Antenna device and electronic device having the same

Disclosed are an antenna device and an electronic device that includes the antenna device. The antenna device includes a power feeding unit, a ground unit, a radiating unit that is electrically connected to the power feeding unit, and a switching element that selects one or more points from a plurality of different points of the ground unit and connects the radiating unit to the selected one or more points.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Korean Patent Application Serial no. 10-2015-0028663, which was filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Feb. 27, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to an electronic device, and more particularly, to an electronic device that is provided with an antenna.

2. Description of the Related Art

An electronic device performs a specific function according to an installed program, such as an electronic scheduler, a portable multimedia reproducer, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet personal computer (PC), an image/sound device, a desktop/laptop PC, a vehicular navigation system, or a home appliance. Such an electronic device may output information stored therein as sound or an image.

As the integration degree of such an electronic device has increased, and super-high speed and large capacity wireless communication has been popularized, various functions have recently been installed in a single mobile communication terminal. In addition to a communication function, a game, multimedia, communication and security for mobile banking, schedule management, and e-wallet function are now integrated in a single electronic device.

An antenna device is required in order to enable wireless communication. The antenna device is installed a sufficient distance away from other circuit devices in order to prevent the antenna device from interfering with the other circuit devices in the process of transmitting/receiving a high frequency signal. An electronic device, which performs super-high speed and large capacity wireless communication and complies with the standards of fourth generation (4G) mobile communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) communication standards, is connected to a commercial communication network through various frequency bands. For the purpose of connecting various frequency bands in a single electronic device, the antenna device is provided with a plurality of radiators, of which the number corresponds to the number of the frequency bands.

It is difficult to install an antenna device in the conventional art when the thickness of the electronic device is reduced for portability while providing a larger-type display device. For example, it is necessary to reduce the thickness of the electronic device in order to secure the portability of the electronic device. However, there is a limit in the number of radiators that can be implemented to cope with various wireless communication frequency bands while securing a sufficient distance for preventing the radiators from interfering with other circuit devices.

As such, there is a need in the art for a simply-constructed antenna device that is capable of coping with various frequency bands while preventing interference with other devices.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been made to address the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages, and to provide at least the advantages described below.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an antenna device that may be easily miniaturized while coping with various frequency bands, and an electronic device that is provided with the antenna device.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an antenna device includes a power feeding unit, a ground unit, a radiating unit that is electrically connected to the power feeding unit, and a switching element that selects one or more points from a plurality of different points on the ground unit and connects the radiating unit to the selected one or more points.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a processor and an antenna device. The antenna device includes a processor and an antenna device, wherein the antenna device includes a power feeding unit, a ground unit, a radiating unit that is electrically connected to the power feeding unit, and a switching element that selects one or more points from a plurality of different points on the ground unit and connects a point of the radiating unit to the selected one or more points of the ground unit, and wherein the processor adjusts a resonance frequency of the antenna device by operating the switching element.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a portable electronic device includes an external housing including a first face, a second face that is opposite to the first face, and a side wall that encloses a space between the first face and the second face, the side wall including a first portion that includes metal, a printed circuit board that forms a face, which is substantially parallel to the first face, within the external housing, and includes a first region having a ground and a second region having an insulating material, a switching element that includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, a communication module that is included within the external housing, a first electric path that interconnects the communication module and a first position of the first portion, a second electric path that is connected to the first terminal of the switching element, and is connected to the first electric path in the second region, a third electric path that is connected to the second terminal of the switching element and a first point of the ground, and a fourth electric path that is connected to the third terminal of the switching element and a second point of the ground, different than the first point.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

As used herein, the expressions “have”, “may have”, “include”, or “may include” refer to the existence of a corresponding feature, such as a numeral, function, operation, or constituent element, and do not exclude one or more additional features.

In the present disclosure, the expressions “A or B”, “at least one of A or/and B”, or “one or more of A or/and B” include all possible combinations of the items listed. For example, the expressions “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, or “at least one of A or B” refer to all of (1) including A, (2) including B, and (3) including all of A and B.

The expressions “a first”, “a second”, “the first”, or “the second” used in embodiments of the present disclosure may modify various components regardless of the order and/or the importance but does not limit the corresponding components. For example, a first user device and a second user device indicate different user devices although both are user devices. A first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that when an element, such as a first element, is referred to as being operatively or communicatively “connected,” or “coupled,” to another element, such as a second element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the second element or any other element, such as a third element, may be interposed between the first and second elements. In contrast, it may be understood that when a first element is referred to as being “directly connected,” or “directly coupled” to a second element, there is no third element interposed between the first and second elements.

The expression “configured to” used in the present disclosure may be used interchangeably with, for example, “suitable for”, “having the capacity to”, “designed to”, “adapted to”, “made to”, or “capable of” according to the situation. The term “configured to” may not necessarily imply “specifically designed to” in hardware. Alternatively, in some situations, the expression “device configured to” may indicate that the device, together with other devices or components, “is able to”. For example, the phrase “processor adapted (or configured) to perform A, B, and C” may indicate a dedicated or embedded processor only for performing the corresponding operations or a generic-purpose processor, such as central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP) that can perform the corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

The terms used herein are merely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. As used herein, singular forms may include plural forms as well unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the present disclosure, an electronic device may be a random device, and may be referred to as a terminal, a portable terminal, a mobile terminal, a communication terminal, a portable communication terminal, a portable mobile terminal, or a display device, for example.

According to some embodiments, the electronic device may be a home appliance such as a television, a digital video disk (DVD) player, an audio player, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a vacuum cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, an air cleaner, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a TV box, such as Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™, a game console, such as Xbox™ and PlayStation™, an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, and an electronic photo frame.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes at least one of various medical devices, such as a blood glucose monitoring, heart rate monitoring, blood pressure measuring, and a body temperature measuring device, a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a computed tomography (CT) machine, and an ultrasonic machine), a navigation device, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, an event data recorder (EDR), a flight data recorder (FDR), a vehicle infotainment devices, an electronic device for a ship, such as a ship navigation device and a gyro-compass, avionics, security devices, an automotive head unit, a robot for home or industry, an automatic teller machine (ATM), point of sales (POS) device in a shop, or an Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as a light bulb, various sensors, electric or gas meter, sprinkler device, fire alarm, thermostat, streetlamp, toaster, sporting goods, hot water tank, heater, or boiler.

According to some embodiments, the electronic device includes at least one of a part of furniture or a building/structure, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, and various types of measuring instruments, such as a water meter, an electric meter, a gas meter, and a radio wave meter. In various embodiments, the electronic device may be a combination of one or more of the aforementioned various devices, and may be a flexible device. The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned devices, and may include a new electronic device according to the development of new technologies.

As used herein, the term “user” indicates a person who uses an electronic device or an artificial intelligence electronic device that uses an electronic device.

The electronic device may be a smartphone, a portable phone, a game player, a television (TV), a display unit, a heads-up display unit for a vehicle, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a tablet personal computer (PC), a personal media player (PMP), or a personal digital assistant (PDA), for example. The electronic device may be implemented as a portable communication terminal which has a wireless communication function and a pocket size, and may be a flexible device or a flexible display device.

The electronic device communicates with an external electronic device, such as a server, or performs an operation through an interworking with the external electronic device. For example, the electronic device transmits an image photographed by a camera and/or position information detected by a sensor unit to the server through a network. The network may be a mobile or cellular communication network, a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or a small area network (SAN) but is not limited thereto.

