ELECTRONIC DEVICE CONTROLLING TRANSMISSION POWER BASED ON SAR AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME

A communication device is provided. The communication device includes first communication circuitry configured to perform first wireless communication with a first external device based on a first communication protocol, second communication circuitry configured to perform second wireless communication with a second external device based on a second communication protocol, memory storing one or more computer programs, and one or more application processors communicatively connected to the first communication circuitry, the second communication circuitry and the memory, wherein the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more application processors, causes the communication device to control the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry such that a sum of a first output power value output by the first communication circuitry during a predetermined time range and a second output power value output by the second communication circuitry during the predetermined time range does not exceed a preset total threshold.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to an electronic device controlling transmission power based on SAR and a method for operating the same.

BACKGROUND ART

A user equipment (UE) may transmit electromagnetic waves to transmit/receive data to/from a base station. Electromagnetic waves radiated from the UE may harm the human body, and various domestic or foreign organizations attempt to restrict the harmful electromagnetic waves. For example, the specific absorption rate (SAR) is a value indicating how much electromagnetic radiation from a mobile communication terminal is absorbed by the human body. SAR uses the unit of KW/g (or mW/g), which may mean the amount of power (KW, W or mW) absorbed per 1 g of the human body. As the issue of harmfulness of electromagnetic waves attracts attention, SAR limit standards for mobile communication terminals have been established.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Solution

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device controlling transmission power based on SAR and a method for operating the same.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes first communication circuitry configured to perform first wireless communication with a first external device based on a first communication protocol, second communication circuitry configured to perform second wireless communication with a second external device based on a second communication protocol, memory storing one or more computer programs, and one or more application processors communicatively connected to the first communication circuitry, the second communication circuitry and the memory, wherein the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more application processors, cause the communication device to control the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry such that a sum of a first output power value output by the first communication circuitry during a designated time range and a second output power value output by the second communication circuitry during the designated time range does not exceed a preset total threshold.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method performed by a communication device is provided. The method includes controlling, by the communication device, first communication circuitry and second communication circuitry such that a sum of a first output power value output by the first communication circuitry configured to perform first wireless communication with a first external device based on a first communication protocol during a designated time range and a second output power value output by the second communication circuitry configured to perform second wireless communication with a second external device based on a second communication protocol during the designated time range does not exceed a preset total threshold.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a communication device, cause the communication device to perform operations are provided. The operations include controlling, by the communication device, first communication circuitry and second communication circuitry such that a sum of a first output power value output by the first communication circuitry configured to perform first wireless communication with a first external device based on a first communication protocol during a designated time range and a second output power value output by the second communication circuitry configured to perform second wireless communication with a second external device based on a second communication protocol during the designated time range does not exceed a preset total threshold.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes first communication circuitry performing communication with an external device in a first communication scheme, second communication circuitry performing communication with the external device in a second communication scheme, memory storing one or more computer programs, and one or more processors electrically communicatively to the first communication circuitry, the second communication circuitry and the memory, and configured to control output power of the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry, the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the communication device to control the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry such that a sum of a first output power value output by the first communication circuitry during a designated time range and a second output power value output by the second communication circuitry during the designated time range does not exceed a preset total threshold, wherein in case that at least one of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry controls such that a maximum value of output power output by the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry does not exceed a first threshold or a second threshold that is an output threshold of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry within the designated time range, and wherein the first output power value or the second output power value is the maximum value.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method performed by a communication device is provided. The method includes controlling, by the communication device, first communication circuitry and second communication circuitry such that a sum of a first output power value output by the first communication circuitry performing communication with an external device in a first communication scheme during a designated time range and a second output power value output by the second communication circuitry performing communication with an external device in a second communication scheme during the designated time range does not exceed a designated total threshold, wherein in case that at least one of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry controls such that a maximum value of output power output by the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry does not exceed a first threshold or a second threshold that is an output threshold of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry within the designated time range, wherein the first output power value or the second output power value is the maximum value.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a communication device, cause the communication device to perform operations are provided. The operations include controlling, by the communication device, first communication circuitry and second communication circuitry such that a sum of a first output power value output by the first communication circuitry performing communication with an external device in a first communication scheme during a designated time range and a second output power value output by the second communication circuitry performing communication with an external device in a second communication scheme during the designated time range does not exceed a designated total threshold. In case that at least one of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry controls such that a maximum value of output power output by the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry does not exceed a first threshold or a second threshold that is an output threshold of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry within the designated time range, and wherein the first output power value or the second output power value is the maximum value.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a portable communication device is provided. The device includes cellular communication circuitry, non-cellular wireless communication circuitry, memory storing one or more computer programs and one or more processors disposed outside the cellular communication circuitry and the non-cellular wireless communication circuitry and communicatively coupled to the cellular communication circuitry, the non-cellular wireless communication circuitry, and the memory, wherein the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the portable communication device to identify first output power of the cellular communication circuitry in association with cellular communication between the cellular communication circuitry and a first external electronic device, and reduce or increase second output power of the non-cellular communication circuitry in association with the non-cellular wireless communication between the non-cellular wireless communication circuitry and a second external electronic device, at least partially based on the first output power.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method performed by a portable communication device is provided. The method includes identifying, by the portable communication device, first output power of a cellular communication circuitry in association with cellular communication between the cellular communication circuitry of the portable communication device and a first external electronic device, and reducing or increasing, by the portable communication device, second output power of a non-cellular communication circuitry in association with non-cellular wireless communication between the non-cellular wireless communication circuitry of the portable communication device and a second external electronic device, at least partially based on the first output power.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a portable communication device, cause the communication device to perform operations are provided. The operations include identifying, by the portable communication device, first output power of a cellular communication circuitry in association with cellular communication between the cellular communication circuitry of the portable communication device and a first external electronic device, and reducing or increasing, by the portable communication device, second output power of a non-cellular communication circuitry in association with non-cellular wireless communication between the non-cellular wireless communication circuitry of the portable communication device and a second external electronic device, at least partially based on the first output power.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

The program140may be stored in the memory130as software, and includes, for example, an operating system (OS)142, middleware144, or an application146.

The input module150may receive a command or data to be used by other components (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The input module150includes, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output module155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device101. The sound output module155includes, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The battery189may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the battery189includes, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

FIG.2Ais a block diagram illustrating an electronic device for supporting legacy network communication and 5G network communication according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.2A, in a block diagram200, 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, a third antenna module246, and antennas248. The electronic device101may further include a processor120and memory130. The second network199may include a first cellular network292and a second cellular network294. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may further include at least one component among the components ofFIG.1, and the second 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 form at least part of the wireless communication module192. According to another embodiment, the fourth RFIC228may be omitted or be included as part of the third RFIC226.

The first communication processor212may establish a communication channel of a band that is to be used for wireless communication with the first cellular network292or may support legacy network communication via the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the first cellular network may be a legacy network that includes second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), or long-term evolution (LTE) networks. The second CP214may establish a communication channel corresponding to a designated band (e.g., from about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) among bands that are to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network294or may support fifth generation (5G) network communication via the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the second cellular network294may be a 5G network defined by the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). Additionally, according to an embodiment, the first CP212or the second CP214may establish a communication channel corresponding to another designated band (e.g., about 6 GHz or less) among the bands that are to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network294or may support fifth generation (5G) network communication via the established communication channel.

The first communication processor212may perform data transmission/reception with the second communication processor214. For example, data classified as transmitted via the second cellular network294is changed to be transmitted via the first cellular network292. In this case, the first communication processor212may receive transmission data from the second communication processor214. For example, the first communication processor212transmits/receives data to/from the second communication processor214via an inter-processor interface213. The inter-processor interface213may be implemented as, e.g., universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) (e.g., high speed-UART (HS-UART)) or peripheral component interconnect bus express (PCIe) interface, but is not limited to a specific kind. The first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may exchange packet data information and control information using, e.g., shared memory. The first communication processor212may transmit/receive various types of information, such as sensing information, information about output strength, and resource block (RB) allocation information, to/from the second communication processor214.

According to implementation, the first communication processor212may not be directly connected with the second communication processor214. In this case, the first communication processor212may transmit/receive data to/from the second communication processor214via a processor120(e.g., an application processor). For example, the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214transmit/receive data to/from the processor120(e.g., an application processor) via an HS-UART interface or PCIe interface, but the kind of the interface is not limited thereto. The first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may exchange control information and packet data information with the processor120(e.g., an application processor) using the shared memory.

FIG.2Bis a block diagram illustrating an electronic device for supporting legacy network communication and 5G network communication according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment, the first CP212and the second CP214may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214, along with the processor120, an assistance processor123, or communication module190, may be formed in a single chip or single package. For example, as shown inFIG.2B, an integrated communication processor260supports all of the functions for communication with the first cellular network292and the second cellular network294.

Referring toFIG.2B, at least one of the processor120, the first communication processor212, the second communication processor214, or the integrated communication processor260may be implemented as a single chip or a single package. In this case, the single chip or single package may include memory (or storage means) storing instructions that cause at least some of operations performed according to various embodiments and a processing circuit (or operation circuit, but the term is not limited) for executing instructions. Instructions stored in the memory, when executed by the processor, may enable the electronic device101to perform at least one operation.

Upon transmission, the first RFIC222may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor212into a radio frequency (RF) signal with a frequency ranging from about 700 MHz to about 3 GHz which is used by the first cellular network292(e.g., a legacy network). Upon receipt, the RF signal may be obtained from the first cellular network292(e.g., a legacy network) through an antenna (e.g., the first antenna module242) and be pre-processed via an RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE232). The first RFIC222may convert the pre-processed RF signal into a baseband signal that may be processed by the first communication processor212.

Upon transmission, the second RFIC224may convert the baseband signal generated by the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214into a Sub6-band (e.g., about 6 GHz or less) RF signal (hereinafter, “5G Sub6 RF signal”) that is used by the second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network). Upon receipt, the 5G Sub6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module244) and be pre-processed via an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE234). The second RFIC224may convert the pre-processed 5G Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal that may be processed by a corresponding processor of the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214.

The third RFIC226may convert the baseband signal generated by the second CP214into a 5G Above6 band (e.g., from about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) RF signal (hereinafter, “5G Above6 RF signal”) that is to be used by the second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network). Upon receipt, the 5G Above6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna248) and be pre-processed via the third RFFE236. The third RFIC226may convert the pre-processed 5G Above6 RF signal into a baseband signal that may be processed by the second communication processor214. According to an embodiment, the third RFFE236may be formed as part of the third RFIC226.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include the fourth RFIC228separately from, or as at least part of, the third RFIC226. In this case, the fourth RFIC228may convert the baseband signal generated by the second communication processor214into an intermediate frequency band (e.g., from about 9 GHz to about 11 GHz) RF signal (hereinafter, “IF signal”) and transfer the IF signal to the third RFIC226. The third RFIC226may convert the IF signal into a 5G Above6 RF signal. Upon receipt, the 5G Above6 RF signal may be received from the second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna248) and be converted into an IF signal by the third RFIC226. The fourth RFIC228may convert the IF signal into a baseband signal that may be processed by the second communication processor214.

According to an embodiment, the first RFIC222and the second RFIC224may be implemented as at least part of a single chip or single package. According to various embodiments, when the first RFIC222and the second RFIC224inFIG.2A or2Bare implemented as a single chip or a single package, they may be implemented as an integrated RFIC. In this case, the integrated RFIC is connected to the first RFFE232and the second RFFE234to convert a baseband signal into a signal of a band supported by the first RFFE232and/or the second RFFE234, and may transmit the converted signal to one of the first RFFE232and the second RFFE234. According to an embodiment, the first RFFE232and the second RFFE234may be implemented as at least 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 be combined with another antenna module to process multi-band RF signals.

According to an embodiment, the third RFIC226and the antenna248may be disposed on the same substrate to form the third antenna module246. For example, the wireless communication module192or the processor120is disposed on a first substrate (e.g., a main painted circuit board (PCB)). In this case, the third RFIC226and the antenna248, respectively, may be disposed on one area (e.g., the bottom) and another (e.g., the top) of a second substrate (e.g., a sub PCB) which is provided separately from the first substrate, forming the third antenna module246. Placing the third RFIC226and the antenna248on the same substrate may shorten the length of the transmission line therebetween. This may reduce a loss (e.g., attenuation) of high-frequency band (e.g., from about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) signal used for 5G network communication due to the transmission line. Thus, the electronic device101may enhance the communication quality with the second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network).

According to an embodiment, the antenna248may be formed as an antenna array which includes a plurality of antenna elements available for beamforming. In this case, the third RFIC226may include a plurality of phase shifters238corresponding to the plurality of antenna elements, as part of the third RFFE236. Upon transmission, the plurality of phase shifters238may change the phase of the 5G Above6 RF signal which is to be transmitted to the outside (e.g., a 5G network base station) of the electronic device101via their respective corresponding antenna elements. Upon receipt, the plurality of phase shifters238may change the phase of the 5G Above6 RF signal received from the outside to the same or substantially the same phase via their respective corresponding antenna elements. This enables transmission or reception via beamforming between the electronic device101and the outside.

The second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network) may be operated independently (e.g., as standalone (SA)) from, or in connection (e.g., as non-standalone (NSA)) with the first cellular network292(e.g., a legacy network). For example, the 5G network has the access network (e.g., 5G radio access network (RAN) or next generation RAN (NG RAN)) but may not have the core network (e.g., next generation core (NGC)). In this case, the electronic device101, after accessing a 5G network access network, may access an external network (e.g., the Internet) under the control of the core network (e.g., the evolved packet core (EPC)) of the legacy network. Protocol information (e.g., LTE protocol information) for communication with the legacy network or protocol information (e.g., New Radio (NR) protocol information) for communication with the 5G network may be stored in the memory130and be accessed by other components (e.g., the processor120, the first communication processor212, or the second communication processor214).

FIG.3Ais a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The embodiment ofFIG.3Ais described with reference toFIGS.3B and4A to4E.

FIG.3Bis a view illustrating transmission power and SAR over time according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS.4A to4Cillustrate graphs of transmission power per time according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS.4D and4Eillustrate tables of transmission power per time according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.3A,3B,4A,4B and4C, the UE may back off the transmission power, the maximum transmission power level (MTPL), e.g., if the SAR expected by the transmission power is expected to exceed a threshold. For example, upon identifying that a specific event (e.g., a grip, hot-spot, or proximity) occurs, the UE transmits an RF signal in the backoff power corresponding to the event or transmit an RF signal in the transmission power set based on the maximum transmission power level. The backoff operation may include an operation of reducing the transmission power to a designated level to decrease the electromagnetic wave emissions that may affect the human body.

