High-bandwidth antenna in package apparatus

This disclosure discloses high-bandwidth antenna in package (AiP) apparatuses. In an example, an AiP apparatus comprises: a first radiator; a second radiator; a first substrate; a second substrate; a first metal piece; and a first feeding path, wherein the first radiator and the first feeding path are disposed on the first substrate, wherein the second radiator is disposed on the second substrate, wherein the first feeding path is configured to feed the first radiator, and wherein the second radiator and the first radiator are connected using the first metal piece disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to the field of semiconductors, and in particular, to the field of antennas in package.

BACKGROUND

With the advent of the 5G (5th-Generation) communications era, millimeter wave transmission has become an important choice for global operators. In millimeter-wave transmission, as a terminal transceiver component, a millimeter-wave antenna plays an important role. As a communication signal frequency increases, a loss of a signal on a transmission line also significantly increases, thereby affecting communication quality. An Antenna in Package (AiP) can better solve a problem that a loss of a signal on a transmission line is relatively large. The AiP integrates an antenna and a chip and packages the antenna and the chip in a package structure, thereby reducing a transmission loss between the antenna and the chip, and improving system integration.

When a 5G millimeter-wave terminal device communicates with a base station, a data center, or the like, due to particularity of a posture of a handheld device, an antenna in the terminal device needs to have an end-fire radiation function in addition to a broadside radiation function. In addition, to improve communication quality, a dual-polarized transceiver antenna is generally used to perform polarization diversity receiving, or Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) communication is established by using two polarization directions of a dual-polarized antenna.FIG.1shows an antenna in package100in the prior art, including broadside antennas110and end-fire antennas120, where a chip (die)130is reversely mounted at the bottom of the antenna in package100, and feeds the broadside antenna110and the end-fire antenna120through feeding paths140, to complete dual polarization respectively. Because a miniaturization trend of the terminal device imposes an increasingly strict limitation on a thickness of the antenna in package, it is difficult to implement vertical polarization of the end-fire antenna120. For example, the thickness of the antenna in package in the terminal device is limited to about 0.9 mm, and a physical size required by the end-fire antenna120to work normally is about a half wavelength of a resonance frequency (for example, a half wavelength of a millimeter wave at 28 GHz frequency band is about 5 mm). Therefore, it is difficult to implement vertical polarization of the end-fire antenna120when the thickness of the antenna in package is limited. In the prior art, when the thickness of the antenna in package is relatively small, vertical polarization of the end-fire antenna120may be implemented by bending the end-fire antenna120. However, the foregoing bending processing shortens an effective current path for the vertical polarization of the end-fire antenna120. Therefore, a bandwidth of the antenna is limited, and a bandwidth requirement of a 5G millimeter wave at 28 GHz frequency band cannot be met.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of this application provide an antenna in package apparatus, to resolve a problem that a vertical polarization current path of an end-fire antenna in a terminal device is relatively short and a bandwidth of the end-fire antenna is relatively low.

According to a first aspect, an embodiment of this application provides an antenna in package apparatus, including a first radiator, a second radiator, a first feeding path, a first metal piece, and a first substrate and a second substrate that are disposed opposite to each other. The first radiator and the first feeding path are disposed in the first substrate. The second radiator is disposed in the second substrate. The first feeding path is configured to feed the first radiator. The two radiators are connected by using the first metal piece disposed between the two substrates.

Because the first metal piece connects the two radiators, an increased equivalent height of an antenna is equal to sum of a height of the first metal piece and a height of the second radiator, such that a vertical polarization current path generated by the antenna may be distributed not only on the first radiator, but also on the first metal piece and the second radiator. Therefore, the vertical polarization current path is increased, thereby increasing a gain and a bandwidth of the antenna in the antenna in package apparatus.

In a possible implementation, the antenna in package apparatus further includes a second feeding path disposed in the second substrate, and a second metal piece configured to connect the two feeding paths in the two substrates. The second feeding path is configured to feed the second radiator. Because the second metal piece is connected to the two feeding paths, equivalent heights of the feeding paths are also increased. Therefore, the vertical polarization current path in the feeding paths is increased, which is more conducive to feeding the two radiators, thereby increasing the gain and the bandwidth of the antenna.

In a possible implementation, the first radiator includes a first ground plate, the second radiator includes a second ground plate, and the two ground plates are connected by using the first metal piece. The two ground plates are connected, such that the vertical polarization current path on the ground plates is increased, and backward radiation of the antenna is reduced, thereby increasing the gain of the antenna.

In a possible implementation, the first radiator includes a first main radiation plate, the second radiator includes a second main radiation plate, and the two main radiation plates are connected by using the first metal piece. The two main radiation plates are connected, such that the vertical polarization current path on the main radiation plates is increased, thereby increasing the bandwidth and the gain of the antenna.

In a possible implementation, the first radiator includes a first parasitic radiator, the second radiator includes a second parasitic radiator, and the two parasitic radiators are connected by using the first metal piece. The two parasitic radiators are connected, such that the vertical polarization current path on the parasitic radiators is increased, thereby increasing directivity of the antenna.

In a possible implementation, the first main radiation plate and the second main radiation plate include 45° polarized dual-polarized elements. The first main radiation plate includes a first positive-polarized element and a first negative-polarized element between which an included angle is 90°, and the second main radiation plate includes a second positive-polarized element and a second negative-polarized element between which an included angle is 90°. A±45° dual-polarized antenna can be implemented by adjusting directions of the two main radiation plates, such that a polarization manner of the antenna in the antenna in package apparatus is more flexible.

