Antenna apparatus

An antenna apparatus includes a ground plane, a plurality of first patch antenna patterns arranged on a level higher than the ground plane and each configured to transmit and/or receive a first radio frequency signal of a first frequency, a plurality of second patch antenna patterns arranged on a level higher than the ground plane and each having a size smaller than a size of each of the first patch antenna patterns, wherein the plurality of second patch antenna patterns include at least one feed patch antenna pattern configured to transmit and/or receive a second radio frequency signal of a second frequency different from the first frequency, and at least one dummy patch antenna pattern which is not fed any of the first and second radio frequency signals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0096690 filed on Aug. 8, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an antenna apparatus.

2. Description of the Background

Mobile communications data traffic has increased on an annual basis. Various techniques have been developed to support the rapid increase in data in wireless networks in real time. For example, conversion of Internet of Things (IoT)-based data into contents, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), live VR/AR linked with SNS, an automatic driving function, applications such as a sync view (transmission of real-time images from a user's viewpoint using a compact camera), and the like, may require communications (e.g., 5G communications, mmWave communications, and the like) which support the transmission and reception of large volumes of data.

Accordingly, there has been a large amount of research on mmWave communications including 5th generation (5G), and the research into the commercialization and standardization of an antenna apparatus for implementing such communications has been increasingly conducted.

An RF signal of a high frequency band (e.g., 24 GHz, 28 GHz, 36 GHz, 39 GHz, 60 GHz, and the like) may easily be absorbed and lost during transmissions, which may degrade quality of communications. Thus, an antenna for communications performed in a high frequency band may require a technical approach different from techniques used in a general antenna, and a special technique such as a separate power amplifier, and the like, may be required to secure antenna gain, integration of an antenna and a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP), and the like.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, an antenna apparatus includes a ground plane, a plurality of first patch antenna patterns arranged on a level higher than the ground plane and each configured to transmit and/or receive a first radio frequency signal of a first frequency, a plurality of second patch antenna patterns arranged on a level higher than the ground plane and each having a size smaller than a size of each of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns, wherein the plurality of second patch antenna patterns include at least one feed patch antenna pattern configured to transmit and/or receive a second radio frequency signal of a second frequency different from the first frequency, and at least one dummy patch antenna pattern which is not fed any of the first and second radio frequency signals.

The plurality of second patch antenna patterns may be disposed on a level higher than the plurality of first patch antenna patterns.

The antenna apparatus may further include a plurality of third patch antenna patterns disposed on a level higher than the ground plane, overlapping the plurality of first patch antenna patterns, and each configured to transmit and/or receive a third radio frequency signal of a third frequency different from the first and second frequencies.

The plurality of third patch antenna patterns may each have a size less than a size of each of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns and greater than a size of each of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns.

The plurality of third patch antenna patterns may be disposed on a level higher than the plurality of first patch antenna patterns and lower than the plurality of second patch antenna patterns.

Portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns may overlap the plurality of first patch antenna patterns, and other portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns may not overlap the plurality of first patch antenna patterns.

The plurality of first patch antenna patterns may be spaced apart from each other by a first spacing distance and arranged in a first direction, and the plurality of second patch antenna patterns may be spaced apart from each other by a second spacing distance shorter than the first spacing distance and arranged in the first direction.

Portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns may be arranged in a first direction, and the portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns may be disposed such that each of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns is disposed in a region between the portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns taken in a second direction.

Other portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns may be disposed such that each of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns is disposed in a region between the other portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns taken in the first direction.

Portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns may be disposed to surround each of a plurality of regions between adjacent ones of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns.

The portions and additional portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns may be disposed to surround each of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns and each of the plurality of regions, and some of the portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns both surround each of the plurality of regions with a remainder of the portions and surround each of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns with the additional portions.

At least one of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns may include at least one slit portion formed from one side to the other side, and may overlap a corresponding first patch antenna pattern of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns.

At least one of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns may overlap a corresponding first patch antenna pattern of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns, and the at least one of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns may extend in a plurality of directions from one point overlapping the corresponding first patch antenna pattern.

The antenna apparatus may further include a plurality of second feed vias providing a feed path for at least one feed patch antenna pattern of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns and penetrating the ground plane.

The antenna apparatus may further include a plurality of first feed vias providing a feed path for a corresponding first patch antenna pattern of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns and penetrating the ground plane.

At least one of the plurality of second feed vias may provide a feed path for a corresponding first patch antenna pattern of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns.

