in the center of the antenna patch (700), and diodes (D1) and (D2) connecting the feed section (805) and the antenna patch (700) may be disposed. The coupling pole (730) may include two conductors and a diode (D3), and the coupling pole (740) may include two conductors and a diode (D4).

[0090] Referring to FIG. 8, the antenna patch (700) can be connected to the feed section (805) through a diode (D1) or a diode (D2). The feed section (805) can be connected to DC GND. Since the diode (D1) allows current to flow from the antenna patch (700) toward the feed section (805) and the diode (D2) allows current to flow from the feed section (805) toward the antenna patch (700), the diode (D1) and the diode (D2) can be controlled to be on / off in opposite directions. When the diode (D1) is turned on, the diode (D2) is turned off, and when the diode (D1) is turned off, the diode (D2) can be turned on.

[0091] When diode (D1) is turned on and diode (D2) is turned off, the RF signal can travel along diode (D1), and when diode (D1) is turned off and diode (D2) is turned on, the RF signal can travel along diode (D2). Therefore, the radiation phase of the antenna element when the RF signal travels along diode (D1) can be 180 degrees different from the radiation phase of the antenna element when the RF signal travels along diode (D2). While the RF signal travels along diode (D1), the radiation phase of the antenna element is 0 degrees, and when diode (D1) is turned off and the RF signal travels along diode (D2), the radiation phase of the antenna element can be shifted by 180 degrees. For example, referring to FIG. 11, in states 1 and 3 where diodes (D3) and (D4) are turned off, the radiation phase when diode (D1) is turned on and diode (D2) is turned off (state 1) and the radiation phase when diode (D1) is turned off and diode (D2) is turned on (state 3) may differ by 180 degrees. Additionally, in states 2 and 4 where diodes (D3) and (D4) are turned on, the radiation phase when diode (D1) is turned on and diode (D2) is turned off (state 2) and the radiation phase when diode (D1) is turned off and diode (D2) is turned on (state 4) may differ by 180 degrees.

[0092] A coupling pole according to one embodiment may include a plurality of conductors spaced apart from each other and a diode for electrically connecting or disconnecting the plurality of conductors. The plurality of conductors may be electrically connected to each other when the diode is turned on and disconnected from each other when the diode is turned off. The electrical length of the coupling pole may refer to the electrical length when the plurality of conductors are electrically connected by turning on the diode. The degree of coupling is determined according to the electrical length of the coupling pole, and the phase delay value caused by coupling may be determined according to the degree of coupling. The coupling pole may form a coupling with an antenna patch based on its electrical length. For example, the electrical length of the coupling pole may be determined to be a length corresponding to the electrical length of the antenna patch.

[0093] For example, the coupling pole (730) may include two conductors (730A, 730B) and a diode (D3). When the diode (D3) is turned on (or when the conductors are electrically connected to each other), the electrical length of the coupling pole (730) may be similar to the length of the antenna patch (700). Since coupling is effective when the electrical lengths are similar, when the diode (D3) is turned on, coupling is formed between the antenna patch (700) and the coupling pole (730), and the RF signal flowing through the antenna patch (700) can be transmitted to the coupling pole (730). Additional resonance may occur due to the RF signal flowing through the coupling pole (730), and may affect the radiation phase of the antenna patch.

[0094] Likewise, the conductors included in the coupling pole (740) are spaced apart from each other and can be electrically connected to each other when the diode (D4) is turned on. When the diode (D4) is turned on and the coupling pole (740) forms the required electrical length, the coupling pole (740) can also be coupled to the antenna patch (700). When the diode (D4) is turned on, additional resonance may occur due to the RF signal flowing through the coupling pole (740) and may affect the radiation phase of the antenna patch.

[0095] Diodes (D3) and (D4) can be turned on or turned off simultaneously. When diodes (D3) and (D4) are turned on while the radiation phase is 0 degrees (e.g., diode (D1) is turned on), the radiation phase of the antenna element (610-1) can be changed to 90 degrees (see state 2 in FIG. 11). When diodes (D3) and (D4) are turned off, the radiation phase of the antenna element (610-1) can be changed back to 0 degrees.

[0096] Alternatively, when diodes (D3) and (D4) are turned on while the radiation phase is 180 degrees (e.g., diode (D2) is turned on), the radiation phase of the antenna element (610-1) can be changed to 270 degrees (see state 4 in FIG. 11). At this time, when diodes (D3) and (D4) are turned off, the radiation phase of the antenna element (610-1) can be changed back to 180 degrees. Thus, four radiation phases can be implemented based on combinations of the diodes' on / off states.

