Antenna module and communication device having same mounted thereon

Abstract

An antenna module (100) is provided with a substantially rectangular dielectric substrate (130), radiating elements (121), a grounding electrode (GND1), a peripheral electrode (150A), and a sub-peripheral electrode (160A). The radiating elements are capable of radiating radio waves in mutually different polarization directions. The peripheral electrode and the sub-peripheral electrode are electrically connected to the grounding electrode in a layer between the radiating elements and the grounding electrode. If seen in plan view, the peripheral electrode (150A) is arranged spaced apart in the polarization directions from the radiating elements. The sub-peripheral electrode (160A) is spaced apart in a short-side direction from the radiating elements, and extends along a long side. The polarization directions, the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction intersect each other.

Description

Antenna Module and Communication Device Including the Same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna module and a communication device including the same, and more specifically to a technique for preventing a decrease in isolation between radio waves having different polarization directions in the antenna module.

[0002] International Publication No. 2021 / 059661 (Patent Document 1) discloses an antenna module in which peripheral electrodes electrically connected to a ground electrode are arranged on a plurality of layers of a dielectric substrate between a radiating element and the ground electrode.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 059661

[0004] In recent years, along with the demand for miniaturization of mobile terminals, further miniaturization of built-in antenna modules is required. In this case, the size of the ground electrode relative to the radiating element is limited, and if a sufficient size of the ground electrode cannot be ensured, the return current from the radiating element may be disturbed. In this case, in a so-called dual-polarization type antenna module capable of radiating radio waves with different polarization directions, radio waves with different polarization directions interfere with each other, which may cause a decrease in isolation.

[0005] The technique according to the present disclosure suppresses a decrease in isolation between radio waves having different polarization directions in a dual-polarization type antenna module.

[0006] An antenna module according to a certain aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first dielectric substrate, a first radiating element, a ground electrode, a first peripheral electrode, and a first sub-peripheral electrode. The first dielectric substrate has a first main surface, with a plurality of dielectric layers stacked in the stacking direction. The first radiating element is disposed on the first dielectric substrate and is capable of radiating radio waves in a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction that are different from each other. The ground electrode is disposed opposite the first radiating element. The first peripheral electrode and the first sub-peripheral electrode are electrically connected to the ground electrode in the layer between the first radiating element and the ground electrode. When viewed from the stacking direction, the first dielectric substrate has a substantially rectangular shape with a first long side and a second long side, as well as a short side connecting the first long side and the second long side. When viewed from the stacking direction, the first peripheral electrode is disposed away from the first radiating element in the first polarization direction. When viewed from the stacking direction, the first sub-peripheral electrode is disposed away from the first radiating element in the short side direction and extends along the first long side. The first polarization direction, the second polarization direction, the long side direction, and the short side direction intersect with each other.

[0007] In the antenna module of this disclosure, sub-peripheral electrodes are arranged in close proximity to the peripheral electrodes. This configuration allows the return current from the radiating element to be adjusted at the sub-peripheral electrodes. Therefore, in a dual-polarization type antenna module, the reduction in isolation between radio waves with different polarization directions can be suppressed.

[0008] This is an example of a block diagram of a communication device to which the antenna module according to Embodiment 1 is applied. This is a perspective view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 1. This is a plan view of the dielectric substrate in the antenna module according to Embodiment 1, viewed from the negative direction of the Y-axis. This is a side transmission view of the dielectric substrate according to Embodiment 1, viewed from the negative direction of the Z-axis. This is a diagram for explaining the state of electric field lines of radio waves with different polarization directions when the area of ​​the ground electrode cannot be sufficiently secured with respect to the radiating element. This is a side transmission view showing a first modified example of the structure of the sub-peripheral electrode. This is a side transmission view showing a second modified example of the structure of the sub-peripheral electrode. This is a side transmission view showing a third modified example of the structure of the sub-peripheral electrode. This is a side transmission view showing a fourth modified example of the structure of the sub-peripheral electrode. This is a plan view showing a first modified example of the shape of the radiating element. This is a plan view showing a second modified example of the shape of the radiating element. This is a plan view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 2. This is a side transmission view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 2. This is a plan view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 3. This is an example of a block diagram of a communication device to which the antenna module according to Embodiment 4 is applied. This is a perspective view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 4.

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] (Basic Configuration of Communication Device) Figure 1 is an example of a block diagram of a communication device 10 to which the antenna module 100 according to Embodiment 1 is applied. The communication device 10 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, smartphone or tablet, or a personal computer equipped with communication functions. An example of the frequency band of radio waves used in the antenna module 100 according to Embodiment 1 is, for example, millimeter-wave radio waves with center frequencies of 28 GHz, 39 GHz and 60 GHz, but it is also applicable to radio waves in frequency bands other than those mentioned above.

[0011] Referring to Figure 1, the communication device 10 includes an antenna module 100 and a BBIC 200 that constitutes a baseband signal processing circuit. The antenna module 100 includes an RFIC (radio frequency control circuit) 110 that supplies high-frequency signals and an antenna device 120. The RFIC 110 includes power supply circuits 110A and 110B.

[0012] The communication device 10 upconverts the signal transmitted from the BBIC 200 to the antenna module 100 into a high-frequency signal in the RFIC 110 and radiates it from the antenna device 120. The communication device 10 also downconverts the high-frequency signal received by the antenna device 120 in the RFIC 110 and processes the signal in the BBIC 200.

[0013] The antenna device 120 includes a dielectric substrate 130 on which a plurality of radiating elements are arranged. The dielectric substrate 130 includes dielectric substrates 1301 and 1305. In Figure 1, one example configuration is shown in which four radiating elements 121 are arranged in a one-dimensional array on the dielectric substrate 1301, but the number of radiating elements arranged on the dielectric substrate 1301 is not limited to this, and it is sufficient to have at least one radiating element 121. Also in Figure 1, one example configuration is shown in which four radiating elements 125 are arranged in a one-dimensional array on the dielectric substrate 1305, but the number of radiating elements arranged on the dielectric substrate 1305 is not limited to this, and it is sufficient to have at least one radiating element 121. Furthermore, the radiating elements 125 may be arranged in a two-dimensional array on the dielectric substrate 1305.

