Antenna apparatus and antenna module

An antenna apparatus includes a ground pattern having a through-hole; an antenna pattern disposed above the ground pattern and configured to either one or both of transmit and receive a radio-frequency (RF) signal; a feed via penetrating through the through-hole and having one end electrically connected to the antenna pattern; and a meta member comprising a plurality of cells repeatedly arranged and spaced apart from each other, each of the plurality of cells comprising a plurality of conductive patterns, and at least one conductive via electrically connecting the plurality of conductive patterns to each other, wherein the meta member is disposed along at least portions of side boundaries of the antenna pattern above the ground pattern, and extends above the antenna pattern.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(a) of Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2018-0008942 filed on Jan. 24, 2018, and 10-2018-0058866 filed on May 24, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

This application relates to an antenna apparatus and an antenna module.

2. Description of Related Art

Data traffic of mobile communications tends to increase rapidly every year. Technology has been actively developed to support such rapidly increased data in real time on a wireless network. For example, applications such as a content creation of Internet of Thing (IoT) based data, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), live VR/AR combined with social networking service (SNS), autonomous driving, and sync view (real-time user view image transmission using ultrasmall camera) require communications (for example, 5th generation (5G) communications and millimeter wave (mmWave) band communications) supporting the transmission and reception of large amounts of data.

Therefore, recently, research into the mmWave communications including 5G communications has been actively conducted, and research into the commercialization/standardization of an antenna module for smoothly implementing mmWave communications has been actively conducted.

A radio-frequency (RF) signal in a high-frequency band (for example, 24 GHz, 28 GHz, 36 GHz, 39 GHz, or 60 GHz) is easily absorbed and lost in a transfer process, and communications quality may thus be rapidly deteriorated. Therefore, an antenna for communications in high-frequency bands requires a technical approach different from that of existing antenna technology, and may require the development of a special type of technology such as a separate power amplifier for realizing an antenna gain, an integration between an antenna and a radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and an effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP).

Conventionally, an antenna module providing a millimeter wave communications environment has used a structure in which an integrated circuit (IC) and an antenna are disposed on a board and are connected to each other by a coaxial cable to satisfy a high level of antenna performance (e.g., a transmission/reception rate, a gain, and a directivity) depending on a high frequency. However, such a structure reduces an amount of space available for the antenna, limits a degree of freedom of an antenna shape, increases an interference between the antenna and the IC, and increases a size and a cost of the antenna module.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, an antenna apparatus includes a ground pattern having a through-hole; an antenna pattern disposed above the ground pattern and configured to either one or both of transmit and receive a radio-frequency (RF) signal; a feed via penetrating through the through-hole and having one end electrically connected to the antenna pattern; and a meta member including a plurality of cells repeatedly arranged and spaced apart from each other, each of the plurality of cells including a plurality of conductive patterns, and at least one conductive via electrically connecting the plurality of conductive patterns to each other, wherein the meta member is disposed along at least portions of side boundaries of the antenna pattern above the ground pattern, and extends above the antenna pattern.

The antenna apparatus may further include an upper coupling pattern disposed above the antenna pattern so that the upper coupling pattern at least partially overlaps the antenna pattern when viewed in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ground pattern.

The plurality of cells of the meta member may include a plurality of first cells spaced apart from the antenna pattern in a first lateral direction when viewed in the vertical direction, and a plurality of second cells spaced apart from the antenna pattern in a direction opposite to the first lateral direction when viewed in the vertical direction, and one end of the feed via may be electrically connected to the antenna pattern at a point offset from a center of the antenna pattern in a second lateral direction different from the first lateral direction.

The ground pattern may have a second through-hole, the antenna apparatus may further include a second feed via penetrating through the second through-hole and having one end electrically connected to the antenna pattern at a point offset from the center of the antenna pattern in the first lateral direction, and the plurality of cells of the meta member may further include a plurality of third cells spaced apart from the antenna pattern in the second lateral direction when viewed in the vertical direction, and a plurality of fourth cells spaced apart from the antenna pattern in a direction opposite to the second lateral direction when viewed in the vertical direction.

The plurality of first cells may be arranged in an a×n structure, the plurality of second cells may be arranged in a b×n structure, the plurality of third cells may be arranged in a c×n structure, the plurality of fourth cells may be arranged in a d×n structure, and n is a natural number, and a, b, c and d may be natural numbers greater than n.

The meta member may further include a plurality of first dummy cells disposed between a first end of the plurality of first cells and a first end of the plurality of third cells; a plurality of second dummy cells disposed between a second end of the plurality of first cells and a first end of the plurality of fourth cells; a plurality of third dummy cells disposed between a first end of the plurality of second cells and a second end of the plurality of third cells; and a plurality of fourth dummy cells disposed between a second end of the plurality of second cells and a second end of the plurality of fourth cells, and a size of each of the first to fourth dummy cells may be greater than a size of each of the first to fourth cells.

The meta member may extend above the antenna pattern to a same level as a level of the upper coupling pattern.

The meta member may be disposed so that a vertical spacing distance from the ground pattern to an uppermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns is the same as a vertical spacing distance from the ground pattern to the upper coupling pattern, and a vertical spacing distance from the ground pattern to a lowermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns is the same as a vertical spacing distance from the ground pattern to the antenna pattern.

The meta member may be disposed so that a vertical spacing distance from the ground pattern to at least one of the plurality of conductive patterns is smaller than the vertical spacing distance from the ground pattern to the upper coupling pattern and is greater than the vertical spacing distance from the ground pattern to the antenna pattern.

The meta member may be disposed so that a horizontal spacing distance between the plurality of cells and the antenna pattern when viewed in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ground pattern is smaller than a vertical spacing distance from the ground pattern to an uppermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns, and is greater than a vertical spacing distance from the ground pattern to a lowermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns.

The meta member may be disposed so that a horizontal spacing distance between the plurality of cells and the antenna pattern when viewed in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ground pattern is uniform and is greater than an interval between the plurality of cells.

The antenna pattern may have a polygonal patch shape, each of the plurality of conductive patterns may have a polygonal shape corresponding to the polygonal patch shape of the antenna pattern, and a length of a side of each of the plurality of conductive patterns may be smaller than a spacing distance from the ground pattern to an uppermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns, and may be greater than a spacing distance from the ground pattern to a lowermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns.

