Electronic device including antenna

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device may comprise a housing comprising: a front plate facing a first direction, a back plate facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side surface which surrounds the front plate and the back plate, wherein the front plate includes a screen area and a bezel area; a display exposed through the screen area of the front plate; a first circuit board disposed between the display and the back plate and including a first surface facing the display and a second surface facing the back plate; a first antenna array overlaid on the bezel area in the first surface; a second antenna array disposed on the second surface; and a wireless communication circuit disposed on the first circuit board and electrically connected with the first antenna array and the second antenna array, wherein the wireless communication circuit is configured to: form a beam which has directionality in the first direction using the first antenna array and form a beam which has directionality in the second direction using the second antenna array.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0144972, filed on Nov. 1, 2017, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to antenna technology of transmitting and receiving extremely high frequencies.

2. Description of Related Art

With a rapid increase in mobile traffic, fifth generation (5G) technologies based on an extremely high frequency band of 20 GHz or higher have been developed. Extremely high frequency signals may include millimeter waves having frequency bands from 30 GHz to 300 GHz. When extremely high frequencies are used, an antenna and device may become smaller and thinner due to their short wavelengths. Furthermore, a relatively larger number of antennas may be loaded into the same area due to their short wavelengths, so signals may be concentrated and transmitted in a specific direction. Moreover, since a large bandwidth is available, a larger amount of information may be transmitted.

SUMMARY

An extremely high frequency may have strong straightness, resulting in high path loss. For example, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) for the extremely high frequency may be disposed close to an antenna. Moreover, beamforming technology for steering signals may be used to use the extremely high frequency having the strong straightness.

Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device including a plurality of mounted antennas which have directionality in the direction of at least one of a front plate, a back plate, or a side surface.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may comprise a housing comprising: a front plate facing a first direction, a back plate facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side surface which surrounds the front plate and the back plate, wherein the front plate includes a screen area and a bezel area; a display exposed through the screen area of the front plate; a first circuit board disposed between the display and the back plate and including a first surface facing the display and a second surface facing the back plate; a first antenna array overlaid on the bezel area in the first surface; a second antenna array disposed on the second surface; and a wireless communication circuit disposed on the first circuit board and electrically connected with the first antenna array and the second antenna array, wherein the wireless communication circuit is configured to: form a beam which has directionality in the first direction using the first antenna array and form a beam which has directionality in the second direction using the second antenna array.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device, comprises a housing comprising: a front plate, a back plate facing a direction opposite to the front plate, and a side member which surrounds a space between the front plate and the back plate and wherein the housing is integrated or attached with the back plate; a touch screen display located in the housing and exposed through a first portion of the front plate; an antenna array located in the housing when viewed from above the front plate and comprising a plurality of isolated antenna elements disposed in a gap between the touch screen display and the side member; and a wireless communication circuit located in the housing and electrically connected with the antenna array, wherein the wireless communication circuit is configured to form a beam using the antenna array.

According to embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure, the electronic device may include a plurality of mounted antennas which have directionality in the direction of at least one of a front plate, a back plate, or a side surface of the electronic device.

In addition, various effects directly or indirectly ascertained through the present disclosure may be provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms, such as “first”, “second”, and the like used in the present disclosure may be used to refer to various components regardless of the order and/or the priority and to distinguish the relevant components from other components, but do not limit the components. For example, “a first user device” and “a second user device” indicate different user devices regardless of the order or priority. For example, without departing the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component.

It will be understood that when a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to” or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), it may be directly coupled with/to or connected to the other component or an intervening component (e.g., a third component) may be present. In contrast, when a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “directly coupled with/to” or “directly connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that there are no intervening component (e.g., a third component).