[0014] In Embodiment 1, the radiating element 121 is described as a patch antenna having a substantially octagonal flat plate shape, but the shape of the radiating element 121 may be circular, elliptical, or other polygonal. Also, in Embodiment 1, the radiating element 125 is described as a patch antenna having a substantially square flat plate shape, but the shape of the radiating element 125 may be circular, elliptical, or other polygonal such as a hexagon.

[0015] The power supply circuit 110A is a circuit for high-frequency signals in two polarization directions radiated from the radiating element 121 of the dielectric substrate 1301. The power supply circuit 110A comprises switches 111A to 111H, 113A to 113H, 117A, and 117B, power amplifiers 112AT to 112HT, low-noise amplifiers 112AR to 112HR, attenuators 114A to 114H, phase shifters 115A to 115H, signal combiners / distributors 116A and 116B, mixers 118A and 118B, and amplification circuits 119A and 119B.

[0016] When transmitting a high-frequency signal, switches 111A to 111H and 113A to 113H are switched to the power amplifier 112AT to 112HT side, and switches 117A and 117B are connected to the transmitting amplifiers of the amplification circuits 119A and 119B, respectively. When receiving a high-frequency signal, switches 111A to 111H and 113A to 113H are switched to the low-noise amplifier 112AR to 112HR side, and switches 117A and 117B are connected to the receiving amplifiers of the amplification circuits 119A and 119B, respectively.

[0017] The signals transmitted from the BBIC200 are amplified by amplifier circuits 119A and 119B, respectively, and then upconverted by mixers 118A and 118B, respectively. The upconverted high-frequency signals, which are the transmission signals, are then split into four by signal combiners / distributors 116A and 116B, respectively, and passed through the corresponding signal paths to supply power to the radiating element 121.

[0018] The phase shift of the phase shifters 115A to 115H, which are arranged in each signal path, can be individually adjusted to control the directivity of the high-frequency radio waves radiated from the radiating element 121 of the dielectric substrate 130. The attenuators 114A to 114H adjust the intensity of the transmitted signal.

[0019] The received signal, which is a high-frequency signal received by the radiating element 121, is transmitted to the RFIC 110 and combined via the corresponding signal path in the signal combiners / distributors 116A and 116B, respectively. The combined received signal is down-converted by the mixers 118A and 118B, respectively, and further amplified by the amplification circuits 119A and 119B, respectively, before being transmitted to the BBIC 200. In the following description, the power supply circuit 110B has the same configuration as the power supply circuit 110A, so a detailed description will not be repeated.

[0020] The power supply circuit 110B is a circuit for high-frequency signals radiated from the radiating element 125 of the dielectric substrate 1305, and has the same configuration as the power supply circuit 110A.

[0021] The power supply circuits 110A and 110B may be formed as separate integrated circuit components for each power supply circuit, or the RFIC 110 as a whole may be formed as a single integrated circuit component. Alternatively, each of the power supply circuits 110A and 110B may be divided into separate power supply circuits for each polarization direction, and each may be formed as a single integrated circuit component. Furthermore, the RFIC 110 may be formed as a single integrated circuit component including equipment corresponding to each radiating element (switch, power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, attenuator, phase shifter).

[0022] (Antenna Module Structure) Next, the configuration of the antenna module 100 in Embodiment 1 will be described in detail using Figures 2 to 4. In the following description, the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 1301 will be defined as the Y-axis direction, the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 1305 will be defined as the Z-axis direction, and the arrangement direction of the radiating elements on each substrate will be defined as the X-axis direction. In each figure, the positive direction of the Z-axis may be referred to as the upper side, and the negative direction as the lower side.

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the antenna module 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of the dielectric substrate 1301 in the antenna module 100 according to Embodiment 1, viewed from the negative direction of the Y-axis. Figure 4 is a side transmission view of the dielectric substrate 1301 according to Embodiment 1, viewed from the negative direction of the Z-axis. In Figures 3, 4, and Figures 5 to 13 described later, one radiating element 121 on the dielectric substrate 1301 will be described for the sake of clarity. Also, in Figures 3, 5, 10 to 12, and 14, the dielectric layer is omitted so that the internal electrodes are visible.

[0024] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the antenna module 100 includes an antenna device 120 and a SiP (System in Package) 180. In addition to radiating elements 121, 125 and a dielectric substrate 130, the antenna device 120 further includes a power supply wiring 140, peripheral electrodes 150A to 150D, sub-peripheral electrodes 160A and 160B, and ground electrodes GND1 and GND2.

[0025] The dielectric substrate 130 is a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating multiple resin layers, for example, a low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) multilayer substrate, epoxy, polyimide, or other resins. Alternatively, the dielectric substrate 130 may be a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating multiple resin layers, for example, a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) having a lower dielectric constant. Furthermore, the dielectric substrate 130 may be a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating multiple resin layers, for example, a fluororesin.

[0026] Furthermore, the dielectric substrate 130 is, for example, a multilayer resin substrate formed by laminating multiple resin layers made of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) material, or a ceramic multilayer substrate other than LTCC. Note that the dielectric substrate 130 does not necessarily have a multilayer structure; it may be a single-layer substrate.

[0027] The dielectric substrate 130 has a substantially L-shaped cross-section when viewed from the X-axis direction, and a flat dielectric substrate 1301 is connected to a flat dielectric substrate 1305. When viewed from the Y-axis direction (stacking direction), the dielectric substrate 1301 has a substantially rectangular shape with long sides 1311 and 1312, and a short side 1313 that connects the long sides 1311 and 1312 in the Z-axis direction (short side direction). The dielectric substrate 1301 has multiple dielectric layers stacked together and has a main surface 131 which is the negative Y-axis direction surface and a main surface 132 which is the positive Y-axis direction surface. The radiating element 121 is arranged along the X-axis so as to be exposed on the main surface 131. In addition, the radiating element 121 may be arranged in an inner layer close to the main surface 131 in the dielectric substrate 1301.

[0028] The dielectric substrate 1305 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction (stacking direction) in a plan view. The dielectric substrate 1305 is made up of multiple dielectric layers stacked together and has a main surface 133 which is the positive Z-axis surface and a main surface 134 which is the negative Z-axis surface. The dielectric substrate 1305 includes the main surface 133 in the positive Z-axis direction and the main surface 134 in the negative Z-axis direction. The radiating element 125 is arranged along the X-axis so as to be exposed on the main surface 133. In addition, the radiating element 125 may be arranged in an inner layer close to the main surface 133 in the dielectric substrate 1305. The positive Z-axis side surface of the dielectric substrate 1301 is connected to the negative Y-axis end of the main surface 134 of the dielectric substrate 1305.