It is noted that the terms “low frequency band” and “high frequency band” may be used in describing specific embodiments of the present disclosure in order to differentiate a plurality of different resonance frequencies, which are formed by an antenna device according to any one of embodiments of the present disclosure, relative to each other. For example, even if a resonance frequency of 1.8 GHz is defined as a high frequency band in one embodiment, it may be a low frequency in another embodiment. When an antenna device of one embodiment forms a resonance frequency in each of two different frequency bands, the relatively high frequency may be defined as a “high frequency band” and the relatively low frequency may be defined as a “low frequency band.”

Specific frequency values for the “low frequency band” and the “high frequency band” may be represented in describing a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. However, this is merely to assist in the understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the respective frequency values of resonance frequency bands that are formed by antenna devices may be properly changed, depending on the use environment of an electronic device or the frequency band that is allocated to a service provider.

In describing the various embodiments of the antenna device illustrated in the drawings, the components that can be easily understood through the configuration of the preceding embodiment, will be denoted by the same reference numerals or the reference numerals will be omitted, and the detailed descriptions thereof will also be omitted, for conciseness.

FIG. 1is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1, an electronic device1includes a case member2a, a frame2bthat is arranged around one face of the case member2ato form a side wall, and an antenna device that uses at least a portion of a case2, which is formed of the case member2aand the frame2b, as a radiating conductor.

The case2has a front-opened shape, in which the case member2aforms the rear face of the case2, and the frame2bforms a side wall so that a front-opened accommodation space is formed. The case2is at least partially made of a metal material. The other portion is made of a synthetic resin. For example, the case member2amay include a synthetic resin, and a portion or all of the frame2bmay include a metal material. When the case2is made of a combination of the metal material and the synthetic resin, the case2is molded by insert injection molding. For example, when the case member2ais molded by introducing a molten resin into a mold when the frame2b, which is formed of a metal material, is seated in the mold, the frame2bis joined to the case member2asimultaneously with the molding of the case member2a, thereby forming the case2. The metal material portion of the frame2bmay form a portion of the antenna device of the electronic device1.

The electronic device1further includes a front cover3that is mounted on the front face of the case2. The front cover3may be formed of a window member, to which a display device3ais coupled. According to various embodiments, a touch panel is incorporated into the front cover3and thereby provides a touch function of an input device.

The electronic device1includes one or more of circuit boards4and6that are accommodated in the case2. The case2accommodates the circuit boards4and6, on which electronic components, such as an integrated circuit chip4aof an AP, a communication module, a memory, an audio module, and a power management module, a storage medium socket4b, various sensors and connectors4c, or an antenna device or an external device connecting connector6aare mounted.

Various electronic components recited above may be distributed and arranged on the first and second circuit boards4and6, respectively. For example, the integrated circuit chip4amay be arranged on the first circuit board4, and a portion of the antenna device or the external device connecting connector6amay be arranged on the second circuit board6. The integrated circuit chip4aincludes at least one of the AP, the communication module, and the audio module.

Each of the first and second circuit boards4and6may be fabricated to be suitable for the shape of the space that is provided by the case2. For example, the case2provides a mounting recess2ffor accommodating a battery, and the first and second circuit boards4and6may be fabricated in a shape that is suitable to be arranged around the mounting recess2fwithin the case2.

The electronic device1further includes a support member5that is accommodated in the case2. The support member5enhances the mechanical rigidity of the electronic device1, and protects and isolates the various electronic components inside the electronic device1in relation to each other. For example, various electronic components, such as the integrated circuit chip4a, are mounted on the first and second circuit boards4and6. When the electronic components directly face and come in contact with the front cover3, the front cover3may be damaged. The support member5is arranged between the first and second circuit boards4and6and the front cover3, prevents the electronic components from coming into direct contact with the front cover3, and shields electromagnetic waves that are generated by the above-mentioned electronic components while the electronic components are operated, thereby blocking the electromagnetic waves from influencing the operation of the other electronic components.

For example, as the support member5is arranged, the front cover3conducts a stable operation without being influenced by the electromagnetic waves that are generated by the other electronic components. The support member5provides various structures, on which the first and second circuit boards4and6may be fixedly mounted, and supports the front cover3and thereby stably maintains the flat shape of the front cover3.

The electronic device1includes a rear cover member8that is provided to be attachable to/detachable from the rear face of the case2. When the cover member8is separated, the mounting recess2fis opened so that a user may exchange and use a battery. Among the above-mentioned electronic components the storage medium socket2bis exposed to the rear face of the case2. The cover member8is mounted on the rear face of the case2and thereby isolates and protects the mounting recess2for the storage medium socket4bfrom the external environment.

FIG. 2is an exploded perspective view illustrating an antenna device of an electronic device100, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 3is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a portion of the antenna device of the electronic device100according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of another portion of the antenna device of the electronic device100according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

The antenna device of the electronic device100is connected to a communication module, which is provided in the form of an integrated circuit chip among the above-mentioned electronic components, or is provided in the form of a combination of integrated circuit chips, and thereby provides a wireless transmission/reception function. The antenna device uses, as a radiating conductor, a portion of a metal material, such as a portion of the frame101b, which is exposed to the outside of the electronic device100.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating an antenna device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 2, the antenna device100includes a power feeding unit101, a ground unit103, a radiating unit105, and a switching element107.

The power feeding unit101is electrically connected to the radiating unit105and applies a signal current to the radiating unit105so as to supply a high frequency signal, or receives another high frequency signal through the radiating unit105.

The radiating unit105is implemented in various forms such as a rod, a meander line, a patch, or a microstrip, and is connected to be electrically connected to the power feeding unit101, to transmit/receive a high frequency signal in at least one frequency band.

The switching element107selects any one point among a plurality of different points132,134, and136of the ground unit103, and connects the radiating unit105to the selected point. The switching element107includes a first terminal171that is connected to one junction151between the power feeding unit101and the radiating unit105, and a plurality of second terminals173a,173b, and173cthat are arranged to correspond to different points132,134, and136on the ground unit103, respectively. For example, the second terminals173a,173b, and173cmay be electrically connected to the points132,134, and136, respectively. As the switching element107is operated, the second terminal173a,173b, or173c, which is connected to the first terminal171, may be changed, and the electric length of the radiating unit105may be set depending on the position of the second terminal173a,173b, or173c, which is connected to the first terminal171, such as a corresponding one of different points132,134, and136on the ground unit103.

Depending on the position of the second terminal173a,173b, or173cthat is connected to the first terminal171, the electric length of the radiating unit105may be changed. For example, when the switching element107connects second terminal173ato the first terminal171, the electric length of the radiating unit105is proportional to the length of a first route {circle around (1)} that is set from the second terminal that is indicated by reference numeral “173a.” When the switching element107connects second terminal173bto the first terminal171, the electric length of the radiating unit105is proportional to the length of a second route {circle around (2)} that is set from the second terminal that is indicated by reference numeral “173b.” When the switching element107connects second terminal173cto the first terminal171, the electric length of the radiating unit105is proportional to the length of a third route {circle around (3)} that is set from the second terminal that is indicated by reference numeral “173c.”

The electric length of the radiating unit105corresponds to an impedance value according to the first, second, or third route a {circle around (1)}, {circle around (2)}, or {circle around (3)}, such as a resistance R, an inductive reactance L, or a capacitive reactance C, and may be changed depending on the forms of the first, second, and third routes {circle around (1)}, {circle around (2)}, or {circle around (3)}, or the form of the ground unit103. In this manner, the electric length of the radiating unit105in the antenna device100may be changed by selecting any one point among the plurality of different points132,134, and136of the ground unit103, and connecting the radiating unit105to the selected point. The resonance frequency band of the antenna device can be adjusted depending on the position of the second terminal173a,173b, or173cwhere the switching element107is connected to the first terminal171.