The meta member may be disposed so that a spacing distance from a lowermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns to the ground pattern is greater than a spacing from an uppermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns to the lowermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns.

The antenna apparatus may further include a plurality of first shielding vias electrically connected to the ground pattern and arranged to surround at least portions of the meta member when viewed in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ground pattern.

The antenna apparatus may further include a plurality of second shielding vias electrically connected to the ground pattern and arranged to surround the through-hole when viewed in the vertical direction.

The ground pattern may overlap a space between the meta member and the antenna pattern and at least portions of the antenna pattern and the meta member when viewed in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ground pattern.

The plurality of cells may be arranged to have a negative refractive index for the RF signal.

In another general aspect, an antenna module includes a connection member including a plurality of wirings, a ground pattern disposed above the plurality of wirings, and a plurality of wiring vias electrically connected to the plurality of wirings below the plurality of wirings; an integrated circuit (IC) electrically connected to the wiring vias and disposed below the connection member; and a plurality of antenna apparatuses electrically connected to the plurality of wirings and disposed above the connection member, wherein at least one of the plurality of antenna apparatuses includes an antenna pattern configured to either one or both of transmit and receive a radio-frequency (RF) signal; an upper coupling pattern disposed above the antenna pattern so that the upper coupling pattern at least partially overlaps the antenna pattern when viewed in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ground pattern; a first feed via having one end electrically connected to the antenna pattern at a point offset from a center of the antenna pattern in a second lateral direction; a second feed via having one end electrically connected to the antenna pattern at a point offset from the center of the antenna pattern in a first lateral direction; and a meta member including a plurality of conductive patterns arranged to have a negative refractive index for the RF signal and surrounding the antenna pattern when viewed in the vertical direction.

The connection member may further include a second antenna pattern electrically connected to the plurality of wirings and configured to either one or both of transmit and receive an RF signal in a direction different from a direction in which the antenna pattern is configured to either one or both of transmit and receive an RF signal.

The antenna module may further include a support member disposed below the connection member, having a height greater than a height of the IC, and including core vias electrically connected to wirings not electrically connected to the plurality of antenna apparatuses among the plurality of wirings; and electrical connection structures disposed below the support member and electrically connected to the core vias.

In another general aspect, an antenna apparatus includes a ground pattern; an antenna pattern disposed above the ground pattern and configured to transmit a radio-frequency (RF) signal; and a meta member disposed above the ground pattern along at least portions of side boundaries of the antenna pattern and extending above the antenna pattern in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ground pattern, wherein the meta member is configured to either one or both of change a propagation direction of a first portion of the RF signal leaking from the antenna pattern to the meta member in a lateral direction to substantially the vertical direction, and change a propagation direction of a second portion of the RF signal incident on the ground pattern and reflected to the meta member to substantially the vertical direction.

The antenna apparatus may further include an upper coupling pattern disposed above the antenna pattern at substantially a same level as an upper end of the meta member.

The meta member may have a negative refractive index for the RF signal.

The meta member may include a plurality of cells repeatedly arranged and spaced apart from each other, and each of the plurality of cells may include a plurality of conductive patterns, and at least one conductive via electrically connecting the plurality of conductive patterns to each other.

In another general aspect, an antenna apparatus includes a ground pattern; an antenna pattern disposed above the ground pattern and configured to either one or both of transmit and receive a radio-frequency (RF) signal; a meta member having a negative refractive index for the RF signal and disposed above the ground pattern along at least portions of two opposite side boundaries of the antenna pattern; and a feed via electrically connected to the antenna pattern at a point offset from a center of the antenna pattern in a direction substantially parallel to the two opposite side boundaries of the antenna pattern.

The antenna apparatus may further include an upper coupling pattern disposed above the antenna pattern, and the meta member may extend from substantially a same level as the antenna pattern to substantially a same level as the upper coupling pattern.

The meta member may include a plurality of cells repeatedly arranged and spaced apart from each other, and each of the plurality of cells may include a plurality of conductive patterns, and at least one conductive via electrically connecting the plurality of conductive patterns to each other.

A length of a side of each of the plurality of conductive patterns may be smaller than a spacing distance from the ground pattern to an uppermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns, and may be greater than a spacing distance from the ground pattern to a lowermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view illustrating an example of an antenna apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 1, an antenna apparatus100aincludes an antenna pattern110a, a feed via120a, a ground pattern125a, and a meta member130a. In this application, a vertical direction is a direction perpendicular to an upper surface and/or a lower surface of the ground pattern125a, and an upper level and a lower level are defined based on the vertical direction.

The antenna pattern110ais configured to receive a radio-frequency (RF) signal from an over-the-air transmission and transfer the RF signal to the feed via120aor receive an RF signal from the feed via120aand transmit the RF signal in an over-the-air transmission. The antenna pattern110ahas an inherent frequency band (for example, 28 GHz) depending on inherent elements (for example, a shape, a size, a height, and a dielectric constant of an insulating layer).

In one example, the antenna pattern110ahas a structure of a patch antenna having opposing surfaces with a circular shape or a polygonal shape. The opposing surfaces of the patch antenna serve as a boundary between a conductor and a non-conductor through which the RF signal is propagated.

The feed via120atransfers the RF signal received from the antenna pattern110ato an integrated circuit (IC), and transfers an RF signal received from the IC to the antenna pattern110a.

For example, the number of feed vias120aelectrically connected to one antenna pattern may be two or more. When the number of feed vias120ais two more, the feed vias120amay be configured so that RF signals having different phases (for example, a phase difference of 90° and a phase difference of 180°) pass therethrough, respectively, may be configured so that RF signals pass therethrough at different points in time, respectively, and may be configured so that an RF signal to be transmitted and a received RF signal pass therethrough, respectively. The phase difference between the RF signals may be implemented through a phase shifter of the IC or be implemented through a difference in an electrical length between wirings.

The ground pattern125ais disposed below the antenna pattern110a, and has at least one through-hole. The feed via120ais disposed to penetrate through the at least one through-hole.