According to an embodiment, technology of backing off the transmission power (or maximum transmission power level) based on the total SAR value accumulated for a designated time (or the average of the SARs generated for a designated time) may be used. The SAR that instantaneously affects the human body and/or the SAR that affects the human body on average should also be considered. Therefore, the transmission power (or maximum transmission power level) when the total SAR value accumulated (or the average of the SARs generated for a designated time) meets a designated condition may be backed off.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may perform a power control operation to backoff the transmission power based on the total amount of the accumulated SAR values. According to an embodiment, the “SAR backoff operation” may include an operation of reducing the transmission power of the antenna of the electronic device by a designated level. When SAR is controlled based on the accumulated SAR value, the electronic device may control the transmission power based on the average for a designated time, thereby performing control such that the accumulated SAR value for a time period corresponding to the time window does not exceed the SAR threshold even without performing frequent backoff. When controlling transmission power based on the average of the SARs generated for a designated time, the electronic device may relatively reduce the risk of deterioration of transmission performance due to frequent backoff as compared with the power control scheme that performs backoff by comparing the SAR value instantaneously generated (or instantaneous value) with the SAR threshold.

In an embodiment, the total amount of SARs accumulated for each of the plurality of antennas may be managed, such that the maximum transmission power level may be set for each of the plurality of antennas. The electronic device (e.g., UE), when a plurality of processors (or chipsets) associated with a plurality of communication schemes are included in the electronic device, may change the power of the transmission signal based on the SAR distribution amount associated with short-range wireless communication or cellular network communication. For example, when the SAR distribution amount associated with short-range wireless communication is larger than the SAR distribution amount associated with cellular network communication, the UE relatively increases the transmission power of the signal associated with short-range wireless communication. In an embodiment, a physical interface between the plurality of processors may be required to manage the SAR distribution amounts corresponding to the plurality of processors.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device101(e.g., at least one of the processor120, the first communication processor212, the second communication processor214, or the integrated communication processor260) may invoke (or read) a plurality of tables for the transmission power corresponding to a plurality of times in operation301. Before describing the embodiment associated withFIG.3A, terms as shown in Table 1 are defined.

TABLE 1a. Normal MAX Power: the maximum transmission power when SARmargin remainsb. Normal Max SAR: the value of SAR generated in normal MAX powerc. Backoff MAX Power: the maximum transmission power when back-offis performed due to shortage of SAR margind. Backoff Max SAR: the value of SAR generated when operating inbackoff max powere. Measurement Time(T): period for calculating the accumulated SAR orSAR averagef. Measurement Period(P): period (or time interval) for calculating SARg. Number of tables for calculating SAR: T/P − 1h. Average SAR LIMIT: the maximum value of the average SAR thatshould not be exceeded during Ti. Average Time(A_Time): the time measured with SARs accumulatedj. Accumulated SAR: the sum of SARs accumulated for average time.k. Max accumulated SAR: Average SAR LIMIT X measurement Timel. Average SAR: the value of average SAR used for average Timem. Tx Room: Max accumulated SAR − accumulated SAR, SAR remainingafter usen. Remain Time(R_Time): total measurement time − time (A_Time)during which SAR is measured up to now

First, the table is described with reference toFIGS.4A to4C. Referring toFIG.4A, a graph including transmission power for a plurality of times401to449is illustrated. The accumulated SAR (the accumulated SAR of Table 1) for a measurement time (the measurement time of Table 1), e.g., a measurement time including 50 time points, may be required to maintain a value below the maximum accumulated SAR (the max accumulated SAR of Table 1). The electronic device101may determine the transmission power of an RF signal to be transmitted at the current time point449to allow the accumulated SAR of nine future time points (e.g., the remain time of Table 1) in addition to the accumulated SAR at the current time point449and any past time points409to448(e.g., the average time of Table 1) to maintain below the maximum accumulated SAR. Further, referring toFIG.4B, the electronic device101may identify the transmission powers452which are one time point shifted from the transmission powers451at the current time point449and any past time points409to448. Shifting by one time point may mean not reflecting data at the oldest time point (e.g., time point409inFIG.4A). The number of transmission powers452at the current time point449and any past time points410to448is 40 and may be one smaller than the number, 41, of the transmission powers451ofFIG.4A. The electronic device101may determine the transmission power at the current time point449to allow the sum of the SAR by the transmission powers452and the SAR predicted at additional future 10 time points to maintain the maximum accumulated SAR or less. Referring toFIG.4C, the electronic device101may identify the transmission powers453at the current time point449and any past time points434to448which are 25 time point shifted from the transmission powers451. The number of transmission powers453is 16 and may be 25 smaller than the number, 41, of the transmission powers451ofFIG.4A. The electronic device101may determine the transmission power at the current time point449to allow the sum of the SAR by the transmission powers453and the SAR predicted at additional future 34 time points to maintain the maximum accumulated SAR or less. Although not shown, the electronic device101may manage a plurality of graphs each of which is one time point shifted. The period of calculating the SAR is the measurement period P of Table 1 and may be, e.g., the interval between the transmission powers inFIGS.4A to4C. The electronic device101may calculate and/or manage T/P−1 tables for a specific time point.

Hereinafter, a configuration of identifying an expected SAR value is described with reference toFIGS.4D and4E.

Referring toFIG.4D, the electronic device101may identify the kth SAR table460. The kth SAR table460may include D1, which is the accumulated SAR value461at A Time least one past time point, the maximum SAR value (D2)462at the current time, and the expected SAR value (D3)463at at least one future time point. Referring to the graph, the accumulated SAR value corresponding to at least one past time point may be D1. D1, which is the accumulated SAR value461at at least one past time point may be identified based on the antenna configuration. The number of at least one past time point may be a number that is one smaller than the total number (e.g., 100) of time points corresponding to the measurement time (e.g., 50 seconds) in the first table. N, which is the total number (e.g., 100) of time points may be a result of dividing the measurement time by the sampling period (or shift period). Accordingly, in the kth table, the number of at least one past time point may be k smaller than the total number of time points. The electronic device101may identify D1 which is the accumulated SAR value of the N-k past time points471. The electronic device101may use the maximum SAR value S1 for the current time point472. The maximum SAR value S1 (e.g., the normal max SAR in Table 1) may be the SAR value corresponding to a designated maximum transmission power (e.g., the normal max power of Table 1) in the electronic device101. In an embodiment, for the current time point472, the SAR value immediately before the current time point472may be used. In an embodiment, for the current time point472, the average SAR value for the past time points471of the current time point472may be used. The electronic device101may calculate the sum of SAR values S2 (e.g., the backoff max SAR of Table 1) for the transmission power (e.g., the backoff max power of Table 1) backed off, for at least one future time point473. The electronic device101may identify D3 as the accumulated SAR for at least one future time point473. In the kth table, the number of at least one future time point may be k−1. Accordingly, the electronic device101may identify whether the total SAR sum D1+D2+D3 for N time points including N-k past time points, one current time point, and k−1 future time points exceeds the maximum accumulated SAR, for the kth table. Upon identifying the excess, the electronic device101may back off the transmission power of the current time point. Referring toFIG.4E, the electronic device101may identify the k+1th table480as shown inFIG.4E. For the k+1th table480, the electronic device101may identify D4, which is the accumulated SAR value481of at least one past time point, D2, which is the maximum SAR value482of the current time point, and D5, which is the expected SAR value483of at least one future time point. The electronic device101may identify whether the accumulated SAR value of D4+D2+D5 exceeds the maximum accumulated SAR. The number of at least one past time point491in the k+1th table may be one smaller than the number of at least one past time point471in the kth table. The number of at least one future time point493in the k+1th table may be one (494) larger than the number of at least one future time point473in the kth table.

According to various embodiments, in operation303, the electronic device101may identify the past accumulated SAR value and the expected SAR value at the current time point and future time point for a plurality of tables corresponding to at least one future time point. The electronic device101may identify the accumulated SAR value for a first table and a total of N−1 tables, which are shifted by i time points (where i is 1 or more and less than N−2) from the first table. In operation305, the electronic device101may identify whether there is a table in which the sum of the accumulated SAR value and the expected SAR value exceeds a threshold. If there is a table exceeding the threshold (yes in305), the electronic device101may back off any one (or the maximum transmission power level (MTPL)) of at least some transmission powers of the RF signals in operation307. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the back-off of transmission power may be replaced with back-off of maximum transmission power level in the disclosure. If there is no table exceeding the threshold (no in305), the electronic device101may transmit an RF signal in the set transmission power in operation309. The back-off of the maximum transmission power value may mean back-off of the maximum transmission power value in various embodiments of the disclosure.

As described above, the electronic device101may determine the maximum transmission power value so that the average SAR value used during the measurement time does not exceed the average SAR limit. Or, the electronic device101may determine the maximum transmission power value so that the accumulated SAR during the measurement time does not exceed the max accumulated SAR. The electronic device101may determine the maximum value of the maximum power for the next time period every time P. For example, conditions for operating in normal max power during next time P is as follows.

Condition: Tx Room>SAR generated when operating in normal max power during next P (normal max SAR of Table 1)+SAR (backoff max SAR of Table 1) generated when operating in backoff max power during (Remain Time−P)=P×normal max SAR+(Remain Time−P)×backoff max SAR

In the condition, Tx Room may be the max accumulated SAR minus the SAR accumulated up to now. In the condition, (Remain Time−P) may be T−average time−P, e.g., the future time point described in connection withFIGS.4A to4E. P may mean the current time point. Average time may mean the past time point. Meeting the condition may mean that although the electronic device101sets the maximum transmission power of the normal max power during time P, there is no table in which the accumulated SAR exceeds the max accumulated SAR. Not meeting the condition may mean that there is a chance of presence of a table in which the accumulated SAR exceeds the max accumulated SAR if the electronic device101sets the maximum transmission power of the normal max power during time P, in which case the electronic device101may set the backoff max power as the maximum transmission power during time P.

Table 2 shows examples of variables and conditions.

In the example of Table 2, it is described that continuous use of the normal max power in the maximum transmission power for 50 seconds is possible and, after 50 seconds, back-off to the backoff max power is required. For example, it is hypothesized to transmit an RF signal in 23 dBm which is the normal max power, for 50 seconds, transmit an RF signal in 23 dBm which is the normal max power for the next P (0.5 seconds), and transmit an RF signal in 20 dBm which is the backoff max power for 49.5 seconds which is (remain time−P). In this case, Tx Room may be 150 mW/g−50×2 mW/g, i.e., 50 mW/g. The SAR generated for time P may be 2 mW/g×0.5 seconds, i.e., 1 mW/g. The SAR generated during (remain time−P) may be 49.5 seconds×1 mW/g, i.e., 49.5 mW/g. In this case, it may be identified that the accumulated SAR during P and (remain time−P) is 50.5 mW/g which exceeds the Tx room, and thus, it is required to back off the maximum value of the transmission power at time P. The above-described example is described with reference toFIG.3Bwhich describes the transmission power associated with one radio access technology (RAT). For example, referring toFIG.3B, up to A seconds (e.g., 50 seconds), the maximum transmission power is set to the normal max power351but, after A seconds, it may be identified to be backed off to the backoff max power352. The slope of the second portion362of the accumulated SAR may be formed to be smaller than the slope of the first portion361of the accumulated SAR according to the backoff of the maximum value of the maximum transmission power. It may be identified that the average SAR331before A seconds exceeds the average SAR limit340, but at the time when it is 100 seconds according to backoff, the average SAR332is identical to the value of the average SAR limit340.

FIG.5is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.5, an electronic device101(e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) may include an application processor (hereinafter, “AP”)510(e.g., the main processor121ofFIG.1and/or the processor120ofFIG.2A or2B), a first processor520(e.g., at least one of the auxiliary processor123ofFIG.1, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214ofFIG.2A, or the integrated communication processor260ofFIG.2B), and a second processor. A processor530(e.g., the auxiliary processor123ofFIG.1). In an embodiment, the electronic device101may be a communication device (or a portable communication device) performing communication with an external device (e.g., a base station or an access point). The electronic device101may include a plurality of processors supporting a plurality of communication schemes. The communication schemes supported by the electronic device101may include, but is not limited to, the wireless local area network (WLAN), basic rate (BR), enhanced data rate (EDR), or wireless wide area network (WWAN).

In an embodiment, a radio interface layer (RIL)511for transmitting or receiving control information may be disposed between the AP510and the first processor520(or between the AP510and the second processor530). The RIL511may include a protocol for communication between different processors. The RIL511may be, e.g., an interface implemented by software. The RIL511may correspond to the middleware144ofFIG.1. In an embodiment, the operation performed by the RIL511may be understood as an operation performed by the AP510. The AP510may perform communication with the first processor520through a signal line513connected between the first processor520and the AP510. The AP510may perform communication with the second processor530through a signal line515connected between the second processor530and the AP510.

