WO2023013111A1

WO2023013111A1 - Antenna module unit and communication device

Info

Publication number: WO2023013111A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/006281
Authority: WO
Inventors: 宏貴柏木
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2021-08-05
Filing date: 2022-02-17
Publication date: 2023-02-09

Abstract

Provided are an antenna module unit and a communication device that enable downsizing of the communication device while suppressing reduction in antenna characteristics. This antenna module unit comprises: a main module comprising a plurality of first antenna elements capable of transmitting and receiving electric waves; and at least one sub-module capable of transmitting and receiving electric signals between the sub-module and the main module through a cable. The sub-module comprises: a second antenna element the number of which is less than the number of the first antenna elements and which is capable of transmitting and receiving electric waves; and an amplifier for amplifying the intensity of the electric signals.

Description

Antenna module unit and communication device

The present invention relates to an antenna module unit and a communication device. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-128714 filed in Japan on August 5, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein.

Conventionally, in a communication device equipped with an antenna, when a user holds the communication device with his/her hand, the radiation direction of the antenna overlaps with the hand holding the communication device, causing the problem of degraded antenna characteristics. To address this problem, techniques for suppressing deterioration of antenna characteristics have been studied. For example, in Patent Document 1, by arranging an antenna module in a communication device so as to radiate radio waves in two directions, deterioration in antenna characteristics due to overlapping of the radiation direction of the antenna and the hand holding the communication device is reduced. An intended communication device is described.

WO2020/138448

As discussed in Patent Document 1, in order to compensate for the deterioration of the antenna characteristics due to the overlap between the radiation direction of the antenna and the hand holding the communication device, a two-directional antenna can be used only with a configuration that can radiate radio waves in two directions. are close to each other, and there is a high possibility of being affected by hands in both directions, so it is necessary to arrange a plurality of antenna modules in the communication device. In a millimeter wave antenna, it is necessary to form an array of antenna elements to obtain the required transmission/reception performance. However, mounting a plurality of arrayed antenna modules on a communication device inevitably increases the size of the communication device and affects the size of the battery. In other words, it has been difficult to reduce the size of the communication device in order to suppress deterioration of the antenna characteristics.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an antenna module unit and a communication device capable of suppressing deterioration of antenna characteristics and downsizing the communication device.

An antenna module unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a main module including a plurality of first antenna elements capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves, and at least one sub module capable of transmitting and receiving electrical signals to and from the main module via a cable. and a module, wherein the sub-module includes second antenna elements capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves, the number of which is smaller than the number of the first antenna elements, and an amplifier that amplifies the signal strength of the electrical signal.

A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the antenna module unit.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an antenna module unit according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of connection between a main module and a main circuit board in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a main module of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a submodule in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the circuit configuration of the submodule of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing still another example of the circuit configuration of the submodule of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of the antenna module units of FIG. 1 in a communication device; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another example of arrangement of the antenna module units of FIG. 1 in a communication device; FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an antenna module unit according to a second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of the antenna module units of FIG. 9 in a communication device; FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of an antenna module unit according to a third embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a submodule of FIG. 11;

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the drawings, the same or equivalent components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description of the same or equivalent components will be omitted as appropriate.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an antenna module unit 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the antenna module unit 1 according to the first embodiment includes a main module 10, submodules 20, and cables 30. As shown in FIG.

The main module 10 includes an antenna substrate 11 and a plurality of first antenna elements 12 arranged in an array on the upper surface side of the antenna substrate 11 . The first antenna element 12 transmits and receives radio waves. The first antenna element 12 can transmit radio waves, for example, based on electrical signals. In this embodiment, the main module 10 includes four first antenna elements 12, as shown in FIG. The four first antenna elements 12 are arranged in a row, that is, arranged in a one-dimensional array. Thus, since the main module 10 includes a plurality of first antenna elements 12, the directivity of each of the plurality of first antenna elements 12 is combined to improve the antenna gain in a specific direction, so-called beamforming. It can be carried out. This allows the main module 10 to achieve desired high antenna performance.

