ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR REDUCING INTERFERENCE FROM REFERENCE SIGNAL, AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF

An electronic device, which may be a dual-mode user equipment (UE), communicates with a first network and a second network. The first network may be a legacy network. The second network may be a 5G or 6G network. Transmission by the electronic device of reference signals to the second network may interfere reception at the electronic device of signals from the first network. Methods and devices are provided for avoiding interference when using the first and second networks.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus and a method for reducing interference by a reference signal in an electronic device.

BACKGROUND

To meet the demand for wireless data traffic having increased since deployment of 4G communication systems, efforts have been made to develop an improved 5G or pre-5G communication system. Therefore, the 5G or pre-5G communication system is also called a “beyond 4G network” communication system or a “post LTE” system. The 5G communication system is considered to be implemented in 60 GHz or lower bands (e.g., about 1.8 GHz bands or about 3.5 GHz bands) or 60 GHz or higher bands (e.g., about 28 GHz bands or about 39 GHz bands) so as to accomplish higher data rates. To decrease propagation loss of the radio waves and increase the transmission distance of the radio waves, beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam forming, large scale antenna techniques are discussed in 5G communication systems.

SUMMARY

An electronic device may support dual connectivity (DC) for transmitting and/or receiving data through two nodes (for example, a base station or a transmission node). For example, the electronic device may access a first node through a first network (for example, long-term evolution (LTE)) and access a second node through a second network (for example, new radio (NR) network).

The electronic device may communicate with the second node through the second network while communicating with the first node through the first network. In this case, the electronic device may have interference by a reference signal (for example, a sounding reference signal (SRS)) of the second network and thus deteriorate the communication performance with the first network.

Various embodiments of the disclosure disclose an apparatus and a method for reducing interference by the reference signal of the second network in the electronic device supporting dual connectivity of the first network and the second network.

Provided herein is an electronic device including: a plurality of antennas; a first communication circuit configured to perform first communication of a first network with a first node; and at least one processor operatively connected to the first communication circuit, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: perform the first communication of the first network with the first node through the first communication circuit; identify, based on operation state information of the electronic device, whether an event related to transmission control of a reference signal of a second network has occurred; and based on an occurrence of the event related to the transmission control of the reference signal: i) limit transmission of the reference signal through at least one path of a plurality of paths corresponding to the plurality of antennas, and ii) transmit the reference signal of the second network without the limit through one or more remaining paths of the plurality of paths.

Also provided herein is a method of operating an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes a plurality of antennas, the method including: performing first communication of a first network with a first node; identifying, based on operation state information of the electronic device, whether an event related to transmission control of a reference signal of a second network has occurred; based on an occurrence the event related to the transmission control of the reference signal, limiting transmission of the reference signal through at least one path of a plurality of paths corresponding to the plurality of antennas; and transmitting the reference signal of the second network without the limiting through one or more remaining paths of the plurality of paths.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to reduce, when interference by a reference signal (for example, a sounding reference signal (SRS)) of a network (for example, a new radio (NR) network) is detected in an electronic device, the effect of interference by the reference signal of the network by controlling transmission of the reference signal of the network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.2is a block diagram200of the electronic device101for supporting legacy network communication and 5G network communication according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.2, according to various embodiments, the electronic device101may include a first communication processor212, a second communication processor214, a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)222, a second RFIC224, a third RFIC226, a fourth RFIC228, a first radio frequency front end (RFFE)232, a second RFFE234, a first antenna module242, a second antenna module244, and an antenna248. The electronic device101may include the processor120and the memory130. The network199may include a first network292and a second network294. According to another embodiment, the electronic device101may further include at least one component among the components illustrated inFIG.1, and the network199may further include at least one other network. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor212, the second communication processor214, the first RFIC222, the second RFIC224, the fourth RFIC228, the first RFFE232, and the second RFFE234may be at least a part of the wireless communication module192. According to another embodiment, the fourth RFIC228may be omitted, or may be included as a part of the third RFIC226.

The first communication processor212may establish a communication channel of a band to be used for wireless communication with the first network292, and may support legacy network communication via the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the first network may be a legacy network including second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), or long-term evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor214may establish a communication channel corresponding to a designated band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz to 60 GHz) among bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network294, and may support 5G network communication via the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the second network294may be a 5G network (e.g., new radio (NR)) defined in 3GPP. In addition, according to an embodiment, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214may establish a communication channel corresponding to another designated band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz or less) among bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network294, and may support 5G network communication via the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214may be implemented in a single chip or a single package, together with the processor120, the auxiliary processor123, or the communication module190.

According to an embodiment, the first communication processor212may perform data transmission or reception with the second communication processor214. For example, data which has been classified to be transmitted via the second network294may be changed to be transmitted via the first network292.

In this instance, the first communication processor212may receive transmission data from the second communication processor214. For example, the first communication processor212may perform data transmission or reception with the second communication processor214via an inter-processor interface. The inter-processor interface may be implemented as, for example, a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) (e.g., a high speed-UART (HS-UART)) or a peripheral component interconnect bus express (PCIe), but the type of interface is not limited thereto. For example, the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may exchange control information and packet data information using, for example, a shared memory. For example, the first communication processor212may perform transmission or reception of various types of information such as sensing information, information associated with an output strength, and resource block (RB) allocation information, with the second communication processor214.

Depending on implementation, the first communication processor212may not be directly connected to the second communication processor214. In this instance, the first communication processor212may perform data transmission or reception with the second communication processor214, via the processor120(e.g., an application processor). For example, the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may perform data transmission or reception via the processor120(e.g., an application processor) and a HS-UART interface or a PCIe interface, but the type of interface is not limited. For example, the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may exchange control information and packet data information using the processor120(e.g., an application processor) and a shared memory. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. According to various embodiments, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214may be implemented in a single chip or a single package, together with the processor120, the auxiliary processor123, or the communication module190.

In the case of transmission, the first RFIC222may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor212into a radio frequency (RF) signal in the range of approximately 700 MHz to 3 GHz, which is used in the first network292(e.g., a legacy network). In the case of reception, an RF signal is obtained from the first network292(e.g., a legacy network) via an antenna (e.g., the first antenna module242), and may be preprocessed via an RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE232). The first RFIC222may convert the preprocessed RF signal into a baseband signal so that the baseband signal is processed by the first communication processor212.

In the case of transmission, the second RFIC224may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214into an RF signal (hereinafter, a 5G Sub6 RF signal) in an Sub6 band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz or less) used in the second network294(e.g., a 5G network). In the case of reception, a 5G Sub6 RF signal may be obtained from the second network294(e.g., a 5G network) via an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module244), and may be preprocessed by an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE234). The second RFIC224may convert the preprocessed 5G Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal so that the signal may be processed by a corresponding communication processor among the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214.

The third RFIC226may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor214into an RF signal (hereinafter, a 5G Above6 RF signal) of a 5G Above6 band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz to 60 GHz) to be used in the second network294(e.g., a 5G network). In the case of reception, a 5G Above6 RF signal is obtained from the second network294(e.g., a 5G network) via an antenna (e.g., the antenna248), and may be preprocessed by the third RFFE236. The third RFIC226may convert the preprocessed 5G Above6 RF signal into a baseband signal so that the signal is processed by the second communication processor214. According to an embodiment, the third RFFE236may be implemented as a part of the third RFIC226.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include the fourth RFIC228, separately from or, as a part of, the third RFIC226. In this instance, the fourth RFIC228may convert a baseband signal produced by the second communication processor214into an RF signal (hereinafter, an IF signal) in an intermediate frequency band (e.g., approximately 9 GHz to 11 GHz), and may transfer the IF signal to the third RFIC226. The third RFIC226may convert the IF signal into a 5G Above6 RF signal. In the case of reception, a 5G Above6 RF signal may be received from the second network294(e.g., a 5G network) via an antenna (e.g., the antenna248), and may be converted into an IF signal by the third RFIC226. The fourth RFIC228may convert the IF signal into a baseband signal so that the second communication processor214is capable of processing the baseband signal.

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

According to an embodiment, the third RFIC226and the antenna248may be disposed in the same substrate, and may form a third antenna module246. For example, the wireless communication module192or the processor120may be disposed in a first substrate (e.g., a main PCB). In this instance, the third RFIC226is disposed in a part (e.g., a lower part) of a second substrate (e.g., a sub PCB) different from the first substrate, and the antenna248is disposed in another part (e.g., an upper part), so that the third antenna module246may be formed. By disposing the third RFIC226and the antenna248in the same substrate, the length of a transmission line therebetween may be reduced. For example, this may reduce a loss (e.g., a diminution) of a high-frequency band signal (e.g., approximately 6 GHz to 60 GHz) used for 5G network communication, the loss being caused by a transmission line. Accordingly, the electronic device101may improve the quality or speed of communication with the second network294(e.g., a 5G network).

According to an embodiment, the antenna248may be implemented as an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements which may be used for beamforming. In this instance, the third RFIC226, for example, may include a plurality of phase shifters238corresponding to a plurality of antenna elements, as a part of the third RFFE236. In the case of transmission, each of the plurality of phase shifters238may shift the phase of a 5G Above6RF signal to be transmitted to the outside of the electronic device101(e.g., a base station of a 5G network) via a corresponding antenna element. In the case of reception, each of the plurality of phase shifters238may shift the phase of a 5G Above6 RF signal received from the outside via a corresponding antenna element into the same or substantially the same phase. This may enable transmission or reception via beamforming between the electronic device101and the outside.

The second network294(e.g., a 5G network) may operate independently (e.g., Standalone (SA)) from the first network292(e.g., a legacy network), or may operate by being connected thereto (e.g., Non-Standalone (NSA)). For example, in the 5G network, only an access network (e.g., 5G radio access network (RAN) or next generation RAN (NG RAN)) may exist, and a core network (e.g., next generation core (NGC)) may not exist. In this instance, the electronic device101may access the access network of the 5G network, and may access an external network (e.g., the Internet) under the 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 memory130, and may be accessed by another component (e.g., the processor120, the first communication processor212, or the second communication processor214).

