Mobile terminal

A mobile terminal includes a main body and a wireless communication module mounted in the main body. The wireless communication module includes a first transceiver including transmit and receive terminals of a first signal, a second transceiver including transmit and receive terminals of a second signal, a first duplexer connected to the transmit terminal of the first signal and the receive terminal of the second signal to separate a transmit frequency of the first signal from a receive frequency of the second signal, and a second duplexer connected to the receive terminal of the first signal and the transmit terminal of the second signal to separate a receive frequency of the first signal from a transmit frequency of the second signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 10-2011-0075478, filed on Jul. 28, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and particularly, to a mobile terminal supporting a plurality of mobile communication services.

2. Background of the Invention

Terminals can be classified into a mobile terminal and a stationary terminal based on its mobility. Furthermore, the mobile terminals can be further classified into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mount terminal. Mobile terminals can capture still or moving images, play music or video files, play games, receive broadcast and the like, so as to be implemented as an integrated multimedia player. Moreover, in order to support and enhance the function of the mobile terminal, improvements of the mobile terminal may be considered in the aspect of structure or software.

A mobile terminal may be configured to transmit and receive multiple frequency band signals in order to provide a plurality of mobile communication services such as Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), and Long Term Evolution (LTE).

However, since the mobile terminal simultaneously processes the multiple frequency band signals, intermodulation distortion (IMD) may be generated. The IMD may deteriorate receiver sensitivity. Therefore, in order to stabilize performance in simultaneously providing the plurality of mobile communication services, it is required to design the wireless communication module of the mobile terminal so as to avoid the IMD.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobile terminal capable of avoiding intermodulation distortion (IMD) generated by simultaneously processing multiple frequency band signals.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a mobile terminal includes a main body and a wireless communication module mounted in the main body. The wireless communication module includes a first transceiver including transmit and receive terminals of a first signal, a second transceiver including transmit and receive terminals of a second signal, a first duplexer connected to the transmit terminal of the first signal and the receive terminal of the second signal to separate a transmit frequency of the first signal from a receive frequency of the second signal, and a second duplexer connected to the receive terminal of the first signal and the transmit terminal of the second signal to separate a receive frequency of the first signal from a transmit frequency of the second signal.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a mobile terminal includes a main body, a wireless communication module mounted in the main body, and first to third antennas arranged in different regions of the main body and connected to the wireless communication module to emit first to third signals, respectively. The wireless communication module includes a first transceiver for controlling transmission and reception of the first signal, a second transceiver for selectively controlling transmission and reception of the second signal and transmission and reception of the third signal, first transmit and receive paths formed to transmit the first signal from the first transceiver to the first antenna and to transmit the first signal from the second antenna to the first transceiver, second transmit and receive paths formed to transmit the second signal from the second transceiver to the second antenna and to transmit the second signal from the first antenna to the second transceiver, and third transmit and receive paths formed to transmit the third signal from the second transceiver to the third antenna and to transmit the third signal from the third antenna to the second transceiver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal100according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 1, the mobile terminal100may include a wireless communication unit110, an audio/video (NV) input unit120, a user input unit130, a sensing unit140, an output unit150, a memory160, an interface unit170, a controller180, a power supply unit190, and the like. However, the constituent elements as illustrated inFIG. 1are not necessarily required, and the mobile terminal may be implemented with greater or less number of elements than those illustrated elements.

Hereinafter, the constituent elements110-190of the mobile terminal100will be described in sequence.

The wireless communication unit110typically includes one or more elements allowing radio communication between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system, or allowing radio communication between the mobile terminal100and a network in which the mobile terminal100is located. For example, the wireless communication unit110may include a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless Internet module113, a short-range communication module114, a location information module115, and the like.

The broadcast receiving module111receives broadcast signals and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. Here, the broadcast associated information may mean information regarding a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcast service provider, and the like. The broadcast associated information may also be provided through a mobile communication network, and in this case, the broadcast associated information may be received by the mobile communication module112. The broadcast signal and/or broadcast-associated information received through the broadcast receiving module111may be stored in the memory160.

The mobile communication module112transmits and/or receives a radio signal to and/or from at least a base station, an external terminal or a server over a mobile communication network. Here, the radio signal may include a voice call signal, a video call signal and/or various types of data according to text and/or multimedia message transmission and/or reception.

The wireless Internet module113, as a module for supporting wireless Internet access, may be built-in or externally installed to the mobile terminal100. The wireless Internet module113may use a wireless Internet technique including WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi, Wibro (Wireless Broadband), Wimax™ (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), and the like.

The short-range communication module114is a module for supporting a short-range communication. The short-range communication module114may use a short-range communication technology including Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra WideBand (UWB), ZigBee™, and the like.

The location information module115is a module for checking or acquiring a location of the mobile terminal100, and there is a global positioning system (GPS) module as a representative example.

