Signal receiving method and electronic device

An electronic device including a first transceiver configured to process a first carrier, a second transceiver configured to process a second carrier, a switch, a baseband processor configured to process a first baseband signal and a second baseband signal, which are processed respectively by the first transceiver and the second transceiver, an antenna connected through the switch in association with some of a plurality of reception paths with respect to the first carrier, and a reception path configured to provide the second transceiver with the first carrier received via the antenna connected through the switch to the second transceiver.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to a Korean Patent Application filed on Oct. 22, 2013 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office and assigned Serial No. 10-2013-0126213, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to a method and apparatus for diversity reception in an electronic device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Wireless communication techniques are widely used not only in various industrial fields but also in real life. For example, a portable terminal such as a smart phone, which has become a necessity of modern life, communicates wirelessly with a communication system of a vendor. Further, near field wireless communication is widely used, along with broadband wireless communication (e.g., a mobile phone).

To improve communication quality, wireless communication techniques have been developed in both hardware and software. For example, a communication technique using a plurality of antennas has been developed, and a technique for more effectively extracting data from a signal is under development. A diversity reception scheme is one example of a reception scheme that uses a plurality of antennas. In the diversity reception scheme, a signal is received through different paths to acquire a plurality of reception (RX) signals, and the RX signals are combined to increase the gain of the signal. The dimension of a path may be classified in terms of space, time, or frequency. For example, in case of a plurality of antennas, a plurality of paths may be formed in the spatial dimension.

If an electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone) performs diversity reception using a plurality of antennas, the wireless communication device may include a plurality of hardware modules for processing the signals received through the antennas. In this case, where signals received through different antennas are processed using different hardware modules, path independence is ensured, and when combined, the gain of the signal may increase. In general, diversity reception improves as the number of signal paths increases.

In addition, an electronic device that uses a plurality of antennas may improve its reception capability by performing Carrier Aggregation (CA). CA is a wideband communication scheme that uses different carrier frequencies. Each CA carrier is called a component carrier (CC). Since resources of the respective carriers are independently scheduled, the electronic device may receive data simultaneously through the respective carriers. For this, the electronic device supporting the CA may include Radio Frequency (RF) and baseband signal processing modules corresponding to the respective carriers.

As described above, an electronic device operating in a Carrier Aggregation (CA) mode may perform communication with a wide bandwidth by simultaneously using carriers of different frequencies. However, even if CA is supported, the electronic device may not always operate in the CA mode. Occasionally, the electronic device may not always operate in the CA mode. Occasionally, the electronic device may operate in a non-CA mode. In the non-CA reception mode, according to a user's usage environment (e.g., a manner of holding the device with a hand, locations of a head and a terminal, and the like), an error may occur in a signal reception of an antenna. In this case, there is a problem in that reception (RX) signal quality may be significantly decreased.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been made to address the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages, and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for performing diversity reception in an electronic device.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first transceiver configured to process a first carrier, a second transceiver configured to process a second carrier, a switch, a baseband processor configured to process a first baseband signal and a second baseband signal, which are processed respectively by the first transceiver and the second transceiver, an antenna connected through the switch in association with some of a plurality of reception paths with respect to the first carrier, and a second reception path configured to provide the second transceiver with the first carrier received via the antenna connected through the switch to the second transceiver.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of controlling an electronic device is provided. The method includes processing a first carrier via a first transceiver when the first carrier is received, if a second carrier is not processed, providing the second transceiver with the first carrier received via an antenna connected to the second transceiver through a switch and processing the second carrier by the second transceiver when the second carrier is received, and demodulating and decoding a baseband signal of the first carrier processed by the first transceiver and a baseband signal of the first carrier processed by the second transceiver.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first transceiver configured to process a reception (RX) signal of a first carrier when operating in a Carrier Aggregation (CA) mode, a second transceiver configured to process an RX signal of a second carrier when operating in the CA mode, and a baseband processor configured to demodulate and decode a signal processed by the first transceiver and the second transceiver, wherein the second transceiver converts an RX signal of the first carrier to a baseband signal when operating in a non-CA mode, and wherein the baseband processor is provided with a baseband signal of the first carrier from the first transceiver via an input means corresponding to the first transceiver and is provided with a baseband signal of the first carrier from the second transceiver via an input means corresponding to the second transceiver, and thereafter provides the baseband signals to one processing module through internal routing to combine the baseband signals.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna, a first transceiver and a second transceivers configured to receive at least one of a first signal and a second signal via the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna, wherein if the first signal is not received, the first transceiver receives the second signal via the first antenna and the second antenna, and wherein the second transceiver is configured to receive the second signal via the third antenna.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of performing a communication via an electronic device is provided. The method includes receiving at least one of a first signal and a second signal via at least one of a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna, and providing the first signal or the second signal to a first transceiver or a second transceiver, wherein the providing includes, if the second signal is not received, providing the first transceiver with the first signal received via the first antenna and the second antenna, and providing the second transceiver with the first signal received via the third antenna.

