Antenna substrate and antenna substrate module comprising same

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention comprises an antenna substrate comprising: a plurality of antenna layers stacked to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction; an antenna insulating layer disposed between the plurality of antenna layers; and a transmission line. The plurality of antenna layers comprise a mid-band antenna layer radiating an upper-mid band signal and a ground layer spaced apart from the mid-band antenna layer. The transmission line comprises: a first feeding plate and a second feeding plate facing the mid-band antenna layer and spaced apart from each other; and a common plate at least partially overlapping each of the first feeding plate and the second feeding plate in the vertical direction, wherein the common plate is connected to the first feeding plate, the second feeding plate, and the ground layer.

Description

Antenna substrate and antenna substrate module including the same

[0001] The embodiment relates to an antenna substrate and an antenna substrate module including the same.

[0002] Recently, efforts are being made to develop improved 5G (5th generation) communication systems or pre-5G communication systems to meet the demand for wireless data traffic.

[0003] This 5G has the advantage of providing high data speeds and a stable network. 5G frequency bands can be divided into 6GHz and below, and mmWave (e.g., 24GHz and above). Due to radio wave characteristics, the 6GHz and below range is more suitable for cells in suburban areas with large coverage and low density.

[0004] Furthermore, achieving high data rates requires a large bandwidth available at high frequencies, such as mmWave. Large bandwidth is requested in urban areas with high mobile traffic—that is, regions with high subscriber numbers and high demand for capacity per subscriber—because they require high data rates. This necessitates increasing frequencies up to mmWave levels to utilize a wide spectrum. Due to high path loss and high mobile traffic at these frequencies, high-density cellular networks with many pico and femto cells must be deployed to provide high throughput to a large number of users. To mitigate the impact of mmWave path loss and reduce interference in dense cellular networks, high-gain antennas with narrow beamwidths are required.

[0005] Meanwhile, although 5G commercialization is progressing globally, requests and development for 6th generation wireless communication technology are accelerating as data speeds increase rapidly and the demand for ultra-high-speed communication grows. 6G wireless communication systems are expected to emerge around 2030, at which point the number of connected devices is projected to increase by 500 billion. 6G is expected to provide ultra-reliable, low-latency communication emphasizing internet devices, the application of artificial intelligence for wireless communication, and improved mobile broadband. In line with these demands, communication systems are moving to higher bands, such as millimeter wave and terahertz (THz).

[0006] Furthermore, while the size of antenna substrates that radiate signals with such frequency bands may increase, miniaturization of the antenna substrate is required for mounting in devices such as smartphones; therefore, various studies are being conducted to increase the bandwidth of the antenna substrate without increasing its size.

[0007] Patch antennas can support single or multiple frequency bands, and various antenna design techniques and technologies exist. Design elements of a patch antenna include patch size, shape, placement, and thickness, and these factors can affect the antenna's performance and characteristics.

[0008] Patch antennas are one of the widely used antennas in the field of wireless communication, and can be utilized in various applications due to their advantages such as miniaturization, lightweight design, low cost, and easy installation.

[0009] The embodiment can provide an antenna substrate having a wide bandwidth and a structure that is compact and more simplified, and an antenna substrate module including the same.

[0010] In addition, the embodiment provides an antenna substrate and an antenna substrate module including the same, wherein interference between mutual ports is reduced by having a neutralization line (NL), thereby suppressing electromagnetic coupling between adjacent ports and improving isolation, and improving data transmission efficiency and signal quality.

[0011] The problems intended to be solved in the embodiments are not limited thereto, and may also include objectives or effects that can be identified from the means of solving the problems or the embodiments described below.

[0012] An antenna substrate according to one embodiment comprises a plurality of antenna layers stacked and spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction; an antenna insulating layer disposed between the plurality of antenna layers; and a transmission line, wherein the plurality of antenna layers include a mid-band antenna layer that radiates an upper-mid band signal and a ground layer spaced apart from the mid-band antenna layer; and the transmission line comprises a first feed plate and a second feed plate spaced apart from each other and facing the mid-band antenna layer; and a common plate that overlaps at least partially in the vertical direction with each of the first feed plate and the second feed plate, and the common plate is connected to the first feed plate, the second feed plate, and the ground layer.

[0013] The transmission line may include a first via, one end of which is connected to the first feed plate and the other end of which is connected to the common plate; and a second via, one end of which is connected to the second feed plate and the other end of which is connected to the common plate.

[0014] The above transmission line may include a third via, one end of which is connected to a common plate and the other end of which is connected to a ground layer.

[0015] The third via can be extended along the central axis of the mid-band antenna layer.

[0016] The distance from the central axis to the first via may be the same as the distance from the central axis to the second via.

