阅读说明：本技术 包括选择性地连接具有多个馈电端子的天线与通信电路的多个开关的电子装置及其驱动方法 (Electronic device including a plurality of switches selectively connecting an antenna having a plurality of feed terminals and a communication circuit, and driving method thereof ) 是由 孙贞焕 金志容 罗孝锡 安镕骏 于 2019-06-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了一种电子装置。该电子装置包括：天线,包括辐射部分,该辐射部分包括具有贴片形状的辐射器、设置在辐射部分的第一方向上的第一馈电端口、设置在垂直于辐射部分的第一方向的第二方向上的第二馈电端口、设置在背离第一方向的方向上的第三馈电端口、以及设置在背离第二方向的方向上的第四馈电端口；包括第一通信电路和第二通信电路的无线通信电路,该第一通信电路包括第一发送器和第一接收器,且该第二通信电路包括第二发送器和第二接收器；第一开关,配置为选择性地将第一发送器和第一接收器与第一馈电端口连接；第二开关,配置为选择性地将第一发送器和第一接收器与第二馈电端口连接；第三开关,配置为选择性地将第二发送器和第二接收器与第三馈电端口连接；以及第四开关,配置为选择性地将第二发送器和第二接收器与第四馈电端口连接。(An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes: an antenna including a radiating section including a radiator having a patch shape, a first feeding port disposed in a first direction of the radiating section, a second feeding port disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the radiating section, a third feeding port disposed in a direction away from the first direction, and a fourth feeding port disposed in a direction away from the second direction; a wireless communication circuit including a first communication circuit and a second communication circuit, the first communication circuit including a first transmitter and a first receiver, and the second communication circuit including a second transmitter and a second receiver; a first switch configured to selectively connect the first transmitter and the first receiver with the first feeding port; a second switch configured to selectively connect the first transmitter and the first receiver with the second feeding port; a third switch configured to selectively connect the second transmitter and the second receiver with the third feeding port; and a fourth switch configured to selectively connect the second transmitter and the second receiver with the fourth feeding port.)

1. An electronic device, comprising:

an antenna, comprising: a radiation section that transmits a signal transmitted from the wireless communication circuit; a first feeding port disposed in a first direction of the radiating portion; and a second feeding port disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the radiating portion;

a first communication circuit and a second communication circuit included in the wireless communication circuit, the first communication circuit including a first transmitter and a first receiver configured to use a specified frequency, and the second communication circuit including a second transmitter and a second receiver configured to use the specified frequency;

a first switch configured to selectively connect the first transmitter and the first receiver with the first feed port through a first line having a first specified length with respect to the specified frequency;

a second switch configured to selectively connect the second transmitter and the second receiver with the second feed port through a second line having a second specified length relative to the specified frequency; and

a third switch configured to selectively connect the second transmitter with the first feed port through a third line that is phase delayed by up to 90 degrees relative to the first specified length based on a communication state associated with the wireless communication circuit.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising:

a fourth switch configured to selectively connect the first transmitter with the second feed port through a fourth line that is phase delayed by up to 90 degrees relative to the second specified length based on the communication state associated with the wireless communication circuit.

3. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising:

a control circuit for controlling the operation of the electronic device,

wherein the control circuit is configured to:

connecting, at least temporarily, the first receiver to the first feed port through the first switch to identify a receive sensitivity of the first communication circuit as at least a portion of the communication state.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the control circuitry is configured to:

connecting, by the second switch, the second receiver at least temporarily to the second feed port to identify a reception sensitivity of the second communication circuit as at least a part of the communication state.

5. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the control circuitry is configured to:

connecting the first transmitter with the first feeding port, connecting the second transmitter with the first feeding port, disconnecting the first transmitter from the second feeding port, and disconnecting the second transmitter from the second feeding port based on the reception sensitivity satisfying a specified condition.

6. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the control circuitry is configured to:

disconnecting the first transmitter from the first feeding port, disconnecting the second transmitter from the first feeding port, connecting the first transmitter with the second feeding port, and connecting the second transmitter with the second feeding port, based on the reception sensitivity satisfying another specified condition.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch are disposed in a 3-pole, 4-throw (3P4T) semiconductor package.

8. An electronic device, comprising:

an antenna, comprising: a radiation section that transmits a signal transmitted from the wireless communication circuit; a first feeding port disposed in a first direction of the radiating portion; and a second feeding port disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the radiating portion;

a first communication circuit and a second communication circuit included in the wireless communication circuit, the first communication circuit including a first transmitter and a first receiver, the second communication circuit including a second transmitter and a second receiver;

a first switch configured to selectively connect the first transmitter and the first receiver with the first feed port;

a second switch configured to selectively connect the second transmitter and the second receiver with the second feed port; and

a third switch configured to selectively connect the second transmitter with the first feed port based on a communication state associated with the wireless communication circuit.

9. The electronic device of claim 8, further comprising:

a control circuit for controlling the operation of the electronic device,

wherein the control circuit is configured to:

connecting the second receiver to the second receiver at least temporarily by the second switch

Two feed ports to identify a reception sensitivity of the second communication circuit as at least a part of the communication state.

10. The electronic device of claim 8, further comprising:

a fourth switch configured to selectively connect the first transmitter with the second feed port based on a communication state associated with the wireless communication circuit.

11. The electronic device of claim 10, further comprising:

a control circuit for controlling the operation of the electronic device,

wherein the control circuit is configured to:

connecting, at least temporarily, the first receiver to the first feed port through the first switch to identify a receive sensitivity of the first communication circuit as at least a portion of the communication state.

12. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the control circuitry is configured to:

the first transmitter is connected with the first feeding port through the first switch, the second transmitter is disconnected from the second feeding port through the second switch, and the second transmitter is connected with the first feeding port through the third switch based on the reception sensitivity satisfying a specified condition.

13. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the control circuitry is configured to:

based on the reception sensitivity satisfying another specified condition, the first transmitter is connected with the first feeding port through the first switch, the second transmitter is connected with the second feeding port through the second switch, and the second transmitter is disconnected from the first feeding port through the third switch.

14. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch are disposed in one bipolar 4 throw (DP4T) semiconductor package.

15. The electronic device of claim 8, further comprising:

a phase shifter including a phase shift circuit connected to at least one of the first transmitter and the second transmitter.

16. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the radiating portion is a quadrilateral patch or a circular patch.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a technique for improving reception performance and transmission performance in an environment where a signal received or transmitted by an antenna array is polarized in a specific direction or the strength of the signal received or transmitted by the antenna array is weak.

Background

With the development of mobile communication technology, electronic devices equipped with antennas, such as smart phones, wearable devices, and the like, are widely supplied. An electronic device may receive or transmit signals including data (e.g., messages, photographs, videos, music files, games, etc.) through an antenna. In an electronic device, a signal received using an antenna is provided to a Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC).

In order to more efficiently receive or transmit signals, antennas of electronic devices are implemented using a plurality of antenna elements. For example, the electronic device may include one or more antenna arrays in each of which a plurality of antenna elements are arranged in a regular shape. The antenna array has an Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) greater than one antenna element. In this way, an electronic device including an antenna array may efficiently receive or transmit signals.

Furthermore, an electronic device including an antenna array supports multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology using a plurality of antenna elements. An electronic device supporting MIMO technology can receive and output a plurality of signals, thereby improving signal throughput. The electronics can establish a plurality of paths that convey signals from the antenna array to the RFIC.

The above information is presented merely as background information to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No determination is made as to whether any of the above would be appropriate as prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

The signal received by the electronic device may be polarized in a particular direction. To receive or transmit vertically polarized signals or horizontally polarized signals, the electronics may physically separate the multiple paths based on the direction in which the signals are polarized. For example, the electronic device may separate an antenna element that receives signals and an antenna element that transmits signals in order to support MIMO technology with multiple paths. In the case where an antenna element receiving a signal and an antenna element transmitting a signal are separated from each other, the antenna elements may not be effectively utilized in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) environment.

As another example, an electronic device may use a switch in an RF integrated circuit to receive or transmit vertically polarized signals and horizontally polarized signals through one antenna element. Signals polarized in different directions may be input and output using a plurality of feed ports located in different directions with respect to the radiating portion of the antenna element. The plurality of feed ports may be respectively connected to different paths. In this case, it is impossible to utilize a part of the path in an environment where a signal received or transmitted by an antenna of the electronic device is polarized in a specified direction or the strength of the signal received or transmitted by the antenna is weak.

In detail, a signal is mainly received by a vertically polarized path, and in an environment where the strength of a signal coming to a horizontally polarized path is weak, a signal is weakly received through the horizontally polarized path. The electronic device cannot control the feed ports at the antenna elements, respectively, and therefore cannot change the reception strength or phase of the horizontally polarized path, or cannot close the path by itself. Thus, the electronic device maintains a state in which the signal is weakly received through the horizontally polarized path. In addition, the path of the weakly received signal maintains the on state. In the case of supporting the MIMO technology in a weak electric field environment, the electronic device must supply power to an antenna element that receives a signal very weakly. As such, an electronic device supporting MIMO technology may unnecessarily power multiple antenna elements, thereby wasting power (or resulting in increased power consumption).

Disclosure of Invention

According to an example aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: an antenna including a radiation section including a radiator having a patch shape, a first feed port disposed in a first direction of the radiation section, a second feed port disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the radiation section, a third feed port disposed in a direction away from the first direction, and a fourth feed port disposed in a direction away from the second direction; a wireless communication circuit comprising a first communication circuit and a second communication circuit, the first communication circuit comprising a first transmitter and a first receiver, and the second communication circuit comprising a second transmitter and a second receiver; a first switch configured to selectively connect the first transmitter and the first receiver with the first feed port; a second switch configured to selectively connect the first transmitter and the first receiver with the second feed port; a third switch configured to selectively connect the second transmitter and the second receiver with the third feed port; and a fourth switch configured to selectively connect the second transmitter and the second receiver with the fourth feed port.