Hereinafter, diversity reception for a wireless communication according to embodiments of the present disclosure is described. Terms used to refer to hardware modules hereinafter are for convenience of explanation. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described hereinafter, and other terms may also be used to refer to objects having the same technical meaning.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the present disclosure uses terms and names defined in 3rdGeneration Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE) and/or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) standards (e.g., 3GPP TS 36.300 v10.3). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms and names, but is equally applicable to a system conforming to other standards. In addition, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

An electronic device according to the present disclosure may be a device including a communication function. For example, the electronic device may include at least one of a smart phone, a tablet Personal Computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a personal digital assistant, a portable multimedia player, a Moving Picture Experts Group 1 (MPEG1) Audio Layer 3 (MP3) player, a mobile medical device, a camera, and a wearable device (e.g., a head-mounted-device such as electronic glasses, electronic clothes, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an electronic appcessory, an electronic tattoo, a smart watch, etc.).

According to the present disclosure, the electronic device may be a smart white appliance having a communication function. For example, the smart white appliance may include at least one of a television (TV), a digital video disk player, an audio player, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, an air purifier, a set-top box, a TV box (e.g., Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™), a game console, an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, and an electronic picture frame.

According to the present disclosure, the electronic device may include at least one of various medical devices (e.g., magnetic resonance angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, imaging equipment, ultrasonic instrument, and the like), a navigation device, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, an event data recorder, a flight data recorder, a car infotainment device, an electronic equipment for a ship (e.g., a vessel navigation device, a gyro compass, and the like), avionics, a security device, and an industrial or domestic robot.

According to the present disclosure, the electronic device may include at least one of a piece of furniture or a part of building/construction including a communication function, an electronic board, an electronic signature input device, a projector, and various measurement devices (e.g., water supply, electricity, gas, propagation measurement device, and the like). The electronic device according to the present disclosure may be one or more combinations of the aforementioned devices. In addition, it will be apparent to those of ordinarily skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

If diversity reception is performed using a plurality of antennas, the electronic device may include a plurality of signal processing modules.

According to the present disclosure, the electronic device performs diversity reception using a plurality of signal processing modules (e.g., transceivers) provided for different purposes. For example, if the signal processing modules provided for the different purposes are not presently being used, the electronic device may perform diversity reception using a signal processing module presently being used for signal reception and a signal processing module which is not presently being used. For example, signal processing modules for respective carriers of the electronic device supporting Carrier Aggregation (CA) of an LTE-A system may be used.

Even if the electronic device supports the CA, it may operate in a single-carrier mode under the control of a network. The single-carrier mode may be referred to as a non-CA mode. For example, such a case may include a case where a resource of a specific Carrier Component (CC) has reached full capacity (i.e., is saturated) and thus only one CC can be allocated, a case where an amount of data to be transmitted to a corresponding electronic device may be sufficiently transmitted using only one CC. In a case of operating in the single-carrier mode, signal processing modules for a second carrier, e.g., a secondary carrier, may not be activated or may not be used. In addition, even in a case of operating in the CA mode, if a resource is not allocated at the second carrier in a specific duration, the signal processing module for the second carrier may not be activated in the specific duration. In this case, the number of signal processing modules which are not activated may vary according to the maximum number of CCs that can be supported by the electronic device.

As described above, in case of the electronic device supporting the CA, some of the signal processing modules may be deactivated according to an operation mode or a resource allocation situation. In this case, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may use a signal processing module for an unscheduled carrier to perform diversity reception with respect to a signal of a scheduled carrier. Herein, when it is said that the carrier is “unscheduled”, it may include a case of operating in the single-carrier mode or a case where a resource is not allocated for one carrier in a specific duration of the CA mode.

In addition, for diversity reception, a Reception (RX) antenna is required in addition to the signal processing module. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may use an antenna installed for a different purpose other than communicating with a transmitting apparatus (e.g., a base station (BS)). According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may use an antenna implemented for a signal processing module which is not used temporarily.

FIG. 1illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 1, the electronic device includes two signal processing modules. However, an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include three or more signal processing modules.

Referring toFIG. 1, the electronic device includes an antenna connector110, a first Radio Frequency (RF) processing module120-1, a second RF processing module120-2, a first baseband processing module130-1, a second baseband processing module130-2, and a controller140.

The antenna connector110connects a plurality of antennas to the first RF processing module120-1and the second RF processing module120-2. Accordingly, signals received through the plurality of antennas are provided to the first RF processing module120-1and the second RF processing module120-2. For this, the antenna connector110includes at least one antenna switch, at least one diplexer, and at least one band-pass filter. The antenna connector110is connected to at least one antenna corresponding to the first RF processing module120-1and at least one antenna corresponding to the second RF processing module120-2. In addition, the antenna connector110may be connected to at least one antenna for a different communication module not shown inFIG. 1. For example, the different communication module may be a communication means for Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Global Positioning System (GPS), Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Near Field Communication (NFC), and the like. In this case, the antenna connector110may provide a signal received via the antenna for the different communication module to at least one of the first RF processing module120-1and the second RF processing module120-2under the control of the controller140.

The first RF processing module120-1and the second RF processing module120-2process RF signals received via the antennas. For example, each of the first RF processing module120-1and the second RF processing module120-2may include a filter, an amplifier, a mixer, an oscillator, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and the like. Each of the first RF processing module120-1and the second RF processing module120-2is commonly referred to as a “transceiver.”