[0029] Furthermore, SiP180 is arranged on the main surface 134 of the dielectric substrate 1305 via solder bumps (not shown). SiP180 is configured to supply high-frequency signals to each radiating element. SiP180 includes the RFIC110 described in Figure 1. Although not shown in the figure, SiP180 may also include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) and power inductance to control the power supply for the RFIC110.

[0030] High-frequency signals are transmitted from the RFIC 110 contained in the SiP180 to the feed points SP1 and SP2 of the radiating element 121 on the dielectric substrate 1301, and radio waves are emitted from the radiating element 121 in the negative direction of the Y axis. Similarly, high-frequency signals are transmitted from the RFIC 110 contained in the SiP180 to the feed points SP5 and SP6 of the radiating element 125 on the dielectric substrate 1305, and radio waves are emitted from the radiating element 121 in the positive direction of the Z axis.

[0031] In the dielectric substrate 1301, a flat-plate-shaped ground electrode GND2 is placed in the layer closer to the main surface 132 than the radiating element 121, facing the radiating element 121. In the layer between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND2, a ground electrode GND1 is placed facing both the main surface 131 and the radiating element 121. The layer between ground electrode GND1 and ground electrode GND2 is used as a wiring region.

[0032] The radiating element 121 is capable of radiating radio waves with polarization direction CL1 and radio waves with polarization direction CL2. A high-frequency signal for direction CL1 is supplied to the feed point SP1 of the radiating element 121 via the feed line 140 from the RFIC 110 contained in the SiP 180 arranged on the main surface 134 of the dielectric substrate 1305, and a high-frequency signal for direction CL2 is supplied to the feed point SP2.

[0033] The power supply wiring 140 extends a wiring layer between the ground electrode GND1 and the ground electrode GND2, from the RFIC 110 in the SiP 180 placed on the dielectric substrate 1305, through the dielectric substrate 1305, to a position opposite the power supply point SP1 of the radiating element 121. The power supply wiring 140 then penetrates the ground electrode GND1 and extends in the negative direction of the Y axis, connecting to the radiating element 121. More specifically, a through hole is formed in the ground electrode GND1 through which the power supply wiring 140 passes, and the ground electrode GND1 and the power supply wiring 140 do not come into contact. The radiating element 121 may not be physically connected to the power supply wiring 140, but may be powered by capacitive power supply.

[0034] Referring to Figure 3, in order to ensure as much distance as possible from the plane center CP of the radiating element 121 to the end of the ground electrode GND1 in the polarization direction, the radiating element 121 is configured to be tilted 45° around the Y axis with respect to the plane center CP of the radiating element 121. That is, the feed point SP1 is positioned at a position offset by an equal distance from the plane center CP of the radiating element 121 in the negative X direction and the positive Z direction. Therefore, in the antenna module 100, direction CL1 is tilted 45° from the negative X direction to the positive Z direction. Similarly, the feed point SP2 is positioned at a position offset by an equal distance from the plane center CP of the radiating element 121 in the negative X direction and the negative Z direction. Therefore, in the antenna module 100, direction CL2 is tilted 45° from the negative X direction to the negative Z direction. By arranging the radiating element 121 in this manner, the distance between the end of the radiating element 121 and the end of the ground electrode GND1 when viewed from above can be ensured, thereby suppressing a decrease in frequency bandwidth. Note that each polarization direction, the X-axis direction (long side direction), and the Z-axis direction (short side direction) intersect with each other.

[0035] In typical antenna modules, square radiating elements are often used. In antenna module 100, because the square radiating element was tilted, the radiating element extended beyond the range of the ground electrode GND1 (i.e., the range of the dielectric substrate 1301), so the two corners in the Z-axis direction of the square radiating element were cut off. Along with this cutting, the two corners in the X-axis direction were also cut off to prevent interference with adjacent radiating elements, so that the radiating element 121 as a whole has an octagonal shape.

[0036] Furthermore, when viewed from a plan view from the Y-axis direction (stacking direction), the radiating element 121 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the X-axis direction (long side direction). Also, when viewed from a plan view from the negative Y-axis direction (stacking direction), the radiating element 121 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the Z-axis direction (short side direction).

[0037] The antenna module 100 further includes peripheral electrodes 150A, 150B, 150C, and 150D. In the following description, peripheral electrodes 150A to 150D may be collectively referred to as peripheral electrodes 150. Peripheral electrodes 150A to 150D are arranged in the layer between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND1 at the Z-axis end of the dielectric substrate 1301. Peripheral electrodes 150A to 150D also include a flat electrode 151 and a via 152, and are formed across multiple dielectric layers. Furthermore, peripheral electrodes 150A to 150D are electrically connected to the ground electrode GND1. Therefore, peripheral electrodes 150A to 150D can also be called ground electrodes. In the antenna module 100, peripheral electrodes 150A and 150B are arranged along the long side 1311 in the X-axis direction (long side direction). The peripheral electrodes 150C and 150D are arranged along the long side 1312 in the X-axis direction (long side direction).

[0038] More specifically, peripheral electrode 150A is positioned such that the hypotenuse of the approximately right-angled triangle peripheral electrode 150A aligns with the positive Z-axis side of the two sides of direction CL2 in the approximately octagonal radiating element 121. Similarly, peripheral electrode 150B is positioned such that the hypotenuse of the approximately right-angled triangle peripheral electrode 150B aligns with the positive Z-axis side of the two sides of direction CL1 in the approximately octagonal radiating element 121. Furthermore, peripheral electrode 150C is positioned such that the hypotenuse of the approximately right-angled triangle peripheral electrode 150C aligns with the negative Z-axis side of the two sides of direction CL1 in the approximately octagonal radiating element 121. In addition, peripheral electrode 150D is positioned such that the hypotenuse of the approximately right-angled triangle peripheral electrode 150D aligns with the negative Z-axis side of the two sides of direction CL2 in the approximately octagonal radiating element 121.

