Electronic device including antenna for measuring angle of arrival

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) including a first conductive patch and a second conductive patch, a wireless communication circuitry electrically coupled with the first conductive patch and the second conductive patch, and a processor electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry. The first conductive patch is fed from the wireless communication circuitry at a first point located at a first edge of the first conductive patch or a second point located at a second edge different from the first edge, and operates as an antenna radiator which receives a radio frequency (RF) signal of a specified frequency band, the second conductive patch is fed from the wireless communication circuity at a third point of the second conductive patch, and operates as an antenna radiator which transmits or receive an RF signal of a specified frequency band.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0058323, which was filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 15, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to an electronic device including an antenna.

2. Description of Related Art

With the development of a wireless communication technology, a connectivity technology has emerged in which an electronic device is coupled with an external device to provide various functions. For example, the electronic device may detect a location of the electronic device itself or the external device (e.g., an IoT device), based on wireless communication of the electronic device with respect to the external device. Based on the detected location, the electronic device may control various functions of the external device, or may provide various location-based services to a user who has the electronic device.

Meanwhile, an ultra-wide band (UWB) communication technology which can obtain positioning information (distance information and angle of arrival (AOA) information) by transmitting/receiving a location detection message (or a ranging message) is applied to precisely detect the location of the electronic device itself and/or the location of the external electronic device.

The electronic device may include a plurality of UWB antennas to measure a location by using the UWB communication technology. For example, the electronic device may measure a direction and distance of a transmitting device by using two UWB antennas, and may measure a location of the transmitting device, based on the measured direction and distance. In addition, the electronic device may include a UWB antenna system capable of generating multiple resonances to implement a broadband.

In general, performance of location measurement using the UWB may have an error of about 30 cm in a line-of-sight (LOS) environment. On the contrary, accuracy of the location measurement may be degraded in a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environment (e.g., a parking lot) in which many obstacles are present or many vehicles are present and cause congestion. In particular, when in an obstacle environment which interferes with radio waves or when the electronic device is in a user's back pocket, the error of location measurement may increase due to human body interference.

In theory, an electronic device including two UWB antennas can measure only an AOA of a signal received in the range of 180° with respect to the electronic device. Therefore, it is difficult to recognize whether an external electronic device is located to the left or right of the electronic device. In addition, the electronic device including the two UWB antennas has difficulty in measuring a location adaptively in various communication environments.

That is, in order to measure an AOA of a signal received in all directions of the electronic device and to measure a location adaptively in the various communication environments, at least three UWB antennas densely disposed within a specified distance (e.g., λ/2 distance) in the electronic device shall be provided. However, the electronic device tends to be thin in thickness and gradually small in size. Also, a growing number of components are disposed inside the electronic device to perform various functions. Under such a space constraint in the electronic device, it may be difficult to implement the at least three UWB antennas densely disposed within the specified distance.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device capable of detecting a location of an external electronic device located in all directions, through a feeding structure of two UWB antennas.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) including a first conductive patch and a second conductive patch, a wireless communication circuitry electrically coupled with the first conductive patch and the second conductive patch, and a processor electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry. The first conductive patch is fed from the wireless communication circuitry at a first point located at a first edge of the first conductive patch or a second point located at a second edge different from the first edge, and operates as an antenna radiator which receives a radio frequency (RF) signal of a specified frequency band, the second conductive patch is fed from the wireless communication circuity at a third point of the second conductive patch, and operates as an antenna radiator which transmits or receive an RF signal of a specified frequency band, the first conductive patch and the second conductive patch overlap at least partially, when viewed on a horizontal axis of the FPCB, a distance between the first point and the third point is a first specified distance less than or equal to a half wavelength λ/2 of the RF signal, distance between the second point and the third point is a second specified distance less than the first specified distance, and a first line segment which connects the first point and the third point has a slope different from that of a second line segment which connects the second point and the third point.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an FPCB including a first conductive patch and a second conductive patch, a wireless communication circuitry electrically coupled with the first conductive patch and the second conductive patch, and a processor electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry. The first conductive patch is fed from the wireless communication circuitry at a first point located at a first edge of the first conductive patch or a second point located at a second edge different from the first edge, and operates as an antenna radiator which receives an RF signal of a specified frequency band, the second conductive patch is fed from the wireless communication circuity at a third point of the second conductive patch, and operates as an antenna radiator which transmits or receive an RF signal of a specified frequency band, the first conductive patch and the second conductive patch overlap at least partially, when viewed on a horizontal axis of the FPCB, a distance between the first point and the third point is a first specified distance less than or equal to a half wavelength λ/2 of the RF signal, a distance between the second point and the third point is a second specified distance less than the first specified distance, the third point is disposed to an edge farthest from the second point among edges of the second conductive patch, and a first line segment which connects the first point and the third point has a slope different from that of a second line segment Which connects the second point and the third point.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The camera module180may capture a still image or moving images. The camera module180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. The power management module188may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

FIG.2Ais a front perspective view of an electronic device200, according to an embodiment.

FIG.2Bis a rear perspective view of the electronic device200ofFIG.2A, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.2AandFIG.2B, the electronic device200may include a housing210including a first face (or a “front face”)210A, a second face (or a “back face”)210B, and a side face (or a “side wall”)210C surrounding a space between the first face210A and the second face210B. The housing210may refer to a structure which constitutes part of the first face210A, second face210B, and the side face210C ofFIG.2AandFIG.2B.

The first face210A may be constructed of a front plate202(e.g., a polymer plate or a glass plate having various coating layers) which is at least partially transparent substantially. The front plate202may include a curved portion seamlessly extending by being bent from the first face210A toward a back plate211at least in a side edge portion.

The second face210B may be constructed of the back plate211which is opaque substantially. The back plate211may be constructed of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metallic materials (e.g. aluminum, stainless steel, or magnesium) or a combination of at least two of the these materials. The back plate211may include a curved portion seamlessly extending by being bent from the second face210B toward the front plate202at least in a side edge portion.

The side face210C may be constructed of a side member (or a bracket)218joined with the front plate202and the back plate211and including metal and/or polymer. The back plate211and the side member218may be constructed integrally and may include the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

The electronic device200may include at least one or more of a display201, an audio module203, a sensor module, at least one of camera modules205,212,213,214, and215, a flash206, a key input device217, and a connector hole208. The electronic device200may omit at least one of components (e.g., the key input device), or may additionally include other components. The electronic device200may additionally include a sensor module. The sensor module may include at least one of an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and/or a capacitive sensor. The sensor module may be disposed on a back face of a screen display region of the display201and/or a periphery portion of the display201. The screen display region may be a region of the display210, visible through the front plate202of the electronic device200. The electronic device200may further include a light emitting element, and the light emitting element may be disposed at a location adjacent to the display201in a region provided by the front plate202. The light emitting element may provide state information of the electronic device200in an optical form. The light emitting element may provide a light source associated with an operation of the first camera module205. The light emitting element may include a light emitting diode (LED), an infrared (IR) LED, and xenon lamp.

The display201may be visible from the outside of the electronic device200through some portions of the front plate202, An edge of the display201may be constructed to have substantially the same shape as an outer boundary (e.g., a curved portion) adjacent to the front plate202. In order to expand an area in which the display201is exposed, the display201and the front plate202may be constructed to have substantially the same interval between outer boundaries thereof. A recess, a notch, or an opening may be disposed on part of a screen display region of the display201, and other electronic components, the first camera module205, a proximity sensor, or an illumination sensor, aligned with the recess, the notch, or the opening may be included.

The electronic device200may include at least one of the camera modules205,212,213,214, and215, a fingerprint sensor, and/or a flash206on a back face of the screen display region of the display201. The display201may be disposed adjacent to or joined with a touch sensing circuitry, a pressure sensor capable of measuring touch strength (pressure), and/or a digitizer for detecting a magnetic-type stylus pen.

The audio module203may include a microphone hole and/or a speaker hole. The microphone hole may have a microphone disposed inside thereof to acquire external sound. A plurality of microphones may be disposed to detect a sound direction. The speaker hole and the microphone hole may be implemented with one hole (e.g., the audio module203), or the speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be included without the speaker hole. The speaker hole may include an external speaker hole and/or a communication receiver hole.

The electronic device200may include a sensor module to generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operational state or an external environment state. The sensor module may further include a proximity sensor disposed on the first face210A of the housing210, a fingerprint sensor disposed integrally or adjacent to the display210, and/or a biometric sensor (e.g., a heart rate monitoring (HRM) sensor) disposed on the second face210B of the housing210. The electronic device200may further include at least one of sensor modules, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an illuminance sensor.