Referring toFIG. 1, the AV (audio/video) input unit120receives an audio or video signal, and the AV (audio/video) input unit120may include a camera121, a microphone122, and the like. The camera121processes an image frame such as a still or moving image obtained by an image sensor in a video phone call or image capturing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on a display unit151. The image frames processed by the camera121may be stored in the memory160or transmitted to an external device through the wireless communication unit110. Two or more cameras121may be provided according to the use environment of the mobile terminal100.

The microphone122receives an external audio signal through a microphone in a phone call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, and the like, and processes the audio signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data processed by the microphone122may be converted and output into a format that is transmittable to a mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module112in the phone call mode. The microphone122may implement various types of noise canceling algorithms to cancel noise generated in a procedure of receiving the external audio signal.

The user input unit130may generate input data to control an operation of the mobile terminal100. The user input unit130may be configured by including a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, or the like.

The sensing unit140detects a current status of the mobile terminal100such as an opened or closed status of the mobile terminal100, a location of the mobile terminal100, an orientation of the mobile terminal100, and the like. The sensing unit140generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal100.

For example, when the mobile terminal100is a slide phone type, the sensing unit140may sense an opened or closed status of the slide phone. Furthermore, the sensing unit140may sense whether power is supplied from the power supply unit190, or whether an external device is coupled to the interface unit170.

The sensing unit140may include a proximity sensor141. Furthermore, the sensing unit140may include a touch sensor (not shown) for sensing a touch operation to the display unit151.

The touch sensor may be implemented as a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, and the like. The touch sensor may be configured to convert changes of a pressure applied to or a capacitance occurring from, a specific part of the display unit151into electric input signals. Also, the touch sensor may be configured to sense not only a touched position and a touched area, but also a touch pressure.

When the display unit151and the touch sensor have a layered structure therebetween, the display unit151may be used as an input device rather than or in addition to, an output device. The display unit151may be referred to as a “touch screen.”

When there is a touch input through the touch screen, the corresponding signals are sent to a touch controller (not shown). The touch controller processes the received signals, and then transmits data corresponding to the processed signals to the controller180. Accordingly, the controller180may sense which region of the display unit151has been touched.

When the touch screen is implemented with a capacitance type, it may be configured such that the proximity of a detection subject is sensed by changes of an electromagnetic field. In this case, the touch screen may be categorized as the proximity sensor141.

The proximity sensor141refers to a sensor to detect the presence or absence of a detection subject using an electromagnetic field or infrared rays without a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor141may include a transmissive type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflective type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequency oscillation proximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, a magnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, or the like.

Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of brief explanation, a status that the pointer is positioned to be proximate onto the touch screen without contact will be referred to as “proximity touch,” whereas a status that the pointer substantially comes in contact with the touch screen will be referred to as “contact touch.” For the position corresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer on the touch screen, such position corresponds to a position where the pointer faces perpendicular to the touch screen upon the proximity touch of the pointer.

The proximity sensor141senses proximity touch, and proximity touch patterns (e.g., distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving status, etc.). Information relating to the sensed proximity touch and the sensed proximity touch patterns may be output onto the touch screen.

The output unit150is configured to provide an output associated with visual sense, auditory sense, tactile sense, and the like, and the output unit150may include the display unit151, an audio output module152, an alarm unit153, a haptic module154, and the like.

The display unit151may display (output) information processed in the mobile terminal100. For example, when the mobile terminal100is in a phone call mode, the display unit151may display a User Interface (UI) or a Graphic User Interface (GUI) associated with a call. When the mobile terminal100is in a video call mode or image capturing mode, the display unit151may display a captured image and/or received image, a UI or GUI.

The display unit151may include at least one of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Thin Film Transistor-LCD (TFT-LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, a flexible display, a three-dimensional (3D) display, or an e-ink display.

At least one display (or display element) included in the display unit151may be configured with a transparent or optical transparent type to allow viewing of the exterior through the display unit. It may be referred to as a transparent display. An example of the typical transparent displays may include a transparent LCD (TOLED), and the like. Under this configuration, a user can view an object positioned at a rear side of a terminal body through a region occupied by the display unit151of the terminal body.

The display unit151may be implemented in two or more in number according to a configured aspect of the mobile terminal100. For instance, a plurality of the display units151may be arranged on one surface to be spaced apart from or integrated with each other, or may be arranged on different surfaces.

The audio output module152may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit110or stored in the memory160, in a call-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and so on. The audio output module152may output audio signals relating to the functions performed in the mobile terminal100(e.g., sound alarming a call received or a message received, and so on). The audio output module152may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and so on.

The alarm unit153outputs signals notifying occurrence of events from the mobile terminal100. The events occurring from the mobile terminal100may include call received, message received, key signal input, touch input, and so on. The alarm unit153may output not only video or audio signals, but also other types of signals such as signals notifying occurrence of events in a vibration manner. Since the video or audio signals can be output through the display unit151or the audio output unit152, the display unit151and the audio output module152may be categorized into part of the alarm unit153.