[0017] The transmission line may include: a fourth via, one end of which is connected to a first feed plate and penetrates a first through hole formed in the ground layer; and a fifth via, one end of which is connected to a second feed plate and penetrates a second through hole formed in the ground layer. The first via may be positioned between the central axis and the fourth via.

[0018] The second via can be placed between the central axis and the fifth via.

[0019] The distance between the fourth via and the center axis may be the same as the distance between the fifth via and the center axis.

[0020] The horizontal length of the first feed plate may be smaller than the horizontal length of the common plate.

[0021] The above common plate may include a first region extending in a second horizontal direction; and a second region extending in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to the second horizontal direction.

[0022] The lengths of the first region and the second region may be the same.

[0023] The first feed plate above can be extended in the second horizontal direction.

[0024] The above second feed plate can be extended in the above first horizontal direction.

[0025] The mid-band antenna layer may include a radiating patch; and a parasitic patch spaced horizontally from the radiating patch and disposed around the radiating patch.

[0026] The antenna substrate according to the embodiment and the antenna substrate module including the same can have a smaller volume and a simpler structure.

[0027] The embodiment can provide an antenna substrate and an antenna substrate module including the same, in which interference between mutual ports is reduced by having a neutralization line (NL), thereby suppressing electromagnetic coupling between adjacent ports, improving isolation, and improving data transmission efficiency and signal quality.

[0028] The various and beneficial advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above and may be more easily understood in the process of explaining specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a plan view of an antenna substrate according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the antenna substrate shown in Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' shown in Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of an antenna substrate according to an embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an antenna substrate according to an embodiment, and

[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an antenna substrate according to an embodiment excluding the mid-band antenna layer, and

[0035] FIG. 7 is a drawing cut along AA' in FIG. 5, and

[0036] FIG. 8 is a drawing cut along BB' in FIG. 5, and

[0037] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of section K in Fig. 4, and

[0038] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna substrate according to an embodiment, and

[0039] FIG. 11 is a Smith chart of an antenna substrate according to an embodiment, and

[0040] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the reflection loss of an antenna substrate according to an embodiment, and

[0041] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a patch antenna radiation pattern according to an embodiment, and

[0042] Figure 14 is a graph showing the isolation on an antenna substrate, and

[0043] FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of an antenna substrate module according to an embodiment.

[0044] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0045] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted.

[0046] In addition, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) may be interpreted in a sense that is generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. Terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in advance, may be interpreted in consideration of their meaning in the context of the relevant technology.

[0047] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form may include the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text, and when described as “and at least one of B and C (or more than one),” it may include one or more of all combinations that can be formed from A, B, and C.

[0048] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention. These terms are used merely to distinguish the components from other components and are not intended to limit the essence, order, or sequence of the components.

[0049] And, where it is stated that a component is 'connected', 'combined', or 'joined' to another component, that component may include not only cases where it is directly connected, combined, or joined to the other component, but also cases where it is 'connected', 'combined', or 'joined' due to another component located between the component and the other component.

[0050] Furthermore, when described as being formed or placed on the “top or bottom” of each component, “top or bottom” includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or placed between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as “top or bottom,” it may include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction relative to a single component.

[0051] Hereinafter, an antenna substrate according to an embodiment is described as follows with reference to the attached drawings. Here, the term "antenna substrate" may refer to a hybrid antenna substrate, an antenna in package (AIP), an antenna array substrate, an antenna array, etc.

[0052] For convenience, the antenna substrate (100) is described using a Cartesian coordinate system (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis), but it is obvious that it can also be described using other coordinate systems. Furthermore, according to the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are orthogonal to each other, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. That is, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may intersect each other. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the x-axis direction is referred to as the "first direction," the y-axis direction as the "second direction," the z-axis direction as the "third direction" or "vertical direction," and at least one of the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction is referred to as the "horizontal direction."

[0053] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an antenna substrate (100) according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the antenna substrate (100) shown in FIG. 1.

[0054] An antenna substrate (100) according to an embodiment may include a plurality of antenna regions arranged spaced apart in a horizontal direction. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the antenna substrate (100) may include first to fourth antenna regions (A1, A2, A3, A4) arranged in the y-axis direction, which is a horizontal direction, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, according to another embodiment, the antenna substrate (100) may include a plurality of antenna regions that are more or fewer than four.

[0055] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' shown in Figure 1.

[0056] Hereinafter, the configuration of the third antenna area (A3) (hereinafter referred to as the 'antenna area') is described as follows with reference to FIG. 3, but since each of the remaining antenna areas (A1, A2, A4) has the same configuration as the third antenna area (A3), redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0057] An antenna region (200) according to one embodiment may include an antenna section (ANT) and a driving section (or routing section) (ROT). According to another embodiment, the antenna region (200) may further include a core section (CO). That is, the core section (CO) may be omitted in the antenna region (200).

