Electronic device including antenna module

An electronic device includes: a housing including a front plate, a rear plate disposed opposite the front plate, and a side bezel enclosing at least a portion of a space between the front plate and the rear plate; a display disposed in the space and visible through at least a portion of the front plate, wherein the display includes a first layer including a plurality of pixels; and a second layer disposed at the first layer and including an opening; and an antenna module disposed in the space, wherein the antenna module includes a printed circuit board including a first surface facing away from the first layer through the opening and a second surface facing opposite the first surface; at least one antenna element disposed on the first surface, or inside the printed circuit board closer to the first surface than the second surface; and a communication circuit disposed at the second surface of the printed circuit board, the communication circuit configured to transmit and/or receive signals of a selected or designated frequency band through the at least one antenna element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to an electronic device including an antenna module.

Description of Related Art

With the development of wireless communication technology, electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices for communication) are commonly used in daily life; thus, content use is increasing. While data traffic rapidly increases, as frequency demand increases, a technology for using a high-frequency band or an ultra-high frequency band (e.g., millimeter wave (mmWave)) that can more easily gradually transmit data for wireless communication is being developed. The electronic device may include a highly directional phase array antenna (e.g., antenna array) in order to appropriately operate in a mobile environment. The electronic device may use a beam forming system that processes a transmission signal or a reception signal so that energy radiated from the phase array antenna is concentrated in a specific direction in a space.

Space may be limited because of characteristics of an electronic device such as a smartphone that should focus on mobility. Recently, because a slimming form factor has been pursued, it is becoming more difficult to dispose an antenna system using millimeter waves crossing a high frequency band in consideration of dependencies and interrelationships between mutually operating components. In the case of the millimeter wave, an antenna system in which a large number of radiating elements are tightly coupled and having a narrow-beam and high-gain is required, but because of propagation characteristics that are high in straightness (e.g., direction) and sensitive to a path loss, coverage (communication range) of the antenna system disposed together with various components and/or structures in the electronic device is limited.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device including an antenna module for extending coverage.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device includes: a housing including a front plate, a rear plate disposed at a side opposite the front plate, and a side bezel enclosing at least a portion of a space between the front plate and the rear plate; a display disposed in the space and visible through at least a portion of the front plate, wherein the display includes: a first layer including a plurality of pixels; and a second layer disposed at the first layer and including an opening; and an antenna module disposed in the space, wherein the antenna module includes: a printed circuit board including a first surface facing away from the first layer through the opening and a second surface facing opposite the first surface; at least one antenna element disposed on the first surface, or inside the printed circuit board closer to the first surface than the second surface; and a communication circuit disposed at the second surface of the printed circuit board, the communication circuit configured to transmit and/or receive signals of a selected or designated frequency band through the at least one antenna element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure is made with reference to the accompanying drawings and is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure. It includes various details to assist in that understanding, but these are to be regarded as merely illustrative non-limiting examples. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1illustrates an example electronic device101in a network environment100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The audio module170may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. The audio module170may obtain the sound via the input device150, or output the sound via the audio output device155or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device101.

The camera module180may capture a still image or moving images. The camera module180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. The power management module188may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

An electronic device according to an embodiment may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, a home appliance, or the like. However, the electronic device is not limited to any of those described above.

Various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment.

With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B, or C”, “at least one of A, B, and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases.

As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd”, or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). If an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with”, “coupled to”, “connected with”, or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device in a network environment including a plurality of cellular networks according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 2, the electronic device101may include a first communication processor212, second communication processor214, first RFIC222, second RFIC224, third RFIC226, fourth RFIC228, first radio frequency front end (RFFE)232, second RFFE234, first antenna module242, second antenna module244, and antenna248. The electronic device101may include a processor120and a memory130. A second network199may include a first cellular network292and a second cellular network294. According to another embodiment, the electronic device101may further include at least one of the components described with reference toFIG. 1, and the second network199may further include at least one other network. According to an example embodiment, the first communication processor212, second communication processor214, first RFIC222, second RFIC224, fourth RFIC228, first RFFE232, and second RFFE234may form at least part of the wireless communication module192. According to another embodiment, the fourth RFIC228may be omitted or included as 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 network292and support legacy network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the first cellular network may be a legacy network including a second generation (2G), 3G, 4G, or long term evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor214may establish a communication channel corresponding to a designated band (e.g., about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) of bands to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network294, and support 5G network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the second cellular network294may be a 5G network defined in 3GPP. Additionally, according to an embodiment, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214may establish a communication channel corresponding to another designated band (e.g., about 6 GHz or less) of bands to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network294and support 5G network communication through the established communication channel. According to an example embodiment, the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. According to various embodiments, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214may be formed in a single chip or a single package with the processor120, the auxiliary processor123, or the communication module190.

Upon transmission, the first RFIC222may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor212to a radio frequency (RF) signal of about 700 MHz to about 3 GHz used in the first cellular network292(e.g., legacy network). Upon reception, an RF signal may be obtained from the first cellular network292(e.g., legacy network) through an antenna (e.g., the first antenna module242) and be preprocessed through an RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE232). The first RFIC222may convert the preprocessed RF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by the first communication processor212.

Upon transmission, the second RFIC224may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214to an RF signal (hereinafter, 5G Sub6 RF signal) of a Sub6 band (e.g., 6 GHz or less) to be used in the second cellular network294(e.g., 5G network). Upon reception, a 5G Sub6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network294(e.g., 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module244) and be pretreated through an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE234). The second RFIC224may convert the preprocessed 5G Sub6 RF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by a corresponding communication processor of the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214.

The third RFIC226may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor214to an RF signal (hereinafter, 5G Above6 RF signal) of a 5G Above6 band (e.g., about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) to be used in the second cellular network294(e.g., 5G network). Upon reception, a 5G Above6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network294(e.g., 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna248) and be preprocessed through the third RFFE236. The third RFIC226may convert the preprocessed 5G Above6 RF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by the second communication processor214. According to an example embodiment, the third RFFE236may be formed as part of the third RFIC226.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a fourth RFIC228separately from the third RFIC226or as at least part of the third RFIC226. In this case, the fourth RFIC228may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor214to an RF signal (hereinafter, an intermediate frequency (IF) signal) of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., about 9 GHz to about 11 GHz) and transfer the IF signal to the third RFIC226. The third RFIC226may convert the IF signal to a 5G Above 6RF signal. Upon reception, the 5G Above 6RF signal may be received from the second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna248) and be converted to an IF signal by the third RFIC226. The fourth RFIC228may convert an IF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by the second communication processor214.

According to an example embodiment, the first RFIC222and the second RFIC224may be implemented into at least part of a single package or a single chip. According to an example embodiment, the first RFFE232and the second RFFE234may be implemented into at least part of a single package or a single chip. According to an example embodiment, at least one of the first antenna module242or the second antenna module244may be omitted or may be combined with another antenna module to process RF signals of a corresponding plurality of bands.

According to an example embodiment, the third RFIC226and the antenna248may be disposed at the same substrate to form a third antenna module246. For example, the wireless communication module192or the processor120may be disposed at a first substrate (e.g., main PCB). In this case, the third RFIC226is disposed in a partial area (e.g., lower surface) of the first substrate and a separate second substrate (e.g., sub PCB), and the antenna248is disposed in another partial area (e.g., upper surface) thereof; thus, the third antenna module246may be formed. By disposing the third RFIC226and the antenna248in the same substrate, a length of a transmission line therebetween can be reduced. This may reduce, for example, a loss (e.g., attenuation) of a signal of a high frequency band (e.g., about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) to be used in 5G network communication by a transmission line. Therefore, the electronic device101may improve a quality or speed of communication with the second cellular network294(e.g., 5G network).

According to an example embodiment, the antenna248may be formed in an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements that may be used for beamforming. In this case, the third RFIC226may include a plurality of phase shifters238corresponding to a plurality of antenna elements, for example, as part of the third RFFE236. Upon transmission, each of the plurality of phase shifters238may convert a phase of a 5G Above6 RF signal to be transmitted to the outside (e.g., a base station of a 5G network) of the electronic device101through a corresponding antenna element. Upon reception, each of the plurality of phase shifters238may convert a phase of the 5G Above6 RF signal received from the outside to the same phase or substantially the same phase through a corresponding antenna element. This enables transmission or reception through beamforming between the electronic device101and the outside.

The second cellular network294(e.g., 5G network) may operate (e.g., stand-alone (SA)) independently of the first cellular network292(e.g., legacy network) or may be operated (e.g., non-stand alone (NSA)) in connection with the first cellular network292. For example, the 5G network may have only an access network (e.g.,50radio access network (RAN) or a next generation (NG) RAN and have no core network (e.g., next generation core (NGC)). In this case, after accessing to the access network of the 5G network, the electronic device101may access to an external network (e.g., Internet) under the control of a core network (e.g., an evolved packed core (EPC)) of the 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 a 5G network may be stored in the memory130to be accessed by other components (e.g., the processor120, the first communication processor212, or the second communication processor214).

FIG. 3Ais a front perspective view illustrating a mobile electronic device300according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3Bis a rear perspective view illustrating the electronic device300ofFIG. 3Aaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 3A and 3B, according to an embodiment, an electronic device300may include a housing310that includes a first surface (or front surface)310A, a second surface (or rear surface)310B, and a lateral surface310C that surrounds a space between the first surface310A and the second surface310B. According to another embodiment, the housing310may refer to a structure that forms a part of the first surface310A, the second surface310B, and the lateral surface310C. According to an embodiment, the first surface310A may be formed of a front plate302(e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate coated with a variety of coating layers) at least a part of which is substantially transparent. The second surface310B may be formed of a rear plate311which is substantially opaque. The rear plate311may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or any combination thereof. The lateral surface310C may be formed of a lateral bezel structure (or “lateral member”)318which is combined with the front plate302and the rear plate311and includes a metal and/or polymer. In some embodiments, the rear plate311and the lateral bezel structure318may be integrally formed and may be of the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device300may include at least one of a display301, audio modules303,307and314, a sensor module304, camera modules305,312and313, key input devices317, and connector holes308and309. In various embodiments, the electronic device300may omit at least one (e.g., the key input devices317) of the above components, or may further include other components (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, or a light emitting device). In various embodiments, the electronic device300may include the electronic device101ofFIG. 1.

The display301may be viewable through a substantial portion of the front plate302, for example. In various embodiments, at least a part of the display301may be exposed through the front plate302that forms the first surface310A and the first regions310D. In various embodiments, outlines (i.e., edges and corners) of the display301may have substantially the same form as those of the front plate302. In another embodiment (not shown), the spacing between the outline of the display301and the outline of the front plate302may be substantially unchanged in order to enlarge the exposed area of the display301.

In another embodiment (not shown), a recess or opening may be formed in a portion of a display area of the display301to accommodate or to be aligned with at least one of the audio modules (e.g., the audio module314), the sensor module304, and the camera module305. In another embodiment (not shown), at least one of the audio modules (e.g., the audio module314), the sensor module304, and the camera module305may be disposed on the back of the display area of the display301. In another embodiment (not shown), the display301may be combined with, or adjacent to, a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the touch strength (pressure), and/or a digitizer for detecting a stylus pen.

The audio modules303,307and314may correspond to a microphone hole (e.g., the audio module303) and speaker holes (e.g., the audio modules307and314). The microphone hole may contain a microphone disposed therein for acquiring external sounds and, in a case, contain a plurality of microphones to sense a sound direction. The speaker holes may be classified into an external speaker hole and a call receiver hole. In various embodiments, the microphone hole and the speaker holes may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be provided without the speaker holes.

The sensor module304may generate electrical signals or data corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device300or to an external environmental condition. The sensor module304may include, for example, a proximity sensor, and the proximity sensor may generate signals regarding a proximity of an external object based on lights passed through some part of the first surface310A of the housing310. According to another embodiment, the sensor module304may include, for example, a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) that detect biometric data based on lights passed through some part of the first surface310A of the housing310. According to various embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface310B of the housing310. The electronic device300may further include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor (e.g., the sensor module304).

The camera modules305,312and313may include a first camera device (e.g., the camera module305), a second camera device (e.g., the camera module312) and/or a flash (e.g., the camera module313). The first camera device may generate, for example, image signals based on lights passed through some part of the first surface310A of the housing310. The second camera device and the flash may be disposed on the second surface310B of the electronic device300. The camera module305or the camera module312may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In various embodiments, two or more lenses (infrared cameras, wide angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one side of the electronic device300.

The key input devices317may be disposed on the lateral surface310C of the housing310. In another embodiment, the electronic device300may not include some or all of the key input devices317described above, and the key input devices317which are not included may be implemented in another form such as a soft key on the display301. In various embodiments, the key input devices317may include a sensor module (not shown) disposed on the second surface310B of the housing310.