Among the at least one of the camera modules205,212,213,214, and215, the first camera module205may be disposed on the first face210A of the electronic device200, and the second camera modules212,213,214, and215and the flash206may be disposed on the second face210B of the electronic device200. The aforementioned at least one of the camera modules205,212,213,214, and215may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an ISP. The flash206may include an LED or a xenon lamp. Two or more lenses (IR cameras, wide angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on a face of the electronic device200.

The key input device217may be disposed on the side face210C of the housing210. The electronic device200may not include the entirety or part of the aforementioned key input device217. The key input device217, which is not included, may be implemented on the display201in a different form such as a soft key or the like. The key input device may include at least part of a fingerprint sensor disposed on the second face210B of the housing210.

The connector hole208may house a connector for transmitting/receiving power and/or data of an external electronic device and/or a connector for transmitting/receiving an audio signal with respect to the external electronic device. The connector hole208may include a USB connector or an earphone jack. The USB connector and the earphone jack may be implemented as one hole (e.g.,208ofFIG.2AandFIG.2B). The electronic device200may transmit/receive power and/or data with an external electronic device without an additional connector hole, or may transmit/receive an audio signal.

FIG.3is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device300, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.3, the electronic device300may include a front plate, a display310, a side member320, at least one PCB330, a first support structure340(e.g., or a shield can), a second support structure350, a battery360, and/or a back plate370. At least one of the components of the electronic device300may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device101ofFIG.1and/or the electronic device200ofFIG.2AandFIG.2B, and redundant descriptions will be omitted hereinafter.

The side member320may include a metal frame structure321and/or a support member322.

The metal frame structure321may be constructed of a conductive material (e.g., metal) to constitute a side face of the electronic device300. The metal frame structure321may include at least one conductive portion and/or at least one non-conductive portion which insulates the at least one conductive portion. At least one conductive portion of the aforementioned metal frame structure321may operate as an antenna radiator which transmits and/or receives an RF signal of a specified frequency band.

The support member322may be constructed of a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material to provide a space in which electronic components can be disposed inside the electronic device300. The display310may be disposed on a face of the support member322(e.g., a face in the direction ofFIG.3), and the at least one PCB330may be disposed on another face of the support member322(e.g., a face in the −z direction ofFIG.3). The support member322may be coupled with the metal frame structure321, or may be constructed integrally with the metal frame structure321.

A plurality of electronic components may be disposed on the at least one PCB330. A processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be disposed on the at least one PCB330. The processor may include one or more of a CPU, an AP, a GPU, an ISP, a sensor hub processor, and a CP. The memory may include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The interface may include an HDMI, a USB interface, a SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically couple the electronic device300and the external electronic device, and may include a USB connector, an SD card/multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

The at least one PCB330may include a first PCB331and/or a second PCB332. The first PCB331may be disposed on a region of the support member322(e.g., a region in the +y direction ofFIG.3). The second PCB332may be disposed on another region of the support member322spaced apart from the first PCB331(e.g., a region in the −y direction ofFIG.3). The first PCB331and the second PCB332may be electrically coupled through an electrical connecting member333. The aforementioned electrical connecting member333may include at least one of an FPCB, a coaxial cable, and a board to board (B to B) connector, but is not limited thereto. The at least one PCB330is not limited to the structure of the embodiment illustrated on the figure. The at least one PCB330may be constructed of one PCB.

The first support structure340(or a shield can) may be constructed of a conductive material (e.g., metal) and may be disposed on the at least one PCB330. A patch antenna may be disposed on at least one region of the first support structure340(e.g., a region in the −z direction ofFIG.3). The first support structure340may support the aforementioned patch antenna. The aforementioned patch antenna may operate as an antenna radiator which transmits and/or receives an RF signal of a UWB.

The first support structure340may shield a plurality of electronic components disposed on the at least one PCB330. The first support structure340may be disposed to surround or cover the plurality of electronic components, thereby blocking noise generated from the plurality of electronic components.

The second support structure350(or a rear case) may be constructed of a material different from the first support structure340. The second support structure350may be constructed of a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic), but is not limited thereto. The second support structure350may be disposed on a region of the at least one PCB330to prevent a plurality of electronic components disposed on at least one region of the at least one PCB330and/or to the at least one PCB330from being damaged by an external impact. The second support structure350may be disposed not to overlap with the first support structure340, when viewed from an upper end of the at least one PCB330(e.g., in −z direction ofFIG.3). The second support structure350may be disposed to partially overlap with the first support structure340.

As a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device300, the battery360may include a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell. At least part of the battery360may be disposed on substantially the same plane with respect to, the at least one PCB330. The battery360may be disposed integrally inside the electronic device300, or may be detachably disposed with respect to the electronic device300.

The back plate370may constitute a back face of the electronic device300. The back plate370may prevent internal components of the electronic device300from an external impact or entering of a foreign matter.

FIG.4illustrates a first support structure340of an electronic device300and a patch antenna400disposed on the first support structure340, according to an embodiment.FIG.4is a front view of a side member (e.g., the side member320ofFIG.3) of the electronic device ofFIG.3, viewed from one direction e.g., the −z direction ofFIG.3).

FIG.5is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device ofFIG.4, viewed in a direction A-A′, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.4andFIG.5, an electronic device300may include at least one of a display310, a side member320, a PCB330, at least one electronic component334, a first support structure340, a second support structure350, a back plate370, and/or a patch antenna400. Among components of the electronic device300, descriptions on the components provided with reference toFIG.3will be omitted.

The side member320may provide a space in which the components of the electronic device300can be disposed. The PCB330may be disposed on a face of the side member320(e.g., a face in the −z direction ofFIG.5), and the display310may be disposed on another face of the side member320(e.g., a face in the +z direction ofFIG.5).

The at least one electronic component334may be disposed on at least one region of the PCB330. The at least one electronic component334may include at least one of a camera module, a processor, a signal wiring and/or a wireless communication circuitry.

The first support structure340may be constructed of a conductive material (e.g., metal), and may be disposed on at least one region of the PCB330. The patch antenna400may be disposed on a face340afacing a back plate370of the first support structure340(e.g., a face in the −z direction ofFIG.5), and the first support structure340may support the patch antenna400. The first support structure340may operate as a shield can which shields the at least one electronic component334disposed on the PCB330. The first support structure340may shield noise generated from the at least one electronic component334. The first support structure340may operate as a heat dissipation member for discharging heat generated from the at least one electronic component334disposed inside the first support structure340.

A face to which the patch antenna400of the first support structure340is disposed may be constructed such that at least one region is flat, but is not limited thereto.

The second support structure350may be constructed of a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic or polymer) different from the first support structure340, and may be located between the side member320and the back plate370. The second support structure350may be disposed on at least one region of the side member320and/or at least one region of the PCB330to prevent some regions of the side member320and/or PCB330from being damaged by an external impact. The second support structure350may be disposed not to overlap with the first support structure340, when the side member320is viewed from the back plate370. However, the disposition of the first support structure340and second support structure350is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment. The second support structure350may be disposed to overlap with some regions of the first support structure340.

The patch antenna400may be disposed on the face340afacing the back plate370of the first support structure340(e.g., a face in the −z direction ofFIG.5). The patch antenna400may include an FPCB430, a first conductive patch410, and a second conductive patch420. The FPCB430may be constructed of a plurality of layers. The FPCB430may include a conductive layer for grounding a first conductive patch410and/or a second conductive patch420. The conductive layer for the grounding may be constructed at some or all of any one layer among layers of the FPCB430. Since the FPCB430includes the conductive layer, even if the FPCB430is disposed on the conductive first support structure340, it may be less affected by a conductor. The FPCB430may include a dielectric layer disposed between a layer on Which the first conductive patch410and/or the second conductive patch420are disposed and a layer including a ground.

The first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420may be disposed on a face facing the back plate370of the FPCB430(e.g., a face in the −z direction ofFIG.5). The first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420may be disposed on the same face, and the first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420may be spaced apart by a specified distance. The first conductive patch410and/or second conductive patch420of the patch antenna400may be electrically coupled with a wireless communication circuitry disposed on the PCB330through a signal wiring. Through the aforementioned electrical connection path, the wireless communication circuitry may feed the first conductive patch410and/or the second conductive patch420, and may transmit or receive an RF signal of a specified frequency band. The first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420may operate as a radiator which transmits and/or receives an RF signal of a UWB frequency band. The UWB frequency band may be a frequency band of about 6.25 GHz to 8.75 GHz, but is not limited thereto.