The haptic module154generates various tactile effects which a user can feel. A representative example of the tactile effects generated by the haptic module154includes vibration. Vibration generated by the haptic module154may have a controllable intensity, a controllable pattern, and so on. For instance, different vibration may be output in a synthesized manner or in a sequential manner.

The haptic module154may generate various tactile effects, including not only vibration, but also arrangement of pins vertically moving with respect to a skin being touched, air injection force or air suction force through an injection hole or a suction hole, touch by a skin surface, presence or absence of contact with an electrode, effects by stimulus such as an electrostatic force, reproduction of cold or hot feeling using a heat absorbing device or a heat emitting device, and the like.

The haptic module154may be configured to transmit tactile effects through a user's direct contact, or a user's muscular sense using a finger or a hand. The haptic module154may be implemented in two or more in number according to the configuration of the mobile terminal100.

The memory160may store a program for processing and controlling the controller180. Alternatively, the memory160may temporarily store input/output data (e.g., phonebook, messages, still images, videos, and the like). Also, the memory160may store data related to various patterns of vibrations and sounds output upon the touch input on the touch screen.

The memory160may be implemented using any type of suitable storage medium including a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a memory card type (e.g., SD or DX memory, etc.), Random Access Memory (RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read-only Memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, optical disk, and the like. Also, the mobile terminal100may operate in association with a web storage which performs the storage function of the memory160on the Internet.

The interface unit170may generally be implemented to interface the mobile terminal100with external devices. The interface unit170may allow a data reception from an external device, a power delivery to each component in the mobile terminal100, or a data transmission from the mobile terminal100to an external device. The interface unit170may include, for example, wired/wireless headset ports, external charger ports, wired/wireless data ports, memory card ports, ports for coupling devices having an identification module, audio Input/Output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports, and the like.

The identification module may be configured as a chip for storing various information required to authenticate an authority to use the mobile terminal100, which may include a User Identity Module (UIM), a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), and the like. Also, the device having the identification module (hereinafter, referred to as “identification device”) may be implemented in a type of smart card. Hence, the identification device can be coupled to the mobile terminal100via a port.

Also, the interface unit170may serve as a path for power to be supplied from an external cradle to the mobile terminal100when the mobile terminal100is connected to the external cradle or as a path for transferring various command signals inputted from the cradle by a user to the mobile terminal100. Such various command signals or power input from the cradle may operate as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal100has accurately been mounted to the cradle.

The controller180typically controls the overall operations of the mobile terminal100. For example, the controller180performs the control and processing associated with telephony calls, data communications, video calls, and the like. The controller180may include a multimedia module181which provides multimedia playback. The multimedia module181may be configured as part of the controller180or as a separate component. The controller180can perform a pattern recognition processing so as to recognize writing or drawing input carried out on the touch screen as text or image.

The power supply unit190receives external and internal power to provide power required for various components under the control of the controller180.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a computer or similar device readable medium using software, hardware, or any combination thereof.

Hardware implementation may be implemented by using at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, co-processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electrical units designed to perform the functions described herein. In some cases, such embodiments may be implemented in the controller180itself.

For software implementation, the embodiments such as procedures or functions may be implemented together with separate software modules that allow performing of at least one function or operation. Software codes can be implemented by a software application written in any suitable programming language. The software codes may be stored in the memory160and executed by the controller180.

Hereinafter, the processing method of a user input to the mobile terminal100will be described.

The user input unit130is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the portable terminal100, and may include a plurality of manipulation units. The manipulation units may be commonly designated as a manipulating portion, and any method may be employed if it is a tactile manner allowing the user to perform manipulation with a tactile feeling.

The display unit151may operate on an entire region or operate by dividing into a plurality of regions. In case of the latter, the plurality of regions may be configured to operate in an associative way.

For example, an output window and an input window may be displayed on the upper portion and lower portion of the display unit, respectively. The output window and the input window may be regions allocated to output or input information, respectively. A soft key on which numerals for inputting phone numbers or the like are displayed is displayed on the input window.

When the soft key is touched, numerals corresponding to the touched soft key are displayed on the output window. When the manipulating unit is manipulated, a call connection for the phone number displayed on the output window is attempted or text displayed on the output window may be input to an application.

The display unit151or the touch pad may be configured to sense a touch scroll. The user may move an object displayed on the display unit151, for example, a cursor or pointer placed on an icon, by scrolling the display unit151or the touch pad. Moreover, when a finger is moved on the display unit151or the touch pad, a path of the finger may be visually displayed on the display unit151. It may be useful to edit an image displayed on the display unit151.

One function of the mobile terminal100may be executed when the display unit151and the touch pad are touched together within a predetermined period of time. Touching together may occur, for example, when the user clamps a terminal body of the mobile terminal100using the thumb and forefinger. One of the functions executed in the mobile terminal100may involve activation or de-activation for the display unit151or the touch pad.