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of, for example, smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video telephones, electronic book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2) Audio Layer 3 (MP3) players, mobile medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices. According to various embodiments, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lens, or head-mounted-devices (HMDs)), a fabric or garment-integrated type (e.g., an electronic apparel), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or tattoos), or a bio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

According to another embodiment, an electronic device may include at least one of various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measurement devices (e.g., a blood glucose monitoring device, a heartbeat measuring device, a blood pressure measuring device, a body temperature measuring device, and the like), a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a computed tomography (CT), scanners, and ultrasonic devices), navigation devices, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), event data recorders (EDRs), flight data recorders (FDRs), vehicle infotainment devices, electronic equipment for vessels (e.g., navigation systems and gyrocompasses), avionics, security devices, head units for vehicles, industrial or home robots, automated teller machines (ATMs), points of sales (POSs) of stores, or internet of things (e.g., light bulbs, various sensors, electric or gas meters, sprinkler devices, fire alarms, thermostats, street lamps, toasters, exercise equipment, hot water tanks, heaters, boilers, and the like).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include at least one of parts of furniture or buildings/structures, electronic boards, electronic signature receiving devices, projectors, or various measuring instruments (e.g., water meters, electricity meters, gas meters, or wave meters, and the like). According to various embodiments, the electronic device may be one of the above-described devices or a combination thereof. An electronic device according to an embodiment may be a flexible electronic device. Furthermore, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may not be limited to the above-described electronic devices and may include other electronic devices and new electronic devices according to the development of technologies.

Hereinafter, electronic devices according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present disclosure, the term “user” may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses the electronic device.

FIG. 1Ais a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 1A, an electronic device100according to an embodiment may be surrounded by a housing110. The housing110may include a front plate112, a back plate114, and a side surface116which surrounds the front plate112and the back plate114. For example, the side surface116may be integrated with the back plate114or may be attached to the back plate114.

For example, the front plate112may face a first direction f orthogonal to a plane formed by the front plate112. The front plate112of the housing110may include a screen area112aand a bezel area112b. The back plate114may face a second direction r which is opposite to the first direction f and orthogonal to a plane formed by the back plate114.

In an embodiment, the electronic device100may include a display120located in the housing110. The display120may be exposed through the screen area112aof the front plate112. For example, the front plate112may be formed of glass. The glass may operate as, for example, a director for an antenna array included in the electronic device100.

In an embodiment, the electronic device100may include a first circuit board140disposed between the display120and the back plate114. The first circuit board140may include a first surface140aadjacent to or facing the display120and a second surface140badjacent to or facing the back plate114.

In an embodiment, the electronic device100may include a plurality of antenna arrays having different directions. The plurality of antennas may be referred to as, for example, a fifth generation (5G) antenna.

In an embodiment, the electronic device100may include a first antenna array150disposed on or on an area overlaid with the bezel area112bof the front plate112in the first surface140aof the first circuit board140. A first signal transmitted and received via the first antenna array150may be the first direction f. The first signal may be transmitted to the outside through the bezel area112bfrom the first antenna array150.

In an embodiment, the electronic device100may include a second antenna array170disposed on the second surface140bof the first circuit board140. A second signal transmitted and received via the second antenna array170may be in the second direction r. The second signal may be transmitted to the outside through the back plate114from the second antenna array170.

In an embodiment, the electronic device100may include a wireless communication circuit142which is electrically connected with the first antenna array150and the second antenna array170. The wireless communication circuit142may be located on the first circuit board140. For example, the wireless communication circuit142may be arranged on the first surface140aor the second surface140bof the first circuit board140. The wireless communication circuit142may be referred to as, for example, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC). The communication circuit142, the first antenna array150, and the second antenna array170may be disposed on the same circuit board, resulting in a shorter distance between the communication circuit142, the first antenna array150, and the second antenna array170.

In an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit142may form a beam using the first antenna array150and the second antenna array170. For example, the wireless communication circuit142may form a beam which has a first direction f using the first antenna array150. The wireless communication circuit142may form a beam which has a second direction r using the second antenna array170.

In an embodiment, a plurality of antenna elements included in the first antenna array150may be aligned around the screen area112a, when viewed from above the front plate112. For example, the first antenna array150may be received in the housing110overlaid with the bezel area112b, when viewed from above the front plate112. For example, the plurality of antenna elements included in the first antenna array150may be located in a gap between the display120and the side surface116.

In an embodiment, a black matrix (BM) area of the display120may be overlaid with the bezel area112bof the front plate112. A BM area can be a a cross-section of the display for blocking light extraneous to the display that would otherwise reducing contrast. A signal emitted from the first antenna array150may be transmitted in the first direction f via the BM area of the display120and the bezel area112bof the front plate112.

For example, an opaque layer may be disposed between the front plate112of the housing110and the first antenna array150. The opaque layer may include, for example, a black mask layer. The bezel area112bof the front plate112may be referred to as an opaque layer.

