Electronic device and impedance matching method for antenna thereof

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device including an antenna impedance matching circuit. The electronic device may comprise: at least one interface; at least one detection circuit for detecting a connection of at least one external device to the at least one interface; at least two matching circuits; an antenna; and a switch module for receiving, from the at least one detection circuit, at least one signal corresponding to whether the at least one external device is connected to the at least one interface, and for connecting the antenna to a matching circuit, among the at least two matching circuits, corresponding to the at least one signal. Various other embodiments are also possible.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a National Phase Entry of PCT International Application No. PCT/KR2018/002585, which was filed on Mar. 5, 2018, and claims a priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0029002, which was filed on Mar. 7, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to an electronic device and an impedance-matching method of an antenna thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

Electronic devices (for example, mobile terminals, smartphones, and wearable electronic devices) may provide various functions. For example, smartphones may provide not only a basic voice call function but also wireless communication (for example, short-range wireless communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Near Field Communication (NFC)), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), mobile communication (3G, 4G, or 5G)), a music or video reproduction function, a photography function, a navigation function, and a messenger function.

The electronic devices may include an antenna to provide a wireless communication function. The antenna may be generally designed to have one or more resonant frequencies. A matching circuit (an impedance-matching circuit) for impedance matching may be located between the antenna and a wireless communication module.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

The characteristics of an antenna of the electronic device may vary depending on various conditions. For example, impedance matching or a resonant frequency of the antenna may be changed by external factors (for example, connection with an external device). In other words, the characteristics of the antenna may be changed when the electronic device is connected to an external device, and thus radiation performance may deteriorate.

Various embodiments of the disclosure to solve the above problems may provide an electronic device capable of compensating for a change in the characteristics of an antenna due to external factors and an impedance-matching method of the antenna.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide an electronic device capable of appropriately switching a matching circuit connected to an antenna when the electronic device is connected to an external device through a physical device (for example, a hardware circuit) and an impedance-matching method of the antenna.

Solution to Problem

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes: at least one interface; at least one detection circuit configured to detect a connection between each of at least one external device and the at least one interface; at least two matching circuits; an antenna; and a switch module configured to receive at least one signal corresponding to the connection or non-connection between the at least one external device and the at least one interface from the at least one detection circuit and connect the antenna with a matching circuit corresponding to the at least one signal among the at least two matching circuits.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes: at least one interface; at least one detection circuit configured to detect each of at least one external device connected to the at least one interface; a communication module; at least two antennas; and a switch module configured to receive at least one signal corresponding to a connection or non-connection between the at least one external device and the at least one interface from the at least one detection circuit and connect the communication module with an antenna corresponding to the at least one signal among the at least two antennas.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a method of matching impedance of an antenna by an electronic device is provided. The method includes: detecting, by at least one detection circuit, a connection between each of at least one external device and the at least one interface; and performing, by a switch module, switching to connect the antenna with a matching circuit corresponding to the at least one connected external device among at least two matching circuits in response to the detection of the connection of the at least one external device.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to connect an antenna with an appropriate matching circuit through a physical device (for example, a hardware circuit) without applying a separate algorithm (for example, software) for controlling impedance matching of the antenna. The disclosure makes it possible to prevent a malfunction due to a software error according to the use of an independent hardware circuit that does not depend on software.

Further, various embodiments can process a greater variety of situations (a greater number of different cases) by combining physical devices with existing algorithms. Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure are capable of preventing algorithms from being complicated due to the requirement to process various situations. In other words, various embodiments of the disclosure are capable of preventing a software error from occurring due to simplification of such an algorithm.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various embodiments and terms used herein do not limit various embodiments of the present disclosure to the particular forms, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the corresponding embodiments. In the description of the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar elements. It is to be understood that the singular forms may include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present disclosure, an expression such as “A or B,” or “at least one of A and B” may include all possible combinations of the listed items. Expressions such as “first,” “second,” “primarily,” or “secondary,” as used herein, may represent various elements regardless of order and/or importance and do not limit corresponding elements. The expressions may be used for distinguishing one element from another element. When it is described that an element (such as a first element) is “(operatively or communicatively) coupled” to or “connected” to another element (such as a second element), the element can be directly connected to the other element or can be connected through another element (such as a third element).

An expression “configured to (or set)” used in the present disclosure may be used interchangeably with, for example, “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of” according to a situation. A term “configured to (or set)” does not only mean “specifically designed to” by hardware. Alternatively, in some situations, the expression “apparatus configured to” may mean that the apparatus “can” operate together with another apparatus or component. For example, a phrase “a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C” may be at a dedicated processor (such as an embedded processor) for performing a corresponding operation or a generic-purpose processor (such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or an application processor) that can perform a corresponding operation by executing at least one software program stored at a memory device.

An electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, may be embodied as, for example, at least one of a smart phone, a tablet Personal Computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a workstation, a server, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), an MPEG 3 (MP3) player, a medical equipment, a camera, and a wearable device. The wearable device can include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an ankle bracelet, a necklace, glasses, a contact lens, or a Head-Mounted-Device (HMD)), a fabric or clothing embedded type (e.g., electronic garments), a body attachable type (e.g., a skin pad or a tattoo), and an implantable circuit. The electronic device may be embodied as at least one of, for example, a television, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player, an audio device, a refrigerator, an air-conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, an air cleaner, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a media box (e.g., Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™), a game console (e.g., Xbox™, PlayStation™, an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, and an electronic frame.

In another embodiment, the electronic device may be embodied as at least one of various medical devices (such as, various portable medical measuring devices (a blood sugar measuring device, a heartbeat measuring device, a blood pressure measuring device, or a body temperature measuring device), a Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) device, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device, a Computed Tomography (CT) device, a scanning machine, and an ultrasonic wave device), a navigation device, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), an Event Data Recorder (EDR), a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), a vehicle infotainment device, electronic equipment for ship (such as, a navigation device for ship and gyro compass), avionics, a security device, a head unit for a vehicle, an industrial or home robot, a drone, an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) of a financial institution, a Point Of Sales (POS) device of a store, and an Internet of Things (IoT) device (e.g., a light bulb, various sensors, a sprinkler device, a fire alarm, a thermostat, a street light, a toaster, sports equipment, a hot water tank, a heater, and a boiler). According to an embodiment, the electronic device may be embodied as at least one of a portion of furniture, building/construction or vehicle, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, and various measuring devices (e.g., water supply, electricity, gas, or electric wave measuring device). An electronic device, according to an embodiment, can be a flexible electronic device or a combination of two or more of the foregoing various devices. An electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is not limited to the foregoing devices may be embodied as a newly developed electronic device. The term “user”, as used herein, can refer to a person using an electronic device or a device using an electronic device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device).

FIG. 1illustrates a network environment including an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1, an electronic device101resides in a network environment100. The electronic device101can include a bus110, a processor120, a memory130, an input/output interface150, a display160, and a communication interface170. The electronic device101may be provided without at least one of the components, or may include at least one additional component. The bus110can include a circuit for connecting the components120through170and delivering communication signals (e.g., control messages or data) therebetween. The processor120can include one or more of a CPU, an application processor, and a Communication Processor (CP). The processor120, for example, can perform an operation or data processing with respect to control and/or communication of at least another component of the electronic device101.

The memory130can include a volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. The memory130, for example, can store commands or data relating to at least another component of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the memory130can store software and/or a program140. The program140can include, for example, a kernel141, middleware143, an Application Programming Interface (API)145, and/or an application program (or “application”)147. At least part of the kernel141, the middleware143, or the API145can be referred to as an Operating System (OS). The kernel141can control or manage system resources (e.g., the bus110, the processor120, or the memory130) used for performing operations or functions implemented by the other programs (e.g., the middleware143, the API145, or the application program147). Additionally, the kernel141can provide an interface for controlling or managing system resources by accessing an individual component of the electronic device101from the middleware143, the API145, or the application program147.

