Abstract:
Provided are: an antenna, which makes it easy to change the design of a wireless communication apparatus having the antenna mounted thereon; and a wireless module. The antenna is provided with: an antenna component ( 130 ), which is mounted on one surface of a module substrate ( 110 ); and an adjustment component ( 140 ), which is disposed at a position facing the antenna component ( 130 ), said position being on the other surface of the module substrate ( 110 ), and which adjusts antenna performance of the antenna component ( 130 ). A wireless module ( 100 ) can adjust, without changing the whole wireless module ( 100 ), characteristics of the antenna component ( 130 ) by changing the adjustment component ( 140 ) disposed on the module substrate ( 110 ).

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an antenna and a radio module, and more specifically, to a microwave or millimeter wave antenna and a radio module. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    Patent Literature (hereinafter, abbreviated as PTL) 1 discloses an imaging apparatus including a semiconductor chip mounted on an MMIC (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits) substrate, the semiconductor chip including a high frequency circuit having an oscillator generating a high frequency signal and a patch antenna on a surface of a semiconductor substrate. 
         [0003]    PTL 2 discloses a semiconductor device as a radio module using a substrate having an antenna mounted as a passive element and a substrate having a semiconductor element mounted as an active element. 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a lateral sectional view illustrating a configuration of a semiconductor device including a radio module having electronic components mounted on an MMIC substrate, according to the related art.  FIG. 2  is a plane view of the radio module as viewed from the set substrate. 
         [0005]    Semiconductor device  1  includes radio module  10  and set substrate  20  for implementing the radio module  10  in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
         [0006]    Radio module  10  includes, for example, module substrate  11  including a multilayer substrate with IC interconnections, and frame substrate  12  squarely surrounding the outer circumference of module substrate  11  so as to prevent set substrate  20  from being directly in contact with module substrate  11 . Radio module  10  has a cavity structure formed by module substrate  11  and frame substrate  12 . Set substrate  20  is a multilayer motherboard and includes internal interconnections (not illustrated). 
         [0007]    Frame substrate land  12   a  as an electrode of frame substrate  12  is soldered onto set substrate  20  and is connected physically and electrically. Module substrate  11  and frame substrate  12  can be thus connected electrically to set substrate  20 , which in turn, enables signal transmission. 
         [0008]    Pattern-based antenna component  13  is implemented on first surface  11   a  (upper surface in  FIG. 1 ) of module substrate  11 . Antenna component  13  is a patch antenna formed, for example, of an antenna pattern by interconnections. 
         [0009]    Module substrate  11  internally includes grand layer (GND)  14  substantially facing antenna component  13  is formed of a ground pattern. Inner layer interconnection  15  and through-via (VIA)  16  are provided inside module substrate  11 . VIA  16  electrically connects antenna component  13  with inner layer interconnection  15  and each electronic component. 
         [0010]    For example, electronic components including chip component  17 , such as resistor R, coil L, and capacitor C, and IC component  18  are mounted on second surface  11   b  (lower surface in  FIG. 1 ) of module substrate  11 . Chip component  17  is electrically connected to second surface  11   b  through SMT mount solder  17   a . IC component  18  has interconnection pad  18   a  and signal line  18   b . Interconnection pad  18   a  is electrically connected to VIA  16  through Cu core balls  19  as solder plated connection members. Chip component  17  and IC component  18  are connected through signal line  18   b.    
         [0011]    Inner layer interconnection  15 , VIA  16 , and Cu core balls  19  serve as a transmission path (signal line) for a signal between antenna component  13  and a radio circuit (for example, IC component  18 ). 
         [0012]    The layer to be buried that includes the components between the substrates is filled with molding resin as a sealing material (not illustrated) for resin sealing. Radio module  10  having a structure formed by stacking the plurality of substrates is thus formed. 
       CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     PTL 1 
     Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-205402 
     PTL 2 
     Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-266979 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0013]    The radio module according to the related art, however, has a problem in that it is difficult to change the design of the module once radio module  10 , which has the structure illustrated in  FIG. 1 , has been designed. More specifically, it is hard to change the placement of antenna component  13  mounted on first surface  11   a  of module substrate  11  and the electronic components mounted on second surface  11   b  in radio module  10 . 