In an embodiment, based on executing the host521, the first processor520may perform control such that the sum of output power values output by the first processor520and the second processor530to be equal to or less than a total threshold.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the output power value output by the first processor520may include an output power value output through a first antenna electrically connected to the first processor. The first antenna may be an antenna configured to output an RF signal associated with a communication scheme (or a first RAT) supported by the first processor520among a plurality of antennas included in the electronic device101. The communication scheme supported by the first processor520is not necessarily limited to a single RAT, and may include a plurality of RATs (e.g., 2G, 3G, LTE, 5G network communication, or a combination thereof) associated with cellular communication. The first processor520may change the configuration of the transmission antenna, based on controlling the operation of at least one RF component (e.g., the first RFIC222, the second RFIC224, the third RFIC226, the fourth RFIC228, the first RFFE232, the second RFFE234, the third RFFE236, or a combination thereof inFIG.2A or2B) included in the electronic device101, corresponding to at least one of a band corresponding to the first RAT, a type of the first RAT, or an output power value output by the first antenna. For example, the first processor520changes the configuration of the antenna configured to output the RF signal, based on identifying an event associated with the band change in the intra-RAT. The first processor520may change the configuration of the antenna configured to output the RF signal based on identifying an event associated with the inter-RAT handover. When it is predicted that the output power value output by the antenna configured as the transmission antenna exceeds an SAR threshold set for the first processor520, the first processor520may change the configuration of the antenna configured to output the RF signal. For example, when a condition associated with transmission (Tx) hopping is met, the first processor520performs transmission hopping by changing the configuration of the antenna configured to output the RF signal. The event of triggering to change the configuration of the first antenna is not limited to the above-described example.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the output power value output by the second processor530may include an output power value output through a second antenna electrically connected to the second processor. The second antenna may be an antenna configured to output an RF signal associated with a communication scheme (or a second RAT) supported by the second processor530among a plurality of antennas included in the electronic device101. The second RAT may include, e.g., short-range wireless communication such as WLAN, BR, EDR, or WWAN, but is not limited thereto. The configuration of the second antenna may be changed corresponding to a band corresponding to the second RAT and/or an output power value output by the second antenna. For example, the configuration of the second antenna is changed when the band corresponding to the second RAT is changed from a first band (e.g., about 2.4 GHz) to a second band (e.g., about 5 GHz). The configuration of the second antenna is not limited to the above-described example, and a plurality of bands corresponding to the second RAT may be supported by one antenna. The configuration of the second antenna may be changed when it is predicted that the output power value output by the antenna configured as the transmission antenna exceeds an SAR threshold set for the second processor530. For example, the configuration of the second antenna is changed when a condition associated with transmission hopping is met. In an embodiment, the second processor530may directly change the configuration of the second antenna, based on controlling the operation of the at least one RF component. In an embodiment, the AP510may transmit a control signal to the second processor530to change the configuration of the second antenna through the signal line515. In an embodiment, the first processor520may transmit a control signal to the second processor530to change the configuration of the second antenna through the physical interface531.

In an embodiment, the first processor520may control the first communication module and the second communication module such that the sum of the first output power value output by the first communication module (e.g., the first antenna) during a designated time range and the second output power value output by the second communication module (e.g., the second antenna) during the designated time range does not exceed a designated total threshold. The first communication module may include a communication circuit. The first communication module may be referred to as a first communication circuit. The first communication module may include a communication circuit. The second communication module may be referred to as a second communication circuit. In an embodiment, controlling the first communication module and the second communication module such that the sum of the first output power value output by the first communication module during the designated time range and the second output power value output by the second communication module during the designated time range does not exceed the preset total threshold may include controlling the first communication module and the second communication module such that the sum of the average of the SARs accumulated during the designated time range corresponding to the first communication module and the average of the SARs accumulated during the designated time range corresponding to the second communication module does not exceed the total threshold. In an embodiment, the first antenna and the second antenna may be included in the same antenna group. When a TAS module523is included in the first processor520, the first processor520may perform control to allow the first output power value output by the first antenna corresponding to the first processor520to be maintained below a set value during a designated time range. When a TAS module (not shown) is included in the second processor530, the second processor530may perform control to allow the second output power value output by the second antenna corresponding to the second processor530to be maintained below a set value for a designated time range, based on information related to the output power value received from the first processor520through the physical interface531. In an embodiment, when each of the first output power value and the second output power value is maintained below the set value, the sum of the first output power value and the second output power value for the designated time range may not exceed the total threshold. In an embodiment, when the TAS module523is implemented as at least a portion of the application processor510, the application processor510may control the first communication module and the second communication module such that the sum of the first output power value output by the first communication module during a designated time range and the second output power value output by the second communication module during the designated time range does not exceed a preset total threshold. An embodiment in which the first communication module and the second communication module are controlled by the application processor510is described below with reference toFIG.7A.

In an embodiment, the first processor520may control the first communication module and the second communication module such that the sum of the SAR value accumulated corresponding to the first communication module (e.g., the first antenna) during a designated time range and the SAR value accumulated corresponding to the second communication module (e.g., the second antenna) during the designated time range does not exceed a preset total threshold. The host521may be a module implemented as software for managing any one of SAR values generated by the operations of the plurality of processors, SAR values consumed by the plurality of processors, or output power values output by the plurality of processors to be equal to or less than a set threshold. In an embodiment, the SAR value consumed by the processor may include an SAR value accumulated during a designated time range due to an RF signal output by an antenna connected to the processor. In an embodiment, the SAR threshold may be set corresponding to the antenna group. The first processor520may control each of the plurality of communication modules such that the sum of the output power values output by the antennas included in the same antenna group (or the sum of the accumulated SAR values corresponding to the antennas) does not exceed a threshold (or an SAR threshold) set corresponding to the antenna group. For example, the electronic device101includes a plurality of antenna groups. The first SAR threshold may be set corresponding to a plurality of antennas included in the first antenna group. The second SAR threshold may be set corresponding to a plurality of antennas included in the second antenna group. The first antenna group may include an antenna configured to output an RF signal associated with a communication scheme supported by the first processor520and an antenna configured to output an RF signal associated with a communication scheme supported by the second processor530. The second antenna group may also include an antenna configured to output an RF signal associated with a communication scheme supported by the first processor520and an antenna configured to output an RF signal associated with a communication scheme supported by the second processor530. The first antenna group may be distinguished from the second antenna group based on the distance between the antennas. For example, the distance between the antennas included in the first antenna group is relatively smaller than the distance between the antenna included in the first antenna group and the antenna included in the second antenna group.

In an embodiment, e.g., the first processor520may identify an output power value (e.g., an average of the output power values) output by the first antenna connected to the first processor520for a designated time period, based on executing the time-average specific absorption rate (TAS) module523. The TAS module523may be implemented as at least a part of the host521, but the implementation of the software module included in the first processor520is not limited. The first processor520may identify an SAR value (e.g., an accumulated SAR value) consumed by the first processor520for a designated time period, based on executing the TAS module523. In an embodiment, the power value of the signal radiated by the first antenna corresponding to the first processor520may be changed by the first processor520. Accordingly, the average of the SAR corresponding to the first antenna may change. For example, when the first processor520increases the transmission power of the RF signal corresponding to the first antenna, the accumulated SAR value (or the average of the SAR value) increases close to an SAR limit (e.g., the SAR threshold) set corresponding to the antenna group including the first antenna. The first processor520may identify the changed accumulated SAR value (or the average of the SAR value) based on the operation of the TAS module523included in the first processor520. In an embodiment, the first processor520may perform control to allow the sum of SAR values generated when the first processor520and the second processor530transmit an RF signal through at least some of a plurality of antennas (e.g., at least one of the antenna module197ofFIG.1, the first antenna module242, the second antenna module244, the third antenna module246, or the antennas248ofFIG.2A) included in the electronic device101to be equal to or less than a total threshold.

In an embodiment, the first processor520may identify the output power value output by the second antenna corresponding to the second processor530through the physical interface531connected between the second processor530and the first processor520. In an embodiment, the first processor520may be, but is not limited to, a processor (e.g., at least one of the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214ofFIG.2A, or the integrated communication processor260ofFIG.2B) configured to transmit or receive a signal associated with cellular communication through at least one antenna, based on establishing a communication connection with a cellular network. The second processor530may be a processor (e.g., a Wi-Fi processor or a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) processor) configured to transmit or receive a signal associated with short-range communication through at least one antenna based on establishing a communication connection with an access point or an external electronic device supporting short-range communication, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first processor520identifies the output power value output by the second antenna corresponding to the second processor530for a designated time period through the physical interface531based on a protocol for performing communication with the second processor530. The first processor520may identify an SAR value (or an SAR value accumulated due to radiation of an RF signal by the second antenna) consumed by the second processor530for a designated time period through the physical interface531. Although not specifically illustrated inFIG.5, the second processor530may include a TAS module. Based on executing the TAS module, the second processor530may identify a parameter (or Tx information) associated with an SAR corresponding to a time window associated with a communication scheme supported by the second processor530. For example, the second processor530identifies an output power value (e.g., an average of the output power values) output by the second antenna corresponding to the second processor530during a time period corresponding to the time window. The second processor530may identify an SAR value (e.g., an average of the SAR values) accumulated by the transmission operation of the second processor530. The second processor530may transmit the identified parameter associated with the SAR to the first processor520through the physical interface531. In an embodiment, the function of controlling the transmission power of the plurality of processors to meet the SAR-related standard, based on the sum of the output power values output by the plurality of processors or the sum of the SAR values consumed by the plurality of processors, may be referred to as “combined TAS”.

In an embodiment, whether communication based on a physical interface between the first processor520and the second processor530is supported may rely on the manufacturer of the first processor520or the second processor530.

Table 3 shows an example of whether combined TAS is supported according to the manufacturer.

In the example of Table 3, it is described that combined TAS is supported when a plurality of processors are provided by the same manufacturer (e.g., vendor A). In an embodiment, even when a plurality of processors are provided by the same manufacturer, if a physical interface for direct communication between processors is not implemented (e.g., vendor B or vendor C), a combined TAS may not be supported. As can be identified from Table 3, the combined TAS may not be supported when the manufacturers respectively corresponding to the plurality of processors included in the electronic device101differ, e.g., when the manufacturer of the first processor differs from the manufacturer of the second processor. It is described with reference toFIG.5that the first processor520manages the output power values corresponding to the first processor520and the second processor530to be the total threshold or less, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device101further includes a third processor (not shown). A physical interface based on a protocol for performing communication between processors may be implemented between the first processor520and the third processor. The first processor520may perform control to allow the sum of output power values output by the first processor520, the second processor530, and the third processor to be equal to or less than a total threshold. According to an embodiment, for a designated time, the first processor520may perform control to allow the sum of output power values output by the first processor520, the second processor530, and the third processor to be equal to or less than the total threshold. The first processor520may perform control to allow the sum of the SAR values accumulated by the first processor520, the second processor530, and the third processor to be equal to or less than the total threshold. According to an embodiment, the first processor520may perform control such that the sum of the SAR values (or average of SAR values) accumulated for a designated time corresponding to a first antenna configured to transmit an RF signal associated with the communication scheme supported by the first processor520, the SAR values (or average of SAR values) accumulated during a designated time corresponding to a second antenna configured to transmit an RF signal associated with the communication scheme supported by the second processor530, and the SAR values (or average of SAR values) accumulated during a designated time corresponding to a third antenna configured to transmit an RF signal associated with the communication scheme supported by the third process is the total threshold or less. In an embodiment, the host521may be a software module implemented as at least a portion of the second processor530or the third processor.

FIG.6Ais a view illustrating changes in an output power value of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, a first communication module (e.g., the first processor520ofFIG.5or the first antenna corresponding to the first processor520) performing communication with an external device (e.g., a base station associated with a cellular network) based on a first communication scheme (e.g., cellular network communication) may transmit or receive an RF signal associated with the first communication scheme through at least one antenna included in the communication device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.5). A second communication module (e.g., the second processor530ofFIG.5or the second antenna corresponding to the second processor530) performing communication with an external device (e.g., an access point) based on a second communication scheme (e.g., short-range wireless communication) may transmit or receive an RF signal associated with the second communication scheme through at least one antenna included in the communication device.

Referring toFIG.6A, in an embodiment, values of the transmission power621of the RF signal corresponding to the first communication module and the transmission power623of the RF signal corresponding to the second communication module may be changed based on the combined TAS described above with reference toFIG.5. For example, each of the first communication module and the second communication module are controlled such that the sum of the first output power value output by the first communication module during the designated time range and the second output power value output by the second communication module during the designated time range does not exceed a set total threshold. In an embodiment, each of the first communication module and the second communication module may be controlled such that the sum633(e.g., total average SAR) of the accumulated first SAR value corresponding to the first communication module during the designated time range and the accumulated second SAR value corresponding to the second communication module during the designated time range does not exceed a preset total threshold631(e.g., time-average SAR limit or target SAR limit). In an embodiment, controlling the sum633of the accumulated SAR values not to exceed the total threshold631may include controlling the sum of the average SAR values during a measurement time T not to exceed the maximum value. For example, the maximum value includes an Average SAR LIMIT set corresponding to the antenna group including the first communication module and the second communication module.

In an embodiment, when RF signals respectively corresponding to the plurality of communication modules are output at least simultaneously by at least one antenna of the communication device, the first output power value621corresponding to the first communication module and the second output power value623corresponding to the second communication module may be distributed within an allowable range to meet the standard associated with the SAR limitation. For example, in a section611in which the priority of the communication based on the first communication scheme is higher than the priority of the communication based on the second communication scheme, the first output power value621corresponding to the first communication module is set to be larger than the second output power value623corresponding to the second communication module. In a section613in which the priority of the communication based on the second communication scheme is higher than the priority of the communication based on the first communication scheme, the second output power value623corresponding to the second communication module may be set to be larger than the first output power value621corresponding to the first communication module.

According to an embodiment, the section having the higher priority may be set based on a band and/or RAT associated with a specific application. The communication device may enhance the RF signal transmission performance corresponding to the communication module by increasing the transmission power corresponding to the communication module (e.g., the processor or the antenna configured to transmit an RF signal associated with the RAT supported by the processor) supporting the band and/or RAT corresponding to the set application. In an embodiment, conditions respectively corresponding to a plurality of scenarios may be set to provide priority to any one of a plurality of applications. For each of a plurality of scenarios, the transmission power of the signal may be set to differ. When the condition corresponding to the scenario is met, the communication device may provide the priority to the communication module associated with the application corresponding to the scenario, thereby enhancing the transmission performance of the signal corresponding to the communication module to which the priority is assigned. For example, when the priority of a voice call service based on voice over long-term evolution (VoLTE) or voice over new radio (VoNR) is set to be higher than that of other services, the stability of the voice call service may be enhanced by increasing transmission power for a processor (or an antenna connected to the processor) supporting cellular network communication (e.g., LTE network communication or 5G network communication). The communication device may increase the output power value (or the average of the output power values) corresponding to the antenna associated with the identified band, based on identifying the band for the voice call service. When the priority of the voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi)-based voice call service is set to be higher than that of other services, the communication device may increase transmission power for a processor (or an antenna connected to the processor) supporting short-range wireless communication.