In an embodiment, one area (not shown) of the back plate114of the housing110, overlaid with the second antenna array170, may be formed of a non-conductive material. A signal emitted from the second antenna array170may be transmitted in the second direction r through the one region formed of the non-conductive material.

In various embodiments, the wireless communication circuit142may transmit and receive a signal of an extremely high frequency band of 20 GHz or higher using the first antenna array150and the second antenna array170.

In various embodiments, each of the first antenna array150and the second antenna array170may include a plurality of antenna elements. The antenna elements may be referred to as, for example, a patch antenna, a dipole antenna, a monopole antenna, or the like.

FIG. 1Bis a view illustrating a structure where a circuit board in an electronic device is arranged, according to an embodiment. A description ofFIG. 1Brefers to reference numerals shown inFIG. 1A.

Referring toFIG. 1B, an electronic device100according to an embodiment may include a second circuit board102located in a housing110. For example, the second circuit board102may be referred as a main printed circuit board (PCB).

In various embodiments, the electronic device100may include a third antenna array (e.g., a third antenna array270ofFIG. 2C) for transmitting a signal to a side surface116. An RFIC142(e.g., a wireless communication circuit142ofFIG. 1A) on a first circuit board140may be disposed adjacent to a first antenna array150to the third antenna.

In an embodiment, the first circuit board140may be located adjacent to the side surface116of the electronic device100. For example, the electronic device100may include the at least one first circuit board140. InFIG. 1B, when the electronic device100includes the housing110of a substantially rectangular shape (including a rectangular shape with rounded corners), there are the first circuit boards140respectively located at corners of the side surface116.

In an embodiment, the electronic device100may include an intermediate frequency integrated circuit (IFIC)104and a processor (e.g., a communication processor (CP))106, disposed on the second circuit board102. The processor106may directly or indirectly control a wireless communication circuit including the IFIC104and the RFIC142. The processor104may control the IFIC104to convert a signal of a low frequency band which is a baseband into a signal of an intermediate frequency band. The processor104may control the RFIC142to convert a signal of an intermediate frequency band into a signal of a high frequency band.

In an embodiment, the first circuit board140may include two or more layers. For example, the first circuit board140may include layer 1 on which an antenna array is formed and layer 2, on which the RFIC142is disposed, to which an RF signal is delivered. It shall be understood that the terms “layer 1” and “layer 2” are merely used to distinguish each layer from the other, and are not intended to imply any greater or less importance or any relationship in attributes between the layers, unless specifically stated otherwise.

FIGS. 2A to 2Dare perspective views illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment.

In various embodiments, a first antenna array250(e.g., a first antenna array150ofFIG. 1A) and a second antenna array (e.g., a second antenna array170ofFIG. 1A) may be configured as a plurality of patch antennas. Referring toFIGS. 2A to 2D, an embodiment is exemplified as the first antenna array250and the second antenna array270are configured as the plurality of patch antennas. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the first antenna array250and the second antenna array270may be configured as other antennas such as dipole antennas, monopole antennas, or the like.

Referring toFIGS. 2A to 2D, an electronic device200according to an embodiment may include a support member230for supporting a display220. For example, the support member230may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., aluminum) to maintain the stiffness of the electronic device200.

In an embodiment, the support member230may include at least one through-hole232formed between a bezel area212bof a front plate212and the first antenna250. The through-hole232may be formed through, for example, the support member230in a first direction f.

In an embodiment, one region of the support member230including the through-hole232may be close or attached to a first circuit board240. The one region may be formed thicker than, for example, the other region to be close to the first circuit board240. For example, the support member230may extend into a gap between the display220and a side surface (e.g.,114ofFIG. 1A). The through-hole232may be formed in the extended portion.

In an embodiment, a conductive path through the through-hole may facilitate a signal transmitted and received via the first antenna array250to pass through the through-hole232. For example, the electronic device200may include a plurality of through-holes. The plurality of through-holes may have shapes or sizes corresponding to a plurality of antenna elements included in the first antenna array250. A signal transmitted and received via the antenna elements may pass through the through-holes respectively (via respective conductive paths) corresponding to the antenna elements.