In a possible implementation, the first radiator includes a first main radiation plate, the second radiator includes a second main radiation plate, the two main radiation plates are not directly connected, the first feeding path is configured to perform coupling feeding on the first main radiation plate, and the second feeding path is configured to perform coupling feeding on the second main radiation plate. Coupling is performed in a coupling feeding manner, such that a feeding manner is more flexible when the vertical polarization current path on the two main radiation plates is increased.

In a possible implementation, the antenna in package apparatus further includes a first chip, the first chip is disposed on a side that is of the first substrate and that faces the second substrate, and the first chip is configured to provide a radio frequency signal for the two feeding paths. The antenna in package apparatus integrates and package the chip and the antenna together, such that a loss of the radio frequency signal on a transmission line is reduced, thereby improving communication quality.

In a possible implementation, maximum radiation directions of the first radiator and the second radiator are perpendicular to a normal line of the first chip. That is, the two radiators are end-fire antennas in the antenna in package apparatus. Equivalent heights of the end-fire antennas are increased, such that the vertical polarization current path is increased, thereby increasing the gain and the bandwidth of the antenna.

In a possible implementation, the antenna in package apparatus further includes a third radiator parallel to the normal line of the first chip. That is, the third radiator is a broadside antenna in the antenna in package apparatus. The broadside antenna and improved end-fire antennas are integrated in a same antenna in package, which helps to improve overall gain and bandwidth of the antenna.

In a possible implementation, the first metal piece and the second metal piece are ball grid array BGA balls. The BGA balls are used as materials of the metal pieces, such that costs are relatively low and a distance between the two substrates can be well controlled.

In a possible implementation, at least one of the first radiator, the second radiator, the first feeding path, or the second feeding path is implemented by using a via. The foregoing structure is implemented by using the via, such that process complexity can be reduced.

In a possible implementation, at least one of the first radiator, the second radiator, the first feeding path, or the second feeding path is implemented by using via arrays arranged in a staggered manner and a cable, and the cable is used to connect the via arrays in a horizontal direction. The foregoing structure is implemented by using the via arrays and the cable, such that directions and structures of the antenna and the feeding paths are more flexible. For example, ±45° polarization can be implemented, or a via layout and cabling are performed according to an actual requirement for antenna array arrangement.

In a possible implementation, the second radiator is disposed on a side that is of the second substrate and that faces the first substrate, and the second radiator includes a solder pad or a cable. When there is a relatively small requirement for the height of the antenna, the vertical polarization current path may be increased only by using the second metal piece and the solder pad or the cable on the surface of the second substrate, and an antenna structure does not need to be disposed inside the second substrate. In this case, an increment of the vertical polarization current path is the height of the second metal piece. By using the foregoing structure, the structure of the antenna in package apparatus can be simplified, and costs can be reduced.

In a possible implementation, the antenna in package apparatus further includes a second chip, and the second chip is disposed on a side that is of the second substrate and that is distant from the first substrate. The second chip may be a data processing chip, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or a data cache chip, for example, a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The second chip, the first chip, and antennas are integrated into the antenna in package apparatus, such that functions of the antenna in package apparatus can be more complete, and a data processing capability can be stronger.

In a possible implementation, the first substrate is an interposer. The interposer is used as a material of the first substrate, such that the structure of the antenna in package apparatus is more stable.

In a possible implementation, the second substrate is a first printed circuit board PCB. For example, the second substrate is a high-frequency PCB, and another chip or circuit may be further disposed on the high-frequency PCB, such that the antenna in package apparatus has another data processing or transmission function.

In a possible implementation, the first main radiation plate is connected to the first ground plate, the second main radiation plate is connected to the second ground plate, and the first ground plate is connected to the second ground plate by using the first metal piece. The first feeding path and the second feeding path are disposed in the first substrate and the second substrate respectively, and are connected by using the second metal piece, to perform coupling feeding on the first main radiation plate and the second main radiation plate. The two feeding paths may be disposed inside the two substrates, or may be disposed on two opposite surfaces of the two substrates. Coupling is performed in a coupling feeding manner, such that the antennas in the antenna in package apparatus are more flexibly designed.

In a possible implementation, the antenna in package apparatus includes a Vivaldi antenna, where the first ground plate, the second ground plate, the first main radiation plate, and the second main radiation plate, the first feeding path, and the second feeding path are implemented by using an interlayer cable and a via or a via array. An implementation for a plurality of types of antennas may be formed by adjusting the interlayer cable and a layout of the via or the via array, such that antenna types of the antenna in package apparatus are more flexibly designed.

In a possible implementation, the antenna in package apparatus includes a monopole antenna. Bending processing is performed on the second main radiation plate, such that a low-frequency working requirement of the antenna can be met, and the antenna types of the antenna in package apparatus are more flexibly designed.

In a possible implementation, the antenna in package apparatus includes a Yagi antenna, where the first feeding path is configured to feed the first main radiation plate, and the second feeding path is configured to short-circuit the second main radiation plate and the second ground plate. A feeding manner of the foregoing two feeding paths is changed, such that the antenna types of the antenna in package apparatus are more flexibly designed.

According to a second aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a terminal device. The terminal device includes the antenna in package apparatus according to the first aspect and the possible implementations of the first aspect.

Because the first metal piece connects the two radiators, the increased equivalent height of the antenna is equal to the sum of the height of the first metal piece and the height of the second radiator, such that the vertical polarization current path generated by the antenna may be distributed not only on the first radiator, but also on the first metal piece and the second radiator. Therefore, the vertical polarization current path is increased, thereby increasing the gain and the bandwidth of the antenna in the terminal device.