In an embodiment, when the first communication module is implemented as a cellular processor supporting cellular communication (or an antenna configured to transmit an RF signal associated with the communication scheme supported by the cellular processor), the communication device may enhance transmission performance of the RF signal associated with cellular communication by setting a relatively large value of transmission power distributed to the RF signal associated with cellular communication among allowable total transmission power values in the section611in which a high priority of cellular communication is required. When the first communication module is implemented as a Wi-Fi processor supporting Wi-Fi communication (or an antenna configured to transmit an RF signal associated with a communication scheme supported by the Wi-Fi processor), the communication device may enhance transmission performance of the RF signal associated with Wi-Fi communication by setting a relatively large value of transmission power distributed to the RF signal associated with Wi-Fi communication among all allowable transmission power values in the section613in which a high priority of Wi-Fi communication is required. In an embodiment, inFIG.6A, it has been described that the communication device controls output power values corresponding to the two communication modules, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the communication device further includes a third communication module (e.g., a Bluetooth processor or an antenna configured to transmit an RF signal associated with Bluetooth communication) supporting Bluetooth communication. The communication device may distribute output power values respectively corresponding to the first communication module, the second communication module, and the third communication module to meet the standard associated with the SAR limit.

In an embodiment, as described above with reference toFIG.5, the combined TAS illustrated inFIG.6Amay be performed by any one processor (e.g., the first processor520ofFIG.5) among the plurality of processors based on a physical interface between the plurality of processors.

In an embodiment, the combined TAS may also be performed by a processor (e.g., the application processor510ofFIG.5) configured to control the output power values output by the first communication module and the second communication module and electrically connected to the first communication module and the second communication module. For example, when each of the plurality of processors supporting different communication schemes supports the TAS scheme, the application processor controls the first communication module and the second communication module such that the sum of the first output power value output by the first communication module during a designated time range and the second output power value output by the second communication module during a designated time range does not exceed a preset total threshold. According to an embodiment, the time-average spectrum absorption rate (TAS) scheme may include a scheme of measuring an average transmission power (Tx power) and controlling to allow a value corresponding to the measured average transmission power not to exceed an SAR standard (SAR limit). The processor supporting the TAS scheme may control the transmission power output by the antenna corresponding to the processor such that the average of the transmission power does not exceed a power limit (Plimit), based on the Plimit value that should not be exceeded on average for a designated time. Controlling each of a plurality of processors such that the sum of the output power values corresponding to the plurality of processors or the sum of SAR values accumulated due to the operations of the plurality of processors during a designated time period is a total threshold or less is described below with reference toFIG.7A.

FIG.6Bis a view illustrating a distribution of output power values of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, any one processor (e.g., the first processor520) among the plurality of processors included in the communication device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.5) may distribute output power values (or Plimits) respectively corresponding to the plurality of processors such that the sum of SAR values consumed by the plurality of processors for a designated time period is maintained below a total threshold631(e.g., a time-average SAR limit or a target SAR limit) according to a standard associated with the SAR limit.

Referring toFIG.6B, the first processor may manage the SAR budget (or SAR distribution amount) distributed to the first processor or the second processor such that the sum of the SAR values accumulated by the first processor (chip #1) and the second processor (chip #2) (or the average of the SARs accumulated during the time period corresponding to the time window640) is equal to or less than the total threshold631, based on the time window640moving641along the time axis. In an embodiment, the first processor may set a maximum value (Tx limit) of the first output power value corresponding to the first processor and the second output power value corresponding to the second processor at the cycle of the time period T. The time period T may be, e.g., tens to hundreds of milliseconds (ms), but is not limited to specific values. In an embodiment, the measurement period corresponding to the first processor may be different from the measurement period corresponding to the second processor. The setting period of the output power value may be set based on at least one of the measurement period corresponding to the first processor or the measurement period corresponding to the second processor. The first processor may manage all SAR values based on the interface between the first processor and the second processor without waking up an AP (e.g., the AP510ofFIG.5) having relatively high power consumption, considering that frequent communication between processors may be required because the Tx limit is adjusted in units of relatively short time period T. The first processor may identify the power margin (or the remaining SAR value except for the accumulated SARs in the SAR distribution amount) not used by the second processor through the physical interface (e.g., UART) between the first processor and the second processor. The first processor may identify the power margin not used by the first processor through the TAS module included in the first processor. The first processor may adjust the SAR values distributed to the first processor and the SAR value distributed to the second processor based on the sum of the power margins respectively corresponding to the first processor and the second processor. For example, the first processor increases the SAR value distributed to the first processor by the power margin corresponding to the second processor. The first processor may increase the SAR distribution amount corresponding to the first processor from the SAR budget651for the time period T from time t1−T to time t1 to the SAR budget653for the time period T from time t1 to time t1+T. The first processor may reduce the SAR distribution amount corresponding to the second processor from the SAR budget661for the time period T from time t1−T to time t1 to the SAR budget663for the time period T from time t1 to time t1+T.

In an embodiment, inFIG.6B, it has been described that the first processor adjusts the SAR budget corresponding to the two processors, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The first processor (e.g., the TAS module523included in the host521ofFIG.5) may change the output power values respectively corresponding to the N processors such that a sum of SAR values (or an average of accumulated SARs during a time period corresponding to a time window of the N processors) accumulated by more processors than the two processors, e.g., the N processors, is equal to or less than the total threshold631.

FIG.7Ais a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.7A, an electronic device101(e.g., at least one of the electronic device101ofFIG.1, a communication device, or a portable communication device) may include a first processor520configured to perform first wireless communication with a first external device based on a first communication protocol, a second processor530configured to perform second wireless communication with a second external device based on a second communication protocol, and an AP510electrically connected to the first processor520and the second processor530.

In an embodiment, the first processor520may identify a parameter associated with a time-average SAR, based on executing the TAS module523. For example, the first processor520identifies the first output power value output by the first processor520during the time period corresponding to the first time window or the SAR value (e.g., the average of the SAR values) accumulated due to the transmission operation of the first processor520during the time period corresponding to the first time window. The first processor520may transmit parameter information associated with the identified time average SAR to the AP510.

In an embodiment, the second processor530may identify a parameter associated with the time average SAR, based on executing the TAS module703. For example, the second processor530identifies the second output power value output by the second processor530during the time period corresponding to the second time window or the SAR value (e.g., the average of the SAR values) accumulated due to the transmission operation of the second processor530during the time period corresponding to the second time window. The second processor530may transmit parameter information associated with the identified time average SAR to the AP510.

In an embodiment, although not illustrated inFIG.7A, the electronic device101may further include a third processor (not illustrated). When the third processor includes the TAS module, the third processor may transmit a third output power value output by the third processor for a designated time to the AP510. When the third processor does not include the TAS module, the third processor may transmit the maximum power value output by the third processor to the AP510.

In an embodiment, the AP510may perform communication with the first processor520or the second processor530through the RIL511. The AP510may identify a first output power value output by the first processor520during a designated time range through the signal line513between the first processor520and the AP510. The AP510may identify the second output power value output by the second processor530during a designated time range through the signal line515between the second processor530and the AP510.

In an embodiment, the AP510may adjust an SAR distribution amount (or a limit value of output power) corresponding to the plurality of processors520and530, based on executing the TAS manager701. In an embodiment, modules (e.g., the TAS manager701) implemented (or stored) in the electronic device101may be implemented in the form of an application, a program, computer code, instructions, routine, process, software, firmware, or a combination of at least two thereof which is executable by the AP510. For example, when modules are executed, the AP510performs an operation corresponding to each of the modules. Therefore, when it is described in the disclosure that a “specific module (or service) performs an operation,” it may be understood as the “AP510performs the operation corresponding to the specific module as the specific module is executed.” In an embodiment, at least some of the modules may include, but are not limited to, a plurality of programs. Meanwhile, at least some of the modules may be implemented in a hardware form (e.g., a processing circuit (not shown)). In an embodiment, when the modules are implemented on an Android operating system, the modules may be implemented as a service or an application.

In an embodiment, the AP510may control the first processor520and the second processor530such that the sum of the identified first output power value and the identified second output power value does not exceed a preset total threshold. The TAS manager701may identify the state for determining the operation modes of the first processor520and the second processor530, based on the identified first output power value and the identified second output power value. The AP510may change a limit value (or Tx limit) of the output power value output by the first processor520for a designated time period, based on the state identified by the TAS manager701. The AP510may change a limit value of an output power value output by the second processor530for a designated time period. A plurality of operation modes defined by the TAS manager701are described below with reference toFIG.8A.

In an embodiment, controlling the first communication module and the second communication module such that the sum of the first output power value output by the first communication module during the designated time range and the second output power value output by the second communication module during the designated time range does not exceed the preset total threshold may include controlling the first communication module and the second communication module such that the sum of the average of the SARs accumulated during the designated time range corresponding to the first communication module and the average of the SARs accumulated during the designated time range corresponding to the second communication module does not exceed the total threshold. In an embodiment, the first antenna and the second antenna may be included in the same antenna group. The first processor520may perform control to allow the first output power value output by the first antenna corresponding to the first processor520during a designated time range to be maintained below the limit value of the output power, based on the information including the limit value of the output power received from the AP510. For example, based on the operation of the TAS module523, the first processor520may control the first antenna (or at least one RF component disposed between the first processor520and the first antenna) such that the average of the output power values during the time period corresponding to the time window associated with the first processor520is maintained below the limit value of the output power included in the information received from the AP510. The second processor530may perform control to allow the second output power value output by the second antenna corresponding to the second processor530during a designated time range to be maintained below the limit value of the output power, based on the information including the limit value of the output power received from the AP510. In an embodiment, the limit value of the output power set by the AP510corresponding to the first processor520may be different from the limit value of the output power set by the AP510corresponding to the second processor530. The limit value of the output power corresponding to the first processor520may be set to be the same as the limit value of the output power corresponding to the second processor530according to the operation modes of the first processor520and the second processor530. For example, based on the operation of the TAS module703, the second processor530controls the second antenna (or at least one RF component disposed between the second processor530and the second antenna) such that the average of the output power values during the time period corresponding to the time window associated with the second processor530is maintained below the limit value of the output power included in the information received from the AP510. In an embodiment, when each of the first output power value and the second output power value is maintained below the limit value of the output power received from the AP510, the sum of the first output power value and the second output power value for the designated time range may not exceed the total threshold.

In an embodiment, when the first processor520calculates an average of output power output by the first processor520(or the first antenna configured to transmit an RF signal associated with the communication scheme supported by the first processor520) for the designated time range and controls not to exceed a first limit value based on the calculated average of output power, the first output power value may be an average of output power output by the first processor520(or the first antenna). In an embodiment, the first output power value may include a value corresponding to an average of SARs accumulated due to an RF signal radiated by the first antenna. The first limit value may include a limit value of output power set by the AP510for the first processor520. When the second processor530calculates an average of output power output by the second processor530(or the second antenna configured to transmit an RF signal associated with the communication scheme supported by the second processor530) for the designated time range and controls not to exceed a second limit value based on the calculated average of output power, the second output power value may be an average of output power output by the second processor530(or the second antenna). In an embodiment, the second output power value may include a value corresponding to an average of SARs accumulated due to an RF signal radiated by the second antenna. The second limit value may include a limit value of output power set by the AP510for the second processor530. In an embodiment, the first processor520and the second processor530may transmit or receive the first RF signal based on the first communication protocol and the second RF signal based on the second communication protocol through at least the same antenna (or antennas belonging to the same antenna group). When each of the first processor520and the second processor530is implemented to include the TAS modules523and703, the AP510may adjust the limit value of the output power of the first processor520and the second processor530based on the average of the output power.

Referring toFIG.7A, it has been described that the first processor520or the second processor530transmits data associated with the transmission state of the first processor520or the second processor530to the AP510based on the operation of the TAS module523or703, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first processor520or the second processor530does not support the SAR management function based on the TAS module. For at least one processor that does not support the SAR management function based on the TAS module, the AP510may control to allow the sum of output power values output by the plurality of processors (or averages of SARs accumulated due to the operations of the plurality of processors) to be equal to or less than the total threshold based on the maximum value of the output power value. In an embodiment, when the AP510controls to allow the maximum value of the output power output by the first processor520not to exceed the first limit value within a designated time range, the first output power value may include the maximum value of the output power output by the first processor520. The first limit value may include a limit value of output power set by the AP510for the first processor520. When the AP510controls to allow the maximum value of the output power output by the second processor530not to exceed the second limit value within a designated time range, the second output power value may include the maximum value of the output power output by the second processor530. The second limit value may include a limit value of output power set by the AP510for the second processor530. Even when the first processor520or the second processor530is implemented as a chipset that does not include the TAS modules523and703, the AP510may control the plurality of processors such that the maximum value of the output power does not exceed a limit value set corresponding to each of the processors.

In an embodiment, when the combined TAS function is performed by the AP510, even when a plurality of processors provided by different manufacturers are included in the electronic device101, a total SAR value (or a sum of output power values) corresponding to the plurality of processors may be managed.

In an embodiment, when the combined TAS function is performed by the host processor (e.g., the first processor520including the host521ofFIG.5), the management function of the total SAR value may be temporarily stopped as the power of the host processor is turned off. The case in which the power of the host processor is turned off may include, e.g., a case in which the host processor enters an airplane mode. When the AP510performs the combined TAS function, the risk of deterioration of the stability of the function may be relatively reduced compared to when the combined TAS function is performed by the host processor.

In an embodiment, the AP510may identify whether adjustment of the SAR distribution amount is required only when the transmission state of each of the plurality of processors is changed. When the AP510performs the combined TAS function, the current consumed may be relatively reduced by controlling each of the plurality of processors as compared to the case where the total SAR value is managed by the host processor.

FIG.7Bis a view illustrating a transmission state of a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.7B, a processor (e.g., the first processor520and/or the second processor530ofFIG.7A) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.7A) may have any one of a plurality of transmission states721,723, and725corresponding to a plurality of operation scenarios. For example, the processor maintains a no Tx state721during a first time period711. The no Tx state721may correspond to a state in which TX is not possible, e.g., a state in which the processor is turned off or a state in which an antenna not associated with the transmission antenna used by other processors is used. In an embodiment, the no Tx state721may include a state in which there is no substantial data transmission or a state in which there is no transmission of an additional signal (e.g., a reference signal) other than data.

In an embodiment, the processor may transition to a discontinuous TX available state723at the first time712. The processor may maintain the discontinuous Tx state723during a second time period713. The discontinuous Tx state723may be, e.g., a state in which a non-regular Tx operation is performed by the processor based on a relatively low duty cycle. The discontinuous Tx state723may correspond to a state in which the communication processor performs at least one of an RRC idle state, an RACH procedure, or a TAU update procedure. The discontinuous Tx state723may correspond to a state in which a Wi-Fi processor performs at least one of an STA active search procedure, a P2P communication procedure, or a NAN discovery procedure.