The first baseband processing module130-1and the second baseband processing module130-2perform a conversion function between an RF signal and a bit-stream. For example, the first baseband processing module130-1and the second baseband processing module130-2convert RF signals, provided from the first RF processing module120-1and the second RF processing module120-2, to baseband signals, and restore RX bit-streams through demodulation and decoding. For example, in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing scheme, the first baseband processing module130-1and the second baseband processing module130-2restore signals obtained by mapping baseband signals to subcarriers through a Fast Fourier Transform operation, and thereafter restore RX bit-streams through demodulation and decoding. The first baseband processing module130-1and the second baseband processing module130-2are commonly referred to as baseband modems. In addition, the first baseband processing module130-1and the second baseband processing module130-2may be sub-blocks in one modem block. The first baseband processing module130-1and the second baseband processing module130-2may be included in one modem chip, or may be constructed of separate modem chips.

The first RF processing module120-1, the second RF processing module120-2, the first baseband processing module130-1, and the second baseband processing module130-2process RX signals. On the basis thereof, the first RF processing module120-1, the second RF processing module120-2, the first baseband processing module130-1, and the second baseband processing module130-2are referred to as “RX modules.” In this case, the first RF processing module120-1and the second RF processing module120-2constitute one RX module, and the first baseband processing module130-1and the second baseband processing module130-2constitute another RX module.FIG. 1illustrates two RX modules.

The controller140provides overall control to the electronic device. The controller140may be referred to as a “processor” or a “processing unit.” For example, the processing unit may be a set of two or more processers. In another example, the controller140may be an application processor (AP) for controlling hardware and software elements and processing and operating a variety of data or a part of the AP, or may be a communication processor (CP) for managing a data link in a communication and converting a communication protocol or a part of the CP. The AP may be implemented in one integrated circuit. The controller140controls signals received via the first and second RF processing modules120-1and120-2and the first and second baseband processing modules130-1and130-2. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller140controls the antenna connector110, the first and second RF processing modules120-1and120-2, and the first and second baseband processing modules130-1and130-2to perform diversity reception. For this, the controller140stores a rule for controlling each module in the electronic device according to a state of the electronic device. For example, the state may include at least one of an operation mode of the electronic device and scheduling for carriers.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, under the control of the controller140, the first and second RF processing modules120-1and120-2and the first and second baseband processing modules130-1and130-2may respectively process a signal of a first carrier and a signal of a second carrier. Alternatively, the first and second RF processing modules120-1and120-2and the first and second baseband processing modules130-1and130-2may simultaneously process the signal of the first carrier and the signal of the second carrier. In addition, the second baseband processing module130-2may provide a received baseband signal to the first baseband processing module130-1to combine signals. In this case, the first baseband processing module130-1may combine an autonomously processed signal with a signal received by the second band processing module130-2. In this case, the first baseband processing module130-1may combine signals according to various schemes. For example, maximal ratio combining, in-phase combining, uniform gain combining, simple selection or antenna selection switching, and the like may be used. Further, if signals are received via three or more paths, the first baseband processing module130-1may selectively combine only some of signals to be provided.

FIG. 2illustrates an operation start point of diversity reception using an unused RX module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 2, an electronic device210includes a first RX module212and a second RX module214to support a CA mode. The first and second RX modules212and214respectively correspond to the RF processing module and the baseband processing module ofFIG. 1. For example, the first RX module212includes the first RF processing module120-1and the first baseband processing module130-1ofFIG. 1, and the second RX module214includes the second RF processing module120-2and the second baseband processing module130-2ofFIG. 1.

The electronic device210ofFIG. 2may receive a signal from a BS220. For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the BS220supports only a single-carrier mode and a non-CA mode. For example, the BS220may be designed to not support the CA mode, or to not support the CA mode temporarily. Accordingly, the BS220transmits only one carrier signal. In this case, the electronic device may use the first RX module212and the second RX module214to process the carrier signal. Since the electronic device210does not receive a plurality of carrier signals, the first RX module212and the second RX module214may be allocated as reception paths for the carrier signal. In this case, although not shown inFIG. 2, the electronic device210may receive a signal to be processed via the second RX module214, via an antenna provided for a different purpose other than communication with the BS220or an antenna which is not presently being used. The carrier signal processed in the second RX module214may be combined with a signal processed in the first RX module212.

Although not shown inFIG. 2, the electronic device210may further include another RX module for the carrier signal. In this case, the electronic device210performs diversity reception by combining three or more signals. The electronic device210enables diversity reception or increases the number of signals that may be used for diversity reception. For example, if the electronic device210has two RX antennas for diversity reception, a reception path for diversity reception may be increased from two to three or more according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

InFIG. 2, the first RX module212and the second RX module214are configured to process signals of different carriers. The present disclosure may be equally applied to a case where the first RX module212and the second RX module214are configured for different access networks. For example, in a case where the first RX module212is configured to support a global system for mobile communications or a 1xCode Division Multiple Access (1xCDMA) or wideband CDMA system as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure may be similarly applied.

FIG. 3illustrates an operation start point of diversity reception using an unused RX module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Diversity reception based on an operation mode of an electronic device is shown inFIG. 3.