[0039] The antenna module 100 further includes a sub-peripheral electrode 160. The sub-peripheral electrode 160 includes a sub-peripheral electrode 160A and a sub-peripheral electrode 160B. The sub-peripheral electrodes 160A and 160B are arranged across multiple dielectric layers between the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND1 at the Z-axis end of the dielectric substrate 1301. The sub-peripheral electrodes 160A and 160B are also electrically connected to the ground electrode GND1. Therefore, the sub-peripheral electrodes 160A and 160B can also be considered ground electrodes. In the antenna module 100, the sub-peripheral electrode 160A is arranged along the long side 1311 in the X-axis direction (long side direction). The sub-peripheral electrode 160B is arranged along the long side 1312 in the X-axis direction (long side direction).

[0040] More specifically, the sub-peripheral electrode 160A is positioned such that its shorter side aligns with the positive Z-axis side of the two X-axis sides of the approximately octagonal radiating element 121. Similarly, the sub-peripheral electrode 160B is positioned such that its shorter side aligns with the negative Z-axis side of the two X-axis sides of the approximately octagonal radiating element 121. When viewed from a plan view from the negative Y-axis direction, the sub-peripheral electrodes 160A and 160B may overlap with the radiating element 121.

[0041] Sub-peripheral electrode 160A connects peripheral electrode 150A and peripheral electrode 150B. Sub-peripheral electrode 160B connects peripheral electrode 150C and peripheral electrode 150D. Sub-peripheral electrodes 160A and 160B include flat plate electrodes 161 and 163 and vias 162 and 164. Via 162 connects flat plate electrode 161 and flat plate electrode 163. Via 164 connects flat plate electrode 163 to the ground electrode GND2. Note that sub-peripheral electrode 160A does not necessarily have to connect peripheral electrode 150A and peripheral electrode 150B. Similarly, sub-peripheral electrode 160B does not necessarily have to connect peripheral electrode 150C and peripheral electrode 150D.

[0042] When viewed in plan from the Y-axis direction, vias 162 and 164 do not overlap, and the vias have a staggered structure. In other words, there are a plurality of at least one flat plate electrode, and there are a plurality of at least one via. When viewed in plan from the Y-axis direction (lamination direction), in each of the sub-peripheral electrode 160A and the sub-peripheral electrode 160B, at least one via disposed in an even layer and at least one via disposed in an odd layer do not overlap with each other. In other words, when viewed in plan from the Y-axis direction (lamination direction), at least one via between adjacent layers in the lamination direction do not overlap with each other.

[0043] In the first embodiment, in the sub-peripheral electrodes 160A and 160B, any number of flat plate electrodes and vias are acceptable as long as there is at least one of each. That is, each of the sub-peripheral electrode 160A and the sub-peripheral electrode 160B includes at least one flat plate electrode extending in the X-axis direction (long-side direction). Furthermore, each of the sub-peripheral electrode 160A and the sub-peripheral electrode 160B further includes at least one via connecting at least one flat plate electrode.

[0044] It should be noted that the distance between the peripheral electrodes 150A to 150D and the main surface 131 is shorter than the distance between the sub-peripheral electrodes 160A, 160B and the main surface 131. In other words, the distance between the flat plate electrode 151 of the peripheral electrode 150 and the main surface 131 is shorter than the distance between the flat plate electrode 161 of the sub-peripheral electrode 160 and the main surface 131.

[0045] As in the antenna module 100 of the first embodiment, by disposing peripheral electrodes electrically connected to a ground electrode on a plurality of layers of a dielectric substrate between a radiating element and the ground electrode, electric lines of force radiated from the radiating element are generated between the radiating element and the peripheral electrodes without wrapping around to the back surface side of the ground electrode. This allows radio waves radiated from the antenna module to be concentrated in the forward direction. Therefore, a decrease in antenna characteristics such as gain can be suppressed.

[0046] On the other hand, along with the recent demand for miniaturization of mobile terminals, further miniaturization of built-in antenna modules is required. In this case, the size of the ground electrode relative to the radiating element is further restricted. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the state of electric lines of force of radio waves in different polarization directions when a sufficient area of the ground electrode cannot be secured for the radiating element 121. The left diagram is a diagram showing the return current in the ground electrode GND1 of the antenna module 100 according to the first embodiment. The right diagram is a diagram showing the return current in the ground electrode GND1 of the antenna module 100X according to the comparative example.

[0047] When a high-frequency signal is supplied to the radiating element 121, electromagnetic coupling occurs between the end of the radiating element 121 and the ground electrode GND1. At this time, electric lines of force are emitted from one end of the radiating element 121 to the ground electrode GND1, and the other end receives the electric lines of force from the ground electrode GND1. Then, in the ground electrode GND1, the current that has passed through the radiating element 121 flows in the direction CL1 as a return current.

[0048] When the area of the ground electrode GND1 is sufficiently large relative to the radiating element 121, on the radiating element 121, the current from the feeding point SP1 flows straight in the direction CL1, and the current from the feeding point SP2 flows straight in the direction CL2. Therefore, the high-frequency signal supplied to the feeding point SP1 and the high-frequency signal supplied to the feeding point SP2 are almost orthogonal to each other, so they do not interfere with each other.

[0049] However, in the comparative example antenna module 100X, the area of ​​the ground electrode GND1 in the Z-axis direction relative to the radiating element 121 is insufficient. As a result, the return current on the radiating element 121 of the high-frequency signal supplied to the feed point SP1 of the radiating element 121 is bent in the X-axis direction at the Z-direction end of the ground electrode GND1, as shown by arrow AR1X. Similarly, the return current on the radiating element 121 of the high-frequency signal supplied to the feed point SP2 of the radiating element 121 is bent in the X-axis direction at the Z-direction end of the ground electrode GND1, as shown by arrow AR2X. As a result, the entire return current of the high-frequency signal supplied to feed point SP1 and the entire return current of the high-frequency signal supplied to feed point SP2 are no longer orthogonal, causing interference and reducing the isolation between radio waves with different polarization directions.

[0050] Therefore, in the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1, a sub-peripheral electrode 160A connecting peripheral electrode 150A and peripheral electrode 150B is arranged along the long side in the positive Z-axis direction of the dielectric substrate 130, and a sub-peripheral electrode 160B adjacent to peripheral electrode 150C and peripheral electrode 150D is arranged along the long side in the negative Z-axis direction of the dielectric substrate 130. As a result, the return current of the high-frequency signal supplied to the feed point SP1 of the radiating element 121 is attracted to the sub-peripheral electrode 160B and meanders on the radiating element 121 as shown by arrow AR1, after passing peripheral electrode 150D, and is also attracted to the sub-peripheral electrode 160A and meanders before passing peripheral electrode 150A. Similarly, the return current of the high-frequency signal supplied to the feed point SP2 of the radiating element 121, as shown by arrow AR2, is drawn to the sub-peripheral electrode 160A after passing through the peripheral electrode 150B and meanders along the radiating element 121, and is also drawn to the sub-peripheral electrode 160B and meanders along the sub-peripheral electrode 160B before passing through the peripheral electrode 150C.