         [0014]    In radio module  10 , the characteristics of antenna component  13  change with not only the placement of antenna component  13  and the electronic components but also the shape of a housing used for set substrate  20  or the shape of set substrate  20 . For this reason, radio communication apparatuses including an antenna require optimization of the characteristics of antenna component  13  for each model, i.e., redesigning the radio module for each model. 
         [0015]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an antenna and a radio module that make it easier to change the design of a radio communication apparatus including the antenna. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0016]    An antenna according to an aspect of the present invention includes: an antenna component that is mounted on one of surfaces of a module substrate; and an adjustment component that is placed at a position opposite to and corresponding to the antenna component on another one of the surfaces of the module substrate. 
         [0017]    A radio module according to an aspect of the present invention includes the antenna described above. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0018]    According to the present invention, an antenna and a radio module that minimize changes in component design and that make it easier to change a design. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a lateral sectional view illustrating a configuration of a semiconductor device including a radio module having electronic components mounted on an MMIC substrate, according to the related art; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a plane view of the radio module according to the related art as viewed from a set substrate; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a lateral sectional view illustrating a configuration of a semiconductor device including a radio module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a plane view of the radio module according to Embodiment 1 as viewed from a set substrate; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating the placement of an antenna component in the radio module according to Embodiment 1; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the main portion of a radio module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the main portion of the radio module according to Embodiment 2; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view illustrating the main portion of another configuration of an adjustment component of the radio module according to Embodiment 2; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view illustrating the main portion of an adjustment component of a radio module according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention with respect to attachment for the adjustment component; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  illustrates how the adjustment component and the chip component of the radio module according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention are attached; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate a configuration of an adjustment component of a radio module according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate configurations of a module substrate and an adjustment component of a radio module according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate configurations of a module substrate and an adjustment component of a radio module according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate configurations of a module substrate and an adjustment component of a radio module according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a plane view of a radio module according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention as viewed from a set substrate. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0034]    Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       Embodiment 1 
       [0035]      FIG. 3  is a lateral sectional view illustrating a configuration of a semiconductor device including a radio module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.  FIG. 4  is a transparent plane view of the radio module as viewed from a set substrate through a frame substrate. The same elements as those in  FIG. 1  are denoted by the same reference numerals. 
         [0036]    The present embodiment is an example given by applying the antenna of the present invention, for example, to a semiconductor device used for radio communication. 
         [0037]    In  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment includes radio module  100  and set substrate  20  for mounting radio module  100 . 
         [0038]    Radio module  100  includes, for example, module substrate  110  including a multilayer substrate with IC interconnections, and frame substrate  120  squarely surrounding the outer circumference of module substrate  110  so as to prevent set substrate  20  from being directly in contact with module substrate  110 . Radio module  100  has a cavity structure formed by module substrate  110  and frame substrate  120 . Set substrate  20  is a multilayer motherboard and includes internal interconnections (not illustrated). 
         [0039]    Frame substrate land  120   a  serving as an electrode of frame substrate  120  is soldered onto set substrate  20  and is connected physically and electrically. Module substrate  110  and frame substrate  120  can be thus connected electrically to set substrate  20 , which in turn, enables signal transmission. 
         [0040]    Pattern-based antenna component (antenna element)  130  is implemented on first surface  110   a  (upper surface in  FIG. 3 ) of module substrate  110 . Antenna component  130  is a patch antenna formed, for example, of an antenna pattern by interconnections. 
         [0041]    Adjustment component  140  for adjusting the antenna performance of antenna component  130  is placed on second surface  110   b  (lower surface in  FIG. 3 ) of module substrate  110  at a position opposite to and corresponding to the position of antenna component  130  and apart from second surface  110   b  by a predetermined distance but in parallel to second surface  110   b . Adjustment component  140  is a GND electrode paired with antenna component  130 . Adjustment component  140  is fixed on second surface  110   b  of module substrate  110 , for example by solder mounting land  150 . Antenna component  130  and adjustment component  140  constitute an entire antenna. 