Referring toFIG. 3, an electronic device310includes a first RX module312and a second RX module314to support a CA mode. The first and second RX modules312and314respectively correspond to the RF processing module and the baseband processing module ofFIG. 1. For example, the first RX module312includes the first RF processing module120-1and the first baseband processing module130-1ofFIG. 1, and the second RX module314includes the second RF processing module120-2and the second baseband processing module130-2ofFIG. 1.

The electronic device310receives a signal from a BS320. In this case, the electronic device310may operate in one of a CA mode and a non-CA mode. A change between the CA mode and the non-CA mode depends on control of the BS320.

For example, if the electronic device310operates in the CA mode, the electronic device310receives a first carrier signal (carrier-1) and a second carrier signal (carrier-2). Accordingly, the electronic device310processes the carrier-1 signal using the first RX module312, and processes the carrier-2 signal using the second RX module314. That is, the first RX module312and the second RX module314are respectively activated to process different signals.

Alternatively, if the electronic device310operates in the non-CA mode, the electronic device310receives only the carrier-1 signal. When only one signal is to be delivered to the electronic device310, only the carrier-1 signal is transmitted, but the BS320may further transmit the carrier-2 signal for another electronic device. In the case where only the carrier-1 signal is transmitted, the electronic device310uses both the first RX module312and the second RX module314to process the carrier-1 signal. For example, the electronic device310assigns the first RX module312and the second RX module314as reception paths for the carrier-1 signal. In this case, although not shown inFIG. 3, the electronic device310receives a signal to be processed via the second RX module314, by using an antenna provided for a different purpose other than a communication with the BS310or a different antenna which is presently not being used. The carrier-1 signal processed in the second RX module314is combined with a signal processed in the first RX module312.

In another case, not shown inFIG. 3, the electronic device310operates in the non-CA mode and receives only the carrier-2 signal. In this case, the electronic device310uses the first RX module312and the second RX module314to process the carrier-2 signal. For example, the electronic device310assigns the first RX module312and the second RX module314as reception paths for the carrier-2 signal. The carrier-2 signal processed in the second RX module314is provided to the second RX module314and is then combined with a signal processed in the second RX module314.

Thereafter, if the electronic device310operates again in the CA mode, the electronic device310receives the carrier-1 signal and the carrier-2 signal. Accordingly, the electronic device310processes the carrier-1 signal using the first RX module312, and processes the carrier-2 signal using the second RX module314. The first RX module312and the second RX module314are respectively activated to process different signals.

Although not shown inFIG. 3, the electronic device310may further include at least one additional RX module for carrier-1. In this case, the electronic device310performs diversity reception by combining three or more signals. In the present disclosure, the electronic device310enables diversity reception or increases the number of signals that may be used for diversity reception. For example, if the electronic device310has three RX antennas for diversity reception, the number of reception paths for diversity reception is increased from two to three.

FIG. 4illustrates an operation start point of diversity reception using an unused RX module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Diversity reception shown inFIG. 4is based on whether a resource is allocated to a data channel.

Referring toFIG. 4, an electronic device410includes a first RX module412and a second RX module414to support a CA mode. The RX modules412and414may respectively correspond to the RF processing module and the baseband processing module ofFIG. 1. For example, the first RX module412includes the first RF processing module120-1and the first baseband processing module130-1ofFIG. 1, and the second RX module414includes the second RF processing module120-2and the second baseband processing module130-2ofFIG. 1.

The electronic device410receives a signal from a BS. InFIG. 4, the electronic device410operates in a CA mode. Accordingly, the BS transmits a carrier-1 signal and a carrier-2 signal to the electronic device410. The carrier-1 signal and the carrier-2 signal may respectively include a control channel and a data channel. The control channel may include resource allocation information for the data channel, and must be decoded by the electronic device410to perform a communication by using a corresponding carrier. The data channel is a region for delivering traffic, and may be allocated or may not be allocated to the electronic device410according to a scheduling result in the BS. If the data channel is not allocated, the electronic device410may not receive a signal during a corresponding duration.

In duration A401, control channels of carrier-1 and carrier-2 are transmitted. Accordingly, the electronic device410processes the carrier-1 signal using the first RX module412, and processes the carrier-2 signal using the second RX module414. Accordingly, the electronic device410decodes the control channels of carrier-1 and carrier-2. The first RX module412and the second RX module414are respectively activated to process different signals.

In duration B402, the data channel of carrier-1 and carrier-2 are transmitted. In this case, for example, the data channel is not allocated to carrier-2. Whether a data channel is allocated or not may be determined from decoding the control channel. The electronic device410may use the first RX module412and the second RX module414to process the carrier-1 signal. Since the electronic device410does not receive the carrier-2 signal, the first RX module412and the second RX module414may be allocated as reception paths for the carrier-1 signal. In this case, the second RX module414receives either a full duration or a partial duration of the data channel of the carrier-1 signal. Although not shown inFIG. 4, the electronic device410may receive a signal to be processed via the second RX module414, by using an antenna provided for a different purpose other than a communication with the BS or a different antenna which is not presently being used. The carrier-1 signal processed in the second RX module414may be provided to the first RX module412and combined with a signal processed in the first RX module212.

In duration C403, a control channel of carrier-1 and carrier-2 are transmitted. Accordingly, the electronic device410processes the carrier-1 signal using the first RX module412, and processes the carrier-2 signal using the second RX module414. Accordingly, the electronic device410decodes the control channels of carrier-1 and carrier-2. The first RX module412and the second RX module414are respectively activated to process different signals.

