Antenna element, antenna module, and electronic apparatus

Abstract

An antenna element (101) comprises a plurality of insulator layers and a plurality of conductor layers. The plurality of conductor layers constitute at least a first radiation conductor, a second radiation conductor, and a ground conductor layer. The area of the ground conductor layer is greater than the area of the second radiation conductor, and the area of the second radiation conductor is greater than the area of the first radiation conductor. The first radiation conductor overlaps the second radiation conductor as seen in the direction orthogonal to a principal surface of the second radiation conductor. The second radiation conductor overlaps the ground conductor layer as seen in the direction orthogonal to a principal surface of the ground conductor layer. The ground conductor layer, the second radiation conductor, and the first radiation conductor are layered in the given order from an inner layer to an outer layer of a stack. At least a portion of the first radiation conductor and at least a portion of the second radiation conductor are not parallel to the ground conductor layer.

Description

Antenna element, antenna module, and electronic device

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna element, an antenna module including the antenna element, and an electronic device including the antenna element.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an antenna device that takes into account tilting the direction in which the maximum gain is obtained to a desired direction. For example, a conductive ground member having an antenna ground plane tilted with respect to the bottom surface, a feeding element disposed at a distance from this antenna ground plane and constituting a patch antenna together with the antenna ground plane, and a non-fed element disposed at a distance from this feeding element are provided. An antenna device is shown.

[0003] International Publication No. 2023 / 286610

[0004] In the antenna device described in Patent Document 1, by providing two radiation conductors of different sizes, it can correspond to two frequency bands, but their radiation directions can only be radiated in one direction.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an antenna element having a predetermined radiation directivity corresponding to a frequency band, an antenna module including the same, and an electronic device.

[0006] An antenna element in one view of the present invention is an antenna element comprising a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductor layers located along the insulating layers or located inside the insulating layers, wherein a laminate is formed by stacking the plurality of insulating layers and the plurality of conductor layers, the plurality of conductor layers constitute at least a first radiating conductor, a second radiating conductor and a ground conductor layer, the area of ​​the ground conductor layer is larger than the area of ​​the second radiating conductor, the area of ​​the second radiating conductor is larger than the area of ​​the first radiating conductor, the first radiating conductor overlaps the second radiating conductor when viewed perpendicular to the main surface of the second radiating conductor, the second radiating conductor overlaps the ground conductor layer when viewed perpendicular to the main surface of the ground conductor layer, the ground conductor layer, the second radiating conductor and the first radiating conductor are stacked in this order from the inner layer (inside) to the outer layer (outside) of the laminate, and at least a portion of the first radiating conductor and at least a portion of the second radiating conductor are nonparallel to the ground conductor layer.

[0007] An antenna module in one aspect of the present invention includes the antenna element and a circuit component mounted on the lower surface of the laminate.

[0008] An electronic device, as expressed in one aspect of the present invention, comprises an antenna element and an electronic circuit connected to the antenna element.

[0009] According to the present invention, an antenna element having a predetermined radiation directivity corresponding to a frequency band, an antenna module equipped therewith, and electronic equipment can be obtained.

[0010] The upper part of Figure 1 is a plan view of the antenna element according to the first embodiment, viewed in the Z-axis direction, and the lower part of Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element along the dashed line in the upper part of Figure 1, viewed in the Y-axis direction. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the main conductor layers of the antenna element according to this embodiment. The upper part of Figure 3 is a plan view of the antenna element according to the second embodiment, viewed in the Z-axis direction, and the lower part of Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element along the dashed line in the upper part of Figure 3, viewed in the Y-axis direction. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element according to the second embodiment. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element according to the third embodiment. The upper part of Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element according to the fourth embodiment. The lower part of Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element according to the fifth embodiment. The upper part of Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element according to the sixth embodiment. The lower part of Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the laminate of each insulating layer and each conductor layer before pressurizing and heating. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the main conductor layers of the antenna element according to the seventh embodiment. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna element according to the eighth embodiment. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna element according to the ninth embodiment. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to the tenth embodiment. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna module according to the eleventh embodiment. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna module according to the twelfth embodiment.