[0097] When the diode (D3) is turned off, the electrical length of the conductor (730A) or the conductor (730B) is insufficient, so sufficient coupling does not occur for the signal of the antenna patch (700) to pass to the conductor (730A) or the conductor (730B). When the diode (D4) is turned off, sufficient coupling does not occur for the signal of the antenna patch (700) to pass to the coupling pole (740).

[0098] Referring to FIG. 9, a short stub (910) may be further disposed on a multilayer substrate. The short stub (910) is disposed on the same layer as the RF GND (750) and the divider (619) and can be simultaneously connected to and contact the other end (905) of the feed section (805) and the RF GND (750). By connecting the other end (905) of the feed section (805) and the RF GND (750), the short stub (910) can connect the DC GND and the RF GND (750) through physical contact. Additionally, the short stub (910) can also perform an impedance matching function. The short stub (910) can configure the control lines of diodes (D1) and diodes (D2), thereby facilitating the control of the diodes.

[0099] The antennas illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 9 are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. For example, the electrical length of the coupling pole is not limited to a length corresponding to the electrical length of the antenna patch. According to one embodiment, when the electrical length of the coupling pole is shorter than the length of the patch, the radiation phase that changes based on the on / off of diode (D3) and diode (D4) may be less than 90 degrees. For example, when diode (D3) and diode (D4) are turned on while the radiation phase is 0 degrees, the radiation phase may change to 80 degrees. As another example, when diode (D3) and diode (D4) are turned on while the radiation phase is 180 degrees, the radiation phase may change to 260 degrees. As the electrical length of the coupling pole becomes progressively shorter than the length of the patch, the radiation phase may not change despite the coupling of the coupling pole. According to one embodiment, when the electrical length of the coupling pole is longer than the length of the patch, the radiation phase that changes based on the on / off of diode (D3) and diode (D4) may be greater than 90 degrees. For example, when diode (D3) and diode (D4) are turned on while the radiation phase is 0 degrees, the radiation phase may change to 100 degrees. As another example, when diode (D3) and diode (D4) are turned on while the radiation phase is 180 degrees, the radiation phase may change to 280 degrees.

[0100] As another example, the shape of the coupling pole illustrated in FIG. 8 does not limit the coupling pole of the present invention. Since the degree to which the radiation phase of the antenna element is controlled by turning the coupling pole on and off is determined solely by the electrical length of the coupling pole, the thickness of the coupling pole may be changed. Furthermore, the coupling pole (730) and the coupling pole (740) are not limited to shapes that are symmetrical to each other. The coupling pole (730) and the coupling pole (740) may be formed with different thicknesses, different shapes, and different lengths. Additionally, the arrangement of the diode (D3) and the diode (D4) does not need to be symmetrical to each other.

[0101] An antenna patch (700), coupling poles (730, 740) including diodes (D3) and (D4), diode (D1) and diode (D2) can be placed on the surface of a multilayer substrate through a surface mounting technology (SMT) process. However, the antennas shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are merely examples and do not limit the present invention.

[0102] As another example, the number of phases that a single antenna element can radiate can be greater than 4 (states). The more phases that a single antenna element can radiate, the better the beam steering performance of the wireless communication device can be.

[0103] As another example, the number of phases that a single antenna element can radiate may be less than 4 (states). For example, the coupling pole configuration in the antenna element (610-1) is omitted, and the antenna element (610-1) can form only two radiation phases (e.g., 0 degrees and 180 degrees) with a phase difference of 180 degrees from each other by controlling only diode (D1) and diode (D2).

[0104] Referring to FIG. 10, the radiation phase of the antenna element (610-1) can be controlled by controlling the feeding of the antenna patch (700) and the feeding of the coupling poles (730, 740). The antenna patch (700) can be fed by controlling diode (D1) or diode (D2) to ON, and the coupling poles (730, 740) can be fed by controlling diode (D3) or diode (D4) to ON. To reflect this meaning, the antenna patch may be referred to as the first control point, and the coupling poles may be referred to as the second control point.

[0105] FIG. 12 illustrates an arrangement of antenna elements in a phase array antenna. The antenna elements illustrated in FIG. 12 may be the antenna elements (410) or antenna elements (420) illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 13 illustrates an arrangement of antenna elements in a phase array antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna elements illustrated in FIG. 13 may be the antenna elements (610-1) illustrated in FIG. 6 through FIG. 8.