In an embodiment, the processor may transition to a continuous TX available state725at the second time714. The processor may maintain the continuous Tx state725during the third time period715. The continuous Tx state725may correspond to, e.g., a state in which the Tx operation is relatively highly likely to be performed continuously. In the case of the communication processor, the continuous Tx state725may correspond to the RRC connected state. In the case of the Wi-Fi processor, the continuous Tx state725may correspond to the STA/P2P connection state, the soft access point state, and/or the NAN communication activated state.

In an embodiment, the processor may transmit information (or a flag) associated with the transmission state to a processor (e.g., the AP510ofFIG.7A) supporting the combined TAS. The processor supporting the combined TAS may enhance the transmission performance of the processor corresponding to the continuous Tx state based on reducing the SAR distribution amount (or target SAR limit) for the processor corresponding to the no Tx state or the discontinuous Tx state. According to an embodiment, in the discontinuous period, the number of transmissions or a power consumption event for transmission may be relatively reduced compared to the continuous period. When the SAR distribution amount for the processor corresponding to the no Tx state or the discontinuous Tx state is reduced, the output power value (or the average of the accumulated SARs) for a designated time range corresponding to the processor is relatively reduced, and an unused SAR value in the SAR distribution amount set corresponding to the processor may be identified. The processor supporting the combined TAS may distribute unused SAR values for another processor in the continuous state, thereby enhancing transmission performance of the processor in the continuous state.

In an embodiment, when the transmission state is changed, the first processor (e.g., the first processor520ofFIG.7A) or the second processor (e.g., the second processor530ofFIG.7A) may transmit information associated with the transmission state to the AP510. When the AP510receives information related to the transmission state from the first processor or the second processor, the AP510may transition from the sleep state to the wake-up state. In an embodiment, when communication between processors is performed based on information associated with the transmission state, the frequency of communication between processors is reduced, and thus current consumed by each of the processors included in the electronic device101may be reduced.

FIG.7Cis a view illustrating a setting of an output power value for a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.7C, the electronic device101may set the SAR distribution amount corresponding to the processor (or the limit of the average of the SARs accumulated during the time period corresponding to the time window of the processor) to a low level during the time period731corresponding to the no Tx state or the discontinuous Tx state. The SAR distribution amount may be an SAR value distributed for any one processor from the maximum value of the SAR value generated due to operations of the plurality of processors for a designated time. The electronic device101may set a limit value (Tx limit) of the output power value output by the processor (or an antenna configured to transmit an RF signal associated with a communication scheme supported by the processor) to a low level for a designated time. For example, the electronic device101sets an SAR distribution amount associated with cellular communication to the value corresponding to the low level. The electronic device101may set the SAR distribution amount associated with Wi-Fi communication to a value corresponding to the low level. The electronic device101may set the SAR distribution amount corresponding to the processor to a normal level during the time period733corresponding to the continuous Tx state. For example, the electronic device101sets an SAR distribution amount associated with cellular communication to the value corresponding to the normal level. The electronic device101may set the SAR distribution amount associated with Wi-Fi communication to a value corresponding to the normal level. The electronic device101may set the SAR distribution amount corresponding to the processor to a high level during the time period735corresponding to the continuous Tx state. For example, the electronic device101sets an SAR distribution amount associated with cellular communication to the value corresponding to the high level. The electronic device101may set the SAR distribution amount associated with Wi-Fi communication to a value corresponding to the high level. When it is required to adjust the SAR distribution amount for a specific processor among the plurality of processors, the electronic device101may change the SAR distribution amount corresponding to the specific processor to the high level by reducing the SAR distribution amount corresponding to the other processor. For example, the value set corresponding to the low level includes a value corresponding to a low target SAR. The value set corresponding to the normal level may include a value corresponding to an intermediate target SAR. The value set corresponding to the high level may include a value corresponding to a high target SAR. In an embodiment, because the target SAR corresponding to the processor is set to be low, an unused SAR value identified by the processor supporting the combined TAS may be distributed for another processor that is highly likely to perform continuous communication. The electronic device101may have a technical effect of enhancing transmission performance by increasing a target SAR corresponding to a processor that is highly likely to perform continuous communication. Unused SAR margin is described below with reference toFIG.7D.

In an embodiment, the plurality of processors included in the electronic device may support the TAS protocol. The AP may set a limit value (e.g., Tx limit or target SAR limit) corresponding to each of the plurality of processors based on at least a portion of the TAS protocol for each of the plurality of processors.

In an embodiment, each of the first output power value corresponding to the first processor or the second output power value corresponding to the second processor may correspond to a plurality of different preset values, based on a change in the output power value output by the first processor and/or the second processor according to the transmission states of the first processor and the second processor. The plurality of different values corresponding to each of the first output power value or the second output power value may be set based on an output value margin between a sum of the first and second output power values and the total threshold.

In an embodiment, a target SAR mode may be defined, corresponding to the transmit state of the processor. The target SAR modes may be divided into, e.g., a high power mode, a normal mode, or a low power mode.

In an embodiment, the target SAR limit corresponding to the normal mode may be defined as Equation 1.

In an embodiment, the target SAR limit corresponding to the normal mode may be expressed as a ratio of the total SAR limit and the number of processors. The unit of target SAR limit may be W/kg. The target SAR limit corresponding to the normal mode may be a value ratio-adjusted from the total SAR value allowed by the electronic device101when the constant Δ in Equation 1 is not 0.

In an embodiment, the target SAR limit corresponding to the high power mode may be defined as Equation 2.

The target SAR limit corresponding to the high power mode may be set to be a designated value a larger than the target SAR limit corresponding to the normal mode.

In an embodiment, the target SAR limit corresponding to the low power mode may be defined as Equation 3.

The target SAR limit corresponding to the low power mode may be set to be a designated value b smaller than the target SAR limit corresponding to the normal mode. In an embodiment, for the plurality of processors included in the electronic device101, the increments of Δ, a, and b need to be equal to or less than 0 to prevent violation of SAR-related standards. For example, when the total SAR value needs to meet about 1.7 W/kg, assuming that Δ is 0 W/kg, a is 0.35 W/kg, and b is 0.35 W/kg, the target SAR limit corresponding to the high power mode corresponding to the first processor or the second processor, the target SAR limit corresponding to the normal mode, and the target SAR limit corresponding to the low power mode may be set to 1.2 W/kg, 0.85 W/kg, and 0.5 W/kg, respectively.

Table 4 shows an example of a state combination of the first processor (chip #1) and the second processor (chip #2) when the total threshold of the combined TAS is set to about 1.7 W/kg.

In Table 4, it is described that the SAR values consumed by the plurality of processors should meet the total SAR limit (e.g., about 1.7 W/kg, but is not limited thereto). In an embodiment, when the increments of Δ, a, and b are equal to 0 (e.g., Δ+a−b=0), the allowed state combination of the first processor and the second processor may be Normal+Normal, Low+High, or High+Low.

In an embodiment, when the increments of Δ, a, and b are less than 0 (e.g., Δ+a−b<0), the allowed state combination of the first processor and the second processor may be Normal+Low, Low+Normal, or Low+Low.

In an embodiment, when the target SAR limit corresponding to the case where the increments of Δ, a, and b are larger than 0 (e.g., Δ+a−b>0) is set, the SAR-related standard may be violated. For example, state combinations High+High, High+Normal, or Normal+High is not allowed.

In an embodiment, the target SAR modes defined corresponding to the transmission states of the processor may be classified into more than three types. For example, the target SAR modes defined corresponding to the transmission states of the first processor is classified into M. The target SAR modes defined corresponding to the transmission states of the second processor may be classified into N.

Table 5 shows an example of a state combination of the first processor (chip #1) and the second processor (chip #2) when M is 5 and N is 4, and the total threshold of the combined TAS is set to about 1.7 W/kg.

In the example of Table 5, it may be described that different target SAR limits may be set corresponding to a plurality of states of different processors. In an embodiment, the target SAR limit corresponding to each of the plurality of processors set corresponding to the allowed state combination may be stored in memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG.1).

FIG.7Dis a view illustrating changes in output power values for a plurality of processors of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may include a first processor, a second processor, and a third processor. The AP may control the first processor, the second processor, and the third processor such that the sum of the output power values corresponding to the first processor, the second processor, and the third processor does not exceed a total threshold.

Referring toFIG.7D, the electronic device101may adjust the SAR distribution amount corresponding to each of the plurality of processors such that the total SAR value corresponding to the plurality of processors does not exceed the total threshold740. For example, the AP (the AP510ofFIG.7A) manages the SAR distribution amount corresponding to the plurality of processors based on executing the TAS manager (e.g., the TAS manager701ofFIG.7A).

In an embodiment, referring to reference numeral741, the AP may equally configure an SAR distribution amount corresponding to the first processor, an SAR distribution amount corresponding to the second processor, and an SAR distribution amount corresponding to the third processor. In an embodiment, the AP may identify that a continuous transmission operation may be performed by the second processor, based on the data associated with the transmission state received from the second processor. The AP may change (742) the SAR distribution amounts corresponding to at least two of the first processor, the second processor, or the third processor, based on identifying that the SAR distribution amount needs to be adjusted.

In an embodiment, referring to reference numeral743, the AP may identify the SAR margin746resultant from excluding the average of the accumulated SAR corresponding to the time window of the first processor from the target SAR limit distributed corresponding to the first processor, based on the data associated with the transmission state received from the first processor. The AP may secure an unused SAR margin746by reducing the SAR distribution amount corresponding to the first processor. While the SAR distribution amount corresponding to the first processor is reduced, the AP may equally maintain the SAR distribution amount corresponding to the second processor and the SAR distribution amount corresponding to the third processor. The AP may change (744) the SAR distribution amount based on identifying that the average of the SAR accumulated due to the transmission operation of the first processor is less than the target SAR limit corresponding to the low level.

In an embodiment, referring to reference numeral745, the AP may allocate an SAR distribution amount corresponding to the SAR margin to the second processor. The AP may increase the SAR distribution amount corresponding to the second processor to a value larger than the SAR distribution amount corresponding to the first processor, thereby enhancing the performance of the transmission operation performed by the second processor.

FIG.8Ais a view illustrating changes in output power values for a plurality of processors of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The embodiment ofFIG.8Ais described with reference toFIGS.8B and8C.FIG.8Bis a view illustrating a distribution of output power values for a plurality of processors of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.8Cis a view illustrating a distribution of output power values for a plurality of processors of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.8A,8B and8C, the AP (e.g., the AP510ofFIG.7A) may transmit (823a,823b) or receive (821a,821b) information with the processor of the electronic device through a signal line between the AP and the processor. The TAS manager701of the AP may receive, e.g., an output power value output by the first processor520for a designated time. The TAS manager701may receive an output power value output by the second processor530for a designated time. The TAS manager701(or status controller) may determine any one of the plurality of preset operation modes811,813,815, and817, based on the received data.

In an embodiment, data associated with the transmission state may be received from the first processor520. The TAS manager701may receive data associated with the transmission state from the second processor530. The TAS manager701may identify a processor requiring a continuous transmission operation, based on data associated with the transmission state. The TAS manager701may adjust the SAR distribution amount (or output power value) for a processor requiring a higher output power value within a range in which the sum of the SAR values corresponding to the plurality of processors does not exceed the total threshold.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG.8B, while both the first processor520and the second processor530are turned on, the TAS manager701may determine the operation state as the balance mode (e.g., the first mode811), based on the transmission state corresponding to the first processor520and the transmission state corresponding to the second processor530.

In an embodiment, referring to reference numeral830, the TAS manager701may set a target SAR limit831corresponding to the normal mode for the first processor520. Based on the computation of the TAS module523, the first processor520may operate such that the average of the SAR accumulated by the first processor520during the time period corresponding to the time window840moving841along the time axis does not exceed the target SAR limit831corresponding to the normal mode. For example, an average of an SAR value (chip #1 used) accumulated by the first processor520during a time period from t1−4T to t1−3T, an SAR value accumulated by the first processor520during a time period from t1−3T to t1−2T, an SAR value accumulated by the first processor520during a time period from t1−2T to t1−T, an SAR value accumulated by the first processor520during a time period from t1−T to t1, and an SAR accumulated by the first processor520during a time period from t1 to t1+T may not exceed the target SAR limit831corresponding to the normal mode.

In an embodiment, referring to reference numeral850, the TAS manager701may set a target SAR limit851corresponding to the normal mode for the second processor530. Based on the computation of the TAS module703, the second processor530may operate such that the average of the SAR accumulated by the second processor530during the time period corresponding to the time window860moving861along the time axis does not exceed the target SAR limit851corresponding to the normal mode. For example, an average of an SAR value (chip #2 used) accumulated by the second processor530during a time period from t1−4T to t1−3T, an SAR value accumulated by the second processor530during a time period from t1−3T to t1−2T, an SAR value accumulated by the second processor530during a time period from t1−2T to t1−T, an SAR value accumulated by the second processor530during a time period from t1−T to t1, and an SAR accumulated by the second processor530during a time period from t1 to t1+T may not exceed the target SAR limit851corresponding to the normal mode.

In an embodiment, the time period corresponding to the time window840associated with the first processor520(Chip #1) and the time period corresponding to the time window860associated with the second processor530may be different from each other. The detailed operation method of the first processor520or the second processor530(Chip #2) described above inFIG.8Bmay be changed according to implementation. The first processor520may operate such that the average of the SAR accumulated by the first processor520does not exceed the set target SAR limit831, and the second processor530may operate such that the average of the SAR accumulated by the second processor530does not exceed the set target SAR limit851. According to an embodiment, detailed instructions to enable the TAS module of the first processor and the TAS module of the second processor to operate may be different from each other. In an embodiment, as the first processor and the second processor operate based on a time-average SAR (TAS) scheme, the total SAR value corresponding to the plurality of processors may meet the SAR-related standard. In an embodiment, the target SAR limits831and851may be set to the same value when the operation mode corresponding to the processors is determined to be the balance mode.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG.8C, the TAS manager701may determine the operation mode to be the second mode815(e.g., chip #1 high power mode), based on identifying that the transmission state corresponding to the first processor520is the state in which the continuous transmission operation is performed and the transmission state corresponding to the second processor530is the idle state.