In a possible implementation, the terminal device further includes a third radiator, a first mechanical part, and a third metal piece. The first mechanical part is disposed on a side that is of the second substrate and that is distant from the first substrate. The third radiator is disposed in the first mechanical part, and is connected to the second radiator by using the third metal piece. The first feeding path is further configured to feed the third radiator. The antenna is extended into a mechanical part outside the antenna in package apparatus, to fully use limited space of the terminal device. This helps further increase the equivalent height of the antenna and increase the vertical polarization current path, thereby improving the gain and the bandwidth of the antenna in the terminal device.

In a possible implementation, the terminal device further includes a fourth radiator, a second mechanical part, and a fourth metal piece. The second mechanical part is disposed on a side that is of the first substrate and that is distant from the second substrate. The fourth radiator is disposed in the second mechanical part, and is connected to the first radiator by using the third metal piece. The first feeding path is further configured to feed the fourth radiator. The antenna is extended into the mechanical part outside the antenna in package apparatus, to fully use the limited space of the terminal device. This helps further increase the equivalent height of the antenna and increase the vertical polarization current path, thereby improving the gain and the bandwidth of the antenna in the terminal device.

In a possible implementation, the terminal device further includes a fifth radiator, a second PCB, and a fifth metal piece. The second PCB is disposed on a side that is of the second substrate and that is distant from the first substrate. The fifth radiator is disposed in the second PCB, and is connected to the second radiator by using the fifth metal piece. The first feeding path is further configured to feed the fifth radiator. The antenna is extended into another PCB, such that the terminal device fully uses the limited space of the terminal device when the terminal device includes a plurality of PCBs disposed in a stacked manner. This helps further increase the equivalent height of the antenna and increase the vertical polarization current path, thereby improving the gain and the bandwidth of the antenna in the terminal device.

In a possible implementation, the third metal piece, the fourth metal piece, and the fifth metal piece are metal lapping lines. The metal lapping lines are used to connect the radiators, such that a vertical polarization current can be better distributed between the radiators, thereby improving the gain and the bandwidth of the antenna in the device.

In a possible implementation, at least one of the third radiator, the fourth radiator, or the fifth radiator includes a metal column and a metal-plated cable. By disposing the metal column and the metal-plated cable on surfaces of or inside a mechanical part and a PCB, the structure of the radiator can be implemented at relatively low costs.

According to a third aspect, an embodiment of this application provides an antenna in package apparatus, including a first radiator, a first feeding path, a first metal piece, and a first substrate. The first radiator and the first feeding path are disposed in the first substrate. The first metal piece is configured to connect the first radiator in the first substrate to a second radiator in a second substrate. The first feeding path is configured to feed the first radiator.

Because the first metal piece connects the two radiators, an increased equivalent height of an antenna is equal to sum of a height of the first metal piece and a height of the second radiator, such that a vertical polarization current path generated by the antenna may be distributed not only on the first radiator, but also on the first metal piece and the second radiator. Therefore, the vertical polarization current path is increased, thereby increasing a gain and a bandwidth of the antenna in the antenna in package apparatus.

In a possible implementation, the antenna in package apparatus further includes a second metal piece. The second metal piece is configured to connect the first feeding path and a second feeding path that is in the second substrate. The second feeding path is configured to feed the second radiator. Because the second metal piece is connected to the two feeding paths, equivalent heights of the feeding paths are also increased. Therefore, the vertical polarization current path in the feeding paths is increased, which is more conducive to feeding the two radiators, thereby increasing the gain and the bandwidth of the antenna.

In a possible implementation, the first radiator includes a first ground plate, the second radiator includes a second ground plate, and the two ground plates are connected by using the first metal piece. The two ground plates are connected, such that the vertical polarization current path on the ground plates is increased, and backward radiation of the antenna is reduced, thereby increasing the gain of the antenna.

In a possible implementation, the first radiator includes a first main radiation plate, the second radiator includes a second main radiation plate, and the two main radiation plates are connected by using the first metal piece. The two main radiation plates are connected, such that the vertical polarization current path on the main radiation plates is increased, thereby increasing the bandwidth and the gain of the antenna.

In a possible implementation, the first radiator includes a first parasitic radiator, the second radiator includes a second parasitic radiator, and the two parasitic radiators are connected by using the first metal piece. The two parasitic radiators are connected, such that the vertical polarization current path on the parasitic radiators is increased, thereby increasing directivity of the antenna.

In a possible implementation, the first main radiation plate and the second main radiation plate may include ±45° polarized dual-polarized elements. The first main radiation plate includes a first positive-polarized element and a first negative-polarized element between which an included angle is 90°, and the second main radiation plate includes a second positive-polarized element and a second negative-polarized element between which an included angle is 90°. A ±45° dual-polarized antenna can be implemented by adjusting directions of the two main radiation plates, such that a polarization manner of an antenna in the antenna in package apparatus is more flexible.

In a possible implementation, the antenna in package apparatus further includes a first chip, the first chip is disposed on a side that is of the first substrate and that faces the second substrate, and the first chip is configured to provide a radio frequency signal for the two feeding paths. The antenna in package apparatus integrates and package the chip and the antenna together, such that a loss of the radio frequency signal on a transmission line is reduced, thereby improving communication quality.

In a possible implementation, maximum radiation directions of the first radiator and the second radiator are perpendicular to a normal line of the first chip. That is, the two radiators are end-fire antennas in the antenna in package apparatus. Equivalent heights of the end-fire antennas are increased, such that the vertical polarization current path is increased, thereby increasing the gain and the bandwidth of the antenna.

In a possible implementation, the first metal piece and the second metal piece are ball grid array BGA balls. The BGA balls are used as materials of the metal pieces, such that costs are relatively low and a distance between the two substrates can be well controlled.