The middleware143, for example, can serve an intermediary role for exchanging data between the API145or the application program147and the kernel141through communication. Additionally, the middleware143can process one or more job requests received from the application program147, based on their priority. For example, the middleware143can assign a priority for using a system resource (e.g., the bus110, the processor120, or the memory130) of the electronic device101to at least one of the application programs147, and process the one or more job requests. The API145, as an interface through which the application147controls a function provided from the kernel141or the middleware143, can include, for example, at least one interface or function (e.g., an instruction) for file control, window control, image processing, or character control. The input/output interface150, for example, can deliver commands or data inputted from a user or another external device to other component(s) of the electronic device101, or output commands or data inputted from the other component(s) of the electronic device101to the user or another external device.

The display160, for example, can include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, a MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. The display160, for example, can display various contents (e.g., texts, images, videos, icons, and/or symbols) to the user. The display160can include a touch screen, for example, and receive touch, gesture, proximity, or hovering inputs by using an electronic pen or a user's body part. The communication interface170, for example, can set a communication between the electronic device101and an external device (e.g., a first external electronic device102, a second external electronic device104, or a server106). For example, the communication interface170can communicate with the external device (e.g., the second external electronic device104or the server106) over a network162through wireless communication or wired communication.

The wireless communication, for example, can include cellular communication using at least one of Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The wireless communication can include, for example, at least one of Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, Near Field Communication (NFC), magnetic secure transmission, Radio Frequency (RF), and Body Area Network (BAN). The wireless communication can include GNSS. The GNSS can include, for example, Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), Beidou navigation satellite system (Beidou), or Galileo (the European global satellite-based navigation system). Hereafter, the GPS can be interchangeably used with the GNSS. The wired communication, for example, can include at least one of Universal Serial Bus (USB), High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232), power line communications, and Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). The network162can include a telecommunications network, for example, at least one of computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN), Internet, and telephone network.

Each of the first and second external electronic devices102and104can be of the same as or of a different type from that of the electronic device101. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, all or part of operations executed in the electronic device101can be executed by another electronic device or a plurality of electronic devices (e.g., the electronic device102or104, or the server106). To perform a function or service automatically or by request, instead of performing the function or the service by the electronic device101, the electronic device101can request at least part of a function relating thereto from another device (e.g., the electronic device102or104, or the server106). The other electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102or104, or the server106) can perform the requested function or an additional function and send its result to the electronic device101. The electronic device101can provide the requested function or service by processing the received result. In doing so, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing techniques can be used.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of an electronic device201according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device201, for example, can include all or part of the above-described electronic device101ofFIG. 1. The electronic device201includes one or more processors (e.g., an AP)210, a communication module220, a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM)224, a memory230, a sensor module240, an input device250, a display260, an interface270, an audio module280, a camera module291, a power management module295, a battery296, an indicator297, and a motor298. The processor210, for example, can control a plurality of hardware or software components connected to the processor210, and also can perform various data processing and operations by executing an OS or an application program. The processor210can be implemented with a System on Chip (SoC), for example. The processor210can further include a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) and/or an image signal processor. The processor210may include at least part (e.g., a cellular module221) of the components shown inFIG. 2. The processor210can load commands or data received from at least one other component (e.g., a nonvolatile memory) into a volatile memory, process them, and store various data in the nonvolatile memory.

The communication module220can have the same or similar configuration to the communication interface170ofFIG. 1. The communication module220can include, for example, the cellular module221, a WiFi module223, a Bluetooth (BT) module225, a GNSS module227, an NFC module228, and an RF module229. The cellular module221, for example, can provide voice call, video call, Short Message Service (SMS), or Internet service through a communication network. The cellular module221can identify and authenticate the electronic device201in a communication network by using the SIM (e.g., a SIM card)224. The cellular module221can perform at least part of a function that the processor210provides. The cellular module221can further include a CP. At least some (e.g., two or more) of the cellular module221, the WiFi module223, the BT module225, the GNSS module227, and the NFC module228can be included in one Integrated Circuit (IC) or an IC package. The RF module229, for example, can transmit/receive a communication signal (e.g., an RF signal). The RF module229, for example, can include a transceiver, a Power Amp Module (PAM), a frequency filter, a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), or an antenna. According to another embodiment, at least one of the cellular module221, the WiFi module223, the BT module225, the GNSS module227, and the NFC module228can transmit/receive an RF signal through an additional RF module. The SIM224, for example, can include a card including a SIM or an embedded SIM, and also can contain unique identification information (e.g., an Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

The memory230(e.g., the memory130) can include at least one of an internal memory232and an external memory234. The internal memory232can include at least one of, for example, a volatile memory (e.g., Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Static RAM (SRAM), or Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM)), and a non-volatile memory (e.g., One Time Programmable ROM (OTPROM), Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable and Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory, hard drive, and solid state drive (SSD)). The external memory234can include flash drive, for example, Compact Flash (CF), Secure Digital (SD), micro SD, mini SD, extreme digital (xD), Multi-Media Card (MMC), or memory stick. The external memory234can be functionally or physically connected to the electronic device201through various interfaces.

The sensor module240can, for example, measure physical quantities or detect an operating state of the electronic device201, and thus convert the measured or detected information into electrical signals. The sensor module240can include at least one of a gesture sensor240A, a gyro sensor240B, an atmospheric pressure sensor240C, a magnetic sensor240D, an acceleration sensor240E, a grip sensor240F, a proximity sensor240G, a color sensor240H (e.g., a Red, Green, Blue (RGB) sensor), a bio sensor240I, a temperature/humidity sensor240J, an illumination sensor240K, and an Ultra Violet (UV) sensor240M. Additionally or alternately, the sensor module240can include an E-nose sensor, an Electromyography (EMG) sensor, an Electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an Electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an InfraRed (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, and/or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor module240can further include a control circuit for controlling at least one sensor therein. The electronic device, as part of the processor210or individually, can further include a processor configured to control the sensor module240and thus control the sensor module240while the processor210is sleeping.

The input device250can include at least one of a touch panel252, a (digital) pen sensor254, a key256, and an ultrasonic input device258. The touch panel252can use at least one of, for example, capacitive, resistive, infrared, and ultrasonic methods. Additionally, the touch panel252can further include a control circuit. The touch panel252can further include a tactile layer to provide a tactile response to a user. The (digital) pen sensor254can include, for example, part of a touch panel or a sheet for recognition. The key256can include, for example, a physical button, a touch key, an optical key, or a keypad. The ultrasonic input device258can detect ultrasonic waves from an input means through a microphone288and check data corresponding to the detected ultrasonic waves.

The display260(e.g., the display160) can include at least one of a panel262, a hologram device264, a projector266, and/or a control circuit for controlling them. The panel262can be implemented to be flexible, transparent, or wearable, for example. The panel262and the touch panel252can be configured with one or more modules. The panel262can include a pressure sensor (or a force sensor) for measuring a pressure of the user touch. The pressure sensor can be integrated with the touch panel252, or include one or more sensors separately from the touch panel252. The hologram device264can show three-dimensional images in the air by using the interference of light. The projector266can display an image by projecting light on a screen. The screen, for example, can be placed inside or outside the electronic device201. The interface270can include, for example, an HDMI272, a USB274, an optical interface276, or a D-subminiature (D-sub)278. The interface270can be included in, for example, the communication interface170ofFIG. 1. Additionally or alternately, the interface270can include a Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) interface, a SD card/MMC interface, or an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard interface.

