Antenna module having array antenna with improved radiation efficiency

Abstract

This antenna module having an array antenna with improved radiation efficiency includes: a substrate; a conductive pattern formed in a partial region of a first surface of the substrate and operating as a ground; a dielectric region constituting the remaining region of the first surface of the substrate; an array antenna configured to radiate a beamforming wireless signal in an operating frequency band through a plurality of antenna elements disposed in the dielectric region; and a slit pattern formed, in an axial direction, in the conductive pattern between adjacent antenna elements constituting the array antenna.

Description

Antenna module equipped with an array antenna with improved radiation efficiency

[0001] This specification relates to an antenna module having an array antenna with improved radiation efficiency. A specific embodiment relates to an antenna module having an array antenna having a structure formed to reduce interference between adjacent antenna elements.

[0002] In the millimeter wave or terahertz band, antenna modules are implemented as array antennas with multiple spaced antenna elements to account for the propagation range. For beamforming in array antennas, the spacing between adjacent antenna elements may be limited to a certain distance or less. Consequently, the antenna gain of the array antenna may be reduced due to interference between adjacent antenna elements.

[0003] Meanwhile, in the terahertz band, antenna elements can be implemented as dipole antennas rather than patch antennas, considering antenna efficiency and bandwidth. Meanwhile, multiple antenna elements can be spaced apart along a specific axis direction for beamforming in the azimuth direction. Therefore, a one-dimensional array antenna can be implemented as a Yagi-Uda array antenna in which multiple parasitic elements are spaced apart to improve directivity in the elevation direction. In particular, antenna modules with improved directivity, such as Yagi-Uda array antennas, may experience increased interference between adjacent antenna elements.

[0004] The present specification aims to provide an antenna module having an array antenna with improved radiation efficiency.

[0005] This specification is intended to improve antenna gain and efficiency by reducing interference between adjacent antenna elements in an array antenna.

[0006] This specification is intended to improve antenna gain and efficiency by reducing interference between adjacent antenna elements in an array antenna where the spacing between adjacent antenna elements is limited for beamforming.

[0007] This specification is intended to improve antenna gain and efficiency by reducing interference between adjacent antenna elements in array antennas where the spacing between adjacent arms is limited, such as in millimeter-wave or terahertz band dipole antennas.

[0008] This specification is intended to improve antenna gain and efficiency by reducing interference between adjacent antenna elements in a millimeter-wave or terahertz band Yagi-Uda antenna and an array antenna with improved directivity.

[0009] An antenna module having an array antenna with improved radiation efficiency according to the present specification comprises: a substrate; a conductive pattern formed in a portion of a first surface of the substrate and operating as ground; a dielectric region constituting the remainder of the first surface of the substrate; an array antenna configured to radiate a beamforming radio signal in an operating frequency band through a plurality of antenna elements disposed in the dielectric region; and a slit pattern formed in the one-axis direction in the conductive pattern between adjacent antenna elements constituting the array antenna. The array antenna comprises a first antenna element having a first radiating element extending in the one-axis direction and the other-axis direction from the end of the conductive pattern; and a second antenna element having a second radiating element spaced apart from the first radiating element in the other-axis direction. A current path of the slit pattern from one point of the first radiating element through the inner boundary of the slit pattern to one point of the second radiating element may be determined such that interference from the first antenna element to the second antenna element is below a critical level.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the array antenna may comprise radiating elements extending in the one-axis direction and the other-axis direction in the conduction pattern, and parasitic elements spaced apart from the radiating elements in the one-axis direction. The first antenna element may include the first radiating element and a plurality of first parasitic elements spaced apart from the first radiating element in the one-axis direction. The second antenna element may include the second radiating element and a plurality of second parasitic elements spaced apart from the second radiating element in the one-axis direction.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the current path of the slit pattern including the inner boundary of the slit pattern can be formed within a predetermined range based on an integer multiple of the guided wavelength based on the operating frequency of the wireless signal.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the current path of the slit pattern can be formed in a range of ±0.34 λg based on an integer multiple of the wavelength (λg) inside the tube.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the length of the inner boundary of the slit pattern may be formed to decrease as the dielectric constant of the substrate increases. The length of the inner boundary of the slit pattern may be formed to decrease as the operating frequency of the wireless signal increases.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the slit pattern may include a first sub-slit pattern formed with a first length in the direction of one axis and a first width in the direction of the other axis of the conductive pattern; and a second sub-slit pattern extending from the first sub-slit pattern and formed with a second length in the direction of one axis and a second width in the direction of the other axis. The second length may be formed shorter than the first length. The second width may be formed shorter than the first width. The current path of the slit pattern may be determined by the sum of a first path at the inner boundary of the first sub-slit pattern and a second path at the inner boundary of the second sub-slit pattern.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the second slit pattern may be formed in at least one shape among a rectangle, a square, a rhombus, and a circle.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the first radiating element may include a first connecting pattern extending in the direction of one axis from the end of the conductive pattern; a second connecting pattern formed parallel to and spaced apart from the first connecting pattern and extending in the direction of one axis from the end of the conductive pattern; a first conductive arm extending in the direction of the other axis from the end of the first connecting pattern; and a second conductive arm extending in the direction of the other axis from the end of the second connecting pattern. The second radiating element may include a third connecting pattern extending in the direction of one axis from the end of the conductive pattern; a fourth connecting pattern formed parallel to and spaced apart from the first connecting pattern and extending in the direction of one axis from the end of the conductive pattern; a third conductive arm extending in the direction of the other axis from the end of the first connecting pattern; and a fourth conductive arm extending in the direction of the other axis from the end of the second connecting pattern.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the antenna module may further include a first slot pattern formed in the axial direction in a first feed area of ​​the conductive pattern between the first connection pattern and the second connection pattern of the first radiating element; and a second slot pattern formed in the axial direction in a second feed area of ​​the conductive pattern between the third connection pattern and the fourth connection pattern of the second radiating element. The antenna module may further include a first feed pattern formed in the other axis direction and the axial direction on a second surface of the substrate corresponding to the end of the first slot pattern; and a second feed pattern formed in the other axis direction and the axial direction on a second surface of the substrate corresponding to the end of the second slot pattern.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the array antenna may include an eighth antenna element having the first to eighth radiating elements. The slit pattern may include a first slit pattern, second to eighth slit patterns, and a ninth slit pattern. The first slit pattern may be formed in a first region of the conductive pattern on one side of the first radiating element. The second slit pattern may be formed in a second region of the conductive pattern between the first radiating element and the second radiating element. The eighth slit pattern may be formed in an eighth region of the conductive pattern between the seventh radiating element and the eighth radiating element. The ninth slit pattern may be formed in a ninth region of the conductive pattern on the other side of the eighth radiating element.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the slit pattern may further include a plurality of tenth slit patterns formed in the left region of the conductive pattern on one side of the first slit pattern; and a plurality of eleventh slit patterns formed in the right region of the conductive pattern on the other side of the ninth slit pattern. Each of the tenth slit patterns may include a third sub-slit pattern and a fourth sub-slit pattern. Each of the eleventh slit patterns may include the third sub-slit pattern and the fourth sub-slit pattern. The length of the third sub-slit pattern may be formed to be longer than the first length of the first sub-slit pattern.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the slit pattern may be formed with a third length in the direction of one axis of the conductive pattern and a first width in the direction of the other axis. The current path of the slit pattern may be determined by the length of the inner boundary of the slit pattern.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the first radiating element may include a first connecting pattern extending in the direction of one axis from the end of the conductive pattern; a second connecting pattern formed parallel to and spaced apart from the first connecting pattern and extending in the direction of one axis from the end of the conductive pattern; a first conductive arm extending in the direction of the other axis from the end of the first connecting pattern; and a second conductive arm extending in the direction of the other axis from the end of the second connecting pattern. The second radiating element may include a third connecting pattern extending in the direction of one axis from the end of the conductive pattern; a fourth connecting pattern formed parallel to and spaced apart from the first connecting pattern and extending in the direction of one axis from the end of the conductive pattern; a third conductive arm extending in the direction of the other axis from the end of the first connecting pattern; and a fourth conductive arm extending in the direction of the other axis from the end of the second connecting pattern.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the antenna module may further include a first slot pattern formed in the axial direction in a first feed area of ​​the conductive pattern between the first connection pattern and the second connection pattern of the first radiating element; and a second slot pattern formed in the axial direction in a second feed area of ​​the conductive pattern between the third connection pattern and the fourth connection pattern of the second radiating element. The antenna module may further include a first feed pattern formed in the other axis direction and the axial direction on a second surface of the substrate corresponding to the end of the first slot pattern; and a second feed pattern formed in the other axis direction and the axial direction on a second surface of the substrate corresponding to the end of the second slot pattern.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the array antenna may include an eighth antenna element having the first to eighth radiating elements. The slit pattern may include a first slit pattern, second to eighth slit patterns, and a ninth slit pattern. The first slit pattern may be formed in a first region of the conductive pattern on one side of the first radiating element. The second slit pattern may be formed in a second region of the conductive pattern between the first radiating element and the second radiating element. The eighth slit pattern may be formed in an eighth region of the conductive pattern between the seventh radiating element and the eighth radiating element. The ninth slit pattern may be formed in a ninth region of the conductive pattern on the other side of the eighth radiating element.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the slit pattern may include a plurality of tenth slit patterns formed in the left region of the conductive pattern on one side of the first slit pattern; and a plurality of eleventh slit patterns formed in the right region of the conductive pattern on the other side of the ninth slit pattern. Each of the tenth slit patterns may be formed with a fourth length in the axial direction. Each of the eleventh slit patterns may be formed with the fourth length in the axial direction. The fourth length may be formed shorter than the third length.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the number of the first parasitic elements may be formed with three or four dummy metal patterns to have directionality in the one-axis direction. The number of the second parasitic elements may be formed with three or four dummy metal patterns to have directionality in the one-axis direction. The length of the dummy metal patterns in the other-axis direction may be formed to be smaller than the length of the first radiating element and the second radiating element in the other-axis direction.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the antenna module may further include a signal transmission device having input lines, output lines, and a Rotman lens on a second surface of the substrate. Some of the output lines may be implemented as meander lines of a curved path. The slit pattern may include a first sub-slit pattern and a second sub-slit pattern to reduce interference with adjacent feed patterns implemented as meander lines.

[0027] The technical effects of an antenna module having an array antenna with improved antenna efficiency according to the present specification are described as follows.

[0028] According to the present specification, an antenna module having an array antenna with improved radiation efficiency by forming a slit pattern on a conductive pattern operating to ground may be provided.

[0029] According to the present specification, by forming a slit pattern on a conductive pattern operating as ground, interference between adjacent antenna elements in an array antenna can be reduced, thereby improving antenna gain and efficiency.

[0030] According to the present specification, by forming a slit pattern on a conductive pattern operating as ground, interference between adjacent antenna elements in an array antenna where the spacing between adjacent antenna elements is limited can be reduced, thereby improving antenna gain and efficiency.

[0031] According to the present specification, interference between adjacent antenna elements in an array antenna where the spacing between adjacent arms is limited, such as a millimeter-wave or terahertz band dipole antenna, can be reduced by forming a slit pattern in a conductive pattern that operates as ground. Accordingly, the antenna gain and efficiency of the array antenna can be improved.