[0011] Hereafter, with reference to the figures, several specific examples will be given to illustrate multiple embodiments for carrying out the present invention. The same reference numerals are used for the same parts in each figure. For the sake of ease of explanation and understanding, the embodiments for carrying out the invention will be shown in multiple embodiments, but it is possible to partially omit, substitute, or combine the configurations shown in different embodiments. In the second embodiment and subsequent embodiments, descriptions of matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the differences will be described. In particular, similar effects and advantages due to similar configurations will not be mentioned sequentially in each embodiment.

[0012] 《First Embodiment》 In the first embodiment, an antenna element equipped with a patch antenna is provided as an example.

[0013] The upper part of Figure 1 is a plan view of the antenna element 101 in the Z-axis direction according to the first embodiment, and the lower part of Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 101 in the Y-axis direction along the dashed line in the upper part of Figure 1.

[0014] In Figure 1, the directional symbols X, Y, and Z at the origin of the three orthogonal axes indicate the direction from which each figure is viewed. The origin positions of the three orthogonal axes within each figure have no special significance. This is also true for all subsequent figures.

[0015] The antenna element 101 comprises a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductive layers located along or inside the insulating layers. A laminate is formed by stacking the plurality of insulating layers and the plurality of conductive layers. In the lower part of Figure 1, the insulating layer 10 refers to the entire stacked insulating layer. In the cross-sectional view, the stacked state of the insulating layers is not shown.

[0016] The aforementioned multiple conductor layers constitute a first radiating conductor for high bands, a second radiating conductor for low bands, and a ground conductor layer.

[0017] The area of ​​the ground conductor layer GL is larger than the area of ​​the second radiating conductor RC2, and the area of ​​the second radiating conductor RC2 is larger than the area of ​​the first radiating conductor RC1.

[0018] The ground conductor layer GL, the second radiating conductor RC2, and the first radiating conductor RC1 are arranged in this order, stacked from the inner layer (inside) to the outer layer (outside) of the laminate.

[0019] At least a portion of the first radiating conductor RC1 and at least a portion of the second radiating conductor RC2 are inclined with respect to the ground conductor layer GL.

[0020] In this example, the entire surface of both sides of the ground conductor layer is a single plane. The entire surface of the second radiating conductor RC2 is inclined with respect to the ground conductor layer GL. The entire surface of the first radiating conductor RC1 is inclined with respect to the second radiating conductor RC2.

[0021] As shown in the upper part of Figure 1, the ground conductor layer GL, the second radiating conductor RC2, and the first radiating conductor RC1 are each rectangular.

[0022] Figure 2 shows the main conductor layers of the antenna element 101 according to this embodiment. The upper part of Figure 2 is a plan view of the first radiating conductor, the second radiating conductor, and the ground conductor layer, viewed in the Z-axis direction, with the insulating layer removed. The middle part of Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first radiating conductor, the second radiating conductor, and the ground conductor layer, with the insulating layer removed. The lower part of Figure 2 is a front view of the first radiating conductor, the second radiating conductor, and the ground conductor layer, viewed in the Y-axis direction, with the insulating layer removed.

[0023] The feed point of the first radiating conductor RC1 is feed point FP1. This feed point FP1 and the terminal electrode TE1 are electrically connected via the interlayer connecting conductor V1. This interlayer connecting conductor V1 is insulated from the second radiating conductor RC2 and the ground conductor layer GL.

[0024] The feed point of the second radiating conductor RC2 is feed point FP2. This feed point FP2 and the terminal electrode TE2 are electrically connected via an interlayer connecting conductor V2. This interlayer connecting conductor V2 is insulated from the ground conductor layer GL. The ground conductor layer GL is connected to the terminal electrode TEG.

[0025] The area of ​​the second radiating conductor RC2 is larger than the area of ​​the first radiating conductor RC1, and when viewed perpendicular to the main surface of the second radiating conductor, the first radiating conductor overlaps with the second radiating conductor. Since the area of ​​the second radiating conductor RC2 is larger than the area of ​​the first radiating conductor RC1, in the frequency band in which the first radiating conductor RC1 acts as a radiating conductor, the second radiating conductor RC2 acts as a ground conductor layer relative to the first radiating conductor RC1. Therefore, a resonant electric field is generated between the first radiating conductor RC1 and the second radiating conductor RC2, and resonance occurs at half a wavelength with maximum potential at both ends (both sides) of the first radiating conductor RC1 and maximum current at the center. In other words, the area composed of the first radiating conductor RC1, the second radiating conductor RC2, and the insulating layer between them acts as a patch antenna (microstrip antenna) in the first frequency band.