In another general aspect, an antenna apparatus includes a ground plane, a plurality of first patch antenna patterns arranged on a level higher than the ground plane and fed with power, and a plurality of second patch antenna patterns each having a size smaller than a size of each of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns, and arranged on a level higher than the ground plane, wherein the plurality of second patch antenna patterns are arranged to surround each of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns and each of a plurality of regions between adjacent ones of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns, and wherein a portion of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns partially surrounds both the plurality of regions and the plurality of first patch antenna patterns.

Each second patch antenna pattern of the portion of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns may have a structure in which a length taken in a first direction is longer than a length taken in a second direction, and each second patch antenna pattern of another portion of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns may have a structure in which a length taken in the first direction is shorter than a length taken in a second direction.

The plurality of first patch antenna patterns may be arranged in the first direction, and a length of each of the plurality of regions surrounded by the portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns taken in the second direction may be longer than a length of each of the plurality of regions taken in the first direction.

The antenna apparatus may further include a plurality of third patch antenna patterns disposed on a level higher than the ground plane, overlapping the plurality of first patch antenna patterns, and fed with power.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The features described herein may be embodied in different forms, and are not to be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein have been provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein that will be apparent after an understanding of this disclosure. Hereinafter, while embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is noted that examples are not limited to the same.

Throughout the specification, when an element, such as a layer, region, or substrate, is described as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” the other element, or there may be one or more other elements intervening therebetween. In contrast, when an element is described as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, there can be no other elements intervening therebetween. As used herein “portion” of an element may include the whole element or less than the whole element.

An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an antenna apparatus which may improve antenna performance (e.g., gain, bandwidth, directivity, etc.), may provide a plurality of communications corresponding to a plurality of different bands, respectively, in an efficient manner, and/or may be easily miniaturized.

FIG. 1is a plan view illustrating combination of first and second patch antenna patterns of an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.FIG. 2Ais a plan view illustrating an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2A, an antenna apparatus in the example embodiment may include a ground plane201a, a plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a, and a plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112b.

The ground plane201amay be included in a connection member200. For example, the connection member200may have a structure in which a plurality of wiring layers are alternately layered with a plurality of insulating layers as in a printed circuit board (PCB), and the ground plane201amay be included in at least one of the plurality of wiring layers.

The ground plane201amay be disposed downwardly of the plurality of first and second patch antenna patterns111a,112a, and112band may be spaced apart from the first and second patch antenna patterns111a,112a, and112b. The ground plane201amay have an upper surface configured to have a predetermined width such that the ground plane201amay overlap the first and second patch antenna patterns111a,112a, and112bin upward and downward directions (e.g., a z direction).

The upper surface of the ground plane201amay work as an electromagnetic reflector with respect to the plurality of first and second patch antenna patterns111a,112a, and112b. For example, first and second radio frequency (RF) signals radiated to a lower side from the plurality of first and second patch antenna patterns111a,112a, and112bmay be reflected to an upper side from the ground plane201a. The first and second RF signals reflected from the ground plane201amay overlap the first and second radio frequency signals radiated to an upper side from the plurality of first and second patch antenna patterns111a,112a, and112b. Accordingly, a transmission and reception direction of the first and second radio frequency signals may be focused on an upper side by the plurality of first and second patch antenna patterns111a,112a, and112b.

The ground plane201amay electromagnetically shield a region between the structure of the connection member200disposed on a level lower than the ground plane201aand the plurality of first and second patch antenna patterns111a,112a, and112b, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference between the connection member200and the plurality of first and second patch antenna patterns111a,112a, and112b.

The plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay be arranged on a level higher than the ground plane201a, and each of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay be configured to transmit and/or receive a first RF signal of a first frequency (e.g., 28 GHz, 39 GHz or the like) from/to an integrated circuit (IC), and may remotely transmit and/or receive the first RF signal in a z direction.

Radiation patterns of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay overlap with one another. Thus, the higher the number of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a, the higher the gains of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a.

The overlapping of the radiation patterns of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay improve gains of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111aby constructive interference, and may deteriorate the gains by destructive interference.

Accordingly, the higher the ratio of constructive interference to destructive interference in the overlapping of the radiation patterns of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a, the higher the gains of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a. The ratio may be affected by a first spacing distance D1between the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a. For example, the first spacing distance D1may be configured to be a half of a first wavelength of the first RF signal, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto.

The plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay be arranged on a level higher than the ground plane201a, and at least portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay be configured to transmit and/or receive a second RF signal of a second frequency (e.g., 60 GHz, 77 GHz, or the like) different from the first frequency from/to the IC and may remotely transmit and/or receive the second RF signal in the z direction.

A first length L1of each of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay correspond to a first wavelength of the first RF signal, and a second length L2of each of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay correspond to a second wavelength of the second RF signal.