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating the protocol stack structure of a network100of 4G communication and/or 5G communication according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.3, the network100according to various embodiments may include the electronic device101, a 4G network392, a 5G network394, and the server108.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may include an Internet protocol312, a first communication protocol stack314, and a second communication protocol stack316. For example, the electronic device101may communicate with the server108via the 4G network392and/or 5G network394.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may perform Internet communication associated with the server108using the Internet protocol312(e.g., a transmission control protocol (TCP), a user datagram protocol (UDP), or an internet protocol (IP)). For example, the Internet protocol312may be performed in a main processor (e.g., the main processor121ofFIG.1) included in the electronic device101.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device101may perform wireless communication with the 4G network392using the first communication protocol stack314. According to another embodiment, the electronic device101may perform wireless communication with the 5G network394using the second communication protocol stack316. For example, the first communication protocol stack314and the second communication protocol stack316may be performed by one or more communication processors (e.g., the wireless communication module192ofFIG.1) included in the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, the server108may include the Internet protocol322. The server108may perform transmission or reception of data related to the Internet protocol322with the electronic device101via the 4G network392and/or 5G network394. According to an embodiment, the server108may include a cloud computing server existing outside the 4G network392or the 5G network394. According to another embodiment, the server108may include an edge computing server (or a mobile edge computing (MEC) server) located inside at least one of the 4G network392or the 5G network394.

According to various embodiments, the 4G network392may include a long-term evolution (LTE) base station340and an evolved packet core (EPC)342. The LTE base station340may include an LTE communication protocol stack344. The EPC342may include a legacy non-access stratum (NAS) protocol346. The 4G network392may perform LTE wireless communication with the electronic device101using the LTE communication protocol stack344and the legacy NAS protocol346.

According to various embodiment, the 5G network394may include a new radio (NR) base station350and a 5th generation core (5GC)352. The NR base station350may include an NR communication protocol stack354. The 5GC352may include a 5G NAS protocol356. The 5G network394may perform NR wireless communication with the electronic device101using the NR communication protocol stack354and the 5G NAS protocol356.

According to an embodiment, the first communication protocol stack314, the second communication protocol stack316, the LTE communication protocol stack344, and the NR communication protocol stack354may include a control plane protocol for transmitting or receiving a control message and a user plane protocol for transmitting or receiving user data. For example, the control message may include a message related to at least one of security control, bearer setup, authentication, registration, or mobility management. For example, the user data may include, for example, the remaining data, excluding the control message.

According to an embodiment, the control plane protocol and the user plane protocol may include a physical (PHY) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, or a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. For example, the PHY layer may perform channel coding and modulation of data received from a higher layer (e.g., the MAC layer), and transmit the same to a wireless channel, and may perform demodulation and decoding of data received via a wireless channel and transmit the same to a higher layer. The PHY layer included in the second communication protocol stack316and the NR communication protocol stack354may further perform an operation related to beamforming. For example, the MAC layer may logically/physically map data to a wireless channel to be transmitted or received, and may perform hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) for error correction. For example, the RLC layer may perform concatenation, segmentation, or reassembly of data, may identify the order of data, may perform reordering, and may perform redundancy ceck. For example, the PDCP layer may perform an operation of ciphering control data and user data, and an operation related to data integrity. The second communication protocol stack316and the NR communication protocol stack354may further include a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). For example, the SDAP may manage wireless bearer allocation based on the quality of service (QoS) of user data.

According to various embodiments, the control plane protocol may include a radio resource control (RRC) layer and a non-access stratum (NAS) layer. For example, the RRC layer may process control data related to radio bearer setup, paging, or mobility management. For example, the NAS may process a control message related to authentication, registration, and mobility management.

FIG.4illustrates wireless communication systems that provide 4G communication and/or 5G communication networks according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.4, a network environment100A may include at least one of a 4G network or a 5G network. For example, the 4G network may include an LTE base station (for example, an eNodeB (eNB)) of the 3GPP standard that supports radio access with the electronic device101and an evolved packet core (EPC) that manages 4G communication. For example, the 5G network may include a new radio (NR) base station (for example, a gNodeB (gNB)) that supports radio access with the electronic device101and a 5thgeneration core (5GC) that manages 5G communication of the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may transmit and/or receive a control message and user data through 4G communication and/or 5G communication. For example, the control message may include, for example, a message related to at least one of security control of the electronic device101, bearer setup, authentication, registration, or mobility management. For example, the user data may include user data except for the control message transmitted and/or received between the electronic device101and a core network430(for example, the EPC and/or the 5GC).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may transmit and receive at least one of the control message or the user data related to the second network (for example, 5G network or the 4G network) by using at least some (for example, the LTE base station (BS) and the EPC) of the first network (for example, the 4G network or the 5G network).

According to various embodiments, the network environment100A may include a network environment for providing wireless communication dual connectivity (multi-radio access technology (RAT) dual connectivity (MR-DC)) to the LTE BS and the NR base station (BS) and transmitting and/or receiving a control message to and from the electronic device101through one core network430of the EPC or the 5GC.

According to various embodiments, one of the LTE BS or the NR BS may operate as a first node410(for example, a master node (MN)) and the other one may operate as a second node420(for example, a secondary node (SN)). According to an embodiment, the first node410may be connected to the core network430to transmit and/receive a control message. According to an embodiment, the first node410and the second node420may be connected through a network interface to transmit and/or receive a message related to management of radio resources (for example, communication technology). According to an embodiment, the first node410may be configured as an LTE BS, the second node420may be configured as an NR BS, and the core network430may be configured as an EPC. For example, the electronic device101may transmit and/or receive the control message through the LTE BS and transmit and/or receive the user data through the LTE BS and the NR BS. According to an embodiment, the first node410may be configured as an NR BS, the second node420may be configured as an LTE BS, and the core network430may be configured as a 5GC. For example, the electronic device101may transmit and/or receive the control message through the NR BS and transmit and/receive the user data through the LTE BS and the NR BS.

FIG.5is a block diagram of an electronic device supporting dual connectivity according to various embodiments. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101ofFIG.5may be at least partially similar to the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3, or4or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

Referring toFIG.5, according to various embodiments, the electronic device101may include a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry)500, a wireless communication circuit510, and/or a memory520. According to an embodiment, the processor500may be substantially the same as the processor120ofFIG.1or may be included in the processor120. The wireless communication circuit510may be substantially the same as the wireless communication module192ofFIG.1or may be included in the wireless communication module192. The memory520may be substantially the same as the memory130ofFIG.1or may be included in the memory130.

According to various embodiments, the processor500may be operatively connected to the wireless communication circuit510and/or the memory520. According to an embodiment, the processor500may include an application processor (AP) (for example, the main processor121ofFIG.1) and/or a communication processor (CP) (for example, the auxiliary processor123, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214ofFIG.2). According to an embodiment, the communication processor may include a first processing part and a second processing part. For example, the first processing part may control the wireless communication circuit510(or the first communication circuit512) to perform communication with a first node (for example, the first node410ofFIG.4) through a first network. For example, the first processing part may control the wireless communication circuit510(or the first communication circuit512) to transmit and/or receive a control message and/or data to and/or from the first node through the first network. For example, the second processing part may control the wireless communication circuit510(or the second communication circuit514) to perform communication with a second node (for example, the second node420ofFIG.4) through a second network. For example, the second processing part may transmit and/or receive data to/from the second node through the second network. In another example, the second processing part may transmit and/or receive a control message and/or data to and/or from the second node through the second network. For example, the first processing part and the second processing part may be configured as software which processes signals in different frequency bands and protocols. For example, the first processing part and the second processing part may be logically (for example, software) divided. In another example, the first processing part and the second processing part may be configured as different circuits or different hardware. For example, the first network may support a 4th-generation communication scheme or a 5th-generation communication scheme. For example, the second network may support a 4th-generation communication scheme or a 5th-generation communication scheme through a communication scheme different from the first network. For example, the 4th-generation communication scheme may include at least one of long-term evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-A), or LTE-advanced pro (LTE-A pro). For example, the 5th-generation communication scheme may include new radio (NR).

According to various embodiments, the processor500may support dual connectivity of the first node (for example, the first node410ofFIG.4) supporting the first network and the second node (for example, the second node420ofFIG.4) supporting the second network through the wireless communication circuit510. According to an embodiment, the dual connectivity of the electronic device101may include E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity (EN-DC) for transmitting and/or receiving a control message and data through the first node of the first network and transmitting and/or receiving data through the second node of the second network, NR-E-UTRA dual connectivity (NE-DC) for transmitting and/or receiving a control message and data through the second node of the second network and transmitting and/or receiving data through the first node of the first network, or NR-NR dual connectivity (NR-DC) for transmitting and/or receiving a control message and data through a third node supporting a first scheme (for example, about 6 GHz or lower) of the second network and transmitting and/or receiving data through a fourth node supporting a second scheme (for example, about 6 GHz or higher) of the second network.

According to various embodiments, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510(or the second communication circuit514) to transmit a reference signal (for example, a sounding reference signal (SRS)) related to the second network (for example, the NR network). According to an embodiment, in an EN-DC environment, the processor500may identify uplink resources for transmission of the sounding reference signal (SRS) related to the second network (for example, the NR network) in an RRC control message (for example, an RRC reconfiguration message) received from the first node accessed through the first network (for example, the LTE network). According to an embodiment, in a stand-alone (SA) environment, the processor500may identify uplink resources for transmission of the sounding reference signal (SRS) related to the second network (for example, the NR network) in an RR control message received from the second node accessed through the second network (for example, the NR network). The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510(or the second communication circuit514) to periodically transmit the sounding reference signal (SRS) related to the second network (for example, the NR network) through the uplink resources allocated by the first node (or the second node). According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101includes a plurality of antennas, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510(or the second communication circuit514) to transmit sounding reference signals at different time points through respective antennas.

According to various embodiments, the processor500may monitor whether data received from the first node of the first network (for example, the LTE network) has an error through the wireless communication circuit510(or the first communication circuit512). According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101accesses the first node of the first network (for example, the LTE network) and the second node of the second network (for example, the NR network) through the wireless communication circuit510, the processor500may determine whether the reference signal of the second network may act as interference to data received from the first node through the first network. The processor500may monitor whether an error is detected in the data received from the first node of the first network in order to determine whether interference by the reference signal of the second network is generated. For example, the processor500may identify an error generation rate of the data received from the first node on the basis of an ACK/NACK ratio of the data received from the first node during a predetermined unit (for example, subframe). For example, the error generation rate may include a block error rate (BLER).

According to various embodiments, the processor500may identify whether an error is periodically generated in the data received from the first node of the first network on the basis of the monitoring result of the data received from the first node of the first network (for example, the LTE network). According to an embodiment, the processor500may identify whether the error generation rate that satisfies a predetermined first condition is periodically detected on the basis of the monitoring result of the data received from the first node of the first network. For example, a state satisfying the predetermined first condition may include a state in which the error generation rate detected in the predetermined unit (for example, subframe) exceeds a reference error generation rate (for example, about 25%). In another example, the state satisfying the predetermined first condition may include a state in which the error generation rate detected in the predetermined unit is higher than an error generation rate in another predetermined unit by a reference ratio (for example, about 15%) or higher.