FIG.6Aillustrates a patch antenna400and a wireless communication circuitry492, according to an embodiment.

FIG.6Billustrates the patch antenna400and the wireless communication circuitry492, according to an embodiment.

FIG.6Cillustrates the patch antenna400and the wireless communication circuitry492, according to an embodiment.

FIG.6Dillustrates a first conductive patch410and second conductive patch420of the patch antenna400, according to an embodiment.

FIG.7is a graph illustrating a VSWR of the patch antenna400, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.6A,FIG.6B, andFIG.6C, the electronic device300may include the patch antenna400and the wireless communication circuitry492.

The patch antenna400may include the first conductive patch410, the second conductive patch420, and an FPCB430.

The FPCB430may include a first transmission line411, a second transmission line412, a third transmission line421, and a connecting unit440.

The first transmission line411and second transmission line412of the FPCB430may be coupled to the first conductive patch410and the connecting unit440. Referring toFIG.6AandFIG.6C, the first transmission line411of the FPCB430may be coupled to a first point P1of the first conductive patch410and a first terminal T1of the connecting unit440. The second transmission line412of the FPCB430may be coupled to a second point P2of the first conductive patch410and a second terminal T2of the connecting unit440. Referring toFIG.6B, the first transmission line411of the FPCB430may be coupled to the second point P2of the first conductive patch410and the first terminal T1of the connecting unit440. The second transmission line412of the FPCB430may be coupled to the first point P1of the first conductive patch410and the second terminal T2of the connecting unit440.

The third transmission line421of the FPCB430may be coupled to a third point P3of the second conductive patch420and a third terminal T3of the connecting unit440.

Although it is illustrated inFIG.6A,FIG.6B,FIG.6C, andFIG.6Dthat the first conductive patch410is fed at two points (e.g., P1and P2), and the second conductive patch420is fed at one point (e.g., P3), the disclosure is not limited thereto. Unlike inFIG.6AtoFIG.6D, the first conductive patch410may be fed at one point, and the second conductive patch420may be fed at two points. Both of the first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420may be fed at a plurality of points.

The first transmission line411, the second transmission line412, and the third transmission line421may include a conductive material (e.g., metal). A thickness (or width) of the first transmission line411and second transmission line412may be substantially identical. As shown inFIG.6A, the thickness of the third transmission line421may be different from the first transmission line411and the second transmission line412. The thickness of the third transmission line421may be thinner than the first transmission line411and the second transmission line412. In this case, the first transmission line411and/or the second transmission line412may have a first thickness, and the third transmission line421may have a second thickness less than the first thickness. As shown inFIG.6BandFIG.6C, the first transmission line411, the second transmission line412, and the third transmission line421may have substantially the same thickness (or width).

The connecting unit440may be disposed on a face of the FPCB430and may be coupled to the PCB330of the electronic device300. The wireless communication circuitry492disposed on the PCB330of the electronic device300may be electrically coupled with the connecting unit440of the FPCB430through an electrical path provided by the PCB330. The connecting unit440may include a conductive pad or a connector (e.g., a socket or a plug). When the connecting unit440includes the conductive pad, the connecting unit440may use a fixing means such as soldering to maintain a state of being in contact with the conductive pad provided in the PCB330, and may be electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry492. When the connecting unit440includes the connector, the connector (e.g., plug) of the connecting unit440may be joined with a connector (e.g., socket) of the PCB330, and thus may be electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry492. The wireless communication circuitry492may be electrically coupled with the first conductive patch410through the first transmission line411and the second transmission line412, and may be electrically coupled with the second conductive patch420through the third transmission line421.

The first conductive patch410may be disposed on the FPCB430. The first conductive patch410has a rectangular shape having a specified width and a specified length. The first conductive patch410may have a circular, rhombus, or polygonal shape. The first conductive patch410may be electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry492through the first transmission line411and the second transmission line412. Referring toFIG.6A, the first point P1of the first conductive patch410may be disposed on a first edge410aamong edges of the first conductive patch410, and the second point P2of the first conductive patch410may be disposed on a second edge410bfacing the first edge410aand substantially parallel to the first edge410a. Referring toFIG.6BandFIG.6D, the first point P1may be disposed on a third edge410cof the first conductive patch410, and the second point P2may be disposed on a fourth edge410dfacing the third edge410c. The first point P1and the second point P2are not disposed respectively on the edges facing each other, but may be disposed respectively on edges adjacent to each other. When the first point P1is disposed on the first edge410a, the second point P2may be disposed on the third edge410cor fourth edge410dextending in a substantially vertical direction from both ends of the first edge410a. The first point P1and the second point P2may be disposed respectively to different edges among the edges of the first conductive patch410. The first conductive patch410may be fed from the wireless communication circuitry492at the first point P1or the second point P2.

The second conductive patch420may be disposed on the FPCB430. The second conductive patch420may be spaced apart from the first conductive patch410. Referring toFIG.6C, the second conductive patch420may be spaced apart by a specified distance g from the first conductive patch410. Since the second conductive patch420is spaced apart from the first conductive patch410, an isolation between the second conductive patch420and the first conductive patch410may be improved.

The second conductive patch420may have a rectangular shape having a width W2and a length H2. The second conductive patch420may have a circular, rhombus, or polygonal shape.

An area of the second conductive patch420may be smaller than an area of the first conductive patch410. Referring toFIG.6A, the length H2of the second conductive patch420may be less than a length H1of the first conductive patch410. In addition, the width W2of the second conductive patch420may be less than a width W1of the first conductive patch410. The area of the first conductive patch410may be substantially identical to the area of the second conductive patch420. Referring toFIG.6B, the length H2and width W2of the first conductive patch410may be substantially identical to those of the second conductive patch420. The length and width of the first conductive patch410may be different from those of the second conductive patch420, but the areas thereof may be substantially identical.

The second conductive patch420may be electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry492through the third transmission line421. The third point P3of the second conductive patch420may be disposed on any one edge among the edges of the second conductive patch420. An increase in the distance of the third point P3from the first point P1and/or the second point P2may result in an improvement in an isolation between the first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420. The third point P3of the second conductive patch420may be disposed on an edge farthest from the first point P1and/or the second point P2among the edges of the second conductive patch420. The second conductive patch420may be fed from the wireless communication circuitry492at the third point P3.

A virtual first line segment (e.g., a line segment C ofFIG.6D) which connects the first point P1and the third point P3, a virtual second line segment (e.g., a line segment B ofFIG.6D) which connects the second point P2and the third point P3, and a virtual third line segment (e.g., a line segment A ofFIG.6D) which connects the first point P1and the second point P2may be constructed. The first point P1, the second point P2, and the third point P3may be disposed such that the first line segment and the second line segment are not parallel to each other.

Referring toFIG.6C, the virtual first line segment C which connects the first point P1and the third point P3may be substantially perpendicular to the virtual second line segment B which connects the second point P2and the third point P3. In this case, the first conductive patch410may be longer in a lengthwise direction than the second conductive patch420, and the area of the first conductive patch410may be greater than that of the second conductive patch420. Since a distance between the first point P1and the second point P2ofFIG.6Cis farther than that of the first conductive patch410ofFIG.6A,FIG.6B, andFIG.6D, a shorting via413may be disposed to separate an antenna region of the first conductive patch410between the first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420. The first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420may be aligned in a diagonal direction on the FPCB430, based on a state where the patch antenna400is disposed on the electronic device. That is, unlike inFIG.4in which the first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420are disposed in the same direction as the side member320of the electronic device300, the first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420ofFIG.6Cmay be disposed not to parallel in a lengthwise direction of a housing of the electronic device (e.g., the side member320ofFIG.4). In this case, the first virtual line segment C may be substantially perpendicular to a first edge of the electronic device (e.g., a first side face900aor second side face900bofFIG.16A), and may be substantially parallel to a second edge (e.g., a third side face900cor fourth side face900dofFIG.16A) perpendicular to the first edge. The virtual second line segment B may be substantially parallel to the first edge of the electronic device (e.g., the first side face900aor second side face900bofFIG.16A), and may be substantially perpendicular to the second edge (e.g., the third side face900cor fourth side face900dofFIG.16A).