[0058] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the antenna section (ANT) is positioned above the core section (CO), the routing section (ROT) is positioned below the core section (CO), and the core section (CO) can be positioned between the antenna section (ANT) and the routing section (ROT).

[0059] According to another embodiment, the antenna unit (ANT) and the routing unit (ROT) may be arranged on the same horizontal plane.

[0060] According to another embodiment, the antenna unit (ANT) may be stacked and arranged on top of the routing unit (ROT).

[0061] According to another embodiment, the routing unit (ROT) and the antenna unit (ANT) are spaced apart from each other, and the routing unit (ROT) and the antenna unit (ANT) may be electrically connected to each other by a connecting member, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0062] According to another embodiment, the routing unit (ROT) and the antenna unit (ANT) are spaced apart from each other, and the routing unit (ROT) and the antenna unit (ANT) may be electrically connected to each other through a connecting member, such as a solder ball or a metal bump.

[0063] Hereinafter, the antenna section (ANT) and the routing section (ROT) of the antenna area (200) according to the embodiment are described as being arranged as shown in FIG. 3, but the embodiment is not limited to a specific arrangement configuration between the antenna section (ANT) and the routing section (ROT).

[0064] The antenna portion (ANT) may include a plurality of wiring layers (hereinafter referred to as "antenna layers") and an insulating layer (hereinafter also referred to as "antenna insulating layer") stacked and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Here, the wiring layer may refer to a patch, an antenna patch, a patch antenna, or a patch layer.

[0065] Multiple antenna layers can be sequentially stacked on a core (CO), and antenna insulation layers can be placed between the multiple antenna layers.

[0066] Additionally, although not shown in FIG. 3, the routing section (ROT) and the antenna section (ANT) may each include a transmission line. The current supplied through the port may be fed to the corresponding antenna layer among the plurality of antenna layers through the transmission line placed in the routing section (ROT) and the antenna section (ANT).

[0067] For example, a plurality of antenna layers may include first to M antenna layers (AL1 to ALM) stacked sequentially from top to bottom in a vertical direction from the core portion (CO). Here, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0068] The first antenna layer (AL1) may correspond to the top layer (120-1, 120-2, 120-3, 120-4) of each of the first to fourth antenna regions (A1, A2, A3, A4) shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0069] A first to M-1 antenna insulating layer [DL11 to DL1(M-1)] may be disposed between the first to M antenna layers (AL1 to ALM).

[0070] For example, when M is 7, the antenna section (ANT) may include first to seventh antenna layers (AL1 to AL7) and first to sixth antenna insulation layers (DL11 to DL16) sequentially stacked in a vertical direction from its tower to the core section (CO). That is, the first antenna insulating layer (DL11) is disposed between the first antenna layer (AL1) and the second antenna layer (AL2), the second antenna insulating layer (DL12) is disposed between the second antenna layer (AL2) and the third antenna layer (AL3), the third antenna insulating layer (DL13) is disposed between the third antenna layer (AL3) and the fourth antenna layer (AL4), the fourth antenna insulating layer (DL14) is disposed between the fourth antenna layer (AL4) and the fifth antenna layer (AL5), the fifth antenna insulating layer (DL15) is disposed between the fifth antenna layer (AL5) and the sixth antenna layer (AL6), and the sixth antenna insulating layer (DL16) can be disposed between the sixth antenna layer (AL6) and the seventh antenna layer (AL7).

[0071] Meanwhile, the aforementioned transmission line may be disposed in the routing unit (ROT), and a plurality of wiring layers disposed in the routing unit (ROT) may include signal patterns, power patterns, or resistance patterns. Additionally, the routing unit (ROT) may have a combination of various routing characteristics, such as power / data, input / output, and RF (Radio Frequency) routing.

[0072] Similar to the antenna section (ANT), the routing section (ROT) may also include a plurality of wiring layers (hereinafter also referred to as 'routing layers') and an insulating layer (hereinafter also referred to as 'routing insulating layers').

[0073] A routing insulation layer can be placed between multiple routing layers.

[0074] First to Nth routing layers (RL1 to RLN) may be arranged sequentially downward in a vertical direction from the core (CO). Here, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to M. In this case, first to N-1st routing insulating layers [DL21 to DL2(N-1)] may be arranged between the first to Nth routing layers (RL1 to RLN).

[0075] The first routing layer (RL1) may be a main ground (or ground layer) (GND) formed with a ground (GND) pattern.

[0076] In addition, an antenna section (ANT) can be formed on a routing section (ROT) without a core section (CO). At this time, the antenna section (ANT) can be formed on a first routing layer (RL1), which is the main ground.

