Method for controlling 5G antenna and electronic device therefor

An electronic device including a second wireless communication circuit providing second radio access technology (RAT) and a communication processor controlling the second wireless communication circuit are provided. The communication processor may allocate a detection symbol for detecting an external object, may detect the external object from the allocated symbol, and may control the second wireless communication circuit based on the detected external object.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of a Korean patent application number 10-2019-0062152, filed on May 27, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to a method for controlling a 5th generation (5G) antenna and an electronic device therefor.

2. Description of Related Art

With the development of a mobile communication technology, an electronic device equipped with an antenna, such as a smartphone or a wearable device, is being widely supplied. The electronic device may receive or transmit a signal including data (e.g., a message, a photo, a video, a music file, or a game) through the antenna. The antenna of the electronic device may be implemented with a plurality of antenna elements to receive or transmit a signal more efficiently. For example, the electronic device may include one or more antenna arrays in each of which a plurality of antenna elements are arranged.

To improve data throughput, a wireless signal in a relatively high frequency band may be used. Because the antenna may have different characteristics depending on the frequency of a signal, different antennas may be used depending on the used frequency band. For example, an electronic device may use different antennas for a signal having the frequency below about 6 gigahertz (GHz) and a signal having the frequency above about 6 GHz.

In wireless communication, blockage may occur due to an object such as a grip by a user of an electronic device. The communication quality may be deteriorated due to the blockage. In addition, when an object causing the blockage is a person, the transmission may be restricted in consideration of the influence of electromagnetic waves. In particular, in the 5G mobile communication using a high-frequency signal, the deterioration in quality and the damage to electromagnetic waves may be increased.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the 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 disclosure is to provide an electronic device detecting external objects to control a wireless communication circuit, thereby reducing the deterioration in quality and the damage to electromagnetic waves.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a second wireless communication circuit electrically connected to at least one antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements and providing a second radio access technology (RAT), a communication processor operatively connected to the second wireless communication circuit, and a memory operatively connected to the communication processor. The memory may store one or more instructions that, when executed, cause the communication processor to allocate an uplink symbol or a flexible symbol among a plurality of symbols indicated by slot format information, as a detection symbol, to detect an object by transmitting a signal in the detection symbol and receiving a reflection signal of the transmitted signal, using the second wireless communication circuit, and to control transmission of the second wireless communication circuit, based on the detected result of the object.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a transmission control method of an electronic device is provided. The transmission control method includes allocating an uplink symbol or a flexible symbol among a plurality of symbols indicated by slot format information, as a detection symbol, detecting an object by transmitting a signal in the detection symbol and receiving a reflection signal of the transmitted signal, using a second wireless communication circuit electrically connected to at least one antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements and configured to provide second RAT, and controlling transmission of the second wireless communication circuit, based on the detected result of the object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device101in a network environment100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of a front surface of a mobile electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of a rear surface of a mobile electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, a mobile electronic device200(e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) according to an embodiment may include a housing210which includes a first surface (or a front surface)210A, a second surface (or a rear surface)210B, and a side surface210C surrounding a space between the first surface210A and the second surface210B. In an embodiment (not illustrated), the housing may be referred to as a “structure” which forms a part of the first surface210A, the second surface210B, and side surfaces210C. According to an embodiment, the first surface210A may be formed by a first plate (or a front plate)202(e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate), at least a portion of which is substantially transparent. The second surface210B may be formed by a rear plate211which is substantially opaque. For example, the rear plate211may be implemented with a coated or colored glass, a ceramic, a polymer, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or the combination of at least two of the materials. The side surface210C may be coupled with the front plate202and the rear plate211, and may be formed by a side bezel structure (or a “side member”)218including metal and/or polymer. In any embodiment, the rear plate211and the side bezel structure218may be integrally formed and may include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum).

In the embodiment that is illustrated, the front plate202may include two first regions210D, which are bent toward the rear plate211from the first surface210A so as to be seamlessly extended, at opposite long edges of the front plate202. In the embodiment (refer toFIG. 3) that is illustrated, the rear plate211may include two second regions210E, which are bent toward the front plate202from the second surface210B so as to be seamlessly extended, at opposite long edges thereof. In an embodiment, the front plate202(or the rear plate211) may include only one of the first regions210D (or the second regions210E). In an embodiment, a portion of the first regions210D or the second regions210E may not be included. In the embodiments, when viewed from the side surface of the electronic device200, the side bezel structure218may have a first thickness (or width) on one side where the first region210D or the second region210E are not included, and may have a second thickness on one side where the first region210D or the second region210E are included. The second thickness may be smaller than the first thickness.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device200may include at least one or more of a display201, an audio module (203,207,214), a sensor module (204,216,219), a camera module (205,212,213), key input devices217, a light-emitting device206, and a connector hole (208,209). In an embodiment, the electronic device200may not include at least one (e.g., the key input devices217or the light-emitting device206) of the components or may further include any other component.

The display201may be exposed through a considerable portion of the front plate202, for example. In any embodiment, at least part of the display201may be exposed through the first surface210A and the front plate202forming the first region210D of the side surface210C. In an embodiment, a corner of the display201may be formed to be mostly identical to a shape of an outer portion of the front plate202adjacent thereto. In an embodiment (not illustrated), to increase the area where the display201is exposed, a difference between an outer portion of the display201and an outer portion of the front plate202may be formed mostly identically.

In an embodiment (not illustrated), a recess or an opening may be formed in a portion of a screen display region of the display201, and at least one or more of the audio module214, the sensor module204, the camera module205, and the light-emitting device206may be provided to be aligned with the recess or the opening. In an embodiment (not illustrated), at least one or more of the audio module214, the sensor module204, the camera module205, the fingerprint sensor216, and the light-emitting device206may be provided on a back surface of the display201, which corresponds to the screen display region. In an embodiment (not illustrated), the display201may be combined with a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (or pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer capable of detecting a magnetic stylus pen or may be disposed adjacent thereto. In any embodiment, at least part of the sensor module (204,219) and/or at least part of the key input device (217) may be disposed in the first region210D and/or the second region210E.

The audio module (203,207,214) may include the microphone hole203and the speaker hole (207,214). A microphone for obtaining external sound may be disposed inside the microphone hole203; in any embodiment, a plurality of microphones may be disposed inside the microphone hole203. The speaker hole (207,214) may include the external speaker hole207and the receiver hole214for making a call. In any embodiment, the speaker hole (207,214) and the microphone hole203may be implemented with one hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be included without the speaker hole (207,214).

The sensor module (204,216,219) may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operation state of the electronic device200or corresponding to an external environment state. The sensor module (204,216,219) may include, for example, the first sensor module204(e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (not illustrated) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the first surface210A of the housing210, and/or the third sensor module219(e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) and/or the fourth sensor module216(e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the second surface210B of the housing210. The fingerprint sensor may be positioned on the second surface210B as well as the first surface210A (e.g., the display201) of the housing210. The electronic device200may further include a sensor module not illustrated, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or the illumination sensor204.