FIG. 3illustrates an internal construct of an electronic device that includes the antenna device illustrated inFIG. 2.FIG. 4illustrates a state in which the ground unit and the switching element of the antenna device illustrated inFIG. 3are connected to each other.

The shape or structure of the antenna device illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4exemplifies the configuration illustrated inFIG. 2, and may be variously changed depending on the shape of an installation space in which the electronic device10is allowed, or a resonance frequency band that is required by the electronic device10.

Referring toFIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the electronic device10, which includes the antenna device, includes circuit boards21and25, and a battery24that is electrically connected to the circuit boards21and25, thereby supplying power to the circuit boards21and25.

The circuit boards include a first circuit board21and a second circuit board25that is electrically connected to the first circuit board21. The first circuit board21may be provided as a main circuit board. For example, a drive circuit of a display module of the electronic device10, a communication circuit and various connectors of the electronic device10, which provide an interface with a user, a connection to another electronic device or a commercial communication network, and a sensor module of the electronic device10are mounted on the main circuit board. The second circuit board25is connected to the first circuit board21through a connector22, and is constituted with a portion of the first circuit board21. The second circuit board25is provided with a connecting member28, which provides an electric connecting means between the electronic device10and an external device, such as a charger.

The second circuit board25includes a conductive region103, which provides the ground unit, and a non-conductive region104. For example, the conductive region103of the second circuit board25may be used as the ground unit103. In the following detailed description, therefore, the ground unit and the conductive region are denoted by the same reference numeral “103.” The ground unit103includes a first ground portion131, a second ground portion133that extends from the first ground portion131, and a third ground portion135that extends from the second ground portion133and is arranged to be adjacent to the first ground portion131.

For example, the first ground portion131extends vertically from one end of the second ground portion133, and the third ground portion135extends vertically from the other end of the second ground portion133to be parallel to the first ground portion131. The non-conductive region104is made of a material that does prevents the flow of current, and is formed among the first to third ground portions131,133, and135. The conductive region103is formed on the second circuit board25, and the non-conductive region104in the form of a slot is formed by removing a portion of the conductive region103, so that the ground unit103has generally a square or rectangular “” shape. However, the shape of the ground unit103is not limited to the “” shape, and may have various shapes, such as a “C” shape or an “L” shape, such that the conductive region103encloses two or more sides of the non-conductive region104.

A radiating portion26of the case of the electronic device10is included in the radiating unit105, is made of a conductive material, and is electrically connected to the power feeding unit101.

The switching element107is provided in the non-conductive region104of the second circuit board25inFIG. 4. However, the switching element107may instead be provided in the conductive region103of the second circuit board25. The switching element107may be configured such that the first terminal171is connected to one junction151between the power feeding unit101and the radiating portion26of the case, and may be formed as a switch that includes one input route and three or more output routes.

For example, the switching element107may be a single pole 3 throw (SP3T) switch that has one input route and three output routes, a single pole double throw (SPDT) switch that has one input route and two output routes, or a single pole quad throw (SPQT) switch that has one input route and four output routes. Such switching elements may be implemented as a switch that uses a semiconductor element, or as a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) or a tunable element, such as a capacitance variable element.

The second terminals of the switching element107are arranged at a first point175athat is positioned at one end of the first ground portion131, a second point175bthat is positioned in a portion of the first ground portion131other than the first point175a, and a third point175cthat is positioned in a portion of the third ground portion135different than the first and second points175aand175b, respectively. However, the second terminals of the switching element107are not limited thereto, and the number and positions of the second terminals may be properly set depending on resonance frequency bands that are required by the electronic device and the number of the resonance frequency bands. The switching element107is electrically connected to the first circuit board21through a conducting line23, such as a printed circuit pattern that is mounted in the second circuit board25.

For example, the conducting line23provides a signal or power supply route for controlling the switching operation of the switching element107. As the conducting line23is mounted within the second circuit board25, such as on the ground unit103, the conducting line23is prevented from electromagnetically interfering with the radiating portion26of the case that acts as the radiator105ofFIG. 2. That is, since the second circuit board25acts as the ground unit103and the conducting line23is mounted within the second circuit board25, the radiation efficiency of the radiator105is maintained and improved.

When the radiating unit105is electrically connected to the first point175aas the switching element107is operated, the first route {circle around (1)}, which is formed along the first, second and third ground portions131,133, and135from the first point175a, provides an electric ground to the radiating unit105. In this instance, the radiating unit105is operated in the first resonance frequency band.

When the radiating unit105is connected to the ground unit103via the second point175b, the second route {circle around (2)}, which is formed along the first, second, and third ground portions131,133, and135from the second point175b, provides an electric ground to the radiating unit105. In this instance, the radiating unit105is operated in the second resonance frequency band. When the radiating unit105is connected to the ground unit103via the third point175c, the third route {circle around (3)}, which is formed along the third ground portion135from the third point175c, provides an electric ground to the radiating unit105. In this instance, the radiating unit105is operated in the third resonance frequency band.

As described above, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the antenna device100selects any one point among the first to third points175a,175b, and175cand connects the radiating unit105by using the switching element107, so that any one of the first to third resonance frequency bands can be selected.

In configuring the ground unit103, a wiring structure can be simplified according to the shapes of the first to third ground portions131,133, and135and the arrangement of the switching element107. For example, since the first to third ground portions131,133, and135are arranged around the switching element107, the wiring length for connecting the different points on the ground unit103to the switching element107as well as the installation space of the antenna device100are reduced.

FIGS. 5 and 6are graphs representing radiating characteristics of an antenna device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5, which will be described in reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, represents a total radiation efficiency, measured in decibels (dB), of the antenna device100that was measured according to the operation of the switching element107. the resonance frequency can be adjusted (shifted) by about 100 MHz from the frequency band of about 800 MHz by the operation of the switching element107.

When the radiating unit105is electrically connected to the second point175bby the operation of the switching element107, the antenna device100can form resonance frequencies in 700 MHz and 1850 MHz bands, as indicated by S1inFIG. 5. As described above, the radiating unit105may be configured to include at least one of the conductive elements of the electronic device, such as all or the radiating portion26of the case.

When the switching element107is operated so that the radiating unit, such as the radiating portion26of the case, is connected to the ground unit103through the first point175a, the antenna device100forms resonance frequencies in 850 MHz and 1850 MHz bands, as indicated by S2inFIG. 5.

In this manner, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the antenna device100can secure resonance frequencies in different frequency bands, such as a low frequency band of about 800 MHz and a high frequency band of about 1850 MHz, and the resonance frequency of the low frequency band can be adjusted depending on the position where the radiating unit, at the radiating portion26of the case, is connected to the ground unit103through the switching element107.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the antenna device100can stably maintain the resonance frequency of the high frequency band and the radiation efficiency, even if the low frequency band is changed. The resonance frequency of the antenna device100can be adjusted by adjusting the electric length of the radiating portion26by changing the first and second points175aand175bwhere the radiating portion26is connected to the ground unit103, even if the resonance frequency is not adjusted by adjusting the electric length of the radiating portion26.

FIG. 6is a graph representing the total radiation efficiency of the electronic device when the user of the electronic device grips the electronic device, such as by hand.

First, referring toFIG. 5, before a degradation of the radiation efficiency is caused due to the influence of the user's body, such as a hand, the antenna device may have a radiation efficiency of about −6 dB in the band of about 800 MHz.