[0077] For example, when N is 7, the same as M, the routing section (ROT) may include first to seventh routing layers (RL1 to RL7) and first to sixth routing insulating layers (DL21 to DL26) stacked sequentially in a vertical direction from the core section (CO). That is, the first routing insulating layer (DL21) is disposed between the first routing layer (RL1) and the second routing layer (RL2), the second routing insulating layer (DL22) is disposed between the second routing layer (RL2) and the third routing layer (RL3), the third routing insulating layer (DL23) is disposed between the third routing layer (RL3) and the fourth routing layer (RL4), the fourth routing insulating layer (DL24) is disposed between the fourth routing layer (RL4) and the fifth routing layer (RL5), the fifth routing insulating layer (DL25) is disposed between the fifth routing layer (RL5) and the sixth routing layer (RL6), and the sixth routing insulating layer (DL26) can be disposed between the sixth routing layer (RL6) and the seventh routing layer (RL7).

[0078] The materials of each of the aforementioned first to M antenna layers (AL1 to ALM), core portion (CO), and first to N routing layers (RL1 to RLN) may include metallic materials such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), titanium (Ti), or alloys thereof.

[0079] In addition, each of the aforementioned first to M-1 antenna insulating layers [DL11 to DL1(M-1)] and first to N-1 routing insulating layers [DL21 to DL2(N-1)] may be implemented with an insulating material (hereinafter referred to as "insulating material"). For example, such insulating materials may include thermosetting resins such as epoxy resin, thermoplastic resins such as polyimide, or materials containing reinforcing materials such as glass fibers and / or inorganic fillers together with these, such as ABF, PID, BCC, or prepreg (PPG). However, the insulating material is not limited to resin materials; for example, a glass plate may be used, or a ceramic plate may be used. However, the embodiments are not limited to the specific materials of each of the first to M-1 antenna insulating layers [DL11 to DL1(M-1)] and the first to N-1 routing insulating layers [DL21 to DL2(N-1)].

[0080] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an antenna part (ANT) in an antenna substrate according to an embodiment is described as follows with reference to the attached FIG. 4.

[0081] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of an antenna substrate according to an embodiment, FIG. 5 is a plan view of an antenna substrate according to an embodiment, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an antenna substrate according to an embodiment excluding a mid-band antenna layer, FIG. 7 is a view cut along AA' in FIG. 5, FIG. 8 is a view cut along BB' in FIG. 5, FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of part K in FIG. 4, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna substrate according to an embodiment.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4, an antenna substrate according to an embodiment may include a mid-band antenna layer (410) that radiates a signal in the upper-mid band, a transmission line, a ground layer, and an antenna insulation layer. Additionally, the antenna substrate may further include an antenna layer that radiates a signal in a band other than the upper-mid band. Furthermore, an antenna layer that radiates a signal in a predetermined band may be composed of a plurality of layers. For convenience of explanation, in the embodiment, the mid-band antenna layer is described as being composed of a single antenna layer. Additionally, the mid-band antenna layer (410) may receive current in an indirect feeding manner, without being directly connected to vias, with the antenna insulation layer in between.

[0083] A plurality of antenna layers includes a mid-band antenna layer (410), and the mid-band antenna layer (410) may be an antenna layer that radiates a signal in a frequency band of 4 GHz to 24 GHz. The mid-band antenna layer (410) may be any one of the plurality of antenna layers.

[0084] The ground layer (460) is one of the multiple antenna layers and may be spaced apart from the mid-band antenna layer (410) in a vertical direction (z-axis direction). In the following, the vertical direction (z-axis direction) corresponds to the illustrated direction, and the horizontal direction (x-axis, y-axis) may be a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. At this time, the horizontal direction includes a first horizontal direction (x-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (y-axis direction), and the first horizontal direction (x-axis direction) may be a direction perpendicular to the second horizontal direction (y-axis direction).

[0085] Additionally, in the embodiment, the mid-band antenna layer (410) may be located at the top of the plurality of antenna layers, and the ground layer (460) may be located at the bottom.

[0086] In addition, according to the embodiments, the size of each antenna region (A1 to A4) is 12.5 mm x 12.5 mm (width x height) and may be 0.5λ0 x 0.5λ0 at 12 GHz, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. Here, λ represents the wavelength.

[0087] And the central part (411) may have a length of 6 mm in the first horizontal direction and a length of 6 mm in the second horizontal direction. Furthermore, the peripheral part may be 2 mm x 5.6 mm. However, it is not limited to these lengths.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 8, the antenna substrate may include a first antenna layer (410) to a sixth antenna layer (460) stacked vertically spaced apart, vias, a feed plate, and a common plate (451). Specifically, the antenna substrate may include a first via (VI1), a second via (VI2), a third via (VI3), a fourth via (VI4), a fifth via (VI5), a first feed plate (421), a second feed plate (422), and a common plate (451).

[0089] For example, the first antenna layer (410) may be located at the top of the antenna section, and the sixth antenna layer (460) may be located at the bottom of the antenna section.