According to various embodiments, when the error is periodically detected in the data received from the first node of the first network (for example, the LTE network), the processor500may determine whether interference by the reference signal of the second network (for example, the NR network) is generated. According to an embodiment, when the error is periodically detected in the data received from the first node of the first network, the processor500may compare an error detection period with a transmission period of the reference signal related to the second network. For example, when the error detection period of the data received from the first node overlaps or at least partially overlaps the transmission period of the reference signal related to the second network, the processor500may determine that interference by the reference signal of the second network is generated. In another example, when the error detection period of the data received from the first node does not overlap the transmission period of the reference signal related to the second network, the processor500may determine that interference by the reference signal of the second network is not generated. For example, the transmission period of the reference signal related to the second network may be identified in the RRC control message received from the first node (or second node).

According to various embodiments, when it is determined that interference by the reference signal of the second network (for example, the NR network) is generated, the processor500may control transmission of the reference signal of the second network through the wireless communication circuit510. According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to limit transmission of the reference signal of the second network on the basis of a bandwidth (or throughput) of the second network. According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to adjust a power amplification level related to transmission of the reference signal for at least one path among a plurality of paths for transmitting the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to limit transmission of the reference signal for at least one path among a plurality of paths for transmitting the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to adjust a transmission period of the reference signal of the second network.

According to various embodiments, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to selectively transmit the reference signal of the second network on the basis of a bandwidth of the second network in order to reduce influence of interference by the reference signal of the second network (for example, the NR network). According to embodiment, when it is determined that interference by the reference signal of the second network is generated, the processor500may identify a ratio of the bandwidth of the second network to the entire bandwidth of the electronic device101. When the ratio of the bandwidth of the second network satisfies a predetermined second condition, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to limit transmission of the reference signal of the second network. For example, a state satisfying the predetermined second condition may include a state in which the ratio of the bandwidth of the second network is equal to or lower than a reference ratio (for example, about 40%). When the ratio of the bandwidth of the second network does not satisfy the predetermined second condition, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal of the second network. For example, a state which does not satisfy the predetermined second condition may include a state in which the ratio of the bandwidth of the second network exceeds the reference ratio (for example, about 40%). For example, the bandwidth of the second network may include a bandwidth allocated by the first node (or the second node) to transmit and/or receive data through the second network. For example, the entire bandwidth of the electronic device101is a bandwidth which can be used to transmit and/or receive data by the electronic device101through the first network and/or the second network and may include a sum of the bandwidth (for example, the bandwidth of the first network) allocated by the first node to transmit and/or receive data through the first network and the bandwidth of the second network.

According to an embodiment, when it is determined that interference by the reference signal of the second network (for example, the NR network) is generated, the processor500may identify a ratio of throughput of the second network to the entire throughput of the electronic device101. When the ratio of the throughput of the second network satisfies a predetermined third condition, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to limit transmission of the reference signal of the second network. For example, a state satisfying the predetermined third condition may include a state in which the ratio of the throughput of the second network is equal to or lower than a reference ratio (for example, about 40%). When the ratio of the throughput of the second network does not satisfy the predetermined second condition, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal of the second network. For example, the state which does not satisfy the predetermined second condition may include a state in which the ratio of the throughput of the second network exceeds the reference ratio (for example, about 40%). For example, the throughput of the second network may be configured on the basis of an amount of data transmitted and/or received through the second network for a predetermined time according to the bandwidth of the second network. For example, the entire throughput of the electronic device101is an amount of data transmitted and/or received to and/from the first node and/or the second node by the electronic device101through the first network and/or the second network for a predetermined time and may include a sum of the throughput of the first network and the throughput of the second network.

According to various embodiments, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to adjust a power amplification level related to transmission of the reference signal in order to reduce influence of interference by the reference signal of the second network (for example, the NR network). According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to adjust a power amplification level related to transmission of the reference signal for at least one path of a plurality of paths for transmitting the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, the processor500may detect an error generation rate of the pattern of each power amplification level by sequentially applying patterns of a plurality of power amplification levels. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal in a pattern of the power amplification level having the lowest error generation rate (for example, BLER) among patterns of the plurality of power amplification levels. For example, the processor500may detect the error generation rate by sequentially applying the pattern of each power amplification level on the basis of priorities of the patterns of the plurality of power amplification levels. For example, the priorities of the patterns of the plurality of power amplification levels may be configured on the basis of a frequency band of the first network used by the electronic device101to communicate with the first node. For example, the pattern of the power amplification level may include a combination of power amplification levels used to transmit the reference signal through a plurality of paths (for example, reception paths).

According to various embodiments, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to limit transmission of the reference signal for at least one path of a plurality of paths for transmitting the reference signal of the second network in order to reduce influence of interference by the reference signal of the second network (for example, the NR network). According to an embodiment, the processor500may identify a plurality of path patterns for transmitting the reference signal of the second network. The processor500may detect an error generation rate of each path pattern by sequentially applying the plurality of path patterns. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal in the path pattern having the lowest error generation rate (for example, BLER) among the plurality of path patterns. For example, the processor500may detect the error generation rate by sequentially applying each path pattern on the basis of priorities of the plurality of path patterns. For example, the priorities of the plurality of path patterns may be configured on the basis of the frequency band of the first network used by the electronic device101to communicate with the first node. For example, the path pattern may include the sequence of paths for transmitting the reference signal by the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to adjust the transmission period of the reference signal of the second network in order to reduce influence of interference by the reference signal of the second network (for example, the NR network). According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to expand the transmission period of the reference signal transmitted through at least one path of a plurality of paths to a predetermined period.

According to various embodiments, the processor500may reconstruct a transmission scheme of the reference signal of the second network on the basis of state information of the connection with the first node using the first network (for example, the LTE network) and/or state information of the connection with the second node using the second network (for example, the NR network). According to an embodiment, when the connection with the second node using the second network is released, the processor500may reconstruct the transmission scheme of the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, when a secondary component carrier (SCC) of the first network is changed in the state in which the connection with the second node is maintained, the processor500may reconstruct the transmission scheme of the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, when transmission of the reference signal of the second network is limited on the basis of the bandwidth (or throughput) of the second network, the processor500may activate transmission of the reference signal. According to an embodiment, the processor500may reconstruct a power amplification level related to transmission of the reference signal for at least one path of a plurality of paths for transmitting the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, the processor500may release the limit of the transmission of the reference signal for at least one path of the plurality of paths for transmitting the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, the processor500may reconstruct the transmission period of the reference signal of the second network.

According to various embodiments, the wireless communication circuit510may receive a signal from an external device (for example, the first node410and/or the second node420ofFIG.4) or transmit a signal to the external device through a plurality of antennas (not shown). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit510may include a first communication circuit512and a second communication circuit514. For example, the first communication circuit512may transmit and/or receive a control message and/or data to and/or from the first node (for example, the first node410ofFIG.4) through the first network (for example, the LTE network). For example, the second communication circuit514may transmit and/or receive a control message and/or data to and/or from the second node (for example, the second node420ofFIG.4) through the second network (for example, the NR network). For example, the first communication circuit512and the second communication circuit514may be configured as different circuits or different hardware. For example, the first communication circuit512and the second communication circuit514may be logically (for example, software) divided parts.

According to various embodiments, the memory520may store various pieces of data used by at least one element (for example, the processor500or the wireless communication circuit510) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, data may include at least one piece of information related to patterns of a plurality of power amplification levels, information related to patterns of a plurality of paths, information related to a reference error generation rate, or information related to a reference ratio. According to an embodiment, the memory520may store various instructions which can be executed through the processor500.

According to various embodiments, the processor500may control transmission of the reference signal of the second network through the wireless communication circuit510on the basis of the generation of an event related to the reference signal of the second network (for example, the NR network). According to an embodiment, when accessing to the second node of the second network through the wireless communication circuit510, the processor500may identify whether an event related to the reference signal of the second network is generated. When it is determined that the event related to the reference signal of the second network is generated, the processor500may control transmission of the reference signal of the second network through the wireless communication circuit510. For example, the event related to the reference signal of the second network may be generated on the basis of driving of an element physically adjacent to the wireless communication circuit510(or the second communication circuit514) among elements included in the electronic device101. For example, the event related to the reference signal of the second network may be generated when a camera (not shown) is driven in the state in which the electronic device101accesses the second node of the second network through the wireless communication circuit510. For example, the event related to the reference signal of the second network may be generated when WLAN communication is performed in the state in which the electronic device101accesses the second node of the second network through the wireless communication circuit510. For example, the processor500may adjust a power amplification level related to transmission of the reference signal for at least one path of a plurality of paths for transmitting the reference signal of the second network on the basis of the generation of the event related to the reference signal of the second network. For example, the processor500may limit transmission of the reference signal for at least one path of the plurality of paths for transmitting the reference signal of the second network on the basis of the generation of the event related to the reference signal of the second network. For example, the processor500may adjust a transmission period of the reference signal of the second network on the basis of the generation of the event related to the reference signal of the second network.

FIG.6is a block diagram of an electronic device for controlling transmission of a reference signal according to various embodiments. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101ofFIG.6may be at least partially similar to the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4, or5or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

Referring toFIG.6, according to various embodiments, the electronic device101may include the processor500, a plurality of antennas600a,600b,600c,600d, a plurality of radio frequency front ends (RFFEs)610a,610b,610c, and610d, and a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)620. According to an embodiment, the plurality of RFFEs610a,610b,610c, and610dand the RFIC620may be substantially the same as the wireless communication circuit510ofFIG.5or may be included in the wireless communication circuit510. According to an embodiment, each antenna600a,600b,600c, or600dmay transmit and/or receive RF signals in a plurality of frequency bands. For example, each antenna600a,600b,600c, or600dmay support at least some of a frequency band of the first network (for example, the LTE network) or a frequency band (for example, a frequency band equal to or lower than 6 GHz) of the second network (for example, the NR network).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include four antennas (or antenna structures). However, the number of antennas (or antenna structures) included in the electronic device101may not be limited thereto.

According to various embodiments, the first RFFE610a(for example, the third RFFE236ofFIG.2) may process an RF signal transmitted and/or received through the first antenna600a. According to an embodiment, the first RFFE610amay include a diplexer611, a first path651for processing a signal received from the first node through the first network, and a second path653for processing a signal received from the second node through the second network. According to another embodiment, the first RFFE610amay include the diplexer611, the first path651for processing a signal in a first frequency band, and the second path653for processing a signal in a second frequency band.

According to various embodiments, the diplexer611may divide the RF signal received through the first antenna600ainto a plurality of signals on the basis of a cut off frequency. According to an embodiment, the diplexer611may separate a first signal in a frequency band lower than the cut off frequency from the RF signal received through the first antenna600aand provide the first signal to the first path651. According to an embodiment, the diplexer611may separate a second signal in a frequency band higher than the cut off frequency from the RF signal received through the first antenna600aand provide the second signal to the second path653.