Hereinafter, the structure of a mobile terminal for avoiding intermodulation distortion (IMD) generated by simultaneously processing multiple frequency band signals will be described in detail.

The mobile terminal according to the present invention may collectively provide 2 generation (2G), 3 generation (3G), and 4 generation (4G) mobile communication services, as well as future or other existing services. For example, the mobile terminal may be configured to simultaneously process the multiple frequency band signals used for mobile communication methods such as global system for mobile communications (GSM), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), long term evolution (LTE), etc.

The frequency bands of the mobile communication methods are as follows. The GSM method uses frequency bands such as 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, and 1,900 MHz. A 2G CDMA method (IS-95) and 3G CDMA method (such as CDMA2000 and WCDMA) may be divided into a digital cellular network (DCN) method and a personal communication service (PCS) method. The DCN method uses frequency bands such as 800 MHz and 850 MHz. The PCS method uses frequency bands such as 1,800 MHz (IS-95), 1,900 MHz (CDMA2000), and 2,100 MHz (WCDMA). The LTE method uses a frequency band of 700 MHz.

FIG. 2is a block diagram schematically illustrating a mobile terminal200according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 2, the mobile terminal200may include a wireless communication module202and first to fourth antennas ANT1to ANT4.

A wireless communication module202is mounted in a main body of the mobile terminal200and may include first and second transceivers210and220, duplexers231to233, power amplifying units241to243, and a receive filter unit250.

The first and second transceivers210and220may each include at least one transmit terminal and receive terminal. For example, the first transceiver210may include transmit and receive terminals211aand211bof a first signal. The second transceiver220may include transmit and receive terminals221aand221bof a second signal, transmit and receive terminals222aand222bof a third signal, and a receive terminal223of a global positioning system (GPS)/global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal (hereinafter, referred to as a GPS signal).

Here, the first signal is a signal in accordance with a DCN 1×, the second signal is a signal in accordance with a DCN evolution-data optimized or evolution data only (EVDO) method in which the same frequency band (for example, 850 MHz) as used in the DCN 1× method is used, and the third signal may be a signal in accordance with the LTE method in which a different frequency band (for example, 700 MHz) from frequency bands used in the DCN1× and the DCN EVDO method is used. That is, the first signal is a radio frequency (RF) signal for a voice service and the second and third signals may be wireless frequency signals for data services.

The first transceiver210may control the transmission and reception of the first signal. The second transceiver220may selectively control the transmission and reception of the second and third signals. That is, the second transceiver220may not transmit and receive the third signal while transmitting and receiving the second signal. The second transceiver220may not transmit and receive the second signal while transmitting and receiving the third signal. In addition, the second transceiver220may control the reception of the GPS signal.

The first duplexer231is connected to the first antenna ANT1, the transmit terminal211aof the first signal, and the receive terminal221bof the second signal and may separate the transmit frequency of the first signal from the receive frequency of the second signal, which means that the first signal and the second signal may be separated from each other when the first signal is transmitted from the first transceiver210to the first antenna ANT1and the second signal is received from the first antenna ANT1and passed to the second transceiver220.

The second duplexer232is connected to the second antenna ANT2, the receive terminal211bof the first signal, and the transmit terminal221aof the second signal and may separate the receive frequency of the first signal from the transmit frequency of the second signal, which means the first signal and the second signal may be separated from each other when the second signal is transmitted from the second transceiver220to the second antenna ANT2and the first signal is received from the second antenna ANT2and passed to the first transceiver210.

The third duplexer233is connected to the third antenna ANT3and the transmit and receive terminals222aand222bof the third signal and may separate the transmit and receive frequencies of the third signal from each other.

The first power amplifying unit241is connected between the first duplexer231and the transmit terminal211aof the first signal to amplify the power of the first signal. Therefore, although not shown in the drawing, the first power amplifying unit241may include a transmit filter, a power amplifier, and an isolator. The transmit filter in the first power amplifying unit241may transmit the transmit frequency of the first signal and may remove the noise mixed in the first signal. The transmit filter may be realized by a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter. The power amplifier amplifies the power of the first signal transmitted from the SAW filter. The isolator isolates the reflected wave of the first signal received in a reverse direction to prevent the power amplifier from being damaged.

The second power amplifying unit242is connected between the second duplexer232and the transmit terminal221aof the second signal to amplify the power of the second signal. The third power amplifying unit243is connected between the third duplexer243and the transmit terminal222aof the third signal to amplify the power of the third signal. The second and third power amplifying units242and243may have the same structure as the first power amplifying unit241.

The receive filter unit250is connected between the fourth antenna ANT4and the receive terminal223of the GPS signal to transmit the receive frequency of the GPS signal. Therefore, although not shown in the drawing, the receive filter unit250may include a low noise amplifier (LNA) and at least one receive filter. The LNA amplifies the GPS signal transmitted from the fourth antenna ANT4. The receive filter transmits the receive frequency of the GPS signal. The receive filter may be realized by the SAW filter.