[0032] According to the present specification, interference between adjacent antenna elements in a millimeter-wave or terahertz band Yagi-Uda antenna and an array antenna with improved directivity can be reduced by forming a slit pattern in a ground-operated conductive pattern. Accordingly, the antenna gain and efficiency of the array antenna can be improved.

[0033] According to the present specification, by optimizing the shape of the slit pattern, the antenna gain and efficiency of the array antenna can be improved while minimizing interference between adjacent feed patterns as the length of the slit pattern increases.

[0034] 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.

[0035] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of wireless devices that perform wireless communication in the millimeter wave band or terahertz band according to the present specification.

[0036] FIG. 2a shows an antenna module composed of a signal transmission device including a plurality of Rotman lenses and an array antenna according to the present specification.

[0037] FIG. 2b is an enlarged view of the first Rotman lens and the first output line of the signal transmission device of FIG. 2a.

[0038] FIG. 3a shows the structure of an antenna module having an array antenna with improved radiation efficiency according to the present specification.

[0039] FIG. 3b is an enlarged view of the area where the first and second radiating elements of the first and second antenna elements of the antenna module of FIG. 3a are arranged.

[0040] Figure 4 shows the current distribution in the region where the first and second radiating elements of Figure 3b are arranged.

[0041] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the structure of an antenna module having an array antenna with improved radiation efficiency according to an embodiment and an area where the first and second antenna elements are arranged.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows the shape of a second sub-slit pattern according to embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 7a shows the configuration of an antenna module having slit patterns formed as a single structure of equal width on one axis.

[0044] FIG. 7b is an enlarged view of a slit pattern formed as a single structure in the conduction pattern between the first antenna element and the second antenna element of FIG. 6a.

[0045] FIG. 8 shows the structure of a signal transmission device equipped with a Rotman lens for beam forming.

[0046] Figure 9 shows the structure of an antenna module that is combined with the output lines of the signal transmission device of Figure 8 through a slot pattern.

[0047] Figure 10 shows the reflection coefficient, single antenna gain, and array antenna gain of each antenna element of the antenna module of Figure 3a.

[0048] Figure 11a shows an array antenna structure of an antenna module without a slit pattern between adjacent antenna elements.

[0049] FIG. 11b is an enlarged view of the area where the first and second radiating elements of the first and second antenna elements of the antenna module of FIG. 11a are arranged.

[0050] Figure 12 shows the current distribution in the region where the first and second radiating elements of Figure 11b are arranged.

[0051] Figure 13 shows the reflection coefficient, single antenna gain, and array antenna gain of each antenna element of the antenna module of Figure 11a.

[0052] FIG. 14 shows the radiation patterns in the azimuth and elevation directions of a single element of an antenna module in which the slit pattern of FIG. 11a is not formed.

[0053] FIG. 15 shows the radiation patterns in the azimuth and elevation directions of a single element of an antenna module with the slit pattern of FIG. 3a formed thereon.

[0054] FIG. 16 shows the radiation patterns in the azimuth and elevation directions of an array antenna of an antenna module in which the slit pattern of FIG. 11a is not formed.

[0055] Figure 17 shows the radiation patterns in the azimuth and elevation directions of the array antenna of the antenna module with the slit pattern formed in Figure 3a.

[0056] Figure 18 shows the gain values ​​of a single antenna element and an array antenna according to the length of a current path including the slit patterns of Figures 3a and 3b.

[0057] Figure 19 compares the current distribution between adjacent radiating elements according to the length of the current path containing the slit pattern.

[0058] Figure 20 compares the radiation patterns in the azimuth and elevation directions of a single antenna according to the length of the slot pattern.

[0059] Figure 21 compares the radiation patterns in the azimuth and elevation directions of an array antenna according to the length of the slot pattern.

[0060] 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 are 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 have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Furthermore, in describing the 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 concept and technical scope of this specification.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 6G System General

[0066] The 6G (wireless communication) system aims for (i) very high data rates per device, (ii) a very large number of connected devices, (iii) global connectivity, (iv) very low latency, (v) reduced energy consumption of battery-free IoT devices, (vi) ultra-reliable connectivity, and (vii) connected intelligence with machine learning capabilities. The vision of the 6G system can be seen in four aspects: intelligent connectivity, deep connectivity, holographic connectivity, and ubiquitous connectivity.

[0067] 6G systems are expected to have 50 times higher simultaneous wireless connectivity than 5G wireless communication systems. URLLC, a key feature of 5G, will become an even more dominant technology in 6G communication by providing end-to-end latency of less than 1ms. Unlike the frequently used area spectrum efficiency, 6G systems will have much better volume spectrum efficiency.

[0068] THz (Terahertz) communication

[0069] Data transmission rates can be increased by expanding bandwidth. This can be achieved by using sub-THz communication with wide bandwidth and applying advanced large-scale MIMO technology. THz waves, also known as sub-millimeter radiation, generally refer to a frequency band between 0.1 THz and 10 THz with corresponding wavelengths ranging from 0.03 mm to 3 mm. The 100 GHz–300 GHz band range (Sub-THz band) is considered the primary portion of the THz band for cellular communication. Adding the Sub-THz band to the mmWave band increases 6G cellular communication capacity. Among the defined THz bands, the 300 GHz–3 THz band is located in the far-infrared (IR) frequency band. Although the 300 GHz–3 THz band is part of the broadband, it lies at the boundary of the broadband and immediately following the RF band. Therefore, the 300 GHz–3 THz band exhibits similarities to RF.

[0070] FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of wireless devices performing wireless communication in a millimeter wave band or a terahertz band according to the present specification. Referring to FIG. 1, a first wireless device (100) and a second wireless device (200) can transmit and receive wireless signals through various wireless access technologies (e.g., LTE, NR). Here, {the first wireless device (100), the second wireless device (200)} may correspond to {wireless device (100x), base station (200)} and / or {wireless device (100x), wireless device (100x)} of FIG. 19.

[0071] The first wireless device (100) includes one or more processors (102) and one or more memories (104), and may additionally include one or more transceivers (106) and / or one or more antennas (108). The processor (102) controls the memory (104) and / or transceivers (106) and may be configured to implement the functions, procedures and / or methods described or proposed above. For example, the processor (102) may process information within the memory (104) to generate a first information / signal and then transmit a wireless signal containing the first information / signal through the transceiver (106). Additionally, the processor (102) may receive a wireless signal containing a second information / signal through the transceiver (106) and then store information obtained from the signal processing of the second information / signal in the memory (104). The memory (104) may be connected to the processor (102) and may store various information related to the operation of the processor (102). For example, the memory (104) may store software code containing instructions for performing some or all of the processes controlled by the processor (102) or for performing the procedures and / or methods described or proposed above. Here, the processor (102) and the memory (104) may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement wireless communication technology (e.g., LTE, NR). The transceiver (106) may be connected to the processor (102) and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals through one or more antennas (108). The transceiver (106) may include a transmitter and / or receiver. The transceiver (106) may be interchangeably used with an RF (Radio Frequency) unit. In this specification, the wireless device may refer to a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0072] The second wireless device (200) includes one or more processors (202) and one or more memories (204), and may additionally include one or more transceivers (206) and / or one or more antennas (208). The processor (202) controls the memory (204) and / or transceivers (206) and may be configured to implement the functions, procedures and / or methods described or proposed above. For example, the processor (202) may process information within the memory (204) to generate a third information / signal and then transmit a wireless signal containing the third information / signal through the transceiver (206). Additionally, the processor (202) may receive a wireless signal containing a fourth information / signal through the transceiver (206) and then store information obtained from the signal processing of the fourth information / signal in the memory (204). The memory (204) may be connected to the processor (202) and may store various information related to the operation of the processor (202). For example, the memory (204) may store software code containing instructions for performing some or all of the processes controlled by the processor (202) or for performing the procedures and / or methods described / suggested above. Here, the processor (202) and the memory (204) may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement wireless communication technology (e.g., LTE, NR). The transceiver (206) may be connected to the processor (202) and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals through one or more antennas (208). The transceiver (206) may include a transmitter and / or receiver. The transceiver (206) may be interchangeable with an RF unit. In this specification, a wireless device may refer to a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0073] Hereinafter, hardware elements of the wireless device (100, 200) will be described in more detail. Although not limited thereto, one or more protocol layers may be implemented by one or more processors (102, 202). For example, one or more processors (102, 202) may implement one or more layers (e.g., functional layers such as PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, SDAP). One or more processors (102, 202) may generate one or more Protocol Data Units (PDUs) and / or one or more Service Data Units (SDUs) according to the functions, procedures, proposals and / or methods disclosed in this document. One or more processors (102, 202) may generate messages, control information, data, or information according to the functions, procedures, proposals and / or methods disclosed in this disclosure. One or more processors (102, 202) may generate a signal (e.g., baseband signal) containing a PDU, SDU, message, control information, data, or information according to the functions, procedures, proposals, and / or methods disclosed in this document and provide it to one or more transceivers (106, 206). One or more processors (102, 202) may receive a signal (e.g., baseband signal) from one or more transceivers (106, 206) and may obtain a PDU, SDU, message, control information, data, or information according to the functions, procedures, proposals, and / or methods disclosed in this document.

[0074] One or more processors (102, 202) may be referred to as a controller, microcontroller, microprocessor, or microcomputer. One or more processors (102, 202) may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), one or more Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), one or more Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), one or more Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), or one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) may be included in one or more processors (102, 202). The functions, procedures, proposals, and / or methods disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software, and the firmware or software may be implemented to include modules, procedures, functions, etc. Firmware or software configured to perform the functions, procedures, proposals, and / or methods disclosed in this document may be included in one or more processors (102, 202) or stored in one or more memories (104, 204) and driven by one or more processors (102, 202). The functions, procedures, proposals, and / or methods disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software in the form of code, instructions, and / or sets of instructions.

[0075] One or more memories (104, 204) may be connected to one or more processors (102, 202) and may store various forms of data, signals, messages, information, programs, code, instructions, and / or commands. One or more memories (104, 204) may be composed of ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash memory, hard drive, registers, cache memory, computer read storage media, and / or combinations thereof. One or more memories (104, 204) may be located inside and / or outside of one or more processors (102, 202). Additionally, one or more memories (104, 204) may be connected to one or more processors (102, 202) through various technologies such as wired or wireless connections.

[0076] One or more transceivers (106, 206) may transmit user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., as mentioned in the methods and / or operation flowcharts, etc., of this document to one or more other devices. One or more transceivers (106, 206) may receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., as mentioned in the functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operation flowcharts, etc., disclosed in this document from one or more other devices. For example, one or more transceivers (106, 206) may be connected to one or more processors (102, 202) and may transmit and receive wireless signals. For example, one or more processors (102, 202) may control one or more transceivers (106, 206) to transmit user data, control information, or wireless signals to one or more other devices. Additionally, one or more processors (102, 202) may control one or more transceivers (106, 206) to receive user data, control information, or wireless signals from one or more other devices. Additionally, one or more transceivers (106, 206) may be connected to one or more antennas (108, 208), and one or more transceivers (106, 206) may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., as mentioned in the functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document through one or more antennas (108, 208). In this document, one or more antennas may be multiple physical antennas or multiple logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports). One or more transceivers (106, 206) can convert the received wireless signal / channel, etc. from an RF band signal to a baseband signal in order to process the received user data, control information, wireless signal / channel, etc. using one or more processors (102, 202).One or more transceivers (106, 206) can convert user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. processed using one or more processors (102, 202) from baseband signals to RF band signals. To this end, one or more transceivers (106, 206) may include (analog) oscillators and / or filters.