The camera module (205,212,213) may include the first camera device205positioned on the first surface210A of the electronic device200, and the second camera module212and/or the flash213positioned on the second surface210B. The camera module (205,212) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash213may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In an embodiment, two or more lenses (e.g., an infrared camera and wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device200.

The key input devices217may be disposed on the side surface210C of the housing210. In another embodiment, the electronic device200may not include all or a part of the key input devices217, and the key input device217not included may be implemented on the display201in the form of a soft key. In an embodiment, a key input device may include the sensor module216disposed on the second surface210B of the housing210.

The light-emitting device206may be disposed, for example, on the first surface210A of the housing210. The light-emitting device206may provide status information of the electronic device200, for example, in the form of light. In an embodiment, the light-emitting device206may provide, for example, a light source that operates in conjunction with an operation of the camera module205. The light-emitting device206may include, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED), an IR LED, and a xenon lamp.

The connector hole (208,209) may include the first connector hole208that is capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting/receiving a power and/or data to/from an external electronic device, and/or the second connector hole (or an earphone jack)209that is capable of accommodating a connector for transmitting/receiving an audio signal to/from the external electronic device.

FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view of a mobile electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 4, a mobile electronic device400(e.g., the mobile electronic device200ofFIG. 2) may include a side bezel structure410, a first support member411(e.g., a bracket), a front plate420, a display430, a printed circuit board440, a battery450, a second support member460(e.g., a rear case), an antenna470, and a rear plate480. In any embodiment, the electronic device400may not include at least one (e.g., the first support member411or the second support member460) of the components or may further include any other component. At least one of the components of the electronic device400may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device200ofFIG. 2 or 3, and thus, additional description will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

The first support member411may be disposed inside the electronic device400, and may be connected to the side bezel structure410or may be integrally formed with the side bezel structure410. The first support member411may be formed of, for example, a metal material and/or a nonmetal material (e.g., polymer). The display430may be coupled with one surface of the first support member411, and the printed circuit board440may be coupled with an opposite surface of the first support member411. A processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board440. For example, the processor may include one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing device, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

FIG. 5is a block diagram of an electronic device for supporting legacy network communication and 5G network communication according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 5, the electronic device101may include a first communication processor512, a second communication processor514, a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)522, a second RFIC524, a third RFIC526, a fourth RFIC528, a first radio frequency front end (RFFE)532, a second RFFE534, a first antenna module542, a second antenna module544, and an antenna548. The electronic device101may further include the processor120and the memory130. The second network199may include a first cellular network592and a second cellular network594. According to another embodiment, the electronic device101may further include at least one of the components described inFIG. 1, and the second network199may further include at least one other network. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor512, the second communication processor514, the first RFIC522, the second RFIC524, the fourth RFIC528, the first RFFE532, and the second RFFE534may form at least part of the wireless communication module192. According to another embodiment, the fourth RFIC528may be omitted or included as the part of the third RFIC526.

The first communication processor512may support the establishment of a communication channel of a band to be used for wireless communication with the first cellular network592and the legacy network communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the first cellular network592may be a legacy network including 2nd generation (2G), 3rd generation (3G), 4th generation (4G), and/or long term evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor514may support the establishment of a communication channel corresponding to a specified band (e.g., about 6 GHz˜about 60 GHz) among bands to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network594and 5G network communication via the established communication channel According to an embodiment, the second cellular network594may be 5G network defined in 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). Additionally, according to an embodiment, the first communication processor512or the second communication processor514may establish a communication channel for a specified band (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of the bands to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network594and may support 5G network communication through the established communication channel According to an embodiment, the first communication processor512and the second communication processor514may be implemented within a single chip or a single package. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor512or the second communication processor514may be implemented within a single chip or a single package with the processor120, the auxiliary processor123ofFIG. 1, or the communication module190ofFIG. 1.

At the time of transmission, the first RFIC522may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor512to a radio frequency (RF) signal of about 700 megahertz (MHz) to about 3 GHz used for the first cellular network592(e.g., a legacy network). At the time of reception, the RF signal may be obtained from the first cellular network592(e.g., a legacy network) via an antenna (e.g., the first antenna module542) and may be preprocessed via RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE532). The first RFIC522may convert the pre-processed RF signal into a baseband signal so as to be processed by the first communication processor512.

In the case of transmitting a signal, the second RFIC524may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor512or the second communication processor514into an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as a “5G Sub6 RF signal”) in a Sub6 band (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) used in the second cellular network594(e.g., a 5G network). At the time of reception, the 5G Sub6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network594(e.g., 5G network) via an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module544) and may be preprocessed via RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE534). The second RFIC524may convert the pre-processed 5G Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal so as to be processed by a communication processor corresponding to the 5G Sub6 RF signal from among the first communication processor512or the second communication processor514.

The third RFIC526may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor514into an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as a “5G Above6 RF signal”) in a 5G Above6 band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz to approximately 60 GHz) to be used in the second cellular network594(e.g., a 5G network). In the case of receiving a signal, the 5G Above6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network594(e.g., a 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna548) and may be pre-processed through a third RFFE536. For example, the third RFFE536may perform preprocessing of a signal, using a phase shifter538. The third RFIC526may convert the preprocessed 5G Above6 RF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by the second communication processor514. According to an embodiment, the third RFFE536may be implemented as a part of the third RFIC526.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include the fourth RFIC528independent of the third RFIC526or as at least part thereof. In this case, the fourth RFIC528may convert the baseband signal generated by the second communication processor514, to an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as an intermediate frequency (IF) signal) of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., about 9 GHz˜about 11 GHz) and then may transmit the IF signal to the third RFIC526. The third RFIC526may convert the IF signal to the 5G Above6 RF signal. In the case of receiving a signal, the 5G Above6 RF signal may be received from the second cellular network594(e.g., a 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna548) and may be converted into an IF signal by the third RFIC526. The fourth RFIC528may convert the IF signal into a baseband signal so as to be processed by the second communication processor514.

According to an embodiment, the first RFIC522and the second RFIC524may be implemented with a part of a single chip or a single package. According to an embodiment, the first RFFE532and the second RFFE534may be implemented with a part of a single chip or a single package. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first antenna module542or the second antenna module544may be omitted or may be combined with any other antenna module to process RF signals in a plurality of bands.

According to an embodiment, the third RFIC526and the antenna548may be disposed at the same substrate to form a third antenna module546. For example, the wireless communication module192or the processor120may be disposed on a first substrate (e.g., a main PCB). In this case, the third RFIC526may be disposed in a partial region (e.g., on a lower surface) of a second substrate (e.g., a sub PCB) independent of the first substrate, and the antenna548may be disposed in another partial region (e.g., on an upper surface) of the second substrate. As such, the third antenna module546may be formed. According to an embodiment, for example, the antenna548may include an antenna array capable of being used for beamforming. It is possible to reduce the length of the transmission line between the third RFIC526and the antenna548by positioning the third RFIC526and the antenna548on the same substrate. The decrease in the transmission line may make it possible to reduce the loss (or attenuation) of a signal in a high-frequency band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz to approximately 60 GHz) used for the 5G network communication due to the transmission line. For this reason, the electronic device101may improve the quality or speed of communication with the second cellular network594(e.g., 5G network).