Referring toFIG. 6, as described above with reference toFIG. 5or the like, when the antenna device, which is configured by feeding power into a PCB, forms a resonance frequency in the band of about 800 MHz, the total radiation efficiency of −10 dB or more is obtained. When the user's body comes close to the radiating unit of the antenna device, such as when the user grips the side face metal of the electronic device by a hand, the total radiation efficiency may be degraded to about −15 dB, as indicated by S4inFIG. 6. On the contrary, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, since the antenna is not configured by feeding power into a PCB, the total radiation efficiency of about −12 dB is obtained, as indicated by S3inFIG. 6, in the band of about 800 MHz when influenced by the user's body. For example, when there is interference by the user's body, the antenna device according to embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the radiation efficiency by about 3 dB, compared to the antenna device that is configured by feeding power into a PCB.

FIG. 7is a block diagram illustrating an antenna device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 7, the antenna device100afurther includes a ground line153that is branched between the junction151and the switching element107and is connected to the ground unit103. The ground line153bypasses the switching element107and connects the radiating unit105to the ground unit103, without passing through the switching element107. For example, when the first terminal171of the switching element107is not connected to one of the second terminals173a,173b, and173c, the radiating unit105is electrically connected to the ground unit103along the ground line153. Therefore, the electric length of the radiating unit105is proportional to the length of a fourth route {circle around (4)} that is set by the ground line153.

FIG. 8illustrates a state in which the ground unit and the switching element of the antenna device illustrated inFIG. 7are connected to each other.FIGS. 9 and 10are graphs representing radiating characteristics of the antenna device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the ground line153is branched between the junction151and the switching element107, and is connected to a portion175dof the ground unit103.

The switching element107cuts off the electric connection to the ground unit103such that the radiating unit105does not pass through the first to third routes {circle around (1)}, {circle around (2)}, or {circle around (3)}. At this time, the radiating unit105is provided with a ground that is set by the fourth route {circle around (4)} that is formed along the ground line153to form a resonance frequency in the 700 MHz band, as indicated by T1inFIG. 9.

Upon being electrically connected to the first point175aas the switching element107is operated, the radiating unit105is simultaneously provided with the ground set by the fourth route {circle around (4)} that is formed along the ground line153, together with the ground set by the first route {circle around (1)} that is formed along the first to third ground portions131,133, and135from the first point175a. As illustrated inFIG. 9, since the radiating unit105is simultaneously provided with the grounds that are set by the first route {circle around (1)} and the fourth route {circle around (4)}, the antenna device100aforms a resonance frequency in the 900 MHz band, as indicated by T4inFIG. 9, and secures a radiation efficiency of about −10 dB or more such that the antenna device100acan perform a stable wireless transmission/reception function.

Upon being electrically connected to the second point175bas the switching element107is operated, the radiating unit105is simultaneously provided with the ground set by the fourth route {circle around (4)} that is formed along the ground line153, together with the ground set by the second route {circle around (2)} that is formed along the first to third ground portions131,133, and135from the second point175b. As illustrated in the graph ofFIG. 10, since the radiating unit105is simultaneously provided with the grounds that are set by the second route {circle around (2)} and the fourth route {circle around (4)}, the antenna device100aforms a resonance frequency in the 850 MHz band, as indicated by T3, and secures a radiation efficiency of about −10 dB or more such that the antenna device100acan perform a stable wireless transmission/reception function.

Upon being electrically connected to the third point175cas the switching element107is operated, the radiating unit105is simultaneously provided with the ground set by the fourth route {circle around (4)} that is formed along the ground line153, together with the ground that is set by the third route {circle around (3)} that is formed along the third ground portion135from the third point175c. As illustrated inFIG. 9, since the radiating unit105is simultaneously provided with the grounds that are set by the third route {circle around (3)} and the fourth route {circle around (4)}, the antenna device100aforms a resonance frequency in the 750 MHz band, as indicated by T2inFIG. 9, and forms a resonance frequency in the 750 MHz band and secures a radiation efficiency of about −10 dB or more such that the antenna device100acan perform a stable wireless transmission/reception function.

FIG. 11is a block diagram illustrating an antenna device that is provided in an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 12illustrates a state in which matching elements are provided between the ground unit and the switching element in the antenna device illustrated inFIG. 11.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, the antenna device100bthat is provided in an electronic device further includes matching elements177that are provided between the ground unit103and the switching element107.

The matching elements177, which have different electric characteristics, are provided on the routes that connect one of the first to third points132,134, and136of the ground unit103to the switching element107. The matching elements177include a matching circuit that is formed of any one of lumped elements (LEs), such as a resistive element, a capacitive element, and an inductive element, or a combination of these elements.

FIG. 13is a block diagram illustrating an antenna device that is provided in an electronic device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 14illustrates a state in which the ground unit and the switching element of the antenna device illustrated inFIG. 13are connected to each other.

Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14, a switching element107a, which is applied to an antenna device100c, includes first, second and third matching elements177a,177b, and177c.

The first matching element177ais provided between the junction151and the first point175a, the second matching element177bis provided between the junction151and the second point175b, and the third matching element177cis provided between the junction151and the third point175C. The matching elements177a,177b, and177cmay be a matching circuit that is formed of any one of a resistive element, a capacitive element, and an inductive element, or a combination of these elements.

The switching element107ais capable of causing a ground to be provided through a route that is provided with a matching element177a,177b, or177c, which corresponds to the frequency band of signal power provided to the radiating unit105, among the first to third routes {circle around (1)}, {circle around (2)}, or {circle around (3)}, thereby adjusting the resonance frequency band of the antenna device100c. The route, which corresponds to the frequency band of signal power provided to the radiating unit105, may be formed by any one or a combination of two or more of the first to third routes {circle around (1)}, {circle around (2)}, or {circle around (3)}.

FIG. 15is a block diagram illustrating an antenna device that is provided in an electronic device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 15, an antenna device100dfurther includes a connecting line181that crosses the non-conductive region104that connects a fourth point175e, and a fifth point175fof the ground unit103to each other, and a second switching element108that is provided on the connecting line181.

The second switching element108opens/closes the electric connection between the fourth point175eand the fifth point175fof the ground unit103. As the second switching element108opens/closes the electric connection between the fourth point175eand the fifth point175f, the electric length of the radiating portion26may be changed. For example, when a first frequency band of the antenna device100d, such as the low frequency band of about 800 MHz, is adjusted, a problem may occur in that the radiation efficiency of a second frequency band of the antenna device100d, such as the high frequency band of about 1850 MHz, is degraded. In that case, as the second switching element108electrically connects or cuts off the fourth point175eand the fifth point175fof the ground unit103, the radiation efficiency of the second frequency band can be stably maintained.

The second switching element108includes matching elements that include a matching circuit formed of any one of LEs, such as a resistive element, a capacitive element, and an inductive element, or a combination of these elements. For example, the second switching element108may be a capacitive element of about 1.2 pF.

FIGS. 16 and 17are graphs representing radiating characteristics of an antenna device according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 16, the graph indicated by G1represents the radiation efficiency of the antenna device when the connecting line181is cut off by the second switching element108while the radiating portion26is provided with the ground of the first route {circle around (1)}. The graph indicated by G2represents the radiation efficiency of the antenna device when the connecting line181is connected by the second switching element108while the radiating portion26is provided with the ground of the first route {circle around (1)}. The graph indicated by G3represents the radiation efficiency of the antenna device when the second switching element108is a matching element, such as the capacitive element of about 1.2 pF, while the radiating portion26is provided with the ground of the first route {circle around (1)}.