Hereinafter, the transmit and receive paths of the first to third signals formed in accordance with the structure of the above-described wireless communication module202will be described.

The transmit and receive paths of the first signal (hereinafter, referred to as first transmit and receive paths) include a first transmit path and a first receive path. The first transmit path may be formed to transmit the first signal from the first transceiver210to the first antenna ANT1and the first receive path may be formed to receive the first signal from the second antenna ANT2to the first transceiver210.

The transmit and receive paths of the second signal (hereinafter, referred to as second transmit and receive paths) include a second transmit path and a second receive path. The second transmit path may be formed to transmit the second signal from the second transceiver220to the second antenna ANT2and the second receive path may be formed to receive the second signal from the first antenna ANT1to the second transceiver220.

As described above, the first transmit path and the second receive path may be formed to share the first duplexer231. The second transmit path and the first receive path may be formed to share the second duplexer232.

The transmit and receive paths of the third signal (hereinafter, referred to as third transmit and receive paths) include a third transmit path and a third receive path. The third transmit path may be formed to transmit the third signal from the second transceiver220to the third antenna ANT3and the third receive path may be formed to receive the third signal from the third antenna ANT3to the second transceiver220.

The first to fourth antennas ANT1to ANT4may be arranged in different regions of the main body of the mobile terminal200. The degree of isolation between any two antennas among the first to fourth antennas ANT1to ANT4may be determined in accordance with the arrangement of the two antennas. For example, as the two antennas are remote from each other, the degree of isolation between the two antennas may increase.

The first to third antennas ANT1to ANT3emit the first to third signals transmitted through the first to third transmit paths as illustrated inFIG. 2. At this time, as the signal emitted through one antenna may be attenuated by the degree of isolation between the two antennas while the signal emitted through one antenna is received by another antenna. For example, after the third signal emitted through the third antenna ANT3is attenuated by the degree of isolation between the first and third antennas ANT1and ANT3, the third signal may be received by the first antenna ANT1.

As the attenuated third signal and the first signal transmitted from the first power amplifying unit241are simultaneously processed by the first duplexer231that is a non-linear element, an IMD signal (hereinafter, referred to as a first IMD signal) may be generated.

In order to remove the first IMD signal, a notch filter for rejecting the frequency band corresponding to the first IMD signal may be connected to the first duplexer231. However, since the notch filter is generally manufactured using a dielectric substance, the volume of the notch filter is significantly large. Therefore, when the notch filter is used, the size of the mobile terminal may increase. In addition, the first IMD signal may not be completely removed by the notch filter.

On the other hand, according to an aspect of the present invention, although the first IMD signal is generated, since the first IMD signal is transmitted to the receive terminal221bof the second signal, the first IMD signal does not affect the receiver sensitivity of the first signal.

As described above, while the third signal is transmitted and received, the second signal is not transmitted and received and the first IMD signal is generated on the assumption of the transmission and reception of the third signal. Therefore, when the first IMD signal is generated, the second signal is not transmitted and received. Therefore, although the first IMD signal is transmitted to the receive terminal221bof the second signal through the second receive path, the receiver sensitivity of the second signal is not affected.

On the other hand, when the first and third signals are simultaneously emitted through the first and third antennas ANT1and ANT3, the first signal attenuated by the degree of isolation between the first and second antennas ANT1and ANT2and the third signal attenuated by the degree of isolation between the second and third antennas ANT2and ANT3may be received to the second antenna ANT2.

As the attenuated first and third signals are simultaneously processed by the second duplexer232, an IMD signal (hereinafter, a second IMD signal) may be generated. However, unlike the first IMD signal generated in the state where only the third signal among the first and third signals is attenuated, since the second IMD signal is generated in the state where the first and third signals are attenuated, the intensity of the second IMD signal may be measured in the allowed range of communication standard.

Therefore, although the second IMD signal is transmitted to the receive terminal211bof the first signal through the first receive path, the receiver sensitivity of the first signal does not significantly deteriorate. Furthermore, when the antennas ANT1to ANT4are arranged in the main body of the mobile terminal200such that the degree of isolation between the first and second antennas ANT1and ANT2and the degree of isolation between the second and third antennas ANT2and ANT3increase, the intensity of the second IMD signal may be further reduced.

In short, in the structure of the wireless communication module202according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first IMD signal is thrown through the receive path in an idle state while multiple frequency band signals are simultaneously processed such that it is possible to prevent the receiver sensitivities of the first and second signals from deteriorating due to the first IMD signal without using the notch filter. Therefore, the size of the mobile terminal capable of simultaneously processing the multiple frequency band signals may be reduced and performance may be stabilized.

In addition, in the structure of the wireless communication module202and the antennas ANT1to ANT4of the wireless communication module202according to the embodiment of the present invention, the magnitude of the second IMD signal is reduced to be in an allowed range such that it is possible to prevent the receiver sensitivity of the first signal from deteriorating due to the second IMD signal.