According to various embodiments, a first band pass filter (BPF)612may be disposed in a first point of the first path651and filter a signal corresponding to the first frequency band of the first network in the first signal (for example, the signal in the frequency band lower than the cut off frequency) provided from the diplexer611. According to an embodiment, the first band pass filter612may extract at least a portion corresponding to the first frequency band of the first network from the first signal provided from the diplexer611and provide the portion to a first low noise amplifier613. For example, the first frequency band of the first network may include a frequency band used by the electronic device101for communication with the first node through the first network. For example, the first point may be relatively adjacent to the diplexer611in the first path651.

According to various embodiments, the first low noise amplifier (LNA)613may be disposed in a second point of the first path651different from the first point and may low-noise amplify and output the filtered signal provided from the first band pass filter612. According to an embodiment, the first low noise amplifier613may low-noise amplify the signal of the first network provided from the first band pass filter612and output the signal to the RFIC620. For example, the second point may be disposed between the first point and the RFIC620in the first path651.

According to various embodiments, a first switch614may be disposed in a third point of the second path653and may selectively connect the second path653for the second network to a transmission path for transmitting the reference signal. According to an embodiment, when a signal is received from the second node through the second network on the basis of the control of the processor500, the first switch614may connect the diplexer611to the second band pass filter615. According to an embodiment, when the reference signal is transmitted through the second network on the basis of the control of the processor500, the first switch614may connect the diplexer611to the second switch640. For example, the third point may be relatively adjacent to the diplexer611in the second path653.

According to various embodiments, the second band pass filter (BPF)615may be disposed in a fourth point of the second path653and may filter a signal corresponding to the second frequency band of the second network in the second signal (for example, the signal in the frequency band higher than the cut off frequency) provided from the diplexer611through the first switch614. According to an embodiment, the second band pass filter615may extract at least a portion corresponding to the second frequency band of the second network from the second signal provided from the diplexer611and provide the portion to a second low noise amplifier617. For example, the second frequency band of the second network may include a frequency band used by the electronic device101for communication with the second node through the second network. For example, the fourth point may be disposed between the third point and the second low noise amplifier617in the second path653.

According to various embodiments, the second low noise amplifier (LNA)617may be disposed in a fifth point of the second path653and may amplify and output the filtered signal provided from the second band pass filter615. According to an embodiment, the second low noise amplifier617may low-noise amplify the signal of the second network provided from the second band pass filter615and output the signal to the RFIC620. For example, the fifth point may be disposed between the fourth point and the RFIC620in the second path653.

According to various embodiments, the second RFFE610b(for example, the third RFFE236ofFIG.2) may process the RF signal transmitted and/or received through the second antenna600b. According to an embodiment, the second RFFE610bmay be configured and may operate similar to the first RFFE610a. Accordingly, in order to avoid overlapping with the description of the first RFFE610a, a detailed description of the second RFFE610bis omitted.

According to various embodiments, the third RFFE610c(for example, the third RFFE236ofFIG.2) may process the RF signal transmitted and/or received through the third antenna600c. According to an embodiment, the third RFFE610cmay be configured and may operate similar to the first RFFE610a. Accordingly, in order to avoid overlapping with the description of the first RFFE610a, a detailed description of the third RFFE610cis omitted.

According to various embodiments, the fourth RFFE610d(for example, the third RFFE236ofFIG.2) may process the RF signal transmitted and/or received through the fourth antenna600d. According to an embodiment, the fourth RFFE610dmay be configured and may operate similar to the first RFFE610a. Accordingly, in order to avoid overlapping with the description of the first RFFE610a, a detailed description of the fourth RFFE610dis omitted.

According to various embodiments, when the transmission period of the reference signal of the second network arrives, the electronic device101may transmit the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may transmit the reference signal through resources related to the reference signal allocated by the first node (or the second node). For example, when a first time point arrives on the basis of the resources related to the reference signal allocated by the first node (or the second node), the processor500may control the RFIC620, a power amplifier (PA)630, and/or the second switch640to transmit the reference signal through the first antenna600a. For example, when a second time point arrives on the basis of the resources related to the reference signal allocated by the first node (or the second node), the processor500may control the RFIC620, the power amplifier630, and/or the second switch640to transmit the reference signal through the second antenna600b. For example, when a third time point arrives on the basis of the resources related to the reference signal allocated by the first node (or the second node), the processor500may control the RFIC620, the power amplifier630, and/or the second switch640to transmit the reference signal through the third antenna600c. For example, when a fourth time point arrives on the basis of the resources related to the reference signal allocated by the first node (or the second node), the processor500may control the RFIC620, the power amplifier630, and/or the second switch640to transmit the reference signal through the fourth antenna600d. For example, the power amplifier630and the second switch640may be physically separated. In another example, the power amplifier630and the second switch640may be implemented within a single chip or a single package. For example, the first time point, the second time point, the third time point, and/or the fourth time point may include different time points or periodically arriving different time points.

According to an embodiment, the power amplifier630may amplify power of the reference signal of the second network provided from the RFIC620. For example, when the first time point arrives, the power amplifier630may amplify power of the reference signal to a power amplification level (for example, about 0 dB) corresponding to the first antenna600a(or the first RFFE610a). For example, when the second time point arrives, the power amplifier630may amplify power of the reference signal to a power amplification level (for example, about 3 dB) corresponding to the second antenna600b(or the second RFFE610b). For example, when the third time point arrives, the power amplifier630may amplify power of the reference signal to a power amplification level (for example, about 3 dB) corresponding to the third antenna600c(or the third RFFE610c). For example, when the fourth time point arrives, the power amplifier630may amplify power of the reference signal to a power amplification level (for example, about 3 dB) corresponding to the fourth antenna600d(or the fourth RFFE610d).

According to an embodiment, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to each antenna600a,600b,600c, or600d(or RFFE610a,610b,610c, or610d) on the basis of a path pattern for transmitting the reference signal. For example, when the first time point arrives, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to the first RFFE610a(or the first switch614) to transmit the reference signal of the second network through the first antenna600a. For example, when the second time point arrives, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to the second RFFE610bto transmit the reference signal of the second network through the second antenna600b. For example, when the third time point arrives, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to the third RFFE610cto transmit the reference signal of the second network through the third antenna600c. For example, when the fourth time point arrives, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to the fourth RFFE610dto transmit the reference signal of the second network through the fourth antenna600d.

According to various embodiments, when transmission of the reference signal of the second network is limited on the basis of the bandwidth of the second network in order to reduce influence of interference by the reference signal of the second network, the processor500may control the first switch614and/or the second switch640to limit transmission of the reference signal. According to an embodiment, when the transmission of the reference signal is limited, the first switch614may maintain the connection between the diplexer611and the second band pass filter615. According to an embodiment, when the transmission of the reference signal is limited, the second switch640may block the connection between the power amplifier630and the plurality of antennas600a,600b,600c, and600d(or plurality of RFFEs610a,610b,610c, and610d).

According to various embodiments, the processor500may control the power amplifier630and/or the RFIC620to adjust the power amplification level related to the transmission of the reference signal for at least one path in order to reduce influence of interference by the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the RFIC620to adjust the power amplification level through a transmission gain control (transmit automatic gain control (TxAGC)) related to the transmission of the reference signal for at least one path. According to an embodiment, the processor500may adjust the power amplification level of at least one path on the basis of a value for calibration of each of the plurality of paths for transmitting the reference signal of the second network. For example, when the second time point arrives on the basis of a first pattern of the power amplification level, the processor500may control the power amplifier630and/or the RFIC620to adjust the power amplification level of the reference signal to a changed power amplification level (for example, about −5 dB) corresponding to the second antenna600b(or the second RFFE610b). For example, power amplification levels of the first time point, the third time point, and the fourth time point may be maintained to be the same as those before the power amplification level related to the transmission of the reference signal is adjusted. For example, when the third time point arrives on the basis of a second pattern of the power amplification level, the processor500may control the power amplifier630and/or the RFIC620to adjust the power amplification level of the reference signal to a changed power amplification level (for example, about −5 dB) corresponding to the third antenna600c(or the third RFFE610c). For example, power amplification levels of the first time point, the third time point, and the fourth time point may be maintained to be the same as those before the power amplification level related to the transmission of the reference signal is adjusted. For example, when the fourth time point arrives on the basis of a third pattern of the power amplification level, the processor500may control the power amplifier630and/or the RFIC620to adjust the power amplification level of the reference signal to a changed power amplification level (for example, about −5 dB) corresponding to the fourth antenna600d(or the fourth RFFE610d). For example, power amplification levels of the first time point, the second time point, and the third time point may be maintained to be the same as those before the power amplification level related to the transmission of the reference signal is adjusted. For example, when the second time point, the third time point, and the fourth time point arrive on the basis of a fourth patter of the power amplification level, the processor500may control the power amplifier630and/or the RFIC620to adjust the power amplification level of the reference signal to the changed power amplification level (for example, about −5 dB).

According to various embodiments, the processor500may control the RFIC620, the power amplifier630, and/or the second switch640to limit transmission of the reference signal for at least one path in order to reduce influence of interference by the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, when the second time point arrives on the basis of the first path pattern, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to the first RFFE610ato limit transmission of the reference signal through the second antenna600b. For example, when the second time point arrives, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to the first RFFE610ato transmit the reference signal for the first antenna600ainstead of the reference signal for the second antenna600b. For example, the paths for transmitting the reference signal at the first time point, the third time point, and the fourth time point may be maintained to be the same as those before the transmission of the reference signal for at least one path is limited. According to another embodiment, when the second time point arrives on the basis of the first path pattern, the second switch640may block the connection between the power amplifier630and the second RFFE610bto limit transmission of the reference signal through the second antenna600b.

According to an embodiment, when the third time point arrives on the basis of the second path pattern, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to the first RFFE610ato limit transmission of the reference signal through the third antenna600c. For example, when the third time point arrives, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to the first RFFE610ato transmit the reference signal for the first antenna600ainstead of the reference signal for the third antenna600c. For example, the paths for transmitting the reference signal at the first time point, the second time point, and the fourth time point may be maintained to be the same as those before the transmission of the reference signal for at least one path is limited. According to another embodiment, when the third time point arrives on the basis of the second path pattern, the second switch640may block the connection between the power amplifier630and the third RFFE610cto limit transmission of the reference signal through the third antenna600c.

