Patent Publication Number: US-2016248149-A1

Title: Three dimensional (3d) antenna structure

Description:
I. FIELD 
     The present disclosure is generally related to a three dimensional (3D) antenna structure. 
     II. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     Advances in technology have resulted in smaller and more powerful computing devices. For example, there currently exist a variety of portable personal computing devices, including wireless computing devices, such as portable wireless telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and paging devices that are small, lightweight, and easily carried by users. More specifically, portable wireless telephones, such as cellular telephones and internet protocol (IP) telephones, can communicate voice and data packets over wireless networks. Further, many such wireless telephones include other types of devices that are incorporated therein. For example, a wireless telephone can also include a digital still camera, a digital video camera, a digital recorder, and an audio file player. Also, such wireless telephones can process executable instructions, including software applications, such as a web browser application, that can be used to access the Internet. As such, these wireless telephones can include significant computing capabilities. 
     Wireless devices may include antenna arrays, such as two dimensional (2D) planar antenna arrays. The 2D planar antenna arrays may be used to generate a radiation pattern that is used to transmit millimeter (mm)-wave signals. The 2D planar antenna arrays have a limited amount of beam-forming directionality within a range, such as less than 30° (e.g., less than)±30°. Accordingly, the 2D planar antenna arrays provide a limited angle of coverage for mm-wave communication. 
     III. SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure describes a three dimensional (3D) antenna structure formed in a substrate package (e.g., a coreless substrate, such as a multi-layered substrate package). The 3D antenna structure may include multiple substructures configured to operate as a beam-forming antenna. Each of the multiple substructures may extend across multiple layers of the substrate package and may have a slanted-plate configuration (resembling a staircase) or a slanted-loop configuration. In some implementations, the 3D antenna structure may be included in an antenna array that includes multiple 3D antenna array structures. Each of the 3D antenna structures may be operated independently of other 3D antenna structures to enable beam-forming directionality within a range greater than 30 degrees (e.g., greater than)±30°, such as up to or greater than ±45°. 
     In a particular aspect, an apparatus includes a substrate package and a three dimensional (3D) antenna structure formed in the substrate package. The 3D antenna structure includes multiple substructures to enable the 3D antenna structure to operate as a beam-forming antenna. At least one of the multiple substructures has a slanted-plate configuration or a slanted-loop configuration. 
     In another particular aspect, a method of forming an antenna includes forming a first substructure of a three dimensional (3D) antenna structure in a substrate package. The first substructure has a configuration of a slanted-plate configuration or a slanted-loop configuration. The method further includes forming a second substructure of the 3D antenna structure in the substrate package. The second substructure may have the same configuration as the first substructure. The first substructure and the second substructure enable the 3D antenna structure to operate as a beam-forming antenna. 
     In another particular aspect, an apparatus includes a substrate package and a three dimensional (3D) antenna structure formed in the substrate package, the 3D antenna structure including a substructure. The substructure includes a first metal layer formed on a first layer of the substrate package. The substructure further includes a second metal layer formed on a second layer of the substrate package and a first via that couples the first metal layer to the second metal layer. The substructure further includes a third metal layer formed on the second layer of the substrate package and a second via that couples the first metal layer to the third metal layer. The substructure further includes a fourth metal layer formed on a third layer of the substrate package. The first metal layer is coupled to the fourth metal layer via a first path that includes the second metal layer and the first via. The first metal layer is also coupled to the fourth metal layer via a second path that includes the third metal layer and the second via. 
     In another particular aspect, a method of forming a three dimensional (3D) antenna structure includes forming a first metal layer on a first layer of the substrate package and forming a first via structure and a second via structure coupled to the first metal layer. The method also includes forming a second metal layer and a third metal layer on a second layer of the substrate package. The second metal layer is coupled to the first via structure, and the third metal layer is coupled to the second via structure. The method includes forming a fourth metal layer on a third layer of the substrate package. The first metal layer is coupled to the fourth metal layer via a first path that includes the second metal layer and the first via, and the first metal layer is coupled to the fourth metal layer via a second path that includes the third metal layer and the second via. 
     One particular advantage provided is a 3D antenna structure that enables an amount of beam-forming directionality within a range greater than 30°, such as up to or greater than 45°. Accordingly, the 3D antenna structure may enable a larger angle of coverage for mm-wave communication than conventional 2D planar antenna arrays. 
     Other aspects, advantages, and features of the present disclosure will become apparent after review of the entire application, including the following sections: Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and the Claims. 
    
    
     
       IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of system that includes a three dimensional (3D) antenna structure having multiple substructures; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates examples of a 3D antenna structure including substructures having a slanted-plate configuration; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates examples of a 3D antenna structure including substructures having a slanted-loop configuration 
         FIG. 4  illustrates examples of radiation patterns produced by the 3D antenna structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a particular illustrative embodiment of a method of forming the 3D antenna structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart of a particular illustrative embodiment of a method of forming a 3D antenna structure that includes a substructure having a slanted-loop configuration; and 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram of wireless device including a beam-forming antenna; and 
         FIG. 8  is a data flow diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a manufacturing process to manufacture electronic devices that include a beam-forming antenna. 
     
    
    
     V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In the description, common features are designated by common reference numbers. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a particular illustrative embodiment of a system  100  that includes a three dimensional (3D) antenna structure having multiple substructures is shown. The system  100  may include wireless interface circuitry  110  and a substrate package  130 . Although the wireless interface circuitry  110  is illustrated as being separate from the substrate package  130 , in other implementations, one or more components of the wireless interface circuitry may be included on or within the substrate package  130 . 
     The substrate package  130  may include a coreless substrate, or core laminate substrate, such as a multi-layered substrate package. The substrate package  130  may include one or more 3D antenna structures, such as a 3D antenna structure  140 , formed in the substrate package  130 . For example, in some implementations, the substrate package  130  may include an array of 3D antenna structures (e.g., multiple 3D antenna structures). 
     The 3D antenna structure  140  may be configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals, such as radio frequency (RF) signals (e.g., millimeter (mm)-wave signals). For example, the 3D antenna structure  140  may be configured to operate within one or more frequency ranges, such as a range of 40 gigahertz (GHz) to 100 GHz. The 3D antenna structure  140  may include one or more substructures configured to operate as a beam-forming antenna. For example, the 3D antenna structure  140  may include a first substructure  144 , a second substructure  142 , a third substructure  146 , and a fourth substructure  148 . When the 3D antenna structure  140  includes multiple substructures, the multiple substructures may include two or more distinct (e.g., separate) substructures. Although the 3D antenna structure  140  is illustrated as including four substructures, in other implementations, the 3D antenna structure  140  may include more than or fewer than four substructures. At least one of the one or more substructures may have a slanted-plate configuration, as described with reference to  FIG. 2 , or may have a slanted-loop configuration, as described with reference to  FIG. 3 . Each substructure of the 3D antenna structure may be operated independently of other substructures of the 3D antenna structure, as described further herein. In some implementations, an antenna array may include multiple substructures and/or multiple 3D antenna structures. The more substructures and/or the more 3D antenna structures that are included in the antenna array, the better the directionality control and sensitivity of the array. 