The light emitting device (not shown) may be disposed on the first surface310A of the housing310, for example. For example, the light emitting device may provide status information of the electronic device300in an optical form. In various embodiments, the light emitting device may provide a light source associated with the operation of the camera module305. The light emitting device may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), an infrared (IR) LED, or a xenon lamp.

The connector holes308and309may include a first connector hole (e.g., the connector hole308) adapted for a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device, and/or a second connector hole (e.g., the connector hole309) adapted for a connector (e.g., an earphone jack) for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device.

FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view illustrating the electronic device300ofFIG. 3Aaccording to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 4, according to an embodiment, the electronic device300may include a side bezel structure318, first support member411(e.g., bracket), front plate302, display301, first substrate assembly441, second substrate assembly442, battery450, third support member461, fourth support member462, antenna structure470, and/or rear plate311. In some embodiments, the electronic device300may omit at least one (e.g., the third support member461or the fourth support member462) of the components or may additionally include other components. At least one of the components of the electronic device300may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device300ofFIG. 3A or 3B, and repeated descriptions may not be repeated below.

The first support member411may be disposed inside, for example, the electronic device300to be connected to the side bezel structure318or may be formed integrally with the side bezel structure318. The first support member411may be made of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal material (e.g., polymer). According to an example embodiment, the first support member411may include a conductive portion and a non-conductive portion connected to the conductive portion. The conductive portion and the side bezel structure318may be integrally formed and include the same material. The non-conductive portion may be formed in a form coupled with the conductive portion through, for example, insert injection. According to various embodiments, the side bezel structure318may include a plurality of segmented portions (not illustrated). The non-conductive portion may be extended to the plurality of segmented portions to form a portion of the side surface310C (seeFIG. 3A or 3B).

The display301may be coupled to one surface of, for example, the first support member411and be disposed between the first support member411and the front plate302. The first substrate assembly441and the second substrate assembly442may be coupled to, for example, the other surface of the first support member411and be disposed between the first support member411and the rear plate311.

According to an example embodiment, the first substrate assembly441may include a second printed circuit board (PCB) (not illustrated). The display301or the first camera device305may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board through various electrical paths such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The first substrate assembly441may include various electronic components electrically connected to the second printed circuit board. The electronic component may be disposed at the second printed circuit board or may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board through an electrical path such as a cable or an FPCB. The electronic component may include, for example, at least some of the components included in the electronic device101ofFIG. 1.

According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the rear plate311, the first substrate assembly441may include a main PCB, a slave PCB disposed to partially overlap the main PCB, and/or an interposer substrate between the main PCB and the slave PCB.

According to an example embodiment, when viewed from above the front plate302, the second substrate assembly442may be spaced apart from the first substrate assembly441with the battery450interposed therebetween. The second substrate assembly442may include a third printed circuit board electrically connected to the second printed circuit board of the first substrate assembly441. The second substrate assembly442may include various electronic components electrically connected to the third printed circuit board. The electronic component may be disposed at a third printed circuit board or may be electrically connected to the third printed circuit board through an electrical path such as a cable or an FPCB. The electronic component may include, for example, some of the components included in the electronic device101ofFIG. 1. According to an embodiment, the electronic component may be a USB connector using a first connector hole308, an earphone jack using a second connector hole309, a microphone using a microphone hole303, or a speaker using a speaker hole307.

According to an embodiment, the battery450may be disposed between the first support member411and the rear plate311and be coupled to the first support member411. The battery450is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device300and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery450may be disposed, for example, on substantially the same plane as a second printed circuit board of the first substrate assembly441or a third printed circuit board of the second substrate assembly442. The battery450may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device300or may be detachably disposed at the electronic device300.

According to an example embodiment, the third support member461may be disposed between the first support member411and the rear plate311and be coupled to the first support member411through a fastening element such as a bolt. At least a portion of the first substrate assembly441may be disposed between the first support member411and the third support member461, and the third support member461may cover and protect the first substrate assembly441.

According to an embodiment, when viewed from above the front plate302, the fourth support member462may be spaced apart from the third support member461with the battery450interposed therebetween. The fourth support member462may be disposed between the first support member411and the rear plate311and be coupled to the first support member411through a fastening element such as a bolt. At least a portion of the second substrate assembly442may be disposed between the first support member411and the fourth support member462, and the fourth support member462may cover and protect the second substrate assembly442.

According to an example embodiment, the third support member461and/or the fourth support member462may be made of a metal material and/or a non-metal material (e.g., polymer). According to various embodiments, the third support member461and/or the fourth support member462may be referred to as a rear case.

According to an embodiment, the antenna structure470may be disposed between the third support member461and the rear plate311. The antenna structure470may be implemented in a film form of, for example, an FPCB. According to an embodiment, the antenna structure470may include at least one conductive pattern used as a loop type radiator. For example, the at least one conductive pattern may include a planar helical conductive pattern (e.g., flat coil or pattern coil).

According to an embodiment, the conductive pattern of the antenna structure470may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module192ofFIG. 1) disposed at the first substrate assembly441. For example, the conductive pattern may be used for short-range wireless communication such as near field communication (NFC). As another example, the conductive pattern may be used in magnetic secure transmission (MST) for transmitting and/or receiving magnetic signals.

According to various embodiments, the conductive pattern of the antenna structure470may be electrically connected to a power transmission/reception circuit disposed at the first substrate assembly441. The power transmission/reception circuit may wirelessly receive power from an external electronic device through a conductive pattern or wirelessly transmit power to the external electronic device. The power transmission/reception circuit may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) or a charger integrated circuit (IC) included in the power management module188ofFIG. 1, and charge a battery450using power received through a conductive pattern.

According to an example embodiment, the display301may include an opening3011formed in at least a partial area corresponding to an optical sensor (e.g., a first camera device305or a biological sensor) disposed inside the electronic device300. The opening3011may be formed in, for example, a notch form. According to some embodiments, the opening3011may be implemented in the form of a through hole. The first support member411may include an opening4111positioned to correspond to the opening3011of the display301. The optical sensor may receive external light through the opening3011of the display301, the opening4111of the first support member411, and some areas of the front plate302aligned therewith. According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the opening3011of the display301may be replaced to be implemented into a substantially transparent area formed by changing a pixel structure and/or a wiring structure.

According to an example embodiment, the rear plate311may include an opening3112for exposing and disposing the second camera device312and the flash313included in the first substrate assembly441to the rear surface310B.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device300may include an antenna module400. The antenna module400may include, for example, the third antenna module246ofFIG. 2. The antenna module400may be disposed near a rear surface (e.g., one surface of the display301facing the first support member411) of the display301. The antenna module400may transmit and/or receive radio waves by radiating energy toward a first surface (or front surface)310A, thereby securing coverage toward the first surface310A.

According to an example embodiment, the display301may include a first layer including a plurality of pixels and a second layer coupled with the first layer between the first layer and the first support member411. The first layer may include, for example, a light emitting layer including a plurality of pixels implemented with a light emitting element such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED). The second layer may serve to support and protect the first layer, to shield light, to absorb or shield electromagnetic waves, or to diffuse, disperse, or dissipate a heat.

According to an example embodiment, when viewed from above the first surface (or front surface)310A, a second layer of the display301may include a first opening (not illustrated) at least partially overlapping the antenna module400. The antenna module400may face away from the first layer of the display301through the first opening. The antenna module400may transmit and/or receive radio waves by radiating energy toward the first surface310A through the first layer of the display301and the front plate302.

According to an example embodiment, when viewed from above the first surface310A, the first support member411may include a second opening4112at least partially overlapping a first opening of a second layer included in the display301. The antenna module400may face away from the first layer of the display301through the second opening4112.

According to an example embodiment, the antenna module400may be disposed at or coupled to a second support member490. The second support member490may be coupled to the first support member411through a fastening element such as a bolt B. Because of coupling of the first support member411and the second support member490, the antenna module400disposed at the second support member490may be disposed at the second opening4112of the first support member411.

According to various embodiments, the second support member490may be made of a heat transfer material. The second support member490may serve as a heat spreader that diffuses or disperses a heat radiated from the antenna module400.

According to various embodiments, the second support member490may be connected to a heat dissipation structure (e.g., heat spreader or heat pipe) disposed between the first support member411and the rear plate311or at various other locations. A heat dissipated from the antenna module400may be moved to the heat spreader or the heat pipe through the second support member490.

FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ in the electronic device300ofFIG. 3Aaccording to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 5, in an example embodiment, the electronic device300may include a front plate302, rear plate311, side member (e.g., side bezel)318, first support member411, third support member461, display301, antenna module400, first substrate assembly441, and/or second support member490. According to various embodiments, at least one of the components of the electronic device300illustrated inFIG. 5may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components ofFIG. 4, and repeated descriptions may be omitted.

According to an example embodiment, an edge (not illustrated) of the front plate302may be coupled to the side member318through various adhesive members302csuch as a double-sided tape. An edge (not illustrated) of the rear plate311may be coupled to the side member318through various adhesive members311csuch as a double-sided tape. The first support member411, the third support member461, the display301, the antenna module400, the first substrate assembly441, and the second support member490may be disposed in an internal space of the housing (e.g., the housing310ofFIG. 3A) formed with the front plate302, the rear plate311, and the side member318.

According to an embodiment, the display301may be disposed between the first support member411and the front plate302and be coupled to the front plate302. An optical transparent adhesive member560such as an optical clear adhesive (OCA) may be disposed between the front plate302and the display301. According to an example embodiment, the front plate302and the display301may be coupled without an air gap through the optical transparent adhesive member560. The optical transparent adhesive member560may improve an image quality. For example, when it is assumed that there is an air gap between the front plate302and the display301, because of the difference in refractive index between different media (e.g., the front plate302, the air gap, and the display301), some of the light output from the display301may not move straight to the front plate302but be reflected and lost. The loss of light because of the air gap blurs an image through the screen (e.g., an effective area capable of representing an image in the device formed with the display301and the front plate302) to cause deterioration of the image quality. When the air gap between the front plate302and the display301is filled with the optical transparent adhesive member560, the difference in refractive index between the optical transparent adhesive member560and a medium layer in contact therewith may be minimized and/or reduced. When the difference in refractive index between the optical transparent adhesive member560and the medium layer in contact therewith is minimized and/or reduced, reflectivity of an interface between the optical transparent adhesive member560and the medium layer in contact therewith may be lowered. When reflectivity of the interface between the optical transparent adhesive member560and the medium layer in contact therewith is lowered, reflection at the interface and a loss of light by the reflection may be reduced; thus, a clear image may be expressed through the screen.

According to an embodiment, the display301may include a first layer510and a second layer520bonded to the first layer510. An adhesive member (not illustrated) of various polymers may be disposed between the first layer510and the second layer520. The optical transparent adhesive member560may be disposed between the front plate302and the first layer510. The first layer510may be disposed between the optical transparent adhesive member560and the second layer520.

According to an embodiment, the first layer510may include a light emitting layer511. The light emitting layer511may include a plurality of pixels implemented into a light emitting element such as an OLED. An area in which a plurality of pixels is disposed may form a screen, which is an effective area capable of representing an image. The light emitting layer511may include at least one thin film transistor (TFT) for controlling a plurality of pixels. The at least one TFT may control a current of the light emitting element to adjust on or off of the pixel or brightness of the pixel. The at least one TFT may be implemented into, for example, an amorphous silicon (a-Si) TFT or a low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) TFT. The light emitting layer511may include a storage capacitor, and the storage capacitor may maintain a voltage signal in the pixel, maintain a voltage entering the pixel within one frame, or reduce a change in a gate voltage of the TFT by a leakage current during a light emission time. By a routine (e.g., initialization, data write) that controls at least one TFT, the storage capacitor may maintain a voltage applied to the pixel at regular time intervals.

According to an embodiment, the first layer510may include an optical layer512disposed between the light emitting layer511and the optical transparent adhesive member560. An optical transparent adhesive member (not illustrated) such as an OCA may be disposed between the light emitting layer511and the optical layer512. The optical layer512may improve a picture quality of the screen.