[0077] In this regard, 6G wireless communication services are not limited to electronic devices such as mobile terminals or video display devices. 6G wireless communication services can be applied to fully autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence (AI) robots, and electronic devices supporting augmented / virtual reality (AR / VR)-based metaverses.

[0078] Meanwhile, an antenna module including an array antenna in the millimeter wave band or terahertz band according to the present specification is described. In this regard, FIG. 2a shows an antenna module composed of a signal transmission device including a plurality of Rotman lenses and an array antenna according to the present specification. FIG. 2b is an enlarged view of the first Rotman lens and the first output line of the signal transmission device of FIG. 2a.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the antenna module may be configured to include a first signal transmission device (1200), an array antenna (1100a), and a second signal transmission device (1300). The first signal transmission device (1200) may be configured to include a first input line (1210), a first output line (1220), and a first Rotman lens (1230). The second signal transmission device (1300) may be configured to include a second input line (1310), a second output line (1320), and a second Rotman lens (1330). When a signal is applied to both the first and second signal transmission devices (1200, 1300), the array antenna (1100a) operates as a dual-polarized antenna. Meanwhile, when a signal is applied to the first signal transmission device (1200), the array antenna (1100a) operates as a dual-polarized antenna. Below, an antenna module that operates as a single-polarized antenna will be described.

[0080] The first input line (1210) may include a first port (P1) to a fifth port (P5) connected to one side of the Rotman lens (1230). The first output line (1220) may include a first to eighth port (Po1 to Po8) connected to the other side of the Rotman lens (1230). The first to eighth ports (Po1 to Po8) of the first output line (1220) may be connected to each antenna element (PA1 to PA8) of the array antenna (1100a).

[0081] Beamforming of an array antenna connected to the first to eighth ports (Po1 to Po8) of the first output line (1220) can be performed by applying a signal to one of the first port (P1) to the fifth port (P5) of the first input line (1210). When a signal is applied to the first port (P1), the beam of the array antenna can be steered by 2α. When a signal is applied to the second port (P2), the beam of the array antenna can be steered by α. When a signal is applied to the third port (P3), the beam of the array antenna can be steered by 0 degrees. When a signal is applied to the fourth port (P4), the beam of the array antenna can be steered by -α. When a signal is applied to the fifth port (P5), the beam of the array antenna can be steered by -2α. For example, when signals are applied in the order of the first port (P1) to the fifth port (P5), the beam of the array antenna can be steered by 25 degrees, 12.5 degrees, 0 degrees, -12.5 degrees, and 25 degrees.

[0082] A first input line (1210) comprising a first port (P1) through a fifth port (P5) forms beam ports for selecting beams of an array antenna. A first Rotman lens (1230) disposed between the first input line (1210) and the first output line (1220) is connected to the first input line (1210) and the first output line (1220). The first Rotman lens (1230) may be implemented as a conductive plate on a substrate.

[0083] The signal transmission device (1000) may be configured to include a plurality of dummy ports that eliminate diffuse reflection between signals transmitted through the first Rotman lens (1230). The upper and lower regions of the first Rotman lens (1230) may be implemented with dummy ports.

[0084] A first output line (1220) comprising a first port (Po1) to an eighth port (Po8) of a first output line (1220) forms array ports. Signals having different phases between the first port (Po1) to the eighth port (Po8) of the first output line (1220) can be connected to each antenna element of an array antenna. The signals applied to the first port (Po1) to the eighth port (Po8) are A0ej φ0 to A7ej φ7 It can be expressed as such. A0 to A7, which are the magnitudes of the signals applied to the first port (Po1) to the eighth port (Po8), can be configured to have the same value. Depending on which of the first port (P1) to the fifth port (P5) of the first input line (1210) a signal is applied to, the phases of the signals applied to the first port (Po1) to the eighth port (Po8), φ0 to φ7, can be determined.

[0085] When a signal is applied to the first port (P1), there is a phase difference of 2△φ between adjacent ports of the first output line (1220). When a signal is applied to the second port (P2), there is a phase difference of △φ between adjacent ports of the first output line (1220). When a signal is applied to the third port (P3), there is the same phase value with a phase difference of 0 degrees between adjacent ports of the first output line (1220). When a signal is applied to the fourth port (P4), there is a phase difference of -△φ between adjacent ports of the first output line (1220). When a signal is applied to the fifth port (P5), there is a phase difference of -2△φ between adjacent ports of the first output line (1220).

[0086] The beam steering angle (θ) of the array antenna (1100a) can be determined according to the phase difference (△φ) between adjacent ports of the first output line (1220) as in Equation 1. The beam steering angle (θ) can be determined according to the wavelength (λ) corresponding to the operating frequency, the spacing (d) between adjacent antenna elements of the array antenna (1100a), and the phase difference (△φ).

[0087]

[0088] Hereinafter, an antenna module having an array antenna with improved radiation efficiency according to the present specification will be described. FIG. 3a shows the structure of an antenna module having an array antenna with improved radiation efficiency according to the present specification. FIG. 3b is an enlarged view of the area where the first and second radiating elements of the first and second antenna elements of the antenna module of FIG. 3a are arranged. Referring to FIG. 3b, the area (A) where the first and second radiating elements of the first and second antenna elements (1101, 1102) are arranged is enlarged. FIG. 4 shows the current distribution of the area where the first and second radiating elements of FIG. 3b are arranged.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 3a to 4, an antenna module having an array antenna with improved radiation efficiency according to the present specification is described. The antenna module (1000) may be configured to include a substrate (1010), a conductive pattern (1020), an array antenna (1100), and a slit pattern (1100s).

[0090] Meanwhile, an antenna module having an array antenna according to the present specification is not limited to a Yagi-Uda antenna structure. In this regard, FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the structure of an antenna module having an array antenna with improved radiation efficiency according to an embodiment and the area where the first and second antenna elements are arranged.

[0091] Compared to the antenna elements of FIGS. 3a and 3b, each antenna element of FIG. 5 can be implemented as a single radiating element without parasitic elements. Meanwhile, the type of radiating element is not limited to a dipole antenna and can be varied depending on the application.

[0092] An antenna module (1000) having an array antenna according to the present specification is described with reference to FIGS. 3a through 5. The antenna module (1000) may be configured to include a substrate (1010), a conductive pattern (1020), a dielectric region (1030), an array antenna (1100), and a slit pattern (1100s). A conductive pattern (1020) may be disposed on a first surface of the substrate (1010). A conductive pattern (1020) may be formed in a portion of the first surface of the substrate (1010) to operate as ground. A dielectric region (1030) may constitute the remaining portion of the first surface of the substrate (1010). The remaining portion of the first surface of the substrate (1010) where the conductive pattern (1010) is not formed may correspond to the dielectric region (1030).

[0093] The array antenna (1100) may be configured to radiate a beam-formed radio signal in an operating frequency band through a plurality of antenna elements disposed in a dielectric region (1030). The array antenna (1100) may be configured as a 1x8 array antenna to include a first antenna element (1101) to an eighth antenna element (1108). In this regard, the number of the plurality of antenna elements is not limited to eight but can be changed according to the application.

[0094] The array antenna (1100) may be configured to include at least a first antenna element (1101) and a second antenna element (1102). The first antenna element (1101) may have a first radiating element (1111) extending in one axis direction and another axis direction of the dielectric region (1020) from the end of the conductive pattern (1010). The one axis direction and the other axis direction may correspond to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, but are not limited thereto. The second antenna element (1102) may have a second radiating element (1112) extending in one axis direction and another axis direction of the dielectric region (1020) from the end of the conductive pattern (1010). The second antenna element (1102) may have a second radiating element (112) spaced apart from the first radiating element (1111) in the other axis direction.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 3a through 4, the array antenna (1100) may comprise radiating elements (1110) and parasitic elements (1120). The radiating elements (1110) may be formed to extend in one axial direction in the conductive pattern (1020). The radiating elements (1110) may be formed to extend in one axial direction and another axial direction in the conductive pattern (1020). The parasitic elements (1120) may be arranged spaced apart from the radiating elements (1110) in one axial direction. The array antenna (1100) may be composed of a plurality of antenna elements to radiate a beamforming radio signal in an operating frequency band. The array antenna (1100) may include a plurality of antenna elements spaced apart in another axial direction orthogonal to the one axial direction. The one axial direction and the other axial direction may correspond to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, but are not limited thereto.

[0096] The array antenna (1100) may be configured as a 1x8 array antenna to include a first antenna element (1101) to an eighth antenna element (1108). In this regard, the number of multiple antenna elements is not limited to eight but can be changed depending on the application. The first antenna element (1101) may include a first radiating element (1111) and a plurality of first parasitic elements (1121). The first radiating element (1111) may be formed to extend in one axial direction and another axial direction from a first point at the end of the conductive pattern (1020). The plurality of first parasitic elements (1121) may be spaced apart from the first radiating element (1111) in one axial direction. The number of the plurality of first parasitic elements (1121) is not limited to four but can be changed depending on the application.

[0097] The second antenna element (1102) may include a second radiating element (1112) and a plurality of second parasitic elements (1122). The second radiating element (1112) may be formed spaced apart from the first radiating element (1111) in the other axis direction. The second radiating element (1112) may be formed to extend in one axis direction and the other axis direction from a second point at the end of the conductive pattern (1020). A plurality of second parasitic elements (1122) may be arranged spaced apart from the second radiating element (1112) in one axis direction. The number of the plurality of second parasitic elements (1122) is not limited to four and can be changed depending on the application.

[0098] The distance between the first point at the end of the conductive pattern (1020) where the first radiating element (1111) is formed and the second point at the end of the conductive pattern (1020) where the second radiating element (1112) is formed can be formed as a value between 0.5 times and 1 times the wavelength corresponding to the operating frequency. For example, the distance between the first point and the second point at the end of the conductive pattern (1020) can be formed as 1.3 mm, which is 0.69 wavelength (10).

[0099] A slit pattern (1100s) may be formed in a uniaxial direction on a conduction pattern (1020) between adjacent antenna elements, on one side of the first antenna element (1101), or on the other side of the eighth antenna element (1108). For example, one of the slit patterns (1100s) may be formed in a uniaxial direction on the conduction pattern (1020) between the first antenna element (1101) and the second antenna element (1102).

[0100] A current path of the slit pattern (1100s) from a point of the first radiating element (1111) through the inner boundary of the slit pattern (1100s) to a point of the second radiating element (1112) can be formed with a predetermined length. In relation to the current path between the first and second radiating elements (1111, 1112), a point of the first and second radiating elements (1111, 1112) may correspond to the phase center between the first and second radiating elements (1111, 1112), respectively. The current path of the slit pattern (1100s) can be determined such that interference from the first antenna element (1101) to the second antenna element (1102) is below a critical level.