According to another example aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: an antenna including a radiation section including a radiator having a patch shape, a first feeding port disposed in a first direction of the radiation section, and a second feeding port disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the radiation section; a wireless communication circuit comprising a first transmitter and a first receiver configured to use a specified frequency and a second communication circuit comprising a second transmitter and a second receiver configured to use a specified frequency; a first switch configured to selectively connect the first transmitter and the first receiver with the first feed port through a first line having a first specified length with respect to a specified frequency; a second switch configured to selectively connect a second transmitter and a second receiver with a second feeding port through a second line having a second specified length with respect to a specified frequency; and a third switch configured to selectively connect the second transmitter with the first feed port through a third line that is phase delayed by up to 90 degrees relative to the first specified length based on a communication state associated with the wireless communication circuit.

According to another example aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: an antenna including a radiation section including a radiator having a patch shape, a first feeding port disposed in a first direction of the radiation section, and a second feeding port disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the radiation section; the wireless communication circuit includes a first communication circuit including a first transmitter and a first receiver, and a second communication circuit including a second transmitter and a second receiver; a first switch configured to selectively connect the first transmitter and the first receiver with the first feeding port; a second switch configured to selectively connect the second transmitter and the second receiver with the second feeding port; a third switch configured to selectively connect the second transmitter with the first feed port based on a communication state associated with the wireless communication circuit.

Other aspects, advantages and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

Drawings

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device in a network environment, in accordance with various embodiments;

fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device supporting 5G communications, according to an embodiment;

fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example communication device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of example antenna elements on a printed circuit board according to an embodiment;

fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example communication module, a plurality of example antenna elements, and example wireless communication circuitry of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example communication device according to an embodiment;

fig. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are diagrams illustrating example paths connecting antenna elements and wireless communication circuitry in an example communication device according to an embodiment;

fig. 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating an example control method of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example communication device according to another embodiment;

11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating example paths connecting an antenna element and wireless communication circuitry of an example communication device, according to another embodiment;

fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example communication device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example path connecting an antenna element and wireless communication circuitry of an example communication device, according to another embodiment; and

fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example communication device according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, various example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various modifications, equivalents, and/or substitutions may be made to the various example embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device 101 in a network environment 100, in accordance with various embodiments.

Referring to fig. 1, an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 may communicate with an electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with an electronic device 104 or a server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input device 150, a sound output device 155, a display device 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., display device 160 or camera module 180) may be omitted from electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module 176 (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented to be embedded in the display device 160 (e.g., a display).

The processor 120 may run, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware component or a software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, processor 120 may load commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) into volatile memory 132, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 132, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or an Application Processor (AP)) and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Image Signal Processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a Communication Processor (CP)) that is operatively independent of or in conjunction with the main processor 121. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or be adapted specifically for a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 or as part of the main processor 121.

The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display device 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) when the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display device 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) with the main processor 121 when the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., running an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communication module 190) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 140) and input data or output data for commands associated therewith. The memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

The program 140 may be stored in the memory 130 as software, and the program 140 may include, for example, an Operating System (OS)142, middleware 144, or an application 146.

The input device 150 may receive commands or data from outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) to be used by other components of the electronic device 101, such as the processor 120. The input device 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, or a keyboard.

The sound output device 155 may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output device 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing a record and the receiver may be used for incoming calls. Depending on the embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separate from the speaker, or as part of the speaker.

Display device 160 may visually provide information to the exterior of electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, holographic device, and projector. According to embodiments, the display device 160 may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of a force caused by a touch.

The audio module 170 may convert sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to embodiments, the audio module 170 may obtain sound via the input device 150 or output sound via the sound output device 155 or a headset of an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) connected or wirelessly connected with the electronic device 101.

The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., state of a user) external to the electronic device 101 and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an Infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more particular protocols to be used to directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connect the electronic device 101 with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection end 178 may include a connector via which the electronic device 101 may be physically connected with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 may convert the electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or motion) or an electrical stimulus that may be recognized by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthesia. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

The power management module 188 may manage power to the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), for example.

The battery 189 may power at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108), and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently of the processor 120 (e.g., an Application Processor (AP)) and supporting direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) communication module or a Power Line Communication (PLC) module). A respective one of these communication modules may communicate with external electronic devices via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or Wide Area Network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) that are separate from one another. The wireless communication module 192 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, using subscriber information, such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), stored in the subscriber identity module 196.

The antenna module 197 may transmit signals or power to or receive signals or power from outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include one or more antennas and, thus, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, may be selected by, for example, the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192). Signals or power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna.

At least some of the above components may be interconnected and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) communicatively between them via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., bus, General Purpose Input Output (GPIO), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), or Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI)).

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 connected with the second network 199. Each of the electronic device 102 and the electronic device 104 may be the same type of device as the electronic device 101 or a different type of device from the electronic device 101. According to embodiments, all or some of the operations to be performed at the electronic device 101 may be performed at one or more of the external electronic device 102, the external electronic device 104, or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should automatically perform a function or service or should perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of or in addition to performing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices that received the request may perform the requested at least part of the functions or services or perform another function or another service related to the request and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial reply to the request with or without further processing of the result. To this end, for example, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, or client-server computing technology may be used.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device 101 that supports 5G communication, according to an embodiment.

Referring to fig. 2, an electronic device 101 (e.g., electronic device 101 of fig. 1) may include a housing 210, a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) 120 (e.g., processor 120 of fig. 1), a communication module (e.g., including communication circuitry) 190 (e.g., communication module 190 of fig. 1), at least one communication device (e.g., including communication circuitry) 221, 222, 223, and/or 224, and at least one wire 231, 232, 233, and/or 234.

In embodiments, the housing 210 may protect any other components of the electronic device 101. The housing 210 may include a front plate, a back plate facing away from the front plate, and a side member (or metal frame) surrounding a space between the front plate and the back plate. The side members may be attached to the back plate, or may be integrally formed with the back plate.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include at least one communication device 221, 222, 223, and/or 224, each including various communication circuitry. For example, the electronic device 101 may include a first communication device 221, a second communication device 222, a third communication device 223, and a fourth communication device 224.

In an embodiment, the first to fourth communication devices 221 to 224 may be located within the housing 210. The first to fourth communication devices 221 to 224 may, for example, but not limited to, up-convert and/or down-convert frequencies. For example, the first communication device 221 may up-convert an Intermediate Frequency (IF) signal received over the first conductor 231. As another example, the first communication device 221 may down-convert a millimeter wave (mmWave) signal received through the antenna array and may transmit the down-converted signal using the first wire 231.

In an embodiment, the first through fourth communication devices 221-224 may provide signals directly to the processor 120 and/or may receive signals directly from the processor 120 through conductors 231-234. In this case, the communication module 190 may not be included in the processor 120, or the communication module 190 may be integrated in the processor 120.

In an embodiment, the processor 120 may include various processing circuitry, such as, for example, but not limited to: at least one of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Processor (AP), a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU), an Image Signal Processor (ISP) of a camera, and the like. According to an embodiment, processor 120 may be implemented in a system on chip (SoC) or a System In Package (SiP).

In an embodiment, the communication module 190 may include various communication circuitry and be electrically connected with at least one communication device 221, 222, 223, and/or 224 using at least one wire 231, 232, 233, and/or 234. For example, the communication module 190 may be electrically connected with the first, second, third and fourth communication devices 221, 222, 223 and 224 using the first, second, third and fourth wires 231, 232, 233 and 234, respectively. The communication module 190 may include various communication circuits such as, but not limited to, a Baseband Processor (BP), a Communication Processor (CP), a Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC), an inter-frequency integrated circuit (IFIC), and the like.

In an embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth conductive lines 231, 232, 233 and 234 may include, for example, but not limited to, a coaxial cable and/or a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB), and/or the like.

In an embodiment, the communication module 190 may include a first BP and/or a second BP. The electronic device 101 may also include one or more interfaces (e.g., interface 177 of fig. 1) to support inter-chip communication between the first BP and/or the second BP and the processor 120. For example, the processor 120 and the first BP and/or the second BP may transmit/receive data using an inter-chip interface (e.g., an inter-processor communication channel). For another example, in the case where the communication module 190 is integrated in the processor 120, the processor 120 may be implemented by a combination of an AP and a BP or a CP.

In an embodiment, the first BP or the second BP may provide an interface for performing communication with any other entity. The first BP may support, for example, wireless communication with respect to a first network (e.g., the first network 198 of fig. 1). The second BP may support, for example, wireless communication with respect to a first network (e.g., the second network 199 of fig. 2).

In an embodiment, the first BP or the second BP may form one module with the processor 120. For example, the first BP or the second BP may be integrally formed with the processor 120. For another example, the first BP or the second BP may be located within one chip or may be implemented in the form of a separate chip. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 and at least one BP (e.g., a first BP) may be integrally formed within one chip (e.g., SoC), and any other BP (e.g., a second BP) may be implemented in the form of a separate chip.

In an embodiment, the first network or the second network may correspond to network 198 or 199 of fig. 1. According to an embodiment, each of the first network and the second network may include, for example, but not limited to, a fourth generation (4G) network, a fifth generation (5G) network, and the like. The 4G network may support Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocols as defined in, for example, 3 GPP. For example, a 5G network may support a New Radio (NR) protocol defined in 3 GPP.

The location and number of at least one communication device 221, 222, 223, and/or 224 shown in fig. 2 may be one example. At least one communication device 221, 222, 223, and/or 224 may be located in an edge region of a side of the electronic device 101. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least one communication device 221, 222, 223, and/or 224 may be located within electronic device 101. Further, the at least one communication device 221, 222, 223, and/or 224 may include four or more communication devices, or three or less communication devices.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example communication device (e.g., the first communication device 221 of fig. 2) according to an embodiment.

Referring to fig. 3, the communication device 221 may include at least one antenna array (e.g., at least one of the first antenna array 310 or the second antenna array 320), wireless communication circuitry 330 (e.g., an RFIC), and a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 350.