According to an example embodiment, the optical layer512may include a phase retardation layer (or retarder) and a polarizing layer (or polarizer) disposed between the phase retardation layer and the front plate302. When unpolarized light, such as sunlight, passes through the front plate302and the optical transparent adhesive member560and enters the display301, the unpolarized light may pass through the polarization layer and be converted to linearly polarized light, and the linearly polarized light may pass through the phase retardation layer and be changed into circularly polarized light. For example, when unpolarized light passes through a 90° polarization layer, the unpolarized light may be converted to 90° linearly polarized light, and when 90° linearly polarized light passes through a 45° phase retardation layer, the 90° linearly polarized light may be converted to circularly polarized light in which a polarization axis rotates. The phase retardation layer may have characteristics of a quarter wave retarder (λ/4 retarder). For example, when sunlight passes through the front plate302and the optical transparent adhesive member560and enters the display301, most of the sunlight may be reflected from a metal such as an electrode included in the light emitting layer511and this may make it difficult for the user to recognize the screen. According to an embodiment, the polarization layer and the phase retardation layer may prevent and/or reduce light entered from the outside from being reflected, thereby improving outdoor visibility. For example, light of the circularly polarized light changed by the phase retarder layer having a quarter wave retarder (λ/4 retarder) property may be reflected from the light emitting layer511, and the reflected light of the circularly polarized light may occur total λ/2 phase delay while again passing through the phase retardation layer to be converted to linearly polarized light perpendicular to initial 90° polarization. The 180° linearly polarized light cannot be radiated to the outside through the 90° polarization layer. According to various embodiments, one layer in which a polarization layer and a phase retardation layer are combined may be provided, and this layer may be defined as a circular polarization layer’.

According to an embodiment, the second layer520may include a plurality of layers520-1, . . . ,520-n(n≥2) for various functions. An adhesive member (not illustrated) of various polymers may be disposed between the plurality of layers520-1, . . . ,520-n. Some of the plurality of layers520-1, . . . ,520-nincluded in the second layer520may be protected from an external impact while supporting the first layer510and include, for example, a flexible layer such as an emboss layer, a cushion layer, or a buffer layer. Some of the plurality of layers520-1, . . . ,520-nincluded in the second layer520may shield external light or light generated in the first layer510. Some (e.g.,520-1) of the plurality of layers520-1, . . . ,520-nincluded in the second layer520may absorb or shield electromagnetic waves and be made of various conductive materials (e.g., copper (Cu)). Some (e.g.,520-1) of the plurality of layers520-1, . . . ,520-nincluded in the second layer520may diffuse, disperse, or dissipate a heat and include, for example, a copper sheet or a graphite sheet. The second layer520may include various layers having various other functions.

According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the display301may include a touch sensing circuit (e.g., touch sensor). The touch sensing circuit may be implemented into a transparent conductive layer (or film) based on various conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO). According to an example embodiment, the touch sensing circuit may be disposed between the front plate302and the optical layer512(e.g., add-on type). According to another embodiment, the touch sensing circuit may be disposed between the optical layer512and the light emitting layer511(e.g., on-cell type). According to another embodiment, the light emitting layer511may include a touch sensing circuit or a touch sensing function (e.g., in-cell type).

According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the first layer510may be formed based on an OLED, and include an encapsulation layer disposed between the light emitting layer511and the optical layer512. Electrodes and organic materials that emit light in the OLED may be very sensitive to oxygen and/or moisture to lose luminescence properties. According to an embodiment, the encapsulation layer may seal the light emitting layer511so that oxygen and/or moisture do/does not penetrate the OLED.

According to various embodiments, the display301may be implemented as a flexible display based on a substrate (e.g., plastic substrate) made of a flexible material such as polyimide (PI). The flexible display may be formed based on an OLED, and the encapsulation layer may be implemented with, for example, thin-film encapsulation (TFE). According to various embodiments, the flexible display may include a conductive pattern such as a metal mesh (e.g., aluminum metal mesh) as a touch sensing circuit disposed at the encapsulation layer and the optical layer512. For example, the metal mesh may have durability larger than that of a transparent conductive layer implemented with ITO to correspond to bending of the flexible display.

According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the display301may further include a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of the touch.

FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure600including a display301and an antenna module400ofFIG. 5according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, the first layer510of the display301may include a touch sensing circuit601, a polarization layer602(e.g., the optical layer512ofFIG. 5), and a panel603(e.g., the light emitting layer511ofFIG. 5). The polarization layer602may be disposed between the touch sensing circuit601and the panel603. The second layer520of the display301may include an emboss layer604, cushion layer605, digitizer606, graphite sheet607, or copper sheet608based on a polyester (PET) film sequentially disposed in a −z axis direction. Adhesive materials611,612,613,614, and615of various polymers may be disposed between the panel603and the emboss layer604, between the emboss layer604and the cushion layer605, between the cushion layer605and the digitizer606, between the digitizer606and the graphite sheet607, or between the graphite sheet607and the copper sheet608. The digitizer606may be an electromagnetic induction panel for sensing a magnetic field type stylus pen. According to various embodiments, a plurality of layers included in the first layer510or the second layer520, and a stacking structure or a stacking order thereof may be various. According to various embodiments, some (e.g., the digitizer606) of the plurality of layers of the display301may be omitted.

According to an embodiment, a thickness of the touch sensing circuit601may be about 0.15 mm. A thickness of the polarization layer602may be about 0.104 mm. A thickness of the panel603may be about 0.118 mm. A thickness of the emboss layer604may be about 0.007 mm. A thickness of the cushion layer605may be 0.122 mm. A thickness of the digitizer606may be about 0.1125 mm. A thickness of the graphite sheet607may be about 0.025 mm. A thickness of the copper sheet608may be about 0.012 mm. The adhesive material611between the panel603and the emboss layer604may be formed in a thickness of about 0.038 mm. The adhesive material612between the emboss layer604and the cushion layer605may be formed in a thickness of about 0.015 mm. The adhesive material613between the cushion layer605and the digitizer606may be formed in a thickness of about 0.025 mm. The adhesive material614between the digitizer606and the graphite sheet607may be formed in a thickness of about 0.008 mm. The adhesive material615between the graphite sheet607and the copper sheet608may be formed in a thickness of about 0.008 mm. According to various embodiments, layers included in the display301may be formed in various different thicknesses. According to various embodiments, the display301may omit some of the plurality of layers or may additionally include other layers.

According to an embodiment, the second layer520of the display301may include a first opening5201. The antenna module400may be inserted and disposed in the first opening5201of the second layer520. The antenna module400may be disposed at a separation distance from the first layer510.

According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the display301may further include various components according to a provision form thereof. These components may be variously changed according to the convergence trend of the display301, but components equivalent to the above-mentioned components may be further included in the display301. According to various embodiments, the display301may exclude specific components from the above-described components or replace specific components with other components according to a provided form thereof.

According to an embodiment, the second layer520may include a first opening5201. For example, the first opening5201may be formed in the form of a through hole. Because of the first opening5201, the display301may include a recess5202of a dug shape in a direction toward the front plate302from the rear plate311.

According to an example embodiment, the second layer520may include a third surface520abonded to the first layer510and a fourth surface520bdisposed at the side opposite to that of the third surface520aand substantially parallel to the third surface520a. The first opening5201may include a first edge E1formed at the third surface520a, a second edge E2formed at the fourth surface520b, and an inner side surface5203connecting the first edge E1and the second edge E2. According to an example embodiment, when viewed from above the front plate302, the second layer520may be disposed not to overlap a first surface811of the antenna module400, and the first opening5201may be formed by the second layer520. According to an example embodiment, when viewed from above the front plate302, the first edge E1may form a rectangle. When viewed from above the rear plate311, the second edge E2may form a rectangle overlapping the first edge E1. The inner side surface5203may be perpendicular to the third surface520aor the fourth surface520b. The recess5202may be a rectangular parallelepiped space. According to various embodiments, according to a shape of the antenna module400, the first edge E1, the second edge E2, and the inner side surface5203or the recess5202may be implemented in various forms.

According to an embodiment, the antenna module400may include an antenna structure800including a first printed circuit board in which an antenna array (e.g., the antenna248ofFIG. 2) is disposed. The antenna structure800may include an antenna array disposed on the first surface811, or inside the first printed circuit board closer to the first surface811than a second surface of the first printed circuit board opposite the first surface811. The first surface811may not overlap the second layer520of the display301because of the first opening5201when viewed from above the front plate302. The first opening5201prevents and/or avoids a conductive material included in the second layer520from facing the antenna array disposed on the first surface811or near the first surface811, thereby reducing a decrease in radiation performance.

According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the first opening5201may be formed to be narrowed in a direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) toward the front plate302from the rear plate311when viewed in an yz cross-section. For example, the inner side surface5203may be formed in an inclined surface forming an acute angle with respect to the third surface520aand an obtuse angle with respect to the fourth surface520b. For another example, the inner side surface5203may be implemented in a step shape.

According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the front plate302, the second layer520may be variously disposed not to overlap the first surface811of the antenna module400, and the first opening5201formed therefrom is not limited to a through-hole shape and may indicate a space in which the second layer520is not disposed between the first layer510and the first support member411. This will be described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7Care plan views illustrating the electronic device ofFIG. 3Aviewed from above the front plate302according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 7A, 7B, or7C, in an example embodiment, the side member (e.g., bezel)318may include a first side portion701, second side portion702, third side portion703, or fourth side portion704. The first side portion701and the second side portion702may be disposed at opposite sides and parallel to each other. The third side portion703and the fourth side portion704may be disposed at opposite sides and parallel to each other. The third side portion703may be perpendicular to the first side portion701(or the second side portion702) and connect one end portion of the first side portion701and one end portion of the second side portion702. The fourth side portion704may be perpendicular to the first side portion701(or the second side portion702) and connect the other end portion of the first side portion701and the other end portion of the second side portion702. According to various embodiments, a distance between the first side portion701and the second side portion702may be less than that between the third side portion703and the fourth side portion704.

According to an embodiment, when viewed from above the front plate302, the antenna module400may be disposed to overlap a screen (e.g., an effective area or an active area capable of representing an image in the device formed with the display301and the front plate302ofFIG. 5).

According to an embodiment, when viewed from above the front plate302, the antenna module400may be disposed closer to the second side portion702than the first side portion701. When viewed from above the front plate302, the antenna module400may be disposed closer to the third side portion703than the fourth side portion704. For example, the antenna module400may be disposed near a corner connecting the second side portion702and the third side portion703.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 7A, when viewed from above the front plate302, the first opening5201formed in the second layer520of the display301may be implemented in the form of a through hole7201a. When viewed from above the front plate302, the first surface811of the antenna module400may be disposed inside the through hole7201a.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 7B, when viewed from above the front plate302, the first opening5201formed in the second layer520of the display301may be implemented in the form of a notch7201b. The notch7201bhas, for example, a partially dug form in an −x axis direction (e.g., a direction advancing from the second side portion702to the first side portion701) from an edge of the second layer520adjacent to the second side portion702, and the edge thereof may be defined to a U-cut having a ‘U’ shape. According to some embodiments, the notch may be formed in a partially dug form in a −y axis direction from the edge of the second layer520adjacent to the third side portion703(e.g., a direction advancing from the third side portion703to the fourth side portion704). When viewed from above the front plate302, the first surface811of the antenna module400may be disposed inside the notch7201b.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 7C, when viewed from above the front plate302, the first opening5201formed in the second layer520of the display301may be implemented into an L-cut7201chaving an edge of an ‘L’ shape. When viewed from above the front plate302, the first surface811of the antenna module400may be disposed inside the L-cut7201c.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module400is not limited to the embodiments ofFIG. 7A, 7B, or7C and may be disposed at various other positions, and a first opening formed in the second layer520of the display301may also be implemented in various forms.

FIGS. 8 and 9are perspective views illustrating an antenna module according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 5, 8, and 9, in an example embodiment, the antenna module400may include an antenna structure800, a first wireless communication circuit830, and/or a first power management circuit840. The antenna module400may be, for example, the third antenna module246ofFIG. 2.

According to an embodiment, the antenna structure800may include a first printed circuit board810in which an antenna array820is disposed. The first printed circuit board810may include a first surface811and a second surface812disposed at the side opposite to that of the first surface811. The antenna array820may include a plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824disposed on the first surface811, or inside the first printed circuit board810closer to the first surface811than the second surface812. The plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824may be, for example, the antenna248ofFIG. 2.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824may have substantially the same shape and be disposed at regular intervals. The first printed circuit board810may include a plurality of conductive layers (e.g., a plurality of conductive pattern layers) and a plurality of non-conductive layers (e.g., insulating layers) alternately stacked with the plurality of conductive layers. The plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824may be implemented into, for example, at least a portion of the plurality of conductive layers. According to various embodiments, the number or location of antenna elements included in the antenna array820may be various without being limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 8.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824may operate as a patch antenna. According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the plurality of antenna elements may be implemented into a dipole antenna or a loop antenna. According to various embodiments, the antenna structure800may further include an antenna array860including a plurality of antenna elements861,862,863, and864operating as a dipole antenna. The plurality of antenna elements861,862,863, and864may be disposed on the first surface811, or inside the first printed circuit board810closer to the first surface811than the second surface812. The plurality of antenna elements861,862,863, and864may be disposed in pairs with a plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824operating as a patch antenna.