According to an embodiment, when the fourth time point arrives on the basis of the third path pattern, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to the first RFFE610ato limit transmission of the reference signal through the fourth antenna600d. For example, when the fourth time point arrives, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to the first RFFE610ato transmit the reference signal for the first antenna600ainstead of the reference signal for the fourth antenna600d. For example, the paths for transmitting the reference signal at the first time point, the second time point, and the third time point may be maintained to be the same as those before the transmission of the reference signal for at least one path is limited. According to another embodiment, when the fourth time point arrives on the basis of the third path pattern, the second switch640may block the connection between the power amplifier630and the fourth RFFE610dto limit transmission of the reference signal through the fourth antenna600d.

According to an embodiment, when the second time point, the third time point, and the fourth time point arrive on the basis of the fourth path pattern, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to the first RFFE610ato limit transmission of the reference signal through the second antenna600b, the third antenna600c, and the fourth antenna600d. For example, when the second time point, the third time point, and the fourth time point arrive, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to the first RFFE610ato transmit the reference signal for the first antenna600ainstead of the reference signal for the second antenna600b, the third antenna600c, and the fourth antenna600d. According to another embodiment, when the second time point, the third time point, and the fourth time point arrive on the basis of the fourth path pattern, the second switch640may block the connection between the power amplifier630and the second RFFE610b, the third RFFE610c, or the fourth RFFE610d.

According to various embodiments, the processor500may control the RFIC620, the power amplifier630, and/or the second switch640to change a transmission period of the reference signal in order to reduce influence of interference by the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, when the second time point, the third time point, and the fourth time point arrive during the first period for transmitting the reference signal, the second switch640may block the connection between the power amplifier630and the second RFFE610b, the third RFFE610c, or the fourth RFFE610dto limit transmission of the reference signal through the second antenna600b, the third antenna600c, and the fourth antenna600d. For example, when the first time point arrives during the first period, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to the first RFFE610afor transmission of the reference signal through the first antenna600a. According to an embodiment, when each time point arrives during the second period for transmitting the reference signal, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to each RFFE610a,610b,610c, or610dto transmit the reference signal through each antenna600a,600b,600c, or600d.

According to an embodiment, when the second time point, the third time point, and the fourth time point arrive during the first period and the second period for transmitting the reference signal, the second switch640may block the connection between the power amplifier630and the second RFFE610b, the third RFFE610c, or the fourth RFFE610dto limit transmission of the reference signal through the second antenna600b, the third antenna600c, and the fourth antenna600d. For example, when the first time point arrives during the first period and the second period, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to the first RFFE610afor transmission of the reference signal through the first antenna600a. According to an embodiment, when each time point arrives during the third period for transmitting the reference signal, the second switch640may connect the power amplifier630to each RFFE610a,610b,610c, or610dto transmit the reference signal through each antenna600a,600b,600c, or600d.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (for example, the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4,5, or6) may include a plurality of antennas (for example, the antenna module197ofFIG.1, the antennas248ofFIG.2, or the antennas600a,600b,600c, and600dofFIG.6), a first communication circuit (for example, the wireless communication module192ofFIG.1or2or the second communication circuit514ofFIG.5) configured to perform communication of a first network (e.g., NR network) with a first node, and at least one processor (for example, the processor120ofFIG.1or2or the processor500ofFIG.5) operatively connected to the first communication circuit, and the processor may be configured to perform the communication of the first network with the first node through the first communication circuit, identify whether an event related to transmission control of a reference signal of the first network is generated, based on operation state information of the electronic device, and in case that the event related to the transmission control of the reference signal is generated, limit transmission of the reference signal for at least one path of a plurality of paths corresponding to the plurality of antennas and transmit the reference signal of the first network through remaining at least one path.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a second communication circuit (for example, the wireless communication module192ofFIG.1or2or the first communication circuit512ofFIG.5) configured to perform communication of a second network (e.g., LTE network) with a second node, and the processor may be configured to perform the communication of the second network with the second node through the second communication circuit, and perform the communication of the first network (e.g., NR network) with the first node, based on control information received from the second node through the communication of the second network. Thus, in some embodiments, the electronic device101is configured to perform second communication of the second network with a second node (e.g., first node410ofFIG.4) through the second communication circuit; and perform first communication of the first network (e.g., NR network) with the first node (e.g., second node420ofFIG.4), based on control information received from the second node through the second communication of the second network.

According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to, in case that the communication of the first network (e.g., NR network) is performed with the first node and the communication of the second network (e.g., LTE network) is performed with the second node, identify whether an error related to the communication of the second network is generated and, in case that the error related to the communication of the second network is generated by the reference signal of the first network, limit transmission of the reference signal for at least one path of the plurality of paths and transmit the reference signal of the first network through remaining at least one path. Thus, in some embodiments, the event related to the transmission control of the reference signal is associated with an error in the second communication with the second node (e.g., first node410ofFIG.4), and the electronic device101identifies whether the error in the second communication related to the first communication of the first network (e.g., NR network) of the first node (e.g., second node420ofFIG.4) has occurred.

According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to, in case that the error related to the communication of the second network (e.g., LTE network) is detected, identify an error generation period and, in case that the generation period of the error related to the communication of the second network at least partially overlaps a transmission period of the reference signal of the first network (e.g., NR network), determine that the error related to the communication of the second network is generated by the reference signal of the first network. Thus, in some embodiments, the electronic device101, based on an error related to the SRS associated with the first communication of the first network (e.g., NR network) being detected, identify an error generation period, and to, based on the error generation period at least partially overlapping a transmission period of the reference signal of the first network, determine that the error is caused by the reference signal of the first network.

According to various embodiments, the transmission period of the reference signal of the first network (e.g., NR network) may be identified, based on a radio resource control (RRC) control signal received from the second node.

According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to, in case that the event related to transmission control of the reference signal is generated, identify an error generation rate of each of a plurality of predefined path patterns, select one path pattern from among the plurality of path patterns, based on the error generation rate, identify the at least one path for limiting transmission of the reference signal among the plurality of paths, based on the selected path pattern, and transmit the reference signal of the first network through remaining at least one path except for the at least one path among the plurality of paths. Thus, in some embodiments, the electronic device based on the event associated with the error, identifies an error generation rate of each of a plurality of predefined path patterns, and selects one path pattern from among the plurality of predefined path patterns, based on the error generation rate. In some embodiments, the electronic device also identifies one path (for example RX1) for limiting transmission of the reference signal among the plurality of paths, based on the one path pattern. The electronic device transmits the reference signal, for example SRS, of the first network through the one or more remaining paths among the plurality of paths (RX0, RX2, RX3) and does not transmit the reference signal through the one path (for example, RX0).

According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to, in case that a transmission time point corresponding to each of the remaining at least one path arrives, transmit the reference signal through a path corresponding to the transmission time point.

According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to, in case that a transmission time point corresponding to the at least one path for limiting the transmission of the reference signal among the plurality of paths arrives, transmit the reference signal through a reference path among the plurality of paths.

According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to, in case that at least one element physically adjacent to the first communication circuit among elements of the electronic device is operated, determine that the event related to the transmission control of the reference signal is generated.

According to various embodiments, the reference signal of the first network may include a sounding reference signal (SRS).

FIG.7is a flowchart700illustrating a process in which an electronic device controls transmission of a reference signal according to various embodiments. In the following embodiment, operations may be sequentially performed but the sequential performance is not necessary. For example, the order of operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device ofFIG.7may be the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4,5, or6.

Referring toFIG.7, according to various embodiments, the electronic device (for example, the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor500ofFIG.5) may connect a first node (for example, the first node410ofFIG.4) of a first network to a second node (for example, the second node420ofFIG.4) of a second network in operation701. According to an embodiment, the first communication circuit512may make a radio resource control (RRC) connection with the first node (for example, the first node410ofFIG.4) for supporting the first network. The second communication circuit514may communicate with the second node (for example, the second node420ofFIG.4) supporting the second network on the basis of control information related to the connection of a second network provided from the first communication circuit512. For example, the first network may include at least one of one scheme of the 4th-generation mobile communication schemes (for example, LTE, LTE-A, and LTE-A pro) or one scheme of the 5th-generation communication schemes (for example, 5G or NR). For example, the second network may include one scheme (for example, using a frequency band of about 6 GHz or higher) of the 5th-generation communication schemes (for example, 5G) or one scheme of the 4th-generation mobile communication schemes (for example, LTE, LTE-A, and LTE-A pro).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may identify whether an error is periodically detected in a signal (or data) received from a first node through the first network in operation703. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101has a communication connection with the first node through the first network and a communication connection with the second node through the second network, the processor500may monitor an error of data received from the first node of the first network. For example, the processor500may identify an error generation rate of data received from the first node (for example, the first node410ofFIG.4) through the first network during a predetermined unit (for example, subframe). When an error generation rate of data satisfying a predetermined first condition is periodically detected, the processor500may determine that the error is periodically detected in a signal (or data) received from the first node through the first network. For example, a state satisfying the predetermined first condition may include a state in which the error generation rate of the predetermined unit (for example, subframe) exceeds a reference error generation rate (for example, about 25%). In another example, the state satisfying the predetermined first condition may include a state in which the error generation rate of the predetermined unit is higher than an error generation rate of another predetermined unit by a reference ratio (for example, about 15%) or more. For example, the error generation rate of data may be determined on the basis of an ACK/NACK ratio of data received from the first node for a predetermined time.

According to various embodiments, when the error is not periodically detected in the signal (or data) received from the first node through the first network (for example, ‘No’ of operation703), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may end an embodiment for controlling transmission of the reference signal. According to an embodiment, when the error generation rate satisfying the predetermined first condition is not detected or the error generation rate satisfying the predetermined first condition is not periodically detected, the processor500may determine that interference by the reference signal of the second network is not generated and end an embodiment for controlling transmission of the reference signal. For example, the state which does not satisfy the predetermined first condition may include a state in which the error generation rate of the predetermined unit (for example, subframe) is equal to or lower than the reference error generation rate (for example, about 25%). In another example, the state that does not satisfy the predetermined first condition may include a state in which the error generation rate of the predetermined unit is lower than the error generation rate of another predetermined unit by the reference ratio (for example, about 15%).

According to various embodiments, when the error is periodically detected in the signal (or data) received from the first node through the first network (for example, ‘Yes’ of operation703), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) identify whether the error detected in the signal (or data) received from the first node through the first network is generated by the reference signal of the second network in operation705. According to an embodiment, when the error is periodically detected in the data received from the first node of the first network, the processor500may compare an error detection period of the data received from the first node with a transmission period of the reference signal related to the second network. For example, when the error detection period of the data received from the first node overlaps or at least partially overlaps the transmission period of the reference signal related to the second network, the processor500may determine that interference by the reference signal of the second network is generated. In another example, when the error detection period of the data received from the first node does not overlap the transmission period of the reference signal related to the second network, the processor500may determine that interference by the reference signal of the second network is not generated. For example, the transmission period of the reference signal related to the second network may be identified in the RRC control message received from the first node (or second node).