Referring toFIG. 17, the graph indicated by G4represents the radiation efficiency of the antenna device that is contrasted with graph G1inFIG. 16when the user grips the electronic device. The graph indicated by G5represents the radiation efficiency of the antenna device that is contrasted with graph G2inFIG. 16when the user grips the electronic device. The graph indicated by G6represents the radiation efficiency of the antenna device that is contrasted with graph G3ofFIG. 16when the user grips the electronic device.

Upon comparing graphs indicated by G1and G2, the radiation efficiency of the antenna device when the connecting line181is cut off by the second switching element108in a low frequency band of about 800 MHz, is obtained to be equivalent to the radiation efficiency of the antenna device when the connecting line181is connected by the second switching element108. In a high frequency band of about 1800 MHz, the radiation efficiency of the antenna device is improved by connecting the connecting line181using the second switching element108.

Upon comparing the graphs indicated by G1and G3, when the second switching element108is the matching element, such as a capacitive element of about 1.2 pF, the radiation efficiency of the antenna device is similar to the radiation efficiency when the connecting line181is cut off by the second switching element108in the low frequency band, and is similar to the radiation efficiency of the antenna device when the connecting line181is connected by the second switching element108in the high frequency band. When the second switching element108is configured using a matching element, a good radiation efficiency is obtained in both the low frequency band and the high frequency band.

Upon comparing the graphs indicated by G4and G5when the user grips the electronic device, the radiation efficiency of the antenna device when the connecting line181is cut off by the second switching element108in a low frequency band of about 900 MHz, is obtained to be equivalent to the radiation efficiency of the antenna device when the connecting line181is connected by the second switching element108. the radiation efficiency of the antenna device is improved by connecting the connecting line181using the second switching element108in a high frequency band of about 1900 MHz.

Upon comparing the graphs indicated by G4and G6, when the second switching element108is the capacitive element of about 1.2 pF, the radiation efficiency of the antenna device is similar to the radiation efficiency when the connecting line181is cut off by the second switching element108in the low frequency band, and is similar to the radiation efficiency of the antenna device when the connecting line181is connected by the second switching element108in the high frequency band. When the second switching element108is configured using a matching element, a good radiation efficiency is obtained in both the low frequency band and the high frequency band.

FIG. 18is a block diagram illustrating an antenna device that is provided in an electronic device according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 19is an exploded perspective view illustrating a second circuit board and a conductor ofFIG. 18.

Referring toFIGS. 18 and 19, an antenna device100efurther includes a power feeding line111and a conductor109.

The power feeding line111electrically connects the power feeding unit101and the radiating portion26of the case to each other. For example, the power feeding line111is connected to the radiating portion26of the case via the non-conductive region104of the second circuit board25while being connected to the power feeding unit101. The radiating portion26of the case is used as the radiating unit by being connected to the power feeding unit101via the power feeding line111. The power feeding line111may also be used as a portion of the radiating unit.

The conductor109is positioned adjacent to the power feeding line111, thereby providing a ground. For example, the conductor109is arranged to correspond to the power feeding line111on the rear face of the second circuit board25and thus adjusts the electric length of the antenna device100e. The radiation characteristic of the antenna device100e, which is provided with the conductor109, will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 20illustrates the power feeding line, the portion of a case, and the conductor ofFIG. 18.FIG. 21is a graph representing a radiating characteristic of the antenna device according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 20, the power feeding line111may be electrically connected to a connecting point113of the radiating portion26of the case. However, the connecting point113may be provided with a connecting member that is arranged on at least one of the power feeding line111and the radiating portion26of the case. The connecting member may be an elastic member, such as a C-clip. The connecting member may electrically connect the power feeding unit111and the radiating portion26of the case to each other.

The antenna device100emay form a resonance frequency of a high frequency band by using, as a radiating unit, a portion that is set as a fifth route {circle around (5)} that is formed from the connecting point113to one end of the radiating portion26of the case after passing through the power feeding line111from the power feeding unit101. The antenna device100emay form a resonance frequency of a low frequency band, such as a frequency band that is lower than the resonance frequency formed by the portion that is set by the fifth route {circle around (5)}) by using, as a radiating unit, a portion that is set by a sixth route {circle around (6)} that is formed from the connecting point113to the other end of the radiating portion26of the case after passing through the power feeding line111from the power feeding unit101. The physical length from the connecting point113to the other end of the radiating portion26of the case may be longer than the physical length from the connecting point113to the one end of the radiating portion26of the case.

The conductor109is provided below the power feeding line111, thereby assisting in reducing the electric length that is set by the fifth route {circle around (5)}, such as in proportion to the physical length L of the conductor109. As illustrated inFIG. 21, the radiation efficiency C2of the antenna device, which is provided with the conductor109, is improved, compared to the radiation efficiency C1of the conventional antenna device that is not provided with the conductor109, in the frequency band of about 1800 to 2200 MHz.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, since the conductor109is arranged to be adjacent to the power feeding line111without changing the physical length of the radiating portion26of the case, the antenna device100echanges the resonance frequency band or improves the radiation efficiency.

FIG. 22is an exploded perspective view illustrating the second circuit board and the conductor in an antenna device according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 22, the second circuit board25includes a first layer25athat includes the conductive region103and the non-conductive region104, and a second layer25bthat includes a conductor109athat is arranged to be adjacent to the non-conductive region104.

The second layer25bincludes a second conductive region103athat corresponds to the conductive region103of the first layer25a, and further includes the conductor109ain a second non-conductive region104athat corresponds to the non-conductive region104of the first layer25a. The conductor109ais connected to the second conductive region103aand thereby provides a ground.

FIG. 23illustrates a network environment that includes an electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

InFIG. 23, an electronic device11within a network environment19will be described. The electronic device11includes a bus110, a processor11b, a memory11c, an input/output interface11e, a display11f, and a communication interface11g. In an embodiment, the electronic device11may omit at least one of the above-mentioned components or may include additional components.

The bus110includes a circuit that connects the above-mentioned components11b,11c,11e,11fand11gand transmits communication, such as a control message and/or data, between the components.

The processor11bincludes one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), and a communication processor (CP). The processor11bexecutes an arithmetic operation or data processing that is related to a control and/or communication of one or more other components of the electronic device11.

The memory11cincludes a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory, and stores commands or data related to other components of the electronic device11. According to one embodiment, the memory11cstores software and/or a program140. The program140includes a kernel141, a middleware143, an application programming interface (API)145, and application programs (hereinafter, referred to as “applications”)147. At least one of the kernel141, the middleware143, and the API145may be referred to as an operating system (OS).

The kernel141controls or manages system resources, such as the bus110, the processor11b, or the memory11cthat are used for executing operations or functions implemented in the other programs, such as the middleware143, the API145, or the applications147. The kernel141provides an interface that allows the middleware143, the API145, or the applications147to access individual components of the electronic device11and thereby control or manage the system resources.

The middleware143performs an intermediary role such that the API145or the applications147may communicate with the kernel141and thereby exchange data.

The middleware143processes, according to priority, one or more task requests that have been received from the applications147. For example, the middleware143may assign the priority to be capable of using a system resource of the electronic device11to at least one of the applications147. For example, the middleware143performs scheduling or load balancing for the one or more task requests by processing the one or more requests according to the assigned priority.

The API145allows the applications147to control functions provided from the kernel141or the middleware143, and includes one or more interfaces or functions, such as commands for a file control, a window control, an image processing, or a character control.