The second length L2of each of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay be less than the first length L1of each of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a.

Accordingly, the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay remotely transmit and receive the first RF signal having a relatively long first wavelength, and at least portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay remotely transmit and receive the second RF signal having a relatively short second wavelength.

Radiation patterns of at least portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay overlap with one another. Accordingly, the higher the number of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112b, the higher the gains of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112b.

The overlapping of the radiation patterns of the at least portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay improve gains of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bby constructive interference, and may deteriorate the gains by destructive interference.

Accordingly, the higher the ratio of constructive interference to destructive interference in the overlapping of the radiation patterns of the at least portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112b, the higher the gains of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112b. The ratio may be affected by a second spacing distance D2between the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112b. For example, the second spacing distance D2may be configured to be a half of a second wavelength of the second RF signal, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto.

As the second wavelength of the second RF signal is shorter than the first wavelength of the first RF signal, the second spacing distance D2may be shorter than the first spacing distance D1. Accordingly, the number of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bper unit area of the ground plane201amay be higher than the number of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111ain the same unit area.

For example, when the first spacing distance D1is twice the second spacing distance D2, half portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay be disposed relatively adjacent to the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a, and the other portions may be disposed relatively further from the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a.

A first electromagnetic boundary condition of the second patch antenna patterns of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bdisposed relatively adjacent to the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay be different from a second electromagnetic boundary condition of the second patch antenna patterns disposed relatively further from the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a.

A difference between the first electromagnetic boundary condition and the second electromagnetic boundary condition may distort the overlapping of radiation patterns of at least portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112b, which may adversely affect the improvement of gains of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112b.

Thus, the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bof the antenna apparatus in the example embodiment may include at least one feed patch antenna pattern112aand at least one dummy patch antenna pattern112b.

The at least one feed patch antenna pattern112amay be configured to transmit and/or receive a second RF signal of a second frequency (e.g., 60 GHz, 77 GHz, or the like) different from the first frequency from/to the IC, and may remotely transmit and/or receive the second RF signal in the z direction.

The at least one dummy patch antenna pattern112bmay be configured to not be fed the first and/or second RF signals.

If one of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bis changed to the dummy patch antenna pattern112bwhile all of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bare the feed patch antenna patterns112a, a portion of an integrated radiation pattern of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bcorresponding to the dummy patch antenna pattern112bmay be removed.

As an electromagnetic boundary condition of the dummy patch antenna pattern112bof the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bis different from an electromagnetic boundary condition of the other patch antenna patterns, a degree of distortion of the integrated radiation pattern of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay be reduced as the radiation pattern corresponding to the dummy patch antenna pattern112bis removed, and efficiency of the overlapping of radiation patterns of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay improve as the radiation pattern corresponding to the dummy patch antenna pattern112bis removed.

Accordingly, a gain of when a portion of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bis the dummy patch antenna pattern112bmay be higher than a gain of when all of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bare the feed patch antenna patterns112a.

A combination of the number/position of the dummy patch antenna pattern112bof the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay be varied, and the number/position of at least one dummy patch antenna pattern112bof the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay correspond to a combination in which gains of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bare the highest among a plurality of combinations.

As a second patch antenna pattern of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112boverlapping the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111ain upward and downward directions (e.g., a z direction) may use the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111aas electromagnetic reflectors, gains of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay improve effectively.

Thus, the second patch antenna pattern of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112boverlapping the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111ain the upward and downward directions (e.g., a z direction) may be the feed patch antenna pattern112a, and at least a portion of second patch antenna patterns of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bwhich does not overlap the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111ain the upward and downward directions (e.g., a z direction) may be the dummy patch antenna pattern112b. Accordingly, gains of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay improve.

The plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay be disposed on a level higher than the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a. Accordingly, the dummy patch antenna pattern112bmay also be disposed on a level higher than the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a, as well as the feed patch antenna pattern112a.

Accordingly, the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay use the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111aas electromagnetic reflectors, and a degree of distortion of the integrated radiation pattern of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay be reduced, thereby improving gains.

FIG. 2Bis a plan view illustrating an arrangement structure in which first and second patch antenna patterns do not overlap each other in an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 2B, the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111aand the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay be arranged in a first direction (e.g., a y direction), may be disposed in parallel to each other, and may not overlap with each other in the upward and downward directions (e.g., a z direction).

A first electromagnetic boundary condition of second patch antenna patterns of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bdisposed relatively adjacent to the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay be different from a second electromagnetic boundary condition of second patch antenna patterns disposed relatively further from the first patch antenna patterns111a.

A difference between the first electromagnetic boundary condition and the second electromagnetic boundary condition may distort the overlapping of radiation patterns of at least portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112b, which may adversely affect improvement of gains of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112b.