According to various embodiments, when it is determined that the error detected in the signal (data) received from the first node through the first network is not generated by the reference signal of the second network (for example, ‘No’ of operation705), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may end an embodiment for controlling transmission of the reference signal.

According to various embodiments, when it is determined that the error detected in the signal (data) received from the first node through the first network is generated by the reference signal of the second network (for example, ‘Yes’ of operation705), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may run an avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, when the avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal of the second network is run, the processor500may limit transmission of the reference signal of the second network on the basis of a bandwidth (or throughput) of the second network. According to an embodiment, when the avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal of the second network is run, the processor500may adjust a power amplification level related to transmission of the reference signal for at least one path of a plurality of paths for transmitting the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, when the avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal of the second network is run, the processor500may limit transmission of the reference signal for at least one path of the plurality of paths for transmitting the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, when the avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal of the second network is run, the processor500may adjust a transmission period of the reference signal of the second network.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may end the avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal of the second network on the basis of state information of the connection with the first node using the first network and/or state information of the connection with the second node using the second network. According to an embodiment, when the connection with the second node using the second network is released, the processor500may end the avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, when a secondary component carrier (SCC) of the first network is changed in the state in which the connection with the second node is maintained, the processor500may end the avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal of the second network. For example, the end of the avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal of the second network may include a series of operations for reconstructing a transmission scheme of the reference signal of the second network to the scheme before transmission of the reference signal of the second network is controlled on the basis of the event related to the reference signal of the second network.

FIG.8is a flowchart800illustrating a process in which the electronic device detects an error by the reference signal of the second network according to various embodiments. According to an embodiment, operations ofFIG.8may be detailed operations of operation703and operation705ofFIG.7. In the following embodiment, operations may be sequentially performed but the sequential performance is not necessary. For example, the order of operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device ofFIG.8may be the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4,5, or6.

Referring toFIG.8, according to various embodiments, an electronic device (for example, the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor500ofFIG.5) may access the first node through the first network and, when accessing the second node through the second network (for example, operation701ofFIG.7), monitor the reception performance related to the first network in operation801. According to an embodiment, the processor500may identify an error generation rate of data received from the first node (for example, the first node410ofFIG.4) through the first network. For example, the error generation rate of data may be determined on the basis of an ACK/NACK ratio of the data received from the first node during a predetermined unit (for example, subframe).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may identify whether an error is periodically generated on the basis of the monitoring result of the reception performance related to the first network in operation803. According to an embodiment, the processor500may identify whether an error generation rate satisfying a predetermined first condition is periodically detected.

According to various embodiments, when it is determined that the error is not periodically generated (for example, ‘No’ of operation803), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may end an embodiment for detecting the error by the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, when the error generation rate satisfying the predetermined first condition is not detected or the error generation rate satisfying the predetermined first condition is not periodically detected, the processor500may determine that interference by the reference signal of the second network is not generated.

According to various embodiments, when it is determined that the error is periodically generated (for example, ‘Yes’ of operation803), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may identify a transmission period of the reference signal related to the second network in operation805. According to an embodiment, in the case of an EN-DC environment, the processor500may transmit information related to a function of the electronic device101to the first node on the basis of a “UE capability enquiry” received from the first node through the first network. According to an embodiment, the first node may determine whether the electronic device101can transmit a sounding reference signal on the basis of the information related to the function of the electronic device101, as shown in [Table 1] (for example, 3GPP TS 38.331 standard).

According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the electronic device101can transmit the sounding reference signal on the basis of the information related to the function of the electronic device101, the first node may transmit information related to transmission resources of the reference signal to the electronic device101through an RRC control message.

In an embodiment, the processor500may identify a transmission period of the sounding reference signal (SRS) related to the second network in the RRC control message, as shown in [Table 2] (for example, 3GPP TS 38.331 standard) received from the first node.

For example, [Table 2] may include information related to a period for transmitting the SRS within 20 slots (for example, s120) through 4 antennas. For example, “periodicityAndOffset-p s120: 17” may include resource allocation information for transmission of the SRS through a first antenna (for example, the first antenna600aofFIG.6) in a 17thslot in every 20 slots. For example, “periodicityAndOffset-p s120: 7” may include resource allocation information for transmission of the SRS through a second antenna (for example, the second antenna600bofFIG.6) in a 7thslot in every 20 slots. For example, “periodicityAndOffset-p s120: 13” may include resource allocation information for transmission of the SRS through a third antenna (for example, the third antenna600cofFIG.6) in a 13rdslot in every 20 slots. For example, “periodicityAndOffset-p s120: 3” may include resource allocation information for transmission of the SRS through a fourth antenna (for example, the fourth antenna600dofFIG.6) in a 3rdslot in every 20 slots.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may identify whether an error generation period of data received from the first node of the first network at least partially overlaps a transmission period of the reference signal related to the second network in operation807.

According to various embodiments, when the error generation period of data received from the first node of the first network does not overlap the transmission period of the reference signal related to the second network (for example, ‘No’ of operation807), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may end an embodiment for detecting an error by the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, when the error generation period of data received from the first node of the first network does not overlap the transmission period of the reference signal related to the second network, the processor500may determine that interference by the reference signal of the second network is not generated.

According to various embodiments, when the error generation period of data received from the first node of the first network at least partially overlaps the transmission period of the reference signal related to the second network (for example, ‘Yes’ of operation807), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may determine that an error is generated in data received from the first node of the first network due to the interference by the reference signal of the second network in operation809. According to an embodiment, when it is determined that interference by the reference signal of the second network is generated, the processor500may run an avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal of the second network like in operation707ofFIG.7.

FIG.9is a flowchart900illustrating a process in which the electronic device adjusts a path for transmitting the reference signal according to various embodiments. According to an embodiment, operations ofFIG.9may be the detailed operation of operation707ofFIG.7. In the following embodiment, operations may be sequentially performed but the sequential performance is not necessary. For example, the order of operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device ofFIG.9may be the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4,5, or6.

Referring toFIG.9, according to various embodiments, when an event related to the reference signal of the second network is generated (for example, ‘Yes’ of operation705ofFIG.7), the electronic device (for example, the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor500ofFIG.5) may configure an ithpath pattern among a plurality of path patterns related to the reference signal as a path pattern for transmitting the reference signal in operation901. According to an embodiment, when an error is detected in a signal (or data) received from the first node through the first network due to interference by the reference signal of the second network, the processor500may identify a plurality of path patterns stored in the memory520to run an avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal. The processor500may select the it h path pattern on the basis of priorities of the plurality of path patterns. For example, i may include an index of a path pattern configured on the basis of the priorities of the path patterns. For example, the priorities of the plurality of path patterns may be configured on the basis of the frequency band of the first network used by the electronic device101to communicate with the first node. For example, the path pattern may include the sequence of paths for transmitting the reference signal by the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may identify an error generation rate of data received from the first node of the first network for the case in which the reference signal of the second network is transmitted on the basis of the it h path pattern in operation903. According to an embodiment, when a first path pattern is configured, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal through the first antenna600a(or the first RFFE610a) at the first time point and the second time point on the basis of the first path pattern. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal through the third antenna600c(or the third RFFE610c) at the third time point on the basis of the first path pattern. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal through the fourth antenna600d(or the fourth RFFE610d) at the fourth time point on the basis of the first path pattern. For example, when transmission of the reference signal through the second antenna600b(or the second RFFE610b) is limited on the basis of the first path pattern, the processor500may identify an error generation rate of the data received from the first node of the first network.

According to an embodiment, when a second path pattern is configured, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal through the first antenna600a(or the first RFFE610a) at the first time point and the second time point on the basis of the second path pattern. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal through the second antenna600b(or the second RFFE610b) at the third time point on the basis of the second path pattern. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal through the fourth antenna600d(or the fourth RFFE610d) at the fourth time point on the basis of the second path pattern. For example, when transmission of the reference signal through the third antenna600c(or the third RFFE610c) is limited on the basis of the second path pattern, the processor500may identify an error generation rate of the data received from the first node of the first network.

According to an embodiment, when a third path pattern is configured, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal through the first antenna600a(or the first RFFE610a) at the first time point and the second time point on the basis of a third path pattern. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal through the second antenna600b(or the second RFFE610b) at the third time point on the basis of the third path pattern. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal through the third antenna600c(or the third RFFE610c) at the fourth time point on the basis of the third path pattern. For example, when transmission of the reference signal through the fourth antenna600d(or the fourth RFFE610d) is limited on the basis of the third path pattern, the processor500may identify an error generation rate of the data received from the first node of the first network.

According to an embodiment, when a fourth path pattern is configured, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal through the first antenna600a(or the first RFFE610a) at the first time point, the second time point, the third time point, and the fourth time point on the basis of the fourth path pattern. For example, when transmission of the reference signal through the second antenna600b(or the second RFFE610b), the third antenna600c(or the third RFFE610c), and the fourth antenna600d(or the fourth RFFE610d) is limited on the basis of the fourth path pattern, the processor500may identify the error generation rate of the data received from the first node of the first network.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may identify whether error generation rates of all path patterns are detected in operation905. According to an embodiment, when the error generation rate of the data received from the first node is identified for the case in which the reference signal is transmitted on the basis of the it h path pattern, the processor500may identify whether an index (i) of the path pattern for which the error generation rate is detected is larger than or equal to a maximum value (iMAX) in order to identify whether the error generation rates for all path patterns are detected (for example, i≥iMAX).

According to various embodiments, when error generation rates of all path patterns are not detected (for example, ‘No’ of operation905), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may update the index (i) of the path pattern (for example, i++) in operation907. According to an embodiment, when the index (i) of the path pattern for which the error generation rate is detected is smaller than the maximum value (iMAX), the processor500may determine that a path pattern for which the error generation rate is not detected exists. The processor500may update the index (i) of the path pattern in order to detect the error generation rate of the path pattern for which the error generation rate is not detected (for example, i++). According to an embodiment, the processor500may configure the path pattern for transmitting the reference signal as the updated ithpath pattern (for example, operation901). The processor500may identify the error generation rate of the data received from the first node of the first network for the case in which the reference signal of the second network is transmitted on the basis of the updated ithpath pattern (for example, operation903).

According to various embodiments, when error generation rates of all path patterns are detected (for example, ‘Yes’ of operation905), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may compare error generation rates of the path patterns and select a path pattern for transmitting the reference signal to the second network in operation909. According to an embodiment, when it is determined that an error is generated in data received from the first node of the first network due to interference by the reference signal of the second network, the processor500may identify the error generation rate in the state in which transmission of the reference signal of at least one path is limited on the basis of the path pattern, as shown in [Table 3]. For example, the processor500may select a path pattern having the lowest error generation rate among a plurality path patterns as the path pattern for transmitting the reference signal of the second network.