[0051] Therefore, the starting and ending points of arrow AR1, which indicates the return current, approach the axis of direction CL1, as if the ground electrode GND1 were sufficiently wide. Similarly, the starting and ending points of arrow AR2, which indicates the flow of the return current, approach the axis of direction CL2, as if the ground electrode GND1 were sufficiently wide. As a result, the entire return current of the high-frequency signal supplied to feed point SP1 and the entire return current of the high-frequency signal supplied to feed point SP2 are orthogonal, and interference is suppressed.

[0052] In this way, the flow of return current from the radiating element at the ground electrode can be adjusted, thereby preventing interference between radio waves with different polarization directions. Therefore, a decrease in isolation between radio waves with different polarization directions can be prevented in the antenna module 100. Note that at least one peripheral electrode and one sub-peripheral electrode are sufficient.

[0053] (Modification 1) Figure 6 is a side view showing a first modification of the structure of the sub-peripheral electrode. In the antenna module 100A of Figure 6, the arrangement of vias in the sub-peripheral electrode is different from that of the antenna module 100 shown in Figure 4. More specifically, in the antenna module 100A, the sub-peripheral electrode 160AA includes plate electrodes 161, 163 and via 164. In other words, in the sub-peripheral electrode 160AA, all vias are arranged between the plate electrode 163 and the ground electrode GND1, and no vias are arranged between the plate electrode 161 and the plate electrode 163. To put it another way, in each of the sub-peripheral electrode 160A and the sub-peripheral electrode 160B, at least one via connects at least one plate electrode to the ground electrode GND1.

[0054] In the antenna module 100A with this configuration, the sub-peripheral electrode 160AA is positioned close to the peripheral electrode 150A and peripheral electrode 150B, allowing for adjustment of the flow of return current from the radiating element 121 at the ground electrode GND1. Therefore, in a dual-polarization type antenna module, interference of return currents of radio waves with different polarization directions can be prevented, thus preventing a decrease in isolation between radio waves with different polarization directions.

[0055] (Modification 2) Figure 7 is a side view showing a second modification of the structure of the sub-peripheral electrode. In the antenna module 100B of Figure 7, the arrangement of vias in the sub-peripheral electrode is different from that of the antenna module 100 shown in Figure 4. More specifically, in the antenna module 100B, the sub-peripheral electrode 160AB includes flat electrode 161, 163 and via 162. In other words, in the sub-peripheral electrode 160AB, all vias are arranged between flat electrode 161 and flat electrode 163, and no vias are arranged between flat electrode 163 and the ground electrode GND1. To put it another way, at least one flat electrode is multiple, and in each of the sub-peripheral electrode 160A and sub-peripheral electrode 160B, at least one via connects flat electrodes arranged in adjacent layers in the stacking direction.

[0056] In the antenna module 100B with this configuration, the sub-peripheral electrode 160AB is positioned close to the peripheral electrode 150A and peripheral electrode 150B, allowing for adjustment of the flow of return current from the radiating element 121 at the ground electrode GND1. Therefore, in a dual-polarization type antenna module, interference of return currents of radio waves with different polarization directions can be prevented, thus preventing a decrease in isolation between radio waves with different polarization directions.

[0057] (Modification 3) Figure 8 is a side view showing a third modification of the structure of the sub-peripheral electrode. In the antenna module 100C of Figure 8, the arrangement of vias in the sub-peripheral electrode is different from that of the antenna module 100 shown in Figure 4. More specifically, in the antenna module 100C, the sub-peripheral electrode 160AC includes flat plate electrodes 161 and 163. In other words, in the sub-peripheral electrode 160AC, no vias are arranged between the flat plate electrode 161 and the flat plate electrode 163, nor between the flat plate electrode 163 and the ground electrode GND1.

[0058] In the antenna module 100C with this configuration, the sub-peripheral electrode 160AC is positioned close to the peripheral electrode 150A and peripheral electrode 150B, allowing for adjustment of the flow of return current from the radiating element 121 at the ground electrode GND1. Therefore, in a dual-polarization type antenna module, interference of return currents of radio waves with different polarization directions can be prevented, thus preventing a decrease in isolation between radio waves with different polarization directions.

[0059] (Modification 4) Figure 9 is a side view showing a fourth modification of the structure of the sub-peripheral electrode. In the antenna module 100D of Figure 9, the arrangement of the plate electrode and vias of the sub-peripheral electrode is different from that of the antenna module 100 shown in Figure 4. More specifically, in the antenna module 100D, the sub-peripheral electrode 160AD includes a plate electrode 161 and a via 162D. In other words, in the sub-peripheral electrode 160AD, there is no plate electrode in the layer between the plate electrode 161 and the ground electrode GND1, and the plate electrode 161 and the ground electrode GND1 are connected by a via 162D.

[0060] In the antenna module 100D with this configuration, the sub-peripheral electrode 160AD is positioned close to the peripheral electrode 150A and peripheral electrode 150B, allowing for adjustment of the flow of return current from the radiating element 121 at the ground electrode GND1. Therefore, in a dual-polarization type antenna module, interference of return currents of radio waves with different polarization directions can be prevented, thus preventing a decrease in isolation between radio waves with different polarization directions.

[0061] (Modification 5) Figure 10 is a plan view showing the first modification of the shape of the radiating element. In the antenna module 100E of Figure 10, the shape of the radiating element is different from that of the antenna module 100 shown in Figure 3. More specifically, in the antenna module 100E, the shape of the radiating element 121E is circular.

[0062] In the antenna module 100E with this configuration, the sub-peripheral electrode 160A is positioned close to the peripheral electrode 150A and peripheral electrode 150B, allowing for adjustment of the flow of return current from the radiating element 121E at the ground electrode GND1. Therefore, in a dual-polarization type antenna module, interference of return currents of radio waves with different polarization directions can be prevented, thus preventing a decrease in isolation between radio waves with different polarization directions.