In an embodiment, referring to reference numeral870, the TAS manager701may set a target SAR limit871corresponding to the high power mode for the first processor520. The target SAR limit871corresponding to the high power mode may be set to a value larger than the target SAR limit831corresponding to the normal mode by a predetermined value873(e.g., value a). Based on the operation of the TAS module523, the first processor520may operate such that the average of the sum of the SAR values accumulated by the first processor520during the time period corresponding to the time window840moving841along the time axis does not exceed the target SAR limit871corresponding to the high power mode.

In an embodiment, referring to reference numeral880, the TAS manager701may set a target SAR limit881corresponding to the low power mode for the second processor530. The target SAR limit881corresponding to the low power mode may be set to a value smaller than the target SAR limit851corresponding to the normal mode by a predetermined value883(e.g., value b). In an embodiment, as the output power value output by the first processor870for a designated time increases, the quality of the transmission signal associated with the communication scheme supported by the first processor870may be enhanced.

FIG.9is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.9, the electronic device101(e.g., at least one of the processor120ofFIG.1, the application processor510ofFIG.5, or the application processor510ofFIG.7A) may identify states respectively corresponding to the plurality of processors in operation901. The electronic device101may identify a transmission state corresponding to each of the plurality of processors included in the electronic device101. In an embodiment, when the electronic device101controls to allow the sum of the output power values output by the two processors not to exceed the total threshold, the electronic device101may identify the transmission state of each of the first processor (e.g., the first processor520ofFIG.7A) and the second processor (e.g., the second processor530ofFIG.7A). In an embodiment, the processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may control the first communication module (e.g., the first antenna corresponding to the first processor) and the second communication module such that the sum of the first output power value output by the first communication module (e.g., the first antenna) during a designated time range and the second output power value output by the second communication module (e.g., the second antenna corresponding to the second processor) during the designated time range does not exceed a designated total threshold. For example, the AP510ofFIG.7Acontrols the first communication module and the second communication module such that the sum of the first output power value and the second output power value does not exceed a preset total threshold. According to implementation, the first processor520ofFIG.5may control the first communication module and the second communication module such that the sum of the first output power value and the second output power value does not exceed a preset total threshold. In an embodiment, the AP may control the first communication module and the second communication module such that the first output power value corresponds to a first value and the second output power value corresponds to a second value. The first value may include a value corresponding to the normal level set as the limit of the first output power value. The second value may include a value corresponding to the normal level set as the limit of the second output power value. In an embodiment, when the TAS module is included in the first processor or the second processor, the first output power value or the second output power value may include an average. For example, in case that at least one of the first communication module or the second communication module calculates an average of output power output by the first communication module or the second communication module during the designated time range, and controls not to exceed a first limit value or a second limit value which is an output limit value of the first communication module or the second communication module based on the calculated average of the output power, the first output power value or the second output power value may include the average. In an embodiment, when the TAS module is not included in the first processor or the second processor, the first output power value or the second output power value may include a maximum value. For example, in case that at least one of the first communication module or the second communication module controls such that a maximum value of output power output by the first communication module or the second communication module does not exceed a first threshold or a second threshold that is an output limit value of the first communication module or the second communication module within the designated time range, the first output power value or the second output power value may include the maximum value. The transmission state of the processor may be, e.g., any one of the no Tx state, the discontinuous Tx state, or the continuous Tx state. For example, the AP receives first data associated with a state corresponding to the first communication module from the first communication module. The first data associated with the state corresponding to the first communication module may include data associated with the transmission state of the first processor. The AP may receive the second data associated with the state corresponding to the second communication module from the second communication module. The second data associated with the state corresponding to the second communication module may include data associated with the transmission state of the second processor. In an embodiment, the first output power value or the second output power value each may have a plurality of preset different values corresponding to a change in output power corresponding to a context of the first communication module or the second communication module. The plurality of different values corresponding to each of the first output power value or the second output power value may be set based on an output value margin between a sum of the first and second output power values and the total threshold. For example, when the limit of the first output power value and the limit of the second output power value each have values corresponding to the normal level, a predetermined output value margin is secured such that the sum of the first output power value and the second output power value does not exceed the total threshold. When the limit of the first output power value has a value corresponding to the low level and the limit of the second output power value has a value corresponding to the high level, a predetermined output value margin may be secured such that the sum of the first and second output power values does not exceed the total threshold. When the limit of the first output power value has a value corresponding to the high level and the limit of the second output power value has a value corresponding to the low level, a predetermined output value margin may be secured such that the sum of the first and second output power values does not exceed the total threshold. The electronic device101may control the first communication module and the second communication module such that the first output power value or the second output power value does not exceed any one of a plurality of preset different values including the value corresponding to the low level, the value corresponding to the normal level, and the value corresponding to the high level. In an embodiment, the AP (e.g., the AP510ofFIG.7A) may control the first communication module and the second communication module such that a sum of an accumulated first SAR value corresponding to the first communication module during the designated time range and an accumulated second SAR value corresponding to the second communication module during the designated time range does not exceed a preset total threshold. In an embodiment, the accumulated first SAR value may include an average of the accumulated SAR. The accumulated second SAR value may include an average of the accumulated SAR. In an embodiment, when the electronic device101controls to allow the sum of the output power values output by the three processors not to exceed the total threshold, the electronic device101may identify the transmission state of each of the first processor, the second processor, and the third processor. For example, the AP controls the first communication module to the third communication module such that the sum of the output power values of the first to third communication modules does not exceed a total threshold. For example, the electronic device identifies the transmission state of each of the first processor, the second processor, and the third processor when controlling such that in addition to the sum of the output values, the average of the output power value or the average of the accumulated SAR do not exceed the threshold SAR.

In an embodiment, in operation903, the electronic device101may identify whether it is necessary to change the operation mode. The electronic device101may identify whether to change at least one of the first output power value or the second output power value, based on at least one of the first data or the second data. The AP may identify whether to increase or decrease the first output power value corresponding to the first processor or the second output power value corresponding to the second processor, based on the first data including data associated with the transmission state of the first processor or the second data including data associated with the transmission state of the second processor. In an embodiment, the first communication module and the second communication module may transmit or receive a first RF signal based on the first communication protocol and a second RF signal based on the second communication protocol, through at least the same antenna. The first antenna corresponding to the first processor configured to transmit or receive the first RF signal may be included in the same antenna group as the second antenna corresponding to the second processor configured to transmit or receive the second RF signal. Based on identifying that the state corresponding to the first communication module is a state requiring a relatively high output power value, the AP may identify whether the state corresponding to the second communication module is a state requiring a relatively low output power value. For example, based on identifying that the transmission state of the first processor is the continuous Tx state, the AP identifies whether the transmission state of the second processor is not the continuous Tx state. The AP may control the second communication module such that a limit value of the second output power value corresponds to a fourth value smaller than the second value, based on identifying that the state corresponding to the second communication module is the state in which the relatively low output power value is required. The AP may identify whether an average of the second output power value corresponding to a time period designated in association with the second communication module is the fourth value or less. For example, when the TAS module is included in the second processor, the AP identifies whether the average of the second output power value is less than or equal to the fourth value, based on the information associated with the average of the output power (or the average of the accumulated SAR) received from the second processor. The fourth value may include, e.g., a value corresponding to the low level set as the limit of the second output power value. The AP may control the first communication module such that a limit value of the first output power value corresponds to a third value larger than the first value before the time period designated in association with the second communication module elapses from a time when the limit value of the second output power value is changed, based on identifying that the average of the second output power value is the fourth value or less. The third value may include, e.g., a value corresponding to the high level set as the limit of the first output power value. Based on comparing the output power value corresponding to the second communication module with the fourth value, the AP may increase the limit value of the output power value corresponding to the first communication module before the time period corresponding to the time window designated in association with the second communication module elapses. For example, based on identifying that the transmission state of the first processor is the continuous Tx state and the transmission state of the second processor is not the continuous Tx state, the AP identifies that the operation mode of the TAS manager (e.g., the TAS manager701ofFIG.7A) is required to be changed. For example, the TAS manager identifies that it is required to change the operation mode from a balance mode in which the output power value corresponding to the total SAR value for a designated time is relatively evenly distributed to each of the first processor and the second processor to a first processor high power mode in which a relatively higher output power value is distributed to the first processor. The electronic device101may identify that the target SAR value corresponding to each of the first processor and the second processor is required to be changed such that the first output power value output by the first processor for a designated time is larger than the second output power value output by the second processor for a designated time. In an embodiment, when the operation mode of the TAS manager determined by the transmission state corresponding to each of the plurality of processors is the same as the current operation mode, the electronic device101may identify that the operation mode is not required to be changed. In an embodiment, based on identifying that the operation mode is not required to be changed (No in operation903), the electronic device101may periodically identify states respectively corresponding to the plurality of processors.

In an embodiment, based on identifying that the operation mode is required to be changed (Yes in operation903), in operation905, the electronic device101may reduce the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor. For example, the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor is set to any one of a target SAR value (e.g., target SAR limit) corresponding to the high power mode, a target SAR value corresponding to the normal mode, or a target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode. In an embodiment, when the transmission state of the second processor corresponds to the no Tx state or the discontinuous Tx state, the second processor may be identified as a processor that is not required to increase the distribution amount of the SAR. In an embodiment, the electronic device101may reduce the first output power value corresponding to the first communication module and increase the second output power value corresponding to the second communication module, based on a transition margin on a time axis. For example, based on identifying that the transmission state of the second processor is the no Tx state or the discontinuous Tx state, the AP reduces the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor from the target SAR value corresponding to the normal mode to the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode, thereby securing a transition margin (or an unused SAR margin) on the time axis.

In an embodiment, in operation907, the electronic device101may identify an average SAR value corresponding to the second processor. In an embodiment, the second processor may provide an application programming interface (API) associated with the current average SAR value. Based on identifying the average SAR value corresponding to the second processor, the electronic device101may identify whether it is possible to immediately increase the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor.

In an embodiment, in operation909, the electronic device101may identify whether the identified average SAR value is less than the target SAR value reduced by operation905. The electronic device101may identify whether the average SAR value calculated based on the time window for the second processor is less than the reduced target SAR value according to the setting of the TAS manager. Based on identifying that the average SAR value is less than the reduced target SAR value, the electronic device101may identify that the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor may be immediately increased. Based on identifying that the average SAR value is larger than or equal to the reduced target SAR value, the electronic device101may identify that a waiting time for increasing the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor is required. Based on identifying that the average SAR value is larger than or equal to the reduced target SAR value (No in operation909), the electronic device101may identify the average SAR value corresponding to the second processor at a designated period.

In an embodiment, based on identifying that the identified average SAR value is less than the reduced target SAR value (Yes in operation909), in operation911, the electronic device101may increase the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor. The electronic device101may identify the SAR margin by reducing the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor. The electronic device101may increase the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor corresponding to the identified SAR margin, thereby enhancing the transmission performance of communication supported by the first processor.

In an embodiment, the electronic device101may control the operations of a plurality of processors using a TAS manager implemented as at least a portion of an AP, thereby performing a general-purpose combined TAS function even when a plurality of processors having different manufacturers are included in the electronic device101.

FIG.10Ais a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, the communication processor1020(e.g., at least one of the auxiliary processor123ofFIG.1, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214ofFIG.2A, or the integrated communication processor260ofFIG.2B) may transition to the RRC connected state in operation1001. The communication processor1020may transmit or receive a signal to or from the communication network via at least one antenna included in the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.7A). The communication processor1020may be included in, e.g., a cellular communication module.

In an embodiment, based on performing an RRC connection procedure with the communication network, the communication processor1020may transmit data (or a flag) associated with the transmission state of the communication processor1020to the TAS manager701in AP510(or a processor disposed outside the communication processor and the Wi-Fi processor) in operation1003. The communication processor1020may transmit, e.g., data associated with the continuous Tx state to the TAS manager701in AP510. The continuous Tx state may be, e.g., a state requiring a relatively high output power value. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify the first output power of the cellular communication module in association with cellular communication between the cellular communication module and the first external electronic device. The first external electronic device may include, e.g., a cellular communication network (or a base station). For example, the TAS manager701in AP510identifies the first output power of the cellular communication module based on reception of the data associated with the transmission state from the communication processor1020. The first output power may include, e.g., an average of an output power value output in association with cellular communication during a designated time range. The first output power may include an average of SAR values accumulated due to transmission of an RF signal associated with cellular communication during a designated time range.

In an embodiment, based on receiving the data associated with the continuous Tx state from the communication processor1020, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify that it is required to change the operation mode to the communication processor (CP) high power mode. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify that it is required to change the operation mode from the balance mode (or the default mode) to the communication processor high power mode, based on requiring that the transmission operation be continuously performed by the communication processor1020.

In an embodiment, in operation1005, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify whether the transmission state of the Wi-Fi processor1010is the continuous Tx state (e.g., continuous Tx available) based on communication with the Wi-Fi processor1010. The Wi-Fi processor1010may be, e.g., a non-cellular wireless communication module. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify that the transmission state of the Wi-Fi processor1010is not the continuous Tx state. For example, the TAS manager701in AP510identifies that the transmission state of the Wi-Fi processor1010is the discontinuous Tx state (e.g., discontinuous Tx available) or the no Tx state (e.g., Tx not possible). The discontinuous Tx state or the no Tx state may be a state in which a relatively low output power value is required.

In an embodiment, in operation1007, the TAS manager701in AP510may reduce a target SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010. The TAS manager701in AP510may reduce or increase second output power of the non-cellular communication module in association with the non-cellular wireless communication between the non-cellular wireless communication module and a second external electronic device, at least partially based on the first output power. The second external electronic device may include, e.g., an access point associated with short-range wireless communication. The TAS manager701in AP510may set the target SAR value corresponding to, e.g., the Wi-Fi processor1010to any one of a target SAR value (e.g., target SAR limit) corresponding to the high power mode, a target SAR value corresponding to the normal mode, or a target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode. In an embodiment, based on identifying that the transmission state of the Wi-Fi processor1010is the no Tx state or the discontinuous Tx state, the TAS manager701in AP510may set the target SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010to the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode.

In an embodiment, in operation1009, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify an average SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010. In an embodiment, the Wi-Fi processor1010may provide an API associated with the current average SAR value. Based on identifying the average SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify whether it is possible to immediately increase the target SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020.