In a possible implementation, the antenna in package apparatus further includes a third radiator parallel to the normal line of the first chip. That is, the third radiator is a broadside antenna in the antenna in package apparatus. The broadside antenna and improved end-fire antennas are integrated in a same antenna in package, which helps to improve overall gain and bandwidth of the antenna.

In a possible implementation, at least one of the first radiator and the first feeding path is implemented by using a via. The foregoing structure is implemented by using the via, such that process complexity can be reduced.

In a possible implementation, at least one of the first radiator and the first feeding path is implemented by using via arrays arranged in a staggered manner and a cable, and the cable is used to connect the via arrays in a horizontal direction. The foregoing structure is implemented by using the via arrays and the cable, such that directions and structures of the antenna and the feeding paths are more flexible. For example, ±45° polarization can be implemented, or a via layout and cabling are performed according to an actual requirement for antenna array arrangement.

According to a fourth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a terminal device, including a rear cover, a side frame, a display apparatus, a middle frame, and an antenna in package apparatus. The display apparatus, the middle frame, and the antenna in package apparatus are sequentially disposed in a stacked manner. The rear cover is disposed on a side that is of the antenna in package apparatus and that is distant from the middle frame. The middle frame and the display apparatus are connected to one end of the side frame, and the other end of the side frame is connected to the rear cover. The antenna in package apparatus is the antenna in package apparatus according to the first aspect and the possible implementations of the first aspect.

Because the first metal piece connects the two radiators, the increased equivalent height of the antenna is equal to the sum of the height of the first metal piece and the height of the second radiator, such that the vertical polarization current path generated by the antenna may be distributed not only on the first radiator, but also on the first metal piece and the second radiator. Therefore, the vertical polarization current path is increased, thereby increasing the gain and the bandwidth of the antenna in the terminal device.

In a possible implementation, the terminal device further includes a second PCB disposed between the middle frame and the antenna in package apparatus. A plurality of PCBs are disposed in the terminal device, and other chips or circuits may be further disposed on the PCBs, such that the terminal device has other data processing or transmission functions.

In a possible implementation, the terminal device further includes a first shielding frame disposed between the antenna in package apparatus and the second PCB, and the first shielding frame is configured to shield and interfere with an electromagnetic wave between the second PCB and the second substrate. The first shielding frame can reduce impact of electromagnetic waves in the second PCB and the second substrate on other circuits.

In a possible implementation, the terminal device further includes a second shielding frame disposed between the second PCB and the middle frame, and the second shielding frame is configured to shield and interfere with an electromagnetic wave between the second PCB and the middle frame. The second shielding frame can reduce impact of an electromagnetic wave in the second PCB on other circuits.

In a possible implementation, the side frame includes a groove, and the groove is close to the antenna in package apparatus. The side frame is hollowed out to form a groove structure, such that the side frame has a relatively good support force while ensuring end-fire radiation of the antenna.

Reference numerals in the drawings: an antenna in package device250; a first substrate300; a second substrate260; a radio frequency processing chip310; a BGA ball312; a broadside antenna320; a first radiator330; a first metal piece350; a second metal piece352; a second radiator340; a first feeding path360; a first ground plate332; a second ground plate342; a first feeding path360; a second feeding path362; a first main radiation plate334; a second main radiation plate344; a first parasitic radiator336; a second parasitic radiator346; a first positive-polarized element3342; a first negative-polarized element3344; a second positive-polarized element3444; a second negative-polarized element3442; a first mechanical part370; a third radiator371; a third metal piece372; a second mechanical part373; a fourth radiator374; a fourth metal piece375; a PCB262; a fifth radiator376; and a fifth metal piece377.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG.2shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of a terminal device200according to an embodiment of this application. The terminal device200may be a smartphone, a portable computer, a tablet computer, an electronic band, or another terminal device having a communication function. The terminal device200may include a rear cover210, a side frame220, a display apparatus230, and a middle frame240. The rear cover210and the display apparatus230are disposed opposite to each other, and are connected by using the side frame220, to form a cavity between the rear cover210and the display apparatus230. The middle frame240is disposed on a side that is of the display apparatus230and that faces the rear cover210. An antenna in package apparatus250and a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)262are disposed between the rear cover210and the middle frame240. The antenna in package apparatus250is disposed on a side that is of the PCB262and that faces the rear cover210, and is electrically connected to the PCB262by using solder balls. The antenna in package apparatus250may be configured to receive, transmit, and process an electromagnetic wave signal. The antenna in package apparatus250includes a first substrate300and a second substrate260. The first substrate300and the second substrate260may be connected by using metal connecting pieces such as solder balls.

FIG.3shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of an antenna in package apparatus250according to an embodiment of this application. The antenna in package apparatus250includes a first substrate300and a second substrate260that are disposed opposite to each other. The first substrate300may be an interposer implemented by using a passive silicon wafer. The second substrate260may also be an interposer, or a printed circuit board implemented by using a copper-clad laminate. The first substrate300is electrically connected to the second substrate260by using a BGA ball312disposed between the first substrate300and the second substrate260. A radio frequency processing chip310is disposed on a side of a lower surface of the first substrate300, namely, a side that is of the first substrate300and that faces the second substrate260. The radio frequency processing chip310is configured to process a radio frequency signal, and is electrically connected to the first substrate300by using solder balls or another metal welding material. A side of an upper surface of the first substrate300, namely, a side that is of the first substrate300and that is distant from the second substrate260, is provided with broadside antennas320, and maximum radiation directions of the broadside antennas320are parallel to a normal line of the radio frequency processing chip310. It should be noted that, in this application, a direction in which the radio frequency processing chip310faces the first substrate300is defined as a normal direction of the radio frequency processing chip310. For example, a vertical direction inFIG.3is the normal direction of the radio frequency processing chip310. The radio frequency processing chip310may feed the broadside antennas320through a feeding path disposed in the first substrate300, such that the broadside antennas320are excited to receive and transmit electromagnetic wave signals. The antenna in package apparatus250further includes an end-fire antenna. A maximum radiation direction of the end-fire antenna is perpendicular to the normal line of the radio frequency processing chip310. The end-fire antenna includes a first radiator330and a second radiator340that have a same direction.

