COMMUNICATION CIRCUITRY SUPPORTING MULTIPLE FREQUENCY BANDS AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE COMPRISING THE COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT

An electronic device includes: a processor; a first radio frequency (RF) module; a second RF module; a coupler switch operatively connected to the first RF module and the second RF module; and a transceiver operatively connected to the processor, the coupler switch, and the first RF module, and the second RF module, wherein the coupler switch is configured to selectively switch between a first path in which a first feedback signal passes through the filter and a second path in which the second feedback signal is transferred to the transceiver without passing through the filter, and wherein the processor is configured to alternately connect the coupler switch to the first path or the second path, based on an operation mode.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to a communication circuit supporting multiple frequency bands and an electronic device including the same.

2. Description of Related Art

A mobile communication service adopts evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access (E-UTRAN) new radio-dual connectivity (or dual-connectivity) (EN-DC) technology that simultaneously connects two or more communication signals (e.g., an long term evolution (LTE) network/fourth generation (4G) network and fifth generation (5G) network). To support an EN-DC function, an electronic device applies a radio frequency (RF) communication structure configured to simultaneously transmit at least two communication signals.

To provide a better communication environment, the electronic device may monitor the state of signals transmitted via an antenna. For example, the electronic device may extract part of a transmission signal output from an antenna by using a coupler. The electronic device may analyze the feature of a coupling signal (or a feedback signal), and may control an operation condition, which corresponds to a state desired by a transmission output end.

An electronic device that supports communication of multiple frequency bands may generate a feedback signal (or a coupling signal via a coupler) that corresponds to each frequency band. Accordingly, the electronic device applies a structure including a coupler to a transmission path of each RF module.

In implementation, a transceiver that analyzes a transmission signal may be designed to have a limited number of ports (e.g., one feedback receive (FBRX) port) configured to be connected to a coupler. The electronic device may need to perform path control among couplers respectively included in a plurality of RF communication modules. To this end, the electronic device may dispose a coupler switch between the transceiver and each coupler. The coupler switch may perform a switching operation with respect to a connection to each coupler so that each feedback signal (or a coupling signal) is transmitted to the transceiver in a time division manner.

However, although a switching operation that disconnects a connection to any one of the couplers and connects another coupler is performed in the state in which the electronic device simultaneously/together transmits multiple frequency bands, mutual interference may occur between feedback paths due to the limitation of an isolation feature of a switch device. Signal interference between feedback paths may distort a feedback signal input to the transceiver, and may cause an error when controlling output from a transmission end.

SUMMARY

The technical subject matter of the document is not limited to the above-mentioned technical subject matter, and other technical subject matters which are not mentioned may be understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, an electronic device includes: a processor; a first radio frequency (RF) module; a second RF module; a coupler switch operatively connected to the first RF module and the second RF module; and a transceiver operatively connected to the processor, the coupler switch, and the first RF module, and the second RF module, wherein the first RF module includes: a first amplifier configured to amplify signals of a first frequency band, and a first coupler configured to generate a first feedback signal with respect to the signals of the first frequency band, wherein the second RF module includes: a second amplifier configured to amplify signals of a second frequency band, and a second coupler configured to generate a second feedback signal with respect to the signals of the second frequency band, and wherein the coupler switch includes: a filter configured to pass the signals of the first frequency band and to attenuate the signals of the second frequency band, and a plurality of switches, wherein the coupler switch is configured to selectively switch between a first path in which the first feedback signal passes through the filter, the first feedback signal being transferred to the transceiver and a second path in which the second feedback signal is transferred to the transceiver without passing through the filter, and wherein the processor is configured to alternately connect the coupler switch to the first path or the second path, based on an operation mode for simultaneously/together transmitting the signals of the first frequency band and the signals of the second frequency band.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, a communication device for supporting multiple frequency bands, includes: a first radio frequency (RF) module; a second RF module; a coupler switch operatively connected to the first RF module and the second RF module; and a transceiver operatively connected to the first RF module, the second RF module, and the coupler switch, wherein the first RF module includes: a first amplifier configured to amplify signals of a first frequency band, and a first coupler configured to generate a first feedback signal with respect to the signals of the first frequency band; wherein the second RF module includes: a second amplifier configured to amplify signals of a second frequency band, and a second coupler configured to generate a second feedback signal with respect to the signals of the second frequency band; and wherein a coupler switch is configured to selectively transfer the first feedback signal or the second feedback signal to the transceiver based on a time division condition, wherein the coupler switch includes: a filter configured to pass the signals of the first frequency band to pass, and attenuate the signals of the second frequency band; a first switch configured to selectively connect an output end with a first path that passes through the filter and a second path that does not pass through the filter, wherein the output end is connected to the transceiver; a second switch configured to selectively connect an input end with the first path that passes through the filter and the second path that does not pass through the filter; a third switch configured to selectively connect the first coupler and the input end; and a fourth switch configured to selectively connect the second coupler and the input end.