[0101] The length of the slit pattern (1100s) can be determined such that the current of the first antenna element (1101) interferes with the second antenna element (1102) through the outer boundary of the first radiating element (1111), the first boundary of the conduction pattern (1020), the inner boundary of the slit pattern (1100s), the second boundary of the conduction pattern (1020), and the outer boundary of the second radiating element (1112), to a level below a critical threshold.

[0102] The current path of the slit pattern (1100s), including the inner boundary of the slit pattern (1100s), is a guided wavelength (l) based on the operating frequency of the wireless signal. g Integer multiples of )(nl gIt can be formed within a predetermined range based on ). The length of the inner boundary of the slit pattern (1100s) can be formed to decrease as the permittivity of the substrate (1010) increases. The wavelength inside the tube (l g ) corresponds to the value obtained by dividing the wavelength (l0) of free space by the square root of the effective permittivity. The length of the inner boundary of the slit pattern (1100s) can be formed to decrease as the operating frequency of the wireless signal increases.

[0103] The slit pattern (1100s) may be composed of a plurality of sub-slit patterns. The slit pattern (1100s) may include a first sub-slit pattern (SSP1) and a second sub-slit pattern (SSP2). The first sub-slit pattern (SSP1) may be formed with a first length in one axial direction and a first width in the other axial direction of the conductive pattern (1020). The second sub-slit pattern (SSP2) may be formed by extending from the first sub-slit pattern (SSP1). The second sub-slit pattern (SSP2) may be formed with a second length in one axial direction and a second width in the other axial direction.

[0104] The second length of the second sub-slit pattern (SSP2) may be formed to be shorter than the first length of the first slit pattern (1100s1). The second width of the second sub-slit pattern (SSP2) may be formed to be shorter than the first width of the first slit pattern (1100s1). The current path of the slit pattern (1100s) may be determined by the sum of the first path of the inner boundary of the first sub-slit pattern (SSP1) and the second path of the inner boundary of the second sub-slit pattern (SSP2). The first path of the inner boundary of the first sub-slit pattern (SSP1) corresponds to twice the first length of the first sub-slit pattern (SSP1). The second path of the inner boundary of the second sub-slit pattern (SSP2) corresponds to the sum of twice the second length and twice the second width of the second sub-slit pattern (SSP2).

[0105] Meanwhile, the shape of the second sub-slit pattern (SSP2) can be varied depending on the application. In this regard, FIG. 6 shows the shape of the second sub-slit pattern according to embodiments. Referring to FIG. 6, the second sub-slit pattern (SSP2a, SSP2, SSP2c, SSP2d) can be formed in at least one shape among a rectangle, a square, a rhombus, and a circle.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b and FIG. 6(a), the slit pattern (1100sa) may be composed of a first sub-pattern (SSP1) with a first width (W1) and a first length (Ls1), and a second sub-pattern (SSP2a) with a second width (W2a) and a second length (Ls2a). The second width (W2a) may be formed to be wider than twice the first width (W1), and the second length (Ls2a) may be formed to be shorter than the first length (Ls1).

[0107] Referring to FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b and FIG. 6(b), the slit pattern (1100s) may be composed of a first sub-pattern (SSP1) with a first width (W1) and a first length (Ls1), and a second sub-pattern (SSP2) with a second width (W2) and a second length (Ls2). The second width (W2) may be wider than the first width (W1) and may be formed to be no more than twice the first width (W1). The second length (Ls2) of the second sub-pattern (SSP2) may be formed to be longer than the second length (Lsa2) of the second sub-pattern (SSP2a) of FIG. 6(a). The second length (Ls2) of the second sub-pattern (SSP2) may be equal to or longer than the second width (W2).

[0108] The slit pattern (1100s) can reduce mismatch due to impedance changes in each section compared to the slit pattern (1100sa) of FIG. 6(a). Additionally, the slit pattern (1100s) can reduce the length of the slit pattern (1100s) compared to the slit pattern of FIG. 7a having the same width.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b and FIG. 6(b), the second sub-pattern (SSP2c) of the slit pattern (1100sc) can be formed in a rhombus shape. The rhombus-shaped second sub-pattern (SSP2c) can reduce mismatch due to impedance change as the width gradually increases in the first region and the width gradually decreases in the second region. However, the length of the current path of the second sub-pattern (SSP2c) is reduced compared to the length of the current path of the second sub-pattern (SSP2) in FIG. 6(b).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b and FIG. 6(b), the second sub-pattern (SSP2d) of the slit pattern (1100sd) can be formed in a circular shape. The second sub-pattern (SSP2d) in a circular shape can reduce mismatch due to impedance change as the width gradually increases in the first region and the width gradually decreases in the second region. However, the length of the current path of the second sub-pattern (SSP2d) is reduced compared to the length of the current path of the second sub-pattern (SSP2) in FIG. 6(b).

[0111] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, the structure of the radiating elements of an antenna module (1000) having a slit pattern (1100s) formed according to the present specification will be described. A first radiating element (1111) and a second radiating element (1112) may be configured to include a plurality of connection patterns and conductive arms. The first radiating element (1111) may be configured to include a first connection pattern (1111a), a second connection pattern (1111b), a first conductive arm (1111c), and a second conductive arm (1111d). The second radiating element (1112) may be configured to include a third connection pattern (1112a), a fourth connection pattern (1112b), a third conductive arm (1112c), and a fourth conductive arm (1112d).

[0112] The first connection pattern (1111a) may be formed by extending in an axial direction from a first point at the end of the conductive pattern (1020). The second connection pattern (1111b) may be formed parallel to and spaced apart from the first connection pattern (1111a). The second connection pattern (1111b) may be formed by extending in an axial direction from a point spaced apart in an axial direction from the first point at the end of the conductive pattern. The first conductive arm (1111c) may be formed by extending in a first direction of the other axis from the end of the first connection pattern (1111a). The second conductive arm (1111d) may be formed by extending in a second direction of the other axis from the end of the second connection pattern (1111b).

[0113] The third connection pattern (1112a) may be formed by extending in one axial direction from a second point at the end of the conductive pattern (1020). The fourth connection pattern (1112b) may be formed parallel to and spaced apart from the third connection pattern (1112a). The fourth connection pattern (1112b) may be formed by extending in one axial direction from a point spaced apart in another axial direction from the second point at the end of the conductive pattern. The third conductive arm (1112c) may be formed by extending in the first direction of the other axis from the end of the third connection pattern (1112a). The fourth conductive arm (1112d) may be formed by extending in the second direction of the other axis from the end of the fourth connection pattern (1112b).

[0114] Meanwhile, the current path of the slit pattern (1100s) can be formed from the phase center of the first radiating element (1111) to the phase center of the second radiating element (1112). The current path of the slit pattern (1100s) can be formed from the end of the second connection pattern (1111b) of the first radiating element (1111) to the end of the third connection pattern (1112a) of the second radiating element (1112). The end of the second connection pattern (1111b) may correspond to a point connected to the second conductive arm (1111d). The end of the third connection pattern (1112a) may correspond to a point connected to the third conductive arm (1112c). The current path of the slit pattern (1100s) can be formed within a predetermined range based on an integer multiple of the guided wavelength based on the operating frequency of the wireless signal.

[0115] Specifically, the slit pattern (1100s) applied to the array antenna (1100) is formed to have a current path of equal length from each phase center of adjacent antenna elements. Thus, the slit pattern (1100s) is formed at the center point between adjacent antenna elements. In this regard, the length of the current path between adjacent antennas formed through the conductive pattern (1020) operating as a ground plane is an integer multiple (l = n * λ) of the wavelength within the tube. g The length (Ls) of the slit pattern (1100s) can be formed such that it becomes ). The shape of the slit pattern (1100s) can be configured to minimize interference with the antenna and surrounding components. The leakage current values ​​between antenna elements are canceled out on both sides relative to the center of the slit pattern (1100s), so that the current distribution value becomes minimum or falls below a threshold value. Therefore, if the leakage current values ​​between antenna elements are canceled out and the current distribution value is maintained below a threshold value, the shape of the slit pattern (1100s) does not affect the antenna radiation pattern.

[0116] Meanwhile, the antenna module (1000) may be configured to further include a plurality of slot patterns and a plurality of feed patterns. In this regard, the plurality of slot patterns may include a first slot pattern (SP1) and a second slot pattern (SP2). The plurality of feed patterns may include a first feed pattern (FP1) and a second feed pattern (FP2).

[0117] A first slot pattern (SP1) may be formed in a uniaxial direction in the first feed region of the conductive pattern (1020) between the first connection pattern (1111a) and the second connection pattern (1111b) of the first radiating element (1111). A second slot pattern (SP2) may be formed in a uniaxial direction in the second feed region of the conductive pattern (1020) between the third connection pattern (1112a) and the fourth connection pattern (1112b) of the second radiating element (1112).

[0118] A dielectric region of the substrate (1010) between the boundary of the first connection pattern (1111a) and the boundary of the second connection pattern (1111b) forms a first slot pattern (SP1). A dielectric region of the substrate (1010) between the boundary of the third connection pattern (1112a) and the boundary of the fourth connection pattern (1112b) forms a second slot pattern (SP2).

[0119] A first feed pattern (FP1) may be formed in the direction of the other axis and the direction of the one axis on the second surface of the substrate (1020) corresponding to the end of the first slot pattern (SP1). The end of the first slot pattern (SP1) may be formed in a fan shape so that impedance matching can be achieved with the first feed pattern (FP1). A second feed pattern (FP2) may be formed in the direction of the other axis and the direction of the one axis on the second surface of the substrate (1020) corresponding to the end of the second slot pattern (SP2). The end of the second slot pattern (SP2) may be formed in a fan shape so that impedance matching can be achieved with the second feed pattern (FP2).

[0120] As described above, the array antenna (1100) may be composed of a plurality of antenna elements. The array antenna (1100) may include a first antenna element (1101) having a first radiating element (1111) and an eighth antenna element (1108) having an eighth radiating element (1118). The slit pattern (1100s) may include a first slit pattern (1101s), a second slit pattern (1102s) through an eighth slit pattern (1108s), and a ninth slit pattern (1109s).

[0121] A first slit pattern (1101s) may be formed in a first region of a conductive pattern (1020) on one side of a first radiating element (1111). A second slit pattern (1102s) may be formed in a second region of a conductive pattern (1020) between the first radiating element (1111) and the second radiating element (1112). An eighth slit pattern (1108s) may be formed in an eighth region of the conductive pattern (1020) between the seventh radiating element (1117) and the eighth radiating element (1118). A ninth slit pattern (1109s) may be formed in a ninth region of a conductive pattern (1020) on the other side of the eighth radiating element (1118).