[0106] In the case of the conventional array antenna of FIG. 12, one antenna element (1200) may include a port for forming a slant polarization of +45 degrees and a port for forming a slant polarization of -45 degrees. In the case of the conventional array antenna, one antenna element may form dual polarization.

[0107] In contrast, the array antenna illustrated in FIG. 13 may have a slant polarization of 45 degrees. For dual polarization, the array antenna may have antenna elements having a slant polarization of +45 degrees and antenna elements having a slant polarization of -45 degrees arranged alternately. For convenience of explanation, antenna elements having a slant polarization of +45 degrees may be referred to as first-type antenna elements for forming a first polarization, and antenna elements having a slant polarization of -45 degrees may be referred to as second-type antenna elements for forming a second polarization. For example, an antenna element (1300) may have a slant polarization of +45 degrees and may belong to the first-type antenna element for forming a first polarization. Alternatively, the antenna element (1310) may have a slant polarization of -45 degrees and may belong to a second type of antenna element for forming a second polarization.

[0108] In FIG. 13, the size of one antenna element may be smaller than the size of the antenna element in FIG. 12. For example, the size of the antenna element (1300 or 1310) may be half the size of the antenna element (1200). As another example, the area of ​​the antenna element (1300 or 1310) may be half the area of ​​the antenna element (1200).

[0109] FIGS. 14 and 15 are drawings illustrating a cutting structure for improving the characteristics of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 14 and 15 are enlarged drawings of the antenna element (1300) of FIG. 13.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 14, the antenna element (1300) may include an antenna patch (1400), a coupling pole (1430, 1440), and diodes (D1) and (D2) for electrically connecting the feed portion and the antenna patch (1400). The coupling pole (1430) may include a diode (D3) for controlling coupling with the antenna patch (1400), and the coupling pole (1440) may include a diode (D4) for controlling coupling with the antenna patch (1400).

[0111] According to the antenna structure of the present invention, a plurality of antenna elements (610-1, ..., 610-n) are connected to an RFIC through a divider (619), and each antenna patch of the plurality of antenna elements can be connected to a diode (D1) and a diode (D2). Accordingly, reflection loss due to impedance difference may occur at a connection terminal where the output terminal of the RFIC is connected to the input terminal of the divider (619), a connection terminal where the output terminal of the divider (619) is connected to the other terminal (905) of the feed unit (805), a connection terminal where the feed unit (805) is connected to the diode (D1) or the diode (D2), or a connection terminal where the diode is connected to the antenna patch.

[0112] According to one embodiment, impedance matching characteristics can be improved by adjusting dimensions such as height, width, and length of a portion of the antenna patch. For example, a cutting area with length L and width W may be formed in a portion of the antenna patch connected to the diode (D1). The cutting area may refer to an area of ​​the antenna patch that is cut and removed by width L and length W. When the diode (D1) is turned on, a signal passing through the diode (D1) from the feed point may flow into the antenna patch (1400) through an area of ​​width d and length W of the antenna patch (1400). In this way, by adjusting dimensions such as L, W, and d, abrupt changes in impedance at the connection point between the diode (D1) and the antenna patch (1400) can be mitigated.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the antenna element may be characterized by a structure for reducing or limiting coupling with an adjacent antenna element. The structure for reducing or limiting coupling may include at least one slit formed in a part of the edge of the antenna patch, such as the slits shown in the indicated area (1500) of FIG. 15.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 15, the antenna patch (1400) of an antenna element (1300) for forming a slant polarization of +45 degrees and the coupling pole (1435) of an antenna element (1310) for forming a slant polarization of -45 degrees may be adjacent. The closer the coupling pole of the other antenna element adjacent to the antenna patch (1400) is, the more coupling may be formed between the antenna patch and the coupling pole of the other antenna element adjacent to it. Coupling occurring between different antenna elements degrades the performance of the antenna.

[0115] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a portion of the edge of an antenna patch according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 16 and 17 may illustrate a region corresponding to the region (1500) shown in FIG. 15. In the antenna patch (1600) shown in FIG. 16, unlike FIG. 15, a slit is not formed in a portion of the edge. In the antenna patch (1400) shown in FIG. 17, at least one slit is formed in a portion of the edge as in FIG. 15.