An electronic device according to one or more embodiments may propose a structure in which a coupler switch, which controls a path between a coupler included in each of a plurality of RF communication module and a transceiver, includes a filter. Accordingly, in the state in which simultaneous transmission is performed in multiple frequency bands, an isolation feature between feedback signals may be improved and interference between feedback signals may be overcome.

An electronic device according to one or more embodiments may prevent an undesired signal of another frequency band from acting as signals that interferes at least a predetermined level with a feedback signal input to a transceiver, and may control output of a transmission end without distortion of the feedback signal.

Effects that could be obtained based on the disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and those skilled in the art would clearly understand other effects, which are not mentioned above, from the descriptions provided below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device in a network environment according to one or more embodiments.

FIG.2is a block diagram of an electronic device for supporting legacy network communication and 5G network communication according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.2, the electronic device101may include a first communication processor212, a second communication processor214, a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)222, a second RFIC224, a third RFIC226, a fourth RFIC228, a first radio frequency front end (RFFE)232, a second RFFE234, a first antenna module242, a second antenna module244, and an antenna248. The electronic device101may further include the processor120and the memory130. The second network199may include a first cellular network292and a second cellular network294. According to another embodiment, the electronic device101may further include at least one component among the components illustrated inFIG.1, and the second network199may further include at least one other network. According to one or more embodiments, the first communication processor212, the second communication processor214, the first RFIC222, the second RFIC224, the fourth RFIC228, the first RFFE232, and the second RFFE234may be at least a part of the wireless communication module192. According to another embodiment, the fourth RFIC228may be omitted, or may be included as a part of the third RFIC226.

The first communication processor212may establish a communication channel of a band to be used for wireless communication with the first cellular network292, and may support network communication via the established communication channel. According to one or more embodiments, the first network may be a legacy network including a 2G, 3G, 4G, or long term evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor214may establish a communication channel corresponding to a designated band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz to 60 GHz) among bands to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network294, and may support 5G network communication via the established communication channel. According to one or more embodiments, the second cellular network294may be a 5G network defined in 3GPP. Additionally, according to one or more embodiments, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214may establish a communication channel corresponding to another designated band (e.g., 6 GHz or less) among bands to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network294, and may support 5G network communication via the established channel. According to one or more embodiments, the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may be embodied in a single chip or a single package. According to one or more embodiments, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214may be embodied in a single chip or a single package together with the processor120, the auxiliary processor123, or the communication module190.

In the case of transmission, the first RFIC222may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor212into a radio frequency (RF) signal in the range of approximately 700 MHz to 3 GHz used for the first cellular network292(e.g., a legacy network). In the case of reception, an RF signal is obtained from the first cellular network292(e.g., a legacy network) via an antenna (e.g., the first antenna module242), and may be preprocessed via an RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE232). The first RFIC222may convert a preprocessed RF signal into a baseband signal so that the signals is processed by the first communication processor212.

In the case of transmission, the second RFIC224may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214into an RF signal (hereinafter, a 5G Sub6 RF signal) in an Sub6 band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz or less) used in the second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network). In the case of reception, a 5G Sub6 RF signal is obtained from the second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network) via an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module244), and may be preprocessed by an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE234). The second RFIC224may convert a preprocessed 5G Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal so that the signals may be processed by a corresponding communication processor among the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214.

The third RFIC226may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor214into an RF signal (hereinafter, a 5G Above6 RF signal) of a 5G Above6 band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz to 60 GHz) to be used in the second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network). In the case of reception, a 5G Above6 RF signal is obtained from the second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network) via an antenna (e.g., the antenna248) and may be preprocessed by the third RFFE236. The third RFIC226may convert a preprocessed 5G Above6 RF signal into a baseband signal so that the signals is processed by the second communication processor214. According to one or more embodiments, the third RFFE236may be embodied as a part of the third RFIC226.

The electronic device101, according to one or more embodiments, may include the fourth RFIC228, separately from the third RFIC226or as at least a part of the third RFIC226. In this instance, the fourth RFIC228may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor214into an RF signal (hereinafter, an IF signal) in an intermediate frequency band (e.g., approximately 9 GHz to 11 GHz), and may transfer the IF signal to the third RFIC226. The third RFIC226may convert an IF signal into a 5G Above6 RF signal. In the case of reception, a 5G Above6 RF signal may be received from the second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network) via an antenna (e.g., the antenna248) and may be converted into an IF signal by the third RFIC226. The fourth RFIC228may convert an IF signal into a baseband signal so that the signals is processed by the second communication processor214.

According to one or more embodiments, the first RFIC222and the second RFIC224may be embodied as at least a part of a single chip or a single package. According to one or more embodiments, the first RFFE232and the second RFFE234may be embodied as at least a part of a single chip or a single package. According to one or more embodiments, at least one antenna module of the first antenna module242or the second antenna module244may be omitted, or may be coupled with another antenna module, so as to process RF signals in multiple bands.