As the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112binclude at least one dummy patch antenna pattern112b, a degree of distortion of an integrated radiation pattern of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay be reduced, and the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay have improved gains.

FIG. 2Cis a plan view illustrating a structure in which a third patch antenna pattern is further included in an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 2C, the antenna apparatus in the example embodiment may further include a plurality of third patch antenna patterns113a.

The plurality of third patch antenna patterns113amay be disposed on a level higher than the ground plane201a, may overlap the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111ain the upward and downward directions (e.g., a z direction), and may be configured to transmit and/or receive a third RF signal of a third frequency (e.g., 39 GHz) different from the first and second frequencies (e.g., 28 GHz, 60 GHz, or the like).

The plurality of third patch antenna patterns113amay use the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111aas electromagnetic reflectors, and accordingly, a direction in which the third RF signal is remotely transmitted and received may be focused in the z direction.

For example, a third length L3of each of the plurality of third patch antenna patterns113amay be less than the first length of each of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111aand may be greater than the second length of each of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112b.

Accordingly, the plurality of third patch antenna patterns113amay remotely transmit and/or receive the third RF signal corresponding to a frequency higher than a frequency of the first RF signal which the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111atransmit and/or receive and lower than a frequency of the second RF signal which the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112btransmit and/or receive.

A third wavelength of the third RF signal of the plurality of third patch antenna patterns113amay be shorter than the first wavelength of the first RF signal of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a. As the plurality of third patch antenna patterns113aoverlap the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a, a third spacing distance between the plurality of third patch antenna patterns113amay be similar to the first spacing distance D1between the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a. Accordingly, efficiency of overlapping of radiation patterns of the plurality of third patch antenna patterns113amay be lower than efficiency of overlapping of radiation patterns of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a.

The plurality of third patch antenna patterns113amay be disposed on a level higher than the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111aand lower than the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112b.

Accordingly, the plurality of third patch antenna patterns113amay use the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111aas electromagnetic reflectors and may use portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bas electromagnetic directors, thereby improving efficiency in overlapping of the radiation patterns. Accordingly, the antenna apparatus in the example embodiment may harmoniously improve overall gains with respect to the first, second, and third RF signals.

FIG. 2Dis a plan view illustrating a structure in which a slit portion is formed in a second patch antenna pattern in an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 2D, at least one of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay include at least one slit portion formed from one side to the other side. The slit portion may have a second width G2.

By including the slit portion having the second width G2, the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay form a radiation pattern while circumventing the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bin an efficient manner. Accordingly, gains of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay improve.

Each of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay be divided into a plurality of portions each having a fourth length L4shorter than the second length. Accordingly, the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay have improved efficiency in reflecting the second RF signal, and may have improved gains.

FIG. 2Eis a plan view illustrating a structure in which a second patch antenna pattern extends in a plurality of directions in an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 2E, at least one of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay be configured to extend in a plurality of directions from one point (e.g., a center of a first patch antenna pattern) of a corresponding first patch antenna pattern of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a.

Accordingly, the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay form a radiation pattern while circumventing the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bin an efficient manner. Thus, gains of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay improve.

Also, the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay be divided into a plurality of portions, and accordingly, the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay have improved efficiency in reflecting the second RF signal, and may have improved gains. For example, each of the plurality of portions may have a rhombic shape.

FIG. 3Ais a plan view illustrating an arrangement structure in which first and second patch antenna patterns do not overlap each other in the upward and downward directions (e.g., a z direction) in an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 3A, at least portions of plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112dmay be spaced apart from each other by a 2-2th spacing distance D22and may be arranged in the first direction (e.g., a y direction), and portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112dmay be spaced apart from each other by a 2-1th spacing distance D21such that each of a plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay be disposed in a region between the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112dtaken in a second direction (e.g., an x direction).

A first electromagnetic boundary condition of the second patch antenna pattern112cof the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112ddisposed relatively adjacent to the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay be different from a second electromagnetic boundary condition of the second patch antenna pattern112ddisposed relatively further from the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a.

A difference between the first electromagnetic boundary condition and the second electromagnetic boundary condition may distort the overlapping of radiation patterns of at least portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112d, which may adversely affect improvement of gains of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112d.

The plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112dmay include at least one dummy patch antenna pattern112d, and accordingly, a degree of distortion of an integrated radiation pattern of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112dmay be reduced, and the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112dmay have improved gains.

A length L22of each of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112dtaken in the first direction may be longer than a length L21of each of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112dtaken in the second direction. Accordingly, a length of the antenna apparatus taken in the second direction (e.g., an x direction) may be reduced in the example embodiment.

