Patent Publication Number: US-2021175637-A1

Title: Antenna module and method of manufacturing the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/994,514 filed on May 31, 2018, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2017-0096349 and 10-2017-0122447 filed on Jul. 28, 2017 and Sep. 22, 2017, respectively, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The following description relates to an antenna module and a method of manufacturing an antenna module. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Recently, research has been conducted on millimeter wave (mmWave) communications, including fifth generation (5G) communications. Additionally, research has recently been conducted on an antenna module that is capable of implementing millimeter wave (mmWave) communications with suitable performance. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In one general aspect, an antenna module includes: an integrated circuit (IC) configured to generate a radio frequency (RF) signal; and a substrate including an antenna portion providing a first surface of the substrate, and a circuit pattern portion providing a second surface of the substrate. The antenna portion includes first antenna members configured to transmit the RF signal, cavities corresponding to the first antenna members, through vias respectively disposed in the cavities and respectively electrically connected to the first antenna members, and a plating member disposed in at least one cavity among the cavities. The circuit pattern portion includes a circuit pattern and an insulating layer forming, for each of the through vias, an electrical connection path to the IC. 
     The antenna portion may further include an insulating member at least partially two-dimensionally surrounding each of the cavities. A thickness of the insulating member may be greater than a thickness of the insulating layer. 
     The through vias may form linear connections between the circuit pattern portion and corresponding first antenna members among the first antenna members. 
     The plating member may two-dimensionally surround each of the cavities. 
     The antenna portion may further include shielding vias at least partially two-dimensionally surrounding each of the cavities and the plating member. 
     The antenna module may further include: a dielectric member disposed in at least some of the cavities and at least partially two-dimensionally surrounding corresponding through vias among the through vias, wherein a dielectric constant of the dielectric member is different from a dielectric constant of the insulating layer. 
     A dielectric dissipation factor (Df) of the dielectric member may be lower than a Df of the insulating layer, and a specific dielectric constant (Dk) of the dielectric member may be lower than a Dk of the insulating layer. 
     The first antenna members may be disposed in the corresponding cavities, and the antenna portion may further include second antenna members corresponding to the first antenna members, and an encapsulation member at least partially two-dimensionally surrounding the second antenna members and forming the first surface. 
     The IC may be configured to convert a signal received through a connector or a receiving port disposed on the second surface into the RF signal in a millimeter wave (mmWave) band. 
     In another general aspect, a method to manufacture an antenna module includes: cutting a portion including an insulating member and cavities formed in the insulating member; plating the insulating member; forming first antenna members and through vias in the cavities; adhering the insulating member to a circuit pattern portion including a circuit pattern; and disposing an integrated circuit (IC) on a surface of the circuit pattern portion. 
     The method may further include compressing an encapsulation member and second antenna members together on the insulating member. 
     The forming of the first antenna members and the through vias may include forming the through vias to be connected to respective first antennas among the first antennas. The adhering of the insulating member to the circuit pattern portion may include disposing the insulating member such that the through vias are connected to the circuit pattern. 
     The disposing of the IC on the surface the circuit pattern portion may include connecting the IC to the circuit pattern. 
     The method may further include disposing dielectric members in the cavities such that the dielectric layers are penetrated by respective through vias, among the through vias. 
     Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an antenna module, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an antenna module having a plating structure corresponding to each of first antennas therein, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an antenna module including a molding member for an IC, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an antenna module including a connector, a receiving port and a shielding structure, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 5A through 5J  are diagrams illustrating a method of manufacturing the antenna module of  FIG. 2 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a first surface of the antenna module of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a first surface of an antenna module, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a second surface of an antenna module of  FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be to scale, and the relative size, proportions, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application. For example, the sequences of operations described herein are merely examples, and are not limited to those set forth herein, but may be changed as will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application, with the exception of operations necessarily occurring in a certain order. Also, descriptions of features that are known in the art may be omitted for increased clarity and conciseness. 
     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 the disclosure of this application. 
     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, the term “and/or” includes any one and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various members, components, regions, layers, or sections, these members, components, regions, layers, or sections are not to be limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one member, component, region, layer, or section from another member, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first member, component, region, layer, or section referred to in examples described herein may also be referred to as a second member, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the examples. 