Referring toFIG.6D, the first point P1, the second point P2, and the third point P3may be disposed such that the line segment A and the line segment B are substantially perpendicular to each other, and the line segment B and the line segment C are not parallel to each other. A distance between the third point P3of the second conductive patch420and the second point P2of the first conductive patch410may be a first distance. A distance between the third point P3of the second conductive patch420and the first point P1of the first conductive patch410may be a second distance greater than or equal to the first distance. Referring toFIG.6A, the second distance between the first point P1and the third point P3may be greater than the first distance between the second point P2and the third point P3. Referring toFIG.6B, the second distance between the first point P1and the third point P3may be substantially identical to the first distance between the second point P2and the third point P3. The first distance and the second distance may be less than or equal to a specified distance (e.g., a half wavelength λ/2 of a signal to be received through the patch antenna400). When the first distance and the second distance exceed the half wavelength λ/2 of the signal to be received through the patch antenna400, performance of location measurement using the patch antenna400may deteriorate. The specified distance may be greater than or equal to 10 mm and less than or equal to about 30 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420may be disposed to overlap at least partially on a horizontal axis of the FPCB430(e.g., direction X). Referring toFIG.6A, the second conductive patch420is spaced apart from the first conductive patch410, but when the patch antenna400is viewed from a side face (e.g., direction X), the second conductive patch420may be disposed to overlap by a specified length L with the first conductive patch410. The specified length L may be less than or equal to the length H2of the second conductive patch420and greater than or equal to half the length H2/2 of the second conductive patch420. Referring toFIG.6B, the first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420may be disposed along the direction X on the FPCB430, and when the patch antenna400is viewed in the direction X, the first conductive patch410may entirely overlap with the second conductive patch420.

The wireless communication circuitry492may feed to the first point P1or second point P2of the first conductive patch410by using a switch circuitry450. The wireless communication circuitry492may transmit a control signal to the switch circuitry450to select an RF signal path, and may feed to the selected RF signal path. The switch circuitry450may include a single pole double throw (SPDT) switch.

The first conductive patch410which is physically one construction may operate as two antenna elements through a structure of feeding to the first point P1or the second point P2by using the switch circuitry450. The first conductive patch410may operate as a first antenna element which is fed at the first point P1or a second antenna element which is fed at the second point P2. The first antenna element and second antenna element of the first conductive patch410may output different beam patterns.

A receive (RX) port of the wireless communication circuitry492may be electrically coupled with the first conductive patch410through the switch circuitry450. The first conductive patch410may operate as two antenna elements for receiving an RF signal of a specified band through a structure of feeding to the first point P1or the second point P2. The wireless communication circuitry492may receive the RF signal of the specified band, by using the first conductive patch410coupled to the first point P1through the switch circuitry450. The wireless communication circuitry492may receive the RF signal of the specified band, by using the first conductive patch410coupled to the second point P2through the switch circuitry450.

An RX/transmit (TX) port of the wireless communication circuitry492may be electrically coupled with the second conductive patch420. The wireless communication circuitry492may receive or transmit an RF signal of a specified band, by using the second conductive patch420fed at the third point P3.

A control port of the wireless communication circuitry492may be electrically coupled with the switch circuitry450. The wireless communication circuitry492may provide a control signal for selecting the first point P1or second point P2of the first conductive patch410to the switch circuitry450through the control port.

The patch antenna400may have a multi-resonance characteristic. Referring toFIG.7, the first conductive patch410may resonate in a first frequency range having a first center frequency f1(e.g., 6.5 GHz) and a second center frequency f2(e.g., 8.2 GHz), and the second conductive patch420may also resonate in a frequency range having the first center frequency f1and a frequency range having the second center frequency f2.

FIG.8Ais an exploded perspective view of a patch antenna400of an electronic device, according to an embodiment.

FIG.8Bis an exploded perspective view of the patch antenna400of the electronic device, according to an embodiment.

FIG.8AandFIG.8Billustrate a structure of the patch antenna400of the electronic device300ofFIG.4andFIG.5.

Referring toFIG.8AandFIG.8B, the patch antenna400of the electronic device300may include an FPCB430, a first conductive patch410, a second conductive patch420, a first transmission line811, and a second transmission line821.

Referring toFIG.8A, the FPCB430may include a plurality of layers. The FPCB430may include a first layer431and a second layer432located at a bottom end of the first layer431(e.g., direction Y).

The first conductive patch410, the second conductive patch420spaced apart from the first conductive patch410, the first transmission line811, and the second transmission line821may be disposed on the first layer431of the FPCB430. The first conductive patch410may be electrically coupled with a wireless communication circuitry through the first transmission line811. The first transmission line811may include a plurality of transmission lines. As shown inFIG.6A, it may include two transmission lines (e.g., the first transmission line411and second transmission line412ofFIG.6A) respectively coupled to different two edges of the first conductive patch410. The second conductive patch420may be electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry through the second conductive patch420. Although it is illustrated inFIG.8AandFIG.8Bthat the first transmission line811and the second transmission line812have different widths, each of the widths of the first transmission line811and second transmission line821is not limited to the illustrated example. As shown inFIG.6B, the first transmission line811(e.g., the first transmission line411and/or second transmission line412ofFIG.6B) may have substantially the same width as the second transmission line821(e.g., the third transmission line421ofFIG.6B).

A location where the first transmission line811and/or the second transmission line821are disposed is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. The location where the first transmission line811and/or the second transmission line821are disposed may vary depending on an embodiment.

The FPCB430may include electrical connecting members415and416to electrically couple the first conductive patch410and/or second conductive patch420of the first layer431and a ground of the second layer432. The electrical connecting members415and416may include the first electrical connecting member415which electrically couples the first conductive patch410of the first layer431and the ground of the second layer432and the second electrical connecting member416which electrically couples the second conductive patch420of the first layer431and the ground of the second layer432. Through the first electrical connecting member415and/or the second electrical connecting member416, a current flow of the first conductive patch410and/or second conductive patch420may be changed, which may result in a change in a resonance characteristic of the first conductive patch410and/or second conductive patch420. The first electrical connecting member415and/or the second electrical connecting member416may have a structure in which a plurality of conductive vias are aligned in a wall shape. The first electrical connecting member415and/or the second electrical connecting member416may be a conductive via of a wall shape, but are not limited thereto. The first electrical connecting member415and/or the second electrical connecting member416may include a signal wiring, a conductive gasket, a conductive foam, and/or a C-clip.

A guard ground4311including at least one hole4311amay be disposed on the first layer431of the FPCB430. The guard ground4311may be disposed to surround at least one of the first conductive patch410, second conductive patch420, first transmission line811, and/or second transmission line821disposed on the first layer431. Since at least one of the first conductive patch410, the second conductive patch420, the first transmission line811, and/or the second transmission line821is disposed inside at least one hole4311aof the guard ground4311, the guard ground4311may surround at least one of the first conductive patch410, the second conductive patch420, the first transmission line811, and/or the second transmission line821. The guard ground4311may shield at least one of the first conductive patch410, the second conductive patch420, the first transmission line811, and/or the second transmission line821. The guard ground4311may shield at least one of the first conductive patch410, the second conductive patch420, the first transmission line811, and/or the second transmission line821from noise generated from other electronic components in the electronic device300.

The second layer432(or a ground layer) of the FPCB430may include a ground. Coupling (or a capacitive coupling) may occur between the ground of the second layer432and the first and second transmission lines811and821of the first layer431. A dielectric material having a specified permittivity may be filled between the first layer431and second layer432of the FPCB430. The resonance characteristic of the first conductive patch410and/or second conductive patch420operating as an antenna radiator may vary depending on a thickness of the dielectric material disposed between the first layer431and the second layer432. An increase in the thickness of the dielectric material may result in an increase in a coupling space between the first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch and the ground of the second layer432. Accordingly, an antenna efficiency (e.g., an antenna gain) of the first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420may be improved.

The first layer431and second layer432of the FPCB430may be electrically coupled through at least one via penetrating the guard ground4311and including a conductive material. At least one of first through-holes (or via holes)431aand431bmay be disposed on the guard ground4311of the first layer431, and at least one of second through-holes432aand432bof the second layer432may be disposed at locations corresponding to the at least one of first through-holes431aand431bof the first layer431. Since the at least one via is disposed inside the at least one of the first through-holes431aand431bof the first layer431and the at least one of the second through-holes432aand432bof the second layer432, the first layer431and the second layer432may be electrically coupled.