Although not shown inFIG. 4, the electronic device410may further include at least one additional RX module for carrier-1. In this case, the electronic device410performs diversity reception by combining three or more signals. According to a structure of the electronic device410, the present disclosure enables diversity reception or increases the number of signals that may be used for diversity reception. For example, if the electronic device410has two RX antennas for diversity reception, a reception path for diversity reception may be increased from two to three or more according to the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, to facilitate the understanding of the present disclosure, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to examples of a configuration.

In the following description, a “high band” and a “low band” are used to indicate carriers divided in frequency. The high band and the low band are relative concepts, and may be defined differently.

FIG. 5illustrates a structure of an electronic device for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 5, one additional antenna may be utilized for a communication means other than a communication with a BS.

Referring toFIG. 5, the electronic device includes a first antenna502-1and a second antenna502-2. The first antenna502-1is connected to a first diplexer504-1. The first diplexer504-1separates a transmitted (TX) signal into a first signal (e.g., a high-band signal) and a second signal (e.g., a low-band signal), and outputs the first signal towards a first transceiver and the second signal towards a second transceiver. The second antenna502-2is connected to a second diplexer504-2. The second diplexer504-2separates a TX signal into a first signal and a second signal, and outputs the first signal towards the first transceiver and the second signal towards the second transceiver.

The first transceiver and the second transceiver convert a provided RF signal to a baseband signal. Although only amplifiers of the first transceiver and the second transceiver are shown inFIG. 5, the first transceiver and the second transceiver further include a filter, an oscillator, a mixer, an ADC, and the like.

The first signal output from the first diplexer504-1is provided to an amplifier510-1in the first transceiver via a first duplexer506-1. The first duplexer506-1allows bidirectional communication over a single path for a TX signal and an RX signal, provides a signal received via the first antenna502-1to the amplifier510-1, and provides a TX signal provided from the first transceiver to the first antenna502-1. A signal amplified by the amplifier510-1is provided to a first RX baseband front-end module514-1in a baseband processor. The first signal output from the second diplexer504-2is provided to an amplifier512-1of the first transceiver via a band-pass filter508. A signal amplified by the amplifier512-1is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module514-1in the baseband processor. Thereafter, the first RX baseband front-end module514-1provides a signal to a first RX baseband processing module516-1. The first RX baseband front-end module514-1and first RX baseband processing module516-1may be separate modules in a modem chip or integrated circuit, or may be one integrated module.

The second signal output from the first diplexer504-1is provided to an amplifier510-2in the second transceiver via a second duplexer506-2. A signal amplified by the amplifier510-2is provided to a second RX baseband front-end module514-2in the baseband processor. The second signal output from the second diplexer504-2is provided to an amplifier512-2of the second transceiver. A signal amplified by the amplifier512-2is provided to the second RX baseband front-end module514-2in the baseband processor. Thereafter, the second RX baseband front-end module514-2provides a signal to a second RX baseband processing module516-2. The second RX baseband front-end module514-2and the second RX baseband processing module516-2may be separate modules in a modem chip or integrated circuit, or may be one integrated module.

The baseband processor includes a first TX baseband processing module522-1and a first TX baseband front-end module524-1to process a TX signal in the high band, and includes a second TX baseband processing module522-2and a second TX baseband front-end module524-2to process a signal in the low band. The first TX baseband processing module522-1provides a baseband signal to be transmitted through the high band to the first TX baseband front-end module524-1. The first TX baseband processing module522-1and the first TX baseband front-end module524-1may be separate modules in a modem chip or integrated circuit, or may be one integrated module. The first TX baseband front-end module524-1provides a TX signal to an amplifier526-1in the first transceiver. A signal amplified in the amplifier526-1is transmitted through the first antenna502-1via an amplifier528-1, the first duplexer506-1, and the first diplexer504-1. The second TX baseband processing module522-2provides the second TX baseband front-end module524-2with a baseband signal to be transmitted through the low band. The second TX baseband processing module522-2and the second TX baseband front-end module524-2may be separate modules in a modem chip or integrated circuit, or may be one integrated module. The second TX baseband front-end module524-2provides a TX signal to an amplifier526-2in the second transceiver. A signal amplified in the amplifier526-2is transmitted through the first antenna502-1via an amplifier528-2, the second duplexer506-2, and the first diplexer504-1. InFIG. 5, the TX signal provided to the first transceiver is amplified by the two amplifiers526-1and528-1, and the two amplifiers526-1and528-1may amplify signals of different bands. For example, the amplifier526-1of a first stage may amplify an intermediary band of the TX signal, and the amplifier528-1of a next stage may amplify a low band of the TX signal.

An additional antenna562may be connected to the first transceiver, the second transceiver, or a different communication unit560through a switch564. For example, the different communication unit560may include one of a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, a GPS module, a DMB module, and an NFC module. Although one different communication unit560is illustrated inFIG. 5, a plurality of other communication units maybe included, and thus a plurality of additional antennas maybe included. Although not shown inFIG. 5, the different communication units560may include a third transceiver.