For example, referring toFIGS. 2A to 2D, the first antenna array250may be formed with a plurality of circular patch antennas. The through-hole232may be formed in a circular shape to correspond to the patch antennas. A signal transmitted and received from the patch antennas may pass through the circular through-hole232.

According to an embodiment, the direction of a beam formed through the first antenna array250may be enhanced through the through-hole232of the support member230. For another example, isolation between the plurality of antenna elements included in the first antenna array250may increase through the through-hole232of the support member230.

In an embodiment, the through-hole232of the support member230may be partially or completely filled with an insulating material. The insulating material may enhance directionality of the first antenna array250and stiffness of the support member230.

In various embodiments, a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication circuit142ofFIG. 1A) may transmit and receive signals of a plurality of frequency bands formed based on the size and shape of the through-hole232. A related description will be given with reference toFIG. 3B.

Referring toFIGS. 2C and 2D, the electronic device200according to various embodiments may include a third antenna array260for transmitting a signal to a side surface (e.g., a side surface116ofFIG. 1A). For example, the side surface may face a third direction s orthogonal to the first direction f of the front surface212and a second direction r of a back plate (e.g.,114ofFIG. 1A). The electronic device200may form a beam in the first direction f, the second direction r, or the third direction s, which are orthogonal to each other, using the first antenna array250, the second antenna array270, or the third antenna array260.

In an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit242may be electrically connected with the third antenna array260via a conductive path. The wireless communication circuit242may form a beam which has a third direction s, using the third antenna array260. The wireless communication circuit242may transmit and receive a signal of a frequency band of 20 GHz or higher using the third antenna array260. The third antenna array260may be referred to as, for example, a 5G antenna.

An embodiment is exemplified as a plurality of antenna elements forming the third antenna array260are a dipole antenna. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the third antenna array260may be referred to as a monopole antenna, an end-fire antenna, a patch antenna, or the like.

In various embodiments, the first antenna array250disposed adjacent to the bezel area212bof the front plate212and the third antenna array260disposed adjacent to the side surface (e.g.,116ofFIG. 1A) may be located close to each other. A conductive plate246may be disposed to enhance isolation between the first antenna array250and the third antenna array260. The conductive plate246may be located between, for example, the first antenna array250and the third antenna array260.

In various embodiments, a conductive pattern or path (not shown) may be disposed on a surface of the bezel area212bof the front plate212. For example, when the front plate212is formed of glass, a conductive material may be printed on a surface of the glass. The conductive pattern may enhance directionality of the first antenna array250by playing a role as a director. For another example, the conductive pattern may have an influence on a resonant frequency of the first antenna array250. For example, the resonant frequency of the first antenna array250may vary with a shape or size of the conductive pattern.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare views illustrating performance of an antenna array

the direction of a front surface of an electronic device according to an embodiment. The performance of a first antenna array250(configured as a patch antenna) of an electronic device200described with reference toFIGS. 2A and 2Bis measured.

Referring to Table 1 below, an antenna gain measured with respect to the first antenna array250is shown. A gain of the patch antenna included in the first antenna array250is measured as 6.65 dB. A gain of the patch antenna when an insulating material (director) is added to a through-hold corresponding to the patch antenna is measured as 7.62 dB. It may be seen that directionality is enhanced by the insulating material. A gain of the first antenna gain 250 configured with four patch antenna arrays is measured as 12.39 dB. A gain by beamforming is generated as 4.77 dB. Furthermore, an isolation value of the first antenna array250is measured as −21.96.

Referring toFIG. 3A, a radiation pattern of the first antenna array250is shown. A beam pattern of the first antenna array250is formed in the direction of −180 degrees. It may be seen that a beam pattern is formed in a first direction f a front plate212of the electronic device200faces.

Referring toFIG. 3B, a return loss graph of the first antenna array250is shown. In the first antenna array250, resonance may occur at about 27.5 GHz. Furthermore, it may be seen that additional resonance occurs at about 41 GHz. The additional resonance may occur by interaction between the first antenna array250and a plurality of through-holes. For example, a frequency of the additional resonance may vary with a size and/or shape of a through-hole232ofFIG. 2B. In various embodiments, the first antenna array250may operate as a dual-band antenna according to the through-hole232.

FIG. 4is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments.