[0090] The first antenna layer (410) may correspond to a mid-band antenna layer. The first antenna layer (410) may include a central portion (411) and a plurality of peripheral portions (412). Here, the central portion refers to a radiating patch, and the peripheral portion may refer to a parasitic patch or a stack patch.

[0091] A plurality of peripheral parts (412) may be positioned around the central part (411) while being spaced horizontally apart from the central part (411) with a gap between them. For example, the plurality of peripheral parts (412) may include first to fourth peripheral parts (412a, 412b, 412c, 412d) as illustrated in FIG. 5. The first peripheral part (412a) may be positioned around the central part (411) while being spaced horizontally apart from the central part (411) with a predetermined gap between them. The third peripheral part (412c) may be positioned around the central part (411) while being spaced in a second horizontal direction (y-axis direction) with the central part (411) and the first gap (G1) between them. Similarly, the second peripheral part (412b) and the fourth peripheral part (414d) may each be positioned around the central part (411). In particular, the second peripheral portion (412b) may be positioned around the central portion (411) in the first horizontal direction (x-axis direction) with the second gap (G2) in between. This peripheral portion serves to match the impedance and further expand the bandwidth.

[0092] The first peripheral portion (412a) to the fourth peripheral portion (412d) may be spaced apart from the central portion (411) at equal intervals. For example, the first peripheral portion (412a) to the fourth peripheral portion (412d) may have the same minimum spacing distance with respect to the central axis (C1). The central axis (C1) may be an axis that passes through the center of the first antenna layer (410) and extends in a vertical direction (z-axis direction). Furthermore, the central axis (C1) may pass through the center of the central portion (411).

[0093] The second antenna layer (420) may be a feed layer. The second antenna layer (420) may include a first feed plate (421) and a second feed plate (422). The first feed plate (421) and the second feed plate (422) may be spaced apart in a vertical direction (z-axis direction) from the first antenna layer (410), which is a mid-band antenna layer.

[0094] The first feed plate (421) can be extended in a horizontal direction. For example, the first feed plate (421) can be extended in a second horizontal direction (y-axis direction).

[0095] And a portion of the first feed plate (421) may overlap in a vertical direction (z-axis direction) with the area between the central portion (411) and the peripheral portion. In an embodiment, the first feed plate (421) may partially overlap in a vertical direction (z-axis direction) with the first gap (G1) between the third peripheral portion (412c) and the central portion (411). Additionally, the edge of the first feed plate (421) may be located at the bottom of the first gap (G1).

[0096] A portion of the second feed plate (422) may overlap in a vertical direction (z-axis direction) with the area between the central portion (411) and the peripheral portion. In an embodiment, the second feed plate (422) may partially overlap in a vertical direction (z-axis direction) with the second gap (G2) between the second peripheral portion (412b) and the central portion (411). Additionally, the edge of the second feed plate (422) may be located at the bottom of the second gap (G2).

[0097] Furthermore, the first feed plate (421) and the second feed plate (422) can be spaced apart from each other on a plane (XY).

[0098] And multiple antenna layers may include an outer portion, or they may not include an outer portion.

[0099] The third antenna layer (430) is located below the second antenna layer (420) and may include parts of the first via (VI1), the second via (VI2), the fourth via (VI4), and the fifth via (VI5). It may also include the aforementioned outer portion.

[0100] The fourth antenna layer (440) is located below the third antenna layer (430) and may include parts of the first via (VI1), the second via (VI2), the fourth via (VI4), and the fifth via (VI5). It may also include the aforementioned outer portion.

[0101] The fifth antenna layer (450) may include a common plate (451). The common plate (451) may overlap at least partially in a vertical direction (z-axis direction) with each of the first feed plate (421) and the second feed plate (422). That is, the common plate (451) may overlap in a vertical direction (z-axis direction) with a part of the first feed plate (421). Additionally, the common plate (451) may overlap in a vertical direction (z-axis direction) with a part of the second feed plate (422).

[0102] And the common plate (451) can be connected to the first feed plate (421) and the second feed plate (422) through the first via (VI1) and the second via (VI2).

[0103] In an embodiment, the common plate (451) is extended in a first horizontal direction (x-axis direction) and can be bent to extend in a second horizontal direction (y-axis direction). The common plate (451) can be connected to the first feed plate (421), the second feed plate (422), and the ground layer (460) by means of the first via (VI1), the second via (VI2), and the third via (VI3). A detailed explanation thereof will be provided later.

[0104] The thickness between the sixth antenna layer (460) and the fifth antenna layer (450) in the vertical direction (z-axis direction) may be greater than the thickness between other adjacent antenna layers. Accordingly, the region between the sixth antenna layer (460) and the fifth antenna layer (450) may be a core layer.