In the antenna in package apparatus250, the first radiator330is disposed in the first substrate300, the second radiator340is disposed in the second substrate260, and the first radiator330is electrically connected to the second radiator340by using a first metal piece350. A solder pad may be separately disposed at an end that is of the first radiator330and that is close to the second substrate260and an end that is of the second radiator340and that is close to the first substrate300, such that the first metal piece350is connected to the first radiator330and the second radiator340more stably. The radio frequency processing chip310may also feed the first radiator330through the first feeding path360disposed in the first substrate300, such that the first radiator330and the second radiator340are excited to receive and transmit electromagnetic wave signals. A vertical polarization current exists in the first radiator330, the first metal piece350, and the second radiator340that are excited, and a direction of the vertical polarization current is parallel to the normal direction of the radio frequency processing chip310. Polarization manners for the foregoing antenna include horizontal polarization and vertical polarization, and may also include ±45° polarization. For example, when the end-fire antenna is excited by vertical polarization or ±45° polarization, a ±45° polarized current is generated in the end-fire antenna.

Because the first metal piece350connects the second radiator340and the first radiator330, an equivalent height of the end-fire antenna changes from an original height of the first radiator330to a sum of heights of the first radiator330, the first metal piece350, and the second radiator340. The equivalent height of the end-fire antenna is increased, such that a vertical polarization current path generated by the end-fire antenna may be distributed on the first radiator330, the first metal piece350, and the second radiator340, that is, a polarization current path of the end-fire antenna in the vertical direction is increased. Therefore, a gain and a bandwidth of the end-fire antenna are improved. It should be noted that the equivalent height of the antenna in this application refers to a height of the end-fire antenna in the vertical direction, namely, a direction parallel to the normal line of the radio frequency processing chip310.

In an implementation, the antenna in package apparatus250may further include a chip disposed on a side that is of the second substrate250and that is distant from the first substrate. The chip may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU) chip, or may be a cache chip, for example, a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The chip is electrically connected to the second substrate250by using solder balls or another metal connecting piece.

The first radiator330and the second radiator340may be implemented by using a via shown inFIG.3, where the first radiator330, the first metal piece350, and the second radiator340are located on a straight line.FIG.4shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of the antenna in package apparatus250in another implementation. For same reference numerals inFIG.4, refer toFIG.3. Different fromFIG.3, according to a required antenna type and cabling requirement, the first radiator330and the second radiator340inFIG.4may alternatively be implemented by using via arrays arranged in a staggered manner and interlayer cables (the interlayer cables are used to connect vias arranged in a staggered manner). In other words, processing such as bending is performed on the first radiator330and the second radiator340, to increase the bandwidth of the antenna. Compared with the vias, an actual equivalent height implemented by using the via arrays arranged in a staggered manner and the interlayer cable is the same, and the vertical polarization current path may also be distributed on the first radiator330, the first metal piece350, and the second radiator340separately, to increase the gain and the bandwidth of the end-fire antenna.

FIG.5shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of the antenna in package apparatus250in still another implementation. For same reference numerals inFIG.5, refer toFIG.3. Different fromFIG.3, the second radiator340in the antenna in package apparatus250inFIG.5may also be implemented by using a cable or a solder pad disposed on a side that is of the second substrate260and that faces the first substrate300. Because the first metal piece350(for example, a solder ball) has a specific volume and height, the vertical polarization current path may alternatively be distributed in the first metal piece350and the second radiator340, to improve the gain and the bandwidth of the end-fire antenna.

FIG.6shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of a more specific antenna in package apparatus250according to an embodiment of this application. For same reference numerals inFIG.6, refer toFIG.3. A difference lies in that a radiator in the antenna in package apparatus250inFIG.6may further include at least one of a ground plate, a main radiation plate, or a parasitic radiator. The ground plate is configured to reflect an electromagnetic wave signal and is also a signal reference ground. The main radiation plate is fed and transmits or receives an electromagnetic wave signal. As a director, the parasitic radiator can enhance directivity of an electromagnetic wave signal. In one embodiment, the first radiator330includes a first ground plate332, a first main radiation plate334, and a first parasitic radiator336. Correspondingly, a second radiator340includes a second ground plate342, a second main radiation plate344, and a second parasitic radiator346. The first ground plate332is connected to the second ground plate342by using an independent first metal piece350, the first main radiation plate334is connected to the second main radiation plate344by using an independent first metal piece350, and the first parasitic radiator336is connected to the second parasitic radiator346by using an independent first metal piece350. A radio frequency processing chip310feeds the first main radiation plate334through a first feeding path360, such that the first main radiation plate334and the second main radiation plate344are excited. The first parasitic radiator336and the second parasitic radiator346respectively generate resonance with the first main radiation plate334and the second main radiation plate344, to improve directivity of antenna radiation. The first ground plate332and the second ground plate342are connected to a ground end of the radio frequency processing chip310, to provide a signal reference ground. Because the first metal pieces350separately connect the first ground plate332with the second ground plate342, the first main radiation plate334with the second main radiation plate344, and the first parasitic radiator336with the second parasitic radiator346, equivalent heights of ground plates, main radiation plates, and parasitic radiators of an end-fire antenna are increased, such that a polarization current path of the end-fire antenna in a vertical direction is increased, thereby increasing a gain and a bandwidth of the end-fire antenna.