According to one or more embodiments, the third RFIC226and the antenna248may be disposed in the same substrate so as to configure a third antenna module246. For example, the wireless communication module192or the processor120may be disposed in a first substrate (e.g., a main PCB). In this instance, the third RFIC226is disposed in a part (e.g., an under surface) of a second substrate (e.g., a sub PCB) different from the first substrate and the antenna248is disposed on another part (e.g., an upper surface), so that the third antenna module246may be configured. By disposing the third RFIC226and the antenna248in the same substrate, the length of a transmission line therebetween may be reduced. For example, this may reduce loss (e.g., attenuation) of a high-frequency band signal (e.g., approximately 6 GHz to 60 GHz) used for 5G network communication, the loss being caused by a transmission line. Accordingly, the electronic device101may increase the quality or speed of communication with the second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network).

According to one or more embodiments, the antenna248may be configured as an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements which may be used for beamforming. In this instance, the third RFIC226, for example, may include a plurality of phase shifters238corresponding to a plurality of antenna elements, as a part of the third RFFE236. In the case of transmission, each of the plurality of phase shifters238may shift the phase of a 5G Above6 RF signal to be transmitted to the outside of the electronic device101(e.g., a base station of a 5G network) via a corresponding antenna element. In the case of reception, each of the plurality of phase shifters238may shift the phase of a 5G Above6 RF signal received from the outside via a corresponding antenna element into the same or substantially the same phase. This may enable transmission or reception via beamforming between the electronic device101and the outside.

The second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network) may operate independently (e.g., stand-alone (SA)) from the first cellular network292(e.g., a legacy network) or may operate by being connected thereto (e.g., non-stand alone (NSA)). For example, in the 5G network, only an access network (e.g., a 5G radio access network (RAN) or next generation RAN (NG RAN)) may be included, and a core network (e.g., a next generation core (NGC)) may not be included. In this instance, the electronic device101may access the access network of the 5G network, and may access an external network (e.g., the Internet) according to control performed by a core network (e.g., an evolved packed core (EPC)) of a legacy network. Protocol information (e.g., LTE protocol information) for communication with a legacy network or protocol information (e.g., New Radio (NR) protocol information) for communication with the 5G network may be stored in the memory230, and may be accessed by another component (e.g., the processor120, the first communication processor212, or the second communication processor214).

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication circuit of an electronic device according to a comparative example.

Referring toFIG.3, an electronic device301according to a comparative example (or a conventional example) may include a processor310, a transceiver320, a first RF module330, a second RF module340, a first antenna350, and a second antenna360. Each RF module may include an amplifier331and341that amplifies a signal, a duplexer332and342that separates a transmission signal and a reception signal, and a coupler333and343for monitoring a signal in an RF path.

The electronic device301of the comparative example may support a plurality of RF frequency bands. For example, the electronic device301may simultaneously/together transmit two transmission signals via the first RF module330and the second RF module340, and may dispose the first coupler333in the RF module330and the second coupler343in the second RF module340, in order to monitor transmission signals.

In the electronic device301of the comparative example, since the transceiver320is embodied to have a limited number of ports (e.g., one feedback receive (FBRX) port) configured to be connected to a coupler, a coupler switch370that controls a path of a feedback signal coupled by a coupler may be disposed in a feedback path. The coupler switch370illustrated inFIG.3is an example embodied as switches for controlling paths associated with couplers included in other RF modules, in addition to path control performed between the first coupler333and the second coupler343. However, path control performed between the first coupler333and the second coupler343will be described.

In the state in which the electronic device301simultaneously/together performs transmission in multiple frequency bands in the example ofFIG.3, the processor310may turn on a first switch371and may turn off the second switch372in order to input a first feedback signal (e.g., FB_1) generated by the first coupler333to the transceiver320in a first time interval. The first feedback signal (e.g., FB_1) may be input to the transceiver320via a first path a.

The processor310may turn off the first switch371and may turn on the second switch372in order to input a second feedback signal (e.g., FB_2) generated by the second coupler343to the transceiver320in a second time interval. The second feedback signal (e.g., FB_2) may be input to the transceiver320via a second path b.

The processor310may perform control so as to repeat the first path a or the second path b at regular intervals according to a time division condition in the state in which transmission is simultaneously/together performed in multiple frequency bands. For example, the transceiver320may receive a first feedback signal (e.g., FB_1) via the first path a and then receive a second feedback signal (e.g., FB_2) via the second path b at regular intervals via a single port (e.g., FBRX).

However, in case of the electronic device301of the comparative example, although the second switch372in the first path a is in a turned-off state, part of a second feedback signal (e.g., FB_2) may be provided to the first path a due to an isolation feature of a switch. For example, in the state in which a first feedback signal (FB_1) is output to the transceiver320via the coupler switch370, in a case that part of a second feedback signal (e.g., FB_2) flows in the first path a, signal interference may occur. Accordingly, the transceiver320may not accurately analyze output of the first feedback signal (e.g., FB_1) and a signal characteristic, and thus an error may occur in control of a first transmission signal.