In an embodiment, at least one antenna array 310 and/or 320 and/or wireless communication circuitry 330 may be located on PCB 350. For example, the first antenna array 310 and/or the second antenna array 320 may be located on a first surface of the PCB350 and the wireless communication circuitry 330 may be located on a second surface of the PCB350 opposite the first surface. The PCB350 may include a connector (e.g., a coaxial cable connector or a board-to-board (B-to-B) connector) for electrically connecting with any other PCB (e.g., a PCB on which the communication module 190 of fig. 2 is located) using a transmission line (e.g., at least one of the first to fourth wires 231 to 234 of fig. 2). For example, PCB350 may be connected to any other PCB having transmission lines using a connector. The transmission line may be used to transmit an RF signal (e.g., a millimeter wave (mmWave) signal) or transmit and receive an IF signal. Also for example, power or any other control signal may be transmitted through the connector.

In an embodiment, each of the first antenna array 310 and the second antenna array 320 may include at least one antenna element. Each antenna element may be, for example, but not limited to, a patch antenna, a short-circuit patch antenna, a dipole antenna, a loop antenna, a slot antenna, and the like. For example, all of the antenna elements of the first antenna array 310 and the second antenna array 320 may be patch antennas. For another example, the antenna elements included in the first antenna array 310 may be patch antennas that perform beamforming toward a backplane, and the antenna elements included in the second antenna array 320 may be dipole antennas that perform beamforming toward a side member of the electronic device 101.

In embodiments, wireless communication circuitry 330 may support frequency bands ranging from about 24GHz to about 30GHz or from about 37GHz to about 40 GHz. The wireless communication circuit 330 may up-convert or down-convert the frequency. For example, the wireless communication circuit 330 may up-convert an IF signal received from the communication module 190 through a transmission line. For another example, the wireless communication circuit 330 may down-convert the millimeter-wave signals received through the first antenna array 310 or the second antenna array 320 and may provide the down-converted signals to the communication module 190 through the transmission line.

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of example antenna elements 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, and 318 (which may be referred to as antenna elements 311 to 318 hereinafter) on a PCB350 according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the plurality of antenna elements 311 to 318 may be located on one surface of the PCB 350. An example is shown in fig. 4, just as the number of the plurality of antenna elements 311 to 318 is "8". However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the number of the plurality of antenna elements 311 to 318 may be more or less than 8. The plurality of antenna elements 311 to 318 may be positioned to have a designated height from the PCB350 in the Z-axis direction. For example, the Z-axis direction may be a direction facing a back plate of the electronic device 101.

In the embodiment, the plurality of antenna elements 311 to 318 may be arranged as many as a specified number in the X-axis direction, or may be arranged as many as a specified number in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The plurality of antenna elements 311 to 318 may be arranged to form one or more rows and/or columns. For example, four antenna elements 311, 312, 313, 314 (hereinafter, may be referred to as 311 to 314) arranged adjacent to an upper edge of the PCB350 may form a first row, and four antenna elements 315, 316, 317, 318 (hereinafter, may be referred to as 315 to 318) arranged adjacent to a lower edge of the PCB350 may form a second row.

In an embodiment, the plurality of antenna elements 311 to 318 may include at least one of the first antenna array 310 and the second antenna array 320. For example, the plurality of antenna elements 311 to 318 may include the first antenna array 310. In this case, the first antenna array 310 may include 8 antenna elements 311 to 318. As another example, the antenna elements 311 to 314 in the first row may include a first antenna array 310 and the antenna elements 315 to 318 in the second row may include a second antenna array 320.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of antenna elements 311 to 318 may include a radiating portion formed (e.g., provided) in a patch shape. For example, each of the antenna elements 311 to 318 may be a patch antenna. The patch-shaped radiating portion may be formed adjacent to at least one side or at least one edge.

In an embodiment, the radiating portion of each of the plurality of antenna elements 311 to 318 may be formed in a quadrangular patch shape or a circular patch shape, for example. The patch-shaped radiating portion may have a length, width, and height specified according to the frequency used by the electronic device 101 for wireless communication.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of antenna elements 311 to 318 may include at least one feeding port. The feeding port may protrude from at least a portion (e.g., one end) of an edge of the radiating portion in the X-axis or Y-axis direction.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the communication module 190, the plurality of antenna elements 311 and 312, and the wireless communication circuit 330 of the electronic device 101.

In an embodiment, a wireless communication circuit 330 that transmits a transmission signal and receives a reception signal may be interposed between the communication module 190 and the plurality of antenna elements 311 and 312. The communication module 190 and the plurality of antenna elements 311 and 312 may be electrically connected through a wireless communication circuit 330. In this disclosure, the wireless communication circuit 330 may also be referred to as an "RFIC". Also, in the present disclosure, the communication module 190 may also be referred to as an "IFIC".

In an embodiment, the plurality of antenna elements 311 and 312 may be connected with the wireless communication circuit 330 through a switching unit 530 including a plurality of switches 531 and 532. In the case where the electronic device 101 transmits a signal from the communication module 190 using the antenna element 311, the switch 531 may connect the antenna element 311 and the power amplifier 511. In the case where the electronic device 101 receives a signal destined for the communication module 190 using the antenna element 311, the switch 531 may connect the antenna element 311 and a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) 521.

Next, after a path for transmitting a signal from the communication module 190 (hereinafter referred to as a "transmission path") is described, a path for receiving a signal to the communication module 190 (hereinafter referred to as a "reception path") will be described.

In an embodiment, the power amplifier 511, the first Variable Gain Amplifier (VGA)512, the phase shifter 513, the second VGA 514, the transport splitter 515, and the mixer 516 may be located on the transmit path.

In an embodiment, the power amplifier 511 may amplify power of the transmission signal. The first VGA512 and the second VGA 514 may perform a transmit Automatic Gain Control (AGC) operation under the control of the communication module 190. The wireless communication circuit 330 may include at least one or more VGAs. The phase shifter 513 may shift the phase of the signal based on the beamforming angle under the control of the communication module 190.

In an embodiment, the transmission splitter 515 may split the transmission signal provided from the mixer 516 into "n" signals. The mixer 516 may convert a Tx-IF (e.g., a transmission intermediate frequency) signal provided from the second circuit into a transmission signal (e.g., an RF band or a millimeter wave band). Mixer 516 may receive signals to be mixed from an oscillator external or internal to wireless communication circuitry 330.

In an embodiment, the LNA 521, the phase shifter 522, the first VGA 523, the combiner 524, the second VGA 525, and the mixer 526 may be located on the receive path.

The LNA 521 may amplify a signal received from the antenna element 311. The first VGA 523 and the second VGA 525 may perform a receive AGC operation under the control of the communication module 190. The phase shifter 522 may shift the phase of the signal based on the beamforming angle under the control of the communication module 190.

In an embodiment, the combiner 524 may combine signals aligned to the same phase by a phase shift operation. The combined signal may be provided to the mixer 526 through a second VGA 525. The mixer 526 may convert the received signal from the RF band to the IF band. The mixer 526 may receive signals to be mixed from an oscillator external or internal to the wireless communication circuit 330.

In an embodiment, the wire 231 selectively connecting the transmit path or the receive path may be located behind the mixer 516 in the wireless communication circuit 330. When the Intermediate Frequency (IF) is high, it may not be easy to connect the wireless communication circuit 330 and the communication module 190 through a transmission line. In the case where the wire 231 selectively connects the transmission path or the reception path, the number of transmission lines between the wireless communication circuit 330 and the communication module 190 can be reduced.

In an embodiment, the mixer 551, the third VGA 552, the Low Pass Filter (LPF)553, the fourth VGA 554, and the buffer 555 may be located on a transmission path in the communication module 190. The buffer 555 may serve as a buffer when receiving the balanced Tx signal from the transmission signal generator 556, so that the signal can be stably processed. The third VGA 552 and the fourth VGA 554 may perform a transmit AGC operation under the control of the transmit signal generator 556. The LPF 553 may function as a noise filter by setting the bandwidth of the baseband transmission signal to a cutoff frequency. The cutoff frequency may be specified according to the transmission frequency used by the communication module 190. The mixer 551 may convert the balanced transmission signal into an inter-frequency transmission (IF-Tx) signal.

In an embodiment, the mixer 561, the third VGA 562, the LPF 563, the fourth VGA 564, and the buffer 565 may be located on the receive path in the second circuit. The buffer 565 may serve as a buffer when the balanced Rx signal is supplied from the fourth VGA 564 to the reception signal processor 566, so that the signal can be stably processed. The third VGA 562 and the fourth VGA 564 may perform a receive AGC operation under the control of the receive signal processor 566. The LPF 563 may function as a noise filter by setting the bandwidth of the baseband reception signal to a cutoff frequency. The cutoff frequency may be specified according to the reception frequency used by the communication module 190. The mixer 561 may convert an inter-frequency receive (IF-Rx) signal into a balanced receive signal.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example communication device (e.g., the first communication device 221 of fig. 2) according to an embodiment.

The communication device 221 according to the embodiment may include an antenna element (e.g., the antenna element 311 of fig. 4), a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication circuit 330 of fig. 3 or the wireless communication circuit 330 of fig. 5), and a switching unit 530 (e.g., including at least one switch). One antenna element 311 included in the communication device 221 is shown in fig. 6. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the communication device 221 may include one or more antenna elements 311.

In an embodiment, a transmission signal that the wireless communication circuit 330 intends to transmit may be provided to the antenna element 311 through the switching unit 530 so that the transmission signal is transmitted. The antenna element 311 may receive a signal around the electronic device 101 through the switching unit 530 to supply to the wireless communication circuit 330. The antenna element 311 may include a radiating portion (e.g., a radiator) 610, a first feeding port 621, a second feeding port 622, a third feeding port 623, and a fourth feeding port 624.

In an embodiment, the radiating portion 610 may be provided with a transmit signal from the wireless communication circuit 330. The radiating portion 610 may emit the provided transmit signal. The radiation part 610 may receive signals around the electronic device 101 through the first to fourth feeding ports 621 to 624. The radiation part 610 may transmit a received signal (e.g., a reception signal) to the wireless communication circuit 330 through the first to fourth feeding ports 621 to 624.