The audio module280, for example, can convert sounds into electrical signals and convert electrical signals into sounds. At least some components of the audio module280can be included in, for example, the input/output interface150ofFIG. 1. The audio module280can process sound information inputted or outputted through a speaker282, a receiver284, an earphone286, or the microphone288. The camera module291, as a device for capturing still images and videos, can include one or more image sensors (e.g., a front sensor or a rear sensor), a lens, an Image Signal Processor (ISP), or a flash (e.g., an LED or a xenon lamp). The power management module295, for example, can manage the power of the electronic device201. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the power management module295can include a Power Management IC (PMIC), a charger IC, or a battery or fuel gauge, for example. The PMIC can have a wired and/or wireless charging method. The wireless charging method can include, for example, a magnetic resonance method, a magnetic induction method, or an electromagnetic method, and can further include an additional circuit for wireless charging, for example, a coil loop, a resonant circuit, or a rectifier circuit. The battery gauge can measure the remaining capacity of the battery296, or a voltage, current, or temperature of the battery296during charging. The battery296can include, for example, a rechargeable battery and/or a solar battery.

The indicator297can display a specific state of the electronic device201or part thereof (e.g., the processor210), for example, a booting state, a message state, or a charging state. The motor298can convert electrical signals into mechanical vibration and generate a vibration or haptic effect. The electronic device201can include a mobile TV supporting device (e.g., a GPU) for processing media data according to standards such as Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), or MediaFLOW™. Each of the above-described components of the electronic device can be configured with at least one component and the name of a corresponding component can vary according to the kind of an electronic device. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device201) can be configured to include at least one of the above-described components or an additional component, or to not include some of the above-described components. Additionally, some of components in an electronic device are configured as one entity, so that functions of previous corresponding components are performed identically.

FIG. 3is a block diagram of a program module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A program module310(e.g., the program140) can include an OS for controlling a resource relating to an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101) and/or various applications (e.g., the application program147) running on the OS. The OS can include, for example, Android™, iOS™, Windows™, Symbian™, Tizen™, or Bada™. Referring toFIG. 3, the program module310can include a kernel320(e.g., the kernel141), a middleware330(e.g., the middleware143), an API360(e.g., the API145), and/or an application370(e.g., the application program147). At least part of the program module310can be preloaded on an electronic device or can be downloaded from an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102,104, or the server106).

The kernel320includes, for example, at least one of a system resource manager321and/or a device driver323. The system resource manager321can control, allocate, or retrieve a system resource. According to an embodiment, the system resource manager321can include a process management unit, a memory management unit, or a file system management unit. The device driver323can include, for example, a display driver, a camera driver, a Bluetooth driver, a sharing memory driver, a USB driver, a keypad driver, a WiFi driver, an audio driver, or an Inter-Process Communication (IPC) driver. The middleware330, for example, can provide a function commonly required by the application370, or can provide various functions to the application370through the API360in order to allow the application370to efficiently use a limited system resource inside the electronic device. The middleware330includes at least one of a runtime library335, an application manager341, a window manager342, a multimedia manager343, a resource manager344, a power manager345, a database manager346, a package manager347, a connectivity manager348, a notification manager349, a location manager350, a graphic manager351, and a security manager352.

The runtime library335can include, for example, a library module used by a complier to add a new function through a programming language while the application370is running. The runtime library335can manage input/output, manage memory, or arithmetic function processing. The application manager341, for example, can manage the life cycle of the applications370. The window manager342can manage a GUI resource used in a screen. The multimedia manager343can recognize a format for playing various media files and encode or decode a media file by using the codec in a corresponding format. The resource manager344can manage a source code of the application3740or a memory space. The power manager345can manage the capacity or power of the battery and provide power information for an operation of the electronic device. The power manager345can operate together with a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). The database manager346can create, search, or modify a database used in the application370. The package manager347can manage installation or updating of an application distributed in a package file format.

The connectivity manger348can manage, for example, a wireless connection. The notification manager349can provide an event, such as incoming messages, appointments, and proximity alerts, to the user. The location manager350can manage location information of an electronic device. The graphic manager351can manage a graphic effect to be provided to the user or a user interface relating thereto. The security manager352can provide, for example, system security or user authentication. The middleware330can include a telephony manager for managing a voice or video call function of the electronic device, or a middleware module for combining various functions of the above-described components. The middleware330can provide a module specialized for each type of OS. The middleware330can dynamically delete part of the existing components or add new components. The API360, as a set of API programming functions, can be provided as another configuration according to the OS. For example, Android or iSO can provide one API set for each platform, and Tizen can provide two or more API sets for each platform.

The application370can include at least one of a home371, a dialer372, an SMS/Multimedia Messaging System (MMS)373, an Instant Message (IM)374, a browser375, a camera376, an alarm377, a contact378, a voice dial379, an e-mail380, a calendar381, a media player382, an album383, a clock384, health care (e.g., measure an exercise amount or blood sugar level), or environmental information (e.g., air pressure, humidity, or temperature information) provision application. The application370can include an information exchange application for supporting information exchange between the electronic device and an external electronic device. The information exchange application can include, for example, a notification relay application for relaying specific information to the external device or a device management application for managing the external electronic device. For example, the notification relay application can relay notification information from another application of the electronic device to an external electronic device, or receive and forward notification information from an external electronic device to the user. The device management application, for example, can install, delete, or update a function (e.g., turn-on/turn off of the external electronic device itself (or some components) or display brightness (or resolution) adjustment) of an external electronic device communicating with the electronic device, or an application operating in the external electronic device. The application370can include a specified application (e.g., a health care application of a mobile medical device) according to a property of the external electronic device. The application370can include an application received from an external electronic device. At least part of the program module310can be implemented (e.g., executed) with software, firmware, hardware (e.g., the processor210), or a combination of at least two of them, and include a module, a program, a routine, a set of instructions, or a process for executing one or more functions.

FIG. 4illustrates the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 4, an electronic device400according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include, for example, all or some of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG. 1or the electronic device201illustrated inFIG. 2.

The electronic device400may include an antenna401, a processor410, a memory420, a communication module430, a switch module440, a matching circuit module450, an interface460, and a detection circuit470.

The processor410(for example, the processor120or the processor210) may control the overall operation of the electronic device400. For example, the processor410may control respective elements of the electronic device400. The processor410may receive instructions from the memory420and control the respective elements according to the received instructions so as to perform various functions.

The processor410may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Processor (AP), a Micro Controller Unit (MCU), or a Micro Processor Unit (MPU). The processor410may be configured as a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. According to another embodiment, the processor410may be a multi-processor including a plurality of processors. For example, the processor410may include an Application Processor (AP) and a Communication Processor (CP). According to another embodiment, the processor410may include a high-power processor (for example, an AP) and a low-power processor (for example, an MCU or an MPU).

The processor410may include a detection terminal (det) for recognizing connection of an external device (for example, earphones, a charger, or a Universal Series Bus (USB) device). For example, the processor410may recognize connection of an external device through a change in a voltage (or a current) input from the detection circuit470. For example, when the voltage (or the current) input into the detection terminal (det) changes from a value larger than or equal to a predetermined value into a value smaller than the predetermined value, the processor410may recognize that the external device is connected. According to some embodiments, when the voltage (or the current) input into the detection terminal (det) changes from a value equal to or smaller than a predetermine value into a value larger than the predetermined value, the processor410may recognize that the external device is connected.

The memory420(for example, the memory130or the memory230) may store various programs for operating the electronic device400and may also store data generated or downloaded while the various programs are executed. Further, the memory420may store various commands and/or instructions for operating the processor410.

The communication module430(for example, the communication interface170or the communication module220) may transmit and receive a radio signal through the antenna401. For example, the communication module430may up-convert and amplify a baseband signal transmitted from the processor410into a radio signal and transmit the radio signal, and may low-noise amplify and down-convert the received radio signal and transmit the same to the processor410. The communication module430may process a radio signal of various frequency bands for mobile communication (for example, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, or LTE).

The antenna401may transmit and receive a radio signal. For example, the antenna401may be connected to the communication module430and may transmit and receive a radio signal in various frequency bands for mobile communication. The antenna401may be located on an upper part (a position at which a receiver is mounted), a lower part, a left part, and/or a right part of the electronic device400. For example, the antenna401may be located adjacent to the interface460. In this case, the connection of the external device may influence the characteristics of the antenna401(for example, an impedance change or a resonant frequency shift).