         [0042]    In addition, no ground layer (GND) is formed inside of module substrate  110  in the present embodiment. Moreover, a predetermined dielectric other than air may be provided between adjustment component  140  and second surface  110   b.    
         [0043]    Note that, adjustment component  140  is a GND electrode serving as GND for antenna component  130  and is placed at a position apart from second surface  110   b  by a predetermined distance. Therefore, the dielectric constant of module substrate  110  and the dielectric constant of adjustment component  140  exist between antenna component  130  and adjustment component  140 . Dielectric constant ∈ after the implementation is found by Equation 1 below where dielectric constant is ∈ 1  and thickness is H 1  between antenna component  130  and second surface  110   b , and dielectric constant is ∈ 2  and thickness is H 2  between second surface  110   b  and adjustment component  140 . 
         [0000]      ∈=(∈ 1   ×H   1 +∈ 2   ×H   2 )/( H   1   +H   2 )  (Equation 1)
 
         [0044]    Based on Equation 1, a dielectric that can be placed inside adjustment component  140  is changed to vary dielectric constant ∈ considered from entire antenna component  130 , i.e., calculated from antenna component  130  side. 
         [0045]    Inner layer interconnection  160  and through-via (VIA)  170  are provided inside of module substrate  110 . VIA  170  electrically connects antenna component  130  with inner layer interconnection  160  and each electronic component. 
         [0046]    For example, electronic components (not illustrated) including chip components, such as resistor R, coil L, and capacitor C, and an IC component are mounted on second surface  110   b  (lower surface in  FIG. 3 ) of module substrate  110 . The chip components are electrically connected to second surface  110   b , for example, through SMT mounting solder. 
         [0047]    The layer to be buried that includes the components between the substrates is filled with molding resin as a sealing material (not illustrated) for resin sealing. Radio module  100  having a structure formed by stacking the plurality of substrates is thus formed. 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating the placement of antenna component  130  in radio module  100 . 
         [0049]    In  FIG. 5 , antenna component  130  has a 2×2 array configuration on first surface  110   a  of module substrate  110 . Antenna component  130  has the 2×2 array configuration as an example, and may have one or more patterns arranged in a grid shape. More favorable antenna characteristics are acquired by arranging more patterns. 
         [0050]    A high frequency signal is vertically emitted from antenna component  130  having an array configuration to set substrate  20  as a substantially collimated beam. 
         [0051]    Radio module  100  configured in the manner described above will be explained. 
         [0052]    Radio module  100  includes adjustment component  140  serving as a GND electrode paired with antenna component  130 , instead of a ground layer (GND) inside of the module substrate according to the related art. Adjustment component  140  can be placed at variable distance (thickness) d between the GND electrode and second surface  110   b  of module substrate  110 . A dielectric other than air is also provided between the GND electrode and second surface  110   b  of module substrate  110  to thereby vary dielectric constant ∈. 
         [0053]    Thereby, radio module  100  can adjust the characteristics of antenna component  130  by making a change in adjustment component  140  placed on module substrate  110 , without changing the whole of radio module  100 . More specifically, radio module  100  can correspond to a change in specification of a radio communication apparatus including an antenna, for example, without redesigning module substrate  110 . 
         [0054]    As explained in detail above, the antenna of the present embodiment includes antenna component  130  mounted on one of surfaces of module substrate  110 , and adjustment component  140  placed at the position opposite to and corresponding to antenna component  130  on the other surface of module substrate  110 . 
         [0055]    This configuration enables adjustment of the characteristics of antenna component  130  by changing adjustment component  140 , which is to be mounted after antenna component  130 . Accordingly, it is possible to minimize changes in component design and thus to correspond to a change in specification of a radio communication apparatus including an antenna, for example, without redesigning module substrate  110 . 
       Embodiment 2 
       [0056]    Embodiment 1 has been described with an example where adjustment component  140 , which is the GND electrode paired with antenna component  130 , is attached at the position in parallel and equivalent to antenna component  130  in the lateral direction. 
         [0057]    Embodiment 2 will be described with an example where adjustment component  140  is attached at a position shifted relative to antenna component  130 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the main portion of a radio module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.  FIG. 6  illustrates the positional relationship between antenna component  130  and adjustment component  140 , and the antenna directivity. 