[0116] The current flowing through the antenna patch can flow along the edges of the antenna patch (1600, 1300) as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17. The current flowing along the edges of the antenna patch (1600) as shown in FIG. 16 is likely to form coupling with the coupling pole of another antenna element adjacent to the antenna patch (1600).

[0117] As shown in FIG. 17, the current flowing along the edge of the antenna patch (1400) can be divided into a component flowing perpendicular to the +45 slant polarization and a component flowing perpendicular to the -45 slant polarization. Since the currents of the components flowing perpendicular to the -45 slant polarization in FIG. 17 cancel each other out, the current flowing along the edge in FIG. 17 may be equal to the current flowing along the edge in FIG. 16. Therefore, even if a slit is formed at the edge of the antenna patch (1400), it may not affect the +45 slant polarization that the antenna element (1300) must radiate. Additionally, due to the formation of the slit, a new edge is formed on the antenna patch (1400), and the formed edge may be further away from other antenna elements (1310) than the existing edge. Accordingly, the formation of the slit can limit the current flowing along the edge of the antenna patch (1400) from crossing over to another antenna element (1310) or the formation of coupling between the antenna patch (1400) and another antenna element (1310).

[0118] FIG. 18 illustrates various forms of a coupling pole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 18, the coupling pole may be configured in a rod shape as in A, may be configured in a rod shape with both ends bent as in B or C, or may be configured in a loop shape as in D. The various shapes of the coupling poles shown in FIG. 18 are not factors that affect the degree of coupling of the coupling poles and therefore do not adjust the phase delay value. For example, if the electrical lengths of the coupling poles in A to D are the same, the phase delay value caused by each coupling pole may be the same despite the various shapes of the coupling poles.

[0119] As another example, the electrical length of the coupling pole can be increased in the order A < B = C < D. The longer the electrical length of the coupling pole, the greater the degree of shift in the reconfigurable phase can be. For example, if the radiation phase of the antenna element is 0 degrees when the diode included in the coupling pole is turned off, and the radiation phase of the antenna element increases by 90 degrees when diode A is turned on, the radiation phase of the antenna element can increase by more than 90 degrees (e.g., 100 degrees) when diode B is turned on.

[0120] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the beam steering performance of an array antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The pattern shown in FIG. 19 may represent phase delay values ​​when antenna elements with varying electrical lengths of coupling poles are arranged in a 4 x 2 array. Referring to the pattern in FIG. 19, it can be confirmed that the signal radiated by the array antenna has various phase delay values ​​and that beam steering has been performed.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 18, the coupling pole may include a diode for controlling the electrical length of the coupling pole. The drawings of the present disclosure do not limit the arrangement of the diode on the coupling pole. The diode may divide the electrical length of the coupling pole equally, as in A, C, and D, or may not divide the length of the coupling pole equally, as in B.

[0122] FIGS. 20 and 21 are drawings illustrating the configuration of a coupling pole according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A coupling pole may include N conductors and (N-1) diodes connecting the conductors (an integer such that N > 1). One or more diodes included in a coupling pole may be turned on / off to control the electrical length of the coupling pole. A single antenna element may include N coupling poles (an integer such that N > 1).

[0123] For example, referring to FIG. 20, the coupling pole (2030) may include three conductors (2030A, 2030B, and 2030C) and two diodes (D3-1, D3-2) connecting the conductors, and the coupling pole (2040) may include three conductors (2040A, 2040B, and 2040C) and two diodes (D4-1, D4-2) connecting the conductors. When all diodes (diode (D3-1), diode (D3-2), diode (D4-1), and diode (D4-2)) are turned on, the electrical length of the coupling pole may correspond to the electrical length of the antenna patch (2000), and the phase delay value due to coupling may be 90 degrees.

[0124] According to one embodiment, diode (D3-1) and diode (D3-2) can be independently turned on / off. For example, only one of diode (D3-1) and diode (D3-2) may be turned on. When only one of diode (D3-1) and diode (D3-2) is turned on, the electrical length of the coupling pole is shorter than the electrical length of the antenna patch (2000), so the phase delay value due to coupling may be less than 90 degrees.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the on / off control of diodes (D3-1) and (D3-2) and the on / off control of diodes (D4-1) and (D4-2) can be performed independently of each other. For example, the electrical length of the coupling pole according to the on / off control of diodes (D3-1) and (D3-2) and the electrical length of the coupling pole according to the on / off control of diodes (D4-1) and (D4-2) may be different from each other.