The second cellular network594(e.g., a 5G network) may be used independently of the first cellular network592(e.g., a legacy network) (e.g., stand-alone (SA)) or may be used in conjunction with the first cellular network592(e.g., non-standalone (NSA)). For example, only an access network (e.g., a 5G radio access network (RAN) or a next generation RAN (NG RAN)) may be present in the 5G network, and a core network (e.g., a next generation core (NGC)) may be absent from the 5G network. In this case, the electronic device101may access the access network of the 5G network and may then access an external network (e.g., Internet) under control of the core network (e.g., an evolved packed core (EPC)) of the legacy network. Protocol information (e.g., LTE protocol information) for communication with the legacy network or protocol information (e.g., New Radio NR protocol information) for communication with the 5G network may be stored in the memory130and may be accessed by another component (e.g., the processor120, the first communication processor512, or the second communication processor514).

FIG. 6is a block diagram of an electronic device for 5G network communication according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The electronic device101may include various components illustrated inFIG. 5; however, inFIG. 6, for a brief description, it is described that the electronic device101includes the processor120, the second communication processor514, the fourth RFIC528, and at least one third antenna module546.

Referring toFIG. 6, the third antenna module546may include first to fourth phase shifters613-1to613-4(e.g., the phase shifter538ofFIG. 5) and/or first to fourth antenna elements617-1to617-4(e.g., the antenna548ofFIG. 5). Each one of the first to fourth antenna elements617-1to617-4may be electrically connected to individual one of the first to fourth phase shifters613-1to613-4. The first to fourth antenna elements617-1to617-4may form at least one antenna array615.

The second communication processor514may control the phases of signals transmitted and/or received through the first to fourth antenna elements617-1to617-4by controlling the first to fourth phase shifters (613-1to613-4), and thus may generate Tx beam and/or Rx beam in the selected direction.

According to an embodiment, the third antenna module546may form a beam651(hereinafter referred to as “broad beam”) of the wide radiation pattern or a beam653(hereinafter referred to as “sharp beam”) of the narrow radiation pattern, which is described above, depending on the number of antenna elements used. For example, when the third antenna module546uses all of the first to fourth antenna elements617-1to617-4, the third antenna module546may form the sharp beam653; when the third antenna module546uses only the first antenna element617-1and the second antenna element617-2, the third antenna module546may form the broad beam651. The broad beam651may have a wider coverage than the sharp beam653but may have less antenna gain, and thus it may be more effective upon searching for a beam. On the other hand, the sharp beam653may have a narrower coverage than the broad beam651. However, the antenna gain may be higher, thereby improving communication performance.

According to an embodiment, the second communication processor514may utilize the sensor module176(e.g., a 9-axis sensor, a grip sensor, or GPS) for beam search. For example, the electronic device101may adjust the search location of a beam and/or a beam search period based on the location and/or movement of the electronic device101, using the sensor module176. For another example, when the electronic device101is gripped by a user, the electronic device101may select an antenna module having better communication performance among the plurality of third antenna modules546by grasping the user's gripping portion using a grip sensor.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of an antenna module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 7, according to an embodiment, an antenna module700(e.g., the third antenna module546ofFIG. 6) may include a first antenna array740and a second antenna array745, which are disposed on the first surface (e.g., the direction parallel to the X-Y plane and facing the +Z axis) of a printed circuit board (PCB)750or in the PCB750. The antenna module700may include at least one communication circuit (not shown) (e.g., the third RFIC526inFIG. 5) disposed on the second surface (e.g., the direction parallel to the X-Y plane and facing the −Z axis) of the PCB750. For example, the first antenna array740may include a first antenna element741(e.g., the first antenna element617-1ofFIG. 6), a second antenna element742(e.g., the second antenna element617-2ofFIG. 6), a third antenna element743(e.g., the third antenna element617-3ofFIG. 6), and/or a fourth antenna element744(e.g., the fourth antenna element617-4ofFIG. 6). For example, the second antenna array745may include a plurality of dipole antenna elements701,711,721, and731. For example, each of the dipole antenna elements701,711,721, and731may transmit or receive signals, using a beam corresponding to the radiation pattern generated with respect to one side direction (e.g., +Y direction) of the antenna module700. In the case of the dipole antenna elements701,711,721, and731, the dipole antenna elements701,711,721, and731may have a null point in the longitudinal direction (e.g., X axis) of each of the dipole antenna elements701,711,721, and731. According to an embodiment, each of the antenna elements of the second antenna array745may be connected to the communication circuit (e.g., the fourth RFIC528inFIG. 6) through at least one transmission line formed through the inside of the PCB750via at least one feed point.

The first antenna array740and the second antenna array745are illustrated inFIG. 7as being positioned on the same PCB750, but embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the first antenna array740may be positioned on the first PCB, and the second antenna array745may be positioned on the second PCB. For example, the first PCB and the second PCB may be electrically and/or physically connected through a flexible member (e.g., a flexible PCB).

FIG. 8is a layout diagram of an antenna module of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 8, according to an embodiment, an electronic device800(e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) may include a first antenna module810, a second antenna module820, and/or a third antenna module830. For example,FIG. 8may illustrate an internal view of the electronic device800when the electronic device800is viewed from the rear surface of the electronic device800. For example,FIG. 8may illustrate the interior of the electronic device800when the rear plate and the antenna (e.g., the antenna470inFIG. 4) of the electronic device800are removed and then the electronic device800is viewed in one direction (e.g., −Z axis direction) from the rear surface (e.g., the rear plate480inFIG. 4) of the electronic device800. For another example,FIG. 8may illustrate the interior of the electronic device800when the rear plate, the antenna, and the second support member (e.g., the second support member460ofFIG. 4) of the electronic device800are removed and then the electronic device800is viewed in one direction from the rear surface of the electronic device800.

According to an embodiment, at least part of the side bezel structure410(e.g., front metal) may be used as a radiator for transmitting and receiving wireless signals (e.g., wireless signals of 6 GHz or less) of legacy cellular communication (e.g., 3G and 4G mobile communication). For example, the side bezel structure410may be at least part of an antenna including a plurality of legacy feed points and/or a plurality of grounds (GNDs).

According to an embodiment, the first antenna module810may be positioned at the upper center of the rear surface of the electronic device800, as illustrated inFIG. 8. For example, the first antenna module810may be disposed above a speaker860. For example, when viewed from the side surface of the electronic device800(e.g., +X direction or −X direction), the first antenna module810may be disposed so as not to overlap with the speaker860(e.g., the sound output device155ofFIG. 1). For example, the first antenna module810may be positioned between the printed circuit board440and the rear plate of the electronic device800.