A cover lay may be disposed at an upper end of the first layer431of the FPCB430(e.g., a region in direction X) and/or a lower end of the second layer432(e.g., a region in direction Y). The cover lay may protect the first layer431and second layer432of the FPCB430.

Referring toFIG.8B, the FPCB430may include the first layer431, the second layer432located at a bottom end of the first layer431(e.g., direction Y), and a third layer433located at a bottom end of the second layer432(e.g., direction Y).

The first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420spaced apart by a specified distance from the first conductive patch410may be disposed on the first layer431of the FPCB430. The first guard ground4311including at least one of holes4311aand4311bmay be disposed on the first layer431of the FPCB430. The first guard ground4311may be disposed to surround the first conductive patch410and second conductive patch420of the first layer431. The first conductive patch410may be disposed inside the first hole4311aof the first guard ground4311, and the second conductive patch420may be disposed inside the second hole4311bof the first guard ground4311, so that the first guard ground4311is disposed to surround the first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420. The first guard ground4311may shield the first conductive patch410and the second conductive patch420from external noise.

The first transmission line811and the second transmission line821may be disposed on the second layer432of the FPCB430. The first conductive patch410may be electrically coupled with a wireless communication circuitry through the first transmission line811. The second conductive patch420may be electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry through the second transmission line821. At least one connecting member which electrically couples the first conductive patch410and/or the second conductive patch420to a ground of the third layer433may be further included in the second layer432of the FPCB430.

A second guard ground4321including at least one of holes4321aand4321bmay be additionally disposed on the second layer432of the FPCB430. The second guard ground4321may be disposed to surround the first and second transmission lines811and821, thereby shielding the first and second transmission lines811and821from external noise. The first transmission line811may be disposed inside the third hole4321aof the second guard ground4321, and the second transmission line821may be disposed inside the fourth hole4321bof the second guard ground4321, so that the second guard ground4321is disposed to surround the first transmission line811and the second transmission line821. A location where the first transmission line811and/or the second transmission line821are disposed is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. The location where the first transmission line811and/or the second transmission line821are disposed may vary depending on an embodiment.

The third layer433(or the ground layer) of the FPCB430may include a ground. Coupling (i.e., capacitive coupling) may occur between the ground of the third layer433and the first and second transmission lines811and821of the second layer432.

The first layer431, the second layer432, and/or third layer433of the FPCB430may be electrically coupled through at least one via including a conductive material. At least one of the first through-hole (or via holes)431aand431bmay be disposed on the guard ground4311of the first layer431. At least one of the second through-holes432aand432bmay be disposed at locations corresponding to the at least one of the first through-holes431aand431bof the first layer431, and at least one of third through-holes433aand433bof the third layer433may be disposed at locations corresponding to the at least one of the second through-holes432aand432bof the second layer432. Since the at least one via is disposed inside the at least one of the first through-holes431aand431bof the first layer431, the at least one of the second through-hole432aand432bof the second layer432, and/or the at least one of the third through-holes433aand433bof the third layer433, the first layer431, the second layer432, and/or the third layer433can be electrically coupled.

A dielectric material having a specified permittivity may be filled between the first layer431and second layer432of the FPCB430and between the second layer432and the third layer433. A cover lay may be disposed at an upper end of the first layer431of the FPCB430(e.g., a region in direction X) and/or a lower end of the third layer433(e.g., a region in direction Y). The cover lay may protect the first layer431, second layer432, and/or third layer433of the FPCB430.

FIG.9is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which an electronic device900detects a location of an external device902maccording to an embodiment.

FIG.10is a conceptual view illustrating an operation in which the electronic device900detects a location of the external device902, according to an embodiment.

When components have the same reference numerals as those of the electronic device300described above, the aforementioned description may be equally applied to the electronic device900ofFIG.10.

FIG.11is a detailed flowchart illustrating step901ofFIG.9, according to an embodiment.

FIG.12illustrates a ranging process of the electronic device900with respect to the external device902, according to an embodiment.

FIG.13illustrates a data frame of UWB communication, according to an embodiment.

Steps ofFIG.9may be performed in sequence or in parallel. The steps illustrated inFIG.9may be performed in sequence from step901to step913. As another example, step901may be performed simultaneously with steps903to step911, or step903to step911may be performed during the performance of step901.

The steps illustrated inFIG.9may be performed by the electronic device900ofFIG.10or the processor990of the electronic device900.

Hereinafter, an operation in which the electronic device900detects the location of the external device902will be described with reference toFIG.10,FIG.11,FIG.12, andFIG.13.

First, referring toFIG.10, a first conductive patch410electrically coupled with a wireless communication circuitry492at a first point P1through a switch circuitry450may operate as a first antenna910. The first conductive patch410electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry492at a second point P2through the switch circuitry450may operate as a second antenna920. A second conductive patch420electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry492at a third point P3may operate as a third antenna930.

An RX port of the wireless communication circuitry492may be electrically coupled with the first conductive patch410through the switch circuitry450, and a TX/RX port of the wireless communication circuitry492may be electrically coupled with the second conductive patch420. The first conductive patch410may operate as an antenna (e.g., the first antenna910and the second antenna920) for receiving an RF signal of a specified band (e.g., UWB), and may operate as an antenna for measuring an angle of arrival of an RF signal received from the external device902. The second conductive patch420may operate as an antenna (e.g., the third antenna930) for transmitting and receiving the RF signal of the specified band, may operate as an antenna for measuring a distance to the external device902, and may operate as an antenna for measuring an angle of arrival of an RF signal received from the external device902.

The electronic device900may include a sensor unit976electrically coupled with a processor990. The sensor unit976may include at least one sensor. The sensor unit976may include a magnetic field sensor (or a geomagnetic sensor) and/or a GNSS (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)).

Referring toFIG.9, at step901, the electronic device900may measure a distance to the external device902. A two way ranging (TWR) scheme may be used to measure the distance. Referring toFIG.11as a detailed flowchart of the step901ofFIG.9, at step1101, the electronic device900may transmit at least one RF signal (poll) to the external device902. Referring toFIG.10andFIG.12, the processor990of the electronic device900may transmit a ranging request message (or a poll message) to the external device902by using the third antenna930. The external device902which has received the at least one ranging request message may transmit at least one ranging response message (or a response message) to the electronic device900.

At step1103, the electronic device900may receive at least one RF signal (response) from the external device902. Referring toFIG.10andFIG.12, the processor990of the electronic device900may receive the at least one ranging response message by using at least one of the first antenna910, the second antenna920, and/or the third antenna930.

At step1105, the electronic device900may measure a distance to the external device902, based on at least one RF signal received from the external device902. Referring toFIG.12, the processor990may determine a round trip time (RTT) (e.g., RTTA), based on a timing at which the ranging request message is transmitted and a timing at which the ranging response message is received. The processor990may subtract, from the RTT, a time (e.g., Reply TimeA) required the external device902transmits the ranging response message after receiving the ranging request message, and thus may determine a time of flight (TOF) which is a time required until an RF signal is transmitted from the electronic device900and arrives up to the external device902. The processor990may measure the distance to the external device902, based on the determined TOF.

Returning toFIG.9, at step903, the electronic device900may receive a first part of a data frame from the external device902through the first antenna910and the third antenna930. Referring toFIG.10andFIG.13, the processor990may use the wireless communication circuitry492to provide control such that the switch circuitry450is coupled at the first point P1of the first conductive patch410. The processor990may use the first antenna910and the third antenna930to receive a first part1301including a synchronization (SYNC) packet and start of frame delimiter (SFD) packet of a data frame1300from the external device902. At least one ranging response message received from the external device902may include one data frame1300including a plurality of packets of a format configured based on a UWB communication protocol. That is, since the data frame1300may be included in the at least one ranging response message received from the external device902described at step1103, step903in which the first part1301of the data frame1300is received may be performed simultaneously with step1103in which at least one RF signal (or response) is received from the external device or during step1103is performed. The data frame1300may include the SYNC packet1301including time synchronization information with respect to the external device902, the SFD packet1301for indicating an end of the SYNC packet, a guard packet1302as a time gap in which no signal is transmitted/received, and a scrambled timestamp sequence (STS) packet1303for preventing an attack on data included in the data frame1300. A state where the first conductive patch410is electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry492at the first point P1may be referred to as a state where the first antenna910is active and a state where the second antenna920is inactive. The state where the first conductive patch410is electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry492at the second point P2may be referred to as a state where the first antenna910is inactive or a state where the second antenna920is active.