[0063] (Modification 6) Figure 11 is a plan view showing a second modification of the shape of the radiating element. In the antenna module 100F of Figure 11, the shape of the radiating element and the position of the feed point are different from those of the antenna module 100 shown in Figure 3. More specifically, in the antenna module 100F, the shape of the radiating element 121F is approximately octagonal, but asymmetrical with respect to the Z-axis direction. Also, the feed point SP1F is located at a position shifted in direction CL1 (at the end of the radiating element 121F) compared to the feed point SP1 of the radiating element 121 of the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1. Similarly, the feed point SP2F is located at a position shifted in direction CL2 (at the end of the radiating element 121F) compared to the feed point SP2 of the radiating element 121 of the antenna module 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0064] Therefore, in the radiating element 121F of the antenna module 100F, the side in the positive Z-axis direction of the two sides of the radiating element 121F in direction CL2 is shifted in the opposite direction to direction CL1. Similarly, in the radiating element 121F of the antenna module 100F, the side in the negative Z-axis direction of the two sides of the radiating element 121F in direction CL1 is shifted in the opposite direction to direction CL2.

[0065] In the antenna module 100F with this configuration, the sub-peripheral electrode 160A is positioned close to the peripheral electrode 150A and peripheral electrode 150B, allowing for adjustment of the flow of return current from the radiating element 121F at the ground electrode GND1. Therefore, in a dual-polarization type antenna module, interference of return currents of radio waves with different polarization directions can be prevented, thus preventing a decrease in isolation between radio waves with different polarization directions.

[0066] Furthermore, by making the shape of the radiating element asymmetrical with respect to the Z-axis, it is possible to adjust not only the return current of the ground electrode GND1 but also the current flow on the radiating element 121F. Therefore, interference of return currents of radio waves with different polarization directions can be prevented, thereby preventing a decrease in isolation between radio waves with different polarization directions.

[0067] In Embodiment 1, "main surface 131" corresponds to "first main surface" in this disclosure. In Embodiment 1, "dielectric substrate 1301" and "dielectric substrate 1305" correspond to "first dielectric substrate" and "second dielectric substrate," respectively, in this disclosure. In Embodiment 1, "radiating element 121" corresponds to "first radiating element" in this disclosure. In Embodiment 1, "ground electrode GND1" corresponds to "ground electrode," respectively, in this disclosure. In Embodiment 1, "peripheral electrode 150A," "peripheral electrode 150B," "peripheral electrode 150C," and "peripheral electrode 150D" correspond to "first peripheral electrode," "second peripheral electrode," "third peripheral electrode," and "fourth peripheral electrode," respectively, in this disclosure. In Embodiment 1, "sub-peripheral electrode 160A" and "sub-peripheral electrode 160B" correspond to "first sub-peripheral electrode" and "second sub-peripheral electrode," respectively, in this disclosure. In Embodiment 1, "long side 1311", "long side 1312", and "short side 1313" correspond to "first long side", "second long side", and "short side", respectively in this disclosure. In Embodiment 1, "X-axis direction" and "Z-axis direction" correspond to "long side direction" and "short side direction", respectively in this disclosure. In Embodiment 1, each of the "flat plate electrodes 161, 163" corresponds to "at least one flat plate electrode", respectively in this disclosure. In Embodiment 1, each of the "vias 162, 164" corresponds to "at least one via", respectively in this disclosure.

[0068] [Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 1, the case in which the frequency band of the radio waves emitted from the radiating element is one was described. In Embodiment 2, a configuration in which peripheral electrodes and sub-peripheral electrodes are applied to a so-called dual-band type antenna module that is capable of radiating radio waves of two different frequency bands from each radiating element will be described.

[0069] Figure 12 is a plan view of the antenna module 100G according to Embodiment 2. Figure 13 is a side view of the antenna module 100G according to Embodiment 2. The antenna module 100G is a dual-polarization type antenna, similar to Embodiment 1, but differs in that it has a radiating element 171 in addition to the radiating element 121.

[0070] The radiating element 171 is located in the layer between the main surface 131 and the radiating element 121. The radiating element 171 is capable of radiating radio waves with polarization direction CL2 and radio waves with polarization direction CL1. A high-frequency signal for direction CL2 is supplied to the feed point SP3 of the radiating element 171 via the feed line 190 from the RFIC 110 contained in the SiP 180 located on the main surface 134 of the dielectric substrate 1305, and a high-frequency signal for direction CL1 is supplied to the feed point SP4.

[0071] The power supply wiring 190 extends from the RFIC 110 in the SiP 180 placed on the dielectric substrate 1305, through the dielectric substrate 1305, to a position facing the power supply point SP3 of the radiating element 171, along the wiring layer between the ground electrode GND1 and the ground electrode GND2. The power supply wiring 190 then penetrates the ground electrode GND1 and extends in the negative direction of the Y-axis, connecting to the radiating element 171. More specifically, a through hole is formed in the ground electrode GND1 through which the power supply wiring 190 passes, and the ground electrode GND1 and the power supply wiring 190 do not come into contact. The radiating element 171 may not be physically connected to the power supply wiring 190, but may be powered by capacitive power supply.

[0072] Referring to Figure 12, the power supply point SP3 is positioned at a location offset by an equal distance in the positive X-axis and positive Z-axis directions from the plane center CP of the radiating element 171. Similarly, the power supply point SP4 is positioned at a location offset by an equal distance in the positive X-axis and negative Z-axis directions from the plane center CP of the radiating element 171.

[0073] Furthermore, the polarization direction of the radio waves transmitted to the feed point SP1 of the radiating element 121 and the polarization direction of the radio waves transmitted to the feed point SP4 of the radiating element 171 may be different. Similarly, the polarization direction of the radio waves transmitted to the feed point SP2 of the radiating element 121 and the polarization direction of the radio waves transmitted to the feed point SP3 of the radiating element 171 may be different. In other words, the polarization direction of the radiating element 121 and the polarization direction of the radiating element 171 may be different.

[0074] The polarization-direction dimension of the radiating element 171 is smaller than that of the radiating element 121. Therefore, the resonant frequency of the radiating element 171 is higher than that of the radiating element 121. When a high-frequency signal corresponding to the resonant frequency of the radiating element 171 is supplied, the radiating element 171 emits radio waves in a higher frequency band than the radiating element 121. In other words, the antenna module 100G is a dual-band type antenna module that can emit radio waves in two different frequency bands.