     The wireless interface circuitry  110  may be coupled to the substrate package  130  (e.g., coupled to the 3D antenna structure  140 ) and may be configured to generate signals to be transmitted by the 3D antenna structure  140  and/or to process signals received from the 3D antenna structure  140 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the wireless interface circuitry  110  is configured to generate signals to be transmitted by the 3D antenna structure  140  and includes a controller  120  and a transmitter unit  122 , as illustrative, non-limiting examples. 
     The transmitter unit  122  may receive one or more streams  160  (e.g., one or more baseband signals) and generate an RF output signal for each substructure of the 3D antenna structure  140 . The transmitter unit  122  may include one more mixers, one or more splitters, one or more filters, one or more amplifiers (e.g., one or more power amplifiers and/or one or more driver amplifiers), one or more phase shifters, or a combination thereof, as illustrative, non-limiting examples. To illustrate, as a particular illustrative example, the transmitter unit  122  may include a mixer that is configured to receive the one or more streams  160  and to provide an output signal to a splitter. The splitter may split the received signal into multiple signals and each of the multiple signals may be provided to an amplifier and/or a phase shifter that corresponds to a particular substructure of the 3D antenna structure  140 . Each substructure of the 3D antenna structure may receive an RF output signal from its corresponding amplifier and/or corresponding phase shifter. As another illustrative example, the transmitter unit  122  may include a mixer for each substructure of the 3D antenna structure  140 . Each mixer may receive the one or more streams  160  and provide an output signal to a corresponding amplifier and/or a corresponding phase shifter. Each substructure of the 3D antenna structure may receive an RF output signal from its corresponding amplifier and/or corresponding phase shifter. 
     The controller  120  may be configured to provide one or more control signals to the transmitter unit  122 . The one or more control signals may cause the transmitter unit  122  to adjust a magnitude and/or to adjust a phase associated with one or more RF output signals provided to the 3D antenna structure  140 . For example, the controller  120  may provide a first set of one or more control signals to one or more amplifiers included in the transmitter unit  122 , a second set of one or more control signals to one or more phase shifters included in the transmitter unit  122 , or a combination thereof, as illustrative, non-limiting examples. Accordingly, a first RF output signal provided to the first substructure  144  from the transmitter unit  122  may have a first magnitude and/or a first phase that is different than a second magnitude and/or a second phase of a second RF output signal provided to the second substructure  142  from the transmitter unit  122 . Thus, each substructure of the 3D antenna structure  140  may receive and transmit the same RF signal except that the magnitude and phase of each RF signal may be adjusted such that a focused beam (e.g., radiated radio wave) is transmitted from the 3D antenna structure  140 . Although the controller  120  is illustrated as being included in the wireless interface circuitry  110 , in other implementations, the controller  120  may not be part of the wireless interface circuitry  110 . For example, the controller  120  may be included in a processor, such as a processor (not shown) configured to generate the one or more streams  160 . 
     During operation, a processor (not shown) may process data to generate the one or more streams  160  of data, such as one or more baseband signals. For example, the processor may be included in a device that includes the system  100 . The processor, such as a digital signal processor (DSP), may process the data by performing one or more operations on the data, such as encoding, interleaving, symbol mapping, etc., as illustrative, non-limiting examples. The one or more streams  160  may be received at the wireless interface circuitry  110  to be conditioned to generate one or more RF output signals for the 3D antenna structure  140  to transmit. For example, the transmitter unit  122  may receive the one or more streams  160  and one or more control signals from the controller  120  and may generate the one or more RF output signals. To illustrate, the transmitter unit  122  may generate a first RF output signal that is provided to the first substructure  144 , a second RF output signal that is provided to the second substructure  142 , a third RF output signal that is provided to the third substructure  146 , and a fourth RF output signal that is provided to the fourth substructure  148 . Accordingly, the wireless interface circuitry  110  is configured to independently control signals provided to each substructure of the 3D antenna structure  140 . 
     Each of the one or more RF output signals may be transmitted by the 3D antenna structure  140 , such that the 3D antenna structure  140  produces a radiated radio wave, such as a millimeter (mm) wave signal. For example, the 3D antenna structure  140  may have a beam-forming directionality in a range that is greater than 30°, such as up to or greater than 45°. 
     By providing the one or more RF output signals to the 3D antenna structure  140 , a focused beam (e.g., a radiated radio wave) may be emitted from the 3D antenna structure  140 . For example, the 3D antenna structure  140  including at least one substructure having the slanted-plate configuration or the slanted-loop configuration may enable beam-forming directionality in a range that is greater than 30°. Accordingly, the 3D antenna structure  140  may have a larger angle of coverage for mm-wave communication than conventional 2D planar antenna arrays. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , examples of a 3D antenna structure including substructures having a slanted-plate configuration are depicted. The slanted-plate configuration may resemble a staircase. An example of a substructure having the slanted-plate configuration is depicted and generally designated  200 . The substructure  200  may be included in the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 . The substructure  200  may be formed in a substrate package, such as the substrate package  130  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The substructure  200  may include contacts  202 ,  204 . The contacts  202 ,  204  may be configured to couple the substructure  200  to wireless interface circuitry, such as the wireless interface circuitry  110  (e.g., the transmitter unit  122 ) of  FIG. 1 . For example, the contact  202  may be configured to couple the substructure  200  to the wireless interface circuitry and the contact  204  may be configured to couple the substructure  200  to ground. As another example, the contact  204  may be configured to couple the substructure  200  to the wireless interface circuitry and the contact  202  may be configured to couple the substructure  200  to ground. 
     The substructure  200  may include multiple metal layers and multiple via structures coupled between the contacts  202 ,  204 . The multiple metal layers may include a first metal layer  210 , a second metal layer  212 , a third metal layer  214 , and a fourth metal layer  216 . Although the substructure  200  is illustrated as including four metal layers, in other implementations, the substructure  200  may include more than or fewer than four metal layers. The multiple via structures may include a first via structure  230 , a second via structure  232 , and a third via structure  234 . Although the substructure  200  is illustrated as including three via structures, in other implementations, the substructure  200  may include more than or fewer than three via structures. 
     The first metal layer  210  may be coupled to the contact  202  and the fourth metal layer  216  may be coupled to the contact  204 . The first metal layer  210  may be formed above the contact  202 . The first metal layer  210  may have a first overall height (H 1 ). A top surface (and/or a bottom surface) of the first metal layer  210  may have a first overall length (L 1 ) and a first overall width (W 1 ). In some implementations, a shape of the top surface (and/or the bottom surface) of the first metal layer  210  may be rectangular or substantially rectangular. In other implementations, the shape of the top surface of the first metal layer  210  may be a shape other than rectangular. 
     The first via structure  230  may be formed above the first metal layer  210 . The first via structure  230  may have an overall height (H 2 ), an overall length (L 2 ), and an overall width (W 2 ). The overall length (L 2 ) of the first via structure  230  may be equal to the first overall length (L 1 ) of the first metal layer  210 . In some implementations, the overall length (L 2 ) may be within a range of one half of the first overall length (L 1 ) to the first overall length (L 2 ). In other implementations, the overall length (L 2 ) may be greater than the first overall length (L 1 ). 