FIGS. 3A to 3CIllustrate examples in which the antennas ANT1to ANT4illustrated inFIG. 2are arranged in the main body of the mobile terminal200. The first to fourth antennas ANT1to ANT4may be arranged in different regions of the main body of the mobile terminal200. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A to 3C, the first to fourth antennas ANT1to ANT4may be arranged at edge portions of the main body of the mobile terminal200.

Referring toFIG. 3A, the first to fourth antennas ANT1to ANT4may be arranged at the right lower end, the left upper end, left lower end, and right upper end, respectively. The degree of isolation between any two antennas among the first to fourth antennas ANT1to ANT4may be determined in accordance with the arrangement of the two antennas, in particular, the distance between the two antennas.

In order to increase the degree of isolation between the first and second antennas ANT1and ANT2or the degree of isolation between the second and third antennas ANT2and ANT3to reduce the intensity of the second IMD signal, the antennas ANT1to ANT4may be arranged such that the distance between the first and second antennas ANT1and ANT2and the distance between the second and third antennas ANT2and ANT3are as far as possible. In addition, the antennas ANT1to ANT4may be arranged such that the degree of isolation between the first and second antennas ANT1and ANT2or the degree of isolation between the second and third antennas ANT2and ANT3is larger than the degree of isolation between the first and third antennas ANT1and ANT3.

InFIGS. 3B and 3C, the positions of the first and third antennas ANT1and ANT3are reversed, and the positions of the second and fourth antennas ANT2and ANT4are reversed, respectively, relative to the arrangement exemplified inFIG. 3A.

The examples in which the antennas ANT1to ANT4illustrated inFIGS. 3A to 3Care arranged in the main body of the mobile terminal200may be applied to the modifications of the mobile terminal200illustrated inFIGS. 4 to 9. The signals emitted by the antennas ANT1to ANT4may vary in accordance with the modifications.

FIGS. 4 to 9are block diagrams illustrating the modifications of the mobile terminal200illustrated inFIG. 2. Hereinafter, differences between the modifications of the mobile terminal200illustrated inFIG. 2, in particular, the modifications of the wireless communication module202will be described.

Referring toFIG. 4, the wireless communication module202may include the first and second transceivers210and220, the duplexers231to234, the power amplifying units241to245, the receive filter unit250, a diplexer260, a front end module (FEM)270, and a switch unit280.

The first transceiver210includes transmit and receive terminals212aand212bof a fourth signal having a different frequency band (for example, 1,900 MHz) from the frequency band of the first to third signals and may control the transmission and reception of the fourth signal. Here, the fourth signal may, by way of example, be a wireless frequency signal for a signal in accordance with the PCS 1× method, that is, a voice service.

In addition, the first transceiver210may include the transmit and receive terminals213aand213bof other signals having different frequency bands, for example, signals in accordance with GSM methods (hereinafter, referred to as GSM signals) to control the transmission and reception of the GSM signals. The other signals are not limited to the GSM signals but may include various signals.

The transmit and receive paths of the fourth signal (hereinafter, referred to as fourth transmit and receive paths) include a fourth transmit path and a fourth receive path. The fourth transmit path may be formed to transmit the fourth signal from the first transceiver210to the first antenna ANT1and the fourth receive path may be formed to receive the fourth signal from the first antenna ANT1to the first transceiver210.

The fourth duplexer234is connected to the first antenna ANT1, the transmit terminal212aof the fourth signal, and the receive terminal212bof the fourth signal to separate the transmit frequency of the fourth signal from the receive frequency of the fourth signal.

The fourth power amplifying unit244is connected between the fourth duplexer234and the transmit terminal212aof the fourth signal to amplify the power of the fourth signal. The power amplifying units245are connected between the FEM270and the transmit terminals213aof the GSM signals to amplify the power of the GSM signals.

The diplexer260is connected to the first and fourth duplexers231and234and the switch unit280to separate the frequency band of the first signal from the frequency band of the fourth signal.

The FEM270is connected between the first transceiver210and the switch unit280and may be configured to select one of the transmit and receive paths of the GSM signals. That is, the FEM270may switch the transmit and receive paths of the GSM signals. In addition, the FEM270may separate the transmit frequency of each GSM signal from the receive frequency of each GSM signal.

The switch unit280may be configured to selectively connect one of the diplexer260and the FEM270to the first antenna ANT1. The switch unit280may be realized in the form of a single pole double throw (SPDT) switch.

The switch unit280that is a non-linear element may generate an IMD signal (hereinafter, referred to as a third IMD signal) as the first IMD signal is generated. However, the third IMD signal may be avoided similar to the method of avoiding the first IMD signal.