However, the number of first antenna elements 12 included in the main module 10 is not limited to four. The main module 10 only needs to have the necessary number of first antenna elements 12 to have desired antenna characteristics. The plurality of first antenna elements 12 may not necessarily be arranged in a one-dimensional array, and may be arranged in a two-dimensional array, for example.

In this embodiment, the first antenna element 12 may be a patch antenna having a substantially square flat plate shape. However, the first antenna element 12 may also be another antenna, for example a dipole antenna or a monopole antenna. Any combination of patch antennas, dipole antennas and monopole antennas may also be used.

In this embodiment, the main module 10 further includes an RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) 13 and a power supply IC 14 on the lower surface side of the antenna substrate 11 . RFIC 13 functions as a frequency converter in the present disclosure. The RFIC 13 is an integrated circuit that performs processing of high frequency signals as electrical signals. In this embodiment, the RFIC 13 converts the frequency of electrical signals. Further, the RFIC 13 can transmit and receive radio waves from the first antenna element 12 using electrical signals for communicating with an external device. The power supply IC 14 is a power supply circuit that supplies power to the RFIC 13 . The power supply IC 14 also supplies power to the submodule 20 connected via the first connector 15 .

In this embodiment, the main module 10 has a first connector 15 at one end of the antenna substrate 11 on the lower surface side, and a second connector 16 at the other end. The first connector 15 is a connector for connecting with a third connector 31 provided at one end of the cable 30 . The second connector 16 is a connector used for connection with the main circuit board 40 . The main circuit board 40 has a modem circuit and exchanges signals with the main module 10 . The main circuit board 40 also supplies power and control signals to the main module 10 .

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the main module 10 is connected to the main circuit board 40 via a cable 50 such as a flexible cable. At this time, the second connector 16 of the main module 10 and the fourth connector 51 provided on one end of the cable 50 are connected, and the fifth connector 52 provided on the other end of the cable 50 and the sixth connector provided on the main circuit board 40 are connected. 41, the main module 10 and the main circuit board 40 are connected. Main circuit board 40 provides various signals and power to main module 10 via cable 50 .

The submodule 20 is provided on the other end side of the cable 30 opposite to the third connector 31 . Submodule 20 receives electrical signals from main module 10 via cable 30 .

The submodule 20 includes an antenna substrate 21 and a second antenna element 22 arranged on the upper surface side of the antenna substrate 21 . The second antenna element 22 transmits and receives radio waves. The second antenna element 22 can transmit radio waves based on, for example, electrical signals (RF (Radio Frequency) signals, which will be described later). The electrical signal can be exchanged between the submodule 20 and the main module 10 via the cable 30 . In this embodiment, the submodule 20 has one second antenna element 22 . The second antenna element 22, like the first antenna element 12, may be a patch antenna, a dipole antenna, a monopole antenna, or the like.

The sub-module 20 has an amplifier 23 for amplifying signal strength on the lower surface side of the antenna substrate 21 . The amplifier 23 amplifies the signal strength of the electric signal (high frequency signal) received from the main module 10 , for example, and supplies the amplified signal to the second antenna element 22 . The amplifier 23, for example, is a high-frequency wave so that the strength of the radio wave transmitted and received from the second antenna element 22 is equal to or slightly higher than the strength of the radio wave transmitted and received from one of the first antenna elements 12 of the main module 10. Amplifies signal strength. That is, the amplifier 23 amplifies the signal so as to compensate for the loss that occurs while the high-frequency signal is transmitted from the main module 10 to the sub-module 20 through the cable 30 . Also, the amplifier 23 amplifies the strength of the signal received by the second antenna element 22 . The amplifier 23 can make the radio wave transmission/reception performance of the sub-module 20 equivalent to that of the single first antenna element 12 of the main module 10 .

The cable 30 transmits signals and power between the main module 10 and the submodule 20 . The cable 30 may be configured by a flexible cable, for example. It is assumed that the submodule 20 is directly mounted on the cable 30, but the connection method is not limited to this. Conversely, although the main module 10 side is shown as being connected by a connector, it may be directly mounted on the cable 30 .