[0126] For example, the antenna element illustrated in FIG. 21 may include four coupling poles to form a coupling with the antenna patch (2100). When diodes (D3-1) and (D4-1) are turned on, the electrical length of the coupling poles corresponds to the electrical length of the antenna patch (2100), so that the phase delay value due to coupling is 90 degrees.

[0127] According to one embodiment, diode (D3-1) and diode (D3-2) can be controlled to be on / off independently of each other. For example, only one of diode (D3-1) and diode (D3-2) may be turned on. When diode (D3-1) is turned on, the electrical length of the coupling pole (2131) when diode (D3-2) is turned on is longer than the electrical length of the coupling pole (2130), and when diode (D3-1) is turned off and diode (D3-2) is turned on, and the coupling pole (2140, 2141) corresponds to the coupling pole (2130, 2131), the phase delay value due to coupling may be greater than 90 degrees.

[0128] In this way, the antenna of the present disclosure can vary the phase delay value due to coupling by increasing or decreasing at least one of the following.

[0129] - Number of diodes included in one coupling pole

[0130] - Number of cases for on / off control of multiple diodes included in a single coupling pole

[0131] - Number of cases for on / off control of diodes included in each coupling pole of a single antenna element

[0132] - Number of coupling poles included in one antenna element

[0133] - The total electrical length of the coupling poles included in a single antenna element

[0134] According to one embodiment, a convex optimization method may be used to obtain active element patterns and optimal beamforming of a phase-tunable antenna.

[0135] In a phase-adjustable antenna according to one embodiment, the on / off switching operation of a diode may be performed to adjust the phase of one antenna element. For example, the phase-adjustable antenna may have 2-bit reconfigurability. Referring to FIG. 11, four states (e.g., state 1 to state 4) may be implemented by using the on / off of diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4).

[0136] The performance of an array antenna can be mathematically predicted based on the magnitude and phase of the RF input signal and AEP (active element patterns). The RF input signal can have known values, and AEP can be obtained through simulations where only one antenna element operates.

[0137] AEP may refer to a radiation pattern measured when, among multiple antenna elements included in an array antenna, only one antenna element under observation is operated and the other antenna elements are terminated.

[0138] The radiation pattern of each antenna element can be affected by the location of each antenna element and mutual coupling with surrounding antenna elements. Therefore, AEP may vary depending on the antenna. Referring to FIG. 6, mutual coupling occurs between adjacent antenna elements, such as antenna element (610-1) and antenna element (620-2), and mutual coupling can affect the radiation pattern of each antenna element.

[0139] In an antenna module according to one embodiment, a plurality of antenna elements may be coupled to a single RFIC port. In this case, it is impossible to obtain AEP, and the prediction accuracy of the beamforming pattern may be reduced. AEP is based on the premise that only one antenna element is operating, but when a plurality of antenna elements are coupled to a single RFIC port, RF input signals are applied to the plurality of antenna elements simultaneously.

[0140] For example, in the RF structure illustrated in FIG. 6, the phase of the signal radiated by a plurality of antenna elements (610-1, ..., 610-n) can be controlled by a single RFIC (613). Since the plurality of antenna elements (610-1, ..., 610-n) are combined through a single RFIC (613), the full radiation pattern of an array antenna including the plurality of antenna elements (610-1, ..., 610-n) can be obtained, but the AEP for the plurality of antenna elements (610-1, ..., 610-n) cannot be obtained. Similarly, since the plurality of antenna elements (620-1, ..., 620-n) are combined through a single RFIC (623), the AEP for the plurality of antenna elements (620-1, ..., 620-n) cannot be obtained.

[0141] In one embodiment, a convex optimization method may be used to deterministically obtain AEP from the full radiation pattern of a plurality of antenna elements included in an array antenna. The full radiation pattern of the array antenna may be obtained through prior simulation.

[0142] In one embodiment, the radiation pattern of an array antenna obtained through a preliminary simulation can be generated using weight sets from two-dimensional complex Hadamard matrices. This method can reduce the number of preliminary simulations, ensure orthogonality between antennas, and prevent biased results.

[0143] The radiation pattern of an array antenna can be represented as Equation 1. The convex optimization problem for obtaining AEP from the radiation pattern of Equation 1 can be defined, for example, as Equation 2.

[0144]

[0145] In mathematical formula 1, is the overall radiation pattern of the array antenna, which can be obtained through prior simulation. Using the convex optimization method AEP for individual antenna elements can be obtained from.