The input/output interface11etransmits commands or data, which are entered from a user or any other external device, to the other component(s) of the electronic device11, and outputs commands or data, which are received from the other component(s) of the electronic device11, to the user of the other external device.

The display11fincludes a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. The display11fdisplays various contents, such as text, image, video, icon, or symbol to the user. The display11fincludes a touch screen which receives a touch, gesture, proximity, or hovering input that is made using an electronic pen or a part of the user's body.

The communication interface11gsets communication between the electronic device11and an external device, such as a first external electronic device12, a second external device13, or a server14. For example, the communication interface11gcommunicates with the external device by being connected with a network15through wired or wireless communication.

The wireless communication uses at least one of LTE, LTE advanced (LTE-A), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), wireless broadband (WiBro), or global system for mobile communication (GSM), as a cellular communication protocol, and may include short range communication164such as wireless fidelity (WiFi), near field communication (NFC), or global navigation satellite system (GNSS).

GNSS includes at least one of a global positioning system (GPS), global navigation satellite system (Glonass), beidou navigation satellite system (hereinafter, “Beidou”), Galileo, and the European global satellite-based navigation system, according to a use area or band width. Hereinafter, in embodiments of the present disclosure, “GPS” and “GNSS” are interchangeably used. The wired communication may use at least one of universal serial bus (USB), high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), recommended standard 232 (RS-232), and plain old telephone service (POTS). The network15includes a telecommunication network, a computer network such as LAN or WAN, the Internet, and a telephone network.

Each of the first and second external electronic devices12and13may be a type of device that is the same as, or different from, the electronic device11. According to one embodiment, the server14includes a group of one or more servers. All or some of the operations to be executed by the electronic device11may be executed by another electronic device or a plurality of other electronic devices. When the electronic device11should perform a certain function or service automatically or by a request, the electronic device11may request some functions or services that are associated therewith from the other electronic devices instead of, or in addition to, unilaterally executing the functions or service.

The other electronic devices execute the requested functions or additional functions, and transmit the results to the electronic device11. The electronic device11provides the requested functions or services by processing the received results as they are or additionally. For this purpose a cloud computing technique, a distributed computing technique, or a client-server computing technique may be used.

FIG. 24is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device201according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device201includes all or a portion of the electronic device10illustrated inFIG. 3. The electronic device201includes at least one processor, such as an AP210, a communication module220, a subscriber identification module (SIM) card224, a memory230, a sensor module240, an input device250, a display260, an interface270, an audio module280, a camera module291, a power management module295, a battery296, an indicator297, and a motor298.

The AP210drives an operating system or an application and thereby controls a plurality of hardware or software components connected thereto, and also performs various data processing and arithmetic operations. The AP210may be implemented by a system-on-chip (SoC), and may further include a graphic processing unit (GPU) and/or an image signal processor. The AP210includes at least some components, such as the cellular module221, among the components illustrated inFIG. 24. The AP210loads a command or data received from at least one of the other components, such as the non-volatile memory, in a volatile memory to process the command and data, and stores various data in the non-volatile memory.

The processor210adjusts the resonance frequency of the antenna device by operating the switching element107.

The communication module220has a configuration that is the same as, or similar to, a communication interface and includes a cellular module221, a WiFi module223, a Bluetooth module225, a GNSS module227, an NFC module228, and a radio frequency (RF) module229.

The cellular module221provides a voice call, a video call, a message service, or an internet service through a communication network. According to one embodiment, the cellular module221performs discrimination and authentication of the electronic device201within the communication network by using the SIM card224. According to one embodiment, the cellular module221performs at least some of functions that may be provided by the AP210, and includes a communication processor (CP).

Each of the WiFi module223, the Bluetooth™ module225, the GNSS module227, and the NFC module228includes a processor to process data transmitted/received through a corresponding module. According to an embodiment, at least two of the cellular module221, the WiFi module223, the Bluetooth module225, the GNSS module227, and the NFC module228may be incorporated in a single integrated chip (IC) or an IC package.

The RF module229transmits/receives a communication signal, such as an RF signal, and includes a transceiver, a power amp module (PAM), a frequency filter, a low noise amplifier (LNA), or an antenna. According to another embodiment, at least one of the cellular module221, the WiFi module223, the Bluetooth module225, the GNSS module227, and the NFC module228transmits/receives an RF signal through one or more separate RF modules. The radiating unit is connected to the RF module and is thereby fed with power and provides a wireless transmission/reception function.

The SIM card224includes a SIM (i.e., a SIM card) and/or an embedded SIM, and may also include intrinsic identification information, such as integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information, such as international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI).

The memory230includes an internal memory232or an external memory234, and includes at least one of a volatile memory, such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), a non-volatile memory, such as one time programmable ROM (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory, such as NAND flash memory, or NOR flash memory, hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD).

The external memory234may further include a flash drive, such as compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), multi-media card (MMC), or memory stick. The external memory234may be functionally and/or physically connected to the electronic device201through various interfaces.

The sensor module240measures a physical quantity or senses an operating status of the electronic device201, and then converts the measured or sensed information into electric signals. The sensor module240includes at least one of a gesture sensor240A, a gyro sensor240B, an atmospheric pressure sensor240C, a magnetic sensor240D, an acceleration sensor240E, a grip sensor240F, a proximity sensor240G, a color sensor240H, such as a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor, a biometric sensor240I, a temperature/humidity sensor240J, an illuminance sensor240K, and an ultra-violet (UV) sensor240M. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module240includes an E-nose sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an infra-red (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, and/or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor module240may further include a control circuit for controlling one or more sensors incorporated therein. In an embodiment, the electronic device201further includes a processor that controls the sensor module240as a part of or separate from the AP210, thereby controlling the sensor module240while the AP210is in the sleep state.

The input device250includes a touch panel252, a (digital) pen sensor254, a key256, and an ultrasonic input device258. At least one of a capacitive type touch panel, a resistive type touch panel, an infrared type touch panel, and an ultrasonic type panel may be used as the touch panel252. The touch panel252may further include a control circuit, as well as a tactile layer that provides a tactile reaction to the user.

The (digital) pen sensor254may be a portion of the touch panel, or may include a separate recognition sheet. The key256includes a physical button, an optical key, or a keypad. The ultrasonic input device258senses, through a microphone288in the electronic device201, ultrasonic waves that are generated by an input tool, and thereby confirms data corresponding to the sensed ultrasonic waves.

The display260includes a panel262, a hologram device264, and a projector266. The panel262may be implemented to be flexible, transparent, or wearable, and configured as a single module with the touch panel252. The hologram device264displays a stereoscopic image in the air using interference of light. The projector266projects light onto a screen and thereby displays an image. The screen may be located inside or outside the electronic device201. According to one embodiment, the display260further includes a control circuit that controls the panel262, the hologram device264, and the projector266.

The interface270includes a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI)272, a universal serial bus (USB)274, an optical interface276, and a d-subminiature (D-sub)278. The interface270is included in a communication interface, and additionally or alternatively, includes a mobile high-definition link (MHL) interface, a secure digital (SD) card/multi-media card (MMC) interface, or an infrared data association (IrDA) standard interface.

The audio module280bi-directionally converts sound and electric signals. At least some components of the audio module280may be included in an input/output interface. The audio module280processes sound information input or output through a speaker282, a receiver284, an earphone286, or the microphone288.

The camera module291is capable of photographing a still image and a video image, and according to one embodiment, the camera module291includes at least one image sensor, such as a front sensor or a rear sensor, a lens, an image signal processor (ISP), and a flash, such as an LED or xenon lamp.