The antenna401according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be connected to another matching circuit through the switch module440on the basis of whether or not the external device is connected. For example, the antenna401may be connected to a first matching circuit451when the external device is not connected and may be connected to a second matching circuit452when the external device is connected.

The switch module440may be switched on the basis of whether or not the external device is connected. For example, the switch module440may be switched so as to be connected with another matching circuit depending on whether the antenna401is connected to the external device. The switch module440may be switched to connect the antenna401with the first matching circuit451when the external device is not connected and may be switched to connect the antenna401with the second matching circuit452when the external device is connected.

The switch module440according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be a Single-Pole Dual-Throw (SPDT)-type switch. The switch module440may include a control terminal (CTL), an input terminal (RFC), a first output terminal (RF1), and a second output terminal (RF2). The control terminal (CTL) may be connected to the detection circuit470, the input terminal (RFC) may be connected to the antenna401and the communication module430, the first output terminal (RF1) may be connected to the first matching circuit451, and the second output terminal (RF2) may be connected to the second matching circuit452.

The switch module440according to an embodiment of the disclosure may connect the input terminal (RFC) and the first output terminal (RF1) when a signal (high signal) having a predetermined value (for example, 0.5 V) or higher is input into the control terminal (CTL) (hereinafter, referred to as a default state), and may connect the input terminal (RFC) and the second output terminal (RF2) when a signal (low signal) having a value lower than the predetermined value (for example, 0.5 V) is input into the input terminal (RFC).

The matching circuit module450may include a plurality of matching circuits. For example, the matching circuit module450may include a first matching circuit451and a second matching circuit452. The matching circuit module450according to an embodiment of the disclosure may prevent degradation (or deterioration) of radiation performance due to a change in the impedance of the antenna401when the external device is connected. For example, the first matching circuit451may be a circuit designed such that the antenna401has optimal radiation performance (for example, a resonant frequency of 800 MHz, a bandwidth of 50 MHz, and antenna efficiency of 30% or higher) while the external device is not connected, and the second matching circuit452may be a circuit designed such that the antenna401has optimal radiation performance (efficiency) while the external device is connected. The second matching circuit452may be a circuit for compensating for a change in the impedance of the antenna401and/or a shift in the resonant frequency thereof due to the connection of the external device.

The first matching circuit451and the second matching circuit452may be circuits in which at least one of a resistor, an inductor, and a capacitor is generally connected in series and/or in parallel. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the first matching circuit451and the second matching circuit452may be a wire connected to the ground of the electronic device400. In other words, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, it is possible to match the antenna and the impedance by controlling a length or a width of the wire connected to the ground of the electronic device400. According to another embodiment, the first matching circuit451and the second matching circuit452may be circuits for changing a signal path of the antenna401(for example, for switching a plurality of feeding portions and/or a plurality of grounding portions) (referFIGS. 9 and 10below).

The interface460(for example, the input/output interface150or the interface270) may be an interface device (for example, a connector) for connection with the external device (for example, earphones, a charger, or a USB device). For example, the interface460may be an earjack (for example, an audio interface) for connection (insertion) of 3-pole or 4-pole earphones, a charger, or a connector to which a USB device is connected (for example, a micro USB interface or a USB type-C interface). The interface460according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be installed at a location that may influence the performance of the antenna401(for example, a location that may cause a change in the impedance of the antenna401or a shift in a resonant frequency) when the external device is connected. For example, the interface460may be installed at a location (for example, a lower part) adjacent to the antenna401.

The detection circuit470may be a circuit for detecting the connection with the external device through the interface460. For example, a voltage (or current) value of the detection circuit470input into the switch module440and the processor410may be changed according to whether or not the external device is connected.

When the external device is not connected, the pull-down resistance (Rd) of the detection circuit470may be in an open state. In this case, the voltage (Vdd) may be input into the control terminal (CTL) of the switch module440and the detection terminal (det) of the processor410.

Meanwhile, when the external device is connected, the pull-down resistance (Rd) of the detection circuit470may be connected to a ground terminal40of an external device (not shown). In this case, the voltage (Vdd) may be distributed by the pull-up resistance (Ru) and the pull-down resistance (Rd) of the electronic device400, and the distributed voltage may be input into the control terminal (CTL) of the switch module440and the detection terminal (det) of the processor410. At this time, since the pull-down resistance (Rd) is configured to have a very small value in comparison with the pull-up resistance (Ru), the distributed voltage may be a low signal. For example, the pull-up resistance (Ru) may be weak pull-up resistance of hundreds of kilohms to thousands of kilohms (for example, 1 megaohm), and the pull-down resistance (Rd) may be strong pull-down resistance of several ohms (for example, 1 kilohm).

According to some embodiments, the detection circuit470may include only the pull-up resistance (Ru), and the pull-down resistance (Rd) may be included in an external device (not shown). For example, when the external device is connected, the pull-up resistance (Ru) located in the electronic device400may be connected to the pull-down resistance (Rd) located in the external device, and the voltage distributed by the pull-up resistance (Ru) located in the electronic device400may be input into the control terminal (CTL) of the switch module440and the detection terminal (det) of the processor410.

It has been described that the electronic device switches a plurality of matching circuits connected to the antenna401and the communication module430for mobile communication on the basis of whether or not an external device is connected. However, various embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, various embodiments of the disclosure may switch matching circuits connected to an antenna (not shown) and a short-range communication module (not shown) for short-range wireless communication (for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) on the basis of whether or not the external device is connected. According to another embodiment, a plurality of matching circuits connected to an antenna (not shown) and an FM communication module (not shown) for frequency modulation (FM) communication (for example, radio) may be switched on the basis of whether or not the external device is connected.

Meanwhile, although not illustrated inFIG. 4, the electronic device400may not include some of the described elements. In another embodiment, the electronic device400may further include at least one other element (for example, a digital broadcasting module or a sensor module (for example, a fingerprint recognition sensor), an iris sensor, a proximity sensor, a touch screen, or a battery) at the level equivalent to the above-described elements.

FIG. 5illustrates the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 5, an electronic device500according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include, for example, all or some of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG. 1or the electronic device201illustrated inFIG. 2. The electronic device500may include an antenna501, a processor510, a memory520, a communication module530, a switch module540, a matching circuit module550, an interface module560, and a detection circuit module570.

The electronic device500ofFIG. 5may control the switch module540so that the antenna501is connected to one of a plurality of matching circuits551,552,553, and554according to whether or not a plurality of external devices is connected. In other words, when the number of external devices that influence the performance of the antenna501is plural, the electronic device500ofFIG. 5may operate similarly to the electronic device400ofFIG. 4except that the matching circuits are switched in consideration of whether or not each of the plurality of external devices is connected. Accordingly, hereinafter, a detailed description of duplicate elements will be omitted for convenience of description.

The electronic device500may include a plurality of interfaces561and562and a plurality of detection circuits571and572in consideration of whether or not a plurality of external devices is connected. For example, the first detection circuit571may detect the connection of the external device (first external device) to the first interface561, and the second detection circuit572may detect the connection of another external device (second external device) to the second interface562.

The switch module540according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include two control terminals (CTL1and CTL2), one input terminal (RFC), and four output terminals (RF1, RF2, RF3, and RF4), and the matching circuit module550may include four matching circuits (for example, first to fourth matching circuits551,552,553, and554). The first matching circuit551may be a matching circuit designed such that the antenna501has optimal radiation performance (efficiency) in a default state, in which the first external device and the second external device are not connected, the second matching circuit552may be a circuit designed such that the antenna501has optimal radiation performance (efficiency) in the state in which the first external device is connected, the third matching circuit553may be a circuit designed such that the antenna501has optimal radiation performance (efficiency) in the state in which the second external device is connected, and the fourth matching circuit554may be a circuit designed such that the antenna501has optimal radiation performance (efficiency) in the state in which the first external device and the second external device are connected.