For example, the first antenna module810may correspond to the antenna module700ofFIG. 7. According to an embodiment, the PCB (e.g., the PCB750ofFIG. 7) of the first antenna module810may be substantially parallel to the central part of the display of the electronic device800, and may include a plurality of patch-type antenna elements (e.g., the first antenna array740ofFIG. 7). For example, a plurality of patch-type antenna elements may be disposed on the PCB750to form a beam toward the rear surface of the electronic device800. According to an embodiment, the first antenna module810may include a plurality of dipole antenna elements (e.g., the second antenna array745ofFIG. 7). For example, the plurality of dipole antenna elements may be disposed to generate a beam through a non-display region in front of the electronic device800.

The second antenna module820may be positioned on the upper-left end of the rear surface of the electronic device800, as illustrated inFIG. 8. For example, when viewed from the side surface of the electronic device800(e.g., +X direction or −X direction), the second antenna module820may be disposed at a location at least partially overlapping with a camera module840. For example, the second antenna module820may be positioned adjacent to the side bezel structure410on the left side of the camera module840when viewed from the rear surface of the electronic device800. For example, the second antenna module820may be disposed inside the electronic device800such that the PCB of the second antenna module820is parallel to the front display or rear plate of the electronic device800.

According to an embodiment, the second antenna module820may correspond to the antenna module700ofFIG. 7. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device800is viewed from the rear surface, the second antenna module820may include a plurality of patch-type antenna elements (e.g., the first antenna array740ofFIG. 7) disposed toward the rear surface of the electronic device800(e.g., +Z direction). According to an embodiment, the second antenna module820may include a plurality of dipole antenna elements (e.g., the second antenna array745ofFIG. 7). The second antenna module820may generate a beam having a radiation pattern around the left direction (e.g., −Y direction) and the display direction (e.g., the direction between −Y direction and −Z direction on Y-Z plane) of the electronic device800from the inside of the electronic device800, using a plurality of dipole antenna elements.

According to an embodiment, the third antenna module830may be positioned at the right side of the rear surface of the electronic device800, as illustrated inFIG. 8. For example, when viewed from the side surface of the electronic device800(e.g., +Y direction or −Y direction), the third antenna module830may be disposed at a location at least partially overlapping with the battery450. For example, the third antenna module830may be positioned between the side bezel structure410and the battery450when viewed from the rear surface of the electronic device800. For example, the third antenna module830may be disposed inside the electronic device800such that the PCB of the third antenna module830is substantially parallel to the front display or rear plate of the electronic device800.

According to an embodiment, the third antenna module830may correspond to the antenna module700ofFIG. 7. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device800is viewed from the rear surface, the third antenna module830may include a plurality of patch-type antenna elements (e.g., the first antenna array740ofFIG. 7) disposed toward the rear surface of the electronic device800(e.g., +Z direction). According to an embodiment, the third antenna module830may include a plurality of dipole antenna elements (e.g., the second antenna array745ofFIG. 7). The third antenna module830may generate a beam having a radiation pattern around the right direction (e.g., +Y direction) and the display direction (e.g., the direction between +Y direction and −Z direction on Y-Z plane) of the electronic device800from the inside of the electronic device800, using a plurality of dipole antenna elements.

The layout of the antenna modules described with reference toFIG. 8is one possible layout, and embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the number of antenna modules and the locations of the antenna modules are not limited to the example ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 9is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 9, according to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) may include a memory930(e.g., the memory130ofFIG. 1), a sensor circuit970(e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG. 1), a communication processor990(e.g., the communication module190ofFIG. 1), a first wireless communication circuit991(e.g., the first RFIC522and/or the second RFIC524ofFIG. 5), and/or a second wireless communication circuit992(e.g., the third RFIC526ofFIG. 5). For example, the components of the electronic device900may be positioned inside a housing901(e.g., the housing210ofFIG. 2) or on the housing901. The memory930, the sensor circuit970, the first wireless communication circuit991, and the second wireless communication circuit992may be operatively connected to the communication processor990. The configuration of the electronic device900illustrated inFIG. 9is one possible electronic device, and embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device900may further include a configuration not illustrated inFIG. 9. For another example, the electronic device900may not include at least part of the configurations illustrated inFIG. 9.

According to an embodiment, the memory930may store one or more instructions that, when executed, cause the communication processor990to perform operations of the electronic device900or the communication processor990to be described later. The memory930may be a configuration separately from the communication processor990located outside the communication processor990. For another example, the memory930may be implemented inside the communication processor990; alternatively, the memory930and the communication processor990may be implemented as a single chip.

According to an embodiment, the sensor circuit970may include one or more sensors. For example, the sensor circuit970may include a grip sensor for sensing the grip of the electronic device900. For example, the sensor circuit970may include a proximity sensor for detecting an object located adjacent to the electronic device900. According to an embodiment, the sensor circuit970may be operatively connected to the communication processor990or may be operatively connected to the communication processor990through a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG. 1). For example, the communication processor990may receive the data sensed directly from the sensor circuit970or the data sensed from the sensor circuit970through the processor.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may include at least one communication processor. For example, the communication processor990may include a first communication processor configured to perform communication based on a first radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., long term evolution (LTE)) and a second communication processor configured to perform communication based on a second RAT (e.g., new radio-RAN (NG-RAN)). For another example, the communication processor990may include a single communication processor configured to perform communication based on the first RAT and the second RAT. The communication processor990may be operatively connected to the first wireless communication circuit991and the second wireless communication circuit992, and may be configured to control the first wireless communication circuit991and the second wireless communication circuit992.

According to an embodiment, the first wireless communication circuit991may be configured to provide the first RAT-based communication. For example, the first wireless communication circuit991may be configured to transmit and receive signals in a first frequency band (e.g., less than 6 GHz). For example, the first wireless communication circuit991may transmit and receive a wireless signal, using at least one antenna configured to transmit and receive signals in the first frequency band. According to an embodiment, at least part of the side member (e.g., the side member210ofFIG. 2) of the electronic device900may be used as at least one antenna configured to transmit and receive signals in a first frequency band.

According to an embodiment, the second wireless communication circuit992may be configured to provide the second RAT-based communication. For example, the second wireless communication circuit992may be configured to transmit and receive signals in a second frequency band (e.g., 6 GHz or higher).