At step905, the electronic device900may measure a first AOA, based on the first part1301of the data frame1300received from the external device902. Referring toFIG.10, the processor990may determine a phase difference between a signal received through the first antenna910and a signal received through the third antenna930, based on a difference of respective timings at which an RF signal corresponding to the first part1301of the data frame1300is received through the first antenna910and the third antenna930. The processor990may determine a first AOA θ1of an RF signal received from the external device902, based on the determined phase difference, a wavelength of the received RF signal, and a distance910between the first antenna910and the third antenna930. The processor990may compare the received SYNC packet and a cross-correlation with a stored SYNC sequence to calculate a channel impulse response (CIR). The processor990may obtain time stamp information from the SYNC packet and SFD packet corresponding to the first part1301of the data frame1300, based on the calculated CIR, thereby determining the first AOA θ1.

At step907, the electronic device900may perform antenna switching, based on the second part1302of the data frame1300. Referring toFIG.10andFIG.13, the processor990may receive the second part1302of the data frame1300through at least one of the first antenna910and/or the third antenna930in response to a time division operation of UWB communication. The processor990may control the switch circuitry450such that the first conductive patch410coupled to the first point P1is coupled to the second point P2at a time corresponding to the second part1302of the data frame1300. The processor990may change a state of the first antenna910from an active state to an inactive state, and may change a state of the second antenna920from the inactive state to the active state.

At step909, the electronic device900may receive a third part1303of the data frame1300from the external device902through the second antenna920and the third antenna930. Referring toFIG.13, the processor990may use the second antenna920and the third antenna930to receive the third part1303including the STS packet of the data frame1300from the external device902in response to the time division operation of UWB communication. Since the data frame1300may included in at least one ranging response message received from the external device902described at step1103, step909in which the third part1303of the data frame1300is received may be performed simultaneously with step1103in which at least one RF signal (or response) is received from the external device or during performance of step1103.

At step911, the electronic device900may measure a second AOA, based on the third part1303of the data frame1300received from the external device902. Referring toFIG.10, the processor990may determine a phase difference between a signal received through the second antenna920and a signal received through the third antenna930, based on a difference of respective timings at which an RF signal corresponding to the third part1303of the data frame1300is received through the second antenna920and the third antenna930. The processor990may determine a second AOA θ2of an RF signal received from the external device902, based on the determined phase difference, a wavelength of the received RF signal, and a distance D1by which the second antenna920and the third antenna930are spaced apart. Similarly to step905, the processor990may compare an STS packet corresponding to the third part1303of the data frame1300and a cross-correlation with a stored STS sequence to calculate a CIR. The processor990may determine the second AOA for the external device902from the STS packet, based on the calculated CIR. The STS packet of the third part1303may not include time stamp information. Electronic devices (e.g., the electronic device900and the external device902) performing UWB communication may generate an STS packet, based on a pre-defined packet, and may change an index value every transmission period. The electronic devices performing the UWB communication include a previous index value (e.g., an index value of the first part1301) even if there is an attack such as hacking from the outside on the air, and thus may be safe from an external attack. The distance D2between the first antenna910and the third antenna930may imply a distance between the first point P1and the third point P3, and the distance D1between the second antenna920and the third antenna930may imply a distance between the second point P2and the third point P3. The distance D2may be greater than the distance D1. The distance D1and the distance D2may be less than or equal to a specified distance (e.g., a half wavelength λ/2 of a signal to be received through the patch antenna400).

At step913, the electronic device900may determine the location of the external device, based on a measured distance value, the first AOA, and the second AOA. The processor990may measure the location of the external device902, based on the distance to the external device90measured at step901, the first AOA θ1determined at step905, and the second AOA θ2measured at step911. The processor990may obtain information on a magnetic north direction through the sensor unit976. The processor990may determine a direction of the external device902(or an azimuth angle of the external device902), based on the obtained information on the magnetic north direction, the first AOA θ1, and the second AOA θ2. The processor990may detect the location of the external device902, based on the determined direction of the external device902and the distance to the external device902determined at step901.

Since the electronic device900determines the location of the external device902by using the first AOA information and second AOA information obtained through antennas arranged in different angles within one data frame of UWB communication, accuracy of location measurement of the external device902can be improved, and the location measurement can be less affected by a posture (e.g., portrait or landscape) of the electronic device900. The electronic device900can adaptively measure the location of the external device902for various wireless communication environments (e.g., an LOS environment or an NLOS environment).

It has been described above that the first part1301of the data frame1300is received through the first antenna910and the third antenna930at step903ofFIG.9, the antenna is switched at step907, and the third part1303of the data frame1300is received through the second antenna920and the third antenna930at step909. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The first part1301of the dada frame1300may be received through the second antenna920and the third antenna930, and an activated antenna may be switched to receive the third part1303of the data frame1300through the first antenna910and the third antenna930.

FIG.14is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which the electronic device900detects a location of the external device902, according to an embodiment.

The steps ofFIG.14may be performed in sequence or in parallel. The steps illustrated inFIG.14may be performed in sequence from step1401to step1413. Step1401may be performed simultaneously with step1403to step1411, or step1403to step1411may be performed during the performance of step1401.

The steps illustrated inFIG.14may be performed by the electronic device900ofFIG.10or the processor990of the electronic device900.

Referring toFIG.14, at step1401, the electronic device900may measure a distance to the external device902. Step1401may correspond to step901ofFIG.9and steps1101to1105ofFIG.11. The processor990of the electronic device900may transmit at least one ranging request message to the external device902as in step1101ofFIG.11, and may receive at least one ranging response message from the external device902as in step1103ofFIG.11. The processor990may measure the distance to the external device902, based on the at least one ranging response message, as in step1105ofFIG.11.

At step1403, the electronic device900may receive a first ranging response message from the external device902through the first antenna910and the third antenna930. Referring toFIG.10, the processor990may use the wireless communication circuitry492to provide control such that the switch circuitry450is coupled to the first point P1of the first conductive patch410. The processor990may receive the first ranging response message including at least one data frame (e.g., the data frame1300ofFIG.13) from the external device902by using the first antenna910and the third antenna930.

At step1405, the electronic device900may measure a first AOA, based on the first ranging response message received from the external device902. Referring toFIG.10, the processor990may determine a phase difference between a signal received through the first antenna910and a signal received through the third antenna930, based on a difference of respective timings at which an RF signal corresponding to the first ranging response message is received through the first antenna910and the third antenna930. The processor990may determine a first AOA θ1of an RF signal received from the external device902, based on the determined phase difference, a wavelength of the received RF signal, and a distance D2between the first antenna910and the third antenna930. Step1405may correspond to step905in which the first AOA is measured based on the first part1301of the data frame1300.

At step1407, the electronic device900may perform antenna switching. After receiving the first ranging response message, and before receiving the second ranging response message, the processor990may control the switch circuitry450such that the first conductive patch410coupled to the first point P1is coupled to the second point P2. The processor990may change a state of the first antenna910from an active state to an inactive state, and may change a state of the second antenna920from the inactive state to the active state.

At step1409, the electronic device900may receive the second ranging response message from the external device902through the second antenna920and the third antenna930. The processor990may receive the second ranging response message including at least one data frame (e.g., the data frame1300ofFIG.13) by using the second antenna920and third antenna930which are in an active state.

At step1411, the electronic device900may measure the second AOA, based on the second ranging response message from the external device902. Referring toFIG.10, the processor990may determine a phase difference between a signal received through the second antenna920and a signal received through the third antenna930, based on a difference of respective timings at which an RF signal corresponding to the second ranging response message is received through the second antenna920and the third antenna930. The processor990may determine a second AOA θ2of an RF signal received from the external device902, based on the determined phase difference, a wavelength of the received RF signal, and a distance D1by which the second antenna920and the third antenna930are spaced apart. Step1411may correspond to Step911in which the second AOA is measured based on the third part1303of the data frame1300.

At step1413, the electronic device900may determine the location of the external device, based on a measured distance value, the first AOA, and the second AOA. The processor990may measure the location of the external device902, based on the distance to the external device902measured at step1401, the first AOA θ1determined at step1405, and the second AOA θ2measured at step1411. Step1413may correspond to step913ofFIG.9.

The electronic device900determines the location of the external device902, based on the first AOA information obtained through the first ranging response message received through the first antenna910and the third antenna930and the second AOA information obtained through the second ranging response message received through the second antenna920and the third antenna930. Therefore, accuracy of location measurement of the external device902can be improved, and the location of the external device902can be detected irrespective of a posture (e.g., portrait or landscape) of the electronic device900. The electronic device900can adaptively measure the location of the external device902for various wireless communication environments (e.g., an LOS environment or an NLOS environment).