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main module 10. As shown in FIG. Main module 10 receives various signals and power from main circuit board 40 connected via cable 50 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the second connector 16 is configured to be able to transmit and receive control signals to and from the RFIC 13 and power supply IC 14 . For example, control signals are connected (supplied) from the main circuit board 40 to the RFIC 13 or the power supply IC 14 via the second connector 16 and the cable 50 . Upon receiving the control signal, the RFIC 13 and the power supply IC 14 perform processing according to the control signal.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second connector 16 is configured to be capable of transmitting/receiving IF (Intermediate Frequency) signals to/from the RFIC 13 . The RFIC 13 internally includes a mixer, a switch, an amplifier, and the like, and performs up-conversion or down-conversion on an input signal. For example, the RFIC 13 generates an RF signal by up-converting an input signal input from the main circuit board 40 to the main module 10 via the second connector 16 and the cable 50 . The RF signal is an electrical signal supplied from main module 10 to submodule 20 via cable 30 . The IF signal is connected (supplied) from the main circuit board 40 to the RFIC 13 via the second connector 16 and the cable 50 . The RFIC 13 receives the local oscillation signal through the second connector 16 as well as the IF signal. The local oscillation signal is an unmodulated signal for up-converting and down-converting the IF signal. The RFIC 13 generates an RF signal (for example, a millimeter wave signal) by up-converting the IF signal received from the second connector 16 based on the control signal using the received local oscillation signal, and converts the generated RF signal to , the first antenna element 12 or the first connector 15 . The RFIC 13 may comprise a phase shifter that provides phase control for beamforming, for example. Then, the RFIC 13 down-converts the high-frequency signal received from the first antenna element 12 or the first connector 15 to the IF frequency by the aforementioned local oscillation signal. This, like the up-conversion, is also controlled by the control signal.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second connector 16 is configured to be able to supply power to the power supply IC 14 . When receiving power from the main circuit board 40 via the cable 50 , the second connector 16 supplies the power to the power supply IC 14 . The power supply IC 14 supplies the power received from the second connector 16 to the RFIC 13 or the first connector 15 based on the control signal received from the second connector 16, for example.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first connector 15 is configured to be able to transmit and receive control signals to and from the RFIC 13 and power supply IC 14 . A control signal is connected (supplied) from the RFIC 13 or the power supply IC 14 to the submodule 20 via the first connector 15 and the cable 30 . Also, a high-frequency signal is connected (supplied) from the RFIC 13 to the sub-module 20 via the first connector 15 and the cable 30 . Also, when receiving power from the power supply IC 14 , the first connector 15 supplies the power to the submodule 20 via the cable 30 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the submodule 20. As shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the submodule 20 includes a second antenna element 22, a high power amplifier 23a, a low noise amplifier 23b, a first changeover switch 24a, and a second changeover switch 24b.

The high power amplifier 23a and the low noise amplifier 23b are examples of the amplifier 23 described above. That is, in this embodiment, the amplifier 23 includes a high-power amplifier 23a and a low-noise amplifier 23b. The high power amplifier 23 a amplifies the high frequency signal supplied from the main module 10 and transmits it to the second antenna element 22 . The low noise amplifier 23 b amplifies the signal received by the second antenna element 22 and transmits the amplified signal to the main module 10 . As shown in FIG. 4, the high power amplifier 23a and the low noise amplifier 23b are connected in parallel between the first changeover switch 24a and the second changeover switch 24b.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first changeover switch 24a is connected to the terminal 20a connected to the cable 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the second changeover switch 24b is connected to the second antenna element 22. As shown in FIG. A large power amplifier 23a and a low noise amplifier 23b are connected in parallel between the first changeover switch 24a and the second changeover switch 24b. The switch is switched according to the control. That is, when a signal is supplied to the second antenna element 22, the first changeover switch 24a and the second changeover switch 24b amplifies the high frequency signal supplied from the main module 10 by conducting the high power amplifier 23a. On the other hand, when supplying the signal received by the second antenna element 22, the first changeover switch 24a and the second changeover switch 24b conduct the low noise amplifier 23b to amplify the signal from the second antenna element 22. . For example, the first changeover switch 24a and the second changeover switch 24b switch the amplifier to be turned on between the high-power amplifier 23a and the low-noise amplifier 23b according to the timing of switching between transmission and reception according to the TDD (Time Division Duplex) system. You can switch between them. In this way, the sub-module 20 amplifies the signal for transmission and reception from the second antenna element 22 .

