Antenna with an integral rf circuit, antenna module incorporating the same, and communication apparatus incorporating the same

Abstract

An antenna with an integral RF circuit includes a dielectric base, a plurality of radiation electrodes disposed on a top surface of the dielectric base and a plurality of RF circuits. The RF circuits include circuit patterns disposed partially in a gap between the radiation electrodes. On a bottom surface of the dielectric base, a concavity is formed in a region corresponding to where the circuit patterns are located. The circuit patterns are disposed on a thin portion of the dielectric base, associated with the concavity, while the radiation electrodes are disposed on thick portions thereof. Accordingly, radiation loss of the circuit patterns is reduced, and the radiation electrodes favorably transmit or receive radio waves. The antenna with an integral RF circuit is constructed efficiently using the gap between the radiation electrodes to define the RF circuits. Reduction in the size of a communication apparatus is facilitated because the RF circuits need not be disposed on a circuit board thereof.