According to an example embodiment, the first wireless communication circuit830may be disposed at the second surface812of the first printed circuit board810through a conductive bonding member such as a solder. The first wireless communication circuit830may be electrically connected to the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824through wirings (e.g., an electrical pattern formed with a conductive pattern or via) included in the first printed circuit board810. According to an embodiment, the first wireless communication circuit830may be a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) (e.g., the third RFIC226ofFIG. 2).

According to an embodiment, the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824may be fed directly from the first wireless communication circuit830, and operate as an antenna radiator.

According to another embodiment, the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824may be used as dummy elements (e.g., a dummy antenna or a dummy patch, or a conductive patch). The dummy element may be physically separated from other conductive elements to be in an electrically floating state. When viewed toward the first surface811, the first printed circuit board810may include a plurality of second antenna elements (not illustrated) at least partially overlapping the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824and physically separated from the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824. When viewed toward the first surface811, the plurality of second antenna elements may have substantially the same shape as that of the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823,824. According to some embodiments, when viewed above the first surface811, the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824may have a shape different from that of the plurality of second antenna elements. The plurality of second antenna elements may be electrically connected to the first wireless communication circuit830and operate as a feeding portion (or feeding pattern) for indirectly feeding the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824. The plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824may be electromagnetically coupled with a plurality of second antenna elements electrically connected to the first wireless communication circuit830to operate as an antenna radiator or to adjust radiation characteristics. For example, the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824may move a resonance frequency of the antenna structure800to a specified frequency or by a specified phase. For example, the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824may extend a bandwidth capable of transmitting or receiving a signal through the antenna structure800or form different frequency bands (e.g., multi-band).

According to an embodiment, the antenna structure800may include a ground plane (or ground layer) (not illustrated) implemented into at least some of a plurality of conductive layers included in the first printed circuit board810. The ground plane may be disposed between the antenna array820and the second surface812, and overlap at least partially the antenna array820when viewed toward the first surface811. The ground plane may be electrically connected to the first wireless communication circuit830through an electrical path formed with vias and/or conductive patterns included in the first printed circuit board810. The ground plane may be related to radiation characteristics of the antenna array820. For example, the radiation characteristics of the antenna array820may be determined based on a distance in which a plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824are spaced apart from the ground plane. For example, the radiation characteristics of the antenna array820may be determined based on a shape (e.g., width, length, thickness) of the ground plane. For example, the radiation characteristics of the antenna array820may be determined based on an insulating material (e.g., dielectric constant) between the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824and the ground plane. The ground plane may shield or reduce electromagnetic noise of a signal or power flow in the first printed circuit board810.

According to an example embodiment, the first power management circuit840may be disposed at the second surface812of the first printed circuit board810through a conductive bonding member such as a solder. The first power management circuit840may be electrically connected to various other elements (e.g., connectors, passive elements) disposed at the first wireless communication circuit830or the first printed circuit board810through wirings (e.g., an electrical path formed with a conductive pattern or via) included in the printed circuit board810. According to an embodiment, the first power management circuit840may be a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

According to various embodiments, the antenna module400may further include a shielding member850disposed at the second surface812so as to enclose at least one of the first wireless communication circuit830or the first power management circuit840. The shielding member850may electromagnetically shield the first wireless communication circuit830and/or the first power management circuit840. For example, the shielding member850may include a conductive member such as a shield can. For another example, the shielding member850may include a protective member such as a urethane resin and conductive paint such as EMI paint applied to an outer surface of the protective member. According to various embodiments, the shielding member850may be implemented into various shielding sheets disposed to cover the second surface812.

According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the antenna module400may further include a frequency adjustment circuit disposed at the first printed circuit board810. The radiation characteristics and impedance of the antenna array820may be related to an antenna performance, and be various according to a shape and size of the antenna element and a material of the antenna element. The radiation characteristics of the antenna element may include an antenna radiation pattern (or antenna pattern), which is a directional function representing a relative distribution of power radiated from the antenna element, and a polarization state (or antenna polarization) of radio waves radiated from the antenna element. The impedance of the antenna element may be related to power transfer from the transmitter to the antenna element or power transfer from the antenna element to the receiver. In order to minimize and/or reduce reflection at a connection portion between the transmission line and the antenna element, the impedance of the antenna element may be designed to match the impedance of the transmission line, thereby enabling efficient signal transmission or maximum power transmission (or minimizing and/or reducing power loss) through the antenna element. Impedance matching may lead to efficient signal flow at a specific frequency (or resonant frequency). Impedance mismatching may reduce a power loss or transmitting/receiving signals to degrade a communication performance. According to an embodiment, a frequency adjustment circuit (e.g., tuner or passive element) disposed at the first printed circuit board810may solve such impedance mismatching. According to an embodiment, the frequency adjustment circuit may move a resonant frequency of the antenna to a specified frequency or move a resonant frequency of the antenna by a predetermined amount.

Referring toFIG. 5, in an example embodiment, the first surface811of the antenna module400may be disposed to face the first layer510of the display301through the first opening5201of the second layer520. According to an embodiment, the first surface811of the antenna module400may be spaced apart from the first layer510with an air gap G. The first surface811and the first layer510may be disposed substantially parallel. The air gap G may reduce deformation or distortion of a beam pattern formed from the antenna module400or may enable to secure coverage (communication range) toward the front plate302. The antenna module400may have directivity to concentrate electromagnetic energy in a specific direction or to transmit and receive waves. For example, by the beamforming system, the antenna array820ofFIG. 8may form a beam in which energy is relatively much radiated in a direction (e.g., +z axis direction) in which the first surface811faces. When the first surface811is disposed without the air gap G, deformation or distortion of a beam pattern formed from the antenna array820may occur. Deformation or distortion of the beam pattern may degrade a coverage (communication range) performance toward the front plate302. When the first surface811or the antenna array820is not spaced apart from the first layer510, a radiation performance may be degraded because of the dielectric constant and/or electrical conductivity of the first layer510of the display301.

The following table illustrates a radiation performance of the antenna module400according to a height of the air gap G in the electronic device300ofFIG. 5according to an embodiment.

In an example embodiment, referring toFIG. 5, radio waves radiated from the antenna module400toward the front plate302may include horizontal polarization and vertical polarization as double polarization. Referring toFIG. 5and the above table, when a signal having a use frequency (e.g., 28 GHz or 39 GHz) is transmitted or received through the antenna module400, a radiation performance of vertical polarization and/or horizontal polarization may vary according to a height H of the air gap G. According to an embodiment, when considering a power loss (e.g., return loss) and/or an antenna gain (e.g., peak gain), in the embodiment ofFIG. 5, the air gap G is formed in about 0.7 mm; thus, a radiation performance at a use frequency may be secured. According to various embodiments, the air gap G for securing a radiation performance of the antenna module400may be variously formed based on various conditions such as a configuration of the antenna module400or a configuration of the display301. According to various embodiments, the air gap G may be implemented into a minimum in a range that secures a radiation performance of a used frequency to contribute to slimming of a structure (e.g., the structure600ofFIG. 6) formed with the display301and the antenna module400.

Referring toFIG. 5, in various embodiments, when a height (or thickness) H of the air gap G is not within a threshold range, deformation or distortion of a beam pattern formed from the antenna array820may occur. For example, when the height (or thickness) H of the air gap G is not within a threshold range, electromagnetic coupling occurs between a conductive material included in the second layer520of the display301and the antenna array820of the antenna structure800; thus, deformation or distortion of the beam pattern may occur. The height H of the air gap G may be formed to electromagnetically isolate the antenna array820of the antenna structure800and the conductive material included in the second layer520of the display301. According to an embodiment, the height H of the air gap G may be formed to be spaced apart a corresponding distance or more from a conductive material in which the antenna array820is included in the second layer520of the display301based on a wavelength of the antenna module400.

According to various embodiments, surface waves guided through the display301may be generated by radio waves radiated from the antenna array820of the antenna module400. The display301is a waveguide in which radio waves radiated from the antenna array820of the antenna module400flow and may be, for example, a path of a medium that enables radio waves to flow using total reflection properties. The beamforming system may be set such that a corresponding beam pattern is formed through the antenna array820of the antenna module400, but surface waves guided to the display301may cause deformation (or distortion) of the beam pattern or may reduce beam coverage (communication range). For example, surface waves may cause a power loss, which may degrade an antenna radiation performance. For example, at least a portion of the electromagnetic field formed from the antenna array820of the antenna module400may be reflected from the display301, and a reflected component thereof may cause compensation and/or interference in a maximum boresight (e.g., a direction of a main lobe) to cause deformation (or distortion) of the beam pattern. It may be difficult to secure beam coverage by deformation or distortion of a beam pattern due to surface waves. According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS. 5 and 7A, when viewed from above the front plate302, because of the through hole7201aofFIG. 7A(e.g., the first opening5201ofFIG. 5), a conductive material included in the second layer520of the display301may at least enclose the antenna module400(see reference numeral7001). For example, the conductive material may have a structure enclosing a portion of a side surface or a rear surface of the antenna module. A structure in which a material having a dielectric constant and/or electrical conductivity of the second layer520at least encloses the antenna module400because of the first opening5201reduces surface waves guided to the display301to reduce deterioration of a radiation performance. A structure in which a material having a dielectric constant and/or electrical conductivity of the second layer520at least encloses the antenna module400because of the first opening5201, radio waves radiated from the antenna module400may be abandoned or leaked to the display301to reduce or suppress flowing surface waves, thereby reducing deformation or distortion of the beam pattern; thus, an antenna gain and beam coverage may be secured. According to an embodiment, a structure in which a material having a dielectric constant and/or electrical conductivity of the second layer520because of the first opening5201at least encloses the antenna module400may change boundary conditions of propagation to the display301to reduce distortion or distortion of radio waves. A structure in which a material having a dielectric constant and/or electrical conductivity of the second layer520at least encloses the antenna module400because of the first opening5201may operate as a wave trap for suppressing surface waves or reducing disturbance waves. A structure in which a material having a dielectric constant and/or electrical conductivity of the second layer520at least encloses the antenna module400because of the first opening5201may operate as a reflector that increases radiation in the maximum boresight.

According to some embodiments, a height H of the air gap G may be formed to enable electromagnetic coupling between the antenna array820of an antenna structure800and a conductive material (e.g., electrodes included in the light emitting layer511) included in the first layer510of the display301. The height H of the air gap G may be formed based on a wavelength of radio waves radiated from the antenna structure800such that the antenna array820of the antenna structure800and the conductive material included in the first layer510of the display301is not electromagnetically isolated. At least a portion of the conductive material included in the first layer510electromagnetically coupled to the antenna array820of the antenna structure800may operate as an antenna radiator. The conductive material included in the first layer510may operate as an additional antenna radiator to improve a radiation performance.

According to various embodiments (not illustrated), a material having a dielectric constant that does not substantially affect a radiation performance of the antenna module400may be disposed between the first layer510of the display301and the first surface811of the antenna module400. According to various embodiments, a radiation performance of the antenna module400may be degraded, but a material having a dielectric constant that does not deteriorate to a preset value or less may be disposed between the first layer510of the display301and the first surface811of the antenna module400. In this case, there may be substantially no air gap G between the first layer510of the display301and the first surface811of the antenna module400. The material may be a low dielectric constant sheet. According to various embodiments, the low dielectric constant sheet may be implemented with various adhesive materials capable of bonding the first surface811of the antenna structure800and the first layer510of the display301.

According to various embodiments, the low dielectric constant sheet may perform smooth heat dissipation while securing radiation efficiency. The low dielectric constant sheet may be made of a material that can rapidly diffuse or disperse a heat as a heat spreader. For example, the low dielectric constant sheet may have thermal conductivity of about 10 W/mK or more.

According to various embodiments, the low dielectric constant sheet may be a polymer sheet based on a ceramic filler (e.g., BN, AlN, Al2O3).

According to various embodiments, the low dielectric constant sheet may be formed by processing a ceramic raw material (e.g., BN, AlN, Al2O3) in a sheet form.

According to various embodiments, the low-dielectric constant sheet may be a sheet using a low dielectric coating filler.

According to various embodiments, the low dielectric constant sheet may be formed by combining 90% of boron nitride (BN) having a relative dielectric constant of 4 and 10% of a rubber binder having a relative dielectric constant of 2%. According to various embodiments, a low dielectric constant sheet based on various other materials may be provided.

According to an example embodiment, according to a height H of the air gap G formed in consideration of a radiation performance of the antenna module400, the antenna structure800may be inserted at least partially into the recess5202formed in the display301because of the first opening5201. For example, the first surface811of the antenna module400may be disposed inside the recess5202. According to some embodiments, the antenna structure800may not be inserted into the recess5202according to the height H of the air gap G formed in consideration of the radiation performance of the antenna module400. For example, the first surface811may not be disposed inside the recess5202.