Hereinafter, the structure of a communication circuit of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1andFIG.2) proposed in one or more embodiments of the disclosure in order to reduce signal interference occurring in a feedback path will be described.

FIGS.4A and4Bare diagrams illustrating examples of the configuration of an RF circuit of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments, andFIG.5is a diagram illustrating a frequency characteristic of a filter applied in the disclosure according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.4A and4B, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1or the electronic device101ofFIG.2) according to one or more embodiments or a communication device may include a processor410(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1, the first communication processor212ofFIG.2, or the second communication processor214ofFIG.2), a transceiver420(e.g., the first RFIC222ofFIG.2, the second RFIC224, or the fourth RFIC228), a first RF module430(e.g., the first RFFE232ofFIG.2), a second RF module440(e.g., the second RFFE234ofFIG.2), a first antenna450(e.g., the first antenna module242ofFIG.2), a second antenna460(e.g., a second antenna module244ofFIG.2, a third antenna module246), and/or a coupler switch470.

According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device101may support communication of a plurality of RF frequency bands. In addition, when the electronic device300is designed, components used for wireless communication may be modularized in order to increase convenience of development and/or an installation area.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor410may perform various control operations related to wireless communication with a network (e.g., the first cellular network292or the second cellular network294ofFIG.2). For example, the processor410may establish a communication channel, and may perform various control operations for wireless communication with an external device (e.g., a 5G base station) using the established channel. A baseband signal that is generated from the processor410may be transmitted to the transceiver420.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor410may control switching operations of the coupler switch470according to operation of the first RF module430and/or the second RF module440. For example, in the state of performing simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands, the processor410may control a switching operation of the coupler switch470so that a feedback signal of each RF module (e.g., the first RF module430and the second RF module440) is input to a feedback input port (e.g., FBRX) of the transceiver420alternately according to a time division interval.

According to one or more embodiments, the transceiver420may perform various types of processing when outputting signals, received from the processor410, via the first antenna450and/or the second antenna460or when providing signals, received from the first antenna450and/or the second antenna460, to the processor410. For example, the transceiver420may perform a frequency modulation operation that converts a baseband signal into a radio frequency (RF) signal used for cellular communication, may perform a frequency demodulation operation that converts a radio frequency (RF) signal into a baseband signal, and/or may perform an operation of converting the phase of signals.

According to one or more embodiments, in order to support a communication scheme using at least two frequency bands, the electronic device101may include at least two RF modules (e.g., the first RF module430and the second RF module440).

Although the example ofFIG.4Adescribes that the electronic device101includes the first RF module430and the second RF module440, the electronic device101is not limited thereto and may include three or more RF modules. For example, the electronic device101may include three RF modules in order to support all signals of three frequency bands (e.g., band B1 (1920 to 1980 MHz), band B2 (1850 to 1910 MHz), and band B3 (1710 to 1785 MHz)).

According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device101may include at least one antenna450and460. Although the example ofFIG.4Aillustrates that the first antenna450and/or the second antenna460is disposed, the electronic device101may include three or more antennas. According to one or more embodiments, a plurality of antennas may be connected to a single RF module. According to one or more embodiments, the first antenna450and/or the second antenna460may include an array antenna including a plurality of antenna elements.

According to one or more embodiments, the first RF module430and the second RF module440may support dual connectivity communication using different types of cellular communication (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G NR), or may support carrier aggregation communication using multiple frequency bands.

According to one or more embodiments, the first RF module430and the second RF module440may be referred to as an RF front end module or a Tx/Rx module.

The first RF module430and the second RF module440may include various configurations (e.g., an amplifier, a low-noise amplifier, a switch, a filter, and/or a coupler) that may amplify signals transferred from the transceiver320, may process an amplified signal, and may perform low-noise amplification and processing of signals transferred from an antenna (e.g., the first antenna450and/or the second antenna460).

Although the example ofFIG.4Aschematically describes the structures of couplers (e.g., a first coupler4313and a second coupler4413) that monitor signals of respective frequency bands in association with the first RF module430and the second RF module440, and the structure of the coupler switch470, it is apparent that component elements other than the illustrated component elements are included in each RF module (e.g., the first RF module430and the second RF module440).

For example, the first RF module430may include a first amplifier4311, a first duplexer4312, and the first coupler4313. The first amplifier4311may amplify signals (e.g., Tx 1) of a first frequency band transmitted by the transceiver420. The amplified signals of the first frequency band may be transmitted to the first antenna450via the first duplexer4312. The first duplexer4312may separate the path of a transmission signal (Tx 1) and a reception signal (Tx 2) so that a transmission signal transferred from the first amplifier4311is output to the side of the first antenna450and a reception signal transferred from the first antenna450is output to the transceiver420. The first coupler4313may be disposed in an RF signal path and may monitor a first frequency band signal (e.g., Tx 1) that is transferred to the first antenna450or that is output from the first antenna450. Based on a coupling phenomenon based on inductive coupling, the first coupler4313may output a coupling signal (e.g., a first feedback signal (FB_1) in a level lower than that of signals (e.g., Tx 1) of the first frequency band.