Although not shown in FIG. 4, the submodule 20 is configured to be able to receive control signals and power from the main module 10 via the cable 30. That is, the submodule 20 performs control based on the control signal received from the main module 10 and transmits radio waves from the second antenna element 22 based on the high frequency signal received from the main module 10 . Sub-module 20 does not have a separate phase shifter or up/down converter. Therefore, the radio waves transmitted from the second antenna element 22 of the submodule 20 can be controlled as one beam of the main module 10 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the circuit configuration of the submodule 20. FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the submodule 20 includes two sets of circuit units composed of a high power amplifier 23a, a low noise amplifier 23b, a first changeover switch 24a and a second changeover switch 24b. The functions and configurations of the high power amplifier 23a, the low noise amplifier 23b, the first changeover switch 24a and the second changeover switch 24b are the same as those described with reference to FIG.

The two sets of circuit units are connected in parallel between the second antenna element 22 and the cable 30. Of the two sets of circuit units, one set is connected to the terminal 20b connected to the cable 30, and the other set is connected to the terminal 20c connected to the cable 30. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the sub-module 20 includes two sets of circuit units, the sub-module 20 can use the two sets of circuit units separately for transmitting and receiving different signals. For example, the submodule 20 can use one set of two sets of circuit units for vertical polarization communication and the other set for horizontal polarization communication.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing still another example of the circuit configuration of the submodule 20. FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the submodule 20 includes an amplifier 23 and a changeover switch 25. In the example shown in FIG.

The amplifier 23 amplifies the input signal strength. The amplifier 23 shown in FIG. 6 has the functions of both the high power amplifier 23a and the low noise amplifier 23b shown in FIGS. That is, the amplifier 23 shown in FIG. 6 can amplify both the high frequency signal supplied from the main module 10 and the signal received by the second antenna element 22 .

The changeover switch 25 has four terminals. The first terminal 25 a is connected to the second antenna element 22 . The second terminal 25b is connected to the terminal 20d connected to the cable 30. As shown in FIG. The third terminal 25 c is connected to the input side of the amplifier 23 . The fourth terminal 25 d is connected to the output side of the amplifier 23 .

In the example shown in FIG. 6, when the second antenna element 22 transmits radio waves based on the high-frequency signal supplied from the main module 10, the switch 25 connects the second terminal 25b and the third terminal 25c. , connect the first terminal 25a and the fourth terminal 25d. Thereby, the high frequency signal supplied from the main module 10 is amplified by the amplifier 23 and supplied to the second antenna element 22 . In the example shown in FIG. 6, when the signal received by the second antenna element 22 is transmitted from the submodule 20 to the main module 10, the changeover switch 25 connects the first terminal 25a and the third terminal 25c, The second terminal 25b and the fourth terminal 25d are connected. Thereby, the signal received by the second antenna element 22 is amplified by the amplifier 23 and transmitted to the main module 10 via the cable 30 from the terminal 20a.

As described above, the antenna module unit 1 of this embodiment includes a main module 10 having four first antenna elements 12 and a sub module capable of transmitting and receiving electrical signals between the main module 10 and the main module 10 via the cable 30. a module 20; The sub-module 20 comprises one second antenna element 22 and an amplifier 23 for amplifying the signal strength of the electrical signal. Thus, the main module 10 has four first antenna elements 12, while the sub-module 20 has one second antenna element 22. Therefore, the sub-module 20 has a smaller number of parts than the main module 10. Less is. Further, since the submodule 20 transmits radio waves from the second antenna element 22 based on the electrical signal (RF signal) received from the main module 10, the submodule 20 does not need to be provided with a separate phase shifter or up/down converter. do not have. Therefore, the submodule 20 can be made smaller than the main module 10 . Therefore, when the antenna module unit 1 is mounted on a communication device, the sub-module 20 can be arranged in a narrow space of the communication device, so that the communication device itself can be miniaturized.