The display301may include a first display area A1in which the second layer520is disposed, and a second display area A2in which the second layer520is not disposed. Due to the first opening5201, the first display area A1and the second display area A2have different medium layer structures; thus, luminance deterioration by external light such as sun light in the first display area A1and the second display area A2may be different. For example, in the second display area A2, external light such as sunlight is reflected from the antenna module400and the air gap G, which is a lower medium under the first layer510to be absorbed into a semiconductor element, thereby having luminance lower than that of the first display area A1under the same condition. Due to luminance difference between the first display area A1and the second display area A2, it is difficult to have substantially uniform brightness over the entire screen, which may degrade an image quality. In the first display area A1, there may be a first amount of light reflected from the second layer520and flowing into the first layer510. In the second display area A2, there may be a second amount of light reflected from the air gap G and the antenna module400and flowing into the first layer510. According to an embodiment, media of various materials may be disposed between the first layer510of the display301and the first surface811of the antenna module400so that the first light amount and the second light amount are substantially the same. Accordingly, the luminance change of the first display area A1and the luminance change of the second display area A2are generally constant because of an electrical influence of the reflected light, and an image quality may be improved. When a medium is added between the first layer510of the display301and the first surface811of the antenna module400, the air gap G may be reduced between the first layer510of the display301and the first surfaces811of the antenna module400, or in some embodiments, the air gap G may be absent. The reflectivity of the interface between the two media may be determined based on a refractive index of the two media, and a medium disposed between the first layer510of the display301and the first surface811of the antenna module400may be determined in consideration of this. According to various embodiments, a medium disposed between the first layer510of the display301and the first surface811of the antenna module400may include an anti-reflection layer capable of suppressing light reflection.

FIG. 10is a diagram illustrating an example image when the electronic device300ofFIG. 5outputs monochromatic light in a visible light band through a display301according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 10, the display301may include a first display area A1in which the second layer520is disposed, and a second display area A2in which the second layer520is not disposed because of the first opening5201. According to an embodiment, luminance decrease of the second display area A2by energy radiated from the antenna module400may be substantially absent or insignificant; thus, it may be difficult to recognize the luminance difference between the first display area A1and the second display area A2. According to various embodiments, even if the antenna module400radiates energy toward the display301, the luminance difference between the first display area A1and the second display area A2may be a threshold value or less; thus, an image quality may be secured.

Referring toFIG. 5, in an example embodiment, when viewed from above the front plate302, the first support member411may include a second opening4112at least partially overlapping the recess5202of the display301. The antenna module400may be disposed near the display301through the second opening4112, which may contribute to slimming of the electronic device300.

According to an example embodiment, the second support member490may include a first portion491coupled with the first support member411and a second portion492extended from the first portion491and in which the antenna module400is disposed. The first portion491may be coupled to one surface of the first support member411facing the rear plate311through the bolt B. The antenna module400may be attached to the second portion492through a bonding material580between the first layer510of the display301and the second portion492of the second support member490. The bonding material580may be disposed between the first wireless communication circuit830in the form of a chip and the second portion492. The second portion492may be formed in a flat shape substantially parallel to the antenna structure800. When the second support member490in which the antenna module400is disposed is coupled to the first support member411, the antenna module400may be disposed to face at a preset separation distance (e.g., the height H ofFIG. 5in consideration of a tolerance so as to secure a radiation performance) from the first layer510of the display301through the second opening4112of the first support member411and the recess5202of the display301. According to an example embodiment, the second support member490may be formed with a plate made of various metals such as SUS to be substantially rigid. The second support member490may be implemented with various other materials.

According to an example embodiment, the second portion492of the second support member490may be disposed closer to the first layer510of the display301, compared with the first portion491. The second support member490may include a third portion493between the first portion491and the second portion492, and the third portion493may be formed in an inclined shape to the first portion491or the second portion492.

According to various embodiments (not illustrated), in order to dispose the antenna module400at a preset separation distance (e.g., a height H in consideration of a tolerance so as to secure a radiation performance) from the first layer510of the display301, the third portion493of the second support member490may be implemented flat. According to some embodiments (not illustrated), the third portion493of the second support member490may be implemented to be inclined toward the rear plate311.

According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the second support member490may be implemented to include a plurality of portions extended from the second portion492to be coupled to the first support member411, as in the first portion491. For example, the second support member490may include a portion disposed at the side opposite to that of the first portion491to be coupled with the first support member411. Thereby, the second support member490may be disposed on the first support member411without shaking or sagging against external impacts or loads; thus, a separation distance (e.g., the height H of the air gap G) between the first surface811of the antenna module400and the first layer510of the display301may be maintained.

According to various embodiments, the second support member490may be made of a heat transfer material. The second support member490may serve as a heat spreader that diffuses or disperses a heat radiated from the antenna module400. According to various embodiments, the bonding material580between the antenna module400and the second support member490may include a heat transfer material. The bonding material may transfer a heat radiated from the antenna module400to the second support member490.

According to various embodiments, the second support member490may be connected to a heat spreader or a heat pipe disposed between the first support member411and the rear plate311or at various other locations. A heat dissipated from the antenna module400may be moved to various heat dissipating structures such as a heat spreader or a heat pipe through the second support member490.

According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the electronic device300may further include a thermally conductive member connected to the second support member490. The thermally conductive member may be attached to a surface490bdisposed at the side opposite to that of a surface in which the antenna module400is disposed. The thermally conductive member may be a portion of a heat spreader or a heat pipe, and a heat radiated from the antenna module400may move to the thermally conductive member through the second support member490.

According to an example embodiment, the first substrate assembly441or the second printed circuit board540of the first substrate assembly441may be coupled to the first support member411together with the second support member490through the bolt B. The first portion491of the second support member490may be disposed between the first substrate assembly441and the rear plate311.

According to some embodiments (not illustrated), the first portion491of the second support member490may be disposed between the second printed circuit board540and the first support member411, and be coupled to the first support member411through various methods such as a bolt.

According to some embodiments (not illustrated), the first portion491of the second support member490may be fixed to one surface542of the second printed circuit board540facing the third support member461through a bonding material such as a solder.

According to some embodiments (not illustrated), the antenna module400may be disposed at the first support member411between the first support member411and the display301. In this case, the second support member490and the second opening4911may be omitted.

According to an example embodiment, the third support member461may be disposed between the first support member411and the rear plate311and be coupled to the first support member411through a fastening element such as a bolt. The third support member461may cover and protect the first substrate assembly441, the antenna module400, and the second support member490.

According to an embodiment, the antenna module400may be electrically connected to the first substrate assembly441. For example, the antenna module400may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board540of the first substrate assembly441through various electrical paths such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

FIG. 11is a block diagram illustrating the electronic device300ofFIG. 5according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 11, the electronic device300may include an antenna module (e.g., including an antenna array)400, a second printed circuit board540, a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry)1101, a second wireless communication circuit1102, a memory1105, a second power management module (e.g., including power management circuitry)1106, and/or at least one antenna1107.

According to an embodiment, the antenna module400may include a first printed circuit board810, first wireless communication circuit830, and/or first power management circuit840. The first printed circuit board810may include an antenna array820including a plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824(seeFIG. 8).

According to an embodiment, the processor1101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG. 1 or 2), the second wireless communication circuit1102(e.g., the wireless communication module192ofFIG. 1 or 2), the memory1105(e.g., the memory130ofFIG. 1 or 2), the second power management circuit1106(e.g., the power management module188ofFIG. 1), or at least one antenna1107(e.g., the antenna module197ofFIG. 1, or the first antenna module242or the second antenna module244ofFIG. 2) may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board540. The processor1101, the second wireless communication circuit1102, the memory1105, or the second power management circuit1106may be disposed at the second printed circuit board540through a conductive bonding member such as a solder. The at least one antenna1107(e.g., the first antenna module242or the second antenna module244ofFIG. 2) may be separated from the second printed circuit board540, and be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board540through various electrical paths. According to some embodiments, the at least one antenna1107may be disposed at the second printed circuit board540or may be implemented into a conductive pattern (e.g., microstrip) included in the second printed circuit board540. According to various embodiments, the at least one antenna1107may be implemented into at least a portion of a housing (e.g., the side bezel structure318ofFIG. 3A) that forms an external shape of the electronic device300.

According to an example embodiment, the first printed circuit board810and the second printed circuit board540may be electrically connected through various electrical paths1109such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). For example, a first connector (not illustrated) may be disposed at the first printed circuit board810through a conductive bonding member such as a solder, and be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board810. A second connector (not illustrated) may be disposed at the second printed circuit board540through a conductive bonding member such as a solder, and be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board540. The electrical path1109may electrically connect the first connector and the second connector.

Referring toFIG. 5, the second printed circuit board540may include, for example, one surface541and the other surface542facing in opposite directions. According to an example embodiment, the first surface811or the second surface812of the antenna module400may be substantially parallel to one surface541or the other side542of the second printed circuit board540.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 11, in an example embodiment, the first wireless communication circuit830of the antenna module400may transmit and/or receive a first signal in at least some frequency bands of about 6 GHz to about 100 GHz through the antenna array820. According to various embodiments, the first wireless communication circuit830may include the third RFIC226ofFIG. 2. The first wireless communication circuit830may up-convert or down-convert a frequency of a transmitted or received signal. According to an embodiment, the first wireless communication circuit830may receive an IF signal from the second wireless communication module1104of the second wireless communication circuit1102and up-convert the received IF signal to an RF signal. According to an embodiment, the first wireless communication circuit830may down-convert the RF signal (e.g., millimeter wave) received through the antenna array820(e.g., the antenna248ofFIG. 2) into an IF signal and the IF signal may be provided to the second wireless communication module1104of the second wireless communication circuit1102.

According to various embodiments, the first wireless communication circuit830may include at least one phase shifter (e.g., the phase shifter238ofFIG. 2) electrically connected to a plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824(seeFIG. 8) included in the antenna array820. Upon transmission, the at least one phase shifter may convert a phase of a 5G Above6 RF signal to be transmitted to the outside (e.g., a base station of a 5G network) of the electronic device300through the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824. Upon reception, at least one phase shifter may convert a phase of the 5G Above6 RF signal received from the outside through the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824. The at least one phase shifter may enable transmission or reception through beamforming between the electronic device300and the outside.

According to an embodiment, at least some of a plurality of conductive layers included in the first printed circuit board810may include a transmission line (e.g., RF line) between the antenna array820and the first wireless communication circuit830. The transmission line is a structure for transferring a frequency signal (e.g., voltage or current) and may be a conductive system using a transfer function of waves by electrical parameters (e.g., resistance, inductance, conductance, or capacitance per unit length). For example, some of the plurality of conductive layers included in the first printed circuit board810may include an electrical path for supplying power to the antenna array820between the antenna array820and the first wireless communication circuit830.

The processor1101may include various processing circuitry and execute, for example, software to control at least one component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device300electrically connected to the processor1101, and perform various data processing or operations. According to an embodiment, the processor1101may transmit and/or receive a signal through the second wireless communication circuit1102. The processor1101may write data at the memory1105and read data from the memory1105. The processor1101may perform functions of a protocol stack required for a communication specification. At least a portion of the second wireless communication circuit1102and/or the processor1101may be referred to a communication processor (CP) (e.g., the first communication processor212and/or the second communication processor214ofFIG. 2).

According to an embodiment, the second wireless communication circuit1102(e.g., the wireless communication module192ofFIG. 2) may perform functions for transmitting or receiving a signal through a wireless channel. The second wireless communication circuit1102may perform a change function between a baseband signal and/or a bit string according to a physical layer specification of the system. For example, upon data transmission, the second wireless communication circuit1102may encode and modulate a transmission bit string to generate complex symbols. For example, when receiving data, the second wireless communication circuit1102may demodulate and decode the baseband signal to restore the received bit string. The second wireless communication circuit1102may up-convert the RF signal and transmit the RF signal through at least one antenna, and down-convert the RF signal received through the at least one antenna into a baseband signal. According to an example embodiment, the second wireless communication circuit1102may include elements such as a transmission filter, amplifier, mixer, oscillator, digital to analog converter (DAC), or analog to digital converter (ADC).

According to an embodiment, the second wireless communication circuit1102may include a plurality of wireless communication modules for processing signals of different frequency bands. For example, the second wireless communication circuit1102may include a plurality of wireless communication modules so as to support a plurality of different wireless access technologies. For example, different wireless access technologies may include Bluetooth low energy (BLE), wireless fidelity (WiFi), WiFi Gigabyte (WiGig), or a cellular network (e.g., long term evolution (LTE)). Further, different frequency bands may include a super high frequency (SHF) (e.g., about 2.5 GHz or about 5 GHz) band and a millimeter wave (e.g., about 60 GHz) band.