In an embodiment, the first to fourth feeding ports 621 to 624 may supply power to the antenna element 311. The first to fourth feeding ports 621 to 624 may receive signals around the electronic device 101. The first to fourth feeding ports 621 to 624 may supply power to the radiation part 610 connected to the first to fourth feeding ports 621 to 624 using a reception signal.

In an embodiment, the first to fourth feeding ports 621 to 624 may be formed on one side of the radiation part 610. The first to fourth feeding ports 621 to 624 may extend from at least a portion of one side of the radiation part 610.

In an embodiment, the first feeding port 621 may be formed from the radiating portion 610 in the first direction D1. The first direction D1 may be a direction parallel to the Y-axis of fig. 4. In the case where the radiation part 610 is a quadrangular patch, the first feeding port 621 may protrude from at least a portion of an edge (e.g., a central portion of the edge) located in the first direction D1 among four edges of the radiation part 610.

In an embodiment, the second feeding port 622 may be formed from the radiating portion 610 in the second direction D2. The second direction D2 may be a direction parallel to the X-axis of fig. 4. The second direction D2 may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. In the case where the radiation portion 610 is a quadrangular patch, the second feed port 622 may protrude from at least a portion of an edge (e.g., a central portion of the edge) located in the second direction D2 among four edges of the radiation portion 610.

In an embodiment, the third feeding port 623 may be formed in a direction facing away from the first direction D1 of the radiating portion 610. In the case where the radiation portion 610 is a quadrangular patch, the third feed port 623 may protrude from at least a portion of an edge (e.g., a central portion of the edge) of the radiation portion 610, which is located in a direction away from the first direction D1. The third feeding port 623 may be formed to be symmetrical to the first feeding port 621 with respect to the radiation part 610.

In an embodiment, the fourth feeding port 624 may be formed in a direction facing away from the second direction D2 of the radiating portion 610. In the case where the radiation portion 610 is a quadrangular patch, the fourth feeding port 624 may protrude from at least a portion of an edge (e.g., a central portion of the edge) of the radiation portion 610, which is located in a direction away from the second direction D2. The fourth feeding port 624 may be formed to be symmetrical with the second feeding port 622 with respect to the radiating portion 610.

In an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 330 may generate a transmission signal for the electronic device 101. The wireless communication circuit 330 can supply the transmission signal to the antenna element 311 through the switching unit 530. The signal received by the antenna element 311 may be provided to the wireless communication circuit 330 through the switching unit 530. The wireless communication circuitry 330 may include first communication circuitry 630 (e.g., an RF chain) and second communication circuitry 640. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the wireless communication circuit 330 may include at least one communication circuit 630 or 640.

In an embodiment, the first communication circuit 630 may perform wireless communication based on a specified frequency. The first communication circuit 630 may include a first transmitter (Tx1)631 and a first receiver (Rx1) 632.

In an embodiment, the first transmitter 631 may provide a transmission signal to the antenna element 311 through the switching unit 530. The first transmitter 631 may be configured to use a designated frequency.

In an embodiment, the received signal from the antenna element 311 may be provided to the first receiver 632 through the switching unit 530. The first receiver 632 may be configured to use a specified frequency.

In an embodiment, the second communication circuit 640 may perform wireless communication based on a specified frequency. The second communication circuit 640 may include a second transmitter (Tx2)641 and a second receiver (Rx2) 642.

In an embodiment, the second transmitter 641 may provide the transmission signal to the antenna element 311 through the switching unit 530. The second transmitter 641 may be configured to use a designated frequency.

In an embodiment, the received signal from the antenna element 311 may be provided to the second receiver 642 through the switching unit 530. The second receiver 642 may be configured to use a specified frequency.

In an embodiment, the switching unit 530 may connect the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330. The switching unit 530 may be adapted to selectively connect the first to fourth feeding ports 621 to 624 and the first and second communication circuits 630 and 640. The switching unit 530 may include first to fourth switches 651 to 654.

In an embodiment, the first switch 651 may be adapted to selectively connect the first transmitter 631 and the first receiver 632 with the first feeding port 621. The first switch 651 may connect the first transmitter 631 and the first feeding port 621 such that a transmission signal is provided from the first transmitter 631 to the first feeding port 621. The first switch 651 may connect the first receiver 632 and the first feeding port 621 so that a reception signal is provided from the first feeding port 621 to the first receiver 632.

In an embodiment, the second switch 652 may be adapted to selectively connect the first transmitter 631 and the first receiver 632 with the second feeding port 622. The second switch 652 may connect the first transmitter 631 and the second feeding port 622 so that the transmission signal is provided from the first transmitter 631 to the second feeding port 622. The second switch 652 may connect the first receiver 632 and the second feeding port 622 such that the reception signal is provided from the second feeding port 622 to the first receiver 632.

In an embodiment, the third switch 653 may be adapted to selectively connect the second transmitter 641 and the second receiver 642 with the third feeding port 623. The third switch 653 may connect the second transmitter 641 and the third feeding port 623 so that a transmission signal is provided from the second transmitter 641 to the third feeding port 623. The third switch 653 may connect the second receiver 642 and the third feeding port 623 such that a reception signal is provided from the third feeding port 623 to the second receiver 642.

In an embodiment, the fourth switch 654 may be adapted to selectively connect the second transmitter 641 and the second receiver 642 with the fourth feeding port 624. The fourth switch 654 may connect the second transmitter 641 and the fourth feeding port 624 such that a transmission signal is provided from the second transmitter 641 to the fourth feeding port 624. The fourth switch 654 may connect the second receiver 642 and the fourth feeding port 624 such that a reception signal is provided from the fourth feeding port 624 to the second receiver 642.

Fig. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are diagrams illustrating example paths connecting the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330 in the communication device 221 according to the embodiment.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may connect the radiating portion 610 of the antenna element 311 with the first transmitter 631, the first receiver 632, the second transmitter 641, and the second receiver 642 of the wireless communication circuit 330 using multiple paths. A plurality of paths may be formed between the first to fourth feeding ports 621 to 624 of the antenna element 311 and the first transmitter 631, the first receiver 632, the second transmitter 641, and the second receiver 642 of the wireless communication circuit 330.

In an embodiment, multiple paths may be formed using a first double-pole double-throw (DPDT) switch 710 and a second DPDT switch 720. The first DPDT switch 710 may perform the same function as the combination of the first switch 651 and the second switch 652. For example, the first switch 651 and the second switch 652 may constitute the first DPDT switch 710. The second DPDT switch 720 may perform the same function as the combination of the third switch 653 and the fourth switch 654. For example, the third switch 653 and the fourth switch 654 may constitute the second DPDT switch 720.

In an embodiment, the first DPDT switch 710 and the second DPDT switch 720 may be formed in one semiconductor package. The first DPDT switch 710 and the second DPDT switch 720 may be mounted on one RFIC.

In an embodiment, the first and third feeding ports 621 and 623 may be symmetrical in the first direction D1 with respect to the radiating portion 610. The first and third feeding ports 621 and 623 may transmit/receive a horizontally polarized (H Pol) signal. The second and fourth feeding ports 622 and 624 may be symmetrical with respect to the radiating portion 610 in the second direction D2. The second and fourth feeding ports 622 and 624 may transmit/receive vertically polarized (V Pol) signals.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may also include control circuitry that identifies a communication state associated with the wireless communication circuitry 330. The control circuit may be included in a communication module 190 (e.g., RFIC, BP, CP, or modem) that is connected to the wireless communication circuit 330.

In an embodiment, the control circuit may at least temporarily connect the first receiver 632 to the first feeding port 621 through the first switch 651. The control circuit may be configured to measure the strength of the signal received by the first receiver 632. The control circuit may be configured to identify a reception sensitivity of the first communication circuit 630 in the first direction D1 as at least a part of the communication state.

In an embodiment, the control circuit may connect the first receiver 632 to the second feed port 622 at least temporarily through the second switch 652. The control circuit may be configured to measure the strength of the signal received by the first receiver 632. The control circuit may be configured to identify a reception sensitivity of the first communication circuit 630 in the second direction D2 as at least a part of the communication state.

In an embodiment, the control circuit may connect the second receiver 642 to the third feeding port 623 at least temporarily through the third switch 653. The control circuitry may be configured to measure the strength of the signal received by the second receiver 642. The control circuit may be configured to recognize the reception sensitivity of the second communication circuit 640 in the first direction D1 as at least a part of the communication state.

In an embodiment, the control circuit may at least temporarily connect the second receiver 642 to the fourth feed port 624 via the fourth switch 654. The control circuitry may be configured to measure the strength of the signal received by the second receiver 642. The control circuit may be configured to identify a reception sensitivity of the second communication circuit 640 in the second direction D2 as at least a part of the communication state.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may use a feeding port formed in a direction parallel to a direction in which the reception sensitivity of a signal is not less than a designated sensitivity among the first to fourth feeding ports 621 to 624. The communication device 221 may establish a path connecting the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330 using a feeding port formed in a direction in which a communication state is good among the first to fourth feeding ports 621 to 624.

In an embodiment, the communication apparatus 221 can be used in an environment where the reception sensitivity of a horizontally polarized signal and a vertically polarized signal is not less than a specified reception sensitivity, as shown in fig. 7A. The electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication module 190) may measure the reception sensitivity of the horizontally polarized signal and the vertically polarized signal. In the case where the reception sensitivities of both the horizontally polarized signal and the vertically polarized signal are not less than the designated reception sensitivity, the communication module 190 may determine that the communication states of the first to fourth feeding ports 621 to 624 in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, the direction away from the first direction D1, and the direction away from the second direction D2 satisfy the designated condition.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may disconnect the first feeding port 621 from the first transmitter 631 using the first DPDT switch 710. The communication device 221 can disconnect the first feeding port 621 from the first receiver 632 using the first DPDT switch 710.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may connect the second feeding port 622 and the first transmitter 631 using the first DPDT switch 710. The communication device 221 may connect the second feeding port 622 and the first receiver 632 using the first DPDT switch 710.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may connect the third feeding port 623 and the second transmitter 641 using the second DPDT switch 720. The communication device 221 may connect the third feeding port 623 and the second receiver 642 using the second DPDT switch 720.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may disconnect the fourth feeding port 624 from the second transmitter 641 using the second DPDT switch 720. The communication device 221 may disconnect the fourth feeding port 624 from the second receiver 642 using the second DPDT switch 720.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 221 may establish a path connecting the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330 by selectively using the feeding ports 621 to 624 that provide a communication state satisfying a specified condition. In fig. 7A, a case where the communication device 221 uses the second and third feeding ports 622 and 623 is shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the communication device 221 may use any one of the first and third feeding ports 621 and 623 protruding in a direction parallel to the first direction D1, and any one of the second and fourth feeding ports 622 and 624 protruding in a direction parallel to the second direction D2.