In an embodiment, in operation1011, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify whether the identified average SAR value is less than the target SAR value reduced by operation1007. The TAS manager701in AP510may perform the operation of reducing or increasing the second output power such that a sum of the first output power and the second output power does not a designated threshold during a designated time period. The TAS manager701in AP510may determine a threshold at least partially based on the TAS protocol for the cellular communication module. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify whether the average SAR value calculated based on the time window for the Wi-Fi processor (i.e., the communication processor1020) is less than the reduced target SAR value according to the setting of the TAS manager. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify that the average SAR value is larger than the reduced target SAR value.

In an embodiment, based on identifying that the average SAR value is larger than the reduced target SAR value, the TAS manager701in AP510may set (or start) a timer having the size of the time period corresponding to the time window for the Wi-Fi processor1010in operation1013. Based on starting the timer, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify whether the average SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010is less than or equal to the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode in operation1015, based on communication with the Wi-Fi processor1010. In operation1017, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify whether the average SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010is less than or equal to the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode, or whether the timer has expired. Based on identifying that the average SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010exceeds the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode and the time corresponding to the timer does not elapse, the TAS manager701in AP510may periodically identify whether the average SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010is less than or equal to the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode.

In an embodiment, based on identifying that the average SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010is less than or equal to the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode or that the timer has expired, the TAS manager701in AP510may increase the target SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020in operation1019. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify an SAR margin by reducing the target SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010in operation1007. The TAS manager701in AP510may increase the target SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020corresponding to the identified SAR margin, thereby enhancing transmission performance of the signal associated with communication supported by the communication processor1020.

In an embodiment, the electronic device101may control the operations of a plurality of processors using a TAS manager701in AP510implemented as at least a portion of an AP, thereby performing a general-purpose combined TAS function even when a plurality of processors having different manufacturers are included in the electronic device101.

FIG.10Bis a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, the Wi-Fi processor1010may transmit data (or a flag) associated with the transmission state of the Wi-Fi processor1010to the TAS manager701in AP510in operation1031. The Wi-Fi processor1010may transmit, e.g., data associated with the continuous Tx state to the TAS manager701in AP510. The Wi-Fi processor1010may be, e.g., in a connected mode in which a connection with an access point is established. Based on receiving the data associated with the continuous Tx state from the Wi-Fi processor1010, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify that it is required to change the operation mode to the Wi-Fi high power mode. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify that it is required to change the operation mode from the balance mode (or the default mode) to the Wi-Fi high power mode, based on requiring that the transmission operation be continuously performed by the Wi-Fi processor1010.

In an embodiment, in operation1033, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify whether the transmission state of the communication processor1020is the continuous Tx state (e.g., continuous Tx available), based on communication with the communication processor1020. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify that the transmission state of the communication processor1020is not the continuous Tx state. For example, the TAS manager701in AP510identifies that the transmission state of the communication processor1020is the discontinuous Tx state (e.g., discontinuous Tx available) or the no Tx state (e.g., Tx not possible).

In an embodiment, in operation1035, the TAS manager701in AP510may reduce a target SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020. For example, the target SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020is set to any one of a target SAR value (e.g., target SAR limit) corresponding to the high power mode, a target SAR value corresponding to the normal mode, or a target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode. In an embodiment, based on identifying that the transmission state of the communication processor1020is the no Tx state or the discontinuous Tx state, the TAS manager701in AP510may set the target SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020to the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode.

In an embodiment, in operation1037, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify an average SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020. In an embodiment, the communication processor1020may provide an API associated with the current average SAR value. Based on identifying the average SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify whether it is possible to immediately increase the target SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010.

In an embodiment, in operation1039, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify whether the identified average SAR value is less than the target SAR value reduced by operation1035. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify whether the average SAR value calculated based on the time window for the communication processor1020is less than the reduced target SAR value according to the setting of the TAS manager. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify that the average SAR value is larger than the reduced target SAR value.

In an embodiment, based on identifying that the average SAR value is larger than the reduced target SAR value, the TAS manager701in AP510may set (or start) a timer having the size of the time period corresponding to the time window for the communication processor1020in operation1041. Based on starting the timer, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify whether the average SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020is less than or equal to the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode in operation1043, based on communication with the communication processor1020. In operation1045, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify whether the average SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020is less than or equal to the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode, or whether the timer has expired. Based on identifying that the average SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020exceeds the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode and the time corresponding to the timer does not elapse, the TAS manager701in AP510may periodically identify whether the average SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020is less than or equal to the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode.

In an embodiment, based on identifying that the average SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020is less than or equal to the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode or that the timer has expired, the TAS manager701in AP510may increase the target SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010in operation1047. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify an SAR margin by reducing the target SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020in operation1035. The TAS manager701in AP510may increase the target SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010corresponding to the identified SAR margin, thereby enhancing transmission performance of the signal associated with communication supported by the Wi-Fi processor1010.

In an embodiment, the electronic device101may control the operations of a plurality of processors using a TAS manager701in AP510implemented as at least a portion of an AP, thereby performing a general-purpose combined TAS function even when a plurality of processors having different manufacturers are included in the electronic device101.

FIG.11Ais a view illustrating a change in operation mode for a plurality of processors of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.11A, an electronic device (e.g., at least one of the processor120ofFIG.1, the application processor510ofFIG.5, or the application processor510ofFIG.7A) may adjust a target SAR value (e.g., a target SAR limit) corresponding to each of a plurality of processors. Referring to reference numeral1110, the electronic device may operate in a second processor high power mode (chip #2 high power mode). The electronic device may adjust the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor and the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor based on identifying1111that the transmission state of the second processor is not the continuous Tx state.

In the comparative example, referring to reference numeral1120, the electronic device may adjust the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor and the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor to the target SAR value corresponding to the normal mode without sequentially changing the target SAR values for the first processor (chip #1) and the second processor (chip #2). In the comparative example, the average SAR value during the time period corresponding to the time window for the second processor may be temporarily maintained to be larger than the target SAR value corresponding to the normal mode. While the average SAR value corresponding to the second processor is maintained to be larger than the target SAR value corresponding to the normal mode, the sum of the output power values by the first processor and the second processor may exceed the total threshold or may violate the SAR-related standard.

FIG.11Bis a view illustrating a change in operation mode for a plurality of processors of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.11B, an electronic device (e.g., at least one of the processor120ofFIG.1, the application processor510ofFIG.5, or the application processor510ofFIG.7A) may adjust a target SAR value (e.g., a target SAR limit) corresponding to each of a plurality of processors. Referring to reference numeral1130, the electronic device may operate in a first processor high power mode (chip #1 high power mode). The electronic device may adjust the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor and the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor based on identifying1131that the transmission state of the second processor is the continuous Tx state.

In the comparative example, referring to reference numeral1140, the electronic device may change the operation mode from the first processor high power mode to the second processor high power mode (chip #2 high power mode) without sequentially changing the target SAR values for the first processor (chip #1) and the second processor (chip #2). In the comparative example, the average SAR value during the time period corresponding to the time window for the first processor may be temporarily maintained to be larger than the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode. While the average SAR value corresponding to the first processor is maintained to be larger than the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode, the sum of the output power values by the first processor and the second processor may exceed the total threshold or may violate the SAR-related standard.

FIG.11Cis a view illustrating a change in operation mode for a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.11C, the pattern in which the average SAR value1157adecreases during the time period corresponding to the time window1155afor the processor after the target SAR value corresponding to the processor decreases may be associated with the transmission power change pattern before the target SAR value is reduced. For example, the magnitude1159aof the transmission power corresponding to the processor is reduced immediately before the target SAR value is reduced. After the operation mode of the processor is changed from the default target SAR value1151ato the reduced target SAR value1153a, the average SAR value1157acorresponding to the processor may rapidly decrease.

FIG.11Dis a view illustrating a change in operation mode for a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.11D, the pattern in which the average SAR value1157bdecreases during the time period corresponding to the time window1155bfor the processor after the target SAR value corresponding to the processor decreases may be associated with the transmission power change pattern before the target SAR value is reduced. For example, the magnitude1159bof the transmission power corresponding to the processor is increased immediately before the target SAR value is reduced. After the operation mode of the processor is changed from the default target SAR value1151bto the reduced target SAR value1153b, the average SAR value1157bcorresponding to the processor may gradually decrease. As can be identified fromFIGS.11C and11D, it may not be easy to predict the reduction pattern of the average SAR value corresponding to each of the plurality of processors. By changing the operation mode based on the transition period, the electronic device may reduce the risk that the sum of the average SAR values violates the SAR-related standard.

FIG.12is a view illustrating a change in operation mode for a plurality of processors of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.12, the electronic device101may transition between a first processor high state1230(chip #1 high state) and a normal state1210via a transition state1220. For example, the electronic device101transitions1211from the normal state1210to the transition state1220based on the reduction of the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor. The electronic device101may secure a transition margin1223by transitioning to the transition state. The electronic device101may remain in the transition state during a time period corresponding to the time window for the second processor or shorter. For example, after the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor is reduced to the target SAR value corresponding to the low state, the average SAR value calculated based on the time window for the second processor is reduced along the time axis. The average SAR value may be reduced to less than the target SAR value corresponding to the low state before the time period corresponding to the time window elapses. After the average SAR value corresponding to the second processor decreases below the target SAR value corresponding to the low state, the electronic device101may transition1221from the transition state1220to the first processor high state1230. In an embodiment, when the API associated with the current average SAR value is not provided by the second processor, the electronic device101may withhold the increase of the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor during the time period corresponding to the time window for the second processor. The electronic device101may control the first processor and the second processor such that the sum of the average SAR values corresponding to the first processor and the second processor meets the SAR-related regulation by withholding the increase of the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor based on the transition state1220.

FIG.13Ais a view illustrating a change in operation mode for a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., at least one of the processor120ofFIG.1, the application processor510ofFIG.5, or the application processor510ofFIG.7A) may perform state transition based on the transition period1320. In an embodiment, the electronic device may identify1311an event for triggering a transition from the second processor high state1310to the normal state1330. For example, the event of triggering the transition of the electronic device from the second processor high state to the normal state includes a case where the transmission state of the second processor is the no Tx state or the discontinuous Tx state. After transitioning from the second processor high state1310to the transition period1320, the electronic device may withhold the transition to the normal state1330during the time period1323corresponding to the time window for the second processor. The electronic device may transition to the normal state1330based on identifying1321that the average SAR value corresponding to the second processor is less than or equal to the target SAR value corresponding to the normal state. The time period1323corresponding to the time window for the second processor may be tens to hundreds of seconds depending on settings. When the electronic device fixes the period for which the increase in the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor is withheld as the time period1323corresponding to the time window, the increase in the output power value output by the first processor may be delayed even though the average SAR value by the first processor and the second processor meets the SAR-related regulation.

FIG.13Bis a view illustrating a change in operation mode for a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.13B, the electronic device may immediately increase1343the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor, based on identifying1341an event causing a transition from the second processor high state1340to the normal state1360without transitioning to the transition period1350. For example, the electronic device identifies whether the average SAR value1345corresponding to the second processor is less than or equal to the target SAR value1347corresponding to the normal state, based on identifying1341the event causing the transition from the second processor high state1340to the normal state1360. Based on identifying that the average SAR value1345corresponding to the second processor is less than or equal to the target SAR value1347corresponding to the normal state, the electronic device may perform a state transition without waiting until the time1351at which the time period corresponding to the time window expires.

FIG.13Cis a view illustrating a change in operation mode for a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.13C, after the transition to the transition period1380, the electronic device may increase1373the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor without waiting for the time period1383corresponding to the time window for the second processor. The electronic device may identify1371an event causing a transition from the second processor high state1370to the normal state1390. The electronic device101may identify the average SAR value1375corresponding to the second processor at the time of identifying the event. Based on identifying that the average SAR value1375corresponding to the second processor is larger than the target SAR value1377corresponding to the normal state, the electronic device may withhold the increase of the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor. The electronic device may increase1373the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor at a time1385when the average SAR value corresponding to the second processor is equal to or less than the target SAR value1377corresponding to the normal state. Based on identifying that the average SAR value corresponding to the second processor is less than or equal to the target SAR value1377corresponding to the normal state, the electronic device may perform a state transition without waiting until the time1381at which the time period corresponding to the time window expires.

FIG.14is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.14, the electronic device101(e.g., at least one of the processor120ofFIG.1, the application processor510ofFIG.5, or the application processor510ofFIG.7A) may identify states respectively corresponding to the plurality of processors in operation1401. The electronic device101may identify a transmission state corresponding to each of the plurality of processors included in the electronic device101. In an embodiment, when the electronic device101controls to allow the sum of the output power values output by the two processors not to exceed the total threshold, the electronic device101may identify the transmission state of each of the first processor (e.g., the first processor520ofFIG.7A) and the second processor (e.g., the second processor530ofFIG.7A). The transmission state of the processor may be, e.g., any one of the no Tx state, the discontinuous Tx state, or the continuous Tx state. In an embodiment, when the electronic device101controls to allow the sum of the output power values output by the three processors not to exceed the total threshold, the electronic device101may identify the transmission state of each of the first processor, the second processor, and the third processor.

In an embodiment, in operation1403, the electronic device101may identify whether it is necessary to change the operation mode. For example, based on identifying that the transmission state of the first processor is the continuous Tx state, the electronic device101identifies that the operation mode of the TAS manager (e.g., the TAS manager701ofFIG.7A) is required to be changed. For example, the TAS manager identifies that it is required to change the operation mode from a balance mode in which the output power value corresponding to the total SAR value for a designated time is relatively evenly distributed to each of the first processor and the second processor to a first processor high power mode in which a relatively higher output power value is distributed to the first processor. The electronic device101may identify that the target SAR value corresponding to each of the first processor and the second processor is required to be changed such that the first output power value output by the first processor for a designated time is larger than the second output power value output by the second processor for a designated time. In an embodiment, when the operation mode of the TAS manager determined by the transmission state corresponding to each of the plurality of processors is the same as the current operation mode, the electronic device101may identify that the operation mode is not required to be changed. In an embodiment, based on identifying that the operation mode is not required to be changed (No in operation1403), the electronic device101may periodically identify states respectively corresponding to the plurality of processors.