For example, in [Table 3], RX0 may indicate the first antenna600a(or the first RFFE610a), RX1 may indicate the second antenna600b(or the second RFFE610b), RX2 may indicate the third antenna600c(or the third RFFE610c), and RX3 may indicate the fourth antenna600d(or the fourth RFFE610d). For example, the processor500may determine that the error generation rate of the fourth path pattern having the highest throughput of the electronic device101among a plurality of path patterns (for example, the first path pattern to the fourth path pattern) is the lowest. Accordingly, the processor500may select the fourth path pattern as the path pattern for transmitting the reference signal of the second network.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may transmit the reference signal through the second network on the basis of the path pattern selected to transmit the reference signal to the second network in operation911.

FIG.10is a flowchart1000illustrating a process in which the electronic device adjusts a power amplification level for transmitting the reference signal according to various embodiments. According to an embodiment, operations ofFIG.10may be the detailed operation of operation707ofFIG.7. In the following embodiment, operations may be sequentially performed but the sequential performance is not necessary. For example, the order of operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device ofFIG.10may be the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4,5, or6.

Referring toFIG.10, according to various embodiments, when an event related to the reference signal of the second network is generated (for example, ‘Yes’ of operation705ofFIG.7), the electronic device (for example, the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor500ofFIG.5) may configure an it h pattern among patterns of a plurality of power amplification levels related to the reference signal as a power amplification level of each path for transmitting the reference signal in operation1001. According to an embodiment, when an error is detected in a signal (or data) received from the first node through the first network due to interference by the reference signal of the second network, the processor500may identify patterns of a plurality of power amplification levels stored in the memory520in order to run an avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal. The processor500may select jthpath pattern on the basis of priorities of the patterns of the plurality of power amplification levels. For example, j may include an index of the power amplification level pattern configured on the basis of the priorities of the patterns of the power amplification levels. For example, the priorities of the patterns of the plurality of power amplification levels may be configured on the basis of a frequency band of the first network used by the electronic device101to communicate with the first node. For example, the pattern of the power amplification level may include information related to the power amplification level for transmitting the reference signal by the electronic device101through each antenna (for example,600a,600b,600c, or600dofFIG.6) (or the RFFE610a,610b,610c, or610dofFIG.6).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may identify an error generation rate of data received from the first node of the first network for the case in which the reference signal of the second network is transmitted on the basis of the pattern of the jthpower amplification level in operation1003. According to an embodiment, when a pattern of a first power amplification level is configured, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to configure, as a first value (for example, about 0 dB), the power amplification level of the reference signal to be transmitted through the first antenna600a(or the first RFFE610a) at the first time point on the basis of the pattern of the first power amplification level. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to configure, as a second value (for example, about −5 dB), the power amplification level of the reference signal to be transmitted through the second antenna600b(or the second RFFE610b) at the second time point on the basis of the pattern of the first power amplification level. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to configure, as a third value (for example, about 3 dB), the power amplification level of the reference signal to be transmitted through the third antenna600c(or the third RFFE610c) and the fourth antenna600d(or the fourth RFFE610d) at the third time point and the fourth time point on the basis of the pattern of the first power amplification level.

According to an embodiment, when a pattern of a second power amplification level is configured, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to configure, as a first value (for example, about 0 dB), the power amplification level of the reference signal to be transmitted through the first antenna600a(or the first RFFE610a) at the first time point on the basis of the pattern of the second power amplification level. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to configure, as a third value (for example, about 3 dB), the power amplification level of the reference signal to be transmitted through the second antenna600b(or the second RFFE610b) and the fourth antenna600d(or the fourth RFFE610d) at the second time point and the fourth time point on the basis of the pattern of the second power amplification level. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to configure, as a second value (for example, about −5 dB), the power amplification level of the reference signal to be transmitted through the third antenna600c(or the third RFFE610c) at the third time point on the basis of the pattern of the second power amplification level.

According to an embodiment, when a pattern of a third power amplification level is configured, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to configure, as a first value (for example, about 0 dB), the power amplification level of the reference signal to be transmitted through the first antenna600a(or the first RFFE610a) at the first time point on the basis of the pattern of the third power amplification level. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to configure, as a third value (for example, about 3 dB), the power amplification level of the reference signal to be transmitted through the second antenna600b(or the second RFFE610b) and the third antenna600c(or the third RFFE610c) at the second time point and the third time point on the basis of the pattern of the third power amplification level. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to configure, as a second value (for example, about −5 dB), the power amplification level of the reference signal to be transmitted through the fourth antenna600d(or the fourth RFFE610d) at the fourth time point on the basis of the pattern of the third power amplification level.

According to an embodiment, when a pattern of a fourth power amplification level is configured, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to configure, as a first value (for example, about 0 dB), the power amplification level of the reference signal to be transmitted through the first antenna600a(or the first RFFE610a) at the first time point on the basis of the pattern of the fourth power amplification level. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to configure, as a second value (for example, about −5 dB), the power amplification level of the reference signal to be transmitted through the second antenna600b(or the second RFFE610b), the third antenna600c(or the third RFFE610c), and the fourth antenna600d(or the fourth RFFE610d) at the third time point and the fourth time point on the basis of the pattern of the fourth power amplification level.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may identify whether error generation rates of patterns of all power amplification levels are detected in operation1005. According to an embodiment, when the error generation rate of the data received from the first node is identified for the case in which the reference signal is transmitted on the basis of the jthpower amplification pattern, the processor500may identify whether an index (j) of the power amplification pattern for which the error generation rate is detected is larger than or equal to a maximum value (jMAX) in order to identify whether the error generation rates for all path patterns are detected (for example, j jMAX).

According to various embodiments, when error generation rates of the patterns of all power amplification levels are not detected (for example, ‘No’ of operation1005), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may update the index (j) of the pattern of the power amplification level in operation1007(for example, j++). According to an embodiment, when the index (j) of the power amplification pattern for which the error generation rate is detected is smaller than the maximum value (jMAX) (for example, j<jMAX), the processor500may determine that a power amplification pattern for which the error generation rate is not detected exists. The processor500may update the index (j) of the pattern of the power amplification level in order to detect the error generation rate of the pattern of the power amplification level for which the error generation rate is not detected (for example, j++). According to an embodiment, the processor500may configure the pattern of the updated jthpower amplification level as the pattern of the power amplification level for transmitting the reference signal (for example, operation1001). The processor500may identify the error generation rate of the data received from the first node of the first network for the case in which the reference signal of the second network is transmitted on the basis of the pattern of the updatedjthpower amplification level (for example, operation1003).

According to various embodiments, when error generation rates of patterns of all power amplification levels are detected (for example, ‘Yes’ of operation1005), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may compare the error generation rates of the patterns of the power amplification levels and select a pattern of the power amplification level for transmitting the reference signal to the second network in operation1009. According to an embodiment, the processor500may select the pattern of the power amplification level having the lowest error generation rate among the patterns of the plurality of power amplification levels as the pattern of the power amplification level for transmitting the reference signal of the second network.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may transmit the reference signal through the second network on the basis of the pattern of the power amplification level selected to transmit the reference signal to the second network in operation1011.

FIG.11is a flowchart1100illustrating a process in which the electronic device determines whether to transmit the reference signal according to various embodiments. According to an embodiment, operations ofFIG.11may be the detailed operation of operation707ofFIG.7. In the following embodiment, operations may be sequentially performed but the sequential performance is not necessary. For example, the order of operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device ofFIG.11may be the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4,5, or6.

Referring toFIG.11, according to various embodiments, when an event related to the reference signal of the second network is generated (for example, ‘Yes’ of operation705ofFIG.7), the electronic device (for example, the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor500ofFIG.5) may identify a bandwidth of the second network in operation1101. According to an embodiment, when an error is detected in a signal (or data) received from the first node through the first network due to interference by the reference signal of the second network, the processor500may identify a bandwidth allocated by the first node (or the second node) to transmit and/or receive data through the second network.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may identify whether the bandwidth of the second network satisfies a predetermined second condition in operation1103. According to an embodiment, the processor500may identify a ratio of the bandwidth of the second network to the entire bandwidth of the electronic device101. The processor500may identify whether the ratio of the bandwidth of the second network satisfies the predetermined second condition. For example, a state satisfying the predetermined second condition may include a state in which the ratio of the bandwidth of the second network is equal to or lower than a reference ratio (for example, about 40%). For example, a state which does not satisfy the predetermined second condition may include a state in which the ratio of the bandwidth of the second network exceeds the reference ratio (for example, about 40%). For example, the bandwidth of the second network may include a bandwidth allocated by the first node (or the second node) to transmit and/or receive data through the second network. For example, the entire bandwidth of the electronic device101is a bandwidth which can be used by the electronic device101to transmit and/or receive data through the first network and/or the second network, and may be determined as a sum of the bandwidth (for example, the bandwidth of the first network) allocated by the first node to transmit and/or receive data through the first network and the bandwidth of the second network.

According to various embodiments, when the bandwidth of the second network satisfies the predetermined second condition (for example, ‘Yes’ of operation1103), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may limit transmission of the reference signal through the second network in operation1105. According to an embodiment, when the ratio of the bandwidth of the second network satisfies the predetermined second condition, the processor500may determine that loss of the first network by the reference signal of the second network is relatively larger than a gain of the second network which can be acquired through transmission of the reference signal of the second network. Accordingly, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to limit transmission of the reference signal of the second network. For example, the processor500may control the first switch614and/or the second switch640to limit transmission of the reference signal of the second network. For example, when transmission of the reference signal of the second network is limited, the first switch614may maintain the connection between the diplexer611and the second band pass filter615. For example, when transmission of the reference signal of the second network is limited, the second switch640may block the connection between the power amplifier630and the plurality of antennas600a,600b,600c, and600d(or the plurality of RFFEs610a,610b,610c, and610d).

According to various embodiments, when the bandwidth of the second network does not satisfy the predetermined second condition (for example, ‘No’ of operation1103), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may transmit the reference signal through the second network in operation1107.

According to an embodiment, when the ratio of the bandwidth of the second network does not satisfy the predetermined second condition, the processor500may determine that the gain of the second network which can be acquired through transmission of the reference signal of the second network is relatively larger than loss of the first network by the reference signal of the second network. Accordingly, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to transmit the reference signal of the second network.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may improve throughput of the first network by limiting transmission of the reference signal of the second network on the basis of the ratio of the bandwidth of the second network to the entire system bandwidth of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, when the ratio of the bandwidth of the second network to the entire system bandwidth of the electronic device101satisfies the predetermined second condition, the electronic device101may improve the throughput of the electronic device101on the basis of the limit of the transmission of the reference signal of the second network as shown in [Table 4]. When the ratio of the bandwidth of the second network to the entire system bandwidth of the electronic device101does not satisfy the predetermined second condition as shown in [Table 4], the electronic device101may improve the throughput of the electronic device101on the basis of transmission of the reference signal of the second network.