For example, the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112dmay have a Planar Inverted-F Antenna (PIFA) structure or a monopole antenna structure, which may be appropriate for the length L22taken in the first direction and the length L21taken in the second direction, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto.

The plurality of third patch antenna patterns115amay be disposed on a level higher than the ground plane201a, may overlap the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111ain the upward and downward directions (e.g., a z direction), and may be configured to transmit and/or receive a third RF signal of a third frequency different from the first and second frequencies. Each of the plurality of third patch antenna patterns115amay have a fifth length L5.

FIG. 3Bis a plan view illustrating a structure in which a second patch antenna pattern surrounds a first patch antenna pattern in an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment

Referring toFIG. 3B, a plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112emay be arranged to surround the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a, respectively.

Accordingly, portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112emay be disposed such that each of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay be disposed in a region between the portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112etaken in the second direction (e.g., an x direction), and the other portions may be disposed such that each of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay be disposed in a region between the other portions taken in the first direction (e.g., a y direction).

A shortest spacing distance D23between the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112emay correspond to a second wavelength of a second RF signal which the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112etransmit and/or receive.

The second patch antenna pattern112eof the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112espaced apart from the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111ain the first direction (e.g., a y direction) may be configured to extend in the second direction (e.g., an x direction), and the second patch antenna pattern112cspaced apart from the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111ain the second direction (e.g., an x direction) may be configured to extend in the first direction (e.g., a y direction).

Accordingly, a length of the antenna apparatus taken in the second direction (e.g., an x direction) may be reduced in the example embodiment.

A first electromagnetic boundary condition of the second patch antenna pattern112eof the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112espaced apart from the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111ain the first direction (e.g., a y direction) may be different from a second electromagnetic boundary condition of the second patch antenna pattern112cspaced apart from the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111ain the second direction (e.g., an x direction).

In the antenna apparatus in the example embodiment, by including the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112cand112e, a portion of which is a dummy patch antenna pattern, distortion of a radiation pattern, caused as the first electromagnetic boundary condition is different from the second electromagnetic boundary condition, may be prevented, and gains in relation to the second RF signal may improve.

FIG. 3Cis a plan view illustrating a structure in which a second patch antenna pattern surrounds a region between first patch antenna patterns in an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.FIG. 3Dis a plan view illustrating a structure in which a portion of a second patch antenna pattern is used to surround a region between first patch antenna patterns and to surround a first patch antenna pattern in an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 3C and 3D, at least portions of a plurality of second patch antenna patterns112c,112d, and112emay be arranged to surround a plurality of regions between the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111aand to surround the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a, respectively.

A length of each of the plurality of regions taken in the second direction (e.g., an x direction) surrounded by the portions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112c,112d, and112emay be longer than a length of each of the plurality of regions taken in the first direction (e.g., a y direction).

Accordingly, shortest spacing distances among the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112c,112d, and112emay correspond to a second wavelength of a second RF signal and may be uniformly formed, and accordingly, gains of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112c,112d, and112emay improve.

Referring toFIG. 3D, a portion of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112c,112d, and112e, the second patch antenna pattern112e, may be used to surround the plurality of regions between the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111aand to surround the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a.

Accordingly, even when the first spacing distance between the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111ais not substantially changed, the shortest spacing distances among the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112c,112d, and112emay correspond to the second wavelength of the second RF signal, and may be uniformly formed. Thus, the antenna apparatus in the example embodiment may have improved gains in relation to the first and second RF signals.

A combination of a first structure of the second patch antenna patterns112dand112eof the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112c,112d, and112esurrounding the plurality of regions and a second structure of the second patch antenna patterns112cand112esurrounding the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay alleviate distortion of a radiation pattern caused by a difference between the electromagnetic boundary conditions of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112c,112d, and112e. Thus, efficiency of overlapping of an integrated radiation pattern of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112c,112d, and112emay improve, and gains of the plurality of second patch antenna patterns112c,112d, and112emay improve.

FIG. 4Ais a perspective view illustrating an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.FIG. 5Ais a side view illustrating an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 4A and 5A, a plurality of second patch antenna patterns112aand112bmay be disposed on a level higher than a plurality of first patch antenna patterns111aby a first height H1, and the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay be disposed on a level higher than the ground plane201aby a second height H2.

The antenna apparatus in the example embodiment may include a plurality of feed vias120a, and the plurality of feed vias120amay include a plurality of second feed vias122aand may further include a plurality of first feed vias121a.

The plurality of second feed vias122amay provide a feed path for at least one feed patch antenna pattern112aof the plurality of second patch antenna patterns, and may penetrate the ground plane201a. A dummy patch antenna pattern112bmay not be provided with a feed path from the plurality of second feed vias122a.