It has been described above that the first ranging response message is received through the first antenna910and the third antenna930at step1403ofFIG.14, the antenna is switched at step1407, and the second ranging response message is received through the second antenna920and the third antenna930at step1409. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The first ranging response message may be received through the second antenna920and the third antenna930, and an activated antenna may be switched to receive the second ranging response message through the first antenna910and the third antenna930.

FIG.15is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which an electronic device900detects a location of an external device902, based on a posture of the electronic device900, according to an embodiment.

FIG.16Aillustrates a process in which the electronic device900detects a location of the external device902when a posture of the electronic device900is in a portrait state, according to an embodiment.

FIG.16Billustrates a process in which the electronic device900detects the location of the external device902when the posture of the electronic device900is in a landscape state, according to an embodiment.

Although an alignment relation of a first conductive patch410and a second conductive patch420and an alignment relation of a first point P1, a second point P2, and a third point P3are illustrated inFIG.16AandFIG.16Bon the basis of the patch antenna400ofFIG.6B, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The following description may also be applied to a case of the patch antenna400ofFIG.6A,FIG.6C, andFIG.6Din the same or corresponding manner.

Hereinafter, an operation in which the electronic device ofFIG.15detects a location of an external device will be described with reference toFIG.16AandFIG.16B. When components ofFIG.16AandFIG.16Bhave the same reference numerals as the components ofFIG.10, the aforementioned description may be equally applied. The first conductive patch410fed at the first point P1by a wireless communication circuitry492may operate as a first antenna (e.g., the first antenna910inFIG.10), and the first conductive patch410fed at the second point P2may operate as a second antenna e.g., the second antenna920ofFIG.10). In addition, the second conductive patch420fed at the third point P3may operate as a third antenna (e.g., the third antenna930ofFIG.10).

Referring toFIG.16AandFIG.16B, the electronic device900may include a first side face900aextending along a first direction (e.g., +y direction ofFIG.16A), a second side face900bparallel to the first side face900a, a third side face900cextending along a second direction (e.g., +x direction ofFIG.16A) perpendicular to the first direction and coupling one end of the first side face900a(e.g., one end in +y direction ofFIG.16A) and one end of the second side face900b(e.g., one end in +y direction ofFIG.16A), and a fourth side face900dparallel to the third side face900cand coupling the other end of the first side face900a(e.g., one end in −y direction ofFIG.16A) and the other end of the second side face900b(e.g., one end in −y direction ofFIG.16A). The first side face900aand second side face900of the electronic device900may be constructed to have a relatively longer length than the third side face900cand the fourth side face900d.

The electronic device900may include a sensor unit976electrically coupled with a processor990. The processor990may detect a posture of the electronic device900by using the sensor unit976. The sensor unit976may include at least one of a gyro sensor and/or a position sensor, but is not limited thereto. The processor990may determine whether a current posture of the electronic device900is a portrait state or a landscape state, based on a value obtained through the sensor unit976.

In the disclosure, when it is said that the posture of the electronic device900is the ‘portrait state’, it may mean a state where the third side face900cor fourth side face900dhaving a relatively short length among side faces of the electronic device900is located at a bottom end of the electronic device900(e.g., −y direction ofFIG.16A). In the disclosure, when it is said that the posture of the electronic device900is the ‘portrait state’, it may mean a state where the first side face900aand/or second side face900bhaving a relatively long length are located more parallel to a direction of gravity than the third side face900cand/or fourth side face900dhaving a relatively short length among the side faces of the electronic device900. When a direction in which gravity acts is a direction from +y direction to −y direction inFIG.16A, the first side face900aand the second side face900bmay be parallel to the direction of gravity, and the third side face900cand the fourth side face900dmay be perpendicular to the direction in which gravity acts. In this case, since the first side face900aand the second side face900bare located more parallel to the direction of gravity than the third side face900cand the fourth side face900d, the posture of the electronic device900may be the portrait state.

In the disclosure, when it is said that the posture of the electronic device900is the ‘landscape state’, it may mean a state where the first side face900aor second side face900bhaving a relatively long length among the side faces of the electronic device900is located at a bottom end of the electronic device900(e.g., −y direction ofFIG.16A). In the disclosure, when it is said that the posture of the electronic device900is the ‘landscape state’, it may mean a state where the third side face900cand/or fourth side face900dhaving a relatively short length are located more parallel to a direction of gravity than the first side face900aand/or second side face900bhaving a relatively long length among the side faces of the electronic device900. When a direction in Which gravity acts is a direction from +y direction to −y direction inFIG.16A, the first side face900aand the second side face900bmay be perpendicular to the direction of gravity, and the third side face900cand the fourth side face900dmay be parallel to the direction in which gravity acts. In this case, since the third side face900cand the fourth side face900dare located more parallel to the direction of gravity than the first side face900aand the second side face900b, the posture of the electronic device900may be the landscape state.

The ‘portrait state’ and/or ‘landscape state’ of the disclosure may be identified by a user interface (UI) and/or user experience (UX) viewed through a display. A UI and/or UX viewed through the display in the ‘portrait state’ and a UI and/or UX viewed through the display in the ‘landscape state’ may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

Hereinafter, an operation in which the processor990detects a location of the external device902according to a posture of the electronic device900will be described.

Referring toFIG.15, at step1501, the processor990of the electronic device900may detect a posture of the electronic device900by using the sensor unit976. The sensor unit976may detect the posture of the electronic device900, and may obtain data corresponding to the detected posture. The sensor unit976may provide the obtained data to the processor990. The processor990may detect the posture of the electronic device900, based on the provided data.

At step1503, the processor990of the electronic device900may determine whether the posture of the electronic device900is the portrait state. The sensor unit976may include a 9-axis motion sensor, and the processor990may obtain azimuth (or yaw), pitch, and roll values measured from the 9-axis motion sensor. The processor990may construct a virtual coordinate space divided into a portrait region and a landscape region, and may determine whether the value measured from the 9-axis motion sensor belongs to the portrait region or the landscape region in the virtual coordinate space. Based on the determination, the processor990may determine whether the posture of the electronic device900is the portrait state or the landscape state. At step1503, when it is determined that the posture of the electronic device900is the portrait state, step1505may be performed, and otherwise (when it is determined that the posture of the electronic device900is the landscape state), step1509may be performed.

At step1505, the processor990of the electronic device900may receive an RF signal from the external device through a second antenna and a third antenna. Referring toFIG.16A, the first conductive patch410electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry492at the first point P1may operate as the first antenna, and the first conductive patch410electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry492at the second point P2may operate as the second antenna. The second conductive patch420electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry492at the third point P3may operate as the third antenna. The processor990may control the switch circuitry450such that the wireless communication circuitry492is electrically coupled with the first conductive patch410at the second point P2, in response to determining that the posture of the electronic device900is the portrait state. The processor990may receive an RF signal from the external device902, by using the second antenna and the third antenna.

At step1507, the processor990may detect a location of the external device902, based on the RF signal received from the external device902through step1505. The processor990may calculate an RTT and/or an AOA of an RF signal, based on the RF signal received from the external device902through the second antenna and the third antenna. The processor990may calculate a distance to the external device902based on the RTT, and may calculate a direction of the external device902based on the AOA. The processor990may detect the location of the external device902, based on the distance to the external device902and the direction of the external device902. Step1507may correspond to steps1401,1409,1411, and1413ofFIG.14. At step1507, the processor990may measure the distance to the external device902similarly to step1401. The processor990may measure the AOA of the RF signal received from the external device902by using the second antenna and the third antenna in a manner corresponding to steps1409to1411. The processor990may determine the location of the external device902, based on the distance to the external device902and the measured AOA, in a manner corresponding step1413.

At step1509, the processor990may receive the RF signal from the external device902through the first antenna and the third antenna, in response to determining that the posture of the electronic device900is the landscape state at step1503. Referring toFIG.16B, the processor990may control the switch circuitry450such that the wireless communication circuitry492is electrically coupled with the first conductive patch410at the first point P1, in response to determining that the posture of the electronic device900is the landscape state. The first conductive patch410electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry492at the first point P1may operate as the first antenna. The processor990may receive the RF signal from the external device902, by using the first antenna and the third antenna.