         [0059]    In  FIG. 6 , adjustment component  140  is placed at a position shifted relative to antenna component  130  in order to cover a part of antenna component  130 . In  FIG. 6 , adjustment component  140  is placed at the left of antenna component  130 . 
         [0060]    More specifically, adjustment component  140  is placed so as to cover ¼ or ½ of the element in the 2×2 array configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Adjustment component  140  can be placed at any position by connecting GND interconnection  141  to adjustment component  140 . In  FIG. 6 , adjustment component  140  is placed at the left of antenna component  130  to thereby enable the beam tilting of the antenna directivity toward the left as indicated by a dashed line in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the main portion of another radio module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.  FIG. 7  illustrates the positional relationship between antenna component  130  and adjustment components  140 A, and the antenna directivity. 
         [0062]    In  FIG. 7 , adjustment components  140 A are placed while being shifted respectively toward the ends of antenna component  130  relative to the center of antenna component  130 , so as to cover the respective ends of antenna component  130  (placed at both the right and left of antenna component  130  in  FIG. 7 ). More specifically, adjustment components  140 A are placed so as to cover ¼ or ½ of the element in the lateral direction in the 2×2 array configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , adjustment components  140 A are placed at the ends of antenna component  130 , respectively, to provide wide antenna directivity. 
         [0063]    Heretofore, the method to change the antenna directivity by changing the pattern of an antenna component or changing the dielectric constant between the antenna component and the GND has been generally used. The present embodiment has an advantageous effect in that it is possible to change the antenna directivity without changing the pattern or the dielectric constant of the antenna component. This advantageous effect makes it possible to increase the degree of freedom in design of a radio communication apparatus including an antenna. 
         [0064]    (Variation 1) 
         [0065]      FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  illustrate an example where the antenna directivity is caused to tilt or increase in width by placing adjustment component(s)  140  at a position shifted relative to antenna component  130 . Instead of employing the configuration in which adjustment component  140  is shifted, the configuration of the adjustment component may be changed. 
         [0066]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view illustrating the main portion of another configuration of the adjustment component of the radio module according to Embodiment 2. The same elements as those in  FIG. 6  are denoted by the same reference numerals. 
         [0067]    In  FIG. 8 , adjustment component  240  has a multilayer structure including GND electrode  241 , GND electrode  242  configured by internal interconnection, and through-via (VIA)  243  electrically connecting GND electrode  241  and GND electrode  242 . 
         [0068]    Internal GND electrode  242  configured by internal interconnection is located between GND electrode  241  and module substrate  110 , and is placed eccentrically from the center of antenna component  130  (placed at the right of antenna component  130  in  FIG. 8 ). 
         [0069]    With this configuration, a part of GND electrodes  241  is covered with internal GND electrode  242  configured by internal interconnection, which in turn, provides an advantageous effect equivalent to that obtained by placement of adjustment component  240  at a position shifted relative to antenna component  130 . In  FIG. 8 , adjustment component  240  is placed at the left of antenna component  130 . 
         [0070]    Accordingly, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect similar to that obtained in a case where adjustment component  140  in  FIG. 6  is placed at a position shifted relative to antenna component  130 . 
         [0071]    Moreover, adjustment component  240  enables finer adjustment than placement of adjustment component  140  at a position shifted relative to antenna component  130 . Radio module  100  used in the present embodiment is assumed to be applied to a millimeter wave or microwave. For example, precision required for the thickness of module substrate  110  is negligible in a microwave in a 2 GHz band. However, in a millimeter wave in a 60 GHz band having an approximately ten times difference in a frequency from a microwave in a 2 GHz band, precision required for the thickness (namely, in units of μm) is considered a problem. 
         [0072]    As an example, radio module  100  has a side length of about 10 mm, the element of antenna component  130  has a size of about 1.2 mm, adjustment component  240  has a width of about 3 mm, and the thickness from second surface  110   b  of module substrate  110  to GND electrode  242  configured by the internal interconnection is 20 to 40 μm. It is difficult to enable such fine positional alignment without using adjustment component  240  based on a multilayer structure. Adjustment component  240  may also be applied to the adjustment method in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . 