The third IMD signal may be emitted through the first antenna ANT1to be received by the second antenna ANT2. Since the third IMD signal is attenuated by the degree of isolation between the first and second antennas ANT1and ANT2, the intensity of the third IMD signal received through the second antenna ANT2may be measured to be in the allowed range of the communication standard. Therefore, although the third IMD signal is sent to the receive terminal211bof the first signal through the first receive path, the receiver sensitivity of the first signal does not significantly deteriorate.

Referring toFIG. 5, the FEM270may be configured to perform the function of the switch unit280illustrated inFIG. 4. Referring toFIG. 6, the FEM270may be configured to perform the function of the diplexer260as well as the function of the switch unit280illustrated inFIG. 4. As described above, the non-linear element that is the source of generating the IMD signal is removed from the wireless communication module202to reduce the generation of the IMD signal.

Referring toFIG. 7, the wireless communication module202may include the first and second transceivers210and220, the duplexers231to233, the power amplifying units241to244, the receive filter unit250, diplexers261to263, and a terminator291.

The second transceiver220includes the transmit and receive terminals224aand224bof the fourth signal having a different frequency band (for example, 1,900 MHz) from the frequency band of the first to third signals and may control the transmission and reception of the fourth signal. Here, by way of example, the fourth signal may be a signal in accordance with a PCS EVDO method, that is, a wireless frequency signal for a data service.

The first diplexer261is connected to the first antenna ANT1, the first duplexer231, and the third power amplifying unit243and may separate the frequency bands of the signals processed by the first duplexer231(the composite frequency bands of the first and second signals) from the frequency band of the third signal.

The second diplexer262is connected to the second antenna ANT2, the second duplexer232, and the second power amplifying unit242and may separate the frequency bands (the composite frequency bands of the first and second signals) of the signals processed by the second duplexer232from the frequency band of the fourth signal.

The third diplexer263is connected to the third antenna ANT3, the third duplexer233, and the fourth power amplifying unit244to separate the frequency band of the third signal from the frequency band of the fourth signal.

A difference from the signal transmit path illustrated inFIG. 2lies in that the third transmit path may be formed to transmit the third signal from the second transceiver220to the first antenna ANT1. Therefore, the terminator291instead of the transmit terminal222aof the third signal may be connected to the third duplexer233. Here, the terminator291may have a resistance value of 50Ω. The fourth transmit path may be formed to transmit the fourth signal from the second transceiver220to the third antenna ANT3. The fourth receive path may be formed to transmit the fourth signal from the second antenna ANT2to the second transceiver220. The other signal transmit paths are as illustrated inFIG. 2.

Referring toFIG. 8, the wireless communication module202may include the first and second transceivers210and220, the duplexers231to233, the power amplifying units241to244, the receive filter unit250, the diplexer260, a triplexer264, and the terminator291.

The triplexer264is connected to the second antenna ANT2, the receive terminal224bof the fourth signal, and the second and third duplexers232and233. The triplexer264may separate the frequency bands of the signals processed by the second duplexer232(the synthetic frequency bands of the first and second signals), the frequency band of the signal (the third signal) processed by the second duplexer232, and the frequency band of the fourth signal from each other.

A difference from the signal transmit path illustrated inFIG. 7lies in that the third receive path may be formed to receive the third signal from the second antenna ANT2to the second transceiver220. The other signal transmit paths are as illustrated inFIG. 7.

Referring toFIG. 9, the wireless communication module202may include the first and second transceivers210and220, the duplexers231to234, the power amplifying units241to244, the receive filter unit250, the triplexer264, and the terminator291.

The fourth duplexer234is connected to the third antenna ANT3and the third and fourth power amplifying units243and244to separate the transmit frequency of the third signal from the transmit frequency of the fourth signal.

A difference from the signal transmit path illustrated inFIG. 8lies in that the third transmit path may be formed to transmit the third signal from the second transceiver220to the third antenna ANT3. The other signal transmit paths are as illustrated inFIG. 8.

FIG. 10is a block diagram schematically illustrating a mobile terminal300according to another embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a difference from the mobile terminal200illustrated inFIG. 2will be described.

Referring toFIG. 10, the mobile terminal300may include a wireless communication module302and first to fifth antennas ANT1to ANT5. The wireless communication module302may include first to third transceivers310to330, duplexers341to343, power amplifying units351to353, a receive filter unit360, a diplexer364, and a switch unit382.

The third transceiver330includes the transmit and receive terminals331aand331bof a WiFi signal to control the transmission and reception of the WiFi signal. Here, the WiFi signal has frequency bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Although not shown in the drawing, the third transceiver330may control the transmission and reception of a Bluetooth signal having the same frequency band as the frequency band of the WiFi signal.

The diplexer364is connected to the fifth antenna ANT5, the receive terminal322bof the third signal, and the switch unit382to separate the frequency band of the third signal from the frequency band of the WiFi signal.

The switch unit382may be configured to selectively connect one of the transmit and receive terminals331aand331bof the WiFi signal to the diplexer364. The switch unit382may be realized in the form of a SPDT switch.