FIG.12is a flowchart1200illustrating a process in which the electronic device adjusts a transmission period of the reference signal according to various embodiments. According to an embodiment, operations ofFIG.12may be the detailed operation of operation707ofFIG.7. In the following embodiment, operations may be sequentially performed but the sequential performance is not necessary. For example, the order of operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device ofFIG.12may be the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4,5, or6. At least some ofFIG.12may refer toFIGS.13A,13B, and13C.FIG.13Aillustrates an example of a transmission period of the reference signal of the electronic device according to various embodiments.FIG.13Billustrates an example of adjusting the transmission period of the reference signal by the electronic device according to various embodiments.FIG.13Cillustrates another example of adjusting the transmission period of the reference signal by the electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.12, according to various embodiments, when an event related to the reference signal of the second network is generated (for example, ‘Yes’ of operation705ofFIG.7), the electronic device (for example, the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor500ofFIG.5) may change a period for transmitting the reference signal through the second network in operation1201. According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to periodically transmit the reference signal on the basis of resource allocation information for transmission of the reference signal of the second network as illustrated inFIG.13A. For example, when a first time point1302arrives within a first transmission section1300as illustrated inFIG.13A, the wireless communication circuit510may transmit the reference signal through the first antenna600a(or the first RFFE610a). When a second time point1304arrives within the first transmission section1300, the wireless communication circuit510may transmit the reference signal through the second antenna600b(or the second RFFE610b). When a third time point1306arrives within the first transmission section1300, the wireless communication circuit510may transmit the reference signal through the third antenna600c(or the RFFE610c). When a fourth time point1308arrives within the first transmission section1300, the wireless communication circuit510may transmit the reference signal through the fourth antenna600d(or the fourth RFFE610d). According to an embodiment, when an error is detected in a signal (or data) received from the first node through the first network due to interference by the reference signal of the second network, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit510to change the period for transmitting the reference signal of the second network.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may transmit the reference signal through the second network on the basis of the changed transmission period in operation1203. According to an embodiment, the processor600may control the wireless communication circuit510to increase the transmission period of the reference signal of the second network by a first reference interval (for example, two times) as illustrated inFIG.13B. For example, when the first time point1302arrives within the first transmission section1300as illustrated inFIG.13B, the wireless communication circuit510may transmit the reference signal through the first antenna600a(or the first RFFE610a). The wireless communication circuit510may limit transmission of the reference signal at the second time point1304, the third time point1306, and the fourth time point1308within the first transmission section1300on the basis of the changed transmission period of the reference signal. For example, when the first time point arrives within a second transmission section1310as illustrated inFIG.13B, the wireless communication circuit510may transmit the reference signal through the first antenna600a(or the first RFFE610a). When the second time point arrives within the second transmission section1310, the wireless communication circuit510may transmit the reference signal through the second antenna600b(or the second RFFE610b). When the third time point arrives within the second transmission section1310, the wireless communication circuit510may transmit the reference signal through the third antenna600c(or the third RFFE610c). When the fourth time point arrives within the second transmission section1310, the wireless communication circuit510may transmit the reference signal through the fourth antenna600d(or the fourth RFFE610d).

According to an embodiment, the processor600may control the wireless communication circuit510to increase the transmission period of the reference signal of the second network by a second reference interval (for example, three times) as illustrated inFIG.13B. For example, when the first time point1302arrives within the first transmission section1300and the second transmission section1310as illustrated inFIG.13C, the wireless communication circuit510may transmit the reference signal through the first antenna600a(or the first RFFE610a). The wireless communication circuit510may limit transmission of the reference signal at the second time point, the third time point, and the fourth time point within the first transmission section1300and the second transmission section1310on the basis of the changed transmission period of the reference signal. For example, when the transmission time point of the reference signal arrives within a third transmission section1320as illustrated inFIG.13C, the wireless communication circuit510may transmit the reference signal through each antenna (for example,600a,600b,600c, or600dofFIG.6) (or the RFFE610a,610b,610c, or610d).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may improve throughput of the first network by changing the transmission period of the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, the throughput of the first network may be improved on the basis of the change in the transmission period of the reference signal of the second network as shown in [Table 5].

For example, when the transmission period (for example, 10 ms) of the reference signal of the second network increases by a reference interval, the throughput of the first network may be improved in a first frequency band (for example, B3) and a second frequency band (for example, B7).

FIG.14is a flowchart1400illustrating a process in which the electronic device applies an avoidance algorithm of the reference signal according to various embodiments. In the following embodiment, operations may be sequentially performed but the sequential performance is not necessary. For example, the order of operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device ofFIG.14may be the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4,5, or6.

Referring toFIG.14, according to various embodiments, the electronic device (for example, the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor500ofFIG.5) may make a communication connection with the second node (for example, the second node420ofFIG.4) of the second network in operation1401. According to an embodiment, the first communication circuit512may make a radio resource control (RRC) connection with the first node (for example, the first node410ofFIG.4) for supporting the first network. The second communication circuit514may communicate with the second node (for example, the second node420ofFIG.4) supporting the second network on the basis of control information related to the connection of a second network provided from the first communication circuit512. According to an embodiment, the second communication circuit514may make a radio resource control (RRC) connection with the second node supporting the second network. The second communication circuit514may make a communication connection with the second node supporting the second network on the basis of control information related to the connection of the second network acquired through the RRC connection with the second node.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may identify whether an event related to the reference signal of the second network is generated on the basis of operation state information of the electronic device in operation1403. According to an embodiment, when an element physically adjacent to the wireless communication circuit510(or the second communication circuit514) is operated among the elements included in the electronic device101, the processor500may determine that the event related to the reference signal of the second network is generated. For example, when a camera (not shown) physically adjacent to the wireless communication circuit510(or the second communication circuit514) is operated in the state in which the electronic device101accesses the second node of the second network through the wireless communication circuit510, the processor500may determine that the event related to the reference signal of the second network is generated. Thus, in some embodiments, one element physically adjacent to the first communication circuit is a camera. For example, when WLAN communication is performed in the state in which the electronic device101accesses the second node of the second network through the wireless communication circuit510, the processor500may determine that the event related to the reference signal of the second network is generated. In some embodiments, one element physically adjacent to the first communication circuit is a wireless local area network (WLAN) circuit. For example, when the electronic device accesses the first node of the first network through the first communication circuit512physically adjacent to the second communication circuit514in the state in which the electronic device accesses the second node of the second network through the second communication circuit514, the processor500may determine that the event related to the reference signal of the second network is generated. For example, the processor500may determine that the event related to the reference signal of the second network is generated through operations801to809ofFIG.8.

According to various embodiments, when it is determined that the event related to the reference signal of the second network is not generated (‘No’ of operation1403), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may end an embodiment for running an avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal.

According to various embodiments, when it is determined that the event related to the reference signal of the second network is generated (for example, ‘Yes’ of operation1403), the electronic device (for example, the processor120or500) may run the avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal of the second network. According to an embodiment, when the avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal of the second network is run, the processor500may limit transmission of the reference signal for at least one path of a plurality of paths for transmitting the reference signal of the second network like in operations901to911ofFIG.9. According to an embodiment, when the avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal of the second network is run, the processor500may adjust a power amplification level related to transmission of the reference signal for at least one path of a plurality of paths for transmitting the reference signal of the second network like in operations1001to1011ofFIG.10. According to an embodiment, when the avoidance algorithm related to the reference signal of the second network is run, the processor500may adjust a transmission period of the reference signal of the second network like in operations1201to1203ofFIG.12.

According to various embodiments, a method of operating an electronic device (for example, the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4,5, or6) may include an operation of performing communication of a first network with a first node, an operation of identifying whether an event related to transmission control of a reference signal of the first network is generated, based on operation state information of the electronic device, an operation of, in case that the event related to the transmission control of the reference signal is generated, limiting transmission of the reference signal for at least one path of a plurality of paths corresponding to the plurality of antennas included in the electronic device, and an operation of transmitting the reference signal of the first network through remaining at least one path except for at least one path for limiting the transmission of the reference signal among the plurality of paths.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include an operation of performing communication of a second network with a second node and the operation of performing the communication of the first network may include an operation of performing the communication of the first network with the first node, based on control information received from the second node through the communication of the second network.

According to various embodiments, the operation of identifying whether the event is generated may include an operation of, in case that the communication of the first network is performed with the first node and the communication of the second network is performed with the second node, identifying whether an error related to the communication of the second network is generated and an operation of, in case that the error related to the communication of the second network is generated by the reference signal of the first network, determining that the event related to the transmission control of the reference signal is generated.

According to various embodiments, the operation of determining that the event is generated may include an operation of, in case that the error related to the communication of the second network is detected, identifying an error generation period and an operation of, in case that a generation period of the error related to the communication of the second network at least partially overlaps a transmission period of the reference signal of the first network, determining that the event related to the transmission control of the reference signal is generated.

According to various embodiments, the transmission period of the reference signal of the first network may be identified, based on a radio resource control (RRC) control signal received from the second node.

According to various embodiments, the operation of limiting the transmission of the reference signal may include an operation of, in case that that the event related to transmission control of the reference signal is generated, identifying an error generation rate of each of a plurality of predefined path patterns, an operation of selecting one path pattern from among the plurality of path patterns, based on the error generation rate, and an operation of identifying the at least one path for limiting transmission of the reference signal among the plurality of paths, based on the selected path pattern.

According to various embodiments, the operation of transmitting the reference signal of the first network may include an operation of, in case that a transmission time point corresponding to each of the remaining at least one path among the plurality of paths arrives, transmitting the reference signal through a path corresponding to the transmission time point.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include an operation of, in case that a transmission time point corresponding to the at least one path for limiting the transmission of the reference signal among the plurality of paths arrives, transmitting the reference signal through a reference path among the plurality of paths.

According to various embodiments, the operation of identifying whether the event is generated may include an operation of, in case that at least one element physically adjacent to the first communication circuit among elements of the electronic device is operated, determining that the event related to the transmission control of the reference signal is generated.

According to various embodiments, the reference signal of the first network may include a sounding reference signal (SRS).

The embodiments of the disclosure described and shown in the specification and the drawings are merely specific examples that have been presented to easily explain the technical contents of embodiments of the disclosure and help understanding of embodiments of the disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the disclosure. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure should be construed to include, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, all changes and modifications derived on the basis of the technical idea of various embodiments of the disclosure.