In various embodiments, an electronic device400(e.g., an electronic device200ofFIG. 2A) may include a dielectric460which is disposed between a bezel area412b(e.g., a bezel area212bofFIG. 2A) of a front plate (e.g., a front plate212ofFIG. 2A) and a first antenna array450(e.g., a first antenna array250ofFIG. 2A) and is formed of a non-conductive material (e.g., a dielectric). The dielectric460may support a first circuit board440(e.g., a first circuit board240ofFIG. 2A).

For example, a through-hole232of a support member230ofFIG. 2Bmay be replaced by the dielectric460. A signal formed by the first antenna array450may be induced in a first direction f through the dielectric460. The signal may be radiated through the bezel area412b.

In various embodiments, the first antenna array450may have directionality in the first direction f through the dielectric460. For example, a signal transmitted or received using the first antenna array450by a wireless communication circuit may increase in directionality by the dielectric460.

FIG. 5is a view illustrating a structure where a circuit board with a plurality of antenna arrays is arranged, according to an embodiment.

In various embodiments, an electronic device500may include second circuit boards545aand545bcombined with a first circuit board540. Each of the second circuit boards545aand545bmay be referred to as a PCB or a flexible PCB (FPCB).

In various embodiments, third antenna arrays560aand560bmay be disposed on second circuit boards545aand545b, respectively. The second circuit boards545aand545bmay be disposed between a display520(e.g., a display220ofFIG. 2A) and a back plate of a housing510and may be disposed adjacent to a side surface (e.g., a side surface116ofFIG. 1A) of the housing510. The third antenna arrays560aand560bmay be disposed adjacent to the side surface of the housing510.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device500may include connection means520aand520b(e.g., a screw, a nut, and the like) for connecting the first circuit board540(e.g., a first circuit board240ofFIG. 2A) with the housing510. For example, each of the connection members520aand520bmay be formed of a conductive material.

Referring toFIG. 5, the electronic device500may reduce the number of used connection members by integrating a connection member for fixing the housing510and a connection member for fixing the first circuit board540into the one connection member520b. The second circuit boards545aand545bof the electronic device500may be located directly adjacent to the side surface of the housing510. For example, the third antenna arrays560aand560bmay be located almost directly adjacent to the side surface of the housing510or may be disposed close to the side surface of the housing510.

In various embodiments, each of the second circuit boards545aand545bmay be referred to as an FPCB. The second circuit boards545aand545bmay be close to a support member530(e.g., a support member230ofFIG. 2A) which supports the display520. When a form of the support member520shown inFIG. 5is formed, a beam formed by the third antenna arrays560aand560bmay have directionality in the direction of front and side surfaces.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bare views illustrating performance of a plurality of antenna arrays according to arrangement of a circuit board shown inFIG. 5.

According to various embodiments, a connection member520bmay be formed of a conductive material. The connection member520bmay be disposed close to antenna arrays included in an electronic device500ofFIG. 5, having an influence on performance of the antenna arrays. Referring toFIGS. 6A and 6B, the result of measuring a radiation pattern of an antenna array is shown. An antenna radiation pattern is measured with respect to the electronic device500including the connection member520bofFIG. 5.

Referring toFIG. 6A, an antenna radiation pattern of third antenna elements560aand560b(in case of a dipole antenna). Connection members are integrated, so the connection member520band the third antenna elements560aand560bmay be close to each other. However, the connection member520bmay have little influence on performance of the third antenna elements560aand560b.

Referring toFIG. 6B, an antenna pattern of a first antenna element550is shown. As connection members are integrated, a connection member520aand the first antenna element550may be close to each other. However, the connection member520amay have little influence on performance of the first antenna element550.

FIG. 7is a circuit diagram illustrating a communication circuit for a plurality of antenna arrays according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 7, a communication circuit742may include a switch group710, an RFIC720, an IFIC750, and a communication processor770. In various embodiments, some components may be added to the communication circuit742, or some of the components of the communication circuit742may be omitted.

For example, the communication circuit742may operate as the RFIC720(e.g., a wireless communication circuit142ofFIG. 1A) for first to third antennas (e.g., antenna arrays150and170ofFIG. 1Aor antenna arrays250,260, and270ofFIG. 2C) and the IFIC750(e.g., an IFIC104ofFIG. 1B). According to an embodiment, the communication circuit742may control the first to third antenna arrays or may transmit and receive a signal using the first to third antenna arrays.