It should be noted that the first ground plate332, the first main radiation plate334, the first parasitic radiator336, the second ground plate342, the second main radiation plate344, and the second parasitic radiator346may be disposed according to an antenna design requirement and a substrate cabling requirement. For example, the first ground plate332, the first feeding path360, the first main radiation plate334, and the first parasitic radiator336are disposed in the first substrate300, and the second ground plate342, the second main radiation plate344, and the second parasitic radiator346are disposed in the second substrate260at the same time, or only the second ground plate342may be disposed in the second substrate260. Quantities and specific locations of the ground plates, the main radiation plates, and the parasitic radiators are not limited in this application, but the second substrate260needs to include at least one of the second ground plate342, the second main radiation plate344, or the second parasitic radiator346. The first feeding path360may direct feed the first main radiation plate334, or may perform coupling feeding on the first main radiation plate334. A feeding manner is not limited in this application. In addition, heights of the ground plates, the main radiation plates, and the parasitic radiators are not limited in this application. For example, if the first substrate300includes four wiring layers (a wiring layer closest to the second substrate260is the fourth layer), the first ground plate332may include a via from the third layer to the fourth layer of the first substrate300, or may include a via from the first layer to the fourth layer of the first substrate300.

FIG.7shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of another more specific antenna in package apparatus250according to an embodiment of this application. For same reference numerals inFIG.7, refer toFIG.6. Different fromFIG.6, inFIG.7, the antenna in package apparatus250further includes a second feeding path362disposed in a second substrate260. The second feeding path362is connected to a first feeding path360by using a second metal piece352disposed between a first substrate300and the second substrate260. Different fromFIG.6, inFIG.7, the first feeding path360performs coupling feeding on a first main radiation plate334, and the second feeding path362performs coupling feeding on a second main radiation plate344. There is no direct physical connection between the first main radiation plate334and the second main radiation plate344. Because the feeding paths and the main radiation plates form coupling feeding, a vertical polarization current exists in both the first main radiation plate334and the second main radiation plate344, and equivalent heights of the main radiation plates are increased, thereby increasing a polarization current path of an end-fire antenna in a vertical direction. Therefore, a gain and a bandwidth of the end-fire antenna are improved.

Similar to a first radiator330and a second radiator340, the first feeding path360and the second feeding path362may also be implemented by using vias, or by using via arrays and interlayer cables (the interlayer cables are used to connect vias that are arranged in a staggered manner). In this way, a volume of the antenna in package apparatus250is reduced, and the bandwidth of the antenna is increased.

The first metal piece350and the second metal piece352may solder balls, for example, ball grid array Ball Grid Array (BGA) balls, or other mechanical parts with electrical conductivity. A solder pad may be respectively disposed at an end that is of the first feeding path360and that is close to the second substrate260and an end that is of the second feeding path362and that is close to the first substrate300, such that the first metal piece352is connected to the first feeding path360and the second feeding path362more stably.

FIG.8shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of another terminal device200according to an embodiment of this application. The terminal device200includes an antenna in package apparatus250, a first mechanical part370, and a second mechanical part373. The antenna in package apparatus250may be any antenna in package apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application. The first mechanical part370is disposed below a second substrate260, to be specific, disposed on a side that is distant from a first substrate300. The first mechanical part370includes a third radiator371disposed therein. The third radiator371is connected to a second radiator340by using a third metal piece372. The third metal piece372is disposed between the second substrate260and the first mechanical part370. The second mechanical part373is disposed above the first substrate300, to be specific, disposed on a side that is distant from the second substrate260. The second mechanical part373includes a fourth radiator374disposed therein. The fourth radiator374is connected to a first radiator330by using a fourth metal piece375. The fourth metal piece375is disposed between the first substrate300and the second mechanical part373.

The first mechanical part370and the second mechanical part373may be side frames or middle frames in the terminal device, or may be mechanical parts in another terminal device. The third metal piece372and the fourth metal piece375may be metal lapping lines, or may be other lapping lines or connecting balls having a conductive function. The third radiator371and the fourth radiator374may be implemented by using vias, or by using via arrays and interlayer cables (the interlayer cables are used to connect vias arranged in a staggered manner), or may be implemented by using metal columns and metal-plated cables. In an implementation, another mechanical part, another radiator, and another metal piece may be disposed, according to a design requirement of the terminal device200, on a side that is of the first mechanical part370and that is distant from the first substrate300. In an implementation, another mechanical part, another radiator, and another metal piece may be disposed on a side that is of the second mechanical part373and that is distant from the first substrate300. In another implementation, only the first mechanical part370, the third radiator371, and the third metal piece372may be disposed, or only the second mechanical part373, the fourth radiator374, and the fourth metal piece375are disposed. Quantities of the mechanical parts, the radiators, and the metal pieces in the terminal device200are not limited in this application.

FIG.9shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of still another terminal device200according to an embodiment of this application. For same reference numerals inFIG.9, refer toFIG.8. Different fromFIG.8, the terminal device200inFIG.9further includes a PCB262. The PCB262may be disposed between a second substrate260and a first mechanical part370. In one embodiment, the PCB262includes a fifth radiator376disposed in the PCB262. One end of the fifth radiator376is connected to a second radiator340by using a fifth metal piece377disposed between the second substrate260and the PCB262. In addition, the other end of the fifth radiator376is connected to a third radiator371by using a third metal piece372disposed between the PCB262and the first mechanical part370. In an implementation, the second substrate260may be a high-frequency PCB board, and is configured to transmit and process a high-frequency signal. The PCB262may be a low-frequency PCB board, and is configured to transmit and process an intermediate-frequency signal and a low-frequency signal. In an implementation, according to a design requirement, another PCB may be disposed on a side that is of the first mechanical part370and that faces a first substrate300, or another PCB may be disposed on a side that is of a second mechanical part373and that faces the first substrate300. A quantity and locations of PCBs of the PCBs in the terminal device200are not limited in this application.

