Patch antenna with dielectric separated from patch plane to increase gain

摘要

In a patch antenna (10A) for use in millimeter wave communications, a dielectric member (27,27A) with a thickness of from 0.1λ to 2λ is disposed opposite to a patch plane (17) and spaced from the patch plane (17) by a distance of from 0.1λ₀ to 2λ₀, where λ₀ and λ are the wavelengths of radiated radio waves in free space and in the dielectric member, respectively. The dielectric constant of the dielectric member (27,27A) may be lower in an outer portion thereof than a middle portion thereof. The antenna may be incorporated into a communication module, where the dielectric member (27,27A) is attached to the cover (32) of the communication module. The patch antenna has high gain with a simple configuration.