According to an embodiment, antenna elements (e.g., antenna elements711_1to741_n) included in an antenna array741may be connected with the RFIC720through a switch711_1included in the switch group710. For example, when an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device100ofFIG. 1A) transmits an RF signal (e.g., when the electronic device is in a signal transmission mode), the switch711_1may connect an antenna element (e.g., the antenna element741_1) with a power amplifier (PA) (e.g., a PA721). When the electronic device receives an RF signal (e.g., when the electronic device is in a signal reception mode), the switch711_1may connect the antenna element (e.g., the antenna element741_1) with a low noise amplifier (LNA) (e.g., an LNA731).

According to an embodiment, the RFIC720may include a transmit path720_1tand a receive path720_1rof an RF signal.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is in the signal transmission mode, the PA721, a first variable gain amplifier (VGA)722, a phase shifter (PS), a second VGA724, a combiner725, and a mixer726may be disposed on the transmit path720_1tof the RF signal.

The PA721may amplify power of a transmitted RF signal. According to an embodiment, the PA721may be mounted on the inside or outside of the RFIC720. The first VGA722and the second VGA724may perform an auto gain control (AGC) operation under control of the communication processor770. According to an embodiment, the number of VGAs may be greater than or equal to 2 or may be less than 2. The PS723may change a phase of an RF signal depending on a beamforming angle under control of the communication processor770. The combiner725may divide an RF signal received from the mixer726into n signals. The number of the divided signals may be the same as, for example, the number of the antenna elements (e.g., the antenna elements741_1to741_n) included in the antenna array741.

The mixer726may up-convert an IF signal received from the IFIC750into an RF signal. In an embodiment, the mixer726may receive a signal to be mixed from an internal or external oscillator. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is in the signal reception mode, an LNA731, a PS732, a first VGA733, a combiner734, a second VGA735, and a mixer736may be located on the receive path720_1rof the RF signal.

The LNA731may amplify an RF signal received from antenna elements (e.g., the antenna elements741_1to741_n). The first VGA733and the second VGA735may perform an AGC operation under control of the communication processor770. According to an embodiment, the number of VGAs may be greater than or equal to 2 or may be less than 2. The PS732may change a phase of an RF signal depending on a beamforming angle under control of the communication processor770. The combiner734may combine RF signals which align in phase after their phases are changed. The combined signal may be delivered to the mixer736via the second VGA735. The mixer736may down-convert the received RF signal into an IF signal. In an embodiment, the mixer736may receive a signal to be mixed from an internal or external oscillator.

According to an embodiment, the RFIC720may further include a switch737for electrically connecting the mixer726or736with the IFIC750. The switch737may selectively connect the transmit path (720_1t) or the receive path (720_1r) of the RF signal with the IFIC750.

According to an embodiment, the IFIC750may include a transmit path750_t, a receive path750_r, and a switch752for selectively connecting the transmit path750_tor the receive path750_rwith the RFIC720.

According to an embodiment, a mixer753, a third VGA754, a low pass filter (LPF)755, a fourth VGA756, and a buffer757may be disposed on the transmit path750_tin the IFIC750. The mixer753may convert a balanced in-phase/quadrature-phase (I/Q) signal of a baseband into an IF signal. The LPF755may play a role as a channel filter which uses a bandwidth of a baseband signal as a cutoff frequency. In an embodiment, the cutoff frequency may be variable. The third VGA754and the fourth VGA756may perform a transmission AGC operation under control of the communication processor770. According to an embodiment, the number of VGAs may be greater than or equal to 2 or may be less than 2. The buffer757may play a role in buffering when receiving a balanced I/Q signal from the communication processor770. As a result, the IFIC750may stably process the balanced I/Q signal.