The ground pattern125ais disposed to block a space between the antenna pattern110aof an upper side and a connection member1200aof a lower side to improve an isolation level between the antenna pattern110aand the connection member1200a. In addition, the ground pattern125aprovides a capacitance depending on an electromagnetic coupling with the antenna pattern110ato the antenna pattern110a. In addition, the ground pattern125areflects the RF signal of the antenna pattern110ato further concentrate the RF signal in an upward direction, and thus improves an antenna performance of the antenna pattern110a.

The meta member130ahas a structure in which a plurality of cells respectively including a plurality of conductive patterns smaller than the antenna pattern110aand at least one via electrically connecting the plurality of conductive patterns to each other are repeatedly arranged and spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the meta member130ahas an electromagnetic bandgap structure, and thus has a negative refractive index for the RF signal.

The meta member130ais spaced apart from the upper surface of the ground pattern125aso that the meta member30does not overlap the antenna pattern110awhen viewed in the vertical direction, and is disposed so that a spacing distance from a midpoint of the meta member130ato the ground pattern125ais greater than a spacing distance between the antenna pattern110aand the ground pattern125a. That is, the meta member130ais disposed along at least portions of side boundaries of the antenna pattern110aabove the ground pattern125a, and extends to a higher level as compared to the antenna pattern110a.

Therefore, the meta member130afurther concentrates the RF signal of the antenna pattern110ain the upward direction by more efficiently using the negative refractive index, and thus further improves the antenna performance of the antenna pattern110a.

FIG. 7is a side view illustrating an example of a radio-frequency (RF) signal propagation path of the antenna apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 7, the ground pattern125areflects the RF signal incident from the antenna pattern110a. The reflected RF signal propagates through the meta member130a. A direction of a side vector of the RF signal propagating through the meta member130ais changed to an opposite direction by the negative refractive index of the meta member130a. Therefore, the RF signal propagating through the meta member130ais concentrated in the upward direction.

The meta member130ais electromagnetically coupled to the antenna pattern110a, and influences frequency characteristics of the antenna pattern110adepending on elements of the meta member130a(for example, a height, a shape of a metal plate, a size of the metal plate, a number of metal plates, an interval between a plurality of metal plates, and a spacing distance from the antenna pattern).

Therefore, the antenna pattern110ahas an extended frequency band (for example, 26 GHz or 38 GHz). When the extended frequency band is adjacent to the inherent frequency band of the antenna pattern110a, the antenna pattern110ahas a wide bandwidth. When the extended frequency band is not adjacent to the inherent frequency band, the antenna pattern110ahas a capability of performing dual-band transmission and reception.

Referring toFIG. 1, the antenna apparatus100afurther includes an upper coupling member115aspaced apart from an upper surface of the antenna pattern110a. The upper coupling member115aprovides a capacitance depending on an electromagnetic coupling between the upper coupling member115aand the antenna pattern110ato the antenna pattern110a, and increases an RF signal transmission and reception area of the antenna pattern110a. Therefore, a gain or a bandwidth of the antenna pattern110ais improved.

An optimal position for connection of the feed via120ain the antenna pattern110amay be spaced apart from the center of the antenna pattern110adepending on a disposition of the upper coupling member115a.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare plan views illustrating an example of a meta member corresponding to a surface current flow of the antenna apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 3A, when the optimal position is close to an edge of the antenna pattern110ain a second lateral direction (for example, a direction 270°) of the antenna pattern110a, a surface current flowing in the antenna pattern110adepending on RF signal transmission and reception of the antenna pattern110aflows in a fourth lateral direction (for example, a direction of 90°) of the antenna pattern110a. In this case, the surface current is dispersed in a first lateral direction (for example, a direction of 0°) and a third lateral direction (for example, a direction of 180°), and the meta member130asuppresses an RF signal depending on components of the surface current dispersed in the first and third lateral directions from leaking in the first and third lateral directions.

Referring toFIG. 3B, when the optimal position is close to an edge of the antenna pattern110ain the first lateral direction (for example, the direction 0°) of the antenna pattern110a, a surface current flowing in the antenna pattern110adepending on RF signal transmission and reception of the antenna pattern110aflows in the third lateral direction (for example, the direction of 180°) of the antenna pattern110a. In this case, the surface current is dispersed in the second lateral direction (for example, the direction of 270°) and the fourth lateral direction (for example, the direction of 90°), and the meta member130asuppresses an RF signal depending on components of the surface current dispersed in the second and fourth lateral directions from leaking in the second and fourth lateral directions.

Therefore, the meta member130asurrounding the antenna pattern110aand/or the upper coupling member115asuppresses the RF signal of the antenna pattern110afrom leaking in a lateral direction, and thus further improves the antenna performance of the antenna pattern110a.

FIGS. 2A through 2Eare plan views illustrating examples of various structures of the antenna apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 2A, the meta member130acompletely surrounds the antenna pattern110awhen viewed in the vertical direction, and is disposed so that a spacing distance between the meta member130aand the antenna pattern110ais uniform. Therefore, the meta member130ais able to efficiently suppress the RF signal of the antenna pattern110afrom leaking in the lateral direction, and efficiently concentrate the RF signal reflected from the ground pattern in the upward direction.

Referring toFIGS. 2B and 2C, the meta member130aonly partially surrounds the antenna pattern110a. Therefore, in the antenna apparatus of this example, the antenna performance is improved using the negative refractive index of the meta member130a, and an increase in a size of the antenna apparatus due to the use of the meta member130ais reduced.

Referring toFIG. 2D, the meta member130afurther include a plurality of dummy cells disposed adjacent to vertices of a polygon enclosing the meta member130a. In addition, a size of a conductive pattern of each of the plurality of dummy cells is greater than a of the conductive patterns of the meta member. Therefore, the antenna apparatus of this example may be easily coupled to a meta member of an adjacent antenna apparatus in an antenna module without influencing the negative refractive index characteristics of the meta member130a. Therefore, the antenna apparatus of this example improves an antenna performance when used in an array.

Referring toFIGS. 2A through 2D, the antenna pattern110aincludes slits122aformed adjacent to points to which the feed vias are connected and on opposite sides the antenna pattern110a. The slits122ainfluence an impedance of the antenna pattern110a, and induce the surface current flowing in the antenna pattern110ato flow from a slit on one side of the antenna pattern110ato a slit on the other side of the antenna pattern110a. Therefore, the RF signal leaking from the antenna pattern110ain the lateral direction may be reduced.