The fifth metal piece377may be a metal lapping line, or may be another lapping line or connecting ball having a conductive function. The fifth radiator376may be implemented by using a via, or by using a via array and an interlayer cable (the interlayer cable is used to connect vias arranged in a staggered manner), or may be implemented by using a metal column and a metal-plated cable. Similar to a first radiator330and the second radiator340, the third radiator371, a fourth radiator374, and the fifth radiator376each include at least one of a ground plate, a main radiation plate, or a parasitic radiator. Details are not described herein again.

FIG.10(a)shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of still another more specific antenna in package apparatus250according to an embodiment of this application, andFIG.10(b)is a 3D view of the antenna in package apparatus250. For same reference numerals inFIG.10(a)andFIG.10(b), refer toFIG.8. Different fromFIG.8, the antenna in package apparatus250inFIG.10(a)andFIG.10(b)performs coupling feeding on a first main radiation plate334and a second main radiation plate344by using a feeding path having an “>”-shaped bent structure. In one embodiment, the first main radiation plate334is electrically connected to a first ground plate332, the second main radiation plate344is electrically connected to a second ground plate342, and the first ground plate332is connected to the second ground plate342by using a first metal piece350. However, no direct connection relationship is formed between the first main radiation plate334and the second main radiation plate344. A first feeding path360and a second feeding path362are respectively disposed in a first substrate300and a second substrate260, are connected by using a second metal piece352, and perform coupling feeding on the first main radiation plate334and the second main radiation plate344. In an implementation, the first feeding path360and the second feeding path362may be respectively disposed in a middle wiring layer of the first substrate300and a middle wiring layer of the second substrate260. In another implementation, the first feeding path360and the second feeding path362may be respectively disposed on a side that is of the first substrate300and that faces the second substrate260and a side that is of the second substrate260and that faces the first substrate300. The first feeding path360is connected to the second feeding path362by using the second metal piece352, to form an “η”-shaped bent structure. The first feeding path360is mainly configured to perform coupling feeding on the first main radiation plate334, and the second feeding path362is mainly configured to perform coupling feeding on the second main radiation plate344. Each of the first main radiation plate334, the second main radiation plate344, the first ground plate332, and the second ground plate342may be in a form of a balanced dipole, and an operating bandwidth is increased through widening processing.

FIG.11(a)shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of still another more specific antenna in package apparatus250according to an embodiment of this application, andFIG.1(b)is a 3D view of the antenna in package apparatus250. For same reference numerals inFIG.11(a)andFIG.11(b), refer toFIG.10(a)andFIG.10(b). A difference lies in that an antenna in the antenna in package apparatus250inFIG.1(a)andFIG.1(b)is a ±45° dual-polarized antenna. In one embodiment, a first main radiation plate334in the antenna in package apparatus250includes a first positive-polarized element3342and a first negative-polarized element3344. A second main radiation plate344includes a second positive-polarized element3444and a second negative-polarized element3442. An included angle between the first positive-polarized element3342and the first negative-polarized element3344is 90°, and an included angle between the second positive-polarized element3444and the second negative-polarized element3442is also 90°. According to the foregoing structure, 45° dual polarization of an antenna can be implemented. A part of a first feeding path360is configured to perform −45° polarization on the first negative-polarized element3344, a part of a second feeding path362is configured to perform −45° polarization on the second negative-polarized element3442, and the two parts of the feeding paths are connected by using a second metal piece352. The other part of the first feeding path360is configured to perform +45° polarization on the first positive-polarized element3342, the other part of the second feeding path362is configured to perform +45° polarization on the second positive-polarized element3444, and the two parts of the feeding paths are connected by using a second metal piece352. The feeding paths configured to perform +45° polarization and the feeding paths configured to perform −45° polarization are separately crossed by using the second metal piece352, and amplitude-phase requirements of two feeding signals are ensured by adjusting front and back positions of the second metal piece352and adjusting bending of cabling, to form a complete 45° dual-polarized antenna.

FIG.12shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of still another more specific antenna in package apparatus250according to an embodiment of this application. For same reference numerals inFIG.12, refer toFIG.10(a). Different fromFIG.10(a), a first (a)feeding path260and a second feeding path362in the antenna in package apparatus250inFIG.12feed a first main radiation plate334and the second main radiation plate344in a coupling feeding manner. In one embodiment, the antenna in package apparatus250further includes a first parasitic radiator336and a second parasitic radiator346, and the first parasitic radiator336and the second parasitic radiator346are connected by using a first metal piece350. Each of the first feeding path360, the second feeding path362, a first ground plate332, a second ground plate342, the first main radiation plate334, the second main radiation plate344, the first parasitic radiator336, and the second parasitic radiator346in the antenna in package apparatus250may be implemented by using symmetrical and staggered via arrays and a cable. The first feeding path360and the second feeding path362are partially communicated by using a second metal piece352to form a coupling gap. A width of the coupling gap may be adjusted based on a size of the second metal piece352, and a length of the coupling gap may be controlled by adjusting a quantity of the first metal pieces350.