[0146]

[0147]

[0148] In mathematical formula 2, can represent the Hadamard product. M can represent the number of sets of weights. N can represent the number of antenna elements. w can represent a matrix where each row is a set of weights. It can represent an array factor matrix based on the position of the antenna element.

[0149] In mathematical formula 2, It can represent a matrix where each row is a unit cell pattern. A unit cell pattern can refer to a radiation pattern that indicates how each antenna element radiates a signal within cell coverage.

[0150] c is an unchanging constant component, and d is the sampled degree of pattern. To obtain the AEP for all antenna elements using the convex optimization method, the set of weights can be a full-rank matrix satisfying the condition M≥N.

[0151] On the other hand, existing studies have failed to realize array antenna beamforming with quantified phase through convex optimization because it is mathematically difficult to properly set constraints. According to one embodiment, the convex optimization problem is redefined through semifinite relaxation (SDR), and a 2-bit beamforming method can be proposed.

[0152] For example, radiated power can be expressed as in mathematical equation 3.

[0153]

[0154]

[0155] This can be expressed as Equation 4 by converting the real value version.

[0156]

[0157]

[0158]

[0159] The radiated power can be rewritten as in Equation 5.

[0160]

[0161] If Q is a real symmetric matrix and x is a real vector, then Equation 6 can hold.

[0162]

[0163]

[0164] Therefore, X is a symmetric semidefinite matrix, and a deterministic solution can be obtained when rank(X)=1. Constraints on rank can be omitted because they make the convex optimization problem non-convex, but rank minimization is required to obtain the global optimum. For low-rank solutions, the log-det heuristic is used, and the convex optimization problem can be written as Equation 7.

[0165]

[0166]

[0167] when

[0168]

[0169]

[0170] From the rank 1 approximation, the solution vector is obtained using eigendecomposition It can be calculated as follows. Then, X can be expressed as in mathematical formula 8.

[0171]

[0172]

[0173] Therefore, it has greater flexibility, and the quantization condition can be obtained as the constraint proposed in Equation 9.

[0174]

[0175] In mathematical formula 9, is the Kronecker product, and This is intended to make the right-hand term very small, and it can be a very small real number. This is because the left-hand term is not an affine function but a complex function of a non-linear form.

[0176] The mathematical formulas of the present disclosure are merely examples and do not limit the present disclosure.

[0177] An antenna module according to one embodiment can improve effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) while reducing hardware complexity and energy consumption. An antenna module according to one embodiment can implement efficient beamforming by applying a convex optimization method to a phase-adjustable antenna.

[0178] An antenna module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises one or more sub-arrays, each of the one or more sub-arrays comprises a plurality of antenna elements, and each of the plurality of antenna elements (610-1) may comprise: an antenna patch (700); a first diode (D1) and a second diode (D2) for applying an RF (radio frequency) signal to the antenna patch; a feed portion (805) located at the center of the antenna patch and electrically connected to the antenna patch by one of the first diode or the second diode; a plurality of coupling poles for coupling with the antenna patch, the plurality of coupling poles comprising a first coupling pole (730) and a second coupling pole (740); and a third diode (D3) and a fourth diode (D4) for adjusting the electrical length of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the first diode may be controlled to allow current to flow in a direction from the antenna patch to the feed section, and the second diode may be controlled to allow current to flow in a direction from the feed section to the antenna patch.

[0180] According to one embodiment, each of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole includes two or more conductors, and the third diode (D3) and the fourth diode (D4) can be controlled to electrically connect the two or more conductors.

[0181] According to one embodiment, each of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole can form a coupling with the antenna patch based on the electrical length.

[0182] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of antenna elements (610-1) may further include a short stub that connects the other end (905) of the feed portion (805) to RF GND (ground).

[0183] According to one embodiment, a cutting region for impedance matching may be formed in at least one of a portion of the antenna patch adjacent to the connection portion of the antenna patch and the first diode, or a portion of the antenna patch adjacent to the connection portion of the antenna patch and the second diode.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the plurality of coupling poles further include a third coupling pole (2131) for coupling with the first coupling pole (2130) and a fourth coupling pole (2414) for coupling with the second coupling pole (2140), and the electrical length of the third coupling pole may be different from the electrical length of the first coupling pole, and the electrical length of the fourth coupling pole may be different from the electrical length of the second coupling pole.