For example, the second RF module440may include a second amplifier4411, a second duplexer4412, and the second coupler4413. The second frequency band may be, for example, a band different from the first frequency band. The second amplifier4411may amplify signals (e.g., Tx 2) of the second frequency band transmitted by the transceiver420. The amplified signals of the second frequency band may be transmitted to the second antenna460via the second duplexer4412. The second duplexer4412may separate the path of a transmission signal (Tx 2) and a reception signal (Tx 2) so that a transmission signal transferred from the second amplifier4411is output to the second antenna460and a reception signal transferred from the second antenna460is output to the transceiver420. The second coupler4413may be disposed in an RF signal path and may monitor a second frequency band signal (e.g., Tx 2) that is transferred to the second antenna460or that is output from the second antenna460. Based on a coupling phenomenon based on inductive coupling, the second coupler4413may output a coupling signal (e.g., a second feedback signal (FB_2)) in a level lower than that of a second frequency band signal (e.g., Tx 2).

According to one or more embodiments, the first coupler4313and the second coupler4413may include various couplers, for example, a coupled line coupler, a quadrature hybrid coupler, or the like. For example, the first coupler4313and the second coupler4413may output at least one of a forward (FWD) coupling signal coupled in association with a transmission signal in the direction of an antenna and/or a reverse (RVS) coupling signal coupled in association with a reception signal output from an antenna.

Although the examples ofFIG.4AandFIG.4Bdescribe that the coupler switch (or a coupler switch module)470is included in the first RF module430of the electronic device101, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the coupler switch470illustrated inFIG.4A and4Bis an example embodied as switches (e.g., a fifth switch475, a sixth switch476) for controlling paths associated with couplers installed in other RF modules, in addition to path control performed between the first coupler4313and the second coupler4413. A coupler included in each RF module may be connected to a switch (e.g., the fifth switch475, the sixth switch476) included in the coupler switch470.

Hereinafter, the structure of a coupler switch will be described with reference toFIG.4B.

Referring toFIG.4B, according to one or more embodiments, the coupler switch470may include a plurality of switches (e.g., switches471,472,473,474,475, and476) and a filter480. For example, the first switch471and the second switch472may be embodied in single-pole-double-throw (SP2T) structures, and the third switch to the sixth switch473,474,475, and476may be embodied in single-pole-single-through (SPST) structures.

According to one or more embodiments, the coupler switch470may perform a function of selectively connecting (or switching between) the transceiver420and the first coupler4313or the second coupler4413, and may perform a function of switching a first path that passes signals in the path through a filter or a second path that does not pass through a filter.

According to one or more embodiments, the filter480may include a filter (e.g., a band pass filter) having a feature that allows the first frequency band to pass through the filter and attenuates other frequency bands. For example, as illustrated inFIG.5, the filter480may have a feature that enables the first frequency band corresponding to a first transmission signal to through the filter, and that attenuates a transmission signal of a frequency band other than the first frequency band.

According to one or more embodiments, the filter480may be selectively connected to an output end (FB_out)4710of the coupler switch470via the first switch471, and may be selectively connected to an input end (FB_in)4720of the coupler switch470via the second switch472.

The output end (FB_out)4710of the coupler switch470may be connected to the transceiver420and may be selectively connected to the filter480via the first switch471. The number of ports is limited, and thus the transceiver420may only include a single port (e.g., FBRX) to receive a feedback signal. The transceiver420may alternately receive a feedback signal of the first coupler4313or the second coupler4413according to a time division interval, in response to switching by the coupler switch470. For example, according to control performed by the processor410, the coupler switch470may enable a first feedback signal (FB_1) or a second feedback signal (FB_2) to be transmitted to the transceiver420in a time division manner via a switching operation performed by each switch (e.g., switches471,472,473,474,475, and476).

According to one or more embodiments, the input end (FB_in)4720of the coupler switch470may be selectively connected to the filter480via the second switch472, and may be connected to each coupler (e.g., the first coupler4313, the second coupler4413) via the third switch473, the fourth switch474, the fifth switch475, and the sixth switch476.

According to one or more embodiments, the coupler switch470may perform switching based on a transmission path associated with a frequency band of a transmission signal under control performed by the processor410. For example, according to a switch connection structure, the coupler switch470may alternately output, to the transceiver420, a first feedback signal (FB_1) of the first frequency band that is coupled by the first coupler4313or may output, to the transceiver420, a feedback signal (FB_2) of the second frequency band that is coupled by the second coupler4413.

FIG.6Ais a diagram illustrating a coupler switching structure and a feedback signal path according to an output signal in the state of simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands according to one or more embodiments, andFIG.6Bis a diagram illustrating a coupler switching structure and a feedback signal path according to an output signal in the state of simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands according to one or more embodiments.