FIG.13(a)shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of still another more specific antenna in package apparatus250according to an embodiment of this application, andFIG.13(b)is a 3D view of the antenna in package apparatus250. For same reference numerals inFIG.13(a)andFIG.13(b), refer toFIG.12. A difference lies in that an antenna in the antenna in package apparatus250inFIG.13(a)andFIG.13(b)is a Vivaldi antenna. A first main radiation plate334(disposed in a first substrate300) and a second main radiation plate344(disposed in a second substrate260) of the antenna in package apparatus250are horn-shaped, an exponential gap structure is used to control an electromagnetic wave to radiate electromagnetic energy from one end of a gap to an open end. Each of a first ground plate332, a second ground plate342, the first main radiation plate334, the second main radiation plate344, a first feeding path360, and a second feeding path362is implemented by using an interlayer cable and a via or via arrays. A feeding position and a coupling quantity may be controlled by adjusting a position and an offset of the via respectively. To increase an aperture of a horn antenna, equivalent heights of the first main radiation plate334and the second main radiation plate344may be increased by using a plurality of layers of substrates and a plurality of layers of PCBs.

FIG.14(a)shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of still another more specific antenna in package apparatus250according to an embodiment of this application, to implement a horn antenna.FIG.14(b)is a 3D view of the antenna in package apparatus250. For same reference numerals inFIG.14(a)andFIG.14(b), refer toFIG.12. A difference lies in that an antenna in the antenna in package apparatus250inFIG.14(a)andFIG.14(b)is a horn antenna. In one embodiment, a first radiator330(disposed in a first substrate300) and a second radiator340(disposed in a second substrate260) in the antenna in package apparatus250may be of a symmetric structure, and form a horn-shaped radiator by using interlayer cables and via arrays. Because the first radiator330and the second radiator340form a cavity structure, an electric field forms resonance in the cavity, and radiates an electromagnetic wave. To increase an aperture of the horn antenna, equivalent heights of the first radiator330and the second radiator340may also be increased by using a plurality of layers of substrates and a plurality of layers of PCBs. In the antenna in package apparatus250, a direct feeding manner or a coupling feeding manner may be used. A specific feeding manner is not limited in this application.

FIG.15(a)shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of a more specific antenna in package apparatus250according to an embodiment of this application, andFIG.15(b)is a 3D view of the antenna in package apparatus250. For same reference numerals inFIG.15(a)andFIG.15(b), refer toFIG.10(a)andFIG.10(b). A difference lies in that an antenna in the antenna in package apparatus250inFIG.15(a)andFIG.15(b)is a monopole antenna. In one embodiment, a first main radiation plate334in the antenna in package apparatus250is connected to a first ground plate332, and a first feeding path360feeds the first main radiation plate334. According to a design requirement of the antenna, a second main radiation plate344may be bent to meet a low-frequency working requirement of the antenna.

FIG.16(a)shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of a more specific antenna in package apparatus250according to an embodiment of this application, andFIG.16(b)is a 3D view of the antenna in package apparatus250. For same reference numerals inFIG.16(a)andFIG.16(b), refer toFIG.14(a)andFIG.14(b). A difference lies in that an antenna in the antenna in package apparatus250inFIG.16(a)andFIG.16(b)is a Yagi antenna. In one embodiment, the antenna in package apparatus250further includes a first parasitic radiator336and a second parasitic radiator346that are connected by using a first metal piece350. A first feeding path360is configured to feed a first main radiation plate334, and a second feeding path362is configured to short-circuit a second main radiation plate344and a second ground plate342, to form a Yagi antenna having an end-fire feature.

An embodiment of this application further provides a more specific terminal device1700.FIG.17is a schematic diagram of a cross-section structure of the terminal device1700. The terminal device1700includes a rear cover210, a side frame220, a display apparatus230, a middle frame240, a first shielding frame242, a second shielding frame244, an antenna in package apparatus250, a PCB262, and an electronic component270. The antenna in package apparatus250may be any antenna in package apparatus in the embodiments of this application. For ease of description, a direction perpendicular to the middle frame240is used as a vertical direction, and a direction parallel to the middle frame240is used as a horizontal direction. The middle frame240is disposed on one side of the display apparatus230. The first shielding frame242, the PCB262, the second shielding frame244, and the antenna in package apparatus250are sequentially disposed in a stacked manner in a vertical direction distant from the middle frame240. The antenna in package apparatus250includes a first substrate300and a second substrate260that are electrically connected. Whether the first shielding frame242and the PCB262are disposed may be determined based on a cross-sectional height of the terminal device1700and according to an actual requirement. The middle frame240and the display apparatus230are connected to one end of the side frame220, and the other end of the side frame is connected to the rear cover210. The electronic component270is disposed on a side that is of the middle frame240and that is distant from the display apparatus230, and is located in a horizontal direction that is of the antenna in package apparatus250and that is distant from the side frame220. The rear cover210is disposed on sides that are of the antenna in package apparatus250and the electronic device270respectively and that are distant from the middle frame240, and may be connected to and fastened to the side frame220by using a mechanical part or an adhesive. The electronic component270may be a sensor or another electronic component. The first shielding frame242and the second shielding frame244are configured to shield interference electromagnetic waves from the PCB262and the second substrate260. Both the second substrate260and the PCB262may be high-frequency or low-frequency printed circuit boards, and component setting and circuit placing and routing may be performed on the second substrate260and the PCB262. As shown inFIG.17, to better perform end-fire radiation between the rear cover210and the side frame220by using an electromagnetic wave, a part that is of the side frame220and that is close to the antenna in package apparatus250may be hollowed out, such that the side frame220has a relatively good supporting force while ensuring that the antenna performs end-fire radiation.