The baseband process ofFIG. 5includes the first RX baseband processing module516-1, the second RX baseband processing module516-2, the first TX baseband processing module522-1, and the second TX baseband processing module522-2. In this case, the first RX baseband processing module516-1, the second RX baseband processing module516-2, the first TX baseband processing module522-1, and the second TX baseband processing module522-2may be included in at least one modem chip or integrated circuit. For example, the first RX baseband processing module516-1, the second RX baseband processing module516-2, the first TX baseband processing module522-1, and the second TX baseband processing module522-2may be included in one modem chip or integrated circuit, or may be included separately in a plurality of modem chips.

If diversity reception is performed by using an unused RX module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the additional antenna562is used as an additional reception path. For this, the additional antenna562is connected to the first transceiver and the second transceiver through an antenna switch564.

For example, if the second transceiver is currently processing the second signal, the antenna switch564may be used to receive the second signal through the additional antenna562and to output it to the first transceiver. A signal output from the antenna switch564is provided to the first transceiver via a first band-pass filter566-1which passes a signal in a frequency of the low band, is amplified by an amplifier568-1in the first transceiver, and thereafter is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module514-1. The first RX baseband front-end module514-1provides the second signal to the second RX baseband processing module516-2. In addition, the second transceiver may provide the second RX baseband front-end module514-2with at least one second signal received through at least one of the first antenna502-1and the second antenna502-2, and the second RX baseband front-end module514-2may provide the at least one second signal to the second RX baseband processing module516-2. Accordingly, the electronic device may further ensure one path for diversity reception. The second RX baseband processing module516-2may combine the second signal received through at least one of the first antenna502-1, the second antenna502-2, and the additional antenna562.

In addition, if the first transceiver is currently processing the first signal, the antenna switch564may be used to receive the first signal through the additional antenna562and to output it to the second transceiver. In this case, a signal output from the antenna switch564is provided to the second transceiver via a second band-pass filter566-2which passes a signal of a frequency in the high band, is amplified by an amplifier568-2in the second transceiver, and thereafter is provided to the second RX baseband front-end module514-2. The second RX baseband front-end module514-2provides the first signal to the first RX baseband processing module516-1. In addition, the first transceiver provides the first RX baseband front-end module514-1with at least one first signal received through at least one of the first antenna502-1and the second antenna502-2, and the first RX baseband front-end module514-1provides the at least one first signal to the first RX baseband processing module516-1. Accordingly, the electronic device further ensures one path for diversity reception. The first RX baseband processing module516-1combines the first signal received through at least one of the first antenna502-1, the second antenna502-2, and the additional antenna562.

Although only one path for signal routing between the first RX baseband front-end module514-1and the second RX baseband processing module516-2is illustrated inFIG. 5, two or more paths may exist for the signal routing according to the present disclosure. In addition, although only one path for signal routing between the second RX baseband front-end module514-2and the first RX baseband processing module516-1is illustrated inFIG. 5, two or more paths may exist for the signal routing according to the present disclosure.

According toFIG. 5, if it is intended to perform an additional diversity reception as to the first signal, signal processing may be performed as shown inFIG. 6.FIG. 6illustrates a signal processing path of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 6, a signal processing path and activated blocks are indicated by a bold line.

Referring toFIG. 6, if the first signal (e.g., a high-band signal) is received, the first transceiver for the first signal, the first RX baseband front-end module514-1in the baseband processor, and the first RX baseband processing module516-1may process the first signal. On the other hand, the second transceiver for the second signal, the second RX baseband front-end module514-2in the baseband processor, and the second RX baseband processing module516-2may not be provided with the second signal. Instead, according to the present disclosure, the second transceiver and second RX baseband front-end module514-2in the baseband processor may receive the first signal through the additional antenna562. For example, the second transceiver and the second RX baseband front-end module514-2may receive the first signal through the additional antenna562and may provide the signal to the first RX baseband processing module516-1.

As described above, a plurality of first signals are provided to the first RX baseband processing module516-1. The plurality of first signals to be provided to the first RX baseband processing module516-1is input to the baseband processor. In this case, both of an input means for the first signal and an input means for the second signal are used, and the first signals are collected in the first RX baseband processing module516-1through routing in the baseband processor. The input is a medium for delivering a signal from an external element of the baseband processor to an internal element of the baseband processor, and may connect the baseband processor to a path for delivering a signal to the baseband processor. The input may be referred to as a pin or a node, and is constructed of an electrically conductive material.

Accordingly, the first RX baseband processing module516-1may acquire a diversity reception gain by combining three first signals received through the first antenna502-1, the second antenna502-2, and the additional antenna562. According to a the present disclosure, the first RX baseband processing module516-1may combine the three RX signals or may selectively combine only two signals, that is, may use a diversity reception scheme such as Maximum Ratio Combining (MRC), in-phase combination, constant gain combination, simple selection or antenna selection switching, and the like. In addition to these schemes, other diversity reception schemes may also be applied. For example, the first RX baseband processing module516-1may combine only two signals having excellent signal quality. Herein, the signal quality may be determined on the basis of at least one of RX signal strength, Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR), antenna correlation, RX signal strength, RX signal's arrival delay time, and the like.

According toFIG. 5, if it is intended to perform an additional diversity reception as to the second signal, signal processing may be performed as shown inFIG. 7.FIG. 7illustrates a signal processing path of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 7, a signal processing path and activated blocks are indicated by a bold line.