Furthermore, since the submodule 20 includes an amplifier 23 that amplifies electrical signals, it is possible to compensate for the loss that occurs in the cable 30. Therefore, the second antenna element 22 of the sub-module 20 can output radio waves with the same intensity as the single first antenna element 12 of the main module 10 . Therefore, as the antenna module unit 1, deterioration of the antenna characteristics can be suppressed. In this manner, the antenna module unit 1 can reduce the size of the communication device while suppressing deterioration of the antenna characteristics.

According to the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 6, one amplifier 23 and one switch 25 can handle signal transmission and reception. Therefore, compared with the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 4, the submodule 20 can be further miniaturized.

The antenna module unit 1 according to this embodiment may be mounted on a communication device. The communication device may be any device that performs wireless communication, such as a smart phone or tablet.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of the antenna module units 1 in FIG. 1 in the communication device 100. In FIG. However, in FIG. 7, a part of the communication device 100 is shown transparently so that the arrangement of the antenna module unit 1 can be easily understood.

The communication device 100 includes a housing that forms the outer shape of the communication device 100 . The housing has a generally flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, as shown in FIG. 7, for example. That is, the communication device 100 has six sides. The communication device 100 includes a display screen configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL panel (organic electro-luminescence panel), or an inorganic EL panel (inorganic electro-luminescence panel) on the front 101 side. .

As shown in FIG. 7, the main module 10 and the sub-module 20 may be arranged on different surfaces in the housing forming the outer shape of the communication device 100 . In the example shown in FIG. 7, the main module 10 and the sub-module 20 are arranged on opposing surfaces. Specifically, the main module 10 is arranged on the first side 102 of the communication device 100 and the sub-module 20 is arranged on the second side 103 of the communication device 100 . In this case, since the main module 10 and the sub-module 20 are arranged to face opposite directions in the communication device 100, the sub-module 20 can easily detect radio waves from directions that are difficult for the main module 10 to receive. . Therefore, according to the arrangement shown in FIG. 7, it becomes easier to efficiently detect radio waves from multiple directions. That is, since the communication device 100 can receive radio waves by at least one of the main module 10 and the sub-module 20, it becomes easier to satisfy the standard of spherical coverage defined by specific specifications such as 3GPP.

In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 7, even if the strength of the received radio wave is reduced by some obstacle such as the main module 10 being covered with a hand, the received strength of the radio wave to the sub-module 20 is reduced. If there is no factor, such as an obstacle, that the sub-module 20 can continue to transmit and receive radio waves.

Although the sub-module 20 is indicated by a solid line in FIG. 7, the sub-module 20 is not necessarily arranged outside (outside) the housing that forms the outline of the communication device 100. may be arranged inside (inside) a housing that forms the outer shape of the Also, the main module 10 and the sub-module 20 do not have to be arranged on surfaces facing each other. The main module 10 and the submodules 20 may be arranged on different planes. For example, the main module 10 and the sub-module 20 may be arranged on orthogonal planes in the communication device 100 . Also in this case, since the main module 10 and the sub-module 20 are arranged to face in different directions, radio waves can be detected efficiently from multiple directions.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of arrangement of the antenna module units 1 in FIG. In FIG. 8 as well, as in FIG. 7, a part of the communication device 100 is illustrated in a transparent state.