       Embodiment 3 
       [0073]    In Embodiments 1 and 2, adjustment components  140  and  240  are attached to second surface  110   b  of module substrate  110  using soldering of the SMT (surface mount technology) component, for example. 
         [0074]    Embodiment 3 will be described with an example where adjustment components  140  and  240  are attached to second surface  110   b  of module substrate  110  using solder balls. 
         [0075]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view illustrating the main portion of an adjustment component of a radio module according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention with respect to attachment for the adjustment component. 
         [0076]    In  FIG. 9 , adjustment component  340  is attached to second surface  110   b  of module substrate  110  using solder balls  341 . Solder balls  341  are, for example, Cu core balls serving as solder plated connection members. The diameter of the Cu core ball is determined according to dielectric constant c after the implementation represented in Equation 1, and is set to, for example, 20 to 50 [μm]. 
         [0077]    Adjustment component  340  is accurately attached to second surface  110   b  of module substrate  110  using solder balls  341  similarly to an IC component. 
         [0078]    As long as adjustment component  340  is accurately attached to second surface  110   b  of module substrate  110 , for example, bumps may be used in place of the core balls. Attachment with accuracy in units of 1˜2 [μm] is possible using bumps. 
       Embodiment 4 
       [0079]    Embodiment 4 will be described in regard to placement of an adjustment component and a chip component. 
         [0080]      FIG. 10  illustrates attachment of the adjustment component and the chip component of the radio module according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. 
         [0081]    In  FIG. 10 , adjustment component  140  ( 240  or  340 ) is provided at a position opposite to and corresponding to antenna component  130  on first surface  110   a  of module substrate  110 . The GND electrode of adjustment component  140  ( 240  or  340 ) has a larger area than antenna component  130  provided on the antenna implementation surface. Thus, the antenna characteristics can be adjusted more favorably. 
         [0082]    In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , antenna component  130  has a  22  array configuration on first surface  110   a  of module substrate  110 . For this reason, the GND electrode of adjustment component  140  ( 240  or  340 ) is placed corresponding to each element of the 2×2 array configuration. 
         [0083]    Accordingly, the loss of electric power transmitted or received by antenna component  130  can be minimized, and a radio wave can be transmitted or received favorably. This placement of antenna component  130  and adjustment component  140  ( 240  or  340 ) is only an example, and more patterns may be arranged in a grid shape. More favorable antenna characteristics are acquired by arranging more patterns. 
         [0084]    Chip component  17  is placed with interconnection on adjustment component  140  ( 240  or  340 ), for example, on flat surface  142  between GND electrodes  141  other than GND electrodes  141  of adjustment component  140  ( 240  or  340 ). Placement of the chip component in a region other than GND electrodes  141  does not affect the antenna performance and can enhance the packaging density. 
       Embodiment 5 
       [0085]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate a configuration of an adjustment component of a radio module according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.  FIG. 11A  is a sectional view illustrating the main portion of a configuration of the adjustment component.  FIG. 11B  is a plane view of the adjustment component viewed from an antenna component. The same elements as those in  FIG. 8  are denoted by the same reference numerals. 
         [0086]    In  FIGS. 11A and 11B , adjustment component  440  has a multilayer structure including GND electrode  441 , internal GND electrode  442  configured by internal interconnection, and through-via (VIA)  443  electrically connecting internal GND electrodes  442 . 
         [0087]    A plurality of internal GND electrodes  442  (five electrodes in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ) are located between GND electrode  441  and module substrate  110 , and are aligned at predetermined intervals. 
         [0088]    With this configuration, in adjustment component  440 , GND electrode  441  partially and periodically covered by internal GND electrodes  442 . As indicated by hatching in  FIG. 11B , the GND is provided in a periodic structure as viewed from antenna component  130  side. With this the periodic structure of the GND, antenna component  130  has GND electrode  441  having a substantially small area, but GND electrode  441  virtually having wide characteristics is provided. Thus, downsizing of adjustment component  440  is made possible. 