[0105] The sixth antenna layer (460) may be a ground layer. Accordingly, the sixth antenna layer (460) is described interchangeably with 'ground layer'. The ground layer (460) may be connected to the common plate (451) through the third via (VI3).

[0106] And each via includes a ring and can efficiently connect other vias placed in each insulating layer (DL1).

[0107] And one end of the first via (VI1) can be connected to the first feed plate (421) and the other end can be connected to the common plate (451). The first via (VI1) can penetrate the third antenna layer (430) and the fourth antenna layer (440).

[0108] One end of the second via (VI2) may be connected to the second feed plate (422) and the other end may be connected to the common plate (451). The second via (VI2) may penetrate the third antenna layer (430) and the fourth antenna layer (440).

[0109] Additionally, one end of the third via (VI3) may be connected to the common plate (451) and the other end may be connected to the ground layer (460). The third via (VI3) may extend along the central axis (C1). That is, the third via (VI3) may overlap in a direction perpendicular to the central axis (z-axis direction).

[0110] Additionally, the third via (VI3) may be located in the area between the other end of the first via (VI1) and the other end of the second via (VI2) on the common plate (451). In an embodiment, the distance between the other end of the first via (VI1) and the third via (VI3) on the common plate (451) may be the same as the distance between the other end of the second via (VI2) and the third via (VI3). Alternatively, the distance between the first via (VI) on the central axis (C1) may be the same as the distance between the second via (VI2) on the central axis (C1).

[0111] Thus, the third via (VI3) is positioned along the central axis (C1), and the third via (VI3) can be connected to the ground layer (460). Also, with respect to the third via (VI3), the length in the first horizontal direction (x-axis direction) and the length in the second horizontal direction (y-axis direction) of the common plate (451) may be equal to each other. Additionally, with respect to the third via (VI3), the length in the second horizontal direction (y-axis direction) of the fourth via (VI4) (or the first via) may be equal to the length in the first horizontal direction (x-axis direction) of the fifth via (VI5) (or the second via). In this way, each configuration of the transmission line may be rotationally symmetric with respect to the central axis (C1) or the third via (VI3). For example, the first via (VI1) may be configured by rotating the second via (VI2) by 90 degrees in the plane (XY) with respect to the third via (VI3) (or central axis).

[0112] For example, the common plate (451) may include a first region extending in a second horizontal direction (y-axis direction) and a second region extending in a first horizontal direction (x-axis direction). For example, the first region may correspond to the region in the common plate (451) that contacts the first via (VI1) and the third via (VI3). And the second region may correspond to the region in the common plate (451) that contacts the second via (VI2) and the third via (VI3). Accordingly, the first region and the second region may partially overlap, such as the region contacting the third via (VI3).

[0113] And the length in the second horizontal direction (y-axis direction) of the first region and the length in the first horizontal direction (x-axis direction) of the second region may be the same. Furthermore, the first region may be configured to be rotated 90 degrees in the plane (XY) with respect to the third via (VI3) (or center axis).

[0114] And the first feed plate (421) can be extended in the second horizontal direction (y-axis direction). And the second feed plate (422) can be extended in the first horizontal direction (x-axis direction).

[0115] Accordingly, in a planar manner, the direction from the fourth via (VI4) to the third via (VI3) through the first feed plate (421) and the common plate can be 90 degrees to the direction from the fifth via (VI5) to the third via (VI3). Accordingly, it can be implemented as orthogonal polarization. As a result, signal interference between the port (port1) through the first feed plate (421) and the port (port2) through the second feed plate (422) can be physically reduced, thereby improving system performance. That is, mutual interference between the port (port1) through the first via (VI1) and the port (port2) through the second via (VI2) can be reduced. In other words, electromagnetic coupling between adjacent ports of the antenna can be suppressed, thereby improving isolation. In addition, the increased isolation between ports allows multiple input signals to operate more independently, thereby improving data transmission efficiency and signal quality in the design of Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna elements. Furthermore, electromagnetic interference between patch antennas can be reduced to maintain radiation characteristics in the desired direction. Additionally, antenna miniaturization can be achieved without the addition of complex isolation circuits. In other words, it is possible to provide an antenna device that satisfies high isolation in limited spaces, such as smartphones or IoT devices.

[0116] The fourth via (VI4) and the fifth via (VI5) can penetrate a plurality of antenna layers and a plurality of antenna insulation layers (DL1). The fourth via (VI4) and the fifth via (VI5) can penetrate a ground layer (460). And the fourth via (VI4) and the fifth via (VI5) can be connected to a driving unit.

[0117] One end of the fourth via (VI4) can be connected to the first feed plate (421). The other end of the fourth via (VI4) can be connected to the driving unit. Accordingly, the driving unit can supply current to the first feed plate (421) through the fourth via (VI4).