     The second metal layer  212  may be formed above the first via structure  230 . The second metal layer  212  may be offset relative to the first metal layer  210 . The second metal layer  212  may be coupled to the first metal layer  210  by the first via structure  230 . The second via structure  232  may be formed above the second metal layer  212 . The second via structure  232  may be offset relative to the first via structure  230 . The third metal layer  214  may be formed above the second via structure  232 . The third metal layer  214  may be offset relative to the second metal layer  212 . The third metal layer  214  may be coupled to the second metal layer  212  by the second via structure  232 . The third via structure  234  may be formed above the third metal layer  214 . The third via structure  234  may be offset relative to the second via structure  232 . The fourth metal layer  216  may be formed above the third via structure  234 . The fourth metal layer  216  may be offset relative to the third metal layer  214 . The fourth metal layer  216  may be coupled to the third metal layer  214  by the third via structure  234 . The contact  204  may be formed above the fourth metal layer  216 . 
     In some implementations, each of the metal layers  210 - 214  may have a corresponding top surface that is the same shape. In other implementations, at least one metal layer of the metal layers  210 - 214  may have a shape of a top surface that is different than a shape of one or more other metal layers of the metal layers  210 - 214 . 
     In other implementations, each metal layer of the substructure  200  may have a top surface (and/or a bottom surface) that is a shape other than a rectangle, such as a trapezoid. When the top surface is shaped as a trapezoid, each metal layer may have the same overall width (W 1 ), but an overall length of each metal layer may be different. For example, the first overall length (L 1 ) of the first metal layer  210  may be smaller than a second overall length of the second metal layer  212 , and the second overall length of the second metal layer  212  may be smaller than a third overall length of the third metal layer  214 . A first edge of the trapezoid of the first metal layer  210  may be positioned proximate to the contact  202  and a second edge of the trapezoid of the first metal layer  210  may be positioned proximate to the first via structure  230 . The first edge and the second edge of the first metal layer  210  may be parallel, and the first edge may have a shorter length than the second edge. A third edge of the trapezoid of the second metal layer  212  may be positioned proximate to the first via structure  230  and a fourth edge of the trapezoid of the second metal layer  212  may be positioned proximate to the second via structure  232 . The third edge and the fourth edge of the second metal layer  212  may be parallel, and the third edge may have a shorter length than the fourth edge. 
     An example of the substructure  200  formed within a substrate package  290  is depicted at  270 . The substrate package  290  may include or correspond to the substrate package  130  of  FIG. 1 . The substrate package  290  may include multiple layers, such as a first layer  280 , a second layer  282 , a third layer  284 , a fourth layer  286 , and a fifth layer  288 . Although the substrate package  290  is illustrated as including five layers, in other implementations, the substrate package  290  may include more than five or fewer than five layers. 
     The first layer  280  may include the contact  202 . The first metal layer  210  may be positioned above (e.g., formed on) the first layer  280  of the substrate package  290 . The second metal layer  212  may be positioned above (e.g., formed on) the second layer  282  of the substrate package  290 . The second metal layer  212  may be offset relative to the first metal layer  210 . The first via structure  230  may be included in the second layer  282  and may be configured to couple the first metal layer  210  to the second metal layer  212 . The third metal layer  214  may be positioned above (e.g., formed on) the third layer  284  of the substrate package  290 . The third metal layer  214  may be offset relative to the second metal layer  212 . The second via structure  232  may be included in the third layer  284  and may be configured to couple the second metal layer  212  to the third metal layer  214 . 
     The fourth metal layer  216  may be positioned above (e.g., formed on) the fourth layer  286  of the substrate package  290 . The fourth metal layer  216  may be offset relative to the third metal layer  214 . The third via structure  234  may be included in the fourth layer  286  and may be configured to couple the third metal layer  214  to the fourth metal layer  216 . The fifth layer  288  of the substrate package  290  may include the contact  204 . The contact  204  may be positioned above (e.g., formed on) the fourth metal layer  216 . 
     An example of a 3D antenna structure that includes multiple substructures is depicted and generally designated  250 . For example, the 3D antenna structure  250  may include or correspond to the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 . The 3D antenna structure  250  may be included within a substrate package, such as the substrate package  130  of  FIG. 1  or the substrate package  290  of  FIG. 2 . The 3D antenna structure  250  may include multiple substructures, such as a first substructure  252 , a second substructure  254 , a third substructure  256 , and a fourth substructure  258 . The first substructure  252 , the second substructure  254 , the third substructure  256 , and the fourth substructure  258  may include or correspond to the first substructure  144 , the second substructure  142 , the third substructure  146 , and the fourth substructure  148  of  FIG. 1 , respectively. Although the 3D antenna structure  250  is illustrated as including four substructures, in other implementations, the 3D antenna structure  250  may include more than or fewer than four substructures. In some implementations, an antenna array may include multiple substructures and/or multiple 3D antenna structures. The more substructures and/or the more 3D antenna structures that are included in the antenna array, the better the directionality control and sensitivity of the array. 
     One or more of the substructures  252 - 258  may have the slanted-plate configuration. For example, one or more of the substructures  252 - 258  may include or correspond to the substructure  200 . In some implementations, each of the substructures  252 - 258  has the slanted-plate configuration. In other implementations, at least one of the substructures  252 - 258  has the slanted-plate configuration and one or more of the other substructures may have another configuration, such as a slanted-loop configuration as described with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
     Each of the substructures  252 - 258  may be positioned about an axis  260  of the antenna structure  250 . Each substructure may be positioned relative to the axis  260 . For example, a first feature of the first substructure  252  may be positioned a first distance (D 1 ) from the axis  260 , and a second feature (corresponding to the first feature) of the second substructure  254  may be positioned a second distance (D 2 ) from the axis  260 . To illustrate, a first contact of the first substructure  252  may be positioned the first distance (D 1 ) from the axis  260  and a second contact of the second substructure  254  may be positioned the second distance (D 2 ) from the axis  260 . In some implementations, each of substructures  252 - 258  may be positioned the same distance from the axis  260 . For example, the first distance (D 1 ) may be equal to the second distance (D 2 ). In other implementations, one or more the substructures  252 - 258  may not be positioned at the same distance as the other substructures  252 - 258 . For example, the first distance (D 1 ) of the first substructure  252  may be different than the second distance (D 2 ), and each of the second substructure  254 , the third substructure  256 , and the fourth substructure  258  may be the second distance (D 2 ) from the axis  260 . 
     A 3D antenna structure, such as the 3D antenna structure  250 , that includes at least one substructure having the slanted-plate configuration (e.g., the substructure  200 ), may have beam-forming directionality within a range that is greater than 30°. Accordingly, the 3D antenna structure  250  may have a larger angle of coverage for mm-wave communication than conventional 2D planar antenna arrays which have a limited amount of beam-forming directionally (e.g., less than 30°). 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , examples of a 3D antenna structure including substructures having a slanted-loop configuration are depicted. An example of a substructure having the slanted-loop configuration is depicted and generally designated  300 . The substructure  300  may be included in the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1  or the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 . The substructure  300  may be formed in a substrate package, such as the substrate package  130  of  FIG. 1  or the substrate package  290  of  FIG. 2 . 