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may detect an external object of the electronic device900and may control the first wireless communication circuit991and/or the second wireless communication circuit992based on the detection of the external object. For example, the communication processor990may control the first wireless communication circuit991and/or the second wireless communication circuit992based on the distance and/or type of the external object.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may detect two types of external objects. For example, the communication processor990may detect a far area object and/or a near area object. For example, the near area object may refer to an object located within a specific distance from the electronic device900; the far area object may refer to an object located at a distance greater than or equal to the specific distance from the electronic device900. For example, the specific distance may be from about 4 cm to about 10 cm.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may detect the near area object, using the sensor circuit970and/or the first wireless communication circuit991. For example, the communication processor990may detect the near area object, using the grip sensor and/or proximity sensor of the sensor circuit970. For another example, the communication processor990may detect the near area object, using the first wireless communication circuit991. In this case, the communication processor990may transmit a signal in the first band, using the first wireless communication circuit991and may receive the reflection signal of the transmitted signal, using a feedback reception path of the first wireless communication circuit. The communication processor990may detect the near area object based on the magnitudes and phases of the transmission signal and the reflection signal.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may detect the external object, using the second wireless communication circuit992. For example, the communication processor990may detect the far area object, using the second wireless communication circuit992. For another example, the communication processor990may detect the near area object or the far area object, using the second wireless communication circuit992. The communication processor990transmits a signal in the second band, using the second wireless communication circuit992and may measure the reflection signal of the transmitted signal to detect an external object. For example, the communication processor990may compare the sizes and phases of the transmission signal and the reflection signal to identify the distance of the external object and/or the type (e.g., a metallic material, a non-metallic material, and/or a human body) of the external object. According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may identify the magnitudes and phases of the transmission signal and reflection signal and may identify the type of external object, using the value stored in the memory930. For example, the memory930may include mapping information about the sizes and phases of the transmission signal and the reflection signal and a type of external object. According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may identify a difference between a transmission time of the transmission signal and a reception time of the reflection signal, and may determine a distance based on the identified difference. For example, the communication processor990may identify a difference between a transmission time and a reception time based on a phase difference between the transmission signal and the reception signal.

Hereinafter, the detection of an external object using the second wireless communication circuit992may be described with reference toFIGS. 10 to 13.

FIG. 11illustrates an RF chain configuration for object detection using heterogeneous antenna elements according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990ofFIG. 9may transmit a signal to the first type of antenna element of the second wireless communication circuit992and may receive a reflection signal, using the second type of antenna element.

Referring toFIG. 11, in an electronic device1100, the second communication processor514(e.g., the communication processor990) may transmit a signal, using a first antenna element1113connected to the third RFIC526through a first transmission/reception chain1111. For example, the first antenna element1113may be a patch-type antenna element. The signal transmitted through the first antenna element1113may be reflected by an object1199. The second communication processor514may receive the reflection signal, using the second antenna element1123connected to the third RFIC526through a second transmission/reception chain1121. For example, the second antenna element1123may be a dipole antenna element. InFIG. 11, it is illustrated that the first antenna element1113is a patch antenna element and the second antenna element1123is a dipole antenna element, but embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For another example, the first antenna element1113may be a dipole antenna element, and the second antenna element1123may be a patch antenna element. For another example, both the first antenna element1113and the second antenna element1123may be patch antenna elements.

In the example ofFIG. 11, the communication processor990may detect the external object1199, using an antenna element that is not used for communication among antenna elements of the second wireless communication circuit992. For example, in the case of the antenna module700ofFIG. 7, when the communication processor990transmits and receives signals using the first antenna array740, the communication processor990may detect an object, using the second antenna array745. For another example, when the communication processor990transmits and receives signals using the second antenna array745, the communication processor990may detect an object, using the first antenna array740.

FIG. 12illustrates an RF chain configuration for object detection using a dual feeding antenna element according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

For example, an antenna element may be connected to two transmission/reception chains for dual polarization. According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may transmit a signal and may receive a reflection signal, using two transmission/reception chains connected to a single antenna element of the second wireless communication circuit992.

Referring toFIG. 12, for example, in an electronic device1200, a first transmission/reception chain1211is a transmission/reception chain associated with the vertical polarization of a first antenna element1213; a second transmission/reception chain1221may be a transmission/reception chain associated with horizontal polarization of the first antenna element1213. For another example, the first transmission/reception chain1211is a transmission/reception chain associated with the horizontal polarization of the first antenna element1213; the second transmission/reception chain1221may be a transmission/reception chain associated with vertical polarization of the first antenna element1213.

According to an embodiment, the second communication processor514(e.g., the communication processor990) may transmit a signal, using the first transmission/reception chain1211and the first antenna element1213. The signal transmitted through the first antenna element1213may be reflected by an object1299. The second communication processor514may receive the reflection signal, using the first antenna element1213connected through the second transmission/reception chain1221.

In the example ofFIG. 12, the second communication processor514may detect the object1299by comparing the magnitudes and phases of the transmission signal and reflection signal. In this case, the second communication processor514may detect the object1299in consideration of cross polarization isolation between the first transmission/reception chain1211and the second transmission/reception chain1221. A reference point ml in the graph of reference numeral1230indicates that the isolation performance between two chains associated with a single antenna element according to an example is −15 dB at about 30 GHz. In the graph of reference number1230, the vertical axis may have the unit of dB and the horizontal axis may have the unit of GHz. The isolation performance may contribute to the protection of low-noise amplifier (LNA). For example, when the reflection signal having a high intensity is received, the LNA may be damaged. When the isolation performance is secured, the reflection signal may be attenuated to prevent the LNA from being damaged.

FIG. 13illustrates an RF chain configuration for object detection using a single antenna element according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 13, according to an embodiment, in an electronic device1300, a first transmission/reception chain1311may further include a coupler1312. For example, the second communication processor514may obtain a transmission signal and a reception signal through a transmission signal path1321and a reception signal path1323connected to the coupler1312.

According to an embodiment, the coupler1312may be connected to only some of the antenna elements of an antenna module. For example, there may be an antenna element configured to be used to detect an object1399among antenna elements of the antenna module. The coupler1312may be connected to at least one transmission/reception chain connected to an antenna element1313for the detection of the object1399.

Referring toFIG. 9, the communication processor990may detect a near area object at any time, using the sensor circuit970and/or the first wireless communication circuit991. For example, the communication processor990may detect a near area object substantially at the same time with the detection of a far area object. For another example, the communication processor990may detect a near area object, and then may detect a far area object. For another example, when the near area object is detected, the communication processor990may detect a far area object.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may detect an object (e.g., a far area object and/or a near area object), using the second wireless communication circuit992independently of the transmission and reception schedule (e.g., slot format) associated with the second wireless communication circuit992.

For example, in the example ofFIG. 11, a signal may be transmitted and received by using two antenna elements of an antenna array that are not currently used for transmission and reception. In this case, the communication processor990may detect an object, using the second wireless communication circuit992independently of the transmission and reception schedule (e.g., subframe settings) associated with the second wireless communication circuit992. According to an embodiment, in the example ofFIG. 12, when the antenna element of the second wireless communication circuit992is not used for transmission or reception, the communication processor990may detect an object using the antenna element. According to an embodiment, in the example ofFIG. 13, because the communication processor990may obtain a transmission signal and a reception signal using the coupler1312, the communication processor990may detect an object at any time.