According to some embodiments, at least some of the first to fourth matching circuits551,552,553, and554of the matching circuit module550may be the same. For example, the first matching circuit551and the third matching circuit553may be the same matching circuits, and the second matching circuit552and the fourth matching circuit554may be the same matching circuits. The reason for this is that, when the first external device is connected to the first interface561or when the second external device is connected to the second interface562, the same matching circuits can be used if changes in impedance or shift levels of the resonant frequency are the same or almost the same as each other. According to some embodiments, the first output terminal (RF1) and the third output terminal (RF3) of the matching circuit module550may be connected to one matching circuit, and the second output terminal (RF2) and the fourth output terminal (RF4) may be connected to one matching circuit. For example, the matching circuit module550may include two matching circuits, the first output terminal (RF1) to the third output terminal (RF3) may be connected to the first matching circuit, and the second output terminal (RF2) and the fourth output terminal (RF4) may be connected to the second matching circuit.

The first detection circuit571according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be connected to a first control terminal (CTL1) of the switch module540and a first detection terminal (det1) of the processor510, and thus may transmit a high signal to the first control terminal (CTL1) and the first detection terminal (det1) of the processor510when the first external device is not connected and transmit a low signal to the first control terminal (CTL1) and the first detection terminal (det1) of the processor510when the first external device is connected. The second detection circuit572may be connected to a second control terminal (CTL2) of the switch module540and a second detection terminal (det2) of the processor510, and thus may transmit a high signal to the second control terminal (CTL2) and the second detection terminal (det2) of the processor510when the second external device is not connected and transmit a low signal to the second control terminal (CTL2) and the second detection terminal (det2) of the processor510.

The switch module540may connect the input terminal (RFC) to one of the first to fourth output terminals (RF1, RF2, RF3, and RF4) according to a combination of control signals (for example, a high signal (H) or a low signal (L)) input into the first control terminal (CTL1) and the second control terminal (CTL2). For example, the switch module540may be switched as shown in [Table 1] below.

The electronic device500according to an embodiment of the disclosure may detect the connection of a plurality of external devices and appropriately switch matching circuits, thereby appropriately compensating for a change in the impedance of the antenna and/or a shift in the resonant frequency according to the connection of a plurality of external devices.

FIG. 6illustrates the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 6, an electronic device600according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include all or some of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG. 1or the electronic device201illustrated inFIG. 2. The electronic device600may include an antenna601, a processor610, a memory620, a communication module630, a switch module640, a matching circuit module650, an interface660, and a detection circuit670.

The electronic device600ofFIG. 6may control the switch module640so that the antenna601is connected to one of a plurality of matching circuits651,652,653, and654according to whether one external device is connected, a communication state (for example, a frequency band in which communication is currently performed), a currently used function, or a currently used sensor. In other words, the electronic device600ofFIG. 6may combine the electronic device400ofFIG. 4, which considers whether one external device is connected, and an algorithm (software), which considers a communication state. Accordingly, hereinafter, a detailed description of duplicate elements will be omitted for convenience of description.

The processor610according to various embodiments of the disclosure may control the switching of the switch module640. The processor610may include a control terminal (ANT_CTL) for outputting a control signal that controls the switching of the switch module640. The control terminal (ANT_CTL) may be one of various types of interfaces (General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO), a Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI), and an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C)).

The processor610according to various embodiments of the disclosure may control switching of the switch module640in consideration of the communication state. For example, the processor610according to various embodiments of the disclosure may control switching of the switch module640according to the currently used frequency band. This takes into account the phenomenon whereby the extent of influence of radiation performance of the antenna601varies depending on the frequency band during the connection with the external device. For example, this considers that the antenna601may perform communication in a plurality of frequency bands, and changes in impedance or changes in a resonant frequency in respective frequency bands may be different from each other when the external device is connected.

The processor610according to various embodiments of the disclosure may identify a currently used frequency band and transmit a control signal according to the result of identification to the second control terminal (CTL2) of the switch module640through the control terminal (ANT_CTL). For example, the processor610may transmit a first control signal (for example, a high signal) to the second control terminal (CTL2) of the switch module640when the currently used frequency band is a frequency band that is little influenced by the connection of the external device (for example, 700 MHz to 1000 MHz), and may transmit a second control signal (for example, a low signal) to the second control terminal (CTL2) of the switch module640when the currently used frequency band is a band that is significantly influenced by the connection of the external device (for example, an intermediate frequency band between 1500 MHz to 2100 MHz or a high frequency band between 2200 MHz and 2700 MHz). In other words, the processor610may transmit the first control signal to the switch module640when the currently used frequency band is a band in which the impedance of the antenna601or the resonant frequency is changed to a value smaller than a predetermined value when the external device is connected, and may transmit the second control signal to the switch module640when the currently used frequency band is a band in which the impedance of the antenna601or the resonant frequency is changed to the predetermined value or higher.

The memory620according to various embodiments of the disclosure may store an algorithm for controlling switching of the switch module640according to a communication state. For example, the algorithm may include a routine for identifying a currently used frequency band and a routine for generating a control signal according to the result of identification and transmitting the control signal to the second control terminal (CTL2) of the switch module640through the control terminal (ANT_CTL). The routine for generating the control signal may generate a high signal when the currently used frequency band is a frequency band that is hardly influenced by the connection of the external device and may generate a low signal when the currently used frequency band is a band that is significantly influenced by the connection of the external device. The memory620may store a mapping table in which a plurality of communication frequency bands and at least one control signal are mapped.

The switch module640according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include two control terminals (CTL1and CTL2), one input terminal (RFC), and four output terminals (RF1, RF2, RF3, and RF4), and the matching circuit module650may include four matching circuits (for example, first to fourth matching circuits651,652,653, and654).

The switch module640may connect the input terminal (RFC) with one of the first to fourth output terminals (RF1, RF2, RF3, and RF4) according to a combination of the control signals input into the first control terminal (CTL1) and the second control terminal (CTL2). For example, the switch module640may be switched as shown in [Table 2] below.

In [Table 2] above, the processor610controls switching of the switch module640in consideration of two cases (the band that is significantly influenced and the band that is hardly influenced). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the processor610may include two or more control terminals in order to consider three or more cases. For example, if a plurality of frequency bands supported by the antenna601cannot be divided into two cases (for example, the band that is significantly influenced and the band that is hardly influenced), the frequency bands may be divided into three or more cases according to a change in the impedance of the antenna601or a shift in the resonant frequency, and the processor610may control switching of the switch module640through a plurality of control terminals. For example, the processor610may include two control terminals when the plurality of frequency bands is divided into four cases and include three control terminals when the plurality of frequency bands is divided into eight cases. At this time, the switch module640may include second control terminals corresponding to the number of control terminals included in the processor610. The matching circuit module650may include a plurality of matching circuits corresponding to the first control terminal (CTL1) and the second control terminal (CTL2) included in the switch module640. For example, when the switch module640includes one first control terminal (CTL1) and two second control terminals (CTL2), the matching circuit module650may include 8(=23) matching circuits.

According to some embodiments, the processor610may include control terminals according to the number of frequency bands supported by the antenna601. For example, the processor610may include two control terminals when the antenna601supports a number of frequency bands larger than 2 and equal to or smaller than 4, and may include three control terminals when the antenna601supports a number of frequency bands larger than 4 and equal to or smaller than 8.

According to some embodiments, the number of control terminals may be determined according to the number of frequency bands within which it is required to control matching circuits, among the frequency bands supported by the antenna601, on the basis of the connection of the external device. For example, when two frequency bands are not influenced or little influenced by the connection of the external device among the six frequency bands supported by the antenna601, it is determined that the number of control terminals is 2.