According to one or more embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1or the electronic device101ofFIG.2) may simultaneously/together support communication in a first frequency band and communication in a second frequency band via a first RF module (e.g., the first RF module430ofFIG.4A/B) and a second RF module (e.g., the second RF module440ofFIG.4A/B). The first RF module430may output a transmission signal of the first frequency band via a first antenna (e.g., the first antenna450ofFIG.4A/B), and simultaneously/together, the second RF module440may output a transmission signal of the second frequency band via a second antenna (e.g., the second antenna460ofFIG.4A/B).

According to one or more embodiments, a processor of the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1, the first communication processor212ofFIG.2or the second communication processor214ofFIG.2, the processor410ofFIG.4A) may control a switching operation of the coupler switch470to alternatively switch between the structure ofFIG.6Aand the structure ofFIG.6Bin the state of simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands, and may transfer a first feedback signal (FB_1) to a transceiver (e.g., the transceiver420ofFIG.4A) or may transfer a second feedback signal (FB_2) to the transceiver420. Depending on the case, the processor410may control feedback paths of couplers in other RF modules. Hereinafter, a feedback path between the first coupler4313and the second coupler4413will be described in the following description.

The example ofFIG.6Amay be a switching connection structure when the first RF module430and the second RF module440operate simultaneously/together, and a first feedback signal (FB_1) coupled through a first transmission signal is output as an output signal (coupler output1=FB_1) of an output end (FB_1).

According to one or more embodiments, in a case that a first feedback signal (FB_1) coupled by the first coupler4313is output to a port (e.g., FBRX) of the transceiver420, the processor410may turn on (ON) the third switch473that connects an input end (FB_in) and the first coupler4313, and may turn on (ON) the first switch471and the second switch472to connect a first path610that passes through a filter, and thus may connect an output end (FB_out) and the transceiver420. In this instance, the processor410may perform control so as to turn off (OFF) the fourth switch474that connects the input end (FB_1) and the second coupler4413. In a case that another RF module is connected, the processor410may perform control so as to turn off the fifth switch475and the sixth switch476.

A first feedback signal (FB_1) coupled by the first coupler4313may be input to the input end (FB_in), and may proceed along the first path610illustrated inFIG.6A, so that the signals may pass through the filter480, may be output as coupler output1of the output end (FB_out), and may be transferred to the transceiver420.

Although the second RF module440simultaneously/together operates and the fourth switch474connected to the second coupler4313is turned off in the electronic device101, part of a second feedback signal (FB_2) may flow in the first path610via a path610_1from a port (e.g., coupler input1) connected to the second coupler4413, due to the isolation feature of a switch as illustrated inFIG.6A. According to one or more embodiments, the filter480may have a feature that attenuates a transmission signal in a frequency band other than a frequency band of a first transmission signal, and thus may filter out the second feedback signal (FB_2) that flows in the first path610. Accordingly, in the state of simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands, the electronic device101may reduce an error incurred by interference of a coupled signal component.

The example ofFIG.6Bmay be a switching connection structure when the first RF module430and the second RF module440operate simultaneously/together, and a second feedback signal (FB_2) coupled by a second transmission signal is output as an output signal (coupler output1=FB_2) of the output end (FB_out).

According to one or more embodiments, in a case that a second feedback signal (FB_2) coupled by the second coupler4413is output to the transceiver420, the processor410may turn on (ON) the fourth switch474that connects the input end (FB_in) and the second coupler4413and may turn on (ON) the first switch471and the second switch472to connect the second path620that does not pass through a filter, and thus may connect the second coupler4413and the transceiver420. In this instance, the processor410may perform control so as to turn off (OFF) the third switch473that connects the input end (FB_in) and the first coupler4313. In a case that another RF module is connected, the processor410may perform control so as to turn off (OFF) the fifth switch475and the sixth switch476.

A second feedback signal (FB_2) coupled by the second coupler4413may be input as coupler input1to the input end (FB_in) and may proceed along the second path620illustrated inFIG.6B, so that the signals may not pass through the filter480, may be output as coupler output1of the output end (FB_out), and may be transferred to the transceiver420.

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an RF circuit of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.7, an electronic device101according to one or more embodiments may include a processor710, a transceiver720, a first RF module730, a second RF module740, a first antenna750, a second antenna760, and a coupler switch770. The first RF module730may include a first amplifier7311and a first coupler7312, and the second RF module740may include a second amplifier7411and a second coupler7412. When compared toFIG.4A,FIG.7illustrates one or more embodiments in which a coupler switch (e.g., the coupler switch470ofFIG.4A) is not included in the first RF module430, and is disposed outside the first RF module430and the second RF module440.

According to another embodiment, the coupler switch770may be included in the second RF module440.

In the example ofFIG.7, the coupler switch770is disposed only in a different location, and the configurations and the functions of the processor710, the transceiver720, the first RF module730including the first amplifier7311and the first coupler7312, the second RF module740including the second amplifier7411and the second coupler7412, the first antenna750and the second antenna760, and the coupler switch770may be substantially the same as those of the processor410, the transceiver420, the first RF module430, the second RF module440, the first antenna450and second antenna460, and the coupler switch470illustrated inFIG.4A.