According to an embodiment, the second wireless communication circuit1102may include a baseband processor, at least one communication circuit (e.g., intermediate frequency integrated circuit (IFIC)), or a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC). The second wireless communication circuit1102may include, for example, a baseband processor separate from the processor1101(e.g., application processor (AP)).

According to an embodiment, the second wireless communication circuit1102may include at least one of the first wireless communication module1103or the second wireless communication module1104. The electronic device300may further include one or more interfaces for supporting inter-chip communication between the second wireless communication circuit1102and the processor1101. The processor1101and the first wireless communication module1103or the second wireless communication module1104may transmit or receive data (or signals) using the inter-chip interface (e.g., inter processor communication channel).

According to an embodiment, the first wireless communication module1103or the second wireless communication module1104may provide an interface for communicating with other entities. The first wireless communication module1103may support wireless communication related to a first network (e.g., the first cellular network292ofFIG. 2) using, for example, at least one antenna1107. The first wireless communication module1103may include, for example, the first RFIC222and/or the first RFFE232ofFIG. 2. The second wireless communication module1104may support wireless communication related to a second network (e.g., the second cellular network294ofFIG. 2) using, for example, the antenna module400.

The second wireless communication module1104may include, for example, the fourth RFIC228ofFIG. 2. According to an example embodiment, the first network may include a 4th generation (4G) network, and the second network may include a 5th generation (5G) network. According to various embodiments, the first network may be related to wireless fidelity (WiFi) or a global positioning system (GPS).

According to an embodiment, the first wireless communication module1103may receive a high frequency signal (hereinafter, RF signal) related to a first network (e.g., 4G network) through at least one antenna1107and modulate (e.g., down-convert) the received RF signal into a low frequency signal (hereinafter, baseband signal) and transmit the low frequency signal to the processor1101. The first wireless communication module1103may receive a baseband signal of the first network from the processor1101and modulate (e.g., up-convert) the received baseband signal into an RF signal to transmit the RF signal to the outside through at least one antenna1107. According to an embodiment, the first wireless communication module1103may include an RFIC. According to various embodiments, when modulating an RF signal into a baseband signal or modulating a baseband signal into an RF signal, an input of a local oscillator (LO) may be used.

According to an embodiment, the second wireless communication module1104may receive a baseband signal of the second network from the processor1101. The second wireless communication module1104may up-convert a baseband signal to an IF signal using an input (hereinafter, LO signal) of a local oscillator (LO) and transmit the IF signal to the antenna module400. The antenna module400may receive an IF signal from the second wireless communication module1104. The antenna module400may up-convert the IF signal to an RF signal using the LO signal, and transmit the RF signal to the outside through the antenna array820of the antenna module400. According to an embodiment, the antenna module400may receive an RF signal through the antenna array820. The antenna module400may down-convert the RF signal into an IF signal using the LO signal, and transmit the IF signal to the second wireless communication module1104. The second wireless communication module1104may receive the IF signal from the antenna module400. The second wireless communication module1104may down-convert the IF signal into a baseband signal using the LO signal and transmit the baseband signal to the second wireless communication circuit1102. According to an embodiment, the second wireless communication module1104may include an IFIC. The second wireless communication module1104may transmit and/or receive a second signal in a frequency band between about 5 GHz and about 15 GHz.

According to an embodiment, the first wireless communication circuit830of the antenna module400may include a plurality of transmission/reception paths. For example, the first wireless communication circuit830may include a beamforming system for processing a transmission or reception signal such that energy radiated from the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824of the antenna array820(seeFIG. 8) is concentrated in a specific direction in a space. The beamforming system may be configured to receive a signal having a stronger intensity in a desired direction or to transmit a signal in a desired direction, or to prevent and/or reduce a signal coming from an unwanted direction from receiving. The beamforming system may adjust a form and direction of the beam using a difference in amplitude or phase of a carrier signal in the RF band. According to an embodiment, the second wireless communication module1104or the first wireless communication circuit830may control each antenna element to have a phase difference. For example, the second wireless communication module1104or the first wireless communication circuit830may include a first electrical path electrically connected to a first point on the first antenna element and a second electrical path electrically connected to a second point on the second antenna element. The processor1101, the second wireless communication module1104, or the first wireless communication circuit830may provide a phase difference between a first signal at the first point and a second signal at the second point. According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the electronic device300may include one or more phase shifters disposed at the antenna module400(or the first wireless communication circuit830) or the first printed circuit board810. The one or more phase shifters may adjust a phase of a plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824(seeFIG. 8) of the antenna array820.

For example, the beamforming system may adjust a phase of a current supplied to the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824(seeFIG. 8) of the antenna array820to form a beam pattern (e.g., beam width, beam direction). According to an embodiment, by the beamforming system, a plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824(seeFIG. 8) of the antenna array820may form a beam in which energy is relatively much radiated in a direction (e.g., +z axis direction) in which a first surface811(seeFIG. 5) of the first printed circuit board810faces.

According to an embodiment, the memory1105may store codebook information regarding beamforming. The processor1101, the second wireless communication module1104, or the first wireless communication circuit830may efficiently control (e.g., allocate or dispose) multiple beams through the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824(seeFIG. 8) of the antenna array820based on codebook information.

According to various embodiments, the first wireless communication module1103and/or the second wireless communication module1104may form one module with the processor1101. For example, the first wireless communication module1103and/or the second wireless communication module1104may be integrally formed with the processor1101. According to some embodiments, the first wireless communication module1103and/or the second wireless communication module1104may be disposed in one chip or may be formed in a separate chip form.

According to an embodiment, the processor1101and one wireless communication module (e.g., the first wireless communication module1103) may be integrally formed in one chip (SoC chip), and the other wireless communication module (e.g., the second wireless communication module1104) may be formed in an independent chip form.

According to an embodiment, the second power management circuit1106may manage power supplied to the electronic device300using power of a battery (e.g., the battery189ofFIG. 1) electrically connected to the second printed circuit board540. The first power management circuit840of the antenna module400may receive power from the second power management circuit1106through an electrical path such as a flexible printed circuit board and manage power supplied to the antenna module400using the received power. According to an embodiment, the first power management circuit840may be implemented into, for example, at least a portion of the PMIC. According to some embodiments, the first power management circuit840may be omitted in the antenna module400, and for example, the second power management circuit1106may manage power supplied to the antenna module400.

According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the electronic device300may further include an antenna module (e.g., the third antenna module246ofFIG. 2) having substantially the same structure as that of the antenna module400. The printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board810ofFIG. 8) of the antenna module may be disposed substantially parallel to the second printed circuit board540. The printed circuit board of the antenna module may include an antenna array (e.g., the antenna array820ofFIG. 8) disposed at one surface facing the rear plate311(seeFIG. 3B) or inside the printed circuit board close to the one surface. The printed circuit board of the antenna module may be disposed between the second printed circuit board540and the rear plate311. The processor1101, the second wireless communication module1104, or the wireless communication circuit (e.g., the first wireless communication circuit830ofFIG. 9) included in the antenna module may control the antenna module to form a beam in which energy is relatively much radiated toward the rear plate311(e.g., in a −z axis direction) based on codebook information stored in the memory1105. The antenna module may transmit and/or receive radio waves by radiating energy toward the rear surface310B (seeFIG. 5), thereby securing coverage toward the rear surface310B.

In various embodiments, referring toFIG. 7A, the electronic device300may further include an antenna module700a(e.g., the third antenna module246ofFIG. 2) having substantially the same structure as that of the antenna module400. Referring toFIGS. 5 and 7A, the printed circuit board710a(e.g., the first printed circuit board810ofFIG. 8) of the antenna module700amay be disposed to be not parallel to the second printed circuit board540. According to an example embodiment, the printed circuit board710aof the antenna module700amay be perpendicular to the second printed circuit board540and be disposed near the side member318. According to various embodiments, the printed circuit board710aof the antenna module700amay form an acute angle or an obtuse angle with the second printed circuit board540. The printed circuit board710aof the antenna module700amay include an antenna array720a(e.g., the antenna array820ofFIG. 8) disposed on the first surface711afacing the side surface310C, or inside the printed circuit board710acloser to the first surface711athan the second surface712a. The wireless communication circuit (e.g., the first wireless communication circuit830ofFIG. 9) included in the processor1101, the second wireless communication module1104, or the antenna module700amay control the antenna module700ato form a beam in which energy is relatively much radiated toward the side surface310C (e.g., in a +y axis direction) based on codebook information stored in the memory1105. The antenna module700amay radiate energy toward the side surface310C to transmit and/or receive radio waves, thereby securing coverage toward the side surface310C.FIG. 7Aillustrates one antenna module700adisposed near the first side portion701, but it is not limited thereto, and various numbers of antenna modules may be disposed near the first side portion701, the second side portion702, the third side portion703, and the fourth side portion704at various positions.

Referring toFIG. 7A, in an example embodiment, the side member318may include a conductive portion318aand a non-conductive portion318bcoupled with the conductive portion318a. The non-conductive portion318bmay be disposed to face the first surface711aof the antenna module700a, and substantially overlap the antenna array720a, when viewed toward the first surface711a. Referring toFIGS. 5 and 7A, in an example embodiment, the conductive portion318amay include a notch (not illustrated) in a dug shape in a direction advancing from the rear plate311to the front plate302, and the non-conductive portion318bmay be disposed at least partially in the notch. The notch and the non-conductive portion318bdisposed thereon enable the conductive portion318aof the side member318to reduce the effect of radio waves radiated from the antenna array720a, thereby reducing deformation (or distortion) of the beam pattern or enabling to secure coverage (communication range). According to various embodiments, the rear plate311may be extended toward the side surface310bso as to cover the non-conductive portion318b(see an imaginary line indicated by reference numeral311binFIG. 5).

FIG. 12is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device300related to an antenna module400according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 12, in an example embodiment, the electronic device300may include a side member (or side bezel structure)318, first support member411, display301, antenna module400, bonding material580, second support member490, and/or second printed circuit board540.

According to an embodiment, the first support member411may be connected to the side bezel structure318or may be integrally formed with the side bezel structure318. The first support member411may be made of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal material. At least a portion of the first support member411may be disposed between the second printed circuit board540and the display301. According to an embodiment, the first support member411may include a second opening4112for disposing the antenna module400.

According to an embodiment, the display301may include a recess5202formed by the first opening5201(seeFIG. 5) of the second layer520. The recess5202may overlap at least partially the second opening4112of the first support member411. The first layer510of the display301may be exposed toward the antenna module400through the recess5202.

According to an embodiment, the second printed circuit board540may include a third opening5401at least partially overlapping the second opening4112of the first support member411.

According to an embodiment, the antenna module400may include an antenna structure800implemented into the first printed circuit board810including the antenna array820ofFIG. 8, and the first wireless communication circuit830disposed at the second surface812of the antenna structure800. The antenna module400may be disposed near the first layer510of the display301through the third opening5401of the second printed circuit board540, the second opening4112of the first support member411, and the recess5202of the display301. The antenna array820ofFIG. 8may be disposed on the first surface811(seeFIG. 8) of the first printed circuit board810, or inside the first printed circuit board810closer to the first surface811than the second surface812(seeFIG. 9). The first surface811of the first printed circuit board810may face away from the first layer510of the display301through the recess5202.

According to an example embodiment, the second support member490may include a first portion491coupled with the first support member411and a second portion492extended from the first portion491and in which the antenna module400is disposed. The first portion491may include a through hole4911for fastening a bolt. The second printed circuit board540may include a through hole5402for fastening a bolt. The bolt B may be fastened to a boss4114of the first support member411through the through hole4911of the second support member490and the through hole5402of the second printed circuit board540. The first wireless communication circuit830(e.g., RFIC chip) of the antenna module400may be attached to the second portion492through the bonding material580. The second portion492may be inserted into the third opening5401of the second printed circuit board540by an inclined third portion493between the first portion491and the second portion492.

According to an example embodiment (not illustrated), the first printed circuit board810of the antenna module400may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board540through an electrical path (e.g., the electrical path1109ofFIG. 11) such as the flexible printed circuit board.

FIG. 13is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device300related to an antenna module400according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 13, in an example embodiment, the electronic device300may include a front plate302, side member318, first support member411, display301, antenna module400, second support member490, second printed circuit board540, thermally conductive member1300, or heat dissipation structure1305. At least one of the components illustrated inFIG. 13is substantially the same as at least one of the components illustrated inFIG. 5 or 12, and repeated descriptions may not be repeated below.