[0118] Additionally, one end of the fifth via (VI5) can be connected to the second feed plate (422). The other end of the fifth via (VI5) can be connected to the driving unit. Accordingly, the driving unit can supply current to the second feed plate (422) through the fifth via (VI5).

[0119] The fourth via (VI4) is spaced apart from the first via (VI1) along the second horizontal direction (y-axis direction) and may extend in the vertical direction. The fourth via (VI4) may overlap the first via (VI1) in the second horizontal direction (y-axis direction). The first via (VI1) may be positioned between the center axis (C1) and the fourth via (VI4) in the second horizontal direction (y-axis direction).

[0120] The fifth via (VI5) is spaced apart from the second via (VI2) along the first horizontal direction (x-axis direction) and may extend in the vertical direction. The fifth via (VI5) may overlap with the second via (VI2) in the first horizontal direction (x-axis direction). The second via (VI2) may be positioned between the center axis (C1) and the fifth via (VI5) in the first horizontal direction (x-axis direction).

[0121] In addition, the fourth via (VI4) and the fifth via (VI5) may have a rotational symmetry relationship with respect to the central axis (C1) or the third via (VI3).

[0122] For example, the distance (L1) between the fourth via (VI4) and the center axis (C1) may be the same as the distance (L3) between the fifth via (VI5) and the center axis (C1).

[0123] Furthermore, the length in the second horizontal direction (y-axis direction) between the fourth via (VI4) and the third via (VI3) may be within wavelength*0.25. Additionally, the length in the first horizontal direction (x-axis direction) between the fifth via (VI5) and the third via (VI3) may be within wavelength*0.25. Accordingly, through vertical polarization, the isolation between the port through the fourth via (VI4) and the port through the fifth via (VI5) can be improved.

[0124] In an embodiment, the length in the horizontal direction of each feed plate may be smaller than the length in the horizontal direction of the common plate. For example, the length (L1) in the second horizontal direction (y-axis direction) of the first feed plate (421) may be smaller than the length (L2) in the second horizontal direction (y-axis direction) of the common plate (451). Additionally, the length (L2) in the first horizontal direction (x-axis direction) of the second feed plate (422) may be smaller than the length (L4) in the first horizontal direction (x-axis direction) of the common plate (451).

[0125] And the common plate (451) may be located between the grounding layer (460) and the feed plate. For example, the vertical length (H1) between the common plate (451) and the first and second feed plates (421, 422) may be smaller than the length (H2) between the first and second feed plates (421, 422) and the grounding layer (460). The vertical length (H1) between the common plate (451) and the first and second feed plates (421, 422) may be larger than the length (H3) between the common plate (451) and the grounding layer (460).

[0126] Referring further to FIGS. 9 and 10, the third via (VI3) may be in contact with the ground layer (460). The fifth via (VI5) may penetrate the ground layer (460), and the fourth via (VI4) may penetrate the ground layer (460). The ground layer (460) may include a first through-hole (TH1) through which the fourth via (VI4) penetrates and a second through-hole (TH2) through which the fifth via (VI5) penetrates. The first through-hole (TH1) and the second through-hole (TH2) may be rotationally symmetric with respect to the central axis (C1). The fourth via (VI4) and the fifth via (VI5) may be spaced apart from the ground layer (460) and placed within the first through-hole (TH1) or the second through-hole (TH2).

[0127] Furthermore, a driving unit (ROT) is located below the antenna unit (ANT), and the driving unit (ROT) may include a third through hole (TH3) located below the first through hole (TH1) and a fourth through hole (TH4) located below the second through hole (TH2). Accordingly, the fourth via (VI4) and the fifth via (VI5) can penetrate at least a portion of the routing layer (RL) and the routing insulation layer (DL2) of the driving unit (ROT).

[0128] FIG. 11 is a Smith chart of an antenna substrate according to an embodiment, FIG. 12 is a graph showing the reflection loss of an antenna substrate according to an embodiment, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the patch antenna radiation pattern according to an embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a graph showing the isolation of an antenna substrate.

[0129] Referring to Fig. 11, Fig. 11 is a so-called Smith chart plotting the relationship between impedance and reflection coefficient. Here, it means that the closer the impedance locus is to the center of the circle, the higher the operating efficiency.

[0130] In the absence of a common plate, the range having a predetermined operating efficiency (indicated circle) is 10.7 GHz to 14 GHz, but with the common plate, the range having a predetermined operating efficiency (indicated circle) may be 9.9 GHz to 14 GHz. As such, the antenna substrate according to the embodiment may have a wider bandwidth.

[0131] Referring to Fig. 12, the reflection loss (or reflection coefficient) (Return loss) of the antenna substrate is shown, with the horizontal axis representing frequency and the vertical axis representing the reflection loss.