     Spatially relative terms such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower” may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element&#39;s relationship to another element as shown in the figures. Such spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as being “above” or “upper” relative to another element will then be “below” or “lower” relative to the other element. Thus, the term “above” encompasses both the above and below orientations depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be oriented in other ways (for example, rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein are to be interpreted accordingly. 
     The terminology used herein is for describing various examples only, and is not to be used to limit the disclosure. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “includes,” and “has” specify the presence of stated features, numbers, operations, members, elements, and/or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, members, elements, and/or combinations thereof. 
     Due to manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, variations of the shapes shown in the drawings may occur. Thus, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings, but include changes in shape that occur during manufacturing. 
     The features of the examples described herein may be combined in various ways as will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application. Further, although the examples described herein have a variety of configurations, other configurations are possible as will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an antenna module  10 , according to an embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a substrate of the antenna module  10  has a heterogeneous structure including an antenna region or antenna portion  100  and a circuit pattern region or circuit pattern portion  200 . The antenna region (or portion)  100  has a structure that facilitates improving antenna performance, and the circuit pattern region  200  has a structure in which at least one circuit pattern  202  and at least one insulating layer  204  are disposed. The antenna portion  100  is disposed on the circuit pattern portion  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the antenna portion  100  includes cavities each including at least some of first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c  and  115   d , through vias  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c  and  120   d , dielectric members  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c  and  130   d , plating members  161  and  165 , and shield vias  162 ,  163 , and  164 , and at least some of second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d , an insulating member  140 , and a encapsulation member  150 . 
     The second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  are disposed adjacent to or on a first surface (upper surface in  FIG. 1 ) of the antenna module  10  and receive radio frequency (RF) signals or transmit RF signals generated from an integrated circuit (IC)  300 . That is, second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  are disposed on an upper surface of the antenna portion  100 . 
     The first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d  are electromagnetically coupled to corresponding second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  to transmit the RF signals to the corresponding second antenna members or receive the RF signals from the corresponding second antenna members. 
     For example, the first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d  may have a shape similar to that of the corresponding second antenna members, and improve antenna performance such as directivity of the corresponding second antenna member adjacent to the corresponding second antenna member. 
     Depending on the design, one of the second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  and the first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d  may be omitted. In addition, the antenna portion  100  may further include additional antenna members corresponding to the second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d , respectively. 
     The through vias  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d  may be electrically connected to the corresponding first antenna members to provide paths for the RF signals. The through vias  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d  may extend as much as a length longer than a thickness of each insulating layer of the circuit pattern portion  200 . Accordingly, the transmission efficiency of the RF signals may be improved. 
     The dielectric members  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c , and  130   d  are penetrated by the corresponding through vias  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d  and may surround the corresponding through vias  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d . The dielectric members  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c , and  130   d  are disposed on an upper surface of the circuit pattern portion  200 . The dielectric members  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c , and  130   d  may have a thickness greater than a thickness of each insulating layer  404  of the circuit pattern portion  200 . 
     Due to the lengths of the through vias  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d  and the thicknesses of the dielectric members  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c , and  130   d , the boundary conditions for an operation of transmitting and receiving the RF signals of the corresponding first and second antenna members may be freely designed. Accordingly, the through vias  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d  and the dielectric members  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c , and  130   d  have boundary conditions (e.g., a small manufacturing tolerance, a short electrical length, a smooth surface, a large size of the cavity, and a low dielectric constant, as non-limiting examples) suitable for the operation of transmitting and receiving RF signals of the corresponding first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d  and second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d , such that the antenna performance of the first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d  and the second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  is improved. 
     For example, the dielectric members  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c , and  130   d  may be formed of a material having a dielectric dissipation factor (Df) such as quartz or teflon and/or a material having a low specific dielectric constant (Dk). Thus, the antenna performance of the corresponding first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d  and second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  is further improved. 
     The insulating member  140  may have a thickness similar to the thickness of the dielectric members  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c , and  130   d . For example, the insulating member  140  is formed of the same material as that of the insulating layer  204  of the circuit pattern portion  200 , and may be implemented as a copper clad laminate (CCL). 
     The encapsulation member  150  surrounds the second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  and is inserted into a gap between the dielectric members  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c , and  130   d  and the insulating member  140 . That is, the encapsulation member  150  improves the stability of the antenna portion  100 . 