As shown in FIG. 8, the main module 10 and the sub-module 20 may be arranged on the same plane in the housing that forms the outer shape of the communication device 100 . In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the main module 10 and submodule 20 are arranged on the second side surface 103 of the communication device 100 . In this way, when the main module 10 and the sub-module 20 are arranged on the same surface, the antenna module unit 1 can function as a sensor that detects the cause when the reception level of radio waves is lowered. For example, it is assumed that the reception level of radio waves by the first antenna element 12 of the main module 10 and the reception level of radio waves by the second antenna element 22 of the sub-module 20 of the antenna module unit 1 have similarly decreased. In this case, since the reception levels of both the main module 10 and the sub-module 20 are similarly decreased, the cause of the decrease in the reception level may be the equipment on the radio wave transmission side (for example, the base station) or the radio wave. It is presumed that it is due to being far away from the transmitting device or being out of line of sight. On the other hand, for example, suppose that only one of the reception level of radio waves by the first antenna element 12 of the main module 10 and the reception level of radio waves by the second antenna element 22 of the sub-module 20 has decreased. . In this case, although the reception level of one side has decreased, the reception level of the other side has not decreased, so the cause of the decrease in the reception level is neither the device itself on the transmitting side nor the relationship with the device on the transmitting side. is estimated. One of the main modules 10 and the sub-modules 20 whose reception level has decreased is assumed to be covered by an obstacle such as a hand. Therefore, according to the arrangement shown in FIG. 8, the cause of the change in the reception level can be estimated from the change in the reception level of the radio waves by the main module 10 and the sub-module 20 .

In the example shown in FIG. 8 , when the communication device 100 including the antenna module unit 1 determines that an obstacle such as a hand is the cause of the decrease in the reception level, the communication device 100 detects the obstacle through display, sound, vibration, or the like. It may be notified that the reception level of radio waves is lowered due to an object. As a result, the user who has recognized the notification can recognize the cause of the decrease in the reception level of radio waves, and can take measures to improve the reception level of radio waves.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable that the main module 10 and the submodule 20 are arranged with a distance therebetween. Specifically, it is preferable that the main module 10 and the sub-module 20 are arranged in a position where it is impossible to cover both with one hand. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 as an example, the main module 10 is arranged near the upper surface of the communication device 100 on the second side surface 103, and the sub-module 20 is arranged near the lower surface of the communication device 100 on the second side surface 103. It is preferably placed in position. This reduces the possibility that the hand holding the communication device 100 covers the main module 10 and the sub-module 20 at the same time, making it easier to accurately estimate the cause of the change in the reception level described above.

8, the main module 10, the sub-module 20, and the cable 30 are indicated by solid lines, but the main module 10, the sub-module 20, and the cable 30 are not necessarily outside ( outside), but may be arranged inside (inside) the housing that forms the outer shape of the communication device 100 .

As described above, the submodule 20 includes one second antenna element 22 and does not include a phase shifter or an up/down converter, so it can be miniaturized. As a result, the size of the communication device 100 itself including the submodule 20 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 can also be reduced.

[Second embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the antenna module unit 2 according to the second embodiment. Regarding the antenna module unit 2 according to the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent components as in the first embodiment, and the description of the same or equivalent contents as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. , different points will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 9, the antenna module unit 2 according to the second embodiment includes a main module 10, a first submodule 121, a second submodule 122, a third submodule 123, and a first cable 131. , a second cable 132 and a third cable 133 . The first submodule 121 is communicably connected to the main module 10 by a first cable 131 . The second submodule 122 is communicably connected to the main module 10 by a second cable 132 . The third submodule 123 is communicably connected to the main module 10 by a third cable 133 . That is, the antenna module unit 2 according to the second embodiment includes one main module 10 and three sub-modules each connected to the main module 10 via cables. Hereinafter, in this specification, when the first sub-module 121, the second sub-module 122, and the third sub-module 123 are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to simply as "sub-module 120".