A difference from the signal transmit path illustrated inFIG. 2lies in that the third receive path may be formed to receive the third signal from the fifth antenna ANT5to the second transceiver220. The transmit and receive paths of the WiFi signal may be formed to transmit the WiFi signal between the third transceiver330and the fifth antenna ANT5. That is, the transmit path of the WiFi signal may be formed to transmit the WiFi signal from the third transceiver330to the fifth antenna ANT5and may be formed to receive the receive path of the WiFi signal from the fifth antenna ANT5to the third transceiver330. The other signal transmit paths are as illustrated inFIG. 2.

FIGS. 11A to 11Hillustrate examples in which the antennas ANT1to ANT5illustrated inFIG. 10are arranged in the main body of the mobile terminal300. The first to fifth antennas ANT1to ANT5may be arranged in different regions of the main body of the mobile terminal300. For example, as illustrated in the drawing, the first to fourth antennas ANT1to ANT4may be arranged at edge portions of the main body of the mobile terminal300. The fifth antenna ANT5may be arranged to be adjacent to the second antenna ANT2as illustrated inFIGS. 11A and 11Bor may be arranged between any two antennas among the first to fourth antennas ANT1to ANT4as illustrated inFIGS. 11C to 11H.

FIG. 12is a block diagram schematically illustrating a mobile terminal400according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a difference from the mobile terminal200illustrated inFIG. 2will be described.

The mobile terminal400may include a wireless communication module402and first to fifth antennas ANT1to ANT5. The wireless communication module402may include first and second transceivers410and420, duplexers431to434, power amplifying units441to444, a receive filter unit450, diplexers461and462, and terminators491and492.

The third duplexer433is connected to the second diplexer462, the receive terminal422bof the third signal, and the first terminator491. The fourth duplexer434is connected to the fifth antenna ANT5, the third power amplifying unit443, and the second terminator492. According to the above-described structure, the third duplexer433operates as a band pass filter that transmits the receive frequency of the third signal and the fourth duplexer434operates as a band pass filter that transmits the transmit frequency of the third signal.

The first diplexer461is connected to the second antenna ANT2, the receive terminal424bof the fourth signal, and the second duplexer432to separate the frequency bands of the signals processed by the second duplexer432(the synthetic frequency bands of the first and second signals) from the frequency band of the fourth signal.

The second diplexer462is connected to the third antenna ANT3, the third duplexer433, and the fourth power amplifying unit444to separate the frequency bands of the signals processed by the third duplexer433(the frequency band of the third signal) from the frequency band of the fourth signal.

A difference from the signal transmit path illustrated inFIG. 2lies in that the third transmit path may be formed to transmit the third signal from the second transceiver420to the fifth antenna ANT5. The fourth transmit path may be formed to transmit the fourth signal from the second transceiver420to the third antenna ANT3. The fourth receive path may be formed to receive the fourth signal from the second antenna ANT2to the second transceiver420. The other signal transmit paths are illustrated inFIG. 2.

FIGS. 13A to 13Cillustrate examples in which the antennas ANT1to ANT5illustrated inFIG. 12are arranged in the main body of the mobile terminal400. The first to fifth antennas ANT1to ANT5may be arranged in different regions of the main body of the mobile terminal400. For example, as illustrated in the drawings, the first to fourth antennas ANT1to ANT4are arranged at edge portions of the main body of the mobile terminal400and the fifth antenna ANT5may be arranged to be adjacent to the second antenna ANT2.

The examples in which the antennas ANT1to ANT5illustrated inFIGS. 13A to 13Care arranged in the main body of the mobile terminal400may be applied to the modifications of the mobile terminal400illustrated inFIG. 14. The signals emitted by the antennas ANT1to ANT5may vary in accordance with modifications.

FIG. 14is a block diagram illustrating a modification of the mobile terminal400illustrated inFIG. 12. Hereinafter, a difference from the modification of the mobile terminal400illustrated inFIG. 12, in particular, the modification of the wireless communication module402will be described.

Referring toFIG. 14, the third duplexer433is connected to the second diplexer462, the third power amplifying unit443, and the second terminator492. The fourth duplexer434is connected to the fifth antenna ANT5, the receive terminal422bof the third signal, and the first terminator491.

A difference from the signal transmit path illustrated inFIG. 12lies in that the third transmit path may be formed to transmit the third signal from the second transceiver420to the third antenna ANT3. The third receive path may be formed to receive the third signal from the fifth antenna ANT5to the second transceiver420. The other signal transmit paths are as illustrated inFIG. 12.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the above-described method may be realized by a code that may be read by a processor in media where programs are recorded. The media that may be read by the processor include a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage apparatus, and the like. Realization in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission through the Internet) is also included.

In the mobile terminals disclosed herein, the structures and methods of the above-described embodiments are not limitedly applied but all or parts of the embodiments may be selectively combined with each other so that various modifications may be performed.