[0185] The plurality of antenna elements above include first type antenna elements (1300) forming a first polarization and second type antenna elements (1310) forming a second polarization, and the first type antenna elements and the second type antenna elements can be arranged in an alternating pattern.

[0186] According to one embodiment, at least one slit may be formed at the edge of the antenna patch (1400) of the first type of antenna elements to limit coupling with the coupling pole (1435) of the adjacent second type of antenna elements.

[0187] According to one embodiment, a sub-array including the plurality of antenna elements can receive the RF signal from a single RFIC (radio frequency integrated circuit) (613).

[0188] A wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: one or more sub-arrays; and one or more RFICs (radio frequency integrated circuits) (613) for supplying RF (radio frequency) signals to the one or more sub-arrays, wherein each of the one or more sub-arrays comprises a plurality of antenna elements, and each of the plurality of antenna elements (610-1) comprises: an antenna patch (700); a first diode (D1) and a second diode (D2) for applying the RF signal to the antenna patch; a feed portion (805) located at the center of the antenna patch and electrically connected to the antenna patch by one of the first diode or the second diode; a plurality of coupling poles for coupling with the antenna patch, wherein the plurality of coupling poles comprise a first coupling pole (730) and a second coupling pole (740); and a third diode (D3) and a fourth diode (D4) for adjusting the electrical length of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the first diode may be controlled to allow current to flow in a direction from the antenna patch to the feed section, and the second diode may be controlled to allow current to flow in a direction from the feed section to the antenna patch.

[0190] According to one embodiment, each of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole includes two or more conductors, and the third diode (D3) and the fourth diode (D4) can be controlled to electrically connect the two or more conductors.

[0191] According to one embodiment, each of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole can form a coupling with the antenna patch based on the electrical length.

[0192] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of antenna elements (610-1) may further include a short stub that connects the other end (905) of the feed portion (805) to RF GND (ground).

[0193] According to one embodiment, a cutting region for impedance matching may be formed in at least one of a portion of the antenna patch adjacent to the connection portion of the antenna patch and the first diode, or a portion of the antenna patch adjacent to the connection portion of the antenna patch and the second diode.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the plurality of coupling poles further include a third coupling pole (2131) for coupling with the first coupling pole (2130) and a fourth coupling pole (2414) for coupling with the second coupling pole (2140), and the electrical length of the third coupling pole may be different from the electrical length of the first coupling pole, and the electrical length of the fourth coupling pole may be different from the electrical length of the second coupling pole.

[0195] The plurality of antenna elements above include first type antenna elements (1300) forming a first polarization and second type antenna elements (1310) forming a second polarization, and the first type antenna elements and the second type antenna elements can be arranged in an alternating pattern.

[0196] According to one embodiment, at least one slit may be formed at the edge of the antenna patch (1400) of the first type of antenna elements to limit coupling with the coupling pole (1435) of the adjacent second type of antenna elements.

[0197] According to one embodiment, a sub-array including the plurality of antenna elements can receive the RF signal from a single RFIC (radio frequency integrated circuit) (613).

[0198] Methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present invention may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0199] When implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium may be provided for storing one or more programs (software modules). One or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium are configured for execution by one or more processors within an electronic device. One or more programs include instructions that cause the electronic device to execute methods according to embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present invention.

[0200] Such programs (software modules, software) may be stored in random access memory, non-volatile memory including flash memory, ROM (Read Only Memory), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), magnetic disc storage devices, Compact Disc-ROM (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), or other forms of optical storage devices, magnetic cassettes. Alternatively, they may be stored in memory composed of some or all of these. Additionally, each constituent memory may include multiple units.

[0201] In addition, the above program may be stored on an attachable storage device that can be accessed via a communication network such as the Internet, Intranet, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide LAN (WLAN), or Storage Area Network (SAN), or a combination thereof. Such a storage device may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present invention through an external port. Additionally, a separate storage device on a communication network may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present invention.

[0202] In the specific embodiments of the present invention described above, the components included in the invention are expressed in a singular or plural form according to the specific embodiments presented. However, the singular or plural expression is selected to suit the situation presented for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not limited to singular or plural components; even if a component is expressed in the plural form, it may be composed in the singular form, or even if a component is expressed in the singular form, it may be composed in the plural form.