[0132] As described, it can be seen that the antenna substrate according to the embodiment easily satisfies the bandwidth requirement of 10 GHz to 14 GHz based on a VSWR of 3:1.

[0133] The Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) is an indicator representing the degree of reflection of energy input or output to a circuit or system; it is the ratio of the minimum to the maximum value of a standing wave at an input or output terminal. Here, a standing wave refers to a stationary wave generated when a traveling wave combines with a wave reflected back from a boundary surface.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 13, when a common plate is not present, a gain of 1 dB is provided at a predetermined bandwidth, whereas the antenna substrate according to the embodiment can provide approximately 5.5 dB. Accordingly, it can be seen that the operating performance is improved.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 14, FIG. 14 illustrates S21 when VI3 is present and when it is not present, and illustrates isolation on the antenna substrate.

[0136] When there are two ports, one port provides current and the other port receives current. S-parameter(S ij In ), j represents the number of the output port providing current and i represents the number of the input port receiving current, and the degree of isolation can be determined through S21 or S12.

[0137] As described, it can be seen that the bandwidth requirements for 10 GHz to 14 GHz are easily satisfied based on a VSWR of 2:1 within 11 GHz to 14 GHz. Accordingly, in the other embodiment, it can be seen that the isolation between ports (port1, port2) through the first and second feed plates is further improved by connecting the common plate to the ground layer through the third via.

[0138] FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of an antenna substrate module according to an embodiment.

[0139] The antenna substrate module (500) according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 may include an antenna (510), first and second amplifiers (520, 540), a multilayer filter (530), and a switch (550).

[0140] The first amplifier (520) can amplify a signal received through the antenna (510) and provide the amplified result to a multilayer filter (530). For example, the first amplifier (520) may be a low-noise amplifier (LNA).

[0141] The multilayer filter (530) can filter the signal amplified by the first amplifier (520) and output it through the output terminal OUT.

[0142] The second amplifier (540) amplifies the signal coming in through the input terminal IN and transmits the amplified result through the antenna (510). For example, the second amplifier (540) may be a power amplifier (PA).

[0143] A switch (550) is positioned between the input terminal of the first amplifier (520) and the output terminal of the second amplifier (540), respectively, and the antenna (510), and serves to select their signal paths.

[0144] Since the antenna (510) may correspond to the antenna substrate (100) according to the above-described embodiment, a redundant description is omitted.

[0145] FIG. 15 is merely an example of a configuration of an antenna substrate module (500), and the antenna substrate (100) according to the above-described embodiment is not limited to FIG. 15 and can be applied as a substrate of an antenna substrate module having various configurations.

[0146] The antenna substrate and antenna substrate module according to the above-described embodiment may be applied to modules for mobile devices, base stations, repeaters, etc., to enable short-range or medium-range ultra-high-speed broadband communication for mobile devices and mobility devices, but the embodiment is not limited to specific application examples.

[0147] Although the invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, this is merely illustrative and does not limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified and implemented. Furthermore, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Multiple antenna layers stacked spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction; An antenna insulating layer disposed between the plurality of antenna layers; and Includes transmission lines, The plurality of antenna layers includes a mid-band antenna layer that radiates an upper-mid band signal, and a ground layer spaced apart from the mid-band antenna layer. The above transmission line is, A first feed plate and a second feed plate spaced apart from each other and facing the above mid-band antenna layer; and A common plate that overlaps at least partially in the vertical direction with each of the first feed plate and the second feed plate; The above common plate is an antenna substrate connected to the above first feed plate, the above second feed plate, and the above ground layer.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above transmission line is, A first via, one end of which is connected to the first feed plate and the other end of which is connected to the common plate; and An antenna substrate comprising a second via, one end of which is connected to the second feed plate and the other end of which is connected to the common plate.

3. In Paragraph 2, An antenna substrate comprising a third via, wherein one end of the transmission line is connected to a common plate and the other end is connected to a ground layer.

4. In Paragraph 3, The third via is an antenna substrate extending along the central axis of the mid-band antenna layer.

5. In Paragraph 4, An antenna substrate in which the distance from the central axis to the first via is the same as the distance from the central axis to the second via.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above transmission line is, A fourth via, one end of which is connected to the first feed plate and penetrates the first through hole formed in the ground layer; and An antenna substrate comprising: a fifth via that is connected to a second feed plate and penetrates a second through hole formed in the ground layer.

7. In Paragraph 6, The first via is an antenna substrate disposed between the central axis and the fourth via.

8. In Paragraph 6, The second via is an antenna substrate disposed between the central axis and the fifth via.

9. In Paragraph 6, An antenna substrate in which the distance between the fourth via and the central axis is the same as the distance between the fifth via and the central axis.

10. In Paragraph 1, An antenna substrate in which the horizontal length of the first feed plate is smaller than the horizontal length of the common plate.

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