[0026] Furthermore, in the frequency band in which the second radiating conductor RC2 acts as a radiating conductor, the ground conductor layer GL acts as a ground conductor layer for the second radiating conductor RC2. Therefore, a resonant electric field is generated between the second radiating conductor RC2 and the ground conductor layer GL, and resonance occurs at half a wavelength with maximum potential at both ends (both sides) of the second radiating conductor RC2 and maximum current at the center. In other words, the area composed of the second radiating conductor RC2, the ground conductor layer GL, and the insulating layer between them acts as a patch antenna (microstrip antenna) in the second frequency band. The center frequency of the second frequency band is lower than the center frequency of the first frequency band.

[0027] The resonant frequency used for the first radiating conductor RC1 is basically the frequency where one side is half a wavelength. However, if the side length in the X-axis direction and the side length in the Y-axis direction are different, the usable resonant frequency increases. The same applies to the second radiating conductor RC2.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the directional direction (maximum gain direction) GD1 of the first radiating conductor RC1 is perpendicular to the second radiating conductor RC2. Also, the directional direction (maximum gain direction) GD2 of the second radiating conductor RC2 is perpendicular to the ground conductor layer GL.

[0029] For a patch antenna for the second frequency band, the direction normal to the ground conductor layer GL is the direction of maximum gain. Therefore, even if the second radiating conductor RC2 is inclined with respect to the ground conductor layer GL, the direction of maximum gain GD2 is normal to the ground conductor layer GL. On the other hand, for a patch antenna for the first frequency band, the direction of maximum gain is normal to the second radiating conductor RC2. Therefore, the direction of maximum gain GD1 for a patch antenna for the first frequency band is determined by the inclination of the second radiating conductor RC2. Consequently, even if the first radiating conductor RC1 is parallel to the second radiating conductor RC2, the direction of maximum gain GD1 for a patch antenna for the first frequency band is inclined.

[0030] As shown in the example above, in this embodiment, the first radiating conductor RC1 and the second radiating conductor RC2 are nonparallel to the ground conductor layer GL.

[0031] According to this embodiment, for the low band, the maximum gain is obtained in the direction facing the ground conductor layer GL, and for the high band, the maximum gain is obtained in the direction inclined perpendicular to the second radiating conductor RC2.

[0032] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, unlike the conventional technology, the substrate ground surface of the base substrate used as the ground surface of the antenna is not required, and an antenna element with a tilted radiation directivity can be obtained using the laminate itself.

[0033] In the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ground conductor layer and each radiating conductor are rectangular, but either or both of the ground conductor layer and each radiating conductor may be square. Also, in the above description, it was stated that the area of ​​the second radiating conductor RC2 is larger than the area of ​​the first radiating conductor RC1, and that the first radiating conductor RC1 "overlaps" with the second radiating conductor RC2 when viewed perpendicular to the main surface of the second radiating conductor RC2, but it is not limited to the entire "overlap"; a configuration where only a part "overlaps" is also acceptable.

[0034] 《Second Embodiment》 In the second embodiment, an example of an antenna element in which the laminated structure of the insulating layer and the conductor layer differs from that of the first embodiment is provided.

[0035] The upper part of Figure 3 is a plan view of the antenna element 102A in the Z-axis direction according to the second embodiment, and the lower part of Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 102A in the Y-axis direction along the dashed line in the upper part of Figure 3.

[0036] The antenna element 102A comprises a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductive layers located along or inside the insulating layers. The laminate is formed by stacking the plurality of insulating layers and the plurality of conductive layers. The stacking state of the insulating layers is not shown in the cross-sectional view.

[0037] Antenna element 102A differs from antenna element 101 shown in Figure 1 in the shape of the laminate including the insulating layer 10. In antenna element 102A, the upper surface of the insulating layer 10 is inclined with respect to the reference plane, which is the bottom surface of the laminate. The first radiating conductor RC1 is formed on this upper surface of the insulating layer 10. Otherwise, it is the same as antenna element 101.

[0038] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element 102B according to the second embodiment. The inclination angle of the second radiating conductor RC2 is different from that of the antenna element 102A shown at the bottom of Figure 3. That is, the inclination angle of the second radiating conductor RC2 with respect to the reference plane is larger. As a result, the inclination angle of the maximum gain direction GD1 of the patch antenna for the first frequency band is larger than that of antenna element 102A.