In an embodiment, the communication apparatus 221 can be used in an environment where the reception sensitivity of a horizontally polarized signal is not less than a specified reception sensitivity, as shown in fig. 7B. The electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication module 190) may measure the reception sensitivity of the horizontally polarized signal and the vertically polarized signal. In the case where the reception sensitivity of the vertically polarized signal is less than the designated reception sensitivity and the reception sensitivity of the horizontally polarized signal is not less than the designated reception sensitivity, the communication module 190 may determine that the communication states of the first and third feeding ports 621 and 623 formed in the first direction D1 satisfy the designated condition.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may connect the first feeding port 621 and the first transmitter 631 using the first DPDT switch 710. The communication device 221 may connect the first feeding port 621 and the first receiver 632 using the first DPDT switch 710.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may disconnect the second feed port 622 from the first transmitter 631 using the first DPDT switch 710. The communication device 221 can disconnect the second feed port 622 from the first receiver 632 using the first DPDT switch 710.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may connect the third feeding port 623 and the second transmitter 641 using the second DPDT switch 720. The communication device 221 may connect the third feeding port 623 and the second receiver 642 using the second DPDT switch 720.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may disconnect the fourth feeding port 624 from the second transmitter 641 using the second DPDT switch 720. The communication device 221 may disconnect the fourth feeding port 624 from the second receiver 642 using the second DPDT switch 720.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may establish a path connecting the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330 using the first feeding port 621 and the third feeding port 623 that provide a communication state satisfying a specified condition. The communication device 221 may connect the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330 using all of the first feeding port 621 and the third feeding port 623 that are symmetrical with respect to the radiating portion 610.

In the embodiment, even in the case where the reception sensitivity of the vertical polarization signal is less than the designated reception sensitivity, the electronic apparatus 101 including the communication apparatus 221 can connect the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330 using the same number of paths as the number of paths corresponding to the environment where the reception sensitivity of the vertical polarization signal and the horizontal polarization signal is not less than the designated reception sensitivity. The electronic device 101 comprising the communication device 221 may use the first DPDT switch 710 and the second DPDT switch 720 to connect the first feeding port 621 and the third feeding port 623, which are arranged symmetrically in the first direction D1 with respect to the radiating portion 610, with the first communication circuit 630 and the second communication circuit 640.

In an embodiment, in the case where the electronic apparatus 101 transmits a signal from the wireless communication circuit 330 using the antenna element 311, the first and second DPDT switches 710 and 720 may connect the first and second transmitters 631 and 641 to the first and third feeding ports 621 and 623 where the reception sensitivity of the signal is not less than the designated reception sensitivity. In the case where the electronic device 101 receives a signal addressed to the wireless communication circuit 330 using the antenna element 311, the first DPDT switch 710 and the second DPDT switch 720 can connect the first receiver 632 and the second receiver 642 with the first feeding port 621 and the third feeding port 623 that have the reception sensitivity of the signal not less than the designated reception sensitivity.

In an embodiment, the communication apparatus 221 can be used in an environment where the reception sensitivity of a vertically polarized signal is not less than a specified reception sensitivity, as shown in fig. 7C. The electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication module 190) may measure the reception sensitivity of the horizontally polarized signal and the vertically polarized signal. In the case where the reception sensitivity of the horizontally polarized signal is less than the designated reception sensitivity and the reception sensitivity of the vertically polarized signal is not less than the designated reception sensitivity, the communication module 190 may determine that the communication states of the second feed port 622 and the fourth feed port 624 formed in the second direction D2 satisfy the designated condition.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may disconnect the first feeding port 621 from the first transmitter 631 using the first DPDT switch 710. The communication device 221 can disconnect the first feeding port 621 from the first receiver 632 using the first DPDT switch 710.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may connect the second feeding port 622 and the first transmitter 631 using the first DPDT switch 710. The communication device 221 may connect the second feeding port 622 and the first receiver 632 using the first DPDT switch 710.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may disconnect the third feeding port 623 from the second transmitter 641 using the second DPDT switch 720. The communication device 221 may disconnect the third feed port 623 from the second receiver 642 using the second DPDT switch 720.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may connect the fourth feeding port 624 and the second transmitter 641 using the second DPDT switch 720. The communication device 221 may connect the fourth feeding port 624 and the second receiver 642 using the second DPDT switch 720.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may establish a path connecting the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330 using the second feeding port 622 and the fourth feeding port 624 that provide a communication state satisfying a specified condition. The communication device 221 may connect the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330 using all of the second and fourth feeding ports 622 and 624 that are symmetrical with respect to the radiating portion 610.

In the embodiment, even in the case where the reception sensitivity of the horizontally polarized signal is less than the designated reception sensitivity, the electronic apparatus 101 including the communication apparatus 221 can connect the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330 using the same number of paths as the number of paths corresponding to the environment where the reception sensitivities of the vertically polarized signal and the horizontally polarized signal are not less than the designated reception sensitivity. The electronic device 101 comprising the communication device 221 may use the first DPDT switch 710 and the second DPDT switch 720 to connect the first communication circuit 630 and the second communication circuit 640 with the second feeding port 622 and the fourth feeding port 624, which second feeding port 622 and fourth feeding port 624 are arranged symmetrically in the second direction D2 with respect to the radiating portion 610.

In an embodiment, in the case where the electronic apparatus 101 transmits a signal from the wireless communication circuit 330 using the antenna element 311, the first and second DPDT switches 710 and 720 may connect the first and second transmitters 631 and 641 with the second and fourth feeding ports 622 and 624, whose reception sensitivity of the signal is not less than the designated reception sensitivity. In the case where the electronic device 101 receives a signal addressed to the wireless communication circuit 330 using the antenna element 311, the first DPDT switch 710 and the second DPDT switch 720 may connect the first receiver 632 and the second receiver 642 with the second feeding port 622 and the fourth feeding port 624, whose reception sensitivities to the signal are not less than the designated reception sensitivity.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may be used in an environment where signals are polarized at a specified angle, as shown in fig. 7D. The radiating portion 610 of the communication device 221 may further include a fifth feed port 625 and a sixth feed port 626 formed in a third direction D3 different from the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The communication device 221 may further include a third communication circuit including a third transmitter 661 and a third receiver 662, and a third DPDT switch 730. The electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication module 190) may measure the reception sensitivity of the signal polarized in the third direction D3. In the case where the reception sensitivity of the signal polarized in the third direction D3 is not less than the specified reception sensitivity, the communication module 190 may determine that the communication states of the fifth and sixth feed ports 625 and 626 satisfy the specified condition.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may disconnect the first feeding port 621 from the first transmitter 631 using the first DPDT switch 710. The communication device 221 can disconnect the first feeding port 621 from the first receiver 632 using the first DPDT switch 710.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may disconnect the second feed port 622 from the first transmitter 631 using the first DPDT switch 710. The communication device 221 can disconnect the second feed port 622 from the first receiver 632 using the first DPDT switch 710.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may disconnect the fourth feeding port 624 from the second transmitter 641 using the second DPDT switch 720. The communication device 221 may disconnect the fourth feeding port 624 from the second receiver 642 using the second DPDT switch 720.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may connect the fifth feeding port 625 and the second transmitter 641 using the second DPDT switch 720. The communication device 221 may connect the fifth power feed port 625 and the second receiver 642 using the second DPDT switch 720.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may disconnect the third feeding port 623 from the third transmitter 661 using the third DPDT switch 730. The communication device 221 may disconnect the third feed port 623 from the third receptacle 662 using the third DPDT switch 730.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may connect the sixth feeding port 626 and the third transmitter 661 using the third DPDT switch 730. The communication device 221 may connect the sixth feed port 626 and the third receiver 662 using the third DPDT switch 730.

In an embodiment, the communication device 221 may establish a path connecting the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330 using the fifth feeding port 625 and the sixth feeding port 626 that provide a communication state satisfying a specified condition. The communication device 221 may connect the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330 using all of the fifth and sixth feeding ports 625 and 626 that are symmetrical with respect to the radiating portion 610.

In the embodiment, even in the case where the reception sensitivity of an angle other than the specified angle is smaller than the specified reception sensitivity, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 221 can connect the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330 without reducing the number of paths. The electronic device 101 comprising the communication device 221 may use the second and third DPDT switches 720, 730 to connect the second and third communication circuits with the fifth and sixth feeding ports 625, 626, which fifth and sixth feeding ports 625, 626 are arranged symmetrically in the third direction D3 with respect to the radiating portion 610.

In an embodiment, in the case where the electronic apparatus 101 transmits a signal from the wireless communication circuit 330 using the antenna element 311, the second DPDT switch 720 and the third DPDT switch 730 may connect the second transmitter 641 and the third transmitter 661 with the fifth feeding port 625 and the sixth feeding port 626 in which the reception sensitivity of the signal is not less than the designated reception sensitivity. In the case where the electronic device 101 receives a signal addressed to the wireless communication circuit 330 using the antenna element 311, the second DPDT switch 720 and the third DPDT switch 730 can connect the second receiver 642 and the third receiver 662 with the fifth feeding port 625 and the sixth feeding port 626 in which the reception sensitivity of the signal is not less than the designated reception sensitivity.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example control method of the electronic apparatus 101 according to the embodiment. The electronic device 101 may establish or use a path between the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330 in a controlled manner as shown in fig. 8.