[0203] Meanwhile, although specific embodiments have been described in the detailed description of the present invention, it is understood that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. Regarding the antenna module, Includes one or more sub-arrays, Each of the above one or more sub-arrays includes a plurality of antenna elements, and Each of the above plurality of antenna elements (610-1) is: Antenna patch (700); A first diode (D1) and a second diode (D2) for applying an RF (radio frequency) signal to the antenna patch; A feed section (805) located in the center of the antenna patch and electrically connected to the antenna patch by one of the first diode or the second diode; A plurality of coupling poles for coupling with the above antenna patch, the plurality of coupling poles include a first coupling pole (730) and a second coupling pole (740); and An antenna module comprising a third diode (D3) and a fourth diode (D4) for adjusting the electrical lengths of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole.

2. In Paragraph 1, The first diode is controlled so that current flows in the direction from the antenna patch to the feed point, and The second diode is an antenna module controlled to allow current to flow in a direction from the feed section toward the antenna patch.

3. In Paragraph 1, Each of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole comprises two or more conductors, and An antenna module in which the third diode (D3) and the fourth diode (D4) are controlled to electrically connect the two or more conductors.

4. In Paragraph 1, An antenna module in which each of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole forms a coupling with the antenna patch based on the electrical length.

5. In Paragraph 1, An antenna module in which each of the plurality of antenna elements (610-1) further includes a short stub connecting the other end (905) of the feed section (805) to RF GND (ground).

6. In Paragraph 1, An antenna module having a cutting area for impedance matching formed in at least one of a portion of the antenna patch adjacent to the connection portion of the antenna patch and the first diode, or a portion of the antenna patch adjacent to the connection portion of the antenna patch and the second diode.

7. In Paragraph 1, The plurality of coupling poles further include a third coupling pole (2131) for coupling with the first coupling pole (2130) and a fourth coupling pole (2414) for coupling with the second coupling pole (2140). An antenna module in which the electrical length of the third coupling pole is different from the electrical length of the first coupling pole, and the electrical length of the fourth coupling pole is different from the electrical length of the second coupling pole.

8. In Paragraph 1, The plurality of antenna elements above include first type antenna elements (1300) that form a first polarization and second type antenna elements (1310) that form a second polarization, and The first type antenna elements and the second type antenna elements are arranged in an alternating pattern, An antenna module having at least one slit formed at the edge of the antenna patch (1400) of the first type of antenna elements to limit coupling with the coupling pole (1435) of the adjacent second type of antenna elements.

9. In a wireless communication device, One or more sub-arrays; and It includes one or more RFICs (radio frequency integrated circuits) (613) that supply RF (radio frequency) signals to one or more sub-arrays, and Each of the above one or more sub-arrays includes a plurality of antenna elements, and Each of the above plurality of antenna elements (610-1) is: Antenna patch (700); A first diode (D1) and a second diode (D2) for applying the RF signal to the antenna patch; A feed section (805) located in the center of the antenna patch and electrically connected to the antenna patch by one of the first diode or the second diode; A plurality of coupling poles for coupling with the above antenna patch, the plurality of coupling poles include a first coupling pole (730) and a second coupling pole (740); and A wireless communication device comprising a third diode (D3) and a fourth diode (D4) for adjusting the electrical lengths of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole.

10. In Paragraph 9, The first diode is controlled so that current flows in the direction from the antenna patch to the feed point, and A wireless communication device in which the second diode is controlled to allow current to flow in a direction from the feed section toward the antenna patch.

11. In Paragraph 9, Each of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole comprises two or more conductors, and A wireless communication device in which the third diode (D3) and the fourth diode (D4) are controlled to electrically connect the two or more conductors.

12. In Paragraph 9, A wireless communication device in which each of the first coupling pole and the second coupling pole forms a coupling with the antenna patch based on the electrical length.

13. In Paragraph 9, A wireless communication device in which each of the plurality of antenna elements (610-1) further includes a short stub connecting the other end (905) of the feed section (805) to RF GND (ground).

14. In Paragraph 9, A wireless communication device having a cutting area for impedance matching formed in at least one of a portion of the antenna patch adjacent to the connection portion of the antenna patch and the first diode, or a portion of the antenna patch adjacent to the connection portion of the antenna patch and the second diode.

15. In Paragraph 9, The plurality of coupling poles further include a third coupling pole (2131) for coupling with the first coupling pole (2130) and a fourth coupling pole (2414) for coupling with the second coupling pole (2140). A wireless communication device in which the electrical length of the third coupling pole is different from the electrical length of the first coupling pole, and the electrical length of the fourth coupling pole is different from the electrical length of the second coupling pole.

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