[0039] Furthermore, in the antenna element 102B, the inclination angle of the second radiating conductor RC2 is greater than the inclination angle of the entire insulating layer 10. This effectively increases the directivity direction (maximum gain direction) GD1 of the first radiating conductor RC1.

[0040] <Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, an antenna element is shown in which the configuration of the ground conductor layer is different from the examples shown so far.

[0041] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna element 103 according to a third embodiment. The antenna element 103 comprises a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductive layers located along or inside the insulating layers. A laminate is formed by stacking the plurality of insulating layers and the plurality of conductive layers. In Figure 5, the entire stacked state of the insulating layers is not shown.

[0042] In the antenna element 103, the upper surface of the insulating layer 10 is inclined with respect to the reference plane, which is the bottom surface of the laminate. A first radiating conductor RC1 is formed on the upper surface of this insulating layer 10. A second radiating conductor RC2 is formed in the inner layer of the laminate. In addition, multiple ground conductor layers GL are formed by conductor layers that overlap each insulating layer, which is part of the laminate. In Figure 5, as shown by the dashed line, the left end of each ground conductor layer GL is inclined with respect to the reference plane of the laminate.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in the example in Figure 5, the ground conductor layer may be partially inclined with respect to the reference plane, which is the bottom surface of the laminate. That is, the ground conductor layer may be partially bent, or partially or entirely curved.

[0044] The plurality of ground conductor layers GL are electrically connected via, for example, interlayer connection conductors, and constitute a conductor block at the ground potential. When viewed from the second radiation conductor RC2, an equivalent plane of the ground conductor exists at the position indicated by the two-dot chain line. The pointing direction (maximum gain direction) GD2 of the second radiation conductor RC2 is perpendicular to the ground conductor plane (two-dot chain line) formed by the plurality of ground conductor layers GL. The pointing direction (maximum gain direction) GD1 of the first radiation conductor RC1 is perpendicular to the second radiation conductor RC2.

[0045] According to the present embodiment, the substantial plane of the ground conductor layer GL can be inclined with respect to the reference plane of the laminate. Thereby, the pointing direction (maximum gain direction) GD2 of the second radiation conductor RC2 can also be inclined with respect to the reference plane of the laminate.

[0046] 《Fourth Embodiment》 In the fourth embodiment, an antenna element including a radiation conductor that is partially refracted will be exemplified.

[0047] The upper part of FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 104A according to the fourth embodiment. The second radiation conductor RC2 is refracted in the middle at the position in the X-axis direction, and the cross-sectional shape is partially refracted. In this example, the laminate has an inclined portion of the insulator layer and a flat portion of the insulator layer continuous with the inclined portion, and a part of the second radiation conductor RC2 is continuously arranged on the inclined portion and the non-inclined flat portion. Other configurations are the same as those in the example shown in FIG. 5.

[0048] Note that the cross-sectional shape of the second radiation conductor RC2 may be partially refracted. Or it may be partially or entirely curved.

[0049] In the upper part of FIG. 6, the two-dot chain line shown additively to the second radiation conductor RC2 represents the plane obtained by averaging the whole of the second radiation conductor RC2.

[0050] The tilt angle of the maximum gain direction GD1 of the patch antenna for the first frequency band is the normal direction of the plane connecting the ends of the second radiating conductor RC2 (in the cross-sectional view, the line connecting the endpoints (dotted line)). In this way, not only is the overall tilt angle of the second radiating conductor RC2 determined, but the plane connecting the ends of the second radiating conductor RC2 may also be determined. Note that the plane connecting the ends of the second radiating conductor RC2 corresponds to the "main plane" according to the present invention.

[0051] The lower part of Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element 104B according to the fourth embodiment. In this example, the first radiating conductor RC1 is also bent midway along the X-axis, and its cross-sectional shape is "V" shaped. The other configurations are the same as those of antenna element 104A.

[0052] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element 104C according to the fourth embodiment. The first radiating conductor RC1 of this antenna element 104C is parallel to the reference plane of the laminate. Otherwise, it is the same as antenna elements 104A and 104B.

[0053] As shown in the example above, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the first radiating conductor RC1 and at least a portion of the second radiating conductor RC2 are nonparallel to the ground conductor layer GL.