         [0089]    However, strictly speaking, adjustment component  440  downsized by employing the periodic structure described above has antenna performance that is not equivalent to the antenna performance of an adjustment component not having the above-described periodic structure. In considering that radio module  100  has a side length of about 10 mm, however, downsizing of adjustment component  440  can provide a large advantageous effect for implementation. According to the experiment conducted by the present inventors, an advantageous effect of downsizing an adjustment component (having a side length of about 3 mm) without the above-described periodic structure by about 20 to 30 percent in length was obtained. 
       Embodiment 6 
       [0090]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate configurations of a module substrate and an adjustment component of a radio module according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.  FIG. 12A  is a sectional view illustrating the main portion of configurations of the module substrate and the adjustment component.  FIG. 12B  is a plane view of the adjustment component viewed from an antenna component. The same elements as those in  FIG. 8  are denoted by the same reference numerals. 
         [0091]    In  FIG. 12A , module substrate  510  including a multilayer substrate includes a plurality of electrodes  511  and ground wire  512  on second surface  510   b  (lower surface in  FIG. 12A ). 
         [0092]    Independent electrodes  511  are arranged in a matrix. Electrode  511  includes internal electrode  511   a  formed inside of module substrate  510 , external electrode  511   b  exposed from the surface of second surface  510   b , and through-via (VIA)  511   c  connecting internal electrode  511   a  and external electrode  511   b.    
         [0093]    In  FIG. 12A , adjustment component  540  includes GND electrode  541  and is electrically connected via solder  542  to the plurality of electrodes  511  and ground wire  512  which are formed on module substrate  510 . More specifically, GND electrode  541  of adjustment component  540  is selectively connected to a predetermined electrode  511  among the plurality of electrodes  511  formed in module substrate  510 . 
         [0094]    In  FIG. 12 , GND electrode  541  of adjustment component  540  is not connected to two left electrodes  511  among electrodes  511  at the positions opposite to and corresponding to antenna component  130  (see white squares in  FIG. 12B ). 
         [0095]    With this configuration, electrode  511  (see white squares in  FIG. 12B ) not connected to GND electrode  541  of adjustment component  540  does not serve as the GND for antenna component  130 . This configuration apparently allows for adjustment of the distance (thickness) between antenna component  130  and GND electrode  541  of adjustment component  540 . 
         [0096]    Additionally, the configuration enabling selective connection of electrodes  511  using module substrate  510  and adjustment component  540  according to the present embodiment allows for adjustment of the distance (thickness) between antenna component  130  and GND electrode  541  of adjustment component  540  similarly to adjustment component  240  having the multilayer structure in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0097]    According to the present embodiment, module substrate  510  is beforehand provided with electrodes  511  connectable to adjustment component  540 , so that the antenna performance can be adjusted as appropriate. Thus, it is made possible to correspond to a change in specification of a radio communication apparatus including an antenna, for example, without redesigning module substrate  510 . 
       Embodiment 7 
       [0098]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate configurations of a module substrate and an adjustment component of a radio module according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.  FIG. 13A  is a sectional view illustrating the main portion of configurations of the module substrate and the adjustment component.  FIG. 13B  is a transparent plane view of GND electrode  612  for the adjustment component of module substrate  610 , viewed from an antenna component. The same elements as those in  FIGS. 3 and 8  are denoted by the same reference numerals. 
         [0099]    In  FIG. 13A , module substrate  610  including a multilayer substrate includes GND electrode  612  on second surface  610   b  (lower surface in  FIG. 13A ). GND electrode  612  has GND electrode removal portion  612   a  as an opening. In  FIGS. 13A and 13B , GND electrode removal portion  612   a  is opened in a square shape at the position opposite to and corresponding to the center of antenna component  130 , but the position, shape, and number of GND electrode removal portions  612   a  are not limited to this case. 