     The substructure  300  may include contacts  302 ,  304 . The contacts  302 ,  304  may be configured to couple the substructure  300  to wireless interface circuitry, such as the wireless interface circuitry  110  (e.g., the transmitter unit  122 ) of  FIG. 1 . For example, the contact  302  may be configured to couple the substructure  300  to the wireless interface circuitry and the contact  304  may be configured to couple the substructure  300  to ground. As another example, the contact  304  may be configured to couple the substructure  300  to the wireless interface circuitry and the contact  302  may be configured to couple the substructure  300  to ground. 
     The substructure  300  may include multiple metal layers and multiple via structures coupled between the contacts  202 ,  204 . The multiple metal layers may include a first metal layer  310 , a second metal layer  312 , a third metal layer  314 , a fourth metal layer  316 , a fifth metal layer  318 , and a sixth metal layer  319 . Although the substructure  300  is illustrated as including six metal layers, in other implementations, the substructure  300  may include more than or fewer than six metal layers. The multiple via structures may include a first via structure  320 , a second via structure  322 , a third via structure  324 , a fourth via structure  326 , a fifth via structure  328 , and a sixth via structure  329 . Although the substructure  300  is illustrated as including six via structures, in other implementations, the substructure  300  may include more than or fewer than six via structures. 
     The first metal layer  310  may be coupled to the contact  302  and the sixth metal layer  319  may be coupled to the contact  304 . The first metal layer  310  and/or the sixth metal layer  319  may have a U-shape. In other implementations, the first metal layer  310  and/or the sixth metal layer  319  may have a shape other than the U-shape. The first via structure  320  and the second via structure  322  may be formed above the first metal layer  310 . The first via structure  320  may be distinct (e.g., separate) from the second via structure  322 . 
     The third metal layer  314  may be formed above the first via structure  320 , and the second metal layer  312  may be formed above the second via structure  322 . The second metal layer  312  and/or the third metal layer  314  may have an L-shape. In other implementations, the second metal layer  312  and/or the third metal layer  314  may have a shape other than the L-shape. Each of the second metal layer  312  and the third metal layer  314  may be offset relative to the first metal layer  310 . The second metal layer  312  may be coupled to the first metal layer  310  by the second via structure  322 , and the third metal layer  314  may be coupled to the first metal layer  310  by the first via structure  320 . 
     The third via structure  324  may be formed above the third metal layer  314 , and the fourth via structure  326  may be formed above the second metal layer  312 . The third via structure  324  may be offset relative to the first via structure  320 , and the fourth via structure  326  may be offset relative to the second via structure  322 . The fifth metal layer  318  may be formed above the third via structure  324 , and the fourth metal layer  316  may be formed above the fourth via structure  326 . The fourth metal layer  316  may be offset relative to the second metal layer  312 , and the fifth metal layer  318  may be offset relative to the third metal layer  314 . The fourth metal layer  316  may be coupled to the second metal layer  312  by the fourth via structure  326 , and the fifth metal layer  318  may be coupled to the third metal layer  314  by the third via structure  324 . 
     The fifth via structure  328  may be formed above the fifth metal layer  318 , and the sixth via structure  329  may be formed above the fourth metal layer  316 . The fifth via structure  328  may be offset relative to the third via structure  324 , and the sixth via structure  329  may be offset relative to the fourth via structure  326 . The sixth metal layer  319  may be formed above the fifth via structure  328  and above the sixth via structure  329 . The sixth metal layer  319  may be offset relative to the fourth metal layer  316  and/or the fifth metal layer  318 . The sixth metal layer  319  may be coupled to the fourth metal layer  316  by the sixth via structure  329 , and the sixth metal layer  319  may be coupled to the fifth metal layer  318  by the fifth via structure  328 . The contact  304  may be formed above the sixth metal layer  319 . 
     The first metal layer  310  (e.g., the contact  302 ) may be coupled to the sixth metal layer  319  (e.g., the contact  304 ) by a first path  306  and by a second path  308 . The first path  306  may be distinct from the second path  308 . The first path  306  may include the first metal layer  310  (e.g., the contact  302 ), the second via structure  322 , the second metal layer  312 , the fourth via structure  326 , the fourth metal layer  316 , the sixth via structure  329 , and the sixth metal layer  319  (e.g., the contact  304 ), as an illustrative, non-limiting example. The second path  308  may include the first metal layer  310  (e.g., the contact  302 ), the first via structure  320 , the third metal layer  314 , the third via structure  324 , the fifth metal layer  318 , the fifth via structure  328 , and the sixth metal layer  319  (e.g., the contact  304 ), as an illustrative, non-limiting example. Although, the first path  306  and the second path  308  depicted as indicating a direction from the contact  302  to the contact  304 , it is understood that the first path  306  and the second path  308  may each extend from the contact  304  to the contact  302 . 
     An example of the substructure  300  formed within a substrate package  390  is depicted at  370 . The substrate package  390  may include or correspond to the substrate package  130  of  FIG. 1  or the substrate package  290  of  FIG. 2 . The substrate package  390  may include multiple layers, such as a first layer  380 , a second layer  382 , a third layer  384 , a fourth layer  386 , and a fifth layer  388 . Although the substrate package  390  is illustrated as including five layers, in other implementations, the substrate package  390  may include more than five or fewer than five layers. 
     The first layer  380  may include the contact  302 . The first metal layer  310  may be positioned above (e.g., formed on) the first layer  380  of a substrate package  390 . The second metal layer  312  may be positioned above (e.g., formed on) the second layer  382  of the substrate package  390 . The second metal layer  312  may be offset relative to the first metal layer  310 . The second via structure  322  may be included in the second layer  382  and may be configured to couple the first metal layer  310  to the second metal layer  312 . Although not depicted, the third metal layer  314  may be positioned above (e.g., formed on) the second layer  382  of the substrate package  390 . The third metal layer  314  may be offset relative to the first metal layer  310 . Additionally, the first via structure  320  may be included in the second layer  382  and may be configured to couple the first metal layer  310  to the third metal layer  314 . 
     The fourth metal layer  316  may be positioned above (e.g., formed on) the third layer  384  of the substrate package  290 . The fourth metal layer  316  may be offset relative to the second metal layer  312 . The fourth via structure  326  may be included in the third layer  384  and may be configured to couple the second metal layer  312  to the fourth metal layer  316 . Although not depicted, the fifth metal layer  318  may be positioned above (e.g., formed on) the third layer  384  of the substrate package  390 . The fifth metal layer  318  may be offset relative to the third metal layer  314 . Additionally, the third via structure  324  may be included in the third layer  384  and may be configured to couple the third metal layer  314  to the fifth metal layer  318 . 