The configuration of the main module 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the main module 10 according to the first embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted here. Also, the configurations of the first sub-module 121, the second sub-module 122 and the third sub-module 123 in the second embodiment are the same as those of the sub-module 20 in the first embodiment. That is, each of the first sub-module 121, the second sub-module 122 and the third sub-module 123 includes one second antenna element and one amplifier. The detailed configurations of the first sub-module 121, the second sub-module 122, and the third sub-module 123 are the same as those of the sub-module 20 in the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted. The main module 10 according to the second embodiment is communicably connected to the main circuit board 40 via the cable 50, like the main module 10 according to the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the main module 10 can transmit signals and supply power to all or any of the three sub-modules 120 . Also, in the second embodiment, the three sub-modules 120 transmit signals to the main module 10 based on radio waves received by the second antenna element.

10 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of the antenna module units 2 of FIG. 9 in the communication device 200. FIG. However, in FIG. 10, a part of the communication device 200 is shown transparently so that the arrangement of the antenna module units 2 can be easily understood.

The communication device 200 has, for example, a substantially flat rectangular parallelepiped housing that constitutes the outer shape, similar to the communication device 100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the main module 10 and the three sub-modules 120 may be arranged on different surfaces in a housing that forms the outline of the communication device 100, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the main module 10 is arranged on the first side surface 202 of the communication device 200, the first sub-module 121 is arranged on the upper surface 204 of the communication device 200, and the second sub-module 122 is arranged on the communication device 200. 200 on the second side 203 and the third sub-module 123 on the front side 201 of the communication device 200 .

According to the antenna module unit 2 according to the second embodiment, as compared with the antenna module unit 1 according to the first embodiment, each module is arranged on more surfaces of the communication device 200 as shown in FIG. be able to. Therefore, the main module 10 and the three sub-modules 120 make it easier to efficiently detect radio waves from more directions.

Although the three sub-modules 120 are indicated by solid lines in FIG. 10, the three sub-modules 120 are not necessarily arranged outside (outside) the housing that forms the outer shape of the communication device 200. , may be arranged inside (inside) a housing forming the outer shape of the communication device 200 .

Also, the antenna module unit 2 does not necessarily have to include three sub-modules 120 . Antenna module unit 2 may comprise any number of sub-modules 120 . Accordingly, the antenna module unit 2 can comprise two or more sub-modules 120 .

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of the antenna module unit 3 according to the third embodiment. Regarding the antenna module unit 3 according to the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent components as in the first embodiment, and the description of the same or equivalent contents as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. , different points will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 11, the antenna module unit 3 according to the third embodiment includes a main module 10, a submodule 140, and a cable 150. The submodule 140 is communicably connected to the main module 10 by a cable 150 .

The configuration of the main module 10 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the main module 10 according to the first embodiment, so detailed description is omitted here. The main module 10 according to the third embodiment is communicably connected to the main circuit board 40 via a cable 150, like the main module 10 according to the first embodiment.

A sub-module 140 according to the third embodiment includes an antenna substrate 141 and two second antenna elements 142 arranged on the upper surface side of the antenna substrate 141 . The second antenna element 142 may be a patch antenna, dipole antenna, monopole antenna, or the like. Also, the sub-module 140 includes an amplifier for amplifying the signal strength on the lower surface side of the antenna substrate 141 .

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the submodule 140. FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the submodule 140 includes two second antenna elements 142, four high power amplifiers 143a, four low noise amplifiers 143b, a first changeover switch 144a, and a second changeover switch 144a. A switch 144b, a third changeover switch 144c, a fourth changeover switch 144d, a fifth changeover switch 144e, and a sixth changeover switch 144f are provided.

The function of the second antenna element 142 is the same as that of the second antenna element 22 in the first embodiment. The functions of the large power amplifier 143a and the low noise amplifier 143b are the same as those of the large power amplifier 23a and the low noise amplifier 23b in the first embodiment, respectively. Four sets of large power amplifiers 143a and low noise amplifiers 143b are formed, with one large power amplifier 143a and one low noise amplifier 143b as one set. In each set, the high power amplifier 143a and the low noise amplifier 143b are connected in parallel.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first changeover switch 144a is connected to a terminal 140a connected to the cable 150. As shown in FIG. 12, the second changeover switch 144b is connected to a terminal 140b connected to the cable 150. As shown in FIG. Also, the third changeover switch 144c, the fourth changeover switch 144d, the fifth changeover switch 144e, and the sixth changeover switch 144f are connected to the second antenna element 142, respectively.