         [0100]    With this configuration, a region other than GND electrode removal portion  612   a  (see white squares in  FIG. 13B ) does not serve as GND for antenna component  130 . This can more finely adjust the distance (thickness) of adjustment component  140  including antenna component  130  and the GND electrode. For example, in adjustment component  140  having a thickness of 0.2 [μm] and a dielectric constants of 4, the thickness or dielectric constant ∈ can be changed for improvement in the antenna performance of antenna component  130  by 5%, but such a change needs precise adjustment. For example, even if such a change is possible by increasing the thickness from 0.2 [μm] to 0.9 [μm], it may be difficult to make such a change depending on relationships with other components or the height relative to the substrate. 
         [0101]    According to the present embodiment, module substrate  610  includes GND electrode  612 , and GND electrode removal portion  612   a  having a predetermined size is opened in GND electrode  612 , so that the antenna performance can be adjusted as appropriate. Thus, it is made possible to correspond to a change in specification of a radio communication apparatus including an antenna, for example, without redesigning module substrate  610 . 
       Embodiment 8 
       [0102]      FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate configurations of a module substrate and an adjustment component of a radio module according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.  FIG. 14A  is a sectional view illustrating the main portion of configurations of the module substrate and the adjustment component.  FIG. 14B  is a transparent plane view of GND electrode  612  for the adjustment component of module substrate  610 , viewed from an antenna component. The same elements as those in  FIGS. 13A and 13B  are denoted by the same reference numerals. 
         [0103]    In  FIG. 14A , module substrate  610  including a multilayer substrate includes GND electrode  612  on second surface  610   b  (lower surface in  FIG. 14A ). GND electrode  612  has GND electrode removal portion  612   a  as an opening. In  FIGS. 14A and 14B , GND electrode removal portion  612   a  is opened in a rectangular shape at the position opposite to and corresponding to the center of antenna component  130 , but the position, shape, and number of GND electrode removal portions  612   a  are not limited to this case. 
         [0104]    The adjustment component in each of the embodiments has a GND electrode, but adjustment component  740  according to the present embodiment is formed of resin. Adjustment component  740  formed of resin is attached to GND electrode removal portion  612   a  on second surface  610   b  to change a dielectric constant, for example, from ∈=1 (air) to ∈=4 (resin). This configuration allows for changing the whole dielectric constant viewed from antenna component  130 , i.e., a dielectric constant calculated from antenna component  130 . For example, it is possible to change the antenna performance without redesigning module substrate  610 . 
       Embodiment 9 
       [0105]      FIG. 15  is a transparent plane view of frame substrate  820  in a radio module according to the embodiment 9 of the present invention, as viewed from a set substrate. 
         [0106]    In  FIG. 15 , frame substrate  820  includes adjustment component portion  820   a . Adjustment component portion  820   a  corresponds to adjustment components  140 ,  140 A,  240 ,  340 ,  440 , and  540  in the above-described embodiments. That is, frame substrate  820  is formed by integrating the frame substrate with the adjustment component. 
         [0107]    According to the present embodiment, since adjustment component portion  820   a  is integrated with frame substrate  820 , the clearance between the module substrate and the adjustment component can be secured more precisely than the above-described embodiments for individually mounting the adjustment component on the module substrate. 
         [0108]    The description above is provided only to describe preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of the invention is not limited to this description. 
         [0109]    In the above-described embodiments, the terms “antenna,” “antenna component,” and “radio module” are used for convenience of the explanation. For this reason, it is also possible to use the terms such as an “antenna element” and a “semiconductor device” may be used. 
         [0110]    Moreover, the type, connection method, and number of the antenna elements forming the antenna component and the adjustment components are not limited to the above-described embodiments. 
         [0111]    The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-289196, filed on Dec. 28, 2011, including the specification, drawings and abstract, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0112]    The antenna and radio module according to the present invention are useful as an antenna and a radio module that minimize changes in component design and that make it easier to change a design. 
       REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       [0000]    
       
           100  Radio module 
           110 ,  510 ,  610  Module substrates 
           110   a  First surface 
           110   b  Second surface 
           120 ,  820  Frame substrates 
           130  Antenna component 
           140 ,  140 A,  240 ,  340 ,  440 ,  540 ,  740  Adjustment components 
           141 ,  241 ,  242 ,  441  GND Electrodes 
           341  Solder balls 
           442  Internal GND electrode 
           820   a  Adjustment component portion