[0122] Meanwhile, the slit pattern (1100s) may further include a plurality of slit patterns on one side of the first slit pattern (1101s) and the other side of the ninth slit pattern (1109s). In this regard, the slit pattern (1100s) may include a plurality of tenth slit patterns (1110s) and a plurality of eleventh slit patterns (1111s). The tenth and eleventh slit patterns (1110s, 1111s) can reduce radiation pattern distortion caused by reflection of current in the ground boundary region. The tenth and eleventh slit patterns (1110s, 1111s) can be used as a structure for alignment during the fabrication of the antenna module (1000).

[0123] The tenth slit patterns (1110s) may be formed in the left region of the conductive pattern (1020) on one side of the first slit pattern (1101s). The eleventh slit patterns (1111s) may be formed in the right region of the conductive pattern (1020) on the other side of the ninth slit pattern (1109s). Each of the tenth slit patterns (1110s) may include a third sub-slit pattern (SSP3) and a fourth sub-slit pattern (SSP4). Each of the eleventh slit patterns (1111s) may include a third sub-slit pattern (SSP3) and a fourth sub-slit pattern (SSP4).

[0124] The length of the third sub-slit pattern (SSP3) of the tenth slit patterns (1110s) and the eleventh slit patterns (1111s) can be formed to be longer than the first length of the first sub-slit pattern (SSP1).

[0125] Meanwhile, the slit pattern for reducing interference between antenna elements of an array antenna according to the present specification may be formed as a single structure with equal width along one axis. In this regard, FIG. 7a shows the configuration of an antenna module having slit patterns formed as a single structure with equal width along one axis. FIG. 7b is an enlarged view of the slit pattern formed as a single structure in the conductive pattern between the first antenna element and the second antenna element of FIG. 7a.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, an antenna module (1000b) having slit patterns (1100sb) formed as a single structure of equal width along one axis is described. The slit pattern (1100sb) may be formed with a third length (Ls3) in one axial direction and a first width in the other axial direction of the conductive pattern (1020). The current path of the slit pattern (1100sb) may be determined by the length of the inner boundary of the slit pattern (1100sb).

[0127] The third length (Ls3) of the slit pattern (1100sb) can be formed to be longer than the sum of the first length (Ls1) and the second length (Ls2) of the slit pattern (1100s) of FIGS. 3a and 3b. The component contributing to the length of the current path between adjacent elements corresponds to the third length of the slit pattern (1100sb). Meanwhile, in the structure of FIGS. 3a and 3b, the component contributing to the length of the current path may be a value greater than the first length (Ls1) and the second length (Ls2) of the slit pattern (1100s). The component contributing to the length of the current path may be Ls1 + αLs2 (1 < α < 2). Therefore, Ls3 = Ls1 + αLs2 must hold true so that the electrical length of the current path by the slit patterns (1100s, 1100sb) is the same. Accordingly, the third length (Ls3) of the slit pattern (1100sb) can be formed to be longer than the sum (Ls1+Ls2) of the first length (Ls1) and the second length (Ls2) of the slit pattern (1100s) of FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b.

[0128] Meanwhile, the first and second radiating elements (1111, 1112) of the antenna module (1000b) having slit patterns (1100sb) can be configured in the same way as the first and second radiating elements (1111, 1112) of FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b.

[0129] In this regard, the first radiating element (1111) and the second radiating element (1112) may be configured to include a plurality of connection patterns and conductive arms. The first radiating element (1111) may be configured to include a first connection pattern (1111a), a second connection pattern (1111b), a first conductive arm (1111c), and a second conductive arm (1111d). The second radiating element (1112) may be configured to include a third connection pattern (1112a), a fourth connection pattern (1112b), a third conductive arm (1112c), and a fourth conductive arm (1112d).

[0130] The first connection pattern (1111a) may be formed by extending in an axial direction from a first point at the end of the conductive pattern (1020). The second connection pattern (1111b) may be formed parallel to and spaced apart from the first connection pattern (1111a). The second connection pattern (1111b) may be formed by extending in an axial direction from a point spaced apart in an axial direction from the first point at the end of the conductive pattern. The first conductive arm (1111c) may be formed by extending in a first direction of the other axis from the end of the first connection pattern (1111a). The second conductive arm (1111d) may be formed by extending in a second direction of the other axis from the end of the second connection pattern (1111b).

[0131] The third connection pattern (1112a) may be formed by extending in one axial direction from a second point at the end of the conductive pattern (1020). The fourth connection pattern (1112b) may be formed parallel to and spaced apart from the third connection pattern (1112a). The fourth connection pattern (1112b) may be formed by extending in one axial direction from a point spaced apart in another axial direction from the second point at the end of the conductive pattern. The third conductive arm (1112c) may be formed by extending in the first direction of the other axis from the end of the third connection pattern (1112a). The fourth conductive arm (1112d) may be formed by extending in the second direction of the other axis from the end of the fourth connection pattern (1112b).

[0132] Meanwhile, the antenna module (1000b) may be configured to further include a plurality of slot patterns and a plurality of feed patterns. In this regard, the plurality of slot patterns may include a first slot pattern (SP1) and a second slot pattern (SP2). The plurality of feed patterns may include a first feed pattern (FP1) and a second feed pattern (FP2).

[0133] A first slot pattern (SP1) may be formed in a uniaxial direction in the first feed region of the conductive pattern (1020) between the first connection pattern (1111a) and the second connection pattern (1111b) of the first radiating element (1111). A second slot pattern (SP2) may be formed in a uniaxial direction in the second feed region of the conductive pattern (1020) between the third connection pattern (1112a) and the fourth connection pattern (1112b) of the second radiating element (1112).

[0134] A dielectric region of the substrate (1010) between the boundary of the first connection pattern (1111a) and the boundary of the second connection pattern (1111b) forms a first slot pattern (SP1). A dielectric region of the substrate (1010) between the boundary of the third connection pattern (1112a) and the boundary of the fourth connection pattern (1112b) forms a second slot pattern (SP2).

[0135] A first feed pattern (FP1) may be formed in the direction of the other axis and the direction of the one axis on the second surface of the substrate (1020) corresponding to the end of the first slot pattern (SP1). The end of the first slot pattern (SP1) may be formed in a fan shape so that impedance matching can be achieved with the first feed pattern (FP1). A second feed pattern (FP2) may be formed in the direction of the other axis and the direction of the one axis on the second surface of the substrate (1020) corresponding to the end of the second slot pattern (SP2). The end of the second slot pattern (SP2) may be formed in a fan shape so that impedance matching can be achieved with the second feed pattern (FP2).

[0136] Meanwhile, the array antenna (1100) of the antenna module (1000b) may be composed of a plurality of antenna elements. The array antenna (1100) may include a first antenna element (1101) having a first radiating element (1111) and an eighth antenna element (1108) having an eighth radiating element (1118). The slit pattern (1100sb) may include a first slit pattern (1101sb), a second slit pattern (1102sb) through an eighth slit pattern (1108sb), and a ninth slit pattern (1109sb).

[0137] A first slit pattern (1101sb) may be formed in a first region of a conductive pattern (1020) on one side of a first radiating element (1111). A second slit pattern (1102sb) may be formed in a second region of a conductive pattern (1020) between a first radiating element (1111) and a second radiating element (1112). An eighth slit pattern (1108sb) may be formed in an eighth region of the conductive pattern (1020) between a seventh radiating element (1117) and an eighth radiating element (1118). A ninth slit pattern (1109sb) may be formed in a ninth region of a conductive pattern (1020) on the other side of an eighth radiating element (1118).

[0138] Meanwhile, the slit pattern (1100sb) may further include a plurality of slit patterns on one side of the first slit pattern (1101sb) and the other side of the ninth slit pattern (1109sb). In this regard, the slit pattern (1100sb) may include a plurality of tenth slit patterns (1110sb) and a plurality of eleventh slit patterns (1111sb).

[0139] The tenth slit patterns (1110sb) may be formed in the left region of the conductive pattern (1020) on one side of the first slit pattern (1101sb). The eleventh slit patterns (1111sb) may be formed in the right region of the conductive pattern (1020) on the other side of the ninth slit pattern (1109sb).

[0140] Each of the 10th slit patterns (1110sb) may be formed with a fourth length in a uniaxial direction. Each of the 11th slit patterns (1111sb) may be formed with a fourth length in a uniaxial direction. The fourth length of the 10th slit patterns (1110sb) and the 11th slit patterns (1111sb) may be formed shorter than the third length of the 1st slit pattern (1101sb) to the 9th slit pattern (1109sb). The fourth length of the 10th slit patterns (1110sb) and the 11th slit patterns (1111sb) may be formed longer than the first length of the 10th slit patterns (1110s) and the 11th slit patterns (1111sb) of FIG. 3a and shorter than the sum of the first length and the second length.

[0141] Meanwhile, the antenna module (1000, 1000b) having an array antenna according to the present specification may be formed with a plurality of dummy metal patterns so that the parasitic elements have directionality in a uniaxial direction. In this regard, the number of first parasitic elements (1121) may be formed with four dummy metal patterns so that they have directionality in a uniaxial direction. The first parasitic elements (1121) may be spaced apart parallel to the first radiating element (1111). The first parasitic elements (1121) may be spaced apart parallel to each other.

[0142] The number of second parasitic elements (1122) can be formed from four dummy metal patterns to have directional properties in one axial direction. The second parasitic elements (1122) can be spaced apart parallel to the second radiating element (1112). The second parasitic elements (1122) can be spaced apart parallel to each other.

[0143] The length of the dummy metal patterns in the other axis direction of the first parasitic elements (1121) can be formed to be smaller than the length in the other axis direction of the first radiating element (1111). The length of the dummy metal patterns in the other axis direction of the second parasitic elements (1122) can be formed to be smaller than the length in the other axis direction of the second radiating element (1112).

[0144] Meanwhile, the antenna module (1000) according to the present specification may be configured as a one-dimensional array antenna to perform beamforming in the terahertz frequency band. In this regard, FIG. 8 shows the structure of an antenna module having an array antenna in which the slot patterns of FIG. 3a are formed. FIG. 9 shows the structure of a signal transmission device having a Rotman lens for beamforming of the array antenna of FIG. 8.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 8, the array antenna (1100) of the antenna module (1000) may be placed on the first surface (S1) of the substrate (1010). Referring to FIG. 9, the signal transmission device (1200) may be placed on the second surface (S2) of the substrate (1010). The output lines (1220) of the signal transmission device (1200) of FIG. 9 may correspond to the first feed pattern (FP1) to the eighth feed pattern (FP8) of FIG. 3a. Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 8 and FIG. 8, the output lines (1220) of the signal transmission device (1200) may be electrically coupled to the feed patterns (FP1 to FP8) through a slot pattern.

[0146] Referring to FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 8, an antenna module (1000) having a slit pattern (1100s) implemented with first and second sub-slit patterns (SSP1, SSP2) can be combined with the feed patterns of the output line (1220) of a signal transmission device (1200). Through the slit pattern (1100s), interference reduction between antenna elements and interference reduction between feed patterns are possible.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 3a, 3b and 9, for beam forming, the first feed pattern (FP1) to the eighth feed pattern (FP8) can be implemented with a first length (L1) to an eighth length (L8). The first, second, fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth feed patterns (FP1, FP2, FP4, FP5, FP7, FP8) can be implemented as meander lines having curved paths of different curvatures.