The plurality of first feed vias121amay provide a feed path for a corresponding first patch antenna pattern of the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a, and may penetrate the ground plane201a.

The plurality of first and second feed vias121aand122amay provide electrical connection paths between an integrated circuit (IC) and the patch antenna patterns, and may work as a transmission path of the first, second, and third RF signals.

The plurality of first and second feed vias121aand122amay be configured to extend in the upward and downward directions (e.g., a z direction), and may easily reduce an electrical length between an IC electrically connected to a connection member200and the patch antenna pattern.

FIG. 4Bis a perspective view illustrating an example in which a position of a feed/dummy patch antenna pattern is changed in an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.FIG. 5Bis a side view illustrating an example in which a position of a feed/dummy patch antenna pattern is changed in an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 4B and 5B, the feed patch antenna pattern112amay be disposed to not overlap the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111ain the upward and downward directions (e.g., a z direction), and the dummy patch antenna pattern112bmay be disposed to overlap the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111ain the upward and downward directions (e.g., a z direction).

Thus, the positions of the feed patch antenna pattern112aand the dummy patch antenna pattern112bmay not be limited by whether the feed patch antenna pattern112aand the dummy patch antenna pattern112boverlap the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111a.

FIG. 4Cis a perspective view illustrating a structure in which a portion of a second patch antenna pattern is used to surround a region between first patch antenna patterns and to surround a first patch antenna pattern in an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.FIG. 4Dis a perspective view illustrating an arrangement structure in which first and second patch antenna patterns do not overlap each other in the upward and downward directions (e.g., a z direction) in an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.FIG. 5Cis a side view illustrating a structure in which a second patch antenna pattern surrounds a region between first patch antenna patterns in an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 4C, 4D, and 5C, at least portions of a plurality of second patch antenna patterns112c,112d, and112emay be provided with a feed path from the plurality of second feed vias122a.

FIG. 4Eis a perspective view illustrating a feed structure of a feed via of an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 4E, the feed patch antenna pattern112amay be directly fed with power from the plurality of feed vias120aas the feed patch antenna pattern112ais in contact with the plurality of feed vias120a, and the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay be indirectly fed with power through a feed pattern119a. Accordingly, the plurality of feed vias120amay provide a feed path of the first patch antenna pattern111aand a feed path of the feed patch antenna pattern112a.

A feed structure in the antenna apparatus in the example embodiment is not limited to any particular method.

FIG. 4Fis a perspective view illustrating a feed structure of a feed via of an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 4F, the plurality of first patch antenna patterns111amay be electrically connected to two or more of the plurality of feed vias120a, respectively.

Similarly, a plurality of the feed patch antenna patterns112amay be electrically connected to two or more of the plurality of feed vias120a, respectively.

Referring toFIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, a connection member200may include a ground plane201a, a wiring ground plane202a, a second ground plane203a, and an IC ground plane204a, and may have a lower surface to which a plurality of electrical interconnect structures330are connected.

The plurality of electrical interconnect structures330may electrically connect an IC310to the connection member200, and may have a structure such as a pin, a land, or a pad, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto.

FIG. 6Ais a plan view illustrating a ground plane of an antenna apparatus according to an example embodiment.FIG. 6Bis a plan view illustrating a feed line disposed on a lower side of the ground plane illustrated inFIG. 6Aaccording to an example embodiment.FIG. 6Cis a plan view illustrating a wiring via and a second ground plane disposed on a lower side of the feed line illustrated inFIG. 6Baccording to an example embodiment.FIG. 6Dis a plan diagram illustrating an IC dispositional region and an end-fire antenna disposed on a lower side of the second ground plane illustrated inFIG. 6Caccording to an example embodiment.

InFIGS. 6A to 6D, a patch antenna pattern110amay represent the first and second patch antenna patterns described in the aforementioned example embodiments in a comprehensive manner.

Referring toFIG. 6A, a ground plane201amay have a through-hole through which a feed via120apenetrates, and may electromagnetically shield a region between the patch antenna pattern110aand a feed line. A second shielding via185amay extend towards a lower side (e.g., a z direction).

Referring toFIG. 6B, a wiring ground plane202amay surround at least a portion of an end-fire antenna feed line220aand a feed line221a. The end-fire antenna feed line220amay be electrically connected to a second wiring via232a, and the feed line221amay be electrically connected to a first wiring via231a. The wiring ground plane202amay electromagnetically shield a region between the end-fire antenna feed line220aand the feed line221a. One end of the end-fire antenna feed line220amay be connected to a second feed via211a.