     The plating members  161  and  165  are disposed between the dielectric members  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c , and  130   d  and the insulating member  140 . 
     The plating members  161  and  165  provide the boundary conditions suitable for the operation of transmitting and receiving the RF signals of the first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d  and the second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d , and improve isolation between the cavities, such that the antenna performance of the first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d  and the second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  is  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  is improved. 
     The shielding vias  162 ,  163 , and  164  are disposed between the dielectric members  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c , and  130   d . The shielding vias  162 ,  163 , and  164  are disposed to two-dimensionally surround or partially surround each of the cavities together along with the plating members  161  and  165 . 
     The plating members  161  and  165  and the shielding vias  162 ,  163 , and  164  provide the boundary conditions suitable for the operation of transmitting and receiving the RF signals of each of the corresponding first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d  and second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d , and further improve the isolation between the cavities, such that the antenna performance of the corresponding first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d  and second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  is improved. 
     The circuit pattern portion  200  provides an electrical connection path to the IC  300  of each of the through vias  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d . That is, the through vias  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d  are respectively connected to the first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d , and are connected to the at least one circuit pattern  202  to provide respective linear electrical connection paths between the through vias  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d  and the at least one circuit pattern  202 . In addition, the circuit pattern portion  200  may provide a ground region and/or a power supply region that supports the IC  300 , and may provide an electrical connection path between sub-substrates  400   a  and  400   b  and the IC  300 . 
     For example, the circuit pattern portion  200  has a structure similar to a copper redistribution layer (RDL) of a printed circuit board (PCB). On the other hand, the specific form of the circuit pattern  202  in the circuit pattern portion  200  is not limited to the form shown in FIG.  1 . For example, the circuit pattern  202  includes feeding lines that are electrically isolated from each other and electrically connect the corresponding through vias to the IC  300 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , at least some of the IC  300 , solder balls  310 , a resin  320 , electronic components  350   a  and  350   b , and the sub-substrates  400   a  and  400   b  are disposed on a second surface (lower surface in  FIG. 1 ) of the antenna module  10 . That is, at least some of the IC  300 , solder balls  310 , a resin  320 , electronic components  350   a  and  350   b , and the sub-substrates  400   a  and  400   b  are disposed on a lower surface of the circuit pattern portion  200 . 
     The IC  300  may generates the RF signals and receives the RF signals received through the second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d . For example, the IC  300  receives a low frequency signal through the sub-substrates  400   a  and  400   b , and performs any one or any combination of any two or more of frequency conversion, amplification, filtering phase control, and power generation on the low frequency signal and converts the low frequency signal into the RF signal in a millimeter wave (mmWave) band. 
     The solder balls  310  electrically connect the IC  300  to the circuit patterns  202  of the circuit pattern portion  200  and electrically connect the circuit patterns  202  to the sub-substrates  400   a  and  400   b.    
     The resin  320  improves the disposition stability for the second surface (lower surface in  FIG. 1 ) of the antenna module of the IC  300 . 
     The electronic components  350   a  and  350   b  provide any one or any combination of any two or more of a resistance value, a capacitance, and an inductance to the IC  300 . For example, the electronic components  350   a  and  350   b  may include a multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC). 
     The sub-substrates  400   a  and  400   b  receive a low frequency signal and/or a power, transmit the low frequency signal and/or the power to the IC  300 , and are electrically connected to the circuit patterns  202  of the circuit pattern region  200  by solder balls  310 . 
     For example, the sub-substrates  400   a  and  400   b  include at least one circuit pattern  410   a  and at least one circuit pattern  410   b , respectively, at least one insulating layer  420   a  and at least one insulating layer  420   b , respectively, and external connection solder balls  430   a  and  430   b , respectively. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram showing an antenna module  10 ′ including a plating structure corresponding to each of the first antennas  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d.    
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the antenna portion  100 ′ includes the insulating member  140  and second to fourth insulating members  141 ,  142 , and  143 . The second to fourth insulating members  141 ,  142 , and  143  are surrounded or partially surrounded by corresponding plating members  162   a ,  163   a , and  164   a.    