[0054] According to this embodiment, the size of the second radiating conductor RC2 can be increased while including a slanted portion, so the radiation efficiency in the first frequency band can be easily increased.

[0055] 《Fifth Embodiment》 In the fifth embodiment, an example is given of an antenna element in which the materials constituting each functional layer differ.

[0056] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna element 105 according to a fifth embodiment. The antenna element 105 comprises a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductor layers, and a laminate is formed by stacking the plurality of insulating layers and the plurality of conductor layers. This laminate includes a radiating conductor forming layer RL in which a first radiating conductor RC1 and a second radiating conductor RC2 are stacked. This laminate also includes a wiring pattern forming layer WL which includes a plurality of ground conductor layers GL. The wiring pattern forming layer WL is located below the radiating conductor forming layer RL.

[0057] The dielectric constant of the insulating layer of the radiating conductor formation layer RL is higher than that of the insulating layer of the wiring pattern formation layer. This allows for a reduction in the size of the radiating conductor that acts as a patch antenna in a given frequency band, thus enabling a smaller antenna size.

[0058] Furthermore, the dielectric constant of the insulating layer of the wiring pattern forming layer WL is lower than that of the insulating layer of the radiating conductor forming layer RL, and the dielectric loss tangent of the insulating layer of the wiring pattern forming layer WL is smaller than that of the insulating layer of the radiating conductor forming layer RL. As a result, transmission loss in the wiring pattern can be effectively suppressed, thereby improving radiation efficiency.

[0059] 《Sixth Embodiment》 In the sixth embodiment, the structure of each layer of a laminate formed by stacking multiple insulating layers is illustrated.

[0060] The upper part of Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 106 according to the sixth embodiment. The lower part of Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the laminate of each insulating layer and each conductive layer before pressurization and heating.

[0061] In Figure 9, insulating layers L9 to L22 are insulating layers for forming the ground conductor layer GL. Insulating layers L9 to L18 are insulating layers for tilting the second radiating conductor RC2. And insulating layers L9 to L18 and insulating layers L2 to L5 are insulating layers for tilting the first radiating conductor RC1.

[0062] A first radiating conductor RC1 is formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer L1. A power supply transmission line FL11 is formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer L2. A second radiating conductor RC2 is formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer L6.

[0063] Multiple ground conductor layers GL conduct through multiple interlayer connecting conductors, forming a conductor block at ground potential. The positions indicated by the dashed lines represent the plane of the ground conductor as seen from the second radiating conductor RC2.

[0064] Interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulating layer L1 to connect the radiating conductor RC and the power supply transmission line FL11. Interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulating layers L2 to L19 to connect the power supply transmission line FL11 and the power supply transmission line FL12. Interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulating layers L6 to L19 to connect the second radiating conductor RC2 and the power supply transmission line FL22. Interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulating layers L20, L21, and L22 to connect the power supply transmission line FL12 and the terminal electrode TE1. Similarly, interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulating layers L20, L21, and L22 to connect the power supply transmission line FL22 and the terminal electrode TE2.

[0065] This laminated structure allows for the construction of an antenna element that directly supplies power to either the first radiating conductor RC1 or the second radiating conductor RC2. Furthermore, similar to the antenna elements shown in Figures 5 and 6, an antenna element is constructed in which the ground conductor layer GL, the first radiating conductor RC1, and the second radiating conductor RC2 are inclined.

[0066] In Figure 9, the interface of the insulating layers is depicted as a line in the cross-sectional view. However, in reality, after pressurization and heating, each insulating layer is compressed together, so the interface does not appear clearly even when the cross-section is observed under a microscope or by X-ray observation. The same applies to the boundaries of the insulating layers in each figure in the embodiments described below.

[0067] The boundaries depicted in each figure are for illustrative purposes only. Furthermore, the names given to each layer in the claims are to represent the layered structure of the laminate. Even if the product is manufactured using a method that does not reveal boundaries or interfaces when observed under a microscope or X-ray, this does not in itself circumvent the present invention.

[0068] 《Seventh Embodiment》 In the seventh embodiment, we illustrate an antenna element in which the gradient direction of the radiating conductor formation layer is different from the examples shown so far.