Referring toFIG. 6C, a second ground plane203amay have a plurality of through-holes through which the first wiring via231aand the second wiring via232apenetrate, respectively, and may have a coupling ground pattern235a. The second ground plane203amay electromagnetically shield a region between a feed line and an IC.

Referring toFIG. 6D, an IC ground plane204amay have a plurality of through-holes through which the first wiring via231aand the second wiring via232apenetrate, respectively. The IC310amay be disposed on a lower side of the IC ground plane204a, and may be electrically connected to the first wiring via231aand the second wiring via232a. An end-fire antenna pattern210aand a director pattern215amay be disposed on a level substantially the same as a level of an IC ground plane204a.

The IC ground plane204amay provide a ground used in a circuit of the IC310aand/or a passive component to the IC310aand/or a passive component. In example embodiments, the IC ground plane204amay provide a transfer path of power and a signal used in the IC310aand/or a passive component. Accordingly, the IC ground plane204amay be electrically connected to the IC and/or a passive component.

Each of the wiring ground plane202a, the second ground plane203a, and the IC ground plane204amay be configured to be recessed to provide a cavity. Accordingly, the end-fire antenna pattern210amay be disposed adjacent to the IC ground plane204a.

Upward and downward relationships and forms of the ground plane201a, the wiring ground plane202a, the second ground plane203a, and the IC ground plane204amay be varied in example embodiments.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare side views illustrating the portion illustrated inFIGS. 6A to 6Dand a structure of a lower side of the portion.

Referring toFIG. 7A, an antenna apparatus in the example embodiment may include at least portions of a connection member200, an IC310, an adhesive member320, an electrical interconnect structure330, an encapsulant340, a passive component350, and a core member410.

The connection member200may have a structure having a predetermined pattern in which a plurality of metal layers and a plurality of insulating layers are layered, similarly to a printed circuit board (PCB).

The IC310may be the same as the above-described IC, and may be disposed on a lower side of the connection member200. The IC310may be electrically connected to a wiring line of the connection member200, and may transmit and/or receive an RF signal. The IC310may also be electrically connected to a ground plane of the connection member200and may be grounded. For example, the IC310may generate a converted signal by performing at least portions of frequency conversion, amplification, filtering, a phase control, and power generation.

The adhesive member320may allow the IC310and the connection member200to be bonded to each other.

The electrical interconnect structure330may electrically connect the IC310and the connection member200to each other. The electrical interconnect structure330may have a structure such as a solder ball, a pin, a land, and a pad. The electrical interconnect structure330may have a melting point lower than melting points of a wiring line and a ground plane of the connection member200and may electrically connect the IC310and the connection member200to each other through a required process using the low melting point.

The encapsulant340may encapsulate at least a portion of the IC310, and may improve a heat dissipation performance and a protection performance against impacts. For example, the encapsulant340may be implemented by a photoimageable encapsulant (PIE), an Ajinomoto build-up film (ABF), an epoxy molding compound (EMC), and the like.

The passive component350may be disposed on a lower surface of the connection member200, and may be electrically connected to a wiring line and/or a ground plane of the connection member200through the interconnect structure330. For example, the passive component350may include at least portions of a capacitor (e.g., a multilayer ceramic capacitor, MLCC), an inductor, and a chip resistor.

The core member410may be disposed on a lower surface of the connection member200, and may be electrically connected to the connection member200to receive an intermediate frequency (IF) signal or a baseband signal from an external entity and to transmit the signal to the IC310, or to receive an IF signal or a baseband signal from the IC310and to transmit the signal to an external entity. A frequency (e.g., 24 GHz, 28 GHz, 36 GHz, 39 GHz, 60 GHz) of the RF signal may be greater than a frequency (e.g., 2 GHz, 5 GHz, 10 GHz, and the like) of the IF signal.

For example, the core member410may transmit an IF signal or a baseband signal to the IC310or may receive the signal from the IC310through a wiring line included in an IC ground plane of the connection member200. As a first ground plane of the connection member200is disposed between the IC ground plane and a wiring line, an IF signal or a baseband signal and an RF signal may be electrically isolated from each other in an antenna apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 7B, the antenna apparatus in the example embodiment may include at least portions of a shielding member360, a connector420, and an end-fire chip antenna430.

The shielding member360may be disposed on a lower side of the connection member200and may enclose the IC310along with the connection member200. For example, the shielding member360may cover or conformally shield the IC310and the passive component350together, or may separately cover or compartment-shield the IC310and the passive component350. For example, the shielding member360may have a hexahedral shape in which one surface is open, and may have an accommodating space having a hexahedral form by being combined with the connection member200. The shielding member360may be implemented by a material having relatively high conductivity such as copper, such that the shielding member360may have a skin depth, and the shielding member360may be electrically connected to a ground plane of the connection member200. Accordingly, the shielding member360may reduce electromagnetic noise which the IC310and the passive component350receive.