According to one or more embodiments, the coupler switch770may include a plurality of switches (e.g., switches771,772,773,774,775, and776) and a filter780. Under control performed by the processor710, the coupler switch770may enable a first feedback signal (FB_1) or a second feedback signal (FB_2) to be transmitted to the transceiver420alternately in a time division manner via a switching operation performed by each switch (e.g., switches771,772,773,774,775, and776).

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1, the electronic device101ofFIG.2, the electronic device101ofFIG.4A, the electronic device101ofFIG.7) according to one or more embodiments may include a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.2, the processor120ofFIG.2, the first communication processor ofFIG.2or the second communication processor214ofFIG.2, the processor410ofFIG.4A, the processor710ofFIG.7), a transceiver (e.g., the transceiver420ofFIG.4A, the transceiver720ofFIG.7), a first RF module (e.g., the first RFFE232ofFIG.2, the first RF module430ofFIG.4A, the first RF module730ofFIG.7) including a first amplifier (e.g., the first amplifier4311ofFIG.4A, the first amplifier7311ofFIG.7) configured to amplify a signal of a first frequency band and a first coupler (e.g., the first coupler4313ofFIG.4A, the first coupler7313ofFIG.7) configured to generate a first feedback signal with respect to the signals of the first frequency band, a second RF module (e.g., the second RFFE234ofFIG.2, the second RF module440ofFIG.4A, the second RF module740ofFIG.7) including a second amplifier (e.g., the second amplifier4411ofFIG.4A, the second amplifier4411ofFIG.7) configured to amplify signals of a second frequency band and a second coupler (e.g., the second coupler4413ofFIG.4A, the second coupler7413ofFIG.7) configured to generate a second feedback signal with respect to the signals of the second frequency band, and a coupler switch (e.g., the coupler switch470ofFIG.1, the coupler switch770ofFIG.7) including a filter (e.g., the filter480ofFIG.4A, the filter780ofFIG.7) that enables signals of the first frequency band (e.g., the signals of the first frequency band, which is amplified by the first amplifier4311) to pass through the filter and attenuates signals of the second frequency band (e.g., the signals of the second frequency band, which is amplified by the second amplifier4411), and including a plurality of switches, and the coupler switch470and770may be configured to selectively switch between a first path in which the first feedback signal passes through the filter480and780and is transferred to the transceiver420and720and a second path in which the second feedback signal is transferred to the transceiver420and720without passing through the filter480and780, and the processor410and710may be configured to control operation of the coupler switch470and770so as to alternately connect to the first path or the second path when operating in an operation mode that simultaneously transmits signals of the first frequency band (e.g., the signals of the first frequency band, which is amplified by the first amplifier4311) and signals of the second frequency band (e.g., the signals of the second frequency band, which is amplified by the second amplifier4411). The first RF module and the second RF module may be embodied as at least a part of a single chip or a single package.

According to one or more embodiments, the plurality of switches may include a first switch (e.g., the first switch471ofFIG.4A, the first switch771ofFIG.7A) configured to selectively connect an output end (FB_out), which outputs the first feedback signal or the second feedback signal to the transceiver420and720, with the first path that passes through the filter480and780and the second path that does not pass through the filter480and780, a second switch (e.g., the second switch472ofFIG.4A, the first switch772ofFIG.7A) configured to selectively connect an input end (FB_in), to which the first feedback signal or the second feedback signal is input, with the first path that passes through the filter480and780and the second path that does not pass through the filter480and780, a third switch (e.g., the third switch473ofFIG.4A, the first switch773ofFIG.7A) configured to selectively connect the first coupler and the input end (FB_in), and a fourth switch (e.g., the fourth switch474ofFIG.4A, the fourth switch774of FIG.FIG.7A) configured to selectively connect the second coupler and the input end (FB_in).

According to one or more embodiments, the first switch and the second switch may be embodied as single-pole-double-throw (SP2T) structures, and the third switch and the fourth switch may be embodied as single-pole-single-throw (SPST) structures.

According to one or more embodiments, the transceiver420and720may include a single input port connected to the output end (FB_out) of the coupler switch470and770.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor410and710may perform control to turn on (ON) the third switch473that connects the first coupler and the input end (FB_in), and to turn on (ON) the first switch and the second switch to connect to the first path that passes through the filter480and780, so as to connect the output end (FB_out) and the transceiver420and720in a first time interval, and may perform control to turn on (ON) the fourth switch that connects the second coupler and the input end (FB_in), and to turn on (ON) the first switch and the second switch to connect to the second path that does not pass through the filter480and780, so as to connect the output end (FB_out) and the transceiver in a second time interval subsequent to the first time interval.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor410and710may be configured to alternately control the first time interval and the second time interval according to a time division condition of the first RF module430and730and the second RF module440and740.

According to one or more embodiments, the first coupler and the second coupler may include at least one of bidirectional couplers configured to generate a forward coupling signal and a reverse coupling signal.

According to one or more embodiments, the second frequency band is a frequency band different from the first frequency band.