Referring toFIG. 13, in various embodiments, the heat dissipation structure1305may be disposed between the second printed circuit board540and the first support member411and may include, for example, a heat pipe or a heat spreader. Because of a component that consumes a large amount of current such as a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG. 1such as an application processor (AP)), a communication module (e.g., the communication module190ofFIG. 1), or a charging module (e.g., the power management module188ofFIG. 1) or current consumption in the component, a heat may occur in the battery (e.g., the battery189ofFIG. 1). For example, when the processor has more work to deal with or when the communication module is driven to continuously catch signals, more heat may occur than that of a normal case. Such a heat may cause a decrease in system performance or affect the battery189in the worst case to increase the probability of explosion. The heat dissipation structure1305may distribute a heat generated inside the electronic device300so as not to be concentrated in one place. According to various embodiments, the heat dissipation structure1305may be implemented into a movement path of various heats based on a phenomenon in which a heat flows from a high temperature portion to a low temperature portion. For example, referring toFIG. 4, the heat dissipation structure1305may enable a heat radiated in the first substrate assembly441to flow to the second substrate assembly442. The first substrate assembly441may include a metal cover (e.g., shield can) contacting the heat dissipation structure1305and covering at least a portion of the second printed circuit board540included in the first substrate assembly441. The second substrate assembly442may include a metal cover (e.g., a shield can) contacting the heat dissipation structure1305and covering at least a portion of the third printed circuit board included in the second substrate assembly442. The metal covers may serve to shield noise as well as heat radiation.

According to various embodiments, the heat dissipation structure1305may be in direct contact with at least a portion of the first support member411, or a thermally conductive material may be disposed between the heat dissipation structure1305and the first support member410; thus, the first support member411may serve as a heat spreader. According to various embodiments, a heat pipe as the heat dissipation structure1305may be implemented based on a metal housing or a polymer housing.

According to an embodiment, the heat dissipation structure1305may be disposed to not overlap the antenna module400, when viewed from above the front plate302. According to an example embodiment, the thermally conductive member1300may connect between the heat dissipation structure1305and the antenna module400. A heat radiated from the antenna module400may flow to the heat dissipation structure1305through the heat conductive member1300. According to an example embodiment, a portion1301of the thermally conductive member1300may be disposed between the antenna module400and the second portion492of the second support member490. A thermal conductive bonding material (not illustrated) may be disposed between a portion1301of the thermally conductive member1300and a first portion491of the second support member490and between a portion1301of the thermally conductive member1300and the antenna module400.

According to an example embodiment, the thermally conductive member1300may be a graphite sheet. According to various embodiments, the thermally conductive member1300may be implemented with various other materials.

According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the heat dissipation structure1305may be extended between the first portion491of the second support member490and the antenna module400in place of the thermally conductive member1300. According to various embodiments, the heat dissipation structure1305may be referred to as a ‘thermal conductive member’.

FIG. 14is a diagram illustrating an example antenna module400according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 14, according to an embodiment, a flexible printed circuit board1400for electrical connection to the second printed circuit board540ofFIG. 5 or 12may be connected to the antenna module400. The flexible printed circuit board1400may include a first connector1410disposed at one end and a second connector1420disposed at the other end. A partial area of the flexible printed circuit board1400in which the first connector1410is disposed may be disposed to overlap the first printed circuit board810. The first connector1410may be electrically connected to a connector (not illustrated) disposed at the first printed circuit board810of the antenna module400, and the second connector1420may be electrically connected to a connector (not illustrated) disposed at the second printed circuit board540ofFIG. 5 or 12.

According to various embodiments, the first printed circuit board810and the flexible printed circuit board1400may be formed into a one-piece flexible printed circuit board, and in this case, the first connector1410may be omitted.

According to various embodiments, the first printed circuit board810and the flexible printed circuit board1400may be implemented into a one-piece rigid flexible printed circuit board. In this case, the first connector1410may be omitted. For example, the one-piece rigid flexible printed circuit board may include a first flexible area1401positioned near the second connector1420. The one-piece rigid flexible printed circuit board may further include a second flexible area1402positioned near the antenna module400. Areas (e.g., see reference numeral1403) other than the flexible area (e.g., the first flexible area1401and the second flexible area1402) may be rigidly formed. For another example, in the rigid flexible printed circuit board, a portion that replaces the first printed circuit board810may be rigid, and in the rigid flexible printed circuit board, a portion that replaces the flexible printed circuit board1400may be flexible.

According to various embodiments, the first printed circuit board810and the flexible printed circuit board1400may be electrically connected through anisotropic conductive film bonding (ACF bonding), and in this case, the first connector1410may be omitted. For example, the ACF may be an anisotropic conductive film that enables electricity to flow in only one side direction by forming in a film state by mixing fine conductive particles (e.g., Ni, carbon, solder ball) with an adhesive resin (e.g., thermosetting resin). When the ACF is disposed between the first printed circuit board810and the flexible printed circuit board1400and then is compressed by applying a heat and pressure, the conductive pattern formed in the first printed circuit board810may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern formed in the flexible printed circuit board1400, and the adhesive resin may bond the first printed circuit board810and the flexible printed circuit board1400.

According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the flexible printed circuit board1400may be replaced with various other electrical paths such as a coaxial cable. According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the antenna module400may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board540ofFIG. 5 or 12through various electrical paths such as a board to board connector or an interposer.

FIG. 15illustrates an example state in which the antenna module400ofFIG. 14is disposed inside an electronic device300according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 15, in an example embodiment, the electronic device300may include a side member (e.g., side bezel)318, first support member411, antenna module400, second printed circuit board540, and/or flexible printed circuit board1400. The antenna module400may be disposed in the second opening4112formed in the first support member411. The flexible printed circuit board1400may electrically connect the antenna module400and the second printed circuit board540. The second printed circuit board540may include a third connector (not illustrated) disposed at one surface540bfacing the rear plate311ofFIG. 5. According to an embodiment, while the flexible printed circuit board1400is extended between the second printed circuit board540and the first support member411, a portion including the second connector1420may be bent toward the one surface540band thus the second connector1420may be connected to the third connector.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device300may include a thermally conductive member1300(seenFIG. 13), which is a heat transfer path for enabling a heat radiated from the antenna module400to flow to a heat dissipation structure (e.g., the heat dissipation structure1305ofFIG. 13).

FIG. 16is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ in the electronic device300ofFIG. 3Aaccording to an embodiment.FIG. 17is a plan view illustrating the electronic device300ofFIG. 16according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 16 and 17, in an example embodiment, the electronic device300may include a front plate302, rear plate311, side member318, first support member411, third support member461, display301, antenna module400, second support member1690, second printed circuit board540, heat transfer material1610, thermally conductive member1620, metal cover1630, and/or flexible printed circuit board1700. According to various embodiments, inFIG. 16, repeated descriptions of components identical or similar to those of reference numerals ofFIG. 5may not be repeated here. According to various embodiments, a structure related to at least some of the components ofFIG. 5may be applied to the electronic device300ofFIG. 16.

According to an embodiment, the display301may be disposed between the first support member411and the front plate302and be coupled to the front plate302. An optical transparent adhesive member560may be disposed between the front plate302and the display301. The display301may include a first layer510and a second layer520bonded to the first layer510. The first layer510may include a light emitting layer511including a plurality of pixels based on a light emitting element. The first layer510may include an optical layer512(e.g., circular polarization layer) disposed between the light emitting layer511and the optical transparent adhesive member560.

According to an embodiment, the second layer520may include a plurality of layers520-1, . . . ,520-n(n≥2) for various functions. The plurality of layers520-1, . . . ,520-nmay include, for example, an emboss layer, cushion layer, digitizer, graphite sheet, or copper sheet based on a PET film disposed sequentially in the −z axis direction. According to various embodiments, a plurality of layers included in the first layer510or the second layer520, a stacking structure or a stacking order thereof may be various. According to various embodiments, some (e.g., digitizer) of a plurality of layers of the display301may be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the second layer520may include a first opening5201. Due to the first opening5201, the display301may include a recess5202of a dug shape in a direction advancing from the rear plate311to the front plate302. The antenna module400may be inserted and disposed in the first opening5201of the second layer520. The antenna module400may be disposed at a separation distance from the first layer520.

According to an embodiment, the antenna module400may include an antenna structure800including a first printed circuit board in which an antenna array (e.g., the antenna248ofFIG. 2) is disposed. The antenna structure800may include an antenna array disposed on the first surface811, or inside the first printed circuit board closer to the first surface811than the second surface812(seeFIG. 9). The first surface811may not overlap the second layer520of the display301because of the first opening5201when viewed from above the front plate302. The first opening5201is disposed to enable a conductive material included in the second layer520not to face the antenna array disposed on the first surface811or near the first surface811to reduce decrease in a radiation performance.

According to an embodiment, the antenna module400may be disposed at the second support member1690that can replace the second support member490ofFIG. 4 or 5. The second support member1690may include a second portion1692in which the antenna module400is disposed, and a first portion1691and a third portion1693extended from the second portion1692and coupled with the first support member411. The antenna module400may be attached to the second portion1692through a bonding material580between the first layer510of the display301and the second portion1692of the second support member490. The bonding material580may be disposed between the second portion1692and the first wireless communication circuit830in the form of a chip.

According to an example embodiment, the first portion1691and/or the third portion1693of the second support member1690may be coupled to the first support member411. For example, the first portion1691and/or the third portion1693may be coupled to one surface of the first support member411facing the rear plate311through the bolt B. The first portion1691and the third portion1693may be disposed opposite each other. Thereby, the second support member1690may be disposed on the first support member411without shaking or sagging against external impacts or loads; thus, a separation distance (e.g., air gap G) between the first surface811of the antenna module400and the first layer510of the display301may be maintained.

According to an example embodiment, the second portion1692may be formed in a flat shape substantially parallel to the antenna structure800. When the second support member1690in which the antenna module400is disposed is coupled to the first support member411, the antenna module400may be disposed to face at a preset separation distance (e.g., a separation distance in consideration of a tolerance so as to secure a radiation performance) from the first layer510of the display301through the second opening4112of the first support member411and the recess5202of the display301. According to an example embodiment, the second support member1690may be formed with a plate made of various metals such as SUS to be substantially rigid. The second support member1690may be implemented with various other materials.

According to various embodiments, the second portion1692of the second support member1690may be disposed closer to the first layer510of the display301, compared with the first portion1691and/or the third portion1693. The second support member1690may include a fourth portion1694between the first portion1691and the second portion1692, and the fourth portion1694may be formed in an shape inclined to the first portion1691or the second portion1692. The second support member1690may include a fifth portion1695between the third portion1693and the second portion1692, and the fifth portion1695may be formed in a form inclined to the third portion1693or the second portion1692.

According to some embodiments (not illustrated), in order to dispose the antenna module400at a preset separation distance (e.g., a separation distance in consideration of a tolerance so as to secure a radiation performance) from the first layer510of the display301, the fourth portion1694and/or the fifth portion1695of the second support member1690may be implemented flat. According to some embodiments (not illustrated), the fourth portion1694and/or the fifth portion1695of the second support member1690may be implemented to be inclined toward the rear plate311.

According to an embodiment, the second printed circuit board540may be seated on the first support member411to cover at least a portion of the second support member1690. The second printed circuit board540may be coupled to the first support member411through a fastening element such as a bolt B. When viewed from above the rear plate311, the second printed circuit board540may cover at least a portion of the second support member1690. According to various embodiments (not illustrated), the first portion1691and/or the third portion1693of the second support member1690may be coupled to the first support member411together with the second printed circuit board540through the bolt B. According to some embodiments (not illustrated), the first portion1691and/or the third portion1693of the second support member1690may be attached to the second printed circuit board540through a bonding material such as a solder between the first support member411and the second printed circuit board540. According to some embodiments (not illustrated), the antenna module400may be attached or electrically connected to the second printed circuit board540through a bonding material. In this case, the second support member1690may be omitted, and a position of the thermally conductive member1620may vary. For example, the thermally conductive member1620may be disposed to avoid the antenna module400or may be disposed to cover at least a portion of the antenna module400.

According to an example embodiment, the thermally conductive member1620may be extended between the antenna module400and the second printed circuit board540. For example, the thermally conductive member1620may be extended between the second printed circuit board540and the second support member1690. For another example (not illustrated), the thermally conductive member1620may be extended between the second support member1690and the antenna module400. According to various embodiments, the thermally conductive member1620may be variously positioned in consideration of a disposition relationship between the antenna module400and the second printed circuit board540. The thermally conductive member1620may include, for example, a heat pipe or a heat spreader as a heat dissipation structure. According to various embodiments, the thermally conductive member1620may be implemented into various heat dissipation sheets such as a graphite sheet. A heat dissipated from various components disposed at the second printed circuit board540may be moved to the thermally conductive member1620.