The power management module295manages the electric power of the electronic device201. According to one embodiment, the power management module295includes a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a charger integrated circuit (IC), or a battery gauge. The PMIC may be configured in a wired and/or wireless charge type. The wireless charge type includes a magnetic resonance type, a magnetic induction type, or an electromagnetic wave type, and may further include an additional circuit for wireless charging, such as a coil loop, a resonance circuit, or a rectifier. The battery gauge measures the residual capacity of the battery296, and a voltage, a current, or a temperature during the charge. The battery296includes a rechargeable battery and/or a solar battery.

The indicator297indicates a specific status of the electronic device201or of a part thereof, such as a booting status, a message status, or a charged status. The motor298converts an electric signal into a mechanical vibration, and generates a vibration or a haptic effect. The electronic device201includes a processor, such as a GPU, to support a mobile TV. The processor to support a mobile TV processes media data according to the standards of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), digital video broadcasting (DVB), or mediaFlow™.

Each of the above-described component elements are hardware or a combination of hardware and software according to the present disclosure, may be configured with one or more components, and the names of the corresponding component elements may vary based on the type of electronic device. The electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes at least one of the aforementioned elements. Some elements may be omitted or additional elements may be further included in the electronic device. Some of the hardware components according to embodiments may be combined into one entity, which performs functions identical to those of the relevant components before being combined.

FIG. 25is a block diagram illustrating a program module of an electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. According to one embodiment, a program module310includes an OS that controls resources associated with an electronic device and/or various applications that are driven on the operating system. The operating system may be Android, iOS, Windows, Symbian, Tizen, or Bada.

The program module310includes a kernel320, a middleware330, an API360, and applications370. At least a part of the program module310may be preloaded on the electronic device, or may be downloaded from an external electronic device.

The kernel320includes a system resource manager321and/or a device driver323. The system resource manager321performs a control, allocation, or recovery of a system resource, and includes a process management unit, a memory management unit, or a file system management unit. The device driver323includes a display driver, a camera driver, a Bluetooth™ driver, a common memory driver, a USB driver, a keypad driver, a WiFi driver, an audio driver, or an inter-process communication (IPC) driver.

The middleware330provides a function that is commonly required by the applications370, or provides various functions to the applications370through the API360such that the applications370can efficiently use the limited system resources within the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the middleware330includes at least one of a runtime library335, an application manager341, a window manager342, a multimedia manager343, a resource manager344, a power manager345, a database manager346, a package manager347, a connectivity manager348, a notification manager349, a location manager350, a graphic manager351, and a security manager352.

The runtime library335includes a library module that is used by a compiler in order to add a new function through a program language while the applications370are executed. The runtime library335performs input/output management, memory management, or an arithmetic function.

The application manager341manages a life cycle of at least one application among the applications370. The window manager342manages a GUI resource that is used in a screen. The multimedia manager343obtains a format required for reproducing various media files, and performs encoding or decoding of the media files by using a codec that is suitable for the corresponding format. The resource manager344manages a resource, such as a source code, a memory, or a storage space, of at least one application among the applications370.

The power manager345is operated together with a basic input/output system (BIOS) and thereby manages a battery or a power source, and provides power information that is required for operating the electronic device. The database manager346generates, retrieves, or changes a database to be used by at least one application among the applications370. The package manager347manages the installation or update of an application that is distributed in the form of a package file.

The connectivity manager348manages a wireless connection of WiFi or Bluetooth. The notification manager349displays or notifies of events, such as an arrival message, appointment, and proximity notification, in a manner that does not disturb the user. The location manager350manages position information of the electronic device. The graphic manager351manages a graphic effect to be provided to the user or a user interface associated therewith. The security manager352provides all security functions required for system security, or user authentication. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device includes a phone function, the middleware330includes a telephony manager that manages a voice or video call function of the electronic device.

The middleware330includes a middleware module that forms a combination of various functions of the above-described components. The middleware330provides a module that is specialized for each type of operation system in order to provide differentiated functions. The middleware330dynamically deletes some of the existing components or adds new components.

The API360is a collection of API programming functions, and may be provided in different configurations according to operation systems. For example, Android or iOS provides one API set for each platform and Tizen provides two or more API sets for each platform.

The applications370include one or more applications that can execute the functions of home371, dialer372, short message service/multimedia messaging service (SMS/MMS)373, instant message (IM)374, browser375, camera376, alarm377, contact378, voice dial379, e-mail380, calendar381, media player382, album383, clock384, health care, such as measurement of a quantity of motion or blood sugar, or provision of environmental information such as atmospheric pressure, humidity, or temperature information.

According to one embodiment, the applications370include an application that supports information exchange between the electronic device and the external electronic devices (i.e., an “information exchange application”). The information exchange application includes a notification relay application that transmits specific information to the external electronic devices, or a device management application that manages the external electronic devices.

For example, the notification relay application includes a function of relaying notification information generated from any other application of the electronic device to the external electronic devices. The notification relay application receives notification information from an external electronic device, and provides the notification information to the user.

The device management application manages at least one function of an external electronic device that communicates with the electronic device, such as turn-on/turn-off of all or part of the external electronic device or adjustment of brightness of a display, an application operated in the external electronic device, or a service provided by the external electronic device, such as a telephony or message service.

According to one embodiment, the applications370include an application designated according to an attribute of an external electronic device, such as a healthcare application of a mobile medical device. In other embodiments, the applications370include an application received from an external electronic device, and a preloaded application or a third party application that is capable of being downloaded from the server. Names of the elements of the program module310, according to the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, may change depending on the type of OS.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, at least some components of the program module310may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of two or more thereof. At least some of the program module310may be implemented by the processor210. At least a part of the program module310includes a module, a program, a routine, a set of instructions, and/or a process for performing one or more functions.

The term “module” used in embodiments of the present disclosure may refer to, for example, a “unit” including one of hardware, software, and firmware, or a combination of two or more of the hardware, software, and firmware. The term “module” may be interchangeably used with the term “unit”, “logic”, “logical block”, “component”, or “circuit”, may be a unit of an integrated component element or a part thereof, may be a unit for performing one or more functions or a part thereof, and may be mechanically or electronically implemented. For example, the “module” according to the present disclosure includes at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a programmable-logic device for performing known or future-developed operations.

According to various embodiments, at least some of the devices or the method according to the present disclosure may be implemented by a command stored in a computer-readable storage medium in a programming module form. The instruction, when executed by a processor, may cause the one or more processors to execute the function corresponding to the instruction. The computer-readable storage medium may be the memory130.

The computer readable recoding medium may include a hard disk, a floppy disk, magnetic media, such as a magnetic tape, optical media, such as a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) and a digital versatile disc (DVD), magneto-optical media, such as a floptical disk, a hardware device, such as a ROM or a random access memory (RAM), or a flash memory. The program instructions may include high class language codes, which can be executed in a computer by using an interpreter, as well as machine codes made by a compiler. The aforementioned hardware device may be configured to operate as one or more software modules in order to perform the operation of the present disclosure, and vice versa.

The programming module according to the present disclosure may include one or more of the aforementioned components or may further include other additional components, or some of the aforementioned components may be omitted. Operations executed by a module, a programming module, or other component elements according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic manner. Some operations may be executed according to another order or may be omitted, or other operations may be added.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the portable electronic device1includes a housing, a printed circuit board, a switching element, a communication module, a first electric path, a second electric path, a third electric path, and a fourth electric path.