In operation S101, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication module 190) according to the embodiment may connect the plurality of feeding ports 621 to 624 with the plurality of receivers 632 and 642 through the switching unit 530. The electronic device 101 may use the control circuit to at least temporarily connect the plurality of receivers 632 and 642 to the plurality of feeding ports 621 to 624.

In operation S102, the electronic apparatus 101 (e.g., the communication module 190) according to the embodiment may identify the reception sensitivity of each of the plurality of communication circuits 630 and 640. For example, the electronic device 101 may compare the sensitivity of signals arriving through the first and third feeding ports 621, 623 of the antenna element 311 with the sensitivity of signals arriving through the second and fourth feeding ports 622, 624. For example, the control circuit of the electronic device 101 may calculate the sum of the signals arriving through the first and third feeding ports 621 and 623 as a first Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) value. The control circuit of the electronic device 101 may calculate the sum of the signals arriving through the second feeding port 622 and the fourth feeding port 624 as a second RSRP value.

In operation S103, the electronic apparatus 101 (e.g., the communication module 190) according to the embodiment may connect a feeding port having a reception sensitivity satisfying a specified condition, and may perform communication using a plurality of paths. The electronic device 101 may connect the plurality of transmitters 631 and 641 or the plurality of receivers 632 and 642 to the plurality of feeding ports 621 to 624 through a plurality of paths. A plurality of paths may be selectively formed or used by the switching unit 530.

In an embodiment, the control circuit of the electronic device 101 may be configured to use a feed port having a reception sensitivity satisfying a specified condition when forming the plurality of paths. For example, when the first RSRP value is greater than the second RSRP value, the electronic device 101 may establish a plurality of paths using the first and third feeding ports 621 and 623. For another example, when the second RSRP value is greater than the first RSRP value, the electronic device 101 may establish a plurality of paths using the second feed port 622 and the fourth feed port 624.

In an embodiment, the switching unit 530 of the electronic device 101 may comprise a DPDT switch and may be designed to implement a dual feed network of the antenna element 311. The switching unit 530 including the DPDT switch may include a plurality of paths, each of the plurality of paths having a wave polarized in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 from the plurality of feeding ports 621 to 624, respectively. Then, a path corresponding to a direction in which the reception sensitivity satisfies a specified condition among the plurality of paths may be used.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may set up multiple paths in order to detect either vertical polarization or horizontal polarization. For example, in the case where the antenna element 311 of the electronic device 101 includes the first to fourth feeding ports 621 to 624, the electronic device 101 may include two paths for detecting a vertically polarized signal and two paths for detecting a horizontally polarized signal.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device 101 uses a feed port having a reception sensitivity satisfying a specified condition, the electronic device 101 may implement a dual feed network using feed ports that are symmetrical with respect to the radiation part 610 and have a phase difference of 180 degrees. For example, the electronic device 101 may be powered using the first and third feeding ports 621 and 623 that are symmetrical in the first direction D1 with respect to the radiating portion 610. For another example, the electronic device 101 may be powered using the second and fourth feed ports 622, 624 that are symmetric in the second direction D2 with respect to the radiating portion 610. In the case where the electronic apparatus 101 performs double feeding using two feeding ports symmetrical with respect to the radiation section 610, the amplitude of a signal transmitted or received from the wireless communication circuit 330 to the wireless communication circuit 330 can be increased by two times, and thus a gain of 3dB can be obtained.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example control method of the electronic apparatus 101 according to the embodiment. The electronic device 101 may select a path between the antenna element 311 and the wireless communication circuit 330 in a controlled manner as shown in fig. 9.

In operation S201, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication module 190) according to the embodiment may compare the reception sensitivities of signals from different directions. For example, the electronic device 101 may compare the reception sensitivities of signals arriving in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 that are perpendicular to each other. The electronic device 101 can measure the reception sensitivity of signals arriving in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 using the plurality of feeding ports 621 to 624 located in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, the direction away from the first direction D1, and the direction away from the second direction D2 with respect to the radiation section 610. The electronic device 101 may use the control circuit to at least temporarily connect the plurality of receivers 632 and 642 to the plurality of feeding ports 621 to 624. The control circuit may measure the strength of the signal received from each of the plurality of feeding ports 621 to 624.

In operation S202, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication module 190) according to the embodiment may identify the feeding port corresponding to the direction in which the reception sensitivity is the maximum. For example, the electronic device 101 may identify the feed port corresponding to the direction in which the reception sensitivity is the greatest among the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. Based on the measured reception sensitivities, the control circuit may select a feed port having the largest reception sensitivity from among the first and third feed ports 621 and 623 and the second and fourth feed ports 622 and 624, the first and third feed ports 621 and 623 each being formed in the first direction D1 at the radiation section 610 and in a direction away from the first direction D1, and the second and fourth feed ports 622 and 624 each being formed in the second direction D2 at the radiation section 610 and in a direction away from the second direction D2.

In operation S203, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication module 190) according to the embodiment may close a path having a reception sensitivity lower than a critical point from among paths connected with the wireless communication circuit 330. The electronic apparatus 101 may use a path connected to a feeding port corresponding to a direction in which the reception sensitivity is the maximum among the plurality of paths. The remaining paths other than the path used by the electronic device 101 may not be established in order to prevent transmission and reception of signals. Since the electronic apparatus 101 does not use the feeding port corresponding to the direction in which the reception sensitivity is low, unnecessary power consumption due to the use of the feeding port corresponding to the direction in which the reception sensitivity is low can be prevented.

Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example communication device (e.g., the second communication device 222 of fig. 2) in accordance with another embodiment.

The communication device 222 may include an antenna element 1010, wireless communication circuitry 330, and a switching unit 1030 (e.g., including a switch). With respect to the antenna element 1010, the wireless communication circuit 330, and the switching unit 1030 of the communication device 222 according to another embodiment, additional descriptions of the same functions and roles as those of the antenna element 311, the wireless communication circuit 330, and the switching unit 530 of the communication device 221 according to an embodiment will not be repeated here to avoid redundancy.

According to an embodiment, the antenna element 1010 may include a radiating portion (e.g., a radiator) 1011, a first feed port 1021, and a second feed port 1022.

In an embodiment, the radiating portion 1011 may receive signals around the electronic device 101 through the first feeding port 1021 and the second feeding port 1022. The radiating portion 1011 may transmit a reception signal received through the first feeding port 1021 and the second feeding port 1022 to the wireless communication circuit 330.

In an embodiment, the radiating portion 1011 may be in the form of a patch. For example, the radiating portion 1011 may be in the form of a quadrangle or a circle.

In an embodiment, the first feed port 1021 and the second feed port 1022 may supply power to the antenna element 1010.

In an embodiment, the first feeding port 1021 may be formed in the first direction D1 of the radiating portion 1011. In the case where the radiating portion 1011 is in the form of a quadrangular patch, the first feed port 1021 may protrude from at least a part of an edge (for example, a central portion of the edge) located in the first direction D1 among four edges of the radiating portion 1011.

In an embodiment, the second feeding port 1022 may be formed in the second direction D2 of the radiating portion 1011. In the case where the radiating portion 1011 is in the form of a quadrangular patch, the second feed port 1022 may protrude from at least a part of the edges (for example, the central portion of the edges) located in the second direction D2 among the four edges of the radiating portion 1011.

In an embodiment, the wireless communication circuitry 330 may include first communication circuitry 630 (e.g., an RF chain) and second communication circuitry 640. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the wireless communication circuit 330 may include at least one communication circuit 630 or 640.

In an embodiment, the first communication circuit 630 may perform wireless communication based on a specified frequency. The first communication circuit 630 may include a first transmitter (Tx1)631 and a first receiver (Rx1) 632.

In an embodiment, the first transmitter 631 may provide the transmission signal to the antenna element 1010 through the switching unit 1030. The first transmitter 631 may be configured to use a designated frequency.

In an embodiment, the received signal from the antenna element 1010 may be provided to the first receiver 632 through the switching unit 1030. The first receiver 632 may be configured to use a specified frequency.

In an embodiment, the second communication circuit 640 may perform wireless communication based on a specified frequency. The second communication circuit 640 may include a second transmitter (Tx2)641 and a second receiver (Rx2) 642.

In an embodiment, the second transmitter 641 may provide a transmission signal to the antenna element 1010 through the switching unit 1030. The second transmitter 641 may be configured to use a designated frequency.

In an embodiment, the received signal from the antenna element 1010 may be provided to the second receiver 642 by the switching unit 1030. The second receiver 642 may be configured to use a specified frequency.

In an embodiment, the switching unit 1030 may connect the antenna element 1010 and the wireless communication circuit 330. The switching unit 1030 may be adapted to selectively connect the first feeding port 1021 and the second feeding port 1022 with the first communication circuit 630 and the second communication circuit 640 using a plurality of lines P1 to P4. The switching unit 1030 may include first to fourth switches 1031 to 1034.

In an embodiment, the switching unit 1030 may also include one or more phase shifters 1035 and 1036. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the phase shifters 1035 and 1036 may be separately implemented outside the switching unit 1030. In any embodiment, phase shifters 1035 and 1036 may be implemented with wires having a specified length (e.g., a length that is delayed by up to 90 degrees phase relative to a specified frequency, a wire may be referred to herein as a "phase shifting circuit").

In an embodiment, the first switch 1031 may be adapted to selectively connect the first transmitter 631 and the first receiver 632 with the first feeding port 1021 through the first line P1. The first line P1 may have a first specified length with respect to a specified frequency. The designated frequency may be a frequency used by the first communication circuit 630 including the first transmitter 631 and the first receiver 632. The first specified length may be a length set such that: such that the phase of the point at which the signal arrives is delayed by up to a specified angle (e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 360 degrees) relative to the phase of the point at which the signal departs.

In an embodiment, the second switch 1032 may be adapted to selectively connect the second transmitter 641 and the second receiver 642 to the second feed port 1022 through a second line P2. The second line P2 may have a second specified length relative to the specified frequency. The designated frequency may be a frequency used by the second communication circuit 640 including the second transmitter 641 and the second receiver 642. The second specified length may be a length set such that: such that the phase of the point at which the signal arrives is delayed by up to a specified angle (e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 360 degrees) relative to the phase of the point at which the signal departs.