Referring toFIG. 2E, the antenna apparatus of this example includes an antenna pattern110d, a ground pattern125d, and a meta member130d. A plurality of cells included in the meta member130dare arranged in an n×1, structure, where n is a natural number larger than 2. That is, the plurality of cells are arranged in one string. Therefore, a size of the antenna apparatus of this example is reduced.

FIGS. 4A and 4Bare side views illustrating examples of various structures of the antenna apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 4A, a lower level conductive pattern of the meta member130ais disposed at the same height as a height of the antenna pattern. Therefore, a spacing distance from the midpoint of the meta member130ato the ground pattern125ais greater than a spacing distance from the antenna pattern110ato the ground pattern125a.

Referring toFIG. 4B, all of the conductive patterns of the meta member130aare disposed at a height higher than a height of the antenna pattern110a. The height of the meta member130amay be changed depending on a frequency of the RF signal, an antenna performance design condition, the number of antenna apparatuses included in the antenna module, intervals between the antenna apparatuses, and sizes of the antenna apparatuses.

FIG. 5Ais a perspective view illustrating an example of a cross section of the antenna apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 5A, the ground pattern125aoverlaps at least portions of the meta member130aand at least portions of the antenna pattern110aso as to cover a space between the meta member130aand the antenna pattern110awhen viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, the ground pattern125ais able to more efficiently reflect the RF signal of the antenna pattern110ato the meta member130a, and so the antenna performance of the antenna apparatus of this example is improved.

Referring toFIG. 5A, the meta member130ais disposed so that an average spacing distance d2from the ground pattern125ato the plurality of conductive patterns included in the meta member130ais greater than a spacing distance d3from the ground pattern125ato the antenna pattern110aand is smaller than a spacing distance d4from the ground pattern125ato the upper coupling pattern115a. Therefore, the RF signal reflected from the ground pattern125ais propagated through the meta member130aat an appropriate angle at which it is concentrated in the upward direction in the meta member130a. Therefore, the antenna performance of the antenna apparatus of this example is improved.

Referring toFIG. 5A, the meta member130ais disposed so that a spacing distance from the ground pattern125ato the uppermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns included in the meta member130ais substantially the same as the spacing distance d4from the ground pattern125ato the upper coupling pattern115a, and a spacing distance from the ground pattern125ato the lowermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns included in the meta member130ais substantially the same as the spacing distance d3from the ground pattern125ato the antenna pattern110a. That is, the meta member130ais disposed along at least portions of the side boundaries of the antenna pattern110a, and extends to the same height as the height of the upper coupling pattern115a. Therefore, the meta member130ais able to more efficiently induce the RF signal leaking from the antenna pattern110aand the upper coupling pattern115ain the lateral direction to propagate in the upward direction.

Referring toFIG. 5A, the meta member130ais disposed so that a spacing distance from the ground pattern to at least one of the plurality of conductive patterns included in the meta member130a(for example, a conductive pattern at a midpoint) is smaller than the spacing distance d4from the ground pattern125ato the upper coupling pattern115aand is greater than the spacing distance d3from the ground pattern125ato the antenna pattern110a. At least one of the plurality of conductive patterns included in the meta member130aphysically blocks the antenna pattern110aand the upper coupling pattern115afrom an antenna pattern and an upper coupling pattern of another antenna apparatus in the antenna module. Therefore, an isolation level between the antenna apparatus of this example and an adjacent antenna apparatus is improved.

Referring toFIG. 5A, the meta member130ais disposed so that a spacing distance d1from the antenna pattern110ato the plurality of conductive patterns included in the meta member130ais smaller than the spacing distance d4from the ground pattern125ato the upper coupling pattern115aand is greater than the spacing distance d3from the ground pattern125ato the antenna pattern110a. Therefore, the RF signal reflected from the ground pattern125ais propagated through the meta member130aat an appropriate angle at which it is concentrated in the upward direction in the meta member130a. Therefore, the antenna performance of the antenna apparatus of this example is improved.

Referring toFIG. 5A, a length of a side of each of the plurality of conductive patterns included in the meta member130ais smaller than the spacing distance from the ground pattern125ato the uppermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns and is greater than the spacing distance from the ground pattern125ato the lowermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns. In addition, the spacing distance from the lowermost conductive pattern of the meta member130ato the ground pattern125ais greater than the spacing distance from the uppermost conductive pattern to the lowermost conductive pattern of the plurality of conductive patterns included in the meta member130a. Therefore, the meta member130ahas an appropriate negative refractive index so that the RF signal propagated through the meta member130ais concentrated in the upward direction. Therefore, the antenna performance of the antenna apparatus of this apparatus is improved.

Referring toFIG. 5A, the antenna apparatus further includes a plurality of first shielding vias126aelectrically connected to the ground pattern125aand arranged to surround at least portions of the meta member130awhen viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, an isolation level between the antenna apparatus of this example and an adjacent antenna apparatus is improved, and an RF signal reflection performance of the ground pattern125ais further improved.

In addition, referring toFIG. 5A, the antenna apparatus further includes a plurality of second shielding vias121aelectrically connected to the ground pattern125aand arranged to surround the feed via120awhen viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, an electromagnetic noise of the RF signal passing through the feed via120ais reduced.

FIG. 5Bis a perspective view illustrating an example of a cross section of the meta member of the antenna apparatus, andFIGS. 6A and 6Bare side views illustrating examples of various structures of the meta member of the antenna apparatus.

Referring toFIGS. 5B and 6A, each of the plurality of cells included in the meta member130aincludes a conductive via131a, a first conductive pattern132a, a second conductive pattern133a, a third conductive pattern134a, a fourth conductive pattern135a, and a fifth conductive pattern136a.

Referring toFIG. 5B, the plurality of cells are arranged in an n×2 structure, where n is a natural number larger than 2. That is, the plurality of cells are arranged in two strings. The RF signal leaking from the antenna pattern in the lateral direction is propagated as if it is incident to a medium having a negative refractive index by a narrow gap between one of the two strings that is adjacent to the antenna pattern and the other one of the two strings that is further away from the antenna pattern. Therefore, the plurality of cells arranged in the n×2 structure further concentrate the RF signal in the upward direction. However, structure of the plurality of cells is not limited to the n×2 structure, but may be changed depending on a design. For example, the plurality of cells may be arranged in the n×1 structure illustrated inFIG. 2E.