[0148] An antenna module (1000b) having the slit pattern (1100sb) of FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b can be coupled with the output lines (1220) of a signal transmission device (1200). As the length of the slit pattern (1100sb) increases compared to the length of the slit pattern (1100s) of FIG. 3a, interference between the slit pattern (1100sb) and the output lines (1220) of the meander line may increase.

[0149] Accordingly, when output lines implemented as meander lines are combined with the antenna module (1000), a slit pattern (1100s) having first and second sub-slit patterns (SSP1, SSP2) must be formed on the antenna module (1000). Meanwhile, when output lines implemented as straight lines are combined with the antenna module (1000), a slit pattern (1100sb) may be formed on the antenna module (1000).

[0150] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 9, the antenna module (1000) may be configured to include an array antenna (1100) and a signal transmission device (1200). The signal transmission device (1200) may be disposed on a second surface (S2) of a substrate (1010). The signal transmission device (1200) may be configured to have input lines (1210), output lines (1220), and a Rotman lens (1230). Some of the output lines (1220) may be implemented as meander lines of a curved path. The slit pattern (1100s) may have a first sub-slit pattern (SSP1) and a second sub-slit pattern (SSP2) to reduce interference with adjacent feed patterns (FP1 through FP8) implemented as meander lines of a curved path. The second width of the second sub-slit pattern (SSP2) can be formed wider than the first width of the first sub-slit pattern (SSP1).

[0151] Output lines (1220) disposed on the second surface (S2) of the substrate (1010) can be implemented as microstrip lines. Slot patterns (SP1 to SP8) disposed on the first surface (S1) of the substrate (1010) can be formed as a Co-Plannar Waveguide (CPW) structure having conductive patterns (1020) operating as ground on both sides. The feed patterns (FP1 to FP8) of the slot patterns (SP1 to SP8) and the output lines (1220) can be formed as a CPW-to-microstrip transition structure.

[0152] Meanwhile, the antenna module (1000) according to the present specification may be configured as a one-dimensional array antenna to perform beamforming in the terahertz frequency band. In this regard, FIG. 10 shows the reflection coefficient, single antenna gain, and array antenna gain of each antenna element of the antenna module of FIG. 3a.

[0153] FIG. 10(a) shows the reflection coefficients of each antenna element, the first to eighth antenna elements, of the antenna module (1000) of FIG. 3a. The reflection coefficients of each antenna element of the antenna module (1000) are described with reference to FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, and FIG. 10(a). The reflection coefficients of the first antenna element (1101), the second antenna element (1101) to the eighth antenna element (1108) have a reflection coefficient of -15dB or less in the frequency band of 150GHz to 170GHz. The reflection coefficients of the first antenna element (1101), the second antenna element (1101) to the eighth antenna element (1108) have a reflection coefficient of -10dB or less in the frequency band of 150GHz to 175GHz.

[0154] FIG. 10(b) shows the gain of a single antenna element of the antenna module (1000) of FIG. 3a. The gain of the single antenna element of the antenna module (1000) is described with reference to FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b and FIG. 10(b). The gain of the single antenna element of the antenna module (1000) has a gain value of 10 dBi or more in the frequency band of 150 GHz to 170 GHz. The single antenna element of the antenna module (1000) has a gain characteristic that increases from 10.2 dBi to 12 dBi in the frequency band of 150 GHz to 170 GHz. The antenna module (1000) has a characteristic in which the gain value is increased by about 4.5 dB compared to the gain of a general dipole antenna element by means of a radiating element and parasitic elements and slit patterns spaced apart from it.

[0155] FIG. 10(c) shows the array gain of the 1x8 array antenna of the antenna module (1000) of FIG. 3a. The gain of the array antenna of the antenna module (1000) is described with reference to FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, and FIG. 10(c). The gain of the array antenna of the antenna module (1000) has a gain value of 19 dBi or more in the frequency band of 150 GHz to 170 GHz. The array antenna of the antenna module (1000) has a gain characteristic that increases from 19.2 dBi to 21 dBi in the frequency band of 150 GHz to 170 GHz. The array gain of the array antenna in the antenna module (1000) has a gain increase of up to 8 times compared to the gain of a single antenna element, resulting in a gain improvement effect of up to 9 dB.

[0156] Meanwhile, the antenna modules (1000, 1000b) of FIGS. 3a and 7a can reduce interference between adjacent antenna elements by means of slit patterns (1100s, 1100sb). In this regard, FIG. 11a shows an array antenna structure of an antenna module in which there are no slit patterns between adjacent antenna elements. FIG. 11b is an enlarged view of the area where the first and second radiating elements of the first and second antenna elements of the antenna module of FIG. 11a are arranged. Referring to FIG. 11a and FIG. 11b, the area (A) where the first and second radiating elements of the first and second antenna elements (1101, 1102) are arranged is enlarged. FIG. 12 shows the current distribution of the area where the first and second radiating elements of FIG. 11b are arranged.

[0157] With reference to FIGS. 11a to 12, the structure of an antenna module (1000c) without a slit pattern between adjacent antenna elements is described. The antenna module (1000c) may be configured to include a substrate (1010), a conductive pattern (1020), and an array antenna (1100).

[0158] A conductive pattern (1020) may be disposed on a first surface of a substrate (1010). An array antenna (1100) may have radiating elements (1110) and parasitic elements (1120). Radiating elements (1110) may be formed to extend in one axial direction from the conductive pattern (1020). Parasitic elements (1120) may be disposed spaced apart from the radiating elements (1110) in one axial direction. The array antenna (1100) may be composed of a plurality of antenna elements to radiate a beam-formed radio signal in an operating frequency band. The array antenna (1100) may include a plurality of antenna elements spaced apart in another axial direction orthogonal to the one axial direction. The one axial direction and the other axial direction may correspond to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, but are not limited thereto.

[0159] The array antenna (1100) may be configured as a 1x8 array antenna to include a first antenna element (1101) to an eighth antenna element (1108). In this regard, the number of multiple antenna elements is not limited to eight but can be changed depending on the application. The first antenna element (1101) may include a first radiating element (1111) and a plurality of first parasitic elements (1121). The first radiating element (1111) may be formed to extend in one axial direction and another axial direction from a first point at the end of the conductive pattern (1020). The plurality of first parasitic elements (1121) may be spaced apart from the first radiating element (1111) in one axial direction. The number of the plurality of first parasitic elements (1121) is not limited to four but can be changed depending on the application.

[0160] The second antenna element (1102) may include a second radiating element (1112) and a plurality of second parasitic elements (1122). The second radiating element (1112) may be formed spaced apart from the first radiating element (1111) in the other axis direction. The second radiating element (1112) may be formed to extend in one axis direction and the other axis direction from a second point at the end of the conductive pattern (1020). A plurality of second parasitic elements (1122) may be arranged spaced apart from the second radiating element (1112) in one axis direction. The number of the plurality of second parasitic elements (1122) is not limited to four and can be changed depending on the application.

[0161] An antenna module (1000c) implemented as a printed Yagi-Uda antenna has radiating elements (1110), a conductive pattern (1020) acting as ground, and parasitic elements (1120) acting as directors arranged on the same plane. In this regard, the radiating elements (1110), the conductive pattern (1020), and the parasitic elements (1120) may be arranged on the back surface of the substrate (1010), and the feed patterns may be arranged on the front surface of the substrate (1010). The antenna module (1000c) implemented as a printed Yagi-Uda antenna has the characteristic that the current fed to the radiating elements (1110) propagates strongly in the direction of the director.

[0162] When a printed Yagi-Uda antenna is extended into an array antenna (1100), the radiating elements (1110) of an antenna module (1000c) that share a conduction pattern (1020) operating as ground are spaced apart at a certain interval. In this regard, the current distribution of the first and second regions (R1c, R2c) of the conduction pattern on one side of the first and second radiating elements (1101, 1102) and the third region (R3c) of the conduction pattern between the first and second radiating elements (1101, 1102) is formed above a threshold value. Consequently, mutual coupling occurs between adjacent antenna elements, which acts as a cause for performance degradation, such as a decrease in radiation efficiency and distortion of the radiation pattern. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce mutual coupling between adjacent antenna elements through the optimal design of the slit pattern (1100s) of the antenna module (1000) of FIG. 3a or the slit pattern (1100sb) of the antenna module (1000b) of FIG. 11a.

[0163] Meanwhile, the antenna module (1000c) of FIG. 11a may be configured as a one-dimensional array antenna to perform beamforming in the terahertz frequency band. In this regard, FIG. 13 shows the reflection coefficient, single antenna gain, and array antenna gain of each antenna element of the antenna module of FIG. 11a.

[0164] FIG. 13(a) shows the reflection coefficients of each antenna element, the first to eighth antenna elements, of the antenna module (1000c) of FIG. 11a. The reflection coefficients of each antenna element of the antenna module (1000) are described with reference to FIG. 11a, FIG. 11b, and FIG. 13(a). The reflection coefficients of the first antenna element (1101), the second antenna element (1101) to the eighth antenna element (1108) have a reflection coefficient of -12dB or less in the frequency band of 150GHz to 175GHz.

[0165] FIG. 13(b) shows the gain of a single antenna element of the antenna module (1000c) of FIG. 3a. The gain of the single antenna element of the antenna module (1000c) is described with reference to FIG. 11a, FIG. 11b and FIG. 13(b). The gain of the single antenna element of the antenna module (1000c) has a gain value of 8.5 dBi or more in the frequency band of 150 GHz to 170 GHz. The single antenna element of the antenna module (1000) has a gain characteristic that increases from 8.6 dBi to 10.8 dBi in the frequency band of 150 GHz to 170 GHz.

[0166] The antenna module (1000) has a characteristic in which the gain value is increased by about 3 dB compared to the gain of a general dipole antenna element due to the radiating element and the parasitic element spaced apart from it. However, since it does not have a slit pattern between adjacent antenna elements, the gain of the antenna module (1000c) of FIG. 11a is reduced by about 1.5 dB compared to the antenna module (1000) of FIG. 3a. Therefore, the antenna module (1000) equipped with the slit pattern (1100s) of FIG. 3a has the effect of improving the gain by about 1.5 dB compared to the antenna module (1000c) without the slit pattern.

[0167] FIG. 13(c) shows the array gain of the 1x8 array antenna of the antenna module (1000c) of FIG. 11a. The gain of the array antenna of the antenna module (1000c) is described with reference to FIG. 11a, FIG. 11b, and FIG. 13(c). The gain of the array antenna of the antenna module (1000c) has a gain value of 17.5 dBi or more in the frequency band of 150 GHz to 170 GHz. The array antenna of the antenna module (1000c) has a gain characteristic that increases from 17.6 dBi to 19.8 dBi in the frequency band of 150 GHz to 170 GHz.