The housing is an external housing that includes a first face, a second face that is opposite to the first face, and a side wall that encloses a space between the first face and the second face. For example, the first face is one face of the front cover3, the second face is one face of the rear cover8, and the side wall is the frame2bof the case2. The side wall includes a first portion that includes metal. The first portion1is the radiating portion26of the case illustrated inFIG. 3.

The printed circuit board forms a face, which is substantially parallel to the first face, within the external housing, and includes a first region including a ground and a second region including an insulating material. The printed circuit board may be the second circuit board25illustrated inFIG. 3, the first region may be the conductive region103illustrated inFIG. 3, the second region may be the non-conductive region104illustrated inFIG. 3. The ground may be any of the first to third ground portions131,133, and135illustrated inFIG. 4. The ground131,133, or135includes a portion that encloses at least a portion of the second region104.

The switching element107includes the first terminal171, the second terminal173a, and the third terminal173b.

The communication module220may be included in the housing, and includes the RF module229.

The first electric path interconnects the communication module and the first position of the first portion. The first position of the first portion1may be the connecting point113.

The second electric path is connected to the first terminal171of the switching element107, and is connected to the electric path in the second region104. The second electric path is connected between the junction151and the first terminal171.

The third electric path is connected to the second terminal173aof the first switching element107and the first point175aof the ground131,133, or135.

The fourth electric path is connected to the third terminal173bof the first switching element107and the second point175bof the ground131,133, or135.

The ground131,133, or135includes an enclosing portion that encloses at least a portion of the second region104, and the first point175aand the second point175bmay be arranged on the enclosing portion to be spaced apart from each other.

The switching element107yfurther includes the fourth terminal173c, and the electronic device10includes a fifth electric path that is connected to the fourth terminal173cof the switching element107and the third point175cof the ground131,133, or135.

The first point175a, the second point175b, and the third point175care spaced from each other on the enclosing portion of the ground131,133, or135that encloses the second region104.

The electronic device10further includes a fifth electric path that directly connects the third point175cof the ground131,133, or135and the second electric path to each other.

The fifth electric path passes through the connecting line181illustrated inFIG. 15, crosses a portion of the second region104, and includes at least one of the switching element108and a passive element. For example, the passive element may be the matching element.

As described above, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, an antenna device includes a power feeding unit, a ground unit, a radiating unit that is electrically connected to the power feeding unit, and a switching element that selects one or more points from a plurality of different points of the ground unit and connects the radiating unit to the one or more points.

The switching element includes a first terminal that is connected to one junction between the power feeding unit and the radiating unit.

The switching element may further include a plurality of second terminals that are arranged to correspond to different points on the ground unit, respectively, and the switching element may electrically connect the first terminal to one of the second terminals.

The switching element may connect the radiating unit to the ground unit by connecting any one of the second terminals to the first terminal.

An electric length of the radiating unit may be set depending on a position of a second terminal that is connected to the first terminal.

The ground unit includes a first ground portion that extends in one direction, a second ground portion that extends from the first ground portion, and a third ground portion that extends from the second ground portion and is arranged to be adjacent to the third ground portion, the switching element includes a plurality of second terminals that are arranged to correspond to different points on the ground unit, respectively, and the first terminal may be selectively connected to one of the second terminals.

The switching element may connect the radiating unit to the ground unit by connecting any one of the second terminals to the first terminal.

An electric length of the radiating unit105may be set depending on a position of a second terminal that is connected to the first terminal.

The second terminals may be arranged at a first point that is positioned at one end of the first ground portion, at least one second point that is positioned at a portion that is different from the first point of the first ground portion, and at least one third ground portion that is positioned in any one portion of the third ground portion, respectively.

The antenna device may further include a circuit board that includes a conductive region that is provided with the ground unit, and a non-conductive region that is formed among the first to third ground portions.

The antenna device may further include a power feeding line that interconnects the power feeding unit and the radiating unit, and a conductor that provides a ground adjacent to the power feeding line. The conductor may change a resonance frequency band of the radiating unit.

The antenna device may further include a ground line that bypasses the switching unit and connects the radiating unit to the ground unit.

The antenna device may further include a circuit board that includes a non-conductive region, and a conductive region that includes a ground unit that is formed to enclose at least a portion of the non-conductive region.

The plurality of different points of the ground unit may be positioned in a portion where the non-conductive region and the conductive region are in contact with each other.

The circuit board includes a first layer that includes a power feeding line that interconnects the power feeding unit and the radiating unit, and a second layer that includes a conductor adjacent to the power feeding line of the first layer.

An electronic device includes a processor; and an antenna device. The antenna device includes a power feeding unit, a ground unit, a radiating unit that is electrically connected to the power feeding unit, and a switching element that selects one or more points from a plurality of different points of the ground unit and connects the radiating unit to the one or more points. The processor adjusts a resonance frequency of the antenna device by operating the switching element.

The first terminal of the switching element may be connected to one junction between the power feeding unit and the radiating unit.

The ground unit includes a first ground portion that extends in one direction, a second ground portion that extends from the first ground portion, and a third ground portion that extends from the second ground portion parallel to the first ground portion. The switching element includes a plurality of second terminals that are arranged to correspond to different points on the ground unit, respectively, and the first terminal may be selectively connected to one of the second terminals.

An electronic device may further include a circuit board that includes a conductive region that is provided with the ground unit, and a non-conductive region that is formed among the first to third ground portions.

The radiating unit includes a portion of a case of the electronic device.

The antenna device may further include a power feeding line that interconnects the power feeding unit and the radiating unit, and a conductor that is positioned below the power feeding line to provide a ground. The conductor may change an electric length of the radiating unit.

The antenna device may further include a ground line that bypasses the switching unit and connects the radiating unit to the ground unit.

An electronic device may further include a circuit board that includes a non-conductive region, and a conductive region that includes a ground unit that is formed to enclose at least a portion of the non-conductive region.

The plurality of different points of the ground unit may be positioned in a portion where the non-conductive region and the conductive region are in contact with each other.

The circuit board includes a first layer that includes a power feeding line that interconnects the power feeding unit and the radiating unit, and a second layer that includes a conductor adjacent to the power feeding line of the first layer.

A portable electronic device includes an external housing that includes a first face, a second face that is opposite to the first face, and a side wall that encloses a space between the first face and the second face, the side wall including a first portion that includes metal, a printed circuit board that forms a face, which is substantially parallel to the first face, within the external housing, and includes a first region that includes a ground, and a second region that includes an insulating material, a switching element that includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, a communication module that is included within the external housing; a first electric path that interconnects the communication module and the first position of the first portion, a second electric path that is connected to the first terminal of the switching element, and is connected to the first electric path in the second region, a third electric path that is connected to the second terminal of the switching element and the first point of the ground, and a fourth electric path that is connected to the third terminal of the switching element and the second point of the ground.

The ground includes a portion that encloses at least a portion of the second region, and the first point and the second point are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the portion that encloses at least a portion of the second region.

The switching element further includes a fourth terminal, and the electronic device includes a fifth electric path that is connected to the fourth terminal of the switching element and the third point of the ground.

The ground includes a portion that encloses at least a portion of the second region, and the first point, the second point, and the third point are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the portion that encloses at least a portion of the second region.

A portable electronic device further includes a fifth electric path that directly interconnects the third point of the ground and the second electric path.

A portable electronic device further includes a fifth electric path that interconnects the third point and the fourth point of the ground. The fifth electric path crosses a portion of the second region, and includes at least one of a switching element and a passive element.

Embodiments disclosed herein are provided merely to easily describe technical details of the present disclosure and to help the understanding of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be construed that all modifications and changes or modified and changed forms based on the technical idea of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the present disclosure.