FIG. 10illustrates slot formats according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may detect an object, using the second wireless communication circuit992based on the transmission and reception schedule (e.g., slot format) associated with the second wireless communication circuit992. For example, the communication processor990may identify at least one symbol for object detection based on a slot format. The communication processor990may allocate at least one symbol among symbols in a slot, as at least one symbol for detecting an object based on a slot format. The communication processor990may detect an object at the allocated at least one symbol. For example, the communication processor990may transmit a detection signal in the allocated symbol and then may receive a reflection signal of the transmitted detection signal to detect an object.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may allocate a flexible symbol set depending on a slot format, as a symbol for detecting an object. For example, the communication processor990may allocate at least one flexible symbol between an uplink symbol and a downlink symbol, at least one flexible symbol located before the downlink symbol, or at least one flexible symbol located before the uplink symbol, as a symbol for detecting an object. The communication processor990may transmit a detection signal in the allocated flexible symbol and then may receive a reflection signal of the transmitted detection signal to detect an object.

Referring toFIG. 10, for example, a first slot format1001(e.g., slot format38) may include flexible symbols between downlink symbols and uplink symbols. In this case, the communication processor990may allocate the first flexible symbol as a detection symbol1011for detecting an object. The communication processor990may detect an external object, using a broad beam (e.g., the broad beam651ofFIG. 6) in the detection symbol1011. The communication processor990may transmit uplink data, using a sharp beam (e.g., the sharp beam653inFIG. 6) in an uplink symbol interval1013.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may allocate an uplink symbol set depending on the slot format, as a symbol for detecting an object. For example, all symbols in a second slot format1002(e.g., slot format1) may be uplink symbols. In this case, the communication processor990may allocate at least part of the uplink symbols in the slot, as the detection symbol1011. For example, the communication processor990may allocate uplink symbols of a specified symbol interval as the detection symbol1011. For example, in the detection symbol1011, the communication processor990may detect an external object, using a broad beam (e.g., the broad beam651ofFIG. 6) in the detection symbol1011. For another example, the communication processor990may simultaneously perform external object detection and uplink data transmission, using a broad beam in the detection symbol1011. The communication processor990may transmit uplink data, using a sharp beam (e.g., the sharp beam653inFIG. 6) in the uplink symbol interval1013.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may detect an external object, using a beam pattern (e.g., the sharp beam653inFIG. 6) used for data transmission. For example, in the example ofFIG. 11, the communication processor990may transmit uplink data using a first antenna array (e.g., antenna array including the first antenna element1113) and may receive the reflection signal of the transmitted signal, using the second antenna element1123of the second antenna array that is not used for data transmission. For another example, in the example ofFIG. 13, the communication processor990may detect a transmission signal and a reflection signal, using the coupler1312.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may detect an object, using a beam pattern (e.g., the broad beam651inFIG. 6) different from the beam pattern (e.g., the sharp beam653inFIG. 6) used for data transmission. For example, the communication processor990may generate a broad beam for detecting an object, using some antenna elements of the antenna array. In this case, at least some antenna elements of the antenna array may not be used for beam transmission.

According to an embodiment, the phase of the beam pattern for object detection may be the same as the phase of the uplink data beam pattern. The uplink beam pattern and the downlink beam pattern according to an example may be as shown in Table 1 and Table 2 below.

In Table 1 and Table 2, AE1 may correspond to a first antenna element (e.g., the first patch antenna element741ofFIG. 7); AE2 may correspond to a second antenna element (e.g., the second patch antenna element742ofFIG. 7); AE3 may correspond to a third antenna element (e.g., the third patch antenna element743ofFIG. 7); and AE4 may correspond to a fourth antenna element (e.g., the fourth patch antenna element744ofFIG. 7).

As shown in Table 1 and Table 2, the antenna element of the data beam pattern used for uplink data transmission may be the same phase as the antenna element of the detection beam pattern used for object detection. For example, to form a broad beam, at least part of antenna elements may not be used to form a beam for detecting an object.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may detect a near area object or a far area object based on the transmission power of the second wireless communication circuit992. For example, the communication processor990may transmit a signal corresponding to the pattern of the detection beam with first transmission power to detect the near area object and may transmit a signal corresponding to the pattern of the detection beam with a second transmission power higher than the first transmission power to detect the far area object.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may control the first wireless communication circuit991and/or the second wireless communication circuit992based on the detection of the external object.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may perform the power backoff for the first wireless communication circuit991. For example, when a near area object is detected, the communication processor990may perform the power backoff of the first wireless communication circuit991. The communication processor990may adjust the transmission power of the first wireless communication circuit991to a specified transmission power or less.

According to an embodiment, when the near area object is detected, the communication processor990may control the second wireless communication circuit992. For example, the controlling of the second wireless communication circuit992may include the suppression of a sidelobe and/or a backlobe of the antenna module associated with the second wireless communication circuit992.

FIG. 14illustrates beam pattern control according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 14, for example, reference number1401may illustrate a pattern of the beam generated by an antenna module (e.g., the third antenna module546inFIG. 5) associated with the second wireless communication circuit992. When a near area object is detected, as illustrated in reference numeral1403, the communication processor990may generate a beam pattern in which side lobes are suppressed. For example, the communication processor990may suppress a sidelobe and/or a backlobe by applying a weight (e.g., tapered array or Dolph Chebyshev weighting filter) to the antenna array used to form a beam. According to an embodiment, when the near area object is identified as a human's body, the communication processor990may suppress the sidelobe and/or the backlobe.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may perform the backoff of the first wireless communication circuit991and/or the second wireless communication circuit992based on the detection of near area objects.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may control the second wireless communication circuit992based on the detection of an object. For example, the communication processor990may control transmission/reception chains associated with at least part of antenna elements of an antenna module corresponding to a location where the object is detected. For example, the communication processor990may apply power backoff, turn-off, and/or weight to at least part of the transmission/reception chains. For example, the communication processor990may increase transmission/reception probability by forming the beam pattern of the corresponding antenna module more broadly through the control of at least part of transmission/reception chains. For another example, the communication processor990may reduce the mainlobe of the beam of the antenna module associated with the second wireless communication circuit992based on the detection of the object.

According to an embodiment, when a near area object and a far area object are detected, the communication processor990may control the first wireless communication circuit991and the second wireless communication circuit992. For example, the communication processor990may perform the power backoff for the first wireless communication circuit. For example, the communication processor990may suppress the mainlobe, sidelobe, and backlobe by the related antenna module, based on the weight for the second wireless communication circuit992. For another example, the communication processor990may perform wireless communication using another antenna module in which a far area object is not detected. In this case, when a near area object and a far area object are detected with respect to all antenna modules of the electronic device900, the communication processor990may perform communication using only the first wireless communication circuit991.