     The sixth metal layer  319  may be positioned above (e.g., formed on) the fourth layer  386  of the substrate package  290 . The sixth metal layer  319  may be offset relative to the fourth metal layer  316  (and/or offset relative to the fifth metal layer  318 ). The sixth via structure  329  may be included in the fourth layer  386  and may be configured to couple the sixth metal layer  319  to the fourth metal layer  316 . Although not depicted, the fifth via structure  328  may be included in the fourth layer  386  and may be configured to couple the sixth metal layer  319  to the fifth metal layer  318 . The fifth layer  388  of the substrate package  290  may include the contact  204 . The contact  204  may be positioned above (e.g., formed on) the sixth metal layer  319 . 
     An example of a 3D antenna structure that includes multiple substructures is depicted and generally designated  350 . For example, the 3D antenna structure  350  may include or correspond to the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1  or the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 . The 3D antenna structure  350  may be included within a substrate package, such as the substrate package  130  of  FIG. 1 , the substrate package  290  of  FIG. 2 , or the substrate package  390  of  FIG. 3 . The 3D antenna structure  350  may include multiple substructures, such as a first substructure  352 , a second substructure  354 , a third substructure  356 , and a fourth substructure  358 . The first substructure  352 , the second substructure  354 , the third substructure  356 , and the fourth substructure  358  may include or correspond to the first substructure  144 , the second substructure  142 , the third substructure  146 , and the fourth substructure  148  of  FIG. 1 , respectively. Although the 3D antenna structure  350  is illustrated as including four substructures, in other implementations, the 3D antenna structure  350  may include more than or fewer than four substructures. In some implementations, an antenna array may include multiple substructures and/or multiple 3D antenna structures. The more substructures and/or the more 3D antenna structures that are included in the antenna array, the better the directionality control and sensitivity of the array. 
     One or more of the substructures  352 - 358  may have the slanted-loop configuration. For example, one or more of the substructures  352 - 358  may include or correspond to the substructure  300 . In some implementations, each of the substructures  352 - 358  has the slanted-loop configuration. In other implementations, at least one of the substructures  352 - 358  has the slanted-loop configuration and one or more of the other substructures may have another configuration, such as a slanted-plate configuration as described with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     Each of the substructures  352 - 358  may be positioned about an axis  360  of the antenna structure  350 . Each substructure may be positioned relative to the axis  360 . For example, a first feature of the first substructure  352  may be positioned a first distance (D 1 ) from the axis  360 , and a second feature (corresponding to the first feature) of the second substructure  354  may be positioned a second distance (D 2 ) from the axis  360 . To illustrate, a first contact of the first substructure  352  may be positioned the first distance (D 1 ) from the axis  260  and a second contact of the second substructure  354  may be positioned the second distance (D 2 ) from the axis  260 . In some implementations, each of substructures  352 - 358  may be positioned the same distance from the axis  360 . For example, the first distance (D 1 ) may be equal to the second distance (D 2 ). In other implementations, one or more the substructures  352 - 358  may not be positioned at the same distance as the other substructures  352 - 358 . For example, the first distance (D 1 ) of the first substructure  352  may be different than the second distance (D 2 ), and each of the second substructure  354 , the third substructure  356 , and the fourth substructure  358  may be the second distance (D 2 ) from the axis  360 . 
     A 3D antenna structure, such as the 3D antenna structure  350 , that includes at least one substructure having the slanted-loop configuration (e.g., the substructure  300 ), may have beam-forming directionality in a range that is greater than 30°. Accordingly, the 3D antenna structure  350  may have a larger angle of coverage for mm-wave communication than conventional 2D planar antenna arrays which have a limited amount of beam-forming directionally (e.g., less than 30°). 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , examples of radiation patterns produced by a 3D antenna structure are depicted. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the 3D antenna structure is the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 . The 3D antenna structure  140  may include or correspond to the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2  or the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 . The 3D antenna structure  140  may be included in the substrate package  130 . The substrate package  130  may include or correspond to the substrate package  290  of  FIG. 2  or the substrate package  390  of  FIG. 3 . 
     A first example of a radiation pattern produced by the 3D antenna structure  140  is depicted and generally designated  400 . In the first example  400 , each substructure of the 3D antenna structure  140  receives a corresponding RF output signal to be transmitted by the substructure. Each RF output signal received at the 3D antenna structure  140  may have the same magnitude and the same phase. Accordingly, the radiated wave signal  410  of the 3D antenna structure  140  may be produced. The radiated wave signal  410  may be associated with a beam-forming directionality of 0°. 
     A second example of a radiation pattern produced by the 3D antenna structure  140  is depicted and generally designated  450 . In the second example  450 , each substructure of the 3D antenna structure  140  receives a corresponding RF output signal to be transmitted by the substructure. For example, a radiating substructure  471  may receive a particular RF output signal having a magnitude that is greater than RF output signals received by the other substructures of the 3D antenna structure  140 . In some implementations, the RF output signals received by the other substructures may have a magnitude of zero. Accordingly, the radiated wave signal  460  of the 3D antenna structure  140  may be produced. The radiated wave signal  460  may be associated with a beam-forming directionality within a range of 45°. Although the radiated wave signal  460  is illustrated as having a beam-forming directionality within a range of 45°, in other implementations, the beam-forming directionality range of the radiated wave signal  460  may be greater than or less than 45°. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a method  500  of forming the 3D antenna structure is depicted. For example, the 3D antenna structure may include or correspond to the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , or the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 . 
     The method  500  may include forming a first substructure of a three dimensional (3D) antenna structure in a substrate package, at  502 . The first substructure may have a configuration that includes a slanted-plate configuration or a slanted-loop configuration. For example, the first substructure may include or correspond to the first substructure  144  of  FIG. 1 , the first substructure  252  of  FIG. 2 , or the first substructure  352  of  FIG. 3 . When the first substructure has the slanted-plate configuration, the first substructure may include or correspond to the substructure  200  of  FIG. 2 . When the first substructure has the slanted-loop configuration, the first substructure may include or correspond to the substructure  300  of  FIG. 3 . The substrate package may include or correspond to the substrate package  130  of  FIG. 1 , the substrate package  290  of  FIG. 2 , or the substrate package  390  of  FIG. 3 . 
     The method  500  may further include forming a second substructure of the 3D antenna structure in the substrate package, where the second substructure has the configuration, at  504 . The first substructure and the second substructure may enable the 3D antenna structure to operate as a beam-forming antenna. For example, the second substructure may include or correspond to the second substructure  142  of  FIG. 1 , the first substructure  254  of  FIG. 2 , or the second substructure  354  of  FIG. 3 . 
     When the configuration is the slanted-plate configuration, forming the first substructure may include forming a first metal layer on a first layer of the substrate package and forming a second metal layer on a second layer of the substrate package. For example, the first metal layer may include or correspond to the first metal layer  210  formed on the first layer  280  of the substrate package  290  of  FIG. 2 . As another example, the second metal layer may include or correspond to the second metal layer  212  formed on the second layer  282  of the substrate package  290  of  FIG. 2 . The second metal layer may offset relative to the first metal layer. In some implementations, a via structure may be formed that couples the first metal layer to the second metal layer. For example, the via structure may include or correspond to the first via structure  230  of  FIG. 2 . 