[0075] The high-frequency radiating element 171 functions as an antenna through electromagnetic field coupling with the low-frequency radiating element 121. Therefore, the radiating element 171 is positioned so that its polarization direction is tilted 45° with respect to the Z-axis, similar to the radiating element 121. However, since the radiating element 171 does not extend beyond the radiating element 121, it does not have the four corners removed to form an octagon like the radiating element 121. The shape of the radiating element 171 may be circular, elliptical, or other polygons such as hexagons.

[0076] In the antenna module 100G with this configuration, a sub-peripheral electrode 160A is positioned close to the peripheral electrodes 150A and 150B, and a sub-peripheral electrode 160B is electrically connected to the peripheral electrodes 150C and 150D. This allows for adjustment of the flow of return current at the ground electrode GND1 for the low-band radiating element 121. Therefore, in a dual-polarization type antenna module, interference between return currents in different polarization directions can be prevented, thus preventing a decrease in isolation between radio waves in different polarization directions in the low-band radiating element 121.

[0077] In addition, the "radiating element 171" in Embodiment 2 corresponds to the "second radiating element" in this disclosure.

[0078] [Embodiment 3] In Embodiments 1 and 2, for the sake of ease of explanation, the description focused on a single radiating element 121 on a dielectric substrate 1301. In Embodiment 3, as mentioned in Figures 1 and 2, a configuration using peripheral electrodes in an array antenna where multiple radiating elements of the same frequency band are arranged adjacent to each other will be described.

[0079] Figure 14 is a plan view of the antenna module 100H according to Embodiment 3. The antenna module 100H is a dual-polarization type antenna, similar to Embodiments 1 and 2, but differs in that it has multiple radiating elements 121 on the dielectric substrate 1301.

[0080] The antenna module 100H includes submodules M1 and M2. Each of submodules M1 and M2 includes a radiating element 121, peripheral electrodes 150A to 150D, and sub-peripheral electrodes 160A and 160B. More specifically, each of submodules M1 and M2 includes a dielectric substrate 1301, a radiating element 121, a ground electrode GND1, peripheral electrodes 150A to 150D, and sub-peripheral electrodes 160A and 160B. In submodules M1 and M2, the radiating element 121, peripheral electrodes 150A to 150D, and sub-peripheral electrodes 160A and 160B are arranged in the same manner as in Embodiment 1.

[0081] In the antenna module 100H with this configuration, the sub-peripheral electrode 160A is positioned close to the peripheral electrodes 150A and 150B, and the sub-peripheral electrode 160B is positioned close to the peripheral electrodes 150C and 150D, so that the flow of return current from the radiating element 121 at the ground electrode GND1 can be adjusted. Therefore, in a dual-polarization type antenna module with an array configuration, interference of return currents of radio waves with different polarization directions can be prevented, thus preventing a decrease in isolation between radio waves with different polarization directions.

[0082] In Embodiment 3, "Submodule M1" and "Submodule M2" correspond to "First Submodule" and "Second Submodule" in this disclosure.

[0083] [Embodiment 4] Embodiments 1 to 3 described antenna modules in which two dielectric substrates are connected. Embodiment 4 describes an antenna module in which there is one dielectric substrate.

[0084] Figure 15 is an example of a block diagram of a communication device 10J to which the antenna module 100J according to Embodiment 4 is applied. The antenna device 120J of the antenna module 100J has a configuration in which the dielectric substrate 1305 is removed from the configuration of Embodiment 1. In the following description, the RFIC (power supply device) 110J has the same configuration as the power supply circuit 110A in the RFIC 110 of Figure 1, so a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0085] Next, the configuration of the antenna module 100J in Embodiment 4 will be described in detail using Figure 16. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the antenna module 100J according to Embodiment 4.

[0086] Referring to Figure 16, the antenna module 100J includes the antenna device 120J and the SiP 180J. Although not shown in Figure 16, the antenna device 120J further includes, in addition to the radiating element 121 and the dielectric substrate 1301, a power supply wiring 140, peripheral electrodes 150A to 150D, sub-peripheral electrodes 160A and 160B, and ground electrodes GND1 and GND2, similar to Figures 3 and 4. The radiating element 121, the power supply wiring 140, the peripheral electrodes 150A to 150D, the sub-peripheral electrodes 160A and 160B, and the ground electrodes GND1 and GND2 are arranged in the same manner as in Figures 3 and 4.

[0087] The dielectric substrate 1301 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction (stacking direction). SiP180J is arranged on the main surface 132 of the dielectric substrate 1301 via solder bumps (not shown). SiP180J contains RFIC110J as described in Figure 15.

[0088] In the antenna module 100J with this configuration, a sub-peripheral electrode 160A is provided that is in close proximity to the peripheral electrodes 150A and 150B, and a sub-peripheral electrode 160B is provided that is in close proximity to the peripheral electrodes 150C and 150D. This allows for adjustment of the flow of return current from the radiating element 121 at the ground electrode GND1. Therefore, in a dual-polarization type antenna module with an array configuration, interference of return currents of radio waves with different polarization directions can be prevented, thereby preventing a decrease in isolation between radio waves with different polarization directions.

[0089] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

[0090] 10 Communication equipment, 100, 100A-100H, 100X Antenna module, 110, 110J RFIC, 110A-110D Power supply circuit, 111A-111D, 113A-113D, 117A Switch, 112AR-112DR Low-noise amplifier, 112AT-112DT Power amplifier, 114A-114D Attenuator, 115A-115D Phase shifter, 116A Distributor, 118A Mixer, 119A Amplifier circuit, 120 Antenna equipment, 121, 121E, 121F, 125, 171 Radiating element, 130, 1301, 1305 Dielectric substrate, 131, 132, 133, 134 Main surface, 140, 190 Power supply wiring, 150, 150A to 150D Peripheral electrodes, 151, 161, 163 Flat plate electrodes, 152, 162, 162D, 164 Vias, 160, 160A, 160AA, 160AB, 160AC, 160AD, 160B Sub-peripheral electrodes, 180 SiP, 1311, 1312 Long side, 1313 Short side, AR1, AR1X, AR2, AR2X Arrows, CL1, CL2 Direction, CP Center of plane, GND1, GND2 Ground electrodes, M1, M2 Sub-modules, SP1, SP1F, SP2, SP2F, SP3, SP4, SP5 Power supply point.