[0069] Figure 10 shows the main conductor layers of the antenna element according to the seventh embodiment. The upper part of Figure 10 is a plan view of the first radiating conductor, the second radiating conductor, and the ground conductor layer, viewed in the Z-axis direction, with the insulating layer removed. The middle part of Figure 10 is a perspective view of the first radiating conductor, the second radiating conductor, and the ground conductor layer, with the insulating layer removed. The lower part of Figure 10 is a front view of the first radiating conductor, the second radiating conductor, and the ground conductor layer, viewed in the Y-axis direction, with the insulating layer removed.

[0070] According to the orthogonal three-axis configuration shown in Figure 10, the ground conductor layer GL is parallel to the X-Y plane. The first radiating conductor RC1 is inclined around the Y axis from the X-Y plane. The second radiating conductor RC2 is inclined around the Y axis from the X-Y plane and also around the X axis. That is, the normal to the surface (top surface) of the second radiating conductor RC2 is inclined at a predetermined angle from the Z axis around the Y axis and also at a predetermined angle around the X axis.

[0071] According to this embodiment, a resonant electric field is generated between the second radiating conductor RC2 and the ground conductor layer GL, and the direction of maximum gain for the patch antenna in which a resonant current flows through the second radiating conductor RC2 is the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, a resonant electric field is generated between the first radiating conductor RC1 and the second radiating conductor RC2, and the direction of maximum gain for the patch antenna in which a resonant current flows through the first radiating conductor RC1 is the direction tilted by a predetermined angle from the Z-axis around the Y-axis and also tilted by a predetermined angle around the X-axis.

[0072] Thus, the maximum gain directions of the two patch antennas may be different in the two axial directions.

[0073] 《Eighth Embodiment》 In the eighth embodiment, an example is given of an antenna element having a radiating conductor that is tilted in a structure different from the structures shown so far.

[0074] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna element 108 according to the eighth embodiment. In Figure 11, a ground conductor layer GL is formed on the insulating layer L12. Conductor patterns for forming the first radiating conductor RC1 are formed on the insulating layers L1 to L5, and interlayer connecting conductors are formed on the insulating layers L1 to L4 to interlayer connect the conductor patterns for forming the first radiating conductor RC1. In addition, conductor patterns for forming the second radiating conductor RC2 are formed on the insulating layers L5 to L10, and interlayer connecting conductors are formed on the insulating layers L5 to L9 to interlayer connect the conductor patterns for forming the second radiating conductor RC2. Multiple interlayer connecting conductors may be arranged in the direction along the Y axis.

[0075] In this way, the first radiating conductor RC1 is formed by a conductor pattern for forming the first radiating conductor RC1 and an interlayer connecting conductor, and the second radiating conductor RC2 is formed by a conductor pattern for forming the second radiating conductor RC2 and an interlayer connecting conductor.

[0076] The dashed lines in Figure 11 represent the inclination angles of the first radiating conductor RC1 and the second radiating conductor RC2.

[0077] According to this embodiment, the inclined first radiating conductor RC1 and second radiating conductor RC2 can be provided while keeping the insulating layers L1 to L12 the same size.

[0078] 《Ninth Embodiment》 In the ninth embodiment, an antenna element having separate radiating conductors in different inclined sections is illustrated.

[0079] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna element 109 according to the ninth embodiment. In Figure 12, insulating layers L9 to L22 are insulating layers for forming a ground conductor layer GL. Insulating layers L9 to L18 are insulating layers for tilting the second radiating conductors RC21 and RC22. Insulating layers L9 to L18 and insulating layers L2 to L5 are insulating layers for tilting the first radiating conductors RC11 and RC12.

[0080] Radiating conductors RC11, RC12, and RC13 are formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer L1. Radiating conductors RC21, RC22, and RC23 are formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer L6. Various wiring patterns are formed on the insulating layers L9 to L22 in addition to the ground conductor layer GL. Multiple terminal electrodes TE are formed on the lower surface of the laminate.

[0081] Thus, in the antenna element 109, there are multiple inclined sections in the laminate, and individual radiating conductors are formed in these multiple inclined sections. Multiple terminal electrodes TE are electrically connected to the feed transmission line and the ground conductor layer GL for each radiating conductor, respectively.

[0082] A resist film RF and solder balls SB are provided on the bottom surface of the laminate.