The conductive vias131aelectrically connect the first to fifth conductive patterns132a,133a,134a,135a, and136ato each other, and improve the structural stability of the first to fifth conductive patterns132a,133a,134a,135a, and136a.

In addition, since the conductive via131aphysically blocks the antenna pattern110aand the upper coupling pattern115afrom an antenna pattern and an upper coupling pattern of another antenna apparatus in the antenna module, the conductive via131aimproves an isolation level between the antenna apparatus of this example and an adjacent antenna apparatus.

Since the first to fifth conductive patterns132a,133a,134a,135a, and136ahave shapes and sizes that are substantially the same as one another and are spaced apart from each other by intervals that are substantially the same as one another, the meta member130ahas electromagnetic bandgap characteristics (i.e., a negative refractive index).

AlthoughFIGS. 6A and 6Bappear to show that the feed via120ais connected to the meta member130a, this is not the case. The feed via120ais actually connected to the antenna pattern110a, which is behind the meta member130aand is blocked from view.

FIG. 8Ais a circuit diagram illustrating an example of an equivalent circuit of the antenna apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 8A, an antenna pattern110bof the antenna apparatus transfers an RF signal to a source SRC2such as an IC or receives an RF signal transferred from the source SRC2, and has a resistance R2and inductances L3and L4.

A meta member130bhas capacitances C5and C12for the antenna pattern110b, capacitances C6and010between a plurality of conductive patterns, inductances L5and L6of conductive vias, and capacitances C7and C11between the conductive patterns and a ground pattern.

A frequency band and a bandwidth of the antenna apparatus is determined by the resistance, the capacitances, and the inductances described above.

The capacitances C7and C11between the conductive patterns and the ground pattern may be replaced by inductances depending on whether or not the meta member130band the ground pattern are electrically connected to each other. That is, the antenna apparatus may further include vias electrically connecting the conductive patterns of the meta member130band the ground pattern to each other.

When the antenna apparatus does not include the vias electrically connecting the meta member130band the ground pattern to each other, the meta member130bacts adaptively to a frequency of the RF signal. Therefore, the antenna apparatus has an increased bandwidth.

FIG. 8Bis a graph illustrating an example of an S-parameter of the antenna apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 8B, the S-parameter (for example, a ratio of an energy of the RF signal transferred from the antenna pattern to the feed via to an energy of the RF signal transferred from the feed via to the antenna pattern) of the antenna apparatus has a low value at about 26 GHz and about 28 GHz. That is, since the reflectivities of an RF signal of about 26 GHz and an RF signal of about 28 GHz in a transmission process are low, the antenna pattern has a high antenna performance for the RF signal of about 26 GHz and the RF signal of about 28 GHz.

When a reference for measuring a bandwidth is set to an S-parameter of −10 dB, the antenna module of this example has a bandwidth of about 4.7 GHz.

The low value of the S-parameter at about 28 GHz is determined by the inherent elements of the antenna pattern, and the low value of the S-parameter at about 26 GHz is determined by the elements of the meta member. That is, the antenna apparatus of this example further increases the bandwidth using the meta member.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bare respectively a perspective view and a plan view illustrating an example of a circular antenna pattern and a meta member surrounding the circular antenna pattern in a circular shape in the antenna apparatus.

Referring toFIGS. 9A and 9B, the antenna apparatus includes an antenna pattern110e, an upper coupling pattern115e, a ground pattern125e, first shielding vias126e, and a meta member130e.

The antenna pattern110ehas a circular shape. Therefore, the meta member130esurrounds the antenna pattern110ein a circular shape when viewed in the vertical direction. For example, each of a plurality of conductive patterns included in the meta member130ehas a trapezoidal shape. Therefore, the meta member130efurther concentrates an RF signal leaking from the antenna pattern110ein a lateral direction in the upward direction.

FIGS. 10A through 10Care plan views illustrating examples of an antenna module in which antenna apparatuses are arranged.

Referring toFIGS. 10A and 10B, the antenna module includes at least some of antenna patterns110c, a ground pattern125c, meta members130c, second antenna patterns210c, director patterns215, and feed lines220c.

The antenna pattern110cforms a radiation pattern in a first direction (for example, an upward direction) so as to transmit or receive an RF signal in the first direction.

The second antenna pattern210cforms a radiation pattern in a second direction (for example, a lateral direction) so as to transmit or receive an RF signal in the second direction. For example, the second antenna pattern210cis disposed adjacent to a side surface of a connection member, and has a dipole shape or a folded dipole shape (FIGS. 10A and 10Billustrate a folded dipole shape). One end of a first pole of the second antenna pattern210cis electrically connected to a first line of the feed line220c, and one end of a second pole of the second antenna pattern210cis electrically connected to a second line of the feed line220c. A frequency band of the second antenna pattern210cmay be designed to be substantially the same as the frequency band of the antenna pattern110c, but is not limited thereto.

In one example, the second antenna pattern210cis disposed at a position lower than a position of the ground pattern125c. In this example, the ground pattern125cimproves an isolation level between the second antenna pattern210cand the antenna pattern110c.

The director pattern215cis electromagnetically coupled to the second antenna pattern210cto improve either one or both of a gain and a bandwidth of the second antenna pattern210c. The director pattern215chas a length smaller than a total length of a dipole of the second antenna pattern210c, and as the length of the director pattern215cdecreases, the electromagnetic coupling between the director pattern215cand the second antenna pattern210cincreases. Therefore, either one or both of the gain and a directivity of the second antenna pattern210cmay further be improved.

The feed line220ctransfers an RF signal received from the second antenna pattern210cto an IC, and transfers an RF signal transferred from the IC to the second antenna pattern210c. The feed line220cmay be implemented by wirings of the connection member.

Therefore, in the antenna module of these examples, the radiation patterns are formed in the first and second directions, and the RF signal may thus be omnidirectionally transmitted and received.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 10A, the antenna apparatuses are arranged in an n×m structure, and the antenna module including these antenna apparatuses may be disposed adjacent to a vertex or corner of an electronic device in which the antenna module is mounted.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 10B, the antenna apparatuses according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure may be arranged in an n×1 structure of n×1, and the antenna module including these antenna apparatuses may be disposed adjacent to a side of an electronic device in which the antenna module is mounted.