The connector420may have a connection structure of a cable (e.g., a coaxial cable or a flexible PCB), may be electrically connected to the IC ground plane of the connection member200, and may work similarly to the above-described sub-substrate. Accordingly, the connector420may be provided with an IF signal, a baseband signal, and/or power from a cable, or may provide an IF signal and/or a baseband signal to a cable.

The end-fire chip antenna430may transmit and/or receive an RF signal in addition to the antenna apparatus. For example, the chip antenna430may include a dielectric block having a dielectric constant higher than that of an insulating layer, and a plurality of electrodes disposed on both surfaces of the dielectric block. One of the plurality of electrodes may be electrically connected to a wiring line of the connection member200, and the other one of the plurality of electrodes may be electrically connected to a ground plane of the connection member200.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bare plan views illustrating an example of an electronic device in which an antenna apparatus is disposed.

Referring toFIG. 8A, an antenna apparatus including an antenna portion100gmay be disposed adjacent to a side surface boundary of an electronic device700gon a set substrate600gof the electronic device700g.

The electronic device700gmay be implemented as a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, 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, a smart watch, an automotive component, or the like, but an example of the electronic device700gis not limited thereto.

A communication module610gand a baseband circuit620gmay further be disposed on the set substrate600g. The antenna apparatus may be electrically connected to the communication module610gand/or the baseband circuit620gthrough a coaxial cable630g.

The communication module610gmay include at least portions of a memory chip such as a volatile memory (e.g., a DRAM), a non-volatile memory (e.g., a ROM), a flash memory, or the like; an application processor chip such as a central processor (e.g., a CPU), a graphics processor (e.g., a GPU), a digital signal processor, a cryptographic processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or the like; and a logic chip such as an analog-to-digital converter, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like.

The baseband circuit620gmay generate a base signal by performing analog-to-digital conversion, and amplification, filtering, and frequency conversion on an analog signal. A base signal input to and output from the baseband circuit620gmay be transferred to the antenna apparatus through a cable.

For example, the base signal may be transferred to an IC through an electrical interconnect structure, a cover via, and a wiring line. The IC may convert the base signal into an RF signal of mmWave band.

Referring toFIG. 8B, a plurality of antenna apparatuses each including an antenna portion100imay be disposed adjacent to a one side boundary and the other side boundary of an electronic device700ihaving a polygonal shape on a set substrate600iof the electronic device700i, and a communication module610iand a baseband circuit620imay further be disposed on the set substrate600i. The plurality of antenna apparatuses may be electrically connected to the communication module610iand/or baseband circuit620ithrough a coaxial cable630i.

Dielectric layers1140gand1140imay fill a region of the antenna apparatus in which a pattern, a via, a plane, a line, and an electrical interconnect structure are not disposed.

For example, the dielectric layers1140gand1140imay be implemented by a material such as FR4, a liquid crystal polymer (LCP), 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 above-described resin is impregnated in a core material, such as a glass fiber (or a glass cloth or a glass fabric), together with an inorganic filler, prepreg, a Ajinomoto build-up film (ABF), FR-4, bismaleimide triazine (BT), a photoimagable dielectric (PID) resin, a general copper clad laminate (CCL), glass, a ceramic-based insulating material, or the like. The dielectric layer and the insulating layer may fill at least a portion of a position in which the patch antenna pattern, the feed via, the guide via, the feed pattern, the ground plane, the electrical interconnect structure are not disposed in the antenna apparatus described in the aforementioned example embodiments.

The pattern, the via, the plane, the line, and the electrical interconnect structure described in the aforementioned example embodiments may include a metal material (e.g., a conductive material such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), titanium (Ti), or alloys thereof), and may be formed by a plating method such as a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method, a sputtering method, a subtractive method, an additive method, a semi-additive process (SAP), a modified semi-additive process (MSAP), or the like, but examples of the material and the method are not limited thereto.

The RF signal described in the example embodiments may include protocols such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) (Institute of Electrical And Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family, or the like), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) (IEEE 802.16 family, or the like), IEEE 802.20, long term evolution (LTE), evolution data only (Ev-DO), high speed packet access+(HSPA+), high speed downlink packet access+(HSDPA+), high speed uplink packet access+(HSUPA+), enhanced data GSM environment (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 designated after the above-mentioned protocols, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto.

According to the aforementioned example embodiments, the antenna apparatus in the example embodiment may have improved antenna performances (e.g., a gain, a bandwidth, directivity, and the like), may provide a plurality of communications corresponding to a plurality of different bands, respectively, in an efficient manner, and may be easily miniaturized.