[0083] The antenna element 109 facilitates, for example, surface mounting to the main board.

[0084] According to this embodiment, since there are separate radiating conductors on different inclined surfaces, it is possible to radiate in multiple directions and directions, thereby expanding the communication range (direction). Furthermore, since radiating conductors can be arranged along multiple inclined surfaces, more surfaces can be used as radiation sources, increasing the range and flexibility of the directional characteristics.

[0085] The inclined surface along which the radiating conductors are aligned may be any of the four sides of a truncated square pyramid, for example. Furthermore, the top surface may be used in conjunction with the sides of the truncated square pyramid. In addition, the inclined surface may be a side of a pyramidal pyramid, including a truncated triangular pyramid.

[0086] Furthermore, although the above example suggested that the inclined surface must be flat, this is not the case; the inclined surface may also be curved.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above example, it was stated as if each inclined surface was rotationally symmetrical with respect to the stacking direction of the laminate as the central axis. That is, an example was described in which the original figure overlaps (matches) when rotated 360 / n degrees (where n is arbitrary). However, the inclined surface may be, for example, the shape of the side of a cone or a frustocone. It may also be the broken shape of a sphere or the shape of the side of an inverted bowl (Bowl Shape).

[0088] Furthermore, the value of n in the 360 / n degree rotation is 2, meaning the shape matches the original figure when rotated 180 degrees. For example, it may be a semi-cylindrical shape (like a kamaboko shape).

[0089] 《Tenth Embodiment》 In the tenth embodiment, an example of an electronic device equipped with the antenna elements described above is provided.

[0090] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 301 according to the tenth embodiment. Multiple terminal electrodes TE and a resist film RF are formed on the mounting surface of the main board MB. The antenna element 109 shown in Figure 12 is surface-mounted on this main board MB. That is, the solder balls SB formed on the mounting surface (bottom surface) of the antenna element 109 are soldered to the terminal electrodes TE on the mounting surface (top surface) of the main board.

[0091] Electronic circuits such as communication circuits and transmitting / receiving signal processing circuits for performing communication using the antenna element 109 are provided on the main board MB. Alternatively, these electronic circuits are formed in the wiring pattern formation layer of the antenna element 109.

[0092] According to this embodiment, communication with communication devices located in multiple directions and orientations can be performed simply by surface mounting the antenna element on a general-purpose circuit board, without having to tilt the antenna element relative to the board. Furthermore, since it can be mounted on the main board, it facilitates the reduction of the profile of electronic devices.

[0093] 《Eleventh Embodiment》 In the eleventh embodiment, an example of an antenna module equipped with the antenna elements described above is provided.

[0094] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna module 201 according to the eleventh embodiment. This antenna module 201 includes an antenna element 109, a circuit component CC, and a connector CN. The antenna element 109 is the same as the antenna element 109 shown in Figure 12.

[0095] The circuit component CC has solder balls SB on its mounting surface (top surface) and is mounted on the antenna element 109. Similarly, the connector CN has solder balls SB on its mounting surface (top surface) and is mounted on the antenna element 109.

[0096] The circuit component CC is, for example, a SIP (system in a package) and processes the transmitted and received signals from the antenna element 109. The connector CN is used to connect the antenna module 201 to another circuit board.

[0097] Other examples of circuit components CC include reactance elements for impedance matching between the power supply transmission line and the transmission line on the main board side, power amplification ICs for outputting transmission signals to the patch antenna, and signal amplification ICs for amplifying the received signals from the patch antenna.

[0098] According to this embodiment, the antenna module alone can tilt the direction of antenna radiation. Furthermore, the length of the wiring from circuit components CC such as SIP can be shortened, resulting in less wiring loss. Therefore, it is particularly effective for circuits with high frequencies, such as the millimeter wave band.

[0099] 《Twelfth Embodiment》 In the twelfth embodiment, an example is given of an antenna module equipped with a connector in the pull-out section.

[0100] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna module 202 according to the twelfth embodiment. This antenna module 202 includes an antenna element having a lead-out portion DW and a connector CN connected to the lead-out portion DW of the antenna element.

[0101] The lead-out section DW consists of a mounting electrode ME on which the connector CN is mounted, and a transmission line that is electrically connected to this mounting electrode ME.

[0102] In the example shown in Figure 15, the pull-out section DW is formed in a part of the lower layer of the laminate, but it may also be pulled out from the middle or upper layer.