Referring toFIG. 100, another example of the antenna module includes at least some of a plurality of antenna patterns110d, a ground pattern125d, a plurality of meta members130d, a plurality of second antenna patterns210d, a plurality of director patterns215d, and a plurality of feed lines220d.

Each of the plurality of meta members130dincludes a plurality of cells arranged in an n×1 structure. The plurality of meta members130dare disposed to surround each of the plurality of antenna patterns110d, and are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, an influence of the plurality of antenna apparatuses on one another may be reduced.

FIG. 11is a side view illustrating an example of a schematic structure of the antenna module including the antenna apparatuses.

Referring toFIG. 11, the antenna module has a structure in which an antenna10aand an IC20aare integrated with each other, and include at least some of the antenna10a, a second direction antenna15a, a chip antenna16a, the IC20a, a meta member30a, a passive component40a, a board50a, and a sub-board60a.

The antenna10acorresponds to the antenna pattern and the upper coupling pattern described above with reference toFIGS. 1 through 10C, and is disposed on an upper surface of the board50a.

The meta member30acorresponds to the meta member described above with reference toFIGS. 1 through 10C.

The second direction antenna15acorresponds to the second antenna pattern and the director pattern described above with reference toFIGS. 10A and 10C, and is disposed adjacent to a side surface of the board50aso as to receive the RF signal in the lateral direction.

The chip antenna16ahas a three-dimensional structure including a dielectric having a high dielectric constant higher than a dielectric constant of an insulating layer52aand a plurality of electrodes disposed on opposite surfaces of the dielectric, and is disposed adjacent to an upper surface and a side surface of the board50aso as to transmit and receive an RF signal in a lateral direction and/or an upward direction.

The antenna module may include at least two of the antenna10a, the second direction antenna15a, and the chip antenna16ato omnidirectionally form radiation patterns.

The IC20aconverts an RF signal transferred from the antenna10a, the second direction antenna15a, and/or the chip antenna16ainto an intermediate frequency (IF) signal or a base band signal, and transfers the converted IF signal or base band signal to an IF IC, a base band IC, or a communications modem disposed outside the antenna module. In addition, the IC20aconverts an IF signal or a base band signal transferred from the IF IC, the base band IC, or the communications modem disposed outside the antenna module into an RF signal, and transfers the converted RF signal to the antenna10a, the second direction antenna15a, and/or the chip antenna16a. A frequency (for example, 24 GHz, 28 GHz, 36 GHz, 39 GHz, or 60 GHz) of the RF signal is greater than a frequency (for example, 2 GHz, 5 GHz, or 10 GHz) of the IF signal. The IC20aperforms at least some of frequency conversion, amplification, filtering, phase control, and power generation to generate a converted signal. The antenna module may further include an IF IC or a base band IC disposed on a lower surface of the board50a, depending on a design.

The IC20aand the passive component40aare disposed adjacent to the lower surface of the board50a. The passive component40amay be a capacitor (for example, a multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC)), an inductor, or a chip resistor so as to provide a required impedance to the IC20a.

The board50aincludes one or more conductive layers51aand one or more insulating layers52a, and includes one or more vias penetrating through the one or more insulating layers52aso as to electrically connect a plurality of conductive layers51ato each other. For example, the board50amay be implemented by a printed circuit board, and may have a structure in which an antenna package of an upper end and a connection member of a lower end are coupled to each other. For example, the antenna package may be designed in terms of transmission and reception efficiency of the RF signal, and the connection member may be designed in terms of wiring efficiency.

For example, a conductive layer relatively close to an upper surface of the board50aamong one or more conductive layers51amay be used as a ground pattern of the antenna10a, and a conductive layer relatively close to the lower surface of the board50aamong one or more conductive layers51amay be used as a wiring layer through which the RF signal, the IF signal, or the base band signal passes, a wiring ground layer for electromagnetic isolation of the wiring layer, and an IC ground layer providing a ground to the IC20a.

The sub-board60ais disposed on the lower surface of the board50a, and provides a path for the IF signal or the base band signal. For example, the sub-board60amay be implemented by a support member so as to be seated on an outer portion of the antenna module and support the antenna module.

Depending on a design, the sub-board60amay be replaced by a connector to which a coaxial cable is connected, or may be replaced by a flexible insulating layer on which a signal transmission line electrically connecting an external board and the IC20ato each other is disposed.

FIGS. 12A and 12Bare side views illustrating examples of various structures of the antenna module including the antenna apparatuses.

Referring toFIG. 12A, the antenna module has a structure in which an antenna package and a connection member are coupled to each other.

The connection member includes at least one wiring layer1210band at least one insulating layer1220b, wiring vias1230bconnected to at least one wiring layer1210b, connection pads1240bconnected to the wiring vias1230b, and a passivation layer1250b, and may have a structure similar to that of a copper redistribution layer (RDL). The antenna package is disposed on an upper surface of the connection member.

The antenna package includes at least some of a plurality of upper coupling members1110b, a plurality of antenna patterns1115b, a plurality of feed vias1120b, meta members1130b, a dielectric layer1140b, and an encapsulation member1150b, and corresponds to the antenna apparatus described above with reference toFIGS. 1 through 11.

The dielectric layer1140bis disposed to surround side surfaces of each of the plurality of feed vias1120b. The dielectric layer1140bhas a height greater than a height of at least one insulating layer1220bof the connection member. As either one or both of a height and a width of the dielectric layer1140bincreases, the antenna package becomes more advantageous in securing antenna performance, and provides boundary conditions (for example, a small manufacturing tolerance, a short electrical length, a smooth surface, and a large size of the dielectric layer, and adjustment of a dielectric constant) that are advantageous for an RF signal transmission and reception operation of the plurality of antenna patterns1115b.

The encapsulation member1150bis disposed on the dielectric layer1140b, and improves a durability of the plurality of antenna patterns1115band/or the plurality of upper coupling members1110bagainst impact and oxidation. For example, the encapsulation member1150bmay be implemented by a photoimageable encapsulant (PIE), an Ajinomoto Build-Up Film (ABF), or an epoxy molding compound (EMC), but is not limited thereto.