In an embodiment, the third switch 1033 may be adapted to selectively connect the second transmitter 641 with the first feeding port 1021 through the third line P3 based on a communication state associated with the wireless communication circuit 330. The third line P3 may have a third specified length with respect to the specified frequency. The signal transmitted using the third line P3 having the third specified length may be delayed by up to 90 degrees with respect to the phase of the signal transmitted using the first line P1 having the first specified length.

In an embodiment, the fourth switch 1034 may be adapted to selectively connect the first transmitter 631 with the second feed port 1022 through the fourth line P4 based on a communication state associated with the wireless communication circuit 330. The fourth line P4 may have a fourth specified length with respect to the specified frequency. A signal transmitted using the fourth line P4 having the fourth specified length may be delayed by up to 90 degrees with respect to the phase of a signal transmitted using the second line P2 having the second specified length.

In an embodiment, the phase shifters 1035 and 1036 may be located on the third line P3 and the fourth line P4. The phase shifters 1035 and 1036 may allow the third and fourth lines P3 and P4 to have a third and fourth specified length. The phase of the signal output from the opposite side of each of the phase shifters 1035 and 1036 may be delayed by up to 90 degrees with respect to the phase of the signal input to one side of each of the phase shifters 1035 and 1036. The phase shifters 1035 and 1036 may increase the lengths of the third and fourth lines P3 and P4 by 1/4 times the wavelength with respect to the designated frequency.

In an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 101 may be used in an environment where the reception sensitivities in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 satisfy a specified condition. In a case where the electronic apparatus 101 is in a transmission/reception state where a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) environment is good, the electronic apparatus 101 may form a chain at the first feeding port 1021 and the second feeding port 1022, the chain forming a plurality of paths. The electronic device 101 may transmit/receive a horizontally polarized signal and a vertically polarized signal using the first feeding port 1021 and the second feeding port 1022.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may also include control circuitry that identifies a communication state associated with the wireless communication circuitry 330.

In an embodiment, the control circuit may at least temporarily connect the first receiver 632 to the first feeding port 1021 through the first switch 1031. The control circuit may be configured to measure the strength of the signal received by the first receiver 632. The control circuit may be configured to identify the reception sensitivity of the first communication circuit 630 as at least a part of the communication state.

In an embodiment, the control circuit may connect, at least temporarily, the second receiver 642 to the second feed port 1022 through the second switch 1032. The control circuitry may be configured to measure the strength of the signal received by the second receiver 642. The control circuit may be configured to identify the reception sensitivity of the second communication circuit 640 as at least a part of the communication state.

In an embodiment, the control circuit may establish an additional path to the feeding port formed in a direction parallel to a direction in which the reception sensitivity of the signal is greater than the designated sensitivity among the first feeding port 1021 and the second feeding port 1022, using the third switch 1033 and the fourth switch 1034. The control circuit may be configured to establish an additional path to the feed port formed in a direction in which the communication state is good. The control circuitry may increase the number of paths between the antenna element 1010 and the wireless communication circuitry 330 for which communication is good.

Fig. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example path connecting the antenna element 1010 and the wireless communication circuitry 330 of the communication device 222 according to another embodiment.

In an embodiment, the communication device 222 may connect the first transmitter 631, the first receiver 632, the second transmitter 641, and the second receiver 642 of the wireless communication circuit 330 with the radiating portion 1011 of the antenna element 1010 using multiple paths. A plurality of paths may be formed between the first and second feeding ports 1021 and 1022 of the antenna element 1010 and the first transmitter 631, the first receiver 632, the second transmitter 641, and the second receiver 642.

In an embodiment, multiple paths may be formed using switching unit 1030 implemented with a 3-pole 4-throw (3P4T) switch. The 3P4T switch may perform the same function as the combination of the first to fourth switches 1031 to 1034. The first to fourth switches 1031 to 1034 may constitute one 3P4T switch.

In an embodiment, the first to fourth switches 1031 to 1034 constituting one 3P4T switch may be implemented with one semiconductor package. The first to fourth switches 1031 to 1034 may be mounted on one RFIC.

In an embodiment, the first feed port 1021 may transmit/receive a horizontally polarized (H Pol) signal. The second feed port 1022 may transmit/receive a vertical polarization (V Pol) signal.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 may allow the switching unit 1030 to operate as a Doherty power amplifier in case the reception sensitivity of at least one of the first feed port 1021 and the second feed port 1022 is less than a specified sensitivity.

In an embodiment, the Doherty power amplifier may be a structure of a power amplifier used in a weak electric field environment. The Doherty power amplifier may be connected to the antenna element 1010 using millimeter waves. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the Doherty power amplifier may be connected with a conventional antenna that transmits/receives electromagnetic waves in an existing frequency band (e.g., a frequency band for long term evolution, 2G, and 3G wireless communications).

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 using the communication device 222 may use a Doherty power amplifier as a single-input single-output (SISO) technique in a weak electric field environment. In order to connect the switching unit 1030 to the first feed port 1021 and the second feed port 1022 while applying MIMO, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 needs twice as much power amplifier as before. To achieve a more stable call connection rather than throughput in a weak electric field environment, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 may use the same number of power amplifiers as before by applying SISO.

In an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 101 including the communication apparatus 222 can be used in an environment in which the reception sensitivity of a vertically polarized signal is not less than a specified reception sensitivity, as shown in fig. 11A. The electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 may determine that the communication state of the second feeding port 1022 formed in the second direction D2 satisfies the specified condition. The communication device 222 may establish an additional path to the second feed port 1022 using the Doherty power amplifier structure of the switching unit 1030. When the reception sensitivity of the horizontally polarized signal is not good and the reception sensitivity of the vertically polarized signal is good in the weak electric field environment, the communication device 222 can improve the efficiency of the power amplifier.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 may disconnect the first feeding port 1021 from the first transmitter 631 using the switching unit 1030. The electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 may disconnect the first feeding port 1021 from the second transmitter 641 using the switching unit 1030.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 may connect the second feeding port 1022 with the first transmitter 631 using the switching unit 1030. The electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 may connect the second feeding port 1022 and the second transmitter 641 using the switching unit 1030.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 may additionally establish a path connecting the antenna element 1010 and the wireless communication circuit 330 using the second feed port 1022 that provides a communication state satisfying a specified condition. Without increasing the number of feed ports, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 can increase the number of paths connecting the antenna element 1010 and the wireless communication circuit 330 while satisfying a specified condition regarding the communication state.

In the embodiment, even in the case where the reception sensitivity of the horizontally polarized signal is less than the designated reception sensitivity, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 can connect the antenna element 1010 and the wireless communication circuit 330 using the same number of paths as the number of paths corresponding to the environment in which the reception sensitivities of the vertically polarized signal and the horizontally polarized signal are not less than the designated reception sensitivity.

In an embodiment, the communication device 222 may allow a path connecting the second feeding port 1022 and the second transmitter 641 to pass through the first phase shifter 1035. The communication device 222 may allow the phase of the path connecting the second feeding port 1022 and the second transmitter 641 to be delayed by up to 90 degrees with respect to the phase of the path connecting the second feeding port 1022 and the first transmitter 631 by using the first phase shifter 1035.

In an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 101 including the communication apparatus 222 can be used in an environment in which the reception sensitivity of a horizontally polarized signal is not less than a specified reception sensitivity, as shown in fig. 11B. The electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 may determine that the communication state of the first feeding port 1021 formed in the first direction D1 satisfies a specified condition. The communication device 222 may establish an additional path to the first feed port 1021 using the Doherty power amplifier structure of the switching unit 1030. When the reception sensitivity of the vertically polarized signal is not good and the reception sensitivity of the horizontally polarized signal is good in the weak electric field environment, the communication device 222 can improve the efficiency of the power amplifier.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 may connect the first feeding port 1021 with the first transmitter 631 using the switching unit 1030. The electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 may connect the first feeding port 1021 and the second transmitter 641 using the switching unit 1030.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 may disconnect the second feeding port 1022 from the first transmitter 631 using the switching unit 1030. The electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 may disconnect the second feeding port 1022 from the second transmitter 641 using the switching unit 1030.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 may additionally establish a path connecting the antenna element 1010 and the wireless communication circuit 330 using the first feed port 1021 providing a communication state satisfying a specified condition. Without increasing the number of feed ports, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 can increase the number of paths connecting the antenna element 1010 and the wireless communication circuit 330 while satisfying a specified condition regarding the communication state.

In the embodiment, even in the case where the reception sensitivity of the vertical polarization signal is less than the designated reception sensitivity, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 222 can connect the antenna element 1010 and the wireless communication circuit 330 using the same number of paths as the number of paths corresponding to the environment in which the reception sensitivity of the vertical polarization signal and the horizontal polarization signal is not less than the designated reception sensitivity.

In an embodiment, the communication device 222 may allow a path connecting the first feeding port 1021 and the first transmitter 631 to pass through the second phase shifter 1036. The communication device 222 may allow the phase of the path connecting the first feeding port 1021 and the first transmitter 631 to be delayed by up to 90 degrees with respect to the phase of the path connecting the first feeding port 1021 and the second transmitter 641 by using the second phase shifter 1036.

Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example communication device (e.g., the third communication device 223 of fig. 2) according to another embodiment.

The communication device 223 according to another embodiment may include an antenna element 1010, wireless communication circuitry 330, and a switching unit 1230. With respect to the antenna element 1010, the wireless communication circuit 330, and the switching unit 1230 of the communication device 223 according to another embodiment, additional descriptions of the same functions and roles as those of the antenna element 1010, the wireless communication circuit 330, and the switching unit 1030 of the communication device 221 according to another embodiment will not be repeated here to avoid redundancy.

In an embodiment, the switching unit 1230 may connect the antenna element 1010 with the wireless communication circuit 330. The switching unit 1230 may include first to fourth switches 1231 to 1234.

In an embodiment, the first switch 1231 may be adapted to selectively connect the first transmitter 631 and the first receiver 632 with the first feeding port 1021. A second switch 1232 may be adapted to selectively connect the second transmitter 641 and the second receiver 642 to the second feed port 1022.