[0103] According to this embodiment, the pull-out section can be easily bent, making it easier to integrate into the enclosure of electronic devices. Furthermore, because wiring can be done three-dimensionally, connections can be made in the smallest possible area, for example, when connecting to the main board. In other words, the mounting area for the main board can be increased.

[0104] Various embodiments of the present invention have been presented so far, but these are all examples, and these presentations are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention can be omitted, replaced, or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Embodiments with such omissions, replacements, or modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the present invention, as well as in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims of this application.

[0105] For example, the number of radiating conductors located in the lamination direction of the insulating layer is not limited to two, but may be three or more. This may provide three or more frequencies and three or more directional directions.

[0106] Furthermore, although patch antennas are exemplified for the first radiating conductor RC1 and the second radiating conductor RC2 in each embodiment, a PIFA (plane inverted F antenna) can be similarly configured. Also, the radiating conductor pattern is not limited to a planar pattern, but may be linear. Moreover, the linear shape may be, for example, spiral or meander line.

[0107] In each embodiment, both laminates with rounded and non-rounded portions of the insulating layer are shown. However, the non-rounded laminates are shown for ease of understanding of the structure, and normally some degree of rounding is formed. However, the presence or absence of rounding in these curved portions is not directly related to the scope of the present invention.

[0108] CC...Circuit component CN...Connector DW...Outlet FL11, FL12, FL22...Power supply transmission line FP1, FP2...Power supply point GL...Ground conductor layer L1-L22...Insulator layer MB...Main board ME...Mounted electrode RC1...First radiating conductor RC11, RC12, RC13...Radiating conductor RC2...Second radiating conductor RC21, RC22, RC23...Radiating conductor RF...Resist film RL...Radiating conductor forming layer SB...Solder ball TE, TE1, TE2, TEG...Terminal electrode V1...Interlayer connection conductor WL...Wiring pattern forming layer 10...Insulator layer 101, 102A, 102B, 103, 104A, 104B, 104C, 105, 106, 108, 109... Antenna elements 201, 202... Antenna modules 301... Electronic equipment

Claims

1. An antenna element comprising a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductor layers located along the insulating layers or located inside the insulating layers, wherein a laminate is formed by stacking the plurality of insulating layers and the plurality of conductor layers, the plurality of conductor layers constitute at least a first radiating conductor, a second radiating conductor and a ground conductor layer, the area of ​​the ground conductor layer is larger than the area of ​​the second radiating conductor, the area of ​​the second radiating conductor is larger than the area of ​​the first radiating conductor, the first radiating conductor overlaps the second radiating conductor when viewed perpendicular to the main surface of the second radiating conductor, the second radiating conductor overlaps the ground conductor layer when viewed perpendicular to the main surface of the ground conductor layer, the ground conductor layer, the second radiating conductor and the first radiating conductor are stacked in this order from the inner layer to the outer layer of the laminate, and at least a portion of the first radiating conductor and at least a portion of the second radiating conductor are nonparallel to the ground conductor layer.

2. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein the ground conductor layer is inclined with respect to a reference plane which is the bottom surface of the laminate.

3. The antenna element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the laminate has an inclined portion of the insulating layer and a flat portion of the insulating layer continuous with the inclined portion, and the second radiating conductor is arranged continuously with the inclined portion and the flat portion.

4. A portion of the conductor layer constitutes a wiring pattern formed below the second radiating conductor in the laminate, and the dielectric constant of the insulating layer on which the first radiating conductor and the second radiating conductor are laminated is higher than the dielectric constant of the insulating layer on which the wiring pattern is laminated, according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lower surface of the laminate is provided with terminal electrodes that are conductive to the first radiating conductor and the second radiating conductor.

6. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the laminate comprises a pull-out portion partially pulled outward in the layer direction of the insulating layer.

7. An antenna module comprising the antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and a circuit component mounted on the lower surface of the laminate.

8. An antenna module comprising the antenna element described in claim 6 and a connector connected to the lead portion of the antenna element, wherein the lead portion is configured with mounting electrodes for mounting the connector and a transmission line for conducting electricity between at least the first radiating conductor and the second radiating conductor.

9. An electronic device comprising the antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and an electronic circuit connected to the antenna element.

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