An IC1301b, a power management IC (PMIC)1302b, and a plurality of passive components1351b,1352b, and1353bare disposed on a lower surface of the connection member. The IC1301bcorresponds to the IC20aillustrated inFIG. 11. In the example illustrated inFIG. 12A, the IC1301b, the PMIC1302b, and the plurality of passive components1351b,1352b, and1353bare coupled to the connection member through electrical connection structures1260b.

The PMIC1302bgenerates power, and transfers the generated power to the IC1301bthrough at least one wiring layer1210bof the connection member.

The plurality of passive components1351b,1352b, and1353bprovide impedances to either one or both of the IC1301band the PMIC1302b. For example, the plurality of passive components1351b,1352b, and1353binclude at least some of a capacitor (for example, a multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC)), an inductor, and a chip resistor.

Referring toFIG. 12B, an IC package includes an IC1300a, an encapsulant1305aencapsulating at least portions of the IC1300a, a support member1355ahaving a first side surface disposed to face the IC1300a, and a connection member including at least one wiring layer1310aelectrically connected to the IC1300aand the support member1355aand insulating layer1280a. The IC package is coupled to either one or both of the connection member and the antenna package.

The connection member includes at least one wiring layer1210a, at least one insulating layer1220a, wiring vias1230a, connection pads1240a, and a passivation layer1250a. An antenna package includes a plurality of upper coupling members1110a,1110b,1110c, and1110d, a plurality of antenna patterns1115a,1115b,1115c, and1115d, a plurality of feed vias1120a,1120b,1120c, and1120d, a plurality of meta members1130a, a dielectric layer1140a, and an encapsulation member1150a.

The IC package is coupled to the connection member described above. An RF signal generated by the IC1300aincluded in the IC package is transferred to the antenna package through at least one wiring layer1310aand is transmitted in an upward direction of the antenna module, and a first RF signal received by the antenna package is transferred to the IC1300athrough the at least one wiring layer1310a.

The IC package further includes connection pads1330adisposed on an upper surface and/or a lower surface of the IC1300a. The connection pads disposed on the upper surface of the IC1300aare electrically connected to at least one wiring layer1310a, and the connection pads disposed on the lower surface of the IC1300aare electrically connected to the support member1355aor a core plating member1365athrough a lower wiring layer1320a. The core plating member1365aprovides a ground region for the IC1300a.

The support member1355aincludes a core dielectric layer1356ain contact with the connection member, and at least one core via1360apenetrating through the core dielectric layer1356aand electrically connected to the lower wiring layer1320a. The at least one core via1360ais electrically connected to an electrical connection structure1340asuch as a solder ball, a pin, or a land.

Therefore, the support member1355areceives either one or both of a base band signal and power supplied from a lower surface thereof, and transfers the either one or both of the base band signal and the power to the IC1300athrough at least one wiring layer1310aof the connection member.

The IC1300agenerates an RF signal in a millimeter wave (mmWave) band using the either one or both of the base band signal and the power. For example, the IC1300amay receive a base band signal having a low frequency and perform frequency conversion, amplification, filtering, phase control, and power generation on the base band signal, and may be implemented by a compound semiconductor (for example, GaAs) or a silicon semiconductor in consideration of high frequency characteristics of the IC1300a.

The IC package further includes a passive component1350aelectrically connected to a wiring corresponding to at least wiring layer1310a. The passive component1350is disposed in an accommodation space1306aprovided by the support member1355a, and provides an impedance to the IC1300a. For example, the passive component1350amay be a multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC), an inductor, or a chip resistor.

The IC package include core plating members1365aand1370adisposed on side surfaces of the support member1355a. The core plating members1365aand1370aprovide a ground region for the IC1300a, and externally dissipate heat of the IC1300aand remove noise generated by the IC1300a.

The IC package and the connection member may be independently manufactured and then coupled to each other, or may be manufactured together with each other depending on a design. That is, a separate coupling process between the IC package and the connection member may be omitted.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 12B, the IC package is coupled to the connection member through electrical connection structures1290aand a passivation layer1285a, but the electrical connection structures1290aand the passivation layer1285amay be omitted depending on a design.

FIGS. 13A and 13Bare views illustrating examples of a lower structure of a connection member of the antenna module.

Referring toFIG. 13A, the antenna module includes at least some of a connection member200, an IC310, an adhesive member320, electrical connection structures330, an encapsulant340, a passive component350, and a sub-board410.

The connection member200has a structure similar to the structures of the connection members illustrated inFIGS. 12A and 12B. For example, the connection member200includes a wiring layer, a ground layer, and an IC ground layer.

The wiring layer includes a wiring through which an RF signal flows and a wiring ground pattern surrounding the wiring. The wiring electrically connects the feed vias described above with respect toFIGS. 12A and 12Band the IC310to each other.

The ground layer is disposed between the antenna apparatus and the wiring layer, and electromagnetically isolates the antenna apparatus and the wiring layer from each other.

The IC ground layer provides a ground needed for a circuit of the IC310, is disposed between the wiring layer and the IC310to electromagnetically isolate the wiring layer and the IC310from each other, and includes a wiring through which an IF signal, a base band signal, or power passes.

The IC310may be the same as the IC described above with respect toFIGS. 11 through 12B, and is disposed below the connection member200. The IC310is electrically connected to the wiring layer of the connection member200to transfer an RF signal to the wiring layer or receive an RF signal transferred from the wiring layer, and is electrically connected to the ground layer of the connection member200to receive a ground provided from the ground layer. For example, the IC310may perform any one or any combination of any two or more of frequency conversion, amplification, filtering, phase control, and power generation to generate a converted signal.

The adhesive member320adheres the IC310and the connection member200to each other.

The electrical connection structures330electrically connects the IC310and the connection member200to each other. For example, the electrical connection structures330are disposed to electrically connect the wiring layer and the ground layer of the connection member200to each other, and have a structure such as a solder ball, a pin, a land, or a pad. The electrical connection structures330have a melting point lower than the melting point of the wiring layer and the ground layer of the connection member200to electrically connect the IC310and the connection member200to each other by a predetermined joining process occurring at the low melting point.

The encapsulant340encapsulates at least portions of the IC310, and improves heat dissipation performance and impact protection performance of the IC310. For example, the encapsulant340may be implemented by a PIE, an ABF, or an EMC, but is not limited thereto.