In an embodiment, based on identifying that the operation mode is required to be changed (Yes in operation1403), in operation1405, the electronic device101may reduce the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor. For example, the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor is set to any one of a target SAR value (e.g., target SAR limit) corresponding to the high power mode, a target SAR value corresponding to the normal mode, or a target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode. In an embodiment, based on identifying that the transmission state of the second processor is the no Tx state or the discontinuous Tx state, the electronic device101may reduce the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor from the target SAR value corresponding to the normal mode to the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode.

In an embodiment, in operation1407, the electronic device101may identify whether the time corresponding to the time window for the second processor has elapsed. In an embodiment, the second processor may not provide the API associated with the current average SAR value. To reduce the risk of violating the SAR-related standard, the electronic device101may withhold the increase of the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor until the time corresponding to the time window for the second processor elapses after the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor is reduced. Based on identifying that the time corresponding to the time window for the second processor does not elapse (No in operation1407), the electronic device101may periodically identify whether the time corresponding to the time window for the second processor elapses from the time when the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor is reduced.

In an embodiment, based on identifying that the time corresponding to the time window for the second processor has elapsed (Yes in operation1407), in operation1409, the electronic device101may increase the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor. The electronic device101may identify the SAR margin by reducing the target SAR value corresponding to the second processor. The electronic device101may increase the target SAR value corresponding to the first processor corresponding to the identified SAR margin, thereby enhancing the transmission performance of communication supported by the first processor.

In an embodiment, the electronic device101may control the operations of a plurality of processors using a TAS manager implemented as at least a portion of an AP, thereby performing a general-purpose combined TAS function even when a plurality of processors having different manufacturers are included in the electronic device101.

FIG.15is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, the communication processor1020(e.g., at least one of the auxiliary processor123ofFIG.1, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214ofFIG.2A, or the integrated communication processor260ofFIG.2B) may transition to the RRC connected state in operation1501. The communication processor1020may transmit or receive a signal to or from the communication network via at least one antenna included in the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.7A). The communication processor1020may be included in a cellular communication module. The cellular communication module may support a time-averaged SAR (TAS) protocol.

In an embodiment, based on performing an RRC connection procedure with the communication network, the communication processor1020may transmit data (or a flag) associated with the transmission state of the communication processor1020to the TAS manager701in AP510in operation1503. The TAS manager701in AP510may be implemented as at least a portion of a processor disposed outside the cellular communication module and the non-cellular wireless communication module. The communication processor1020may transmit, e.g., data associated with the continuous Tx state to the TAS manager701in AP510. The continuous Tx state may be, e.g., a state requiring a relatively high output power value. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify the first output power of the cellular communication module in association with cellular communication between the cellular communication module and the first external electronic device. Based on receiving the data associated with the continuous Tx state from the communication processor1020, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify that it is required to change the limit value of the first output power corresponding to the cellular communication module. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify that it is required to change the operation mode to, e.g., a communication processor (CP) high power mode. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify that it is required to change the operation mode from the balance mode (or the default mode) to the communication processor high power mode, based on requiring that the transmission operation be continuously performed by the communication processor1020.

In an embodiment, in operation1505, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify whether the transmission state of the Wi-Fi processor1010is the continuous Tx state (e.g., continuous Tx available) based on communication with the Wi-Fi processor1010. For example, the non-cellular wireless communication module includes a Wi-Fi communication module (or a Wi-Fi processor) that is not directly connected to the cellular communication module. The TAS manager701in AP510may reduce or increase second output power of the non-cellular communication module in association with the non-cellular wireless communication between the non-cellular wireless communication module and a second external electronic device, at least partially based on the first output power. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify that the transmission state of the Wi-Fi processor1010is not the continuous Tx state. For example, the TAS manager701in AP510identifies that the transmission state of the Wi-Fi processor1010is the discontinuous Tx state (e.g., discontinuous Tx available) or the no Tx state (e.g., Tx not possible). The discontinuous Tx state or the no Tx state may be a state in which a relatively low output power value is required.

In an embodiment, in operation1507, the TAS manager701in AP510may reduce a target SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010. The TAS manager701in AP510may reduce, e.g., the limit value of the second output power corresponding to the non-cellular communication module. For example, the target SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010is set to any one of a target SAR value (e.g., target SAR limit) corresponding to the high power mode, a target SAR value corresponding to the normal mode, or a target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode. In an embodiment, based on identifying that the transmission state of the Wi-Fi processor1010is the no Tx state or the discontinuous Tx state, the TAS manager701in AP510may set the target SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010to the target SAR value corresponding to the low power mode. The TAS manager701in AP510may perform the operation of reducing or increasing the second output power such that a sum of the first output power and the second output power does not a designated threshold during a designated time period. The TAS manager701in AP510may determine the designated time period at least partially based on the TAS protocol for the cellular communication module. The designated time range may correspond to the time window associated with the cellular communication module. The TAS manager701in AP510may determine second output power at least partially based on the TAS protocol for the cellular communication module.

In an embodiment, the TAS manager701in AP510may set (or start) a timer having the size of the time period corresponding to the time window for the Wi-Fi processor1010in operation1509. The TAS manager701in AP510may increase the limit value of the first output power corresponding to the cellular communication module after the designated time period in association with the non-cellular communication module elapses. In an embodiment, the Wi-Fi processor1010may not provide an API associated with the current average SAR value. After reducing the target SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010, the electronic device101may withhold the increase of the target SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020until the time corresponding to the time window for the Wi-Fi processor1010elapses. In operation1511, the TAS manager701in AP510may identify that the time corresponding to the timer has elapsed.

In an embodiment, based on identifying that the timer has expired, the TAS manager701in AP510may increase the target SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020in operation1513. The TAS manager701in AP510may identify an SAR margin by reducing the target SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi processor1010in operation1507. The TAS manager701in AP510may increase the target SAR value corresponding to the communication processor1020corresponding to the identified SAR margin, thereby enhancing transmission performance of the signal associated with communication supported by the communication processor1020.

In an embodiment, the electronic device101may control the operations of a plurality of processors using a TAS manager701in AP510implemented as at least a portion of an AP, thereby performing a general-purpose combined TAS function even when a plurality of processors having different manufacturers are included in the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, a communication device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) may comprise first communication circuitry configured to perform first wireless communication with a first external device based on a first communication protocol. The communication device may include second communication circuitry configured to perform second wireless communication with a second external device based on a second communication protocol. The communication device may include memory storing one or more computer programs. The communication device may comprise one or more application processors (e.g., at least one of the processor120ofFIG.1or the application processor510ofFIG.5) communicatively connected to the first communication circuitry, the second communication circuitry and the memory. The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more application processors120;510, may cause the communication device to control the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry such that a sum of a first output power value output by the first communication circuitry during a designated time range and a second output power value output by the second communication circuitry during the designated time range does not exceed a preset total threshold.

In an embodiment, in case that at least one of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry calculates an average of output power output by the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry during the designated time range, and controls not to exceed a first limit value or a second limit value which is an output limit value of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry based on the calculated average of the output power, the first output power value or the second output power value may be the average.

In an embodiment, in case that at least one of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry controls such that a maximum value of output power output by the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry within the designated time range does not exceed a first threshold or a second threshold that is an output limit value of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry, the first output power value or the second output power value may be the maximum value.

In an embodiment, each of the first output power value and the second output power value may correspond to a plurality of preset different values corresponding to a change in output power corresponding to a context of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry.

In an embodiment, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more application processors120;510, may cause the communication device to, at least part of controlling the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry such that the sum of the first output power value output by the first communication circuitry during the designated time range and the second output power value output by the second communication circuitry during the designated time range does not exceed the preset total threshold, and control the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry such that a sum of an accumulated first SAR value corresponding to the first communication circuitry during the designated time range and an accumulated second SAR value corresponding to the second communication circuitry during the designated time range does not exceed a preset total threshold.

In an embodiment, the plurality of preset different values corresponding to each of the first output power value and the second output power value may be set based on an output value margin between a sum of the first and second output power values and the preset total threshold.

In an embodiment, the communication device (i.e., electronic device101) may further comprise a third communication circuitry. The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more application processors120;510, may cause the electronic device to control the first communication circuitry to the third communication circuitry such that a sum of output power values of the first to third communication circuitry does not exceed the preset total threshold.

In an embodiment, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more application processors120;510, as at least part of controlling the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry such that the sum of the first output power value output by the first communication circuitry during the designated time range and the second output power value output by the second communication circuitry during the designated time range does not exceed the preset total threshold, may cause the communication device to control the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry such that the first output power value corresponds to a first value, and the second output power value corresponds to a second value. The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more application processors120;510, may cause the communication device to receive first data associated with a state corresponding to the first communication circuitry from the first communication module and second data associated with a state corresponding to the second communication module from the second communication circuitry. The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more application processors120;510, may cause the communication device to identify whether to change at least one of the first output power value or the second output power value, based on at least one of the first data or the second data.

In an embodiment, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more application processors120;510, as at least part of identifying whether to change at least one of the first output power value or the second output power value, based on at least one of the first data or the second data, may cause the electronic device to identify whether the state corresponding to the second communication circuitry is a state in which a relatively low output power value is required, based on identifying that the state corresponding to the first communication circuitry is a state in which a relatively high output power value is required. The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more application processors120;510, may cause the electronic device to control the second communication circuitry such that a limit value of the second output power value corresponds to a fourth value smaller than the second value, based on identifying that the state corresponding to the second communication circuitry is the state in which the relatively low output power value is required. The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more application processors120;510, may cause the electronic device to identify whether an average of the second output power value corresponding to a time period designated in association with the second communication circuitry is the fourth value or less. The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more application processors120;510, may cause the electronic device to control the first communication circuitry such that a limit value of the first output power value corresponds to a third value larger than the first value before the time period designated in association with the second communication circuitry elapses from a time point at which the limit value of the second output power value is changed, based on identifying that the average of the second output power value is the fourth value or less.

In an embodiment, the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry may be further configured to transmit or receive a first RF signal based on the first communication protocol and a second RF signal based on the second communication protocol, through at least the same antenna.

According to an embodiment, a communication device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) may comprise first communication circuitry performing communication with an external device in a first communication scheme; second communication circuitry performing communication with an external device in a second communication scheme, memory storing one or more computer programs, and one or more processors (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) communicatively connected to the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry to control output power of the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry. The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors120, may cause the communication device to control the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry such that a sum of a first output power value output by the first communication circuitry during a designated time range and a second output power value output by the second communication circuitry during the designated time range does not exceed a preset total threshold. In case that at least one of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry controls such that a maximum value of output power output by the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry within the designated time range does not exceed a first threshold or a second threshold that is an output limit value of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry, the first output power value or the second output power value may be the maximum value.

In an embodiment, in case that at least one of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry calculates an average of output power output by the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry during the designated time range, and controls not to exceed a first threshold or a second threshold which is an output limit value of the first communication circuitry or the second communication circuitry based on the calculated average of the output power, the first output power value or the second output power value may be the average.

In an embodiment, each of the first output power value and the second output power value may correspond to a plurality of preset different values corresponding to a change in output power corresponding to a context of the first communication circuitry and the second communication.

In an embodiment, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors120, may cause the communication device to, as at least part of controlling the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry such that the sum of the first output power value output by the first communication circuitry during the designated time range and the second output power value output by the second communication circuitry during the designated time range does not exceed the preset total threshold, reduce the first output power value corresponding to the first communication circuitry and increase the second output power value corresponding to the second communication circuitry, based on a transition margin on a time axis.

According to an embodiment, a portable communication device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) may comprise cellular communication circuitry (e.g., at least one of the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214ofFIG.2A, the integrated communication processor260ofFIG.2B, or the first processor520ofFIG.5), non-cellular wireless communication circuitry (e.g., the second processor530ofFIG.5), memory storing one or more computer programs, and one or more processors (e.g., at least one of the processor120ofFIG.1or the application processor510ofFIG.5) disposed outside the cellular communication circuitry212;214;260;520and the non-cellular wireless communication circuitry (i.e., the second processor530) and communicatively coupled to the cellular communication circuitry, the non-cellular wireless communication circuitry, and the memory. The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors120;510, may cause the portable communication device to identify first output power of the cellular communication circuitry212;214;260;520in association with cellular communication between the cellular communication circuitry212;214;260;520and a first external electronic device. The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors120;510, may cause the portable communication device to reduce or increase second output power of the non-cellular communication circuitry530in association with the non-cellular wireless communication between the non-cellular wireless communication circuitry (i.e., the second processor530) and a second external electronic device, at least partially based on the first output power.

In an embodiment, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors120;510, may cause the portable communication device to perform the operation of reducing or increasing of the second output power such that a sum of the first output power and the second output power does not exceed a designated threshold during a designated time period.

In an embodiment, the cellular communication circuitry212;214;260;520may support a time-averaged SAR (TAS) protocol. The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors120;510, may cause the portable communication device to determine the designated time period at least partially based on the TAS protocol for the cellular communication circuitry212;214;260;520.

In an embodiment, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, may cause the portable communication device to reduce a limit value of the second output power. The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, may cause the portable communication device to increase a limit value of the first output power after a time period designated in association with the non-cellular communication circuitry elapses.

In an embodiment, the cellular communication circuitry212;214;260;520may support a TAS protocol. The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors120;510, may cause the portable communication device to determine the threshold at least partially based on the TAS protocol for the cellular communication circuitry212;214;260;520.

In an embodiment, the cellular communication circuitry212;214;260;520may support a TAS protocol. The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors120;510, may cause the portable communication device to determine the second output power at least partially based on the TAS protocol for the cellular communication circuitry212;214;260;520.

In an embodiment, the non-cellular wireless communication circuitry (i.e., the second processor530) may include a Wi-Fi communication circuitry not directly connected to the cellular communication circuitry212;214;260;520.

In an embodiment, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the portable communication device to start a timer having a size of a time period corresponding to a time window for the Wi-Fi circuitry.

In an embodiment, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the portable communication device to increase the limit value of the first output power corresponding to the cellular communication circuitry after the designated time period in association with the non-cellular communication circuitry elapses.

In an embodiment, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the portable communication device to, after reducing a target SAR value corresponding to the Wi-Fi circuitry, withhold the increase of the target SAR value corresponding to the cellular communication circuitry until the time corresponding to the time window for the Wi-Fi circuitry elapses.