At step1511, the processor990may detect the location of the external device902, based on the RF signal received from the external device902at step1509. The processor990may calculate the RTT and/or the AOA of the RF signal, based on the RF signal received from the external device902through the first antenna and the third antenna. The processor990may calculate the distance to the external device902based on the RTT, and may calculate the direction of the external device902based on the AOA. The processor990may detect the location of the external device902, based on the distance to the external device902and the direction of the external device902. Step1511may correspond to steps1401,1403,1405, and1413ofFIG.14. At step1507, the processor990may measure the distance to the external device902similarly to step1401. The processor990may measure the AOA of the RF signal received from the external device902by using the first antenna and the third antenna in a manner corresponding to steps1403to1405. The processor990may determine the location of the external device902, based on the distance to the external device902and the measured AOA, in a manner corresponding to step1413.

The aforementioned electronic device may include an FPCB including a first conductive patch and a second conductive patch, a wireless communication circuitry electrically coupled with the first conductive patch and the second conductive patch, and a processor electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry. The first conductive patch may be fed from the wireless communication circuitry at a first point located at a first edge of the first conductive patch or a second point located at a second edge different from the first edge, and may operate as an antenna radiator which receives an RF signal of a specified frequency band. The second conductive patch may be fed from the wireless communication circuity at a third point of the second conductive patch, and may operate as an antenna radiator which transmits or receive an RF signal of a specified frequency band. The first conductive patch and the second conductive patch may overlap at least partially, when viewed on a horizontal axis of the FPCB. A distance between the first point and the third point may be a first specified distance less than or equal to a half wavelength λ/2 of the RF signal. A distance between the second point and the third point may be a second specified distance less than the first specified distance. A first line segment which connects the first point and the third point may have a slope different from that of a second line segment which connects the second point and the third point.

The processor may transmit at least one first RF signal to an external device by using the second conductive patch, receive at least one second RF signal transmitted in response to the at least one first RF signal from the external device, by using the first conductive patch and the second conductive patch, and determine a location of the external device, based on the at least one first RF signal and the at least one second RF signal.

The processor may receive a first part of a data frame of the at least one second RF signal received from the external device by using the first conductive patch coupled at the first point and the second conductive patch coupled at the third point, and identify a first AOA of the at least one second RF signal received from the external device, based on the first part.

The electronic device may include a switch circuitry electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry and the first conductive patch. The processor may control the switch circuitry such that the first conductive patch coupled at the first point is electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry at the second point while a second part of the data frame of the at least one second RF signal is received from the external device.

The processor may receive a third part of the data frame by using the first conductive patch coupled at the second point and the second conductive patch coupled at the third point, and identify a second AOA of the at least one second RF signal received from the external device, based on the third part.

The first part may include a SYNC packet and an SFD packet. The second part may include a guard packet. The third part may include an STS packet.

The processor may identify an RTT, based on the at least one first RF signal and the at least one second RF signal, and determine a distance between the electronic device and the external device, based on the identified RTT.

The processor may determine a location of the external device, based on the identified first AOA, the identified second AOA, and the determined distance.

The processor may receive a first signal of at least one second RF signal received from the external device, by using the first conductive patch coupled at the first point and the second conductive patch coupled at the third point, and identify a first AOA of the received first signal.

The electronic device may further include a switch circuitry electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry and the first conductive patch. The processor may control the switch circuitry such that the first conductive patch coupled at the first point is electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry at the second point in response to receiving the first signal.

The processor may receive a second signal of at least one second RF signal received from the external device, by using the first conductive patch coupled at the second point and the second conductive patch coupled at the third point, and identify a second AOA of the received second signal.

The processor may identify an RTT, based on the at least one first RF signal and the at least one second RF signal, determine a distance between the electronic device and the external device, based on the identified RTT, and determine a location of the external device, based on the identified first AOA, the identified second AOA, and the determined distance.

The electronic device may further include at least one sensor which detects a posture of the electronic device. The processor may detect the posture of the electronic device, based on a value obtained by the at least one sensor, if the detected posture of the electronic device is a landscape state, receive the at least one second RF signal from the external device through the first conductive patch coupled at the first point and the second conductive patch coupled at the third point, and if the detected posture of the electronic device is a portrait state, receive the at least one second RF signal from the external device through the first conductive patch coupled at the second point and the second conductive patch coupled at the third point.

The electronic device may further include a PCB on which the processor and the wireless communication circuitry are disposed, and a shield can disposed on the PCB to cover at least one of the processor and the wireless communication circuitry. The FPCB may be disposed on the shield can from the outside of the shield can.

The FPCB may include a first layer, a second layer and a third layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The first layer may include a guard ground layer having at least one hole disposed thereon. The second layer may include a ground layer. The third layer may include a dielectric material. The first conductive patch and the second conductive patch may be disposed inside the at least one hole. The guard ground layer and the ground layer may be electrically coupled through at least one first conducive via. Each of the first conductive patch and the second conductive patch may be electrically coupled to the ground layer through at least two second conductive vias.

The aforementioned electronic device may include an FPCB including a first conductive patch and a second conductive patch, a wireless communication circuitry electrically coupled with the first conductive patch and the second conductive patch, and a processor electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry. The first conductive patch may be fed from the wireless communication circuitry at a first point located at a first edge of the first conductive patch or a second point located at a second edge different from the first edge, and may operate as an antenna radiator which receives an RF signal of a specified frequency band. The second conductive patch may be fed from the wireless communication circuity at a third point of the second conductive patch, and may operate as an antenna radiator which transmits or receive an RF signal of a specified frequency band. The first conductive patch and the second conductive patch may overlap at least partially, when viewed on a horizontal axis of the FPCB. A distance between the first point and the third point may be a first specified distance less than or equal to a half wavelength λ/2 of the RF signal. A distance between the second point and the third point may be a second specified distance less than the first specified distance. The third point may be disposed on an edge farthest from the second point among edges of the second conductive patch. A first line segment which connects the first point and the third point may have a slope different from that of a second line segment which connects the second point and the third point.

The processor may transmit at least one first RF signal to an external device by using the second conductive patch coupled at the third point.

The electronic device may further include a switch circuitry electrically coupled with the first conductive patch and the wireless communication circuitry. The processor may allow the wireless communication circuitry to be electrically coupled at the first point of the first conductive patch, by using the switch circuitry, receive at least one second RF signal from the external device, by using the first conductive patch coupled at the first point and the second conductive patch coupled at the third point, and identify a first AOA of the at least one second RF signal.

The processor may allow the wireless communication circuitry to be coupled at the second point of the first conductive patch, by using the switch circuitry, receive the at least one second RF signal from the external device, by using the first conductive patch coupled at the second point and the second conductive patch coupled at the third point, and identify a second AOA of the at least one second RF signal.

The processor may identify an RTT of the RF signal, based on the at least one first RF signal and the at least one second RF signal, and determine a location of the external device, based on the RTT, the first AOA, and the second AOA.

Advantages acquired in the disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned advantages. Other advantages not mentioned herein can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains from the following descriptions.

Methods based on the embodiments disclosed in the claims and/or specification of the disclosure can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.

When implemented in software, computer readable recording medium for storing one or more programs (i.e., software modules) can be provided. The one or more programs stored in the computer readable recording medium are configured for execution performed by one or more processors in the electronic device. The one or more programs include instructions for allowing the electronic device to execute the methods based on the embodiments disclosed in the claims and/or specification of the disclosure.

The program (i.e., the software module or software) can be stored in a random access memory, a non-volatile memory including a flash memory, a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic disc storage device, a CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVDs) or other forms of optical storage devices, and a magnetic cassette. Alternatively, the program can be stored in a memory configured in combination of all or some of these storage media. In addition, the configured memory can be plural in number.

Further, the program can be stored in an attachable storage device capable of accessing the electronic device through a communication network such as the Internet, an Intranet, a LAN, a wide LAN (WLAN), or a storage area network (SAN) or a communication network configured by combining the networks. The storage device can have an access to a device for performing an embodiment of the disclosure via an external port. In addition, an additional storage device on a communication network can have an access to the device for performing the embodiment of the disclosure.

In the aforementioned specific embodiments of the disclosure, a component included in the disclosure is expressed in a singular or plural form according to the specific embodiment proposed herein. However, the singular or plural expression is selected properly for a situation proposed for the convenience of explanation, and thus the various embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to a single or a plurality of components. Therefore, a component expressed in a plural form can also be expressed in a singular form, or vice versa.