In an embodiment, the third switch 1233 may be adapted to selectively connect the second transmitter 641 with the first feed port 1021 based on a communication state associated with the wireless communication circuit 330. In the case where the communication state of the second communication circuit 640 satisfies the specified state, the third switch 1233 may connect the second transmitter 641 with the first feeding port 1021.

In an embodiment, the fourth switch 1234 may be adapted to selectively connect the first transmitter 631 with the second feed port 1022 based on a communication status associated with the wireless communication circuit 330. The fourth switch 1234 may connect the first transmitter 631 with the second feeding port 1022 in the case where the communication state of the first communication circuit 630 satisfies a specified state.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may also include control circuitry that identifies a communication state associated with the wireless communication circuitry 330. The control circuit may at least temporarily connect the first receiver 632 to the first feeding port 1021 through the first switch 1231. The control circuit may be configured to identify the reception sensitivity of the first communication circuit 630 as at least a part of the communication state. The control circuitry may connect, at least temporarily, the second receiver 642 to the second feed port 1022 through the second switch 1232. The control circuit may be configured to identify the reception sensitivity of the second communication circuit 640 as at least a part of the communication state.

Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example path connecting the antenna element 1010 of the communication device 223 and the wireless communication circuit 330 according to another embodiment.

In an embodiment, the switching unit 1230 of the communication device 223 may be implemented using a double pole 4 throw (DP4T) switch. The DP4T switch may perform the same function as the combination of the first to fourth switches 1231 to 1234.

In an embodiment, the first to fourth switches 1231 to 1234 constituting one DP4T switch may be implemented with one semiconductor package. The first to fourth switches 1231 to 1234 may be mounted on one RFIC.

In an embodiment, the first feed port 1021 may transmit/receive a horizontally polarized (H Pol) signal. The second feed port 1022 may transmit/receive a vertical polarization (V Pol) signal.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 223 may bind two chains of paths corresponding to the first transmitter 631 and the second transmitter 642, respectively, when connecting the antenna element 1010 with the wireless communication circuit 330 using the switching unit 1230. When connecting the antenna element 1010 with the wireless communication circuit 330 using the switching unit 1230, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 223 may bind the Tx chains associated with the first transmitter 631 and the second transmitter 641, thereby improving transmission performance by about two times (3 dB).

In an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 101 including the communication device 223 may connect both the first transmitter 631 and the second transmitter 641 to a feeding port formed in a direction parallel to a direction in which the reception sensitivity of a signal is greater than a specified sensitivity, among the first feeding port 1021 and the second feeding port 1022, using the switching unit 1230. For example, in the case where the reception sensitivity of the first feeding port 1021 is excellent, the electronic apparatus 101 including the communication apparatus 223 may connect both the first transmitter 631 and the second transmitter 641 to the first feeding port 1021. By connecting both the first transmitter 631 and the second transmitter 641 to the feeding port formed in the direction in which the communication state is good, the electronic device 101 including the communication device 223 can maintain the number of paths in which the communication state between the antenna element 1010 and the wireless communication circuit 330 is good.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example communication device (e.g., the fourth communication device 224 of fig. 2) in accordance with another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 14, a communication apparatus 224 according to an embodiment may include a first antenna 1300 for vertical polarization and a second antenna 1400 for horizontal polarization. The first antenna 1300 may include at least one antenna element 1310 or 1320. For example, the first antenna 1300 may include a first antenna element 1310 and a second antenna element 1320. The second antenna 1400 may include at least one antenna element 1410 or 1420. For example, second antenna 1400 may include third antenna element 1410 and fourth antenna element 1420.

In various embodiments, the first antenna element 1310 and the second antenna element 1320 may be referred to as "conductive plates". The third antenna element 1410 and the fourth antenna element 1420 may be referred to as "conductive elements" (e.g., conductive patterns).

In various embodiments, the communication device 224 may include: a first antenna array comprising a plurality of first antennas 1300; and a second antenna array comprising a plurality of second antennas 1400. For example, the first antenna array may be referred to as a "vertically polarized antenna array" and the second antenna array may be referred to as a "horizontally polarized antenna array".

In an embodiment, the first antenna element 1310 may be spaced apart from the second antenna element 1320 and may be positioned parallel to the second antenna element 1320. The second antenna 1400 may be located in a space between the first antenna element 1310 and the second antenna element 1320.

In an embodiment, the communication device 224 may include a PCB 350. PCB350 may include at least a portion of first antenna 1300 and second antenna 1400. For example, the first antenna element 1310, the second antenna element 1320, the third antenna element 1410, and the fourth antenna element 1420 may be formed from a conductive plate or conductive pattern on the PCB 350. Alternatively, the PCB350 may support the first antenna element 1310, the second antenna element 1320, the third antenna element 1410 and the fourth antenna element 1420 implemented in separate conductive patterns. For example, at least one side of the first antenna element 1310, at least one side of the second antenna element 1320, and one end of the second antenna 1400 may be supported by the PCB 350.

In an embodiment, the communication device 224 may include wireless communication circuitry 330 electrically connected to the first antenna 1300 and the second antenna 1400. The wireless communication circuit 330 can transmit/receive an RF signal of a vertical polarization characteristic using the first antenna 1300. For example, the wireless communication circuit 330 may apply an RF signal to the first antenna 1300 through the first feed 1313. The wireless communication circuit 330 can transmit/receive an RF signal of a horizontally polarized characteristic using the second antenna 1400. For example, the wireless communication circuit 330 may apply the RF signal to the second antenna 1400 through the second feed 1413.

In an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 330 may supply power to the first antenna element 1310 through a first feed 1313 included in the first antenna element 1310. The first power feeder 1313 may be electrically connected with the wireless communication circuit 330 through the first power feeder 1311. The second antenna element 1320 may be electrically connected to a ground region of the PCB 350. In various embodiments, the first antenna 1300 may be used as a patch antenna.

In various embodiments, PCB350 may include a cavity 1113 for impedance matching. The cavity 1113 may be referred to as a "matching region" for impedance matching of the first antenna 1300. For example, cavity 1113 may be referred to as an "empty space" having a transverse length "w", a longitudinal length "h", and a height length "g". The transverse length "w", longitudinal length "h", and height length "g" may be associated with impedance matching.

For example, the inductance and capacitance determined by the lateral length "w", the longitudinal length "h", and the height length "g" of the cavity 1113 may be used for impedance matching of the first antenna 1300. For example, the cavity 1113 may serve as a matching circuit.

In an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 330 may supply power to the second antenna 1400 through the second feed 1413 of the second antenna 1400. The second feeder 1413 may be electrically connected with the wireless communication circuit 330 through the second feeder 1411. In various embodiments, the second antenna 1400 may function as a dipole antenna.

In various embodiments, the second antenna 1400 may have one feed (single feed structure) or may have two feeds (dual feed structure). The second antenna 1400 may include one or two conductive elements. The conductive element may act as a radiator for a dipole antenna.

In an embodiment, second antenna 1400 may include third antenna element 1410 or fourth antenna element 1420. For example, a dipole antenna including two antenna elements is illustrated in fig. 14.

In an embodiment, the second feed 1413 may be located at the third antenna element 1410. One end of the fourth antenna element 1420 may be electrically connected to a ground region of the PCB 350.

In various embodiments, PCB350 may include a first region 1001 and a second region 1002, the second region 1002 being the remaining region other than the first region 1001.

In an embodiment, the first region 1001 may be a region where the first and second power feeding lines 1311 and 1411 are located. The first area 1001 may include a ground layer. The second antenna element 1320 and the fourth antenna element 1420 may extend from the ground plane.

In an embodiment, the second region 1002 may be a region where the first antenna 1300 and the second antenna 1400 are located. A feeding network may be implemented in the second region 1002 using a second feeder 1413.

In various embodiments, wireless communication circuitry 330 may transmit/receive millimeter waves (mmWave) of approximately 20GHz or higher under control of a processor of an electronic device (e.g., processor 120 of fig. 1), depending on either vertically polarized or horizontally polarized transmit/receive control signals.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may comprise, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalents, or alternatives to the respective embodiments. For the description of the figures, like reference numerals may be used to refer to like or related elements. It will be understood that a noun in the singular corresponding to a term may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "a or B," "at least one of a and B," "at least one of a or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B or C" may include all possible combinations of the items listed together with the respective one of the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1 st" and "2 nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish one element from another element simply and not to limit the elements in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "coupled to", "connected to" or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to, wirelessly connected to, or connected to the other element via a third element, when the term "operatively" or "communicatively" is used or not.

As used herein, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, or any combination thereof, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "portion," or "circuitry"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions or a minimal unit or portion of the single integrated component. For example, according to an embodiment, the modules may be implemented in the form of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).

The various embodiments set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, under control of a processor, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) may invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to be operable to perform at least one function in accordance with the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code capable of being executed by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium.

According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be used as a product for conducting a transaction between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium, such as a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., a Play store), or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). At least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated if it is published online, or at least part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored in a machine readable storage medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or a forwarding server.

According to various embodiments, each of the above components (e.g., modules or programs) may comprise a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding one of the plurality of components performed the one or more functions prior to integration. Operations performed by a module, program, or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic manner, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added, in accordance with various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may selectively connect a transmitter and a receiver with a feeding port having a strong reception strength of a signal using a plurality of switches. The electronics can control multiple paths that convey signals from multiple antenna elements to the RFIC such that the received strength of the signals is strong. When a reception or transmission signal is polarized in a specified direction, the electronic apparatus may receive or transmit the signal using only a path satisfying a specified condition. Thus, the electronic device can improve the reception performance and the transmission performance of the signal.

In addition, the electronic device can improve reception performance and transmission performance by effectively utilizing elements located within the RFIC in an environment where the MIMO environment is not good. The electronic device may selectively connect or disconnect the plurality of feed ports using the plurality of switches according to the reception sensitivity. Thus, the electronic apparatus can reduce unnecessary power consumption while maintaining a state of supplying power using all the power feeding ports.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.