The passive component350is disposed on a lower surface of the connection member200, is electrically connected to either one or both of the wiring layer and the ground layer of the connection member200through the electrical connection structures300, and corresponds to the passive components illustrated inFIGS. 11 through 12B.

The sub-board410is disposed below the connection member200, and is electrically connected to the connection member200so as to receive an IF signal or a base band signal transferred from an external apparatus and transfer the IF signal or the base band signal to the IC310, or receive an IF signal or a base band signal transferred from the IC310and transfer the IF signal or the base band signal to the external apparatus. A frequency (for example, 24 GHz, 28 GHz, 36 GHz, 39 GHz, or 60 GHz) of the RF signal is greater than a frequency (for example, 2 GHz, 5 GHz, or 10 GHz) of the IF signal.

For example, the sub-board410may transfer the IF signal or the base band signal to the IC310or receive the IF signal or the base band signal transferred from the IC310through a wiring included in the IC ground layer of the connection member200.

Referring toFIG. 13B, the antenna module includes at least some of an IC310, an adhesive member320, electrical connection structures330, a passive component350, a shielding member360, a connector420, and a chip antenna430.

The shielding member360is disposed below the connection member200to shield the IC310together with the connection member200. For example, the shielding member360may be a conformal shield that covers the IC310and the passive component350together, or may be a compartment shield to cover the IC310and the passive component350separately. For example, the shielding member360may have a hexahedral shape with one face open, and may be coupled to the connection member200to form a hexahedral accommodation space. The shielding member360is made of a material having a high conductivity, such as copper, so that it has a short skin depth, and is electrically connected to the ground layer of the connection member200. Therefore, the shielding member360reduces the amount of external electromagnetic noise that is applied to the IC310and the passive component350.

The connector420may have a structure for connection to a cable (for example, a coaxial cable or a flexible printed circuit board (PCB)), may be electrically connected to the IC ground layer of the connection member200, and may play a role similar to the role of the sub-board described above. That is, the connector420may receive an IF signal or a base band as well as power provided from the cable, or may provide either one or both of an IF signal and a base band signal to the cable.

The chip antenna430assists the antenna apparatus to transmit or receive an RF signal, and corresponds to the chip antenna16aillustrated inFIG. 11.

FIGS. 14A and 14Bare plan views illustrating examples of a layout of the antenna module in an electronic device.

Referring toFIG. 14A, the antenna module including an antenna apparatus100g, antenna patterns1110g, and a dielectric layer1140gis disposed adjacent to a side surface boundary of an electronic device400gon a set board300gof the electronic device400g.

The electronic device400gmay be a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a digital video camera, a digital still camera, a network system, a computer, a monitor, a tablet PC, a laptop PC, a netbook PC, a television, a video game machine, a smartwatch, or an automotive component, but is not limited thereto.

A communications module310gand a base band circuit320gare further disposed on the set board300g. The communications module310gincludes at least some of a memory chip such as a volatile memory (for example, a dynamic random-access memory (DRAM)), a non-volatile memory (for example, a read-only memory (ROM)), or a flash memory); an application processor chip such as a central processor (for example, a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processor (for example, a graphics processing unit (GPU)), a digital signal processor, a cryptographic processor, a microprocessor, or a microcontroller; and a logic chip such as an analog-digital converter or an application-specific IC (ASIC), so as to perform digital signal processing.

The base band circuit320gperforms analog-digital conversion, amplification for an analog signal, filtering, and frequency conversion to generate a base band signal. The base band signal input or output from the base band circuit320gis transferred to the antenna module through the cable.

For example, the base band signal may be transferred to the IC through the electrical connection structure, the core via, and the wiring layer. The IC converts the base band signal into an RF signal in an mmWave band.

Referring toFIG. 14B, a plurality of antenna modules each including an antenna apparatus100h, antenna patterns1110h, and a dielectric layer1140hare respectively disposed adjacent to one side surface boundary and another side surface boundary of an electronic device400hon a set board300hof the electronic device400h, and a communications module310hand a base band circuit320hare further disposed on the set board300h.

The conductive layer, the wiring layer, the ground layer, the feed line, the feed via, the antenna pattern, the upper coupling pattern, the second antenna pattern, the meta member, the ground pattern, the first and second shielding vias, the director pattern, and the electrical connection structure described in this application are made of a metal (for example, a conductive material such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), titanium (Ti), or an alloy of any two or more thereof), and may be formed by a plating method such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), sputtering, a subtractive process, an additive process, a semi-additive process (SAP), a modified semi-additive process (mSAP) but are not limited thereto.

Either one or both of the dielectric layer and the insulating layer described in this application may be implemented by FR-4, a liquid-crystal polymer (LCP), a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC), a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin, a thermoplastic resin such as a polyimide resin, a resin in which the thermosetting resin or the thermoplastic resin is impregnated together with an inorganic filler in a core material such as a glass fiber (or a glass cloth or a glass fabric), a prepreg, ABF, FR-4, Bismaleimide Triazine (BT), photoimageable dielectric (PID) resin, a copper-clad laminate (CCL), or a glass- or ceramic-based insulating material. The insulating layer may fill at least portions of positions at which the conductive layer, the wiring layer, the ground layer, the feed line, the feed via, the antenna pattern, the upper coupling pattern, the second antenna pattern, the meta member, the ground pattern, the first and second shielding vias, the director pattern, and the electrical connection structure are not disposed in the antenna apparatus and the antenna module described in this application.

The RF signal referred to herein may have a format according to protocols such as Wi-Fi (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) (IEEE 802.16 family), Mobile Broadband Wireless Access (MBWA) (IEEE 802.20 family), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Global Positioning System (GPS), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), Bluetooth, 3G, 4G, and 5G protocols, and any other wireless and wired protocols, but is not limited thereto.

In the examples described above, the antenna apparatus and the antenna module further concentrate a radiation pattern of the antenna pattern to improve an antenna performance (e.g., a transmission/reception rate, a gain, a bandwidth, or a directivity), or have a structure advantageous for miniaturization.

In addition, the antenna apparatus and the antenna module have a wide bandwidth or perform dual-band transmission and reception by extending a frequency band depending on the inherent elements of the antenna pattern.

Further, the antenna apparatus and the antenna module concentrate each of a plurality of surface currents of the antenna pattern in a dual feeding manner to further improve the antenna performance.