     When the configuration is the slanted-loop configuration, forming the first substructure may include forming a first metal layer on a first layer of the substrate package and forming a first via structure and a second via structure coupled to the first metal layer. For example, the first metal layer may include or correspond to the first metal layer  310  of  FIG. 3 , and the first via structure and the second via structure may include or correspond to the first via structure  320  and the second via structure  322  of  FIG. 3 , respectively. The first layer of the substrate package may include or correspond to the first layer  380  of the substrate package  390  of  FIG. 3 . Additionally, a second metal layer and a third metal layer may be formed on a second layer of the substrate package. The second metal layer may be coupled to the first via structure, and the third metal layer is coupled to the second via structure. For example, the second metal layer may include or correspond to the third meal layer  314  of  FIG. 3 , and the third metal layer may include or correspond to the second metal layer  312  of  FIG. 3 . A fourth metal layer may be formed on a third layer of the substrate package. For example, the fourth metal layer may include or correspond to the sixth metal layer  319  formed on the fourth layer  386  of the substrate package  390  of  FIG. 3 . The first metal layer may be coupled to the fourth metal layer via a first path, such as the second path  308  of  FIG. 3 , that includes the second metal layer and the first via structure. Additionally or alternatively, the first metal layer may be coupled to the fourth metal layer via a second path, such as the first path  306  of  FIG. 3 , that includes the third metal layer and the second via structure. 
     In some implementations, the method  500  may include forming a third substructure of the 3D antenna structure in the substrate package. For example the third substructure may include or correspond to the third substructure  146  of  FIG. 1 , the third substructure  256  of  FIG. 2 , or the third substructure  356  of  FIG. 3 . The third substructure may have the same configuration as the first substructure or may have a different configuration than the first substructure. Additionally, the method  500  further includes forming a fourth substructure of the 3D antenna structure in the substrate package. For example, the fourth substructure may include or correspond to the fourth substructure  148  of  FIG. 1 , the fourth substructure  258  of  FIG. 2 , or the fourth substructure  358  of  FIG. 3 . The fourth substructure may have the same configuration as the first substructure or may have a different configuration than first substructure. 
     The method  500  may be used to form a 3D antenna structure having multiple substructures. The 3D antenna structure may have a beam-forming directionality range that is greater than 30°. Accordingly, the 3D antenna structure may be able to emit a focused beam (e.g., a radiated radio wave) over a larger angle of coverage than 2D planar antenna arrays. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a flow diagram of another illustrative embodiment of a method  600  of forming the 3D antenna structure is depicted. For example, the 3D antenna structure may include or correspond to the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , or the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 . The 3D antenna structure may have a substructure having a slanted-loop configuration, such as the substructure  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
     The method  600  includes forming a first metal layer on a first layer of a substrate package, at  602 . For example, the first metal layer may include or correspond to the first metal layer  310  of  FIG. 3 . The first metal layer may be formed on the first layer  380  of the substrate package  390  of  FIG. 3 . In some implementations, the first metal layer may be U-shaped. 
     The method  600  further includes forming a first via structure and a second via structure coupled to the first metal layer, at  604 . The first via structure and the second via structure may include or correspond to the first via structure  320  and the second via structure  322  of  FIG. 3 , respectively. 
     The method  600  also includes forming a second metal layer and a third metal layer on a second layer of the substrate package, at  606 . The second metal layer is coupled to the first via structure, and the third metal layer is coupled to the second via structure. For example, the second metal layer may include or correspond to the third meal layer  314  of  FIG. 3 , and the third metal layer may include or correspond to the second metal layer  312  of  FIG. 3 . The second layer of the substrate package may include or correspond to the second layer  382  of the substrate package  390  of  FIG. 3 . In some implementations, the second metal layer and/or the third metal layer is L-shaped. 
     The method  600  also includes forming a fourth metal layer on a third layer of the substrate package, at  608 . The first metal layer is coupled to the fourth metal layer via a first path that includes the second metal layer and the first via structure, and the first metal layer is coupled to the fourth metal layer via a second path that includes the third metal layer and the second via structure. For example, the fourth metal layer may include or correspond to the sixth metal layer  319  formed on the fourth layer  386  of the substrate package  390  of  FIG. 3 . The second layer of the substrate package may be positioned between the first layer and the third layer of the substrate package. In some implementations, the fourth metal layer may be U-shaped. The first path may be distinct from the second path. The first path may include or correspond to the second path  308  of  FIG. 3 , and the second path may include or correspond to the first path  306  of  FIG. 3 . 
     The method  600  may be used to form a 3D antenna structure that includes at least one substructure having a slanted-loop configuration. The 3D antenna structure may have a beam-forming directionality range that is greater than 30°. Accordingly, the 3D antenna structure may be able to emit a focused beam (e.g., a radiated radio wave) over a larger angle of coverage than conventional 2D planar antenna arrays. 
     The method  500  of  FIG. 5  and/or the method  600  of  FIG. 6  may be implemented by a processing unit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), another hardware device, firmware device, or any combination thereof. As an example, the method  500  of  FIG. 5  and/or the method  600  of  FIG. 6  can be performed by one or more processors that execute instructions to control fabrication equipment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a block diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of an electronic device  700 , such as a wireless communication device, is depicted. The electronic device  700  may include the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 . The 3D antenna structure  140  may include or correspond to the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 , a 3D antenna structure formed according to the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , a 3D antenna structure formed according to the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or a combination thereof. 
     The electronic device  700  includes a processor  710 , such as a digital signal processor (DSP), coupled to a memory  732 . The processor  710  may be configured to generate the one or more data streams  160  of  FIG. 1 . In some implementations, the processor  710  may include the controller  120  of  FIG. 1 . The memory  732  includes instructions  768  (e.g., executable instructions) such as computer-readable instructions or processor-readable instructions. The instructions  768  may include one or more instructions that are executable by a computer, such as the processor  710 . 
       FIG. 7  also shows a display controller  726  that is coupled to the processor  710  and to a display  728 . A coder/decoder (CODEC)  734  can also be coupled to the processor  710 . A speaker  736  and a microphone  738  can be coupled to the CODEC  734 . 
       FIG. 7  also indicates that a wireless interface  740 , such as a wireless controller, can be coupled to the processor  710  and to the 3D antenna structure  140 . The wireless interface  740  may include or correspond to the wireless interface circuitry  110  of  FIG. 1 . For example, the wireless interface  740  may include the transmitter unit  122  that is configured to provide one or more RF output signals to the 3D antenna structure  140 . The 3D antenna structure  140  may include one or more substructures that include a slanted-plate configuration, such as the substructure  200  of  FIG. 2 , and/or one or more substructures that include a slanted-loop configuration, such as the substructure  300  of  FIG. 3 . For example, the 3D antenna structure  140  may include multiple substructures that have the slanted-plate configuration and/or multiple substructures that have the slanted-loop configuration. 