[0168] Meanwhile, the radiation patterns of an antenna module (1000) equipped with the slit pattern (1100s) of FIG. 3a and an antenna module (1000c) without the slit pattern of FIG. 11a are compared and explained. In this regard, FIG. 14 shows the radiation patterns in the azimuth and elevation directions of a single element of an antenna module without the slit pattern of FIG. 11a. FIG. 15 shows the radiation patterns in the azimuth and elevation directions of a single element of an antenna module with the slit pattern of FIG. 3a formed. Meanwhile, FIG. 16 shows the radiation patterns in the azimuth and elevation directions of an array antenna of an antenna module without the slit pattern of FIG. 11a formed. FIG. 17 shows the radiation patterns in the azimuth and elevation directions of an array antenna of an antenna module with the slit pattern of FIG. 3a formed.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 11a, FIG. 11b and FIG. 14(a), distortion of the radiation pattern may occur in the first and second regions (R1, R2) in the azimuth direction due to interference between adjacent antenna elements in the X-axis direction where no slit pattern is formed. Reduced directivity and distortion of the radiation pattern may occur in the first and second regions (R1, R2) due to unwanted current radiation caused by mutual coupling between adjacent antenna elements.

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 11a, 11b, and 14(b), interference between adjacent antenna elements occurs in the azimuth direction, which is the X-axis direction, so the distortion of the radiation pattern in the elevation direction, which is the Y-axis direction, is maintained below a certain level. However, the null level between the main lobe and the side lobe of the radiation pattern in the elevation direction is formed somewhat high, and the side lobe level is also formed above a certain level.

[0171] Referring to FIGS. 3a, 3b and FIG. 15(a), as a slit pattern (1100s) is formed, interference between adjacent antenna elements in the X-axis direction can be reduced to a level below a certain threshold. Accordingly, distortion of the radiation pattern in the first and second regions (R1, R2) in the azimuth direction can be prevented. Mutual coupling between adjacent antenna elements is minimized, thereby preventing reduction of directivity and distortion of the radiation pattern in the first and second regions (R1, R2) due to unwanted current radiation.

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 15(b), as interference between adjacent antenna elements is minimized by the slit pattern (1100s), distortion of the radiation pattern in the elevation direction, which is the Y-axis direction, can also be prevented. The radiation pattern in the elevation direction of FIG. 15(b) maintains a null level lower than the null level of the radiation pattern in FIG. 14(b). Additionally, the radiation pattern in the elevation direction of FIG. 15(b) maintains a side lobe level lower than the side lobe level of the radiation pattern in FIG. 14(b). Therefore, the quality of the radiation pattern of a single antenna in the antenna module (1000) in which the slit pattern (1100s) of FIG. 3a is formed is superior to the quality of the radiation pattern of a single antenna in the module (1000c) in which the slit pattern of FIG. 11a is not formed.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 11a and FIG. 16(a), the array antenna of the antenna module (1000c) without a slit pattern has a gain value of 19 dBi at 0 degrees in the azimuth direction due to interference between adjacent antenna elements in the X-axis direction. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 17(a), the array antenna of the antenna module (1000) with a slit pattern (1100s) has a gain value of 20 dBi or more due to reduced interference between adjacent antenna elements in the X-axis direction.

[0174] Referring to the array antenna of the antenna module (1000c) in FIG. 11a, the radiation pattern in the azimuth direction of FIG. 16(a) generates four side lobes on the left and right, respectively. Referring to the array antenna of the antenna module (1000) in FIG. 3a, the radiation pattern in the azimuth direction of FIG. 17(a) generates three side lobes on the left and right, respectively. As mutual interference between antenna elements arranged in the azimuth direction is reduced, the number of side lobes can be reduced beyond a certain level.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 11a and FIG. 16(b), the array antenna of the antenna module (1000c) in which the slit pattern is not formed may have side lobe levels increased in the third and fourth regions (R3, R4) in the elevation direction due to interference between adjacent antenna elements in the X-axis direction. Additionally, the null level may also be increased above a certain level in the fifth and sixth regions (R5, R6) in the elevation direction.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 17(b), the array antenna of the antenna module (1000) having a slit pattern (1100s) formed therein also reduces the level of interference in the Y-axis direction. Accordingly, the level of side lobes can be reduced in the third and fourth regions (R3, R4) in the elevation direction. In addition, the level of nulls can also be reduced to below a certain level in the fifth and sixth regions (R5, R6) in the elevation direction.

[0177] Meanwhile, an antenna module (1000, 1000b) having a slit pattern (1100s, 1100sb) according to the present specification can reduce mutual interference depending on the length of the current path including the slit pattern (1100s, 1100sb). In this regard, FIG. 18 shows the gain values ​​of a single antenna element and an array antenna according to the length of the current path including the slit pattern of FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b. FIG. 19 compares the current distribution between adjacent radiating elements according to the length of the current path including the slit pattern. FIG. 19(a) shows the current distribution between adjacent radiating elements when the length of the current path including the slit pattern is 2.0lg. FIG. 19(b) shows the current distribution between adjacent radiating elements when the length of the current path including the slit pattern is 2.5lg.

[0178] Referring to FIGS. 3a, 3b, 6 and 18, when the length of the current path containing the slit pattern (1100s) is 2lg or 3lg, the gain (Gs) of a single antenna element of the antenna module (1000) has a value of approximately 10.6dBi. When the length of the current path containing the slit pattern (1100s) is 2lg or 3lg, the gain (Ga) of the array antenna of the antenna module (1000) has a value of approximately 20dBi.

[0179] If the length of the current path including the slit pattern (1100s) is 2.5lg or 3.5lg, the gain (Gs) of a single antenna element of the antenna module (1000) is reduced to 9dBi or less. If the length of the current path including the slit pattern (1100s) is 2.5lg or 3.5lg, the array antenna gain (Ga) of the antenna module (1000) is reduced to 16dBi or less.

[0180] If the length (Ls) of the slit pattern (1100s) is 0, it corresponds to the structure in FIG. 11a where no slit pattern is formed. Referring to FIG. 11a and FIG. 16, the gain of the array antenna of the antenna module (1000c) where no slit pattern is formed has a gain value of 19 dBi. Therefore, the gain of the array antenna with mutual interference reduced by the slit pattern (1100s) must be implemented to have a value greater than 19 dBi. To this end, the length (Ls) of the slit pattern (1100s) can be set to a value greater than 0 and less than 0.7 mm. Thus, the length (Ls) of the slit pattern (1100s) can be set to a value greater than 0 and less than 0.56 lg.

[0181] If the spacing between the first and second radiating elements is 1.3 mm, the spacing between the first and second radiating elements corresponds to 0.69 10 based on a center frequency of 160 GHz. If the relative permittivity of the Teflon substrate (1010) is 2.33, the spacing of 1.3 mm corresponds to 1.05 lg. In a structure without a slit pattern, the length of the current path between the phase centers of the first and second radiating elements corresponds to 2.04 mm (1.66 lg). Therefore, in a structure without a slit pattern, the antenna efficiency may be reduced due to the phase difference between the first and second radiating elements.

[0182] If the length (Ls) of the slit pattern (1100s) is 0.4 mm, the length of the current path corresponds to 2.52 mm (2.0 lg). Therefore, by optimally adjusting the length (Ls) of the slit pattern (1100s), the phase difference between the first and second radiating elements can be eliminated, thereby optimally adjusting the antenna efficiency. Meanwhile, if the length (Ls) of the slit pattern (1100s) is 0.7 mm, the length of the current path corresponds to 2.88 mm (2.34 lg). If the length (Ls) of the slit pattern (1100s) is 0.85 mm, the length of the current path corresponds to 3.06 mm (2.5 lg).

[0183] Accordingly, the length of the current path including the slit pattern (1100s) can be formed within a range of ±0.34lg based on an integer multiple of the wavelength (lg) inside the tube. By reducing interference between antenna elements through the slit pattern (1100s) formed within a range of ±0.34lg based on an integer multiple of the wavelength (lg) inside the tube, it is possible to improve antenna gain / efficiency. Meanwhile, while maintaining the gain (Ga) of the array antenna greater than 19dBi and considering the margin, the length of the current path including the slit pattern (1100s) can be formed within a range of ±0.25lg based on an integer multiple of the wavelength (lg) inside the tube. In this regard, the length (Ls) of the slit pattern (1100s) considering the length of the current path can be changed according to the application by considering the spacing between antenna elements, the dielectric constant of the substrate, etc.

[0184] Referring to FIGS. 3, FIGS. 4, FIGS. 18 and FIGS. 19(a), if the length of the current path including the slit pattern (1100s) is 2.0 lg, the current distribution value around the first slit pattern (1111s) is formed to be below a threshold value. As the current around the first slit pattern (1111s) is suppressed, mutual interference between the first and second radiating elements (1111, 1112) can be reduced.

[0185] Referring to FIGS. 3, FIGS. 4, FIGS. 18, and FIGS. 19(b), if the length of the current path containing the slit pattern (1100s) is 2.5 lg, the current distribution value around the first slit pattern (1111s) is formed to exceed a threshold value. The current distribution value of the one-sided boundary, the other-sided boundary, and the surrounding area of ​​the first slit pattern (1111s) increases to a level similar to the current distribution value of the first and second radiating elements (1111, 1112). As the current around the first slit pattern (1111s) increases, mutual interference between the first and second radiating elements (1111, 1112) increases, and antenna performance, including the gain characteristics of the array antenna, is degraded.

[0186] Meanwhile, the radiation pattern may be formed differently depending on the length of the current path between adjacent elements according to the length of the slit pattern according to the present specification. In this regard, FIG. 20 compares the radiation patterns in the azimuth and elevation directions of a single antenna according to the length of the slot pattern. FIG. 21 compares the radiation patterns in the azimuth and elevation directions of an array antenna according to the length of the slot pattern.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 18, FIG. 19(a) and FIG. 20(a), if the length of the current path containing the slit pattern (1100s) is 2.0 lg, the radiation pattern in the azimuth direction of the single antenna has a beam peak at the 0-degree direction. Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 18, FIG. 19(b) and FIG. 20(a), if the length of the current path containing the slit pattern (1100s) is 2.5 lg, the radiation pattern in the azimuth direction of the single antenna has beam peaks at the -30-degree and 30-degree directions. Referring to the radiation pattern in the azimuth direction of the single antenna structure with a current path length of 2.5 lg, the single antenna gain is reduced by more than 5 dB at the 0-degree direction.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 18, FIG. 19(a) and FIG. 20(b), if the length of the current path including the slit pattern (1100s) is 2.0 lg, the antenna gain in the elevation direction of a single antenna is approximately 11 dBi. In this regard, the length (Ls) of the slit pattern (1100s) can be formed as Ls = 0.4 mm. As the current distribution value in the peripheral region of the slit pattern (1100s) becomes below a threshold, the interference level is formed to be low below a certain level, thereby enabling an improvement in antenna gain / efficiency.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 18, FIG. 19(b) and FIG. 20(b), if the length of the current path containing the slit pattern (1100s) is 2.5 lg, the antenna gain in the elevation direction of a single antenna is approximately 6 dBi. When the length of the current path is formed to 2.5 lg, the antenna efficiency decreases as the side lobe level increases. In this regard, the length (Ls) of the slit pattern (1100s) can be formed as Ls = 0.7 mm. As the current distribution value in the peripheral region of the slit pattern (1100s) exceeds a threshold, the antenna gain / efficiency is reduced as the interference level is formed to be high, exceeding a certain level.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 18, FIG. 19(a) and FIG. 21(a), if the length of the current path containing the slit pattern (1100s) is 2.0 lg, the radiation pattern in the azimuth direction of the array antenna has a beam peak at the 0-degree direction. The antenna gain in the azimuth direction of the array antenna has a value of 20 dBi or more. Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 18, FIG. 19(b) and FIG. 21(a), if the length of the current path containing the slit pattern (1100s) is 2.5 lg, the array antenna has a beam peak at the 0-degree direction in the azimuth direction. The radiation pattern has beam peaks at the -30-degree and 30-degree directions. The antenna gain in the azimuth direction of the array antenna has a value of approximately 15 dBi. When the length of the current path is formed to be 2.5 lg, the array antenna gain in the 0-degree direction is reduced by 5 dB or more.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 18, FIG. 19(a) and FIG. 21(b), if the length of the current path containing the slit pattern (1100s) is 2.0 lg, the gain of the array antenna in the elevation direction has a value of 20 dBi or more. Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 18, FIG. 19(b) and FIG. 21(b), if the length of the current path containing the slit pattern (1100s) is 2.5 lg, the gain of the array antenna in the elevation direction has about 15 dBi. When the length of the current path is formed to 2.5 lg, the antenna efficiency decreases as the side lobe level increases.