FIG. 15is a flowchart of a transmission control method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 15, according to an embodiment, in a method1500, in operation1505, the communication processor (e.g., the communication processor990inFIG. 9) may allocate a detection symbol (e.g., the detection symbol1011inFIG. 10). According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may allocate a detection symbol depending on the slot format information received from a base station. For example, the communication processor990may allocate a flexible symbol (e.g., a flexible symbol before uplink symbol or a flexible symbol after downlink symbol) in a slot as a detection symbol. For another example, the communication processor990may allocate an uplink symbol in the slot as the detection symbol.

According to an embodiment, in operation1510, the communication processor may perform object detection in the detection symbol. For example, the communication processor may detect a far area object and a near area object in the detection symbol. For another example, the communication processor may allocate a detection symbol and may generate a beam for transmitting a detection signal in the detection symbol. The near area object may be detected by receiving the reflection signal of the transmitted detection signal at timing different from the timing of the detection symbol. According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may detect a near area object, using the first wireless communication circuit991and/or the sensor circuit970. According to an embodiment, the communication processor990may detect a far area object from the detection symbol, using the second wireless communication circuit992. For example, the communication processor may detect a near area object and/or a far area object depending on the methods described above with reference toFIGS. 9 to 14.

In the following operations, it may be assumed that at least one object has been detected. When an object is not detected, operations described later with reference toFIG. 15may not be performed.

According to an embodiment, when only the near area object is detected (e.g., when a far area object is not detected) in operation1515, in operation1525, the communication processor may restrict the transmission of a legacy antenna and an antenna module (e.g., the third antenna module546inFIG. 5). For example, the communication processor may control the second wireless communication circuit (e.g., the second wireless communication circuit992inFIG. 9) to perform a power backoff for the legacy antenna (e.g., the power backoff for the first wireless communication circuit991inFIG. 9) and to suppress a sidelobe and/or a backlobe by the antenna module.

According to an embodiment, when only the far area object is detected (e.g., when the near area object is not detected) in operation1520, the communication processor may restrict the transmission of the antenna module (e.g., the third antenna module546inFIG. 5) in operation1530. For example, the communication processor may control the second wireless communication circuit to suppress a mainlobe by the antenna module. In this case, the communication processor may not perform the power backoff for the first wireless communication circuit.

According to an embodiment, when both the far area object and the near area object are detected in operation1520, the communication processor may restrict the transmission of the legacy antenna and antenna module in operation1535. For example, the communication processor may control the second wireless communication circuit to suppress the power backoff and the mainlobe, the sidelobe, and/or the backlobe for the first communication circuit.

FIG. 16is a flowchart of a transmission control method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 16, according to an embodiment, in a method1600when a near area object is detected and a single far area object is detected through one antenna module, a communication processor (e.g., the communication processor990ofFIG. 9) may detect an object, using the other antenna module in operation1605. For example, because the near area object is detected, in operation1605, the communication processor may detect the far area object using other antenna modules of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device900ofFIG. 9). In this case, the communication processor may detect the far area object, using a flexible symbol or an uplink symbol.

According to an embodiment, when an object is detected by all antenna modules in operation1610, the communication processor may communicate using a legacy antenna (e.g., the antenna connected to the first wireless communication circuit991inFIG. 9) in operation1615. For example, the communication processor may perform radio access technology (RAT) backoff. The communication processor may perform communication based on evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) instead of NG-RAT.

According to an embodiment, when there is an antenna module in which an object is not detected, the communication processor may communicate using the antenna module, in which an object is not detected, in operation1620. In this case, the communication processor may restrict the transmission of a legacy antenna and the antenna module where an object is detected, in operation1525ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 17is a flowchart of an antenna changing method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 17, according to an embodiment, in a method1700, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device900ofFIG. 9) may include a first wireless communication circuit (e.g., the first wireless communication circuit991ofFIG. 9) configured to provide first RAT (e.g., E-UTRAN), a second wireless communication circuit (e.g., the second wireless communication circuit992ofFIG. 9) electrically connected to at least one antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements and configured to provide second RAT (e.g., NG-RAN), a communication processor (e.g., the communication processor990ofFIG. 9) operatively connected to the first wireless communication circuit and the second wireless communication circuit, and a memory (e.g., the memory930ofFIG. 9) operatively connected to the communication processor. The first wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and receive signals of less than 6 GHz, and the second wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and receive signals of 6 GHz or more. The memory may store one or more instructions that, when executed, cause the communication processor to perform the operations described later.

According to an embodiment, in operation1705, the communication processor may allocate a detection symbol based on slot format information. For example, the communication processor may allocate an uplink symbol or a flexible symbol among a plurality of symbols indicated by the slot format information, as a detection symbol.

According to an embodiment, in operation1710, the communication processor may detect a near area object. For example, the communication processor may detect a near area object, using a first wireless communication circuit configured to provide the first RAT. For another example, the communication processor may detect the near area object using the sensor circuit of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, in operation1715, a communication processor may detect an object (e.g., a far area object). For example, the communication processor may transmit a signal in the detection symbol by using a second wireless communication circuit, may receive a reflection signal of the transmitted signal by using a second wireless communication circuit, and may detect an object.

According to an embodiment, to detect the object, the communication processor may transmit a signal in the detection symbol, using some of a plurality of antenna elements of the at least one antenna array, using the second wireless communication circuit.

For example, the at least one antenna array may include a first antenna array and a second antenna array. The communication processor may transmit a signal using the first antenna element of the first antenna array, may receive the reflection signal of the transmitted signal, using the second antenna element of the second antenna array, and may detect the far area object by comparing the transmitted signal and the reflection signal. The polarization associated with the first antenna array may be substantially perpendicular to the polarization of the second antenna array.

For example, the at least one antenna array may include a first antenna array including a plurality of patch antenna elements. The communication processor may transmit a signal through a first transmission/reception chain connected to the first antenna element of the first antenna array, may receive the reflection signal of the transmitted signal through a second transmission/reception chain connected to the first antenna element, and may detect the far area object by comparing the transmitted signal and the reflection signal. For example, the polarization associated with the first transmission/reception chain may be substantially perpendicular to the polarization associated with the second transmission/reception chain.

For example, the at least one antenna array may include a first antenna array including a plurality of patch antenna elements. The communication processor may transmit a signal through a first transmission/reception chain connected to the first antenna element of the first antenna array, may receive the reflection signal of the transmitted signal through a second transmission/reception chain connected to the first antenna element, and may detect the far area object by comparing the transmitted signal and the reflection signal. The polarization associated with the first transmission/reception chain may be substantially perpendicular to the polarization associated with the second transmission/reception chain.

For example, the at least one antenna array may include a first antenna array including a plurality of patch antenna elements. The communication processor may transmit a signal through a first transmission/reception chain connected to the first antenna element of the first antenna array, may receive the reflection signal of the transmitted signal through the first transmission/reception chain connected to the first antenna element, and may detect the far area object by receiving and comparing the transmitted signal and the reflection signal through a coupler connected to the first antenna element.