According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device101may support an E-UTRAN NR-dual connectivity (EN-DC), the first RF module430and730configured to generate a first transmission signal to be transmitted to a first cellular network, and the second RF module440and740configured to generate a second transmission signal to be transmitted to a second cellular network.

According to one or more embodiments, in case N different communication circuits that process signals of different frequency bands are included, the coupler switch470and770may further include an Nthswitch that selectively connects the input end and each coupler in a different communication circuit.

According to one or more embodiments, in case N different communication circuits that process signals of different frequency bands are included, the coupler switch470and770may further include an Nth switch that selectively connects the input end and each coupler in a different communication circuit.

According to one or more embodiments, the coupler switch470and770may be configured as a module separate from the first RF module430and730and the second RF module440and740.

According to one or more embodiments, the coupler switch470and770may be configured as a switch module.

According to one or more embodiments, a communication device that supports multiple frequency bands may include a transceiver (e.g., the transceiver420ofFIG.4A, the transceiver420ofFIG.7), a first RF module (e.g., the first RFFE232ofFIG.2, the first RF module430ofFIG.4A, the first RF module730ofFIG.7) including a first amplifier (e.g., the first amplifier4311ofFIG.4a, the first amplifier7311ofFIG.7) configured to amplify signals of a first frequency band and a first coupler (e.g., the first coupler4313ofFIG.4A, the first coupler7313ofFIG.7) configured to generate a first feedback signal with respect to the signals of the first frequency band, a second RF module (e.g., the second RFFE234ofFIG.2, the second RF module440ofFIG.4A, the second RF module740ofFIG.7) including a second amplifier (e.g., the second amplifier4411ofFIG.4A, the second amplifier4411ofFIG.7) configured to amplify signals of a second frequency band and a second coupler (e.g., the second coupler4413ofFIG.4A, the second coupler7413ofFIG.7) configured to generate a second feedback signal with respect to the signals of the second frequency band, and a coupler switch (e.g., the coupler switch470ofFIG.1, the coupler switch770ofFIG.7) configured to selectively transfer the first feedback signal or the second feedback signal to the transceiver according to a time division condition, and the coupler switch (e.g., the coupler switch470ofFIG.1and the coupler switch770ofFIG.7) may include a filter (e.g., the filter480ofFIG.4A, the filter780ofFIG.7) that enables signals of the first frequency band (e.g., the signals of the first frequency band, which is amplified by the first amplifier4311) to pass through the filter and attenuates signals of the second frequency band (e.g., the signals of the second frequency band, which is amplified by the second amplifier4411), a first switch (e.g., the first switch471ofFIG.4a, the first switch771ofFIG.7A) configured to selectively connect an output end (FB_out), which is connected to the transceiver, with the first path that passes through the filter and the second path that does not pass through the filter, a second switch (e.g., the second switch472ofFIG.4A, the second switch772ofFIG.7A) configured to selectively connect an input end (FB_in) with the first path that passes through the filter and the second path that does not pass through the filter, a third switch (e.g., the third switch473ofFIG.4A, the third switch773ofFIG.7A) configured to selectively connect the first coupler and the input end (FB_in), and a fourth switch (e.g., the fourth switch474ofFIG.4A, the fourth switch774ofFIG.7A) configured to selectively connect the second coupler and the input end (FB_in).

According to one or more embodiments, the communication device may further include a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1, the processor120ofFIG.2, the first communication processor212ofFIG.2or the second communication processor214ofFIG.2, the processor120ofFIG.2, the processor410ofFIG.4A, the processor710ofFIG.7), and the processor1410and710may perform control to turn on (ON) the third switch473and773that connects the first coupler4313and4413and the input end (FB_in), and to turn on (ON) the first switch471and771and the second switch472and772to connect to the first path that passes through the filter, so as to connect the output end (FB_out) and the transceiver420and720in a first time interval, and perform control to turn on (ON) the fourth switch474and774that connects the second coupler4413and7413and the input end (FB_in), and to turn on (ON) the first switch471and771and the second switch472and772to connect to the second path that does not pass through the filter, so as to connect the output end (FB_out) and the transceiver in a second time interval subsequent to the first time interval.

According to one or more embodiments, the processor410and710of the communication device may be configured to alternately control the first time interval and the second time interval according to a time division condition of the first module RF430and730and the second RF module440and740.

According to one or more embodiments, the transceiver420and720of the communication device may include a single input port connected to the output end (FB_out) of the coupler switch470and770.

According to one or more embodiments, the communication device may further include a third RF module including a third amplifier configured to amplify signals of a third frequency band different from the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and a third coupler configured to generate a third feedback signal with respect to the signals of the third frequency band, and the coupler switch470and770may further include a fifth switch configured to selectively connect the third coupler and the input end (FB_in).

According to one or more embodiments, in the communication device, the first switch471and771and the second switch472and772may be embodied as single-pole-double-throw (SP2T) structures, and the third switch473and773and the fourth switch474and774may be embodied as single-pole-single-throw (SPST) structures.