According to some embodiments, at least some of the first to fourth matching circuits651,652,653, and654of the matching circuit module650may be the same as each other. For example, the first matching circuit651and the second matching circuit652may be the same matching circuit. This is because a matching circuit change is not needed if the currently used frequency band is not influenced by the connection of the external device or is little influenced thereby. According to some embodiments, the first output terminal (RF1) and the second output terminal (RF2) of the matching circuit module650may be connected to one matching circuit. For example, the matching circuit module650may include three matching circuits, the first output terminal (RF1) and the second output terminal (RF2) may be connected to a first matching circuit, the third output terminal (RF3) may be connected to a second matching circuit, and the fourth terminal (RF4) may be connected to a third matching circuit.

InFIG. 6, the processor610controls the switching of the switch module640in consideration of the currently used frequency band. According to some embodiments, the processor610may control the switching of the switch module640on the basis of various conditions that may influence the performance of the antenna601. For example, the processor610may control the switching of the switch module640on the basis of a currently used sensor (for example, detection of a user's grip adjacent to the antenna through a grip sensor, detection of an open/closed state of a folder or a slide in a folder-type or a slide-type electronic device through a magnetic or a hall sensor, detection of mounting of an accessory (for example, a protection cover), detection of a degree of folding (bending) of a flexible electronic device through a bending sensor, and detection of contact of a face through a proximity sensor or an illumination sensor). According to another embodiment, the processor610may control switching of the switch module640on the basis of activation of a currently used function (activation of a module located adjacent to the antenna (for example, a camera module or a speaker module) or activation of a quick charging or a wireless charging function).

The electronic device600according to the embodiment may provide optimal performance of the antenna in a greater variety of conditions according to a combination of hardware circuits and algorithms (software). The electronic device600according to the embodiment may overcome the disadvantage that occurs when only hardware circuits are used. The electronic device600according to the embodiment may use a simplified algorithm in comparison with control only through a software scheme, thereby preventing a software error.

FIG. 7illustrates the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 7, an electronic device700according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include, for example, all or some of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG. 1or the electronic device201illustrated inFIG. 2. The electronic device700may include an antenna701, a processor710, a memory720, a communication module730, a switch module740, a matching circuit module750, an interface module760, and a detection circuit module770.

The electronic device700ofFIG. 7may operate similarly to the electronic device600ofFIG. 6except that the connection of a plurality of external devices is considered rather than the connection of one external device. Accordingly, hereinafter, a detailed description of duplicate elements will be omitted for convenience of description.

The interface module760according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a first interface761to which a first external device is connected and a second interface762to which a second external device is connected. The detection circuit module770may include a first detection circuit771for detecting the connection of the first external device in the first interface761and a second detection circuit772for detecting the connection of the second external device in the second interface762. The switch module740may include three control terminals (CTL1, CTL2, and CTL3), one input terminal (RFC), and eight output terminals (RF1, RF2, . . . , RF8). The matching circuit module750may include eight matching circuits (for example, first to eighth matching circuits751,752, . . . ,758).

The switch module740may connect the input terminal (RFC) with one of the first to eighth terminals (RF1, RF2, . . . , RF8) according to a combination of control signals (for example, a high signal (H) and a low signal (L)) input into the first control terminal (CTL1), the second control terminal (CTL2), and the third control terminal (CTL3). For example, the switch module740may be switched as shown in [Table 3] below.

FIG. 8illustrates the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 8, an electronic device800according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include, for example, all or some of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG. 1or the electronic device201illustrated inFIG. 2. The electronic device800may include a first antenna801, a second antenna802, a processor810, a memory820, a communication module830, a switch module840, an interface860, and a detection circuit870. Hereinafter, a detailed description of duplicate elements will be omitted for convenience of description.

The electronic device800according to an embodiment of the disclosure may control the communication module830to be connected to another antenna according to whether or not the external device is connected. For example, when the external device is not connected to the interface860, the detection circuit870may provide a high signal to a control terminal (CTL) of the switch module840. When the high signal is input into the control terminal (CTL), the switch module840may be switched to connect the input terminal (RFC) with the first output terminal (RF1) so that the communication module830may transmit and receive a radio signal through the first antenna801. On the other hand, when the external device is connected to the interface860, the detection circuit870may provide a low signal to the control terminal (CTL) of the switch module840. The switch module840may be switched to connect the input terminal (RFC) with the second output terminal (RF2) so that the communication module830may transmit and receive a radio signal through the second antenna802. The first antenna801may be an antenna designed to have optimal radiation performance (efficiency) in the state in which the external device is not connected, and the second antenna802may be an antenna designed to have optimal radiation performance (efficiency) in the state in which the external device is connected. The second antenna802may be an antenna separately designed to compensate for an impedance change and/or resonant frequency shift due to the connection of the external device. According to some embodiments, the second antenna802may be one of a plurality of antennas (for example, a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth antenna, a GPS antenna, or a diversity antenna) generally installed in the electronic device800rather than a separately designed and installed antenna.

Meanwhile, inFIG. 8, switching is performed such that a radio signal is transmitted and received using one of a plurality of antennas according to whether or not one external device is connected. Similar toFIG. 5, the electronic device according to some embodiments may perform switching to transmit and receive a radio signal through one of a plurality of antennas (for example, four antennas) in consideration of whether or not a plurality of external devices is connected. Similar toFIG. 6, the electronic device according to another embodiment may perform switching to transmit and receive a radio signal through one of a plurality of antennas (for example, four antennas) in consideration of whether or not one external device is connected and the communication state. Similar toFIG. 7, the electronic device according to yet another embodiment may perform switching to transmit and receive a radio signal through one of a plurality of antennas (for example, eight antennas) in consideration of whether or not a plurality of external devices is connected and the communication state.

FIG. 9illustrates the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 9, an electronic device900according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include, for example, all or some of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG. 1or the electronic device201illustrated inFIG. 2. The electronic device900may include an antenna901, a processor910, a memory920, a communication module930, a switch module940, a matching circuit module950, an interface960, and a detection circuit970. Hereinafter, a detailed description of duplicate elements will be omitted for convenience of description.

The electronic device900according to an embodiment of the disclosure may control the antenna901to have another grounding portion depending on whether or not the external electronic device is connected. For example, when the external device is not connected to the interface960, the detection circuit970may provide a high signal to a control terminal (CTL) of the switch module940. When a high signal is input into a control terminal (CTL), the switch module940may connect an input terminal (RFC) and a first output terminal (RF1) so that the antenna901is connected to the ground of the electronic device900through a first grounding portion951. On the other hand, when the external device is connected to the interface960, the detection circuit970may provide a low signal to the control terminal (CTL) of the switch module940. When a low signal is input into the control terminal (CTL), the switch module940may connect the input terminal (RFC) and a second output terminal (RF2) so that the antenna901is connected to the ground of the electronic device900through a second grounding portion952. The first grounding portion951may be located at a first location designed such that the antenna901has optimal radiation performance (efficiency) in the state in which the external device is not connected, and the second grounding portion952may be located at a second location designed such that the antenna901has optimal radiation performance (efficiency) in the state in which the external device is connected. The first location and the second location may be different from each other. As described above, in the electronic device900ofFIG. 9, the first grounding portion951and the second grounding portion952may serve as matching circuits.

Meanwhile, inFIG. 9, the antenna901has different grounding portions depending on whether or not one external device is connected. However, similar toFIG. 5, the electronic device according to some embodiments may switch the antenna901to have a plurality of grounding portions (for example, four grounding portions) in consideration of whether or not a plurality of external devices is connected. Similar toFIG. 6, the electronic device according to another embodiment may switch the antenna901to have one of a plurality of grounding portions (for example, four grounding portions) in consideration of whether or not one external device is connected and the communication state. Similar toFIG. 7, the electronic device according to yet another embodiment may switch the antenna901to have one of a plurality of grounding portions (for example, eight grounding portions) in consideration of whether or not a plurality of external devices is connected and the communication state.