     In some implementations, the processor  710 , the display controller  726 , the memory  732 , the CODEC  734 , and the wireless interface  740 , the 3D antenna structure  140 , or a combination thereof, may be included in a system-in-package or system-on-chip device  722 . For example, the system-on-chip device  722  may include or correspond to the substrate package  130  of  FIG. 1 , the substrate package  290  of  FIG. 2 , or the substrate package  390  of  FIG. 3 . An input device  730  and a power supply  744  may be coupled to the system-on-chip device  722 . Moreover, in some implementations, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the display  728 , the input device  730 , the speaker  736 , the microphone  738 , and the power supply  744  are external to the system-on-chip device  722 . However, each of the display  728 , the input device  730 , the speaker  736 , the microphone  738 , and the power supply  744  can be coupled to a component of the system-on-chip device  722 , such as an interface or a controller. 
     One or more of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in a system or an apparatus, such as the electronic device  700 , that may include a communications device, a fixed location data unit, a mobile location data unit, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a satellite phone, a computer, a tablet, a portable computer, or a desktop computer. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic device  700  may include a set top box, an entertainment unit, a navigation device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a monitor, a computer monitor, a television, a tuner, a radio, a satellite radio, a music player, a digital music player, a portable music player, a video player, a digital video player, a digital video disc (DVD) player, a portable digital video player, a vehicle, a satellite, any other device that includes or is coupled to an antenna, or a combination thereof. As another illustrative, non-limiting example, the system or the apparatus may include remote units, such as hand-held personal communication systems (PCS) units, portable data units such as global positioning system (GPS) enabled devices, meter reading equipment, or any other device that includes or is coupled to an antenna, or any combination thereof. 
     The foregoing disclosed devices and functionalities may be designed and configured into computer files (e.g. RTL, GDSII, GERBER, etc.) stored on computer-readable media. Some or all such files may be provided to fabrication handlers who fabricate devices based on such files. Resulting products include semiconductor wafers that are then cut into semiconductor die and packaged into a semiconductor chip. The chips are then employed in devices described above.  FIG. 8  depicts a particular illustrative embodiment of an electronic device manufacturing process  800 . 
     Physical device information  802  is received at the manufacturing process  800 , such as at a research computer  806 . The physical device information  802  may include design information representing at least one physical property of a 3D antenna structure and/or a substructure of the 3D antenna structure, such as the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 , a 3D antenna structure formed according to the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , a 3D antenna structure formed according to the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or a combination thereof. For example, the physical device information  802  may include physical parameters, material characteristics, and structure information that is entered via a user interface  804  coupled to the research computer  806 . The research computer  806  includes a processor  808 , such as one or more processing cores, coupled to a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium), such as a memory  810 . The memory  810  may store computer-readable instructions that are executable to cause the processor  808  to transform the physical device information  802  to comply with a file format and to generate a library file  812 . 
     In some implementations, the library file  812  includes at least one data file including the transformed design information. For example, the library file  812  may include a library of devices including a device that includes the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or a combination thereof, that is provided for use with an electronic design automation (EDA) tool  820 . 
     The library file  812  may be used in conjunction with the EDA tool  820  at a design computer  814  including a processor  816 , such as one or more processing cores, coupled to a memory  818 . The EDA tool  820  may be stored as processor executable instructions at the memory  818  to enable a user of the design computer  814  to design a circuit including the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or a combination thereof. For example, a user of the design computer  814  may enter circuit design information  822  via a user interface  824  coupled to the design computer  814 . The circuit design information  822  may include design information representing at least one physical property of the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or a combination thereof. To illustrate, the circuit design property may include identification of particular circuits and relationships to other elements in a circuit design, positioning information, feature size information, interconnection information, or other information representing a physical property of a semiconductor device. 
     The design computer  814  may be configured to transform the design information, including the circuit design information  822 , to comply with a file format. To illustrate, the file format may include a database binary file format representing planar geometric shapes, text labels, and other information about a circuit layout in a hierarchical format, such as a Graphic Data System (GDSII) file format. The design computer  814  may be configured to generate a data file including the transformed design information, such as a GDSII file  826  that includes information describing the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or a combination thereof, in addition to other circuits or information. To illustrate, the data file may include information corresponding to a system-on-chip (SOC) that includes the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or a combination thereof, and that also includes additional electronic circuits and components within the SOC. The SOC may include or correspond to the substrate package  130  of  FIG. 1 , the substrate package  290  of  FIG. 2 , or the substrate package  390  of  FIG. 3 . 
     The GDSII file  826  may be received at a fabrication process  828  to manufacture the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or a combination thereof, according to transformed information in the GDSII file  826 . For example, a device manufacture process may include providing the GDSII file  826  to a mask manufacturer  830  to create one or more masks, such as masks to be used with photolithography processing, illustrated as a representative mask  832 . The mask  832  may be used during the fabrication process to generate one or more wafers  833 , which may be tested and separated into dies, such as a representative die  836 . The die  836  includes a circuit including a device that includes the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or a combination thereof. 
     For example, the fabrication process  828  may include a processor  834  and a memory  835  to initiate and/or control the fabrication process  828 . The memory  835  may include executable instructions such as computer-readable instructions or processor-readable instructions. The executable instructions may include one or more instructions that are executable by a computer such as the processor  834 . 
     The fabrication process  828  may be implemented by a fabrication system that is fully automated or partially automated. For example, the fabrication process  828  may be automated according to a schedule. The fabrication system may include fabrication equipment (e.g., processing tools) to perform one or more operations to form a 3D antenna structure. For example, the fabrication equipment may be configured to deposit one or more materials, etch one or more materials, etch one or more dielectric materials, etch one or more etch stop layers, perform a chemical mechanical planarization process, etc. 
     The fabrication system (e.g., an automated system that performs the fabrication process  828 ) may have a distributed architecture (e.g., a hierarchy). For example, the fabrication system may include one or more processors, such as the processor  834 , one or more memories, such as the memory  835 , and/or controllers that are distributed according to the distributed architecture. The distributed architecture may include a high-level processor that controls or initiates operations of one or more low-level systems. For example, a high-level portion of the fabrication process  828  may include one or more processors, such as the processor  834 , and the low-level systems may each include or may be controlled by one or more corresponding controllers. A particular controller of a particular low-level system may receive one or more instructions (e.g., commands) from a particular high-level system, may issue sub-commands to subordinate modules or process tools, and may communicate status data back to the particular high-level. Each of the one or more low-level systems may be associated with one or more corresponding pieces of fabrication equipment (e.g., processing tools). In some implementations, the fabrication system may include multiple processors that are distributed in the fabrication system. For example, a controller of a low-level system component may include a processor, such as the processor  834 . 
     Alternatively, the processor  834  may be a part of a high-level system, subsystem, or component of the fabrication system. In another implementation, the processor  834  includes distributed processing at various levels and components of a fabrication system. 