Claims

1. An antenna module comprising: a first dielectric substrate having a first main surface formed by stacking a plurality of dielectric layers in the stacking direction; a first radiating element disposed on the first dielectric substrate and capable of radiating radio waves in a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction that are different from each other; a ground electrode disposed opposite to the first radiating element; and a first peripheral electrode and a first sub-peripheral electrode electrically connected to the ground electrode in a layer between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, wherein, when viewed in plan from the stacking direction, the first dielectric substrate has a substantially rectangular shape having a first long side and a second long side, and a short side connecting the first long side and the second long side; the first peripheral electrode is disposed away from the first radiating element in the first polarization direction; the first sub-peripheral electrode is disposed away from the first radiating element in the short side direction and extends along the first long side; and the first polarization direction, the second polarization direction, the long side direction, and the short side direction intersect with each other.

2. The antenna module according to claim 1, comprising a second peripheral electrode, a third peripheral electrode, a fourth peripheral electrode, and a second sub-peripheral electrode electrically connected to the ground electrode in a layer between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, wherein, when viewed in plan from the stacking direction, the second peripheral electrode and the third peripheral electrode are arranged at a distance from the first radiating element in the second polarization direction, the fourth peripheral electrode is arranged at a distance from the first radiating element in the first polarization direction, the second sub-peripheral electrode is arranged at a distance from the first radiating element in the short-side direction and extends along the second long side, the first peripheral electrode and the second peripheral electrode are arranged along the first long side, and the third peripheral electrode and the fourth peripheral electrode are arranged along the second long side.

3. The antenna module according to claim 2, wherein the first radiating element is capable of radiating radio waves in the stacking direction, and the distance between each peripheral electrode and the first main surface is shorter than the distance between each sub-peripheral electrode and the first main surface.

4. The antenna module according to claim 2, wherein each of the first sub-peripheral electrode and the second sub-peripheral electrode includes at least one flat plate electrode extending in the direction of the long side.

5. The antenna module according to claim 4, wherein each of the first sub-peripheral electrode and the second sub-peripheral electrode further includes at least one via connecting the at least one plate electrode, and in each of the first sub-peripheral electrode and the second sub-peripheral electrode, the at least one via connects the at least one plate electrode to the ground electrode.

6. The antenna module according to claim 4, wherein each of the first sub-peripheral electrode and the second sub-peripheral electrode further includes at least one via connecting the at least one plate electrode, the at least one plate electrode being a plurality, and in each of the first sub-peripheral electrode and the second sub-peripheral electrode, the at least one via connects plate electrodes arranged in adjacent layers in the stacking direction.

7. The antenna module according to claim 4, wherein each of the first sub-peripheral electrode and the second sub-peripheral electrode further includes at least one via connecting the at least one planar electrode, the at least one planar electrode is a plurality, the at least one via is a plurality, and when viewed in plan from the stacking direction, the vias arranged between adjacent layers in each of the first sub-peripheral electrode and the second sub-peripheral electrode do not overlap.

8. The antenna module according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, when viewed from the stacking direction in a plan view, the first radiating element has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the longer side direction.

9. The antenna module according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein, when viewed from the stacking direction in a plan view, the first radiating element has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the shorter side direction.

10. The antenna module according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the first radiating element is capable of radiating radio waves in a first frequency band, and further comprises a second radiating element in a layer between the first main surface and the first radiating element, which radiates radio waves in a second frequency band in a third polarization direction and a fourth polarization direction, the third polarization direction intersects with the first polarization direction, the long side direction and the short side direction, the fourth polarization direction intersects with the second polarization direction, the long side direction and the short side direction, and the second frequency band is higher than the first frequency band.

11. A first dielectric substrate having a first main surface formed by stacking multiple dielectric layers in the stacking direction, a ground electrode disposed opposite to the first main surface, and a first submodule and a second submodule disposed on the first dielectric substrate, each of the first submodule and the second submodule comprising: a first radiating element disposed opposite to the ground electrode on the first dielectric substrate and capable of radiating radio waves in a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction that are different from each other; and a first peripheral electrode, a second peripheral electrode, a third peripheral electrode, a fourth peripheral electrode, a first sub-peripheral electrode, and a second sub-peripheral electrode in a layer between the first radiating element and the ground electrode, electrically connected to the ground electrode, wherein when viewed from the stacking direction in plan view, the first dielectric substrate has a substantially rectangular shape with a first long side and a second long side, and a short side connecting the first long side and the second long side, and the first peripheral electrode and the fourth peripheral electrode are disposed spaced apart from the first radiating element in the first polarization direction. An antenna module wherein the second peripheral electrode and the third peripheral electrode are arranged at a distance from the first radiating element in the second polarization direction, the first sub-peripheral electrode extends along the first long side at a distance from the first radiating element in the short side direction, the second sub-peripheral electrode extends along the second long side at a distance from the first radiating element in the short side direction, the first peripheral electrode and the second peripheral electrode are arranged along the first long side, the third peripheral electrode and the fourth peripheral electrode are arranged along the second long side, and the first polarization direction, the second polarization direction, the long side direction, and the short side direction intersect with each other.

12. The antenna module according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the first sub-peripheral electrode connects the first peripheral electrode and the second peripheral electrode, and the second sub-peripheral electrode connects the third peripheral electrode and the fourth peripheral electrode.

13. An antenna module comprising: a first dielectric substrate having a plurality of dielectric layers stacked in the stacking direction; a first radiating element disposed on the first dielectric substrate and capable of radiating radio waves in a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction that are different from each other; a first ground electrode disposed opposite to the first radiating element; a plurality of second ground electrodes electrically connected to the first ground electrode in a layer between the first radiating element and the first ground electrode; and at least one third ground electrode disposed in a layer between the second ground electrode and the first ground electrode, wherein, when viewed in plan from the stacking direction, the first dielectric substrate has a substantially rectangular shape having a first long side and a second long side, and a short side connecting the first long side and the second long side in the short side direction; the plurality of second ground electrodes are arranged in the long side direction along at least one of the first long side and the second long side; the first polarization direction, the second polarization direction, the long side direction, and the short side direction intersect with each other; and the at least one third ground electrode connects the plurality of second ground electrodes to each other.

14. The antenna module according to any one of claims 2 to 13, further comprising a second dielectric substrate connected to the first dielectric substrate and having a normal direction different from that of the first dielectric substrate.

15. The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a power supply device configured to supply a high-frequency signal to each radiating element.

16. A communication device comprising an antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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