According to an embodiment, a mixer761, a third VGA762, an LPF763, a fourth VGA764, and a buffer765may be disposed on the receive path750_rin the IFIC750. The roles of the third VGA762, the LPF763, and the fourth VGA764may be the same or similar to those of the third VGA754, the LPF755, and the fourth VGA756, disposed on the transmit path750_t, respectively. The mixer761may convert an IF signal transmitted from the RFIC720into a balanced I/Q signal of a baseband. The buffer765may play a role in buffering when delivering a balanced I/Q signal of a baseband passing through the fourth VGA764to the communication processor770. As a result, the IFIC750may stably process the balanced I/Q signal.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor770may include a Tx I/Q digital analog converter (DAC)771and an Rx I/Q analog digital converter (ADC)772. In an embodiment, the Tx I/Q DAC771may convert a digital signal modulated by a modem into a balanced I/Q signal and may deliver the balanced I/Q signal to the IFIC750. In an embodiment, the Rx I/Q ADC772may convert a balanced I/Q signal converted by the IFIC750into a digital signal and may deliver the digital signal to the modem.

According to various embodiments, the communication processor770may perform multi input multi output (MIMO).

According to various embodiments, the communication processor770may be implemented as a separate chip, or the communication processor770and another component (e.g., the IFIC750) may be implemented as one chip. According to various embodiments, the communication circuit742may further include an RFIC and an IFIC.

An electronic device (e.g., an electronic device100ofFIG. 1A) according to various embodiments may include a housing (e.g., a housing110ofFIG. 1A) comprising a front plate (e.g., a front plate112ofFIG. 1A) facing a first direction, a back plate (e.g., a back plate114ofFIG. 1A) facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side surface (e.g., a side surface116ofFIG. 1A) which surrounds the front plate and the back plate, the front plate including a screen area (e.g., a screen area112aofFIG. 1A) and a bezel area (e.g., a bezel area112bofFIG. 1A), a display (e.g., a display120ofFIG. 1A) exposed through the screen area of the front plate, a first circuit board (e.g., a first circuit board140ofFIG. 1A) disposed between the display and the back plate and include a first surface (e.g., a first surface140aofFIG. 1A) facing the display and a second surface (e.g., a second surface140bofFIG. 1A) facing the back plate, a first antenna array (e.g., a first antenna array150ofFIG. 1A) disposed on the bezel area in the first surface, a second antenna array (e.g., a second antenna array170ofFIG. 1A) disposed on the second surface, and a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication circuit142ofFIG. 1A) disposed on the first circuit board and electrically connected with the first antenna array and the second antenna array. The wireless communication circuit may be configured to form a beam which has directionality in the first direction using the first antenna array and form a beam which has directionality in the second direction using the second antenna array.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may further include a conductive support member (e.g., a support member230ofFIG. 2B) configured to support the display and include at least one through-hole (e.g., a through-hole232ofFIG. 2B) formed between the bezel area and the first antenna array. The through-hole may be formed through the conductive support member in the first direction.

The wireless communication circuit according to various embodiments may included a conductive path through the through-hole carrying a signal transmitted or received using the first antenna array. The first antenna array may include a plurality of antenna elements isolated by the through-hole.

The wireless communication circuit according to various embodiments may be configured to transmit and receive a signal of a frequency band corresponding to a size of the at least one through-hole using the first antenna array.

The wireless communication circuit according to various embodiments may be configured to transmit and receive a signal of a frequency band of 20 GHz or higher using the first antenna array and the second antenna array.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may further include a dielectric (e.g., a dielectric460ofFIG. 4) disposed between the bezel area and the first antenna array, formed of a non-conductive material, and supporting the first circuit board.

The wireless communication circuit according to various embodiments may be configured to allow a signal transmitted or received using the first antenna to pass through the dielectric.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may further include a second circuit board (e.g., second circuit boards545aand545bofFIG. 5) disposed adjacent to the side surface between the display and the back plate and combined with the first circuit board and a third antenna array (e.g., a third antenna array260ofFIG. 2C) disposed on the second circuit board and electrically connected with the wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit may be configured to form a beam which has directionality in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, using the third antenna array.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may further include a conductive plate (e.g., a conductive plate246ofFIG. 2D) disposed between the first antenna array and the third antenna array.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may further include a conductive connection member configured to fix the first circuit board, the front plate, and the back plate. The third antenna array may be disposed close to the side surface.

Each of the first antenna array and the second antenna array according to various embodiments may include a plurality of patch antennas. The third antenna array may include a plurality of dipole antennas.