     Thus, the processor  834  may include processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor  834 , cause the processor  834  to initiate or control formation of the 3D antenna structure. For example, the executable instructions included in the memory  835  may enable the processor  834  to initiate formation of the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the memory  835  is a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that are executable by the processor  834  to cause the processor  834  to initiate formation of 3D antenna structure in accordance with at least a portion of the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , at least a portion of the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or any combination thereof. For example, the computer executable instructions may be executable to cause the processor  834  to initiate formation of the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , or the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 . 
     As an illustrative example, the processor  834  may initiate or control forming a first substructure of a three dimensional (3D) antenna structure in a substrate package. The first substructure may have a configuration that includes a slanted-plate configuration or a slanted-loop configuration. The processor  834  may further initiate or control forming a second substructure of the 3D antenna structure in the substrate package, where the second substructure has the configuration. The first substructure and the second substructure may enable the 3D antenna structure to operate as a beam-forming antenna. 
     As another illustrative example, the processor  834  may initiate or control forming a first metal layer on a first layer of a substrate package and forming a first via structure and a second via structure coupled to the first metal layer. The processor  834  may further initiate or control forming a second metal layer and a third metal layer on a second layer of the substrate package. The second metal layer is coupled to the first via structure, and the third metal layer is coupled to the second via structure. The processor  834  may also initiate or control forming a fourth metal layer on a third layer of the substrate package. The first metal layer is coupled to the fourth metal layer via a first path that includes the second metal layer and the first via structure, and the first metal layer is coupled to the fourth metal layer via a second path that includes the third metal layer and the second via structure. 
     The die  836  may be provided to a packaging process  838  where the die  836  is incorporated into a representative package  840 . For example, the package  840  may include the single die  836  or multiple dies, such as a system-in-package (SiP) arrangement. For example, the SiP may include or correspond to a system-in-package or the system-on-chip device  722  of  FIG. 7 . The package  840  may be configured to conform to one or more standards or specifications, such as Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) standards. 
     Information regarding the package  840  may be distributed to various product designers, such as via a component library stored at a computer  846 . The computer  846  may include a processor  848 , such as one or more processing cores, coupled to a memory  850 . A printed circuit board (PCB) tool may be stored as processor executable instructions at the memory  850  to process PCB design information  842  received from a user of the computer  846  via a user interface  844 . The PCB design information  842  may include physical positioning information of a packaged semiconductor device on a circuit board, the packaged semiconductor device including the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or a combination thereof. 
     The computer  846  may be configured to transform the PCB design information  842  to generate a data file, such as a GERBER file  852  with data that includes physical positioning information of a packaged semiconductor device on a circuit board, as well as layout of electrical connections such as traces (e.g., metal lines) and vias (e.g., via structures), where the packaged semiconductor device corresponds to the package  840  including the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or a combination thereof. In other implementations, the data file generated by the transformed PCB design information may have a format other than a GERBER format. 
     The GERBER file  852  may be received at a board assembly process  854  and used to create PCBs, such as a representative PCB  856 , manufactured in accordance with the design information stored within the GERBER file  852 . For example, the GERBER file  852  may be uploaded to one or more machines to perform various steps of a PCB production process. The PCB  856  may be populated with electronic components including the package  840  to form a representative printed circuit assembly (PCA)  858 . 
     The PCA  858  may be received at a product manufacture process  860  and integrated into one or more electronic devices, such as a first representative electronic device  862  and a second representative electronic device  864 . For example, the first representative electronic device  862 , the second representative electronic device  864 , or both, may include or correspond to the wireless communication device  700  of  FIG. 7 . As an illustrative, non-limiting example, the first representative electronic device  862 , the second representative electronic device  864 , or both, may include a communications device, a fixed location data unit, a mobile location data unit, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a satellite phone, a computer, a tablet, a portable computer, or a desktop computer. Alternatively or additionally, the first representative electronic device  862 , the second representative electronic device  864 , or both, may include a set top box, an entertainment unit, a navigation device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a monitor, a computer monitor, a television, a tuner, a radio, a satellite radio, a music player, a digital music player, a portable music player, a video player, a digital video player, a digital video disc (DVD) player, a portable digital video player, a vehicle, a satellite, any other device that generates or uses data that is wirelessly communicated, or a combination thereof, into which the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or a combination thereof, is integrated. As another illustrative, non-limiting example, one or more of the electronic devices  862  and  864  may include remote units, such as mobile phones, hand-held personal communication systems (PCS) units, portable data units such as personal data assistants, global positioning system (GPS) enabled devices, navigation devices, fixed location data units such as meter reading equipment, or any other device that generates or uses data that is wirelessly communicated, or any combination thereof. Although  FIG. 8  illustrates remote units according to teachings of the disclosure, the disclosure is not limited to these illustrated units. Embodiments of the disclosure may be suitably employed in any device which includes active integrated circuitry including memory and on-chip circuitry. 
     A device that includes the 3D antenna structure  140  of  FIG. 1 , the substructure  200 , the 3D antenna structure  250  of  FIG. 2 , the substructure  300 , the 3D antenna structure  350  of  FIG. 3 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  500  of  FIG. 5 , a 3D antenna structure formed using the method  600  of  FIG. 6 , or a combination thereof, may be fabricated, processed, and incorporated into an electronic device, as described in the illustrative process  800 . One or more aspects of the embodiments disclosed with respect to  FIGS. 1-8  may be included at various processing stages, such as within the library file  812 , the GDSII file  826  (e.g., a file having a GDSII format), and the GERBER file  852  (e.g., a file having a GERBER format), as well as stored at the memory  810  of the research computer  806 , the memory  818  of the design computer  814 , the memory  850  of the computer  846 , the memory of one or more other computers or processors (not shown) used at the various stages, such as at the board assembly process  854 , and also incorporated into one or more other physical embodiments such as the mask  832 , the die  836 , the package  840 , the PCA  858 , other products such as prototype circuits or devices (not shown), or any combination thereof. Although various representative stages of production from a physical device design to a final product are depicted, in other embodiments fewer stages may be used or additional stages may be included. Similarly, the process  800  may be performed by a single entity or by one or more entities performing various stages of the process  800 . 
     Although one or more of  FIGS. 1-8  may illustrate systems, apparatuses, and/or methods according to the teachings of the disclosure, the disclosure is not limited to these illustrated systems, apparatuses, and/or methods. Embodiments of the disclosure may be suitably employed in any device that includes integrated circuitry including memory, a processor, and on-chip circuitry. 
     Although one or more of  FIGS. 1-8  may illustrate systems, apparatuses, and/or methods according to the teachings of the disclosure, the disclosure is not limited to these illustrated systems, apparatuses, and/or methods. One or more functions or components of any of  FIGS. 1-8  as illustrated or described herein may be combined with one or more other portions of another of  FIGS. 1-8 . Accordingly, no single embodiment described herein should be construed as limiting and embodiments of the disclosure may be suitably combined without departing from the teachings of the disclosure. 
     Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, configurations, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software executed by a processor, or combinations of both. Various illustrative components, blocks, configurations, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or processor executable instructions depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of non-transient storage medium known in the art. For example, a storage medium may be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC may reside in a computing device or a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a computing device or user terminal. 
     The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosed embodiments. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope possible consistent with the principles and novel features as defined by the following claims.