The electronic device900according to the various embodiments of the disclosure may change the grounding portion of the antenna901depending on whether or not at least one external device is connected and/or the communication state so as to change the electrical length of the grounding portion of the antenna901, thereby preventing a decrease in performance of the antenna901due to the connection of the at least one external device.

FIG. 10illustrates the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 10, an electronic device1000according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include, for example, all or some of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG. 1or the electronic device201illustrated inFIG. 2. The electronic device1000may include an antenna1001, a processor1010, a memory1020, a communication module1030, a switch module1040, a matching circuit module1050, an interface1060, and a detection circuit1070. Hereinafter, a detailed description of duplicate elements will be omitted for convenience of description.

The electronic device1000according to an embodiment of the disclosure may control the antenna1001to have different feeding portions depending on whether or not the external device is connected. For example, when the external device is not connected to the interface1060, the detection circuit1070may provide a high signal to a control terminal (CTL) of the switch module1040. When a high signal is input into the control terminal (CTL), the switch module1040may connect the input terminal (RFC) and a first output terminal (RF1) such that the antenna1001is connected to the communication module1030through a first feeding portion1051. On the other hand, when the external device is connected to the interface1060, the detection circuit1070may provide a low signal to the control terminal (CTL) of the switch module1040. When a low signal is input into the control terminal (CTL), the switch module1040may connect the input terminal (RFC) and a second output terminal (RF2) such that the antenna1001is connected to the communication module1030through a second feeding portion1052. The first feeding portion1051may be located at a first location designed such that the antenna1001has optimal radiation performance (efficiency) in the state in which the external device is not connected, and the second feeding portion1052may be located at a second location designed such that the antenna1001has optimal radiation performance (efficiency) in the state in which the external device is connected. The first location and the second location may be different from each other. As described above, in the electronic device1000ofFIG. 10, the first feeding portion1051and the second feeding portion1052may serve as matching circuits.

Meanwhile, inFIG. 10, the antenna1001is connected to the communication module1030through different feeding portions depending on whether or not one external device is connected. However, similar toFIG. 5, the electronic device according to some embodiments may connect the antenna1001and the communication module1030through one of a plurality of feeding portions (for example, four feeding portions) in consideration of whether or not a plurality of external devices is connected. Similar toFIG. 6, the electronic device according to another embodiment may connect the antenna1001and the communication module1030through one of a plurality of feeding portions (for example, four feeding portions) in consideration of whether or not one external device is connected and the communication state. Similar toFIG. 7, the electronic device according to yet another embodiment may connect the antenna1001and the communication module1030through one of a plurality of feeding portions (for example, eight feeding portions) in consideration of whether or not a plurality of external devices is connected and the communication state.

The electronic device1000according to various embodiments of the disclosure may change feeding portions of the antenna1001depending on whether or not at least one external device is connected and/or the communication state, thereby preventing a decrease in the performance of the antenna1001due to the connection of the at least one external device.

An electronic device (for example, the electronic device101, the electronic device201, the electronic device400, the electronic device500, the electronic device600, the electronic device700, the electronic device900, or the electronic device1000) according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include: at least one interface (for example, the input/output interface150, the interface270, the interface460, the interface module560, the interface660, the interface module760, the interface960, or the interface1060); at least one detection circuit (for example, the detection circuit470, the detection circuit module570, the detection circuit670, the detection circuit module770, the detection circuit970, or the detection circuit1070) configured to detect a connection between each of at least one external device and the at least one interface; at least two matching circuits (for example, the matching circuit module450, the matching circuit module550, the matching circuit module650, the matching circuit module750, the matching circuit module950, or the matching circuit module1050); an antenna (for example, the antenna401, the antenna501, the antenna601, the antenna701, the antenna901, or the antenna1001); and a switch module (for example, the switch module440, the switch module540, the switch module640, the switch module740, the switch module940, or the switch module1040) configured to receive at least one signal corresponding to the connection or non-connection between the at least one external device and the at least one interface from the at least one detection circuit and to connect the antenna with a matching circuit corresponding to the at least one signal among the at least two matching circuits.

According to various embodiments, the at least one interface may include a first interface (for example, the first interface561or the second interface562) and a second interface (for example, the second interface562or the second interface762), the at least one detection circuit may include a first detection circuit (for example, the first detection circuit571or the second detection circuit751) configured to detect whether a first external device is connected to the first interface and a second detection circuit (for example, the second detection circuit572or the second detection circuit772) configured to detect whether a second external device is connected to the second interface, and the at least two matching circuits may include a first matching circuit (for example, the first matching circuit551or the first matching circuit651) connected to the antenna when there is no connection of the first external device and the second external device, a second matching circuit (for example, the second matching circuit552or the second matching circuit652) connected to the antenna when the first external device is connected, a third matching circuit (for example, the third matching circuit553or the third matching circuit653) connected to the antenna when the second external device is connected, and a fourth matching circuit (for example, the fourth matching circuit554or the fourth matching circuit654) connected to the antenna when the first and second external devices are connected.

According to various embodiments, the at least two matching circuits may include at least one of a resistor, a capacitor, and an inductor connected in at least one of series and parallel.

According to various embodiments, the at least two matching circuits may include at least two feeding portions (for example, the first feeding portion1051and the second feeding portion1052) located at different locations, and at least two ground portions (for example, the first grounding portion951and the second grounding portion952) located at different locations.

According to various embodiments, the interface may include an audio interface, a micro Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, or a USB type-C interface.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a processor (for example, the processor120, the processor210, the processor610, or the processor710) configured to receive the at least one signal from the at least one detection circuit, wherein the processor may transmit at least one control signal to the switch module based at least partially on a communication frequency band of the electronic device, and the switch module may be switched to connect the antenna with one of the at least two matching circuits based at least partially on the at least one signal and the at least one control signal.

According to various embodiments, the processor may transmit the at least one control signal to the switch module based at least partially on a change in the impedance of the antenna or in a resonant frequency in the communication frequency band due to the connection of the at least one external device.

According to various embodiments, the processor may transmit a first control signal to the switch module when the communication frequency band is a band in which the impedance of the antenna or the resonant frequency is changed to a value smaller than a predetermined size during the connection of the at least one external device and transmit a second signal to the switch module when the communication frequency band is a band in which the impedance of the antenna or the resonant frequency is changed to a value larger than or equal to the predetermined size.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a memory (for example, the memory130, the memory230, the memory420, the memory520, the memory620, the memory720, the memory920, or the memory1020) configured to store a mapping table in which a plurality of communication frequency bands supported by the antenna and the at least one control signal are mapped.

According to various embodiments, the at least one interface may be located adjacent to the antenna.

An electronic device (for example, the electronic device101, the electronic device201, or the electronic device800) according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include at least one interface (for example, the input/output interface150, the interface270, or the interface860), at least one detection circuit (for example, the detection circuit870) configured to detect each of at least one external device connected to the at least one interface, a communication module (for example, the communication interface170, the communication module220, or the communication module830), at least two antennas (for example, the first antenna801and the second antenna802), and a switch module (for example, the switch module840) configured to receive at least one signal corresponding to a connection or non-connection between the at least one external device and the at least one interface from the at least one detection circuit and connect the communication module with an antenna corresponding to the at least one signal among the at least two antennas.

According to various embodiments, the at least one interface may include a first interface and a second interface, the at least one detection circuit may include a first detection circuit configured to detect whether a first external device is connected to the first interface and a second detection circuit configured to detect whether a second external device is connected to the second interface, and the at least two antennas may include a first antenna connected to the communication module when there is no connection of the first external device and the second external device, a second antenna connected to the communication module when the first external device is connected, a third antenna connected to the communication module when the second external device is connected, and a fourth antenna connected to the communication module when the first and second external devices are connected.