An electronic device (e.g., an electronic device ofFIG. 1A) may include a housing (e.g., a housing110ofFIG. 1A) including a front plate (e.g., a front plate112ofFIG. 1A), a back plate (e.g., a back plate114ofFIG. 1A) facing a direction opposite to the front plate, and a side member (e.g., a side surface116ofFIG. 1A) which surrounds a space between the front plate and the back plate and be integrated with the back plate or be attached to the back plate, a touch screen display configured to be located in the housing and be exposed through a first portion (e.g., a screen area112aofFIG. 1A) of the front plate, an antenna array (e.g., a first antenna array150ofFIG. 1A) located in the housing when viewed from above the front plate and include a plurality of isolated antenna elements disposed in a gap between the touch screen display and the side member, and a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication circuit142ofFIG. 1A) located in the housing and be electrically connected with the antenna array. The wireless communication circuit may form a beam using the antenna array.

The wireless communication circuit according to various embodiments may generate a signal having a frequency between 25 GHz and 32 GHz.

The antenna elements according to various embodiments may be aligned around the touch screen display when viewed from above the front plate.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may further include a second antenna array (e.g., a second antenna array170ofFIG. 1A) located between the touch screen display and the back plate. The wireless communication circuit may be electrically connected with the second antenna array.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may further include an opaque layer between the front plate and the antenna array.

The opaque layer according to various embodiments may include a black mask layer.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may further include a conductive internal structure (e.g., a support member230ofFIG. 2B) configured to support the touch screen display. The conductive internal structure may include a portion which extends into the gap between the antenna array and the front plate. The portion may include a plurality of through-holes (e.g., a through-hole232ofFIG. 2B) through which a signal emitted from the antenna elements passes.

The plurality of through-holes according to various embodiments may have shapes and sizes corresponding to the antenna elements.

The internal structure according to various embodiments may further include an insulating material which at least partially fills the plurality of through-holes.

FIG. 8is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device801in a network environment800according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG. 8, the electronic device801(e.g. the electronic device100inFIG. 1or the electronic device200inFIG. 2) in the network environment800may communicate with an electronic device802via a first network898(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device804or a server808via a second network899(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device801may communicate with the electronic device804via the server808. According to an embodiment, the electronic device801may include a processor820, memory830, an input device850, a sound output device855, a display device860, an audio module870, a sensor module876, an interface877, a haptic module879, a camera module880, a power management module888, a battery889, a communication module890, a subscriber identification module (SIM)896, or an antenna module897. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device860or the camera module880) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device801, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device801. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as single integrated circuitry. For example, the sensor module876(e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device860(e.g., a display).

The processor820may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program840) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device801coupled with the processor820, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor820may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module876or the communication module890) in volatile memory832, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory832, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory834. According to an embodiment, the processor820may include a main processor821(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor823(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor821. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor823may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor821, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor823may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor821.

The auxiliary processor823may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device860, the sensor module876, or the communication module890) among the components of the electronic device801, instead of the main processor821while the main processor821is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor821while the main processor821is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor823(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module880or the communication module890) functionally related to the auxiliary processor823.

The memory830may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor820or the sensor module876) of the electronic device801. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program840) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory830may include the volatile memory832or the non-volatile memory834.

The program840may be stored in the memory830as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)842, middleware844, or an application846.

The input device850may receive a command or data to be used by other component (e.g., the processor820) of the electronic device801, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device801. The input device850may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The display device860may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device801. The display device860may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display device860may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module870may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module870may obtain the sound via the input device850, or output the sound via the sound output device855or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device802) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device801.

A connecting terminal878may include a connector via which the electronic device801may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device802). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal878may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The camera module880may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module880may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module888may manage power supplied to the electronic device801. According to one embodiment, the power management module888may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery889may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device801. According to an embodiment, the battery889may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module890may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device801and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device802, the electronic device804, or the server808) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module890may include one or more communication processors (e.g. the communication processor770of the wireless communication circuit742inFIG. 7) that are operable independently from the processor820(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module890may include a wireless communication module892(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module894(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network898(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network899(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module892may identify and authenticate the electronic device801in a communication network, such as the first network898or the second network899, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module896.

The antenna module897may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device801. According to an embodiment, the antenna module897may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., PCB). According to an embodiment, the antenna module897may include a plurality of antennas. In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network898or the second network899, may be selected, for example, by the communication module890(e.g., the wireless communication module892) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module890and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module897.