According to an embodiment, in operation1715, the communication processor may control transmission based on the detected object. According to an embodiment, when the near area object is detected, the communication processor may adjust the transmission power of the first wireless communication circuit to be less than or equal to a predetermined power. According to an embodiment, when the near area object is detected, the communication processor may control the second wireless communication circuit to suppress the sidelobe of the beam pattern by the at least one antenna array. According to an embodiment, when the far area object is detected, the communication processor may control the second wireless communication circuit to suppress the mainlobe of the beam pattern by the at least one antenna array.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device900ofFIG. 9) may include a second wireless communication circuit (e.g., the second wireless communication circuit992ofFIG. 9) electrically connected to at least one antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements and configured to provide second RAT (e.g., NG-RAN), a communication processor (e.g., the communication processor990ofFIG. 9) operatively connected to the first wireless communication circuit and the second wireless communication circuit, and a memory (e.g., the memory930ofFIG. 9) operatively connected to the communication processor. The memory may store one or more instructions that, when executed, cause the communication processor to perform the operations described later.

According to an embodiment, the one or more instructions may, when executed, cause the communication processor to allocate an uplink symbol or a flexible symbol among a plurality of symbols indicated by slot format information, as a detection symbol, to detect an object by transmitting a signal in the detection symbol and receiving a reflection signal of the transmitted signal, using the second wireless communication circuit, and to control transmission of the second wireless communication circuit, based on the detected result of the object.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a first wireless communication circuit (e.g., the first wireless communication circuit991ofFIG. 9) operatively connected to the communication processor and providing first RAT (e.g., E-UTRAN). For example, the first wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and receive a signal of less than 6 GHz and may be operatively connected to the communication processor. The second wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and receive a signal of 6 GHz or more.

According to an embodiment, the at least one antenna array may include a first antenna array and a second antenna array. The one or more instructions may, when executed, cause the communication processor to transmit a signal in the detection symbol, using a first antenna element of the first antenna array, to receive a reflection signal of the transmitted signal using a second antenna element of the second antenna array, and to detect the object by comparing the transmitted signal and the reflection signal. For example, antenna elements of the first antenna array may be different in type from antenna elements of the second antenna array.

According to an embodiment, the at least one antenna array may include a first antenna array including a plurality of patch antenna elements. The one or more instructions may, when executed, cause the communication processor to transmit a signal through a first transmission/reception chain connected to the first antenna element of the first antenna array, to receive the reflection signal of the transmitted signal through a second transmission/reception chain connected to the first antenna element, and to detect the object by comparing the transmitted signal and the reflection signal. For example, the polarization associated with the first transmission/reception chain may be substantially perpendicular to the polarization associated with the second transmission/reception chain.

According to an embodiment, the at least one antenna array may include a first antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements. The one or more instructions may, when executed, cause the communication processor to transmit a signal through a first transmission/reception chain connected to the first antenna element of the first antenna array, to receive the reflection signal of the transmitted signal through the first transmission/reception chain connected to the first antenna element, and to detect the object by receiving and comparing the transmitted signal and the reflection signal through a coupler connected to the first antenna element.

According to an embodiment, the one or more instructions may, when executed, cause the communication processor to detect a near area object, using the first wireless communication circuit, and to adjust transmission power of the first wireless communication circuit to be less than or equal to a set power when the near area object is detected.

According to an embodiment, the one or more instructions may, when executed, cause the communication processor to control the second wireless communication circuit to suppress a sidelobe of a beam pattern by the at least one antenna array when the near area object is detected.

According to an embodiment, the one or more instructions may, when executed, cause the communication processor to control the second wireless communication circuit to suppress a mainlobe of the beam pattern by the at least one antenna array when the object is detected.

According to an embodiment, the one or more instructions may, when executed, cause the communication processor to transmit a signal in the detection symbol, using some of a plurality of antenna elements of the at least one antenna array by using the second wireless communication circuit to detect the object.

According to an embodiment, a transmission control method of an electronic device may include allocating an uplink symbol or a flexible symbol among a plurality of symbols indicated by slot format information, as a detection symbol, detecting an object by transmitting a signal in the detection symbol and receiving a reflection signal of the transmitted signal, using a second wireless communication circuit electrically connected to at least one antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements and configured to provide second RAT, and controlling transmission of the second wireless communication circuit, based on the detected result of the object.

According to an embodiment, the method may further include detecting a near area object, using a first wireless communication circuit configured to provide first RAT. For example, the first wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and receive signals of less than 6 GHz, and the second wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and receive signals of 6 GHz or more.

According to an embodiment, the at least one antenna array may include a first antenna array and a second antenna array. For example, the detecting of the object may include transmitting a signal through a first transmission/reception chain connected to a first antenna element of the first antenna array, receiving a reflection signal of the transmitted signal through a second transmission/reception chain connected to the first antenna element, and detecting the object by comparing the transmitted signal and the reflection signal.

According to an embodiment, the first antenna array and the second antenna array may include different types of antenna elements from each other.

According to an embodiment, the at least one antenna array may include a first antenna array including a plurality of patch antenna elements. For example, the detecting of the object may include transmitting a signal through a first transmission/reception chain connected to a first antenna element of the first antenna array, receiving a reflection signal of the transmitted signal through the first transmission/reception chain connected to the first antenna element, and detecting the object by receiving and comparing the transmitted signal and the reflection signal through a coupler connected to the first antenna element. The polarization associated with the first transmission/reception chain may be substantially perpendicular to the polarization associated with the second transmission/reception chain.

According to an embodiment, the at least one antenna array may include a first antenna array including a plurality of patch antenna elements. For example, the detecting of the object may include transmitting a signal through a first transmission/reception chain connected to a first antenna element of the first antenna array, receiving a reflection signal of the transmitted signal through the first transmission/reception chain connected to the first antenna element, and detecting the object by receiving and comparing the transmitted signal and the reflection signal through a coupler connected to the first antenna element.

According to an embodiment, the method may further include adjusting transmission power of the first wireless communication circuit to be less than or equal to a set power when the near area object is detected. For example, the method may further include controlling the second wireless communication circuit to suppress a sidelobe of a beam pattern by the at least one antenna array when the near area object is detected.

For example, the method may further include controlling the second wireless communication circuit to suppress a mainlobe of the beam pattern by the at least one antenna array when a far area object is detected.

According to an embodiment, the detecting of the object by transmitting the signal in the detection symbol and receiving the reflection signal of the transmitted signal by using the second wireless communication circuit may include transmitting a signal in the detection symbol, using some of a plurality of antenna elements of the at least one antenna array by using the second wireless communication circuit to detect the object.

According to an embodiment disclosed in the specification, an electronic device may detect the blockage without a separate grip sensor by detecting the blockage using a radio frequency (RF) chain.

According to an embodiment disclosed in the specification, the electronic device may perform various backoffs based on the detected type of external object.

Besides, a variety of effects directly or indirectly understood through the disclosure may be provided.