Referring toFIG. 7, if the second signal (e.g., a low-band signal) is received, the second transceiver for the second signal, the second RX baseband front-end module514-2in the baseband processor, and the second RX baseband processing module516-2may process the second signal. The first transceiver for the first signal, the first RX baseband front-end module514-1in the baseband processor, and the first RX baseband processing module516-1may not be provided with the first signal. Instead, according to the present disclosure, the first transceiver and first RX baseband front-end module514-1in the baseband processor may process the second signal received through the additional antenna562. The first transceiver and the first RX baseband front-end module514-1in the baseband processor may receive the second signal through the additional antenna562and may provide the second signal to the second RX baseband processing module516-2.

As described above, a plurality of second signals are provided to the second RX baseband processing module516-2. The plurality of second signals provided to the second RX baseband processing module516-2are input to the baseband processor. In this case, both an input for the first signal and an input for the second signal are used, and the second signals are collected in the second RX baseband processing module516-2through routing in the baseband processor. The input is a medium for delivering a signal from an external element of the baseband processor to an internal element of the baseband processor, and may connect the baseband processor to a path for delivering a signal to the baseband processor. The input may be referred to as a pin or a node, and is constructed of an electrically conductive material.

Accordingly, the second RX baseband processing module516-2may acquire a diversity reception gain by combining three second signals received through the first antenna502-1, the second antenna502-2, and the additional antenna562. According to the present disclosure, the second RX baseband processing module516-2may combine all of the three RX signals or may selectively combine only two signals, that is, may use a diversity reception scheme such as MRC, in-phase combination, constant gain combination, simple selection or antenna selection switching, and the like. In addition to these schemes, other diversity reception schemes may also be applied. For example, the second RX baseband processing module516-2may combine only two signals having excellent signal quality. Herein, the signal quality may be determined on the basis of at least one of RX signal strength, SNR, SINR, antenna correlation, RX signal strength, RX signal's arrival delay time, and the like.

FIG. 8illustrates an electronic device for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 8, some of antennas for a communication with a BS may be additionally utilized.

Referring toFIG. 8, the electronic device includes a first antenna802-1, a second antenna802-2, and a third antenna802-3. The first antenna802-1is an antenna capable of receiving a first signal (e.g., a high-band signal). The second antenna802-2is an antenna capable of receiving a second signal (e.g., a low-band signal). The third antenna802-3is an antenna capable of receiving both the first signal and the second signal. The third antenna802-3is connected with a diplexer804. The diplexer804separates a TX signal into the first signal and the second signal, and outputs the first signal towards a first transceiver and the second signal towards a second transceiver.

The first transceiver and the second transceiver convert a provided RF signal to a baseband signal. Although only amplifiers of the first transceiver and the second transceiver are shown inFIG. 8, the first transceiver and the second transceiver may further include a filter, an oscillator, a mixer, an ADC, and the like.

The first signal received through the first antenna802-1is provided to an amplifier810-1in the first transceiver via a first duplexer806-1. The first duplexer806-1allows bidirectional communication over a single path for a TX signal and an RX signal. The first duplexer806-1provides a signal received via the first antenna802-1to the amplifier810-1, and provides a TX signal provided from the first transceiver to the first antenna802-1. A signal amplified by the amplifier810-1is provided to a first RX baseband front-end module814-1in a baseband processor. The second signal received through the second antenna802-2is provided to an amplifier810-2in the second transceiver via a second duplexer806-2. A signal amplified by the amplifier810-2is provided to a second RX baseband front-end module814-2in the baseband processor.

The first signal output from the diplexer804is provided to an amplifier812-1of the first transceiver via a band-pass filter808. A signal amplified by the amplifier812-1is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module814-1in the baseband processor. Thereafter, the first RX baseband front-end module814-1provides a signal to a first RX baseband processing module816-1. The second signal output from the diplexer804is provided to an amplifier812-2in the second transceiver. A signal amplified by the amplifier812-2is provided to the second RX baseband front-end module814-2in the baseband processor. Thereafter, the second RX baseband front-end module814-2provides a signal to a second RX baseband processing module816-2.

The baseband processor includes a first TX baseband processing module822-1and a first TX baseband front-end module824-1to process a TX signal of the high band, and includes a second TX baseband processing module822-2and a second TX baseband front-end module824-2to process a signal of the low band. The first TX baseband processing module822-1provides a baseband signal to be transmitted through the high band to the first TX baseband front-end module824-1. The first TX baseband processing module822-1and the first TX baseband front-end module824-1may be separate modules in a modem chip, or integrated circuit, or may be one integrated module. The first TX baseband front-end module824-1provides a TX signal to an amplifier826-1in the first transceiver. A signal amplified in the amplifier826-1is transmitted through the first antenna802-1via an amplifier828-1and the first duplexer806-1. The second TX baseband processing module822-2provides the second TX baseband front-end module824-2with a baseband signal to be transmitted through the low band. The second TX baseband processing module822-2and the second TX baseband front-end module824-2may be separate modules in a modem chip or integrated circuit, or may be one integrated module. The second TX baseband front-end module824-2provides a TX signal to an amplifier826-2in the second transceiver. A signal amplified in the amplifier826-2is transmitted through the second antenna802-2via an amplifier828-2and the second duplexer806-2. InFIG. 8, the TX signal provided to the first transceiver is amplified by the two amplifiers826-1and828-1, and the two amplifiers826-1and828-1may amplify signals of different bands. For example, the amplifier826-1of a first stage may amplify an intermediary band of the TX signal, and the amplifier828-1of a next stage may amplify a low band of the TX signal.