For example, because of a component that consumes a lot of current such as a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG. 1such as an application processor (AP)) disposed at the second printed circuit board540, a communication module (e.g., the communication module190ofFIG. 1), or a charging module (e.g., the power management module188ofFIG. 1), or current consumption in the component, a heat may generate in the battery (e.g., the battery189ofFIG. 1). The thermally conductive member1620may distribute a heat generated inside the electronic device300so as not to be concentrated in one place. According to various embodiments, the thermally conductive member1620may be implemented into a movement path of various heats based on a phenomenon in which a heat flows from a high temperature portion to a low temperature portion. The thermally conductive member1620may be extended from between the first support member411and the second printed circuit board540to between the first support member411and the third printed circuit board. The third printed circuit board may be included in the second substrate assembly442ofFIG. 4. The thermally conductive member1620may be disposed across the battery450ofFIG. 4when viewed from above the rear plate311. The thermally conductive member1620may enable a heat dissipated from the first substrate assembly441ofFIG. 4to flow to the second substrate assembly442ofFIG. 4.

In various embodiments (not illustrated), referring toFIG. 4, the second printed circuit board540of the first substrate assembly441may be implemented to have a protruding portion extended between the side member318(e.g., the first side portion701or the second side portion702ofFIG. 7A) and the battery450. In this case, a size of the battery450may be partially reduced in the x-axis direction. According to various embodiments, a cable for electrically connecting the protruding portion and a third printed circuit board of the second substrate assembly462or an electrical path such as an FPCB may be disposed between the side member318(e.g., the first side portion701or the second side portion702ofFIG. 7A) and the battery450. In this case, the thermally conductive member1620may be extended between the side member318(e.g., the first side portion701or the second side portion702ofFIG. 7A) and the battery450, when viewed from above the rear plate311. The thermally conductive member1620may be disposed to overlap the second printed circuit board540and the third printed circuit board when viewed from above the rear plate311. The thermally conductive member1620may not overlap the battery450when viewed from above the rear plate311.

In various embodiments (not illustrated), referring toFIG. 4, instead of the second printed circuit board540of the first substrate assembly441and the third printed circuit board of the second substrate assembly442, an one-piece printed circuit board may be provided. Referring toFIGS. 4 and 7A, an one-piece printed circuit board may include a first portion disposed between the third side portion703and the battery450, a second portion disposed between the fourth side portion704and the battery450, and a third portion disposed between the first side portion701(or the second side portion702) and the battery450and connecting the first portion and the second portion. For the third portion, a size of the battery450may be partially reduced in the x-axis direction. The thermally conductive member1620may be extended between the side member318(e.g., the first side portion701or the second side portion702ofFIG. 7A) and the battery450, when viewed from above the rear plate311. The thermally conductive member1620may be disposed to overlap with the one-piece printed circuit board, when viewed from above the rear plate311. The thermally conductive member1620may not overlap the battery450when viewed from above the rear plate311.

According to various embodiments, the metal cover1630may cover at least a portion of components disposed at the second printed circuit board540between the first support member411and the second printed circuit board540. The metal cover1630may serve to shield noise and be referred to as, for example, a shield can. Noise generated from components such as the antenna module400may be shielded by the metal cover1630not to be introduced into components disposed at the second printed circuit board540. Noise generated from components disposed at the second printed circuit board540may be shielded by the metal cover1630not to be transmitted to peripheral components such as the antenna module400. According to an embodiment, the thermally conductive member1620may be extended between the metal cover1630and the second support member1690and contact the metal cover1630. A heat dissipated from components disposed at the second printed circuit board540may be moved to the thermally conductive member1620seated on the metal cover through the metal cover1630to be spread or dispersed from the thermally conductive member1620. The second substrate assembly442ofFIG. 4may include a metal cover that covers at least a portion of the third printed circuit board, and the thermally conductive member1620may be extended to the second substrate assembly442to contact the metal cover.

According to an example embodiment, the heat transfer material1610may be disposed between the second support member1690(e.g., the second portion1692) and the thermally conductive member1620. A heat radiated from the antenna module400(e.g., the first wireless communication circuit830) may move to the thermally conductive member1620through the heat transfer material1610. The heat transfer material1610may include various materials (e.g., polymer) having high thermal conductivity, such as a thermal interface material (TIM).

According to various embodiments, the bonding material580between the antenna module400and the second support member490may include a heat transfer material. At least a portion of a heat dissipated from the antenna module400may move to the second support member490through a bonding material. According to various embodiments, various heat transfer paths (or media) or heat transfer structures for moving a heat dissipated from the antenna module400to the heat conductive member1620may be provided.

According to an example embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board1700(seeFIG. 17) may electrically connect the antenna module400and the second printed circuit board540. A connector (not illustrated) disposed at one end of the flexible printed circuit board1700may be electrically connected to a connector (not illustrated) disposed at the second printed circuit board540between the first support member411and the second printed circuit board540. According to some embodiments (not illustrated), the flexible printed circuit board1700may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board540in the same manner as the flexible printed circuit board1400ofFIG. 15.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device300ofFIG. 5) may include: a housing (e.g., the housing310ofFIG. 3A) including a front plate (e.g., the front plate302ofFIG. 5), a rear plate (e.g., the rear plate311ofFIG. 5) disposed opposite the front plate, and a side bezel (e.g., the side member318ofFIG. 5) enclosing at least a portion of a space between the front plate and the rear plate. The electronic device may include a display (e.g., the display301ofFIG. 5) disposed in the space and visible through at least a portion of the front plate. The display may include a first layer (e.g., the first layer510ofFIG. 5 or 6) including a plurality of pixels. The display may include a second layer (e.g., the opening520ofFIG. 5 or 6) disposed at the first layer and including an opening (e.g., the opening5201ofFIG. 5 or 6). The electronic device may include an antenna module (e.g., the antenna module400ofFIG. 5 or 6) disposed in the space. The antenna module may include a printed circuit board (e.g., the antenna structure800ofFIG. 5) including a first surface (e.g., the first surface811ofFIG. 5 or 8) facing away from the first layer through the opening and a second surface (e.g., the second surface812ofFIG. 9) facing opposite the first surface. The antenna module may include at least one antenna element (e.g., the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824ofFIG. 8) disposed on the first surface811, or inside the printed circuit board closer to the first surface than the second surface. The antenna module may include a communication circuit (e.g., the communication circuit830ofFIG. 5) disposed at the second surface and configured to transmit and/or receive signals of a selected or designated frequency band through the at least one antenna element.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the communication circuit (e.g., the communication circuit830ofFIG. 5) may be configured to form a beam pattern toward the front plate (e.g., the front plate302ofFIG. 5) through the at least one antenna element (e.g., the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824ofFIG. 8).

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the selected or designated frequency band may include a range of 6 GHz to 100 GHz or a range of 24 GHz or more.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one antenna element may include an antenna array (e.g., the antenna array820ofFIG. 8) having a plurality of antenna elements.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of antenna elements (e.g., the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824ofFIG. 8) may include a patch antenna or a dipole antenna.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the second layer (e.g., the second layer520ofFIG. 5 or 6) may include at least one of a material that shields light, a material that absorbs or shields electromagnetic waves, or a material that diffuses a heat.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the first surface (e.g., the first surface811ofFIG. 5) may be disposed in the opening (e.g., the opening5201ofFIG. 5).

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the first surface (e.g., the first surface811ofFIG. 5) may be disposed outside the opening (e.g., the opening5201ofFIG. 5).

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include: a first support (e.g., the first support member411ofFIG. 5) disposed in the space and connected to the side bezel (e.g., the side member318ofFIG. 5) or integrally formed with the side bezel. The electronic device may further include a second support (e.g., the second support member490ofFIG. 5) connecting the support first support and the antenna module (e.g., the antenna module400ofFIG. 5).

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the second support (e.g., the second support member490ofFIG. 5) may include at least one first portion (e.g., the first portion491ofFIG. 5or the first portion1691and/or the third portion1693ofFIG. 16) coupled with the first support (e.g., the first support member411ofFIG. 5), and a second portion (e.g., the second portion492ofFIG. 5or the second portion1692ofFIG. 6) extending from the first portion and in which the antenna module (e.g., the antenna module400ofFIG. 5) is disposed.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the first support (e.g., the first support member411ofFIG. 5) may include a second opening (e.g., the second opening4112ofFIG. 5) at least partially overlapping the opening (e.g., the first opening5201ofFIG. 5) of the second layer (e.g., the second layer520ofFIG. 5), when viewed from above the front plate (e.g., the front plate302ofFIG. 5). The antenna module (e.g., the antenna module400ofFIG. 5) may be inserted into the second opening.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the second portion (e.g., the second portion492ofFIG. 5or the second portion1692ofFIG. 16) may be disposed closer to the display (e.g., the display301ofFIG. 5) than the first portion (e.g., the first portion491ofFIG. 5, the first portion1691or the third portion1693ofFIG. 16).

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the second support (e.g., the second support member490ofFIG. 5) may comprise a thermally conductive material. The electronic device may further include a thermally conductive bonding material (e.g., the bonding material580ofFIG. 5) disposed between the second portion (e.g., the second portion492ofFIG. 5or the second portion1692ofFIG. 16) and the antenna module (e.g., the antenna module400ofFIG. 5).

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include a thermally conductive member (e.g., the thermally conductive member1300ofFIG. 13or the thermally conductive member1620ofFIG. 16) disposed to overlap the antenna module (e.g., the antenna module400ofFIG. 5), when viewed from above the front plate (e.g., the front plate302ofFIG. 5), in the space.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the thermally conductive member may include a heat pipe or a heat spreader.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include a heat pipe or a heat spreader (e.g., the heat dissipation structure1305ofFIG. 13) connected to the thermally conductive member (e.g., the thermally conductive member1300ofFIG. 13).

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device300ofFIG. 5) may include: a housing (e.g., the housing310ofFIG. 3A) including a front plate (e.g., the front plate302ofFIG. 5), a rear plate (e.g., the rear plate311ofFIG. 5) disposed opposite the front plate, and a side bezel (e.g., the side member318ofFIG. 5) enclosing at least a portion of a space between the front plate and the rear plate. The electronic device may include a display (e.g., the display301ofFIG. 5) disposed in the space and visible through at least a portion of the front plate. The display may include a first layer (e.g., the first layer510ofFIG. 5 or 6) including a plurality of pixels. The display may include a second layer (e.g., the second layer520ofFIG. 5 or 6) disposed at the first layer and including an opening (e.g., the first opening5201ofFIG. 5 or 6). The electronic device may include an antenna module (e.g., the antenna module400ofFIG. 5 or 6) disposed in the space. The antenna module may include a printed circuit board (e.g., the antenna structure800ofFIG. 5 or 8) including a first surface (e.g., the first surface811ofFIG. 5 or 8) facing away from the first layer through the opening and a second surface (e.g., the second surface812ofFIG. 9) facing opposite the first surface. The antenna module may include at least one antenna element (e.g., the plurality of antenna elements821,822,823, and824ofFIG. 8) disposed on the first surface811, or inside the printed circuit board closer to the first surface than the second surface, the antenna element configured to form a beam pattern toward the front plate. The antenna module may include a communication circuit (e.g., the communication circuit830ofFIG. 5) disposed at the second surface and configured to transmit and/or receive signals of a selected or designated frequency band through the at least one antenna element. The electronic device may include a thermally conductive member (e.g., the thermally conductive members1300and1305ofFIG. 13or the thermally conductive member1620ofFIG. 16) disposed in the space and connected to the antenna module.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the thermally conductive member may include a heat pipe or a heat spreader.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include a first support (e.g., the first support member411ofFIG. 5) disposed in the space and connected to the side bezel (e.g., the side member318ofFIG. 5) or integrally formed with the side bezel. The electronic device may include a second support (e.g., the second support member490ofFIG. 5or the second support member1690ofFIG. 16) connecting the first support and the antenna module (e.g., the antenna module400ofFIG. 5). The second support may include at least one first portion (e.g., the first portion491ofFIG. 5or the first portion1691and/or the third portion1693ofFIG. 16) coupled with the first support, and a second portion (e.g., the second portion492ofFIG. 5or the second portion1692ofFIG. 16) extending from the first portion and in which the antenna module is disposed. The thermally conductive member may extend between the second portion and the antenna module.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the first support (e.g., the first support member411ofFIG. 5) may include a second opening (e.g., the second opening4112ofFIG. 5) at least partially overlapping the opening (e.g., the first opening5201ofFIG. 5) of the second layer (e.g., the second layer520ofFIG. 5 or 6), when viewed from above the front plate (e.g., the front plate302ofFIG. 5). The antenna module (e.g., the antenna module400ofFIG. 5 or 6) may be inserted into the second opening.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, because an antenna module can transmit and/or receive radio waves by radiating energy toward a front surface of an electronic device in which a display is disposed, coverage toward the front surface can be secured.

Further, effects that can be obtained or predicted because of various example embodiments of the disclosure are disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description.