A set of high power amplifier 143a and low noise amplifier 143b is connected in parallel between the first changeover switch 144a and the third changeover switch 144c, and between the first changeover switch 144a and the fourth changeover switch 144d , a pair of high power amplifier 143a and low noise amplifier 143b are connected in parallel. A set of high-power amplifier 143a and low-noise amplifier 143b is connected in parallel between the second change-over switch 144b and the fifth change-over switch 144e. In between, a pair of high power amplifier 143a and low noise amplifier 143b are connected in parallel.

Six changeover switches (first changeover switch 144a, second changeover switch 144b, third changeover switch 144c, fourth changeover switch 144d, fifth changeover switch 144e, and sixth changeover switch 144f) operate according to signal transmission/reception control. switch. Specifically, when a signal is supplied to the second antenna element 142, the six changeover switches are switched so as to conduct the high power amplifier 23a. On the other hand, when supplying the signal received by the second antenna element 142, the six switches are switched to conduct the low noise amplifier 23b.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the submodule 140 includes two sets of circuit units, similar to the example shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. A set of circuit units includes a first change-over switch 144a, a third change-over switch 144c, a fourth change-over switch 144d, two large power amplifiers 143a arranged between these three switches, and two and a low noise amplifier 143b. Another set of circuit units includes a second change-over switch 144b, a fifth change-over switch 144e, a sixth change-over switch 144f, two large power amplifiers 143a arranged between these three switches, and two low noise amplifier 143b. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 12 as well, the submodule 140 can use two sets of circuit units for transmitting and receiving different signals, as in the example shown in FIG. For example, the sub-module 140 can use two sets of circuit units, one for vertical polarization communication and the other for horizontal polarization communication.

Thus, in the antenna module unit 3 according to the third embodiment as well, the main module 10 has four first antenna elements 12, whereas the sub-module 140 has two second antenna elements 142. , the submodule 20 has fewer parts than the main module. Also, for the same reason as described in the first embodiment, there is no need to provide a separate phase shifter or up/down converter in the submodule 140 . Therefore, the submodule 140 can be made smaller than the main module 10 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the antenna module unit 3 as a whole.

The number of second antenna elements 142 included in the submodule 140 does not necessarily have to be two. The sub-module 140 may include one or more second antenna elements 142 that are smaller in number than the first antenna elements 12 included in the main module 10 . For example, if the main module 10 includes four first antenna elements 12 as described herein, the sub-module 140 may include one to three second antenna elements 142 . As a result, the size of the submodule 140 can be reduced.

The number of first antenna elements 12 included in the main module 10 is not limited to four. The main module 10 may have any number of first antenna elements 12, and the number of sub-modules 140 is one or more and less than the number of first antenna elements 12 provided in the main module 10. A second antenna element 142 may be provided.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that various variations and modifications can be easily made by those skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these variations and modifications are included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, functions included in each functional unit can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple functional units can be combined into one or divided.

Claims

a main module including a plurality of first antenna elements capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves;
at least one sub-module capable of transmitting and receiving electrical signals to and from the main module via a cable;
with
The submodule is
second antenna elements capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves, the number of which is smaller than the number of the first antenna elements;
an amplifier that amplifies the signal strength of the electrical signal;
Antenna module unit.
The main module includes a frequency converter that converts the frequency of an electrical signal, and the frequency converter up-converts an input signal input to the main module, thereby converting the main module to the sub-module. 2. The antenna module unit according to claim 1, wherein an RF (Radio Frequency) signal is generated as an electric signal to be supplied, and the RF signal is supplied to the sub-module via the cable.
The antenna module unit according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of said sub-modules.
A communication device comprising the antenna module unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein said main module and said sub-module are arranged on different surfaces in a housing forming the outer shape of said communication device.
5. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein said main module and said sub-module are arranged on the same plane in a housing that forms the outer shape of said communication device.