[0192] The technical effects of an antenna module having an array antenna with improved antenna efficiency according to the present specification are described as follows.

[0193] According to the present specification, an antenna module having an array antenna with improved radiation efficiency by forming a slit pattern on a conductive pattern operating to ground may be provided.

[0194] According to the present specification, by forming a slit pattern on a conductive pattern operating as ground, interference between adjacent antenna elements in an array antenna can be reduced, thereby improving antenna gain and efficiency.

[0195] According to the present specification, by forming a slit pattern on a conductive pattern operating as ground, interference between adjacent antenna elements in an array antenna where the spacing between adjacent antenna elements is limited can be reduced, thereby improving antenna gain and efficiency.

[0196] According to the present specification, interference between adjacent antenna elements in an array antenna where the spacing between adjacent arms is limited, such as a millimeter-wave or terahertz band dipole antenna, can be reduced by forming a slit pattern in a conductive pattern that operates as ground. Accordingly, the antenna gain and efficiency of the array antenna can be improved.

[0197] According to the present specification, interference between adjacent antenna elements in a millimeter-wave or terahertz band Yagi-Uda antenna and an array antenna with improved directivity can be reduced by forming a slit pattern in a ground-operated conductive pattern. Accordingly, the antenna gain and efficiency of the array antenna can be improved.

[0198] According to the present specification, by optimizing the shape of the slit pattern, the antenna gain and efficiency of the array antenna can be improved while minimizing interference between adjacent feed patterns as the length of the slit pattern increases.

[0199] 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. The detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any respect and 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. Substrate; A conductive pattern formed in a portion of the first surface of the substrate and operating as ground; A dielectric region constituting the remaining region of the first surface of the substrate; An array antenna configured to radiate a beamforming radio signal in an operating frequency band through a plurality of antenna elements disposed in the above-mentioned dielectric region; and The above array antenna is, A first antenna element having a first radiating element extended in one axial direction and another axial direction at the end of the challenge pattern; and It includes a second antenna element having a second radiating element spaced apart from the first radiating element in the other axis direction, and The conductive pattern between adjacent antenna elements constituting the array antenna includes a slit pattern formed in the direction of one axis, and An antenna module in which the current path of the slit pattern from one point of the first radiating element through the inner boundary of the slit pattern to one point of the second radiating element is determined such that interference from the first antenna element to the second antenna element is below a critical level.

2. In Paragraph 1, The array antenna comprises radiating elements extended in the one-axis direction and the other-axis direction in the conduction pattern, and parasitic elements spaced apart from the radiating elements in the one-axis direction. The first antenna element comprises the first radiating element and a plurality of first parasitic elements spaced apart from the first radiating element in the one-axis direction, and The second antenna element comprises the second radiating element and a plurality of second parasitic elements spaced apart from the second radiating element in the axial direction, 3. In Paragraph 1, An antenna module in which the current path of the slit pattern including the inner boundary of the slit pattern is formed within a predetermined range based on an integer multiple of the guided wavelength (λg) based on the operating frequency of the wireless signal.

4. In Paragraph 3, An antenna module in which the current path of the above slit pattern is formed in a range of ±0.34 λg based on an integer multiple of the wavelength (λg) inside the tube.

5. In Paragraph 1, The length of the inner boundary of the above slit pattern is formed to decrease as the dielectric constant of the substrate increases, and An antenna module in which the length of the inner boundary of the above slit pattern is formed to decrease as the operating frequency of the wireless signal increases.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above slit pattern is, A first sub-slit pattern formed with a first length in the first axial direction and a first width in the other axial direction of the challenge pattern; and It includes a second sub-slit pattern that extends from the first sub-slit pattern and is formed with a second length in the first axial direction and a second width in the other axial direction, and The second length is formed to be shorter than the first length, and the second width is formed to be shorter than the first width, An antenna module in which the current path of the above slit pattern is determined by the sum of the first path of the inner boundary of the first sub-slit pattern and the second path of the inner boundary of the second sub-slit pattern.

7. In Paragraph 6, The antenna module, wherein the second sub-slit pattern is formed in at least one shape among a rectangle, a square, a rhombus, and a circle.

8. In Paragraph 6, The above-mentioned first radiating element is, A first connection pattern extending in the axial direction at the end of the challenge pattern; A second connection pattern formed parallel to and spaced apart from the first connection pattern, and extending in the axial direction from the end of the conductive pattern; A first conductive arm extending in the first direction of the other axis at the end of the first connection pattern; and It includes a second conductive arm extended in the second direction of the other axis at the end of the second connection pattern, and The above second radiating element is, A third connection pattern extending in the axial direction from the end of the challenge pattern; A fourth connection pattern formed parallel to and spaced apart from the first connection pattern, and extending in the axial direction from the end of the conductive pattern; A third conductive arm extending in the first direction of the other axis from the end of the first connection pattern; and An antenna module comprising a fourth conductive arm extending in the second direction of the other axis at the end of the second connection pattern.

9. In Paragraph 8, A first slot pattern formed in the first feeding region of the conductive pattern between the first connection pattern and the second connection pattern of the first radiating element in the same axial direction; A second slot pattern formed in the axial direction in the second feeding region of the conductive pattern between the third connection pattern and the fourth connection pattern of the second radiating element; A first feed pattern formed in the other axis direction and the one axis direction on the second surface of the substrate corresponding to the end of the first slot pattern; and An antenna module comprising a second feed pattern formed in the other axis direction and the one axis direction on a second surface of the substrate corresponding to the end of the second slot pattern.

10. In Paragraph 9, The array antenna comprises an eighth antenna element having the first to eighth radiating elements, and The above slit pattern includes a first slit pattern, second to eighth slit patterns and a ninth slit pattern, and The first slit pattern is formed in a first region of the conductive pattern on one side of the first radiating element, and The second slit pattern is formed in a second region of the conductive pattern between the first radiating element and the second radiating element, and The above eighth slit pattern is formed in the eighth region of the conductive pattern between the seventh radiating element and the eighth radiating element, and The above ninth slit pattern is formed in the ninth region of the conductive pattern on the other side of the eighth radiating element, in an antenna module.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above slit pattern is, A plurality of tenth slit patterns formed in the left region of the conductive pattern on one side of the first slit pattern; and It includes a plurality of 11th slit patterns formed in the right region of the conductive pattern on the other side of the 9th slit pattern, and Each of the above 10 slit patterns includes a third sub-slit pattern and a fourth sub-slit pattern, and Each of the above 11th slit patterns includes the above 3rd sub-slit pattern and the above 4th sub-slit pattern, and An antenna module in which the length of the third sub-slit pattern is formed to be longer than the first length of the first sub-slit pattern.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above slit pattern is formed with a third length in the one-axis direction and a first width in the other-axis direction of the above conductive pattern, An antenna module in which the current path of the above slit pattern is determined by the length of the inner boundary of the above slit pattern.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above-mentioned first radiating element is, A first connection pattern extending in the axial direction at the end of the challenge pattern; A second connection pattern formed parallel to and spaced apart from the first connection pattern, and extending in the axial direction from the end of the conductive pattern; A first conductive arm extending in the first direction of the other axis at the end of the first connection pattern; and It includes a second conductive arm extended in the second direction of the other axis at the end of the second connection pattern, and The above second radiating element is, A third connection pattern extending in the axial direction from the end of the challenge pattern; A fourth connection pattern formed parallel to and spaced apart from the first connection pattern, and extending in the axial direction from the end of the conductive pattern; A third conductive arm extending in the first direction of the other axis from the end of the first connection pattern; and An antenna module comprising a fourth conductive arm extending in the second direction of the other axis at the end of the second connection pattern.

14. In Paragraph 13, A first slot pattern formed in the first region of the conductive pattern between the first connection pattern and the second connection pattern of the first radiating element in the same axial direction; A second slot pattern formed in the axial direction in the second region of the conductive pattern between the third connection pattern and the fourth connection pattern of the second radiating element; A first feed pattern formed in the other axis direction and the one axis direction on the second surface of the substrate corresponding to the end of the first slot pattern; and An antenna module comprising a second feed pattern formed in the other axis direction and the one axis direction on a second surface of the substrate corresponding to the end of the second slot pattern.

15. In Paragraph 14, The array antenna comprises an eighth antenna element having the first to eighth radiating elements, and The above slit pattern includes a first slit pattern, second to eighth slit patterns and a ninth slit pattern, and The first slit pattern is formed in a first region of the conductive pattern on one side of the first radiating element, and The second slit pattern is formed in a second region of the conductive pattern between the first radiating element and the second radiating element, and The above eighth slit pattern is formed in the eighth region of the conductive pattern between the seventh radiating element and the eighth radiating element, and The above ninth slit pattern is formed in the ninth region of the conductive pattern on the other side of the eighth radiating element, in an antenna module.

16. In Paragraph 15, The above slit pattern is, A plurality of tenth slit patterns formed in the left region of the conductive pattern on one side of the first slit pattern; and It includes a plurality of 11th slit patterns formed in the right region of the conductive pattern on the other side of the 9th slit pattern, and Each of the above 10 slit patterns is formed with a fourth length in the above axial direction, and Each of the above 11 slit patterns is formed with the above axial direction for the above 4 length, and An antenna module in which the fourth length is formed to be shorter than the third length.

17. In Paragraph 2, The number of the first parasitic elements is formed with three or four dummy metal patterns to have directionality in the axial direction, and The number of the second parasitic elements is formed with three or four dummy metal patterns to have directionality in the axial direction, and An antenna module in which the length of the dummy metal patterns in the other axis direction is formed to be smaller than the length of the first radiating element and the second radiating element in the other axis direction.

18. In Paragraph 6, The signal transmission device further includes input lines, output lines, and a Rotman lens on the second surface of the substrate, and Some of the above output lines are implemented as meander lines of a curved path, and An antenna module having a first sub-slit pattern and a second sub-slit pattern to reduce interference with adjacent feed patterns implemented with the meander lines.

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