According to various embodiments, the interface may include an audio interface, a micro Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, or a USB type-C interface.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a processor (for example, the processor120, the processor210, or the processor810) configured to receive the at least one signal from the at least one detection circuit, wherein the processor may transmit at least one control signal to the switch module based at least partially on the communication frequency band of the electronic device, and the switch module may be switched to connect one of the at least two antennas with the communication module based at least partially on the at least one signal and the at least one control signal.

According to various embodiments, the processor may transmit the at least one control signal to the switch module based at least partially on a change in the impedance of the antenna or in a resonant frequency in the communication frequency band due to the connection of the at least one external device.

According to various embodiments, the processor may transmit a first control signal to the switch module when the communication frequency band is a band in which the impedance of the antenna or the resonant frequency is changed to a value smaller than a predetermined size during the connection of the at least one external device, and may transmit a second signal to the switch module when the communication frequency band is a band in which the impedance of the antenna or the resonant frequency is changed to a value larger than or equal to the predetermined size.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a memory (for example, the memory130, the memory230, or the memory820) configured to store a mapping table in which communication frequency bands supported by the antenna and the at least one control signal are mapped.

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating a method of matching the impedance of an antenna by an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 11, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, at least one detection circuit (for example, the detection circuit470, the detection circuit module570, the detection circuit670, the detection circuit module770, the detection circuit870, the detection circuit970, or the detection circuit1070) may detect the connection of at least one external device in operation1101. For example, the at least one detection circuit may include a first detection circuit and a second detection circuit, and may detect whether a first external device is connected to a first interface through the first detection circuit and whether a second external device is connected to a second interface through the second detection circuit. When the connection of at least one external device is detected, the at least one detection circuit may supply a low signal to a control terminal of a switch module.

When the connection of at least one external device is not detected in operation1101, the switch module according to various embodiments of the disclosure (for example, the switch module440, the switch module540, the switch module640, the switch module740, the switch module840, the switch module940, or the switch module1040) may maintain a default state in operation1111.

When the connection of at least one external device is detected in operation1101, the switch module according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be switched to connect the antenna with one of a plurality of matching circuits on the basis of at least some of the at least one connected external device in operation1103. For example, when a low signal is input into the control terminal, the switch module may be switched to connect the antenna with a matching circuit corresponding to the at least one connected external device among the plurality of matching circuits.

According to another example, the switch module may be switched to connect the antenna with a first matching circuit when the connections of the first external device and the second external device are not detected, may be switched to connect the antenna with a second matching circuit when the connection of the first external device is detected, may be switched to connect the antenna with a third matching circuit when the connection of the second external device is detected, and may be switched to connect the antenna with a fourth matching circuit when the connections of the first and second external devices are detected.

According to some embodiments, the switch module (for example, the switch module840) may be switched to connect the communication module (for example, the communication module830) with at least one of a plurality of antennas. For example, the switch module (for example, the switch module840) may be switched to connect an antenna corresponding to the connected external electronic device with the communication module (for example, the communication module830).

According to some embodiments, the switch module (for example, the switch module940) may be switched to connect the communication module (for example, the communication module930) and the antenna (for example, the antenna901) with one of a plurality of grounding portions.

According to some embodiments, the switch module (for example, the switch module1040) may be switched to connect the communication module (for example, the communication module1030) with one of a plurality of feeding portions.

The processor according to various embodiments of the disclosure (for example, the processor610, the processor710, the processor810, the processor910, or the processor1010) may determine whether a change in impedance matching is needed in operation1105. For example, the processor may determine whether a change in impedance matching is needed on the basis of a communication state. According to some embodiments, the processor may determine whether a change in impedance matching is needed on the basis of a function or a sensor that is being used.

When it is determined that a change in impedance matching is not needed in operation1105, the processor may proceed to operation1109.

When it is determined that a change in impedance matching is needed in operation1105, the processor may perform switching such that the antenna is connected to one of a plurality of matching circuits on the basis of at least a portion of at least one connected external device and a communication state. For example, the processor may control the switch module to connect the antenna with one of the plurality of matching circuits according to a current communication frequency band. In some embodiments, the processor may control the switch module to connect the antenna with one of the plurality of matching circuits according to a currently used function or a currently used sensor. According to some embodiments, the processor may control the switch module to connect the communication module and one of the plurality of antennas on the basis of at least a portion of at least one connected external device and a communication state.

At least one detection circuit according to various embodiments of the disclosure may determine whether the connections of all external devices are released in operation1109.

When the connections of all external devices are not released in operation1109, for example, when the connection of some external devices are released or when the previous connection is maintained in operation1109, the switch module may return to operation1103and repeat the above-described operations. For example, the switch module may be switched to connect the antenna with a matching circuit corresponding to the currently connected external device among the plurality of matching circuits, and the processor may perform an operation for determining whether a change in impedance matching is needed.

When the connections of all external devices are released in operation1109, the switch module may be switched to the default state in operation1111. The at least one detection circuit may supply a high signal to at least one control terminal of the switch module.

A method of matching impedance of an antenna by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include an operation of detecting a connection between each of at least one external device and the at least one interface by at least one detection circuit and an operation of performing switching to connect the antenna with a matching circuit corresponding to the at least one connected external device among at least two matching circuits in response to the detection of the connection of the at least one external device by the switch module.

According to various embodiments, the operation of detecting the connection of the at least one external device may include at least one of a first detection operation of detecting whether a first external device is connected to a first interface and a second detection operation of detecting whether a second external device is connected to a second interface, and the operation of performing the switching may include an operation of performing switching to connect the antenna with a first matching circuit when no connection of the first external device and the second external device is detected, an operation of performing switching to connect the antenna with a second matching circuit when the connection of the first external device is detected, an operation of performing switching to connect the antenna, and an operation of performing switching to connect the antenna with a fourth matching circuit when the connections of the first and second external devices are detected.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include an operation of determining, by a processor, whether a change in impedance is needed based on a current communication frequency band, wherein the operation of performing the switching may include an operation of performing switching to connect the antenna with one of the at least two matching circuits based at least partially on the connection of the external device and the communication frequency band.

The term “module”, as used herein, can imply a unit including hardware, software, and firmware, or any suitable combination. The term “module” can be interchangeably used with terms such as “unit”, “logic”, “logical block”, “component”, “circuit”, and the like. A module can be a minimum unit of an integral component or can be a part thereof. A module can be a minimum unit for performing one or more functions or may be a part thereof. A module can be mechanically or electrically implemented. For example, a module, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, can include at least one of an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip, a Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and a programmable-logic device, which are known or will be developed and which perform certain operations.

At least some parts of a device (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or a method (e.g., operations), based on embodiments of the present disclosure, can be implemented with an instruction stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., the memory130, the memory230, the memory420, the memory520, the memory620, the memory720, the memory820, the memory920, the memory1020) as a program module. When the instruction is executed by a processor (e.g., the processor120, the processor210, the processor410, the processor510, the processor610, the processor710, the processor810, the processor910, the processor1010), the processor can perform a function corresponding to the instruction.

The non-transitory computer readable recording medium can include, for example, a hard disk, a floppy disc, a magnetic medium (e.g., a magnetic tape), an optical storage medium (e.g., a Compact Disc-ROM (CD-ROM) or a DVD, a magnetic-optic medium (e.g., a floptical disc)), and an internal memory. The instruction can include code created by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter.

The module or program module can further include at least one or more components among the aforementioned components, or can omit some of them, or can further include additional other components. Operations performed by a module, program module, or other components of the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be executed in a sequential, parallel, repetitive, or heuristic manner. In addition, some of the operations can be executed in a different order or may be omitted, or other operations may be added.

The embodiments disclosed in the specification and drawings merely present specific examples to easily explain details of the present invention and to ease the understanding, and do not limit the range of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be construed as encompassing all modifications or modified forms derived based on the technical idea of the present invention as well as the disclosed embodiments.