     That is, the insulating member  140  and the second insulating member  141  may surround or partially surround a first cavity two-dimensionally, the second insulating member  141  and the third insulating member  142  may surround or partially surround a second cavity two-dimensionally, the third insulating member  142  and the fourth insulating member  143  may surround or partially surround a third cavity two-dimensionally, and the fourth insulating member  143  and the insulating member  140  may surround or partially surround a fourth cavity two-dimensionally. In this example, the plating members  161 ,  162   a ,  163   a ,  164   a , and  165  may surround or partially surround each of the first to fourth cavities two-dimensionally. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram showing an antenna module  10 ″ including a molding member  300  for the IC  300 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , in the antenna module  10 ″, the IC  300  and the electronic components  350   a  and  350   b  are at least partially covered or surrounded by a molding member  330  to protect the IC  300  and the electronic components  350   a  and  350   b  from the external environment. The molding member  330  may be formed of an epoxy molding compound. 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram showing an antenna module  10 ′″ including a connector  500 , a receiving port  600  and a shielding can  700 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the connector  500  may be configured to be coupled to an outside component, another module, or another substrate in a wired manner. 
     The receiving port  600  may also be configured to be electromagnetically coupled to an outside component, another module, or another substrate, and may receive a low frequency signal and/or a power and transmit the low frequency signal and/or the power to the IC  300 . 
     A shielding can  700  surrounds the IC  300  to protect the IC  300  from external noise. 
       FIGS. 5A through 5J  are diagrams showing a method of manufacturing the antenna module  10 ′, according to an embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , first, the insulating sheet  40  and copper foil layers  166  and  167  disposed on upper and lower surfaces thereof is cut to form the insulating member  140  and the second through fourth insulating members  141 ,  142 , and  143  to form cavities C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , and C 4 . However, in a manufacturing process of the antenna module  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , the second to fourth insulating members  141 ,  142 , and  143  are omitted. 
     The cavities C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , and C 4  are provided with the plating members  161 ,  162   a ,  163   a ,  164   a , and  165 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 5C . The plating members  161 ,  162   a ,  163   a ,  164   a , and  165  are disposed on the insulating members  140 ,  141 ,  142 , and  143 , respectively. In the manufacturing process of the antenna module  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , the insulating members  162   a ,  163   a , and  164   a  corresponding to the second to fourth insulating members  141 ,  142 , and  143  are omitted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5D , an adhesive member  170  is applied to the insulating member  140 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5E , the first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d , the through vias  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d , and the dielectric members  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c , and  130   d  are disposed in the respective cavities C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , and C 4 . In the manufacturing process of the antenna module  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , the shielding vias  162 ,  163 , and  164  are arranged to penetrate the corresponding dielectric members  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c , and  130   d.    
     Referring to  FIG. 5F , a film  180 , including the second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  attached to a lower surface thereof, and the encapsulation member  150  are stacked on upper surfaces of the insulating layers  140 ,  141 ,  142 , and  143 , the first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d , and the dielectric members  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c , and  130   d . Referring to  FIG. 5G , the insulating member  140 , the encapsulation member  150 , the second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d , and the film  180  are then compressed such that the second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , and  110   d  are pressed into the encapsulation member  150 , thereby forming the antenna portion  100 ′. In this example, a laminating method of a fan out panel level package (FOPLP) technology may be utilized. 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 5H , film  180  is removed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5I , the adhesive member  170  is removed from the lower surface of the antenna portion  100 ′, and the circuit pattern portion  200  is attached to the lower surface of the antenna portion  100 ′. In this example, a circuit redistribution layer (RDL) may be formed by the FOPLP technology. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5J , the circuit pattern portion  200  shown in  FIG. 5I  is provided with the solder balls  310 , the IC  300 , the electronic component  350 , and the sub-substrates  400   a  and  400   b . The solder balls  310  are applied with the resin  320  ( FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram showing a first surface of the antenna module  10 ′ shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , each of the second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c ,  110   d ,  110   e ,  110   f ,  110   g ,  110   h ,  110   i ,  110   j ,  110   k ,  110   l ,  110   m ,  110   n ,  110   o , and  110   p  is surrounded by corresponding plating members  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d ,  160   e ,  160   f ,  160   g ,  160   h ,  160   i ,  160   j ,  160   k ,  160   l ,  160   m ,  160   n ,  160   o , and  160   p . The plating members  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d ,  160   e ,  160   f ,  160   g ,  160   h ,  160   i ,  160   j ,  160   k ,  160   l ,  160   m ,  160   n ,  160   o , and  160   p  provide the boundary conditions suitable for the operation of transmitting and receiving the RF signals of the corresponding second antenna members  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c ,  110   d ,  110   e ,  110   f ,  110   g ,  110   h ,  110   i ,  110   j ,  110   k ,  110   l ,  110   m ,  110   n ,  110   o , and  110   p , such that the antenna performance of the corresponding second antenna members is improved. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram showing the first surface of an antenna module, according to another embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , second antenna members  110 - 1 ,  110 - 2 ,  110 - 3 ,  110 - 4 ,  110 - 5 ,  110 - 6 ,  110 - 7 ,  110 - 8 , and  110 - 9  are surrounded by at least one corresponding plating member and at least one corresponding shielding via. That is, plating members  160 - 1 ,  160 - 2 ,  160 - 3 ,  160 - 4 ,  160 - 6 ,  160 - 7 ,  160 - 8 , and  160 - 9  and of shielding vias  190 - 1 ,  190 - 2 ,  190 - 3 ,  190 - 4 ,  190 - 5 ,  190 - 6 ,  190 - 7 ,  190 - 8 , and  190 - 9  provide the boundary conditions suitable for the operation of transmitting and receiving the RF signals of the corresponding second antenna members  110 - 1 ,  110 - 2 ,  110 - 3 ,  110 - 4 ,  110 - 5 ,  110 - 6 ,  110 - 7 ,  110 - 8 , and  110 - 9 , such that the antenna performance of the corresponding second antenna members  110 - 1 ,  110 - 2 ,  110 - 3 ,  110 - 4 ,  110 - 5 ,  110 - 6 ,  110 - 7 ,  110 - 8 , and  110 - 9  is improved. 
     The plating members  160 - 1 ,  160 - 2 ,  160 - 3 ,  160 - 4 ,  160 - 6 ,  160 - 7 ,  160 - 8 , and  160 - 9  may more completely surround the corresponding second antenna members  110 - 1 ,  110 - 2 ,  110 - 3 ,  110 - 4 ,  110 - 5 ,  110 - 6 ,  110 - 7 ,  110 - 8 , and  110 - 9  than the shielding vias  190 - 1 ,  190 - 2 ,  190 - 3 ,  190 - 4 ,  190 - 5 ,  190 - 6 ,  190 - 7 ,  190 - 8 , and  190 - 9 . That is, the performance of a second antenna member completely surrounded by a plating member may be better than that of a second antenna member surrounded by a shielding via. 
     A process of forming the shielding via may be simpler than a process of forming the plating member. Accordingly, a plating member and a shielding via may be appropriately selected according to the performance and cost required for the antenna module. 
     A number, a disposition, and a shape of the second antenna members shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  is not particularly limited. For example, the shape of the plurality of second antenna members shown in  FIG. 6  may be circular, and the number of second antenna members shown in  FIG. 7  may be four. 
     When the second antenna members are omitted in an antenna module according to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the second antenna members may be replaced with the first antenna members (e.g., the first antenna members  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d  shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ). 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a second surface of an antenna module, according to an embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the IC  300  and electronic components  350  are surrounded by a sub-substrate  400 . The electronic components may include the electronic components  350   a  and  350   b  shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , and the sub-substrate  400  may include the sub-substrates  400   a  and  400   b  shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 . 
     As set forth above, according to embodiments disclosed herein, an antenna module and a method of manufacturing the antenna module improve the degree of freedom of the boundary conditions that the cavities provide to the plurality of antennas, and improve a degree of isolation between the cavities, thereby improving the antenna performance. 
     In addition, the disclosed antenna module and method of manufacturing the antenna module provide a structure that is easily miniaturized while having the high level of antenna performance, by using a substrate having an antenna portion facilitating improvement of the antenna performance and a circuit pattern portion facilitating formation of the circuit pattern. 
     While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application that various changes in form and details may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects in each example are to be considered as being applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and/or if components in a described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner, and/or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is defined not by the detailed description, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are to be construed as being included in the disclosure.