The baseband process ofFIG. 8includes the first RX baseband processing module816-1, the second RX baseband processing module816-2, the first TX baseband processing module822-1, and the second TX baseband processing module822-2. In this case, the first RX baseband processing module816-1, the second RX baseband processing module816-2, the first TX baseband processing module822-1, and the second TX baseband processing module822-2may be included in at least one modem chip or integrated circuit. For example, the first RX baseband processing module816-1, the second RX baseband processing module816-2, the first TX baseband processing module822-1, and the second TX baseband processing module822-2may be included in one modem chip or integrated circuit, or may be included separately in a plurality of modem chips.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the first antenna802-1and the second antenna802-2may be used as an additional reception path. InFIG. 8, the first antenna802-1is used as an additional reception path. For this, the first antenna802-1is connected with the first transceiver via an antenna switch864.

For example, if the second transceiver is currently processing the second signal, the antenna switch864may output the second signal received additionally through the first antenna802-1to the first transceiver. In this case, the second signal output from the antenna switch864is provided, via a band-pass filter866which passes a signal of a frequency in the low band, to the first transceiver to be amplified by an amplifier868, and thereafter is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module814-1. The first RX baseband front-end module814-1provides the second signal to the second RX baseband processing module816-2. In addition, the second transceiver provides the second RX baseband front-end module814-2with at least one second signal received through at least one of the second antenna802-2and the third antenna802-3, and the second RX baseband front-end module814-2provides the at least one second signal to the second RX baseband processing module816-2. Accordingly, the electronic device further ensures one path for diversity reception. The second RX baseband processing module816-2combines the second signal received through at least one of the second antenna802-2, the third antenna802-3, and the first antenna802-1.

Although only one path for signal routing between the first RX baseband front-end module814-1and the second RX baseband processing module816-2is illustrated inFIG. 8, two or more paths may exist for the signal routing according to the present disclosure. In addition, although only one path for signal routing between the second RX baseband front-end module814-2and the first RX baseband processing module816-1is illustrated inFIG. 8, two or more paths may exist for the signal routing according to the present disclosure.

According toFIG. 8, to perform additional diversity reception concerning the second signal, signal processing may be performed as shown inFIG. 9.FIG. 9illustrates a signal processing path of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 9, a signal processing path and activated blocks are indicated by a bold line.

Referring toFIG. 9, if the second signal (e.g., a low-band signal) is received, the second transceiver for the second signal, the second RX baseband front-end module814-2in the baseband processor, and the second RX baseband processing module816-2process the second signal. The first transceiver for the first signal, the first RX baseband front-end module814-1in the baseband processor, and the first RX baseband processing module816-1may not be provided with the first signal. Instead, according to the present disclosure, the first transceiver and first RX baseband front-end module814-1in the baseband processor may process the second signal received through a first antenna802-1. For example, the first transceiver and the first RX baseband front-end module814-1receive the second signal through the first antenna802-1and provide the second signal to the second RX baseband processing module816-2.

As described above, a plurality of second signals are provided to the second RX baseband processing module816-2. The plurality of second signals to be provided to the second RX baseband processing module816-2is input to the baseband processor. In this case, an input for the first signal and an input for the second signal are used, and the second signals are collected at the second RX baseband processing module816-2through routing in the baseband processor. The input is a medium for delivering a signal from an external element of the baseband processor to an internal element of the baseband processor, and connects the baseband processor to a path for delivering a signal to the baseband processor. The input may be referred to as a pin or a node, and is constructed of an electrically conductive material.

Accordingly, the second RX baseband processing module816-2acquires an additional diversity reception gain by combining three second signals received through the first antenna802-1, a second antenna802-2, and a third antenna802-3. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second RX baseband processing module816-2may combine all three RX signals or may selectively combine only two signals. For example, the second RX baseband processing module816-2may combine only two signals having excellent signal quality. Herein, the signal quality may be determined on the basis of at least one of RX signal strength, SNR, SINR, antenna correlation, RX signal strength, RX signal's arrival delay time, and the like.

FIG. 10illustrates a structure of an electronic device for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 10, some of antennas for a communication with a BS may be utilized.

Referring toFIG. 10, the electronic device includes a first antenna1002-1, a second antenna1002-2, and a third antenna1002-3. The first antenna1002-1is an antenna capable of receiving a first signal (e.g., a high-band signal). The second antenna1002-2is an antenna capable of receiving a second signal (e.g., a low-band signal). The third antenna1002-3is an antenna capable of receiving both of the first signal and the second signal. The third antenna1002-3is connected with a diplexer1004. The diplexer1004separates a TX signal into the first signal and the second signal, and outputs the first signal towards a first transceiver and the second signal towards a second transceiver.

The first transceiver and the second transceiver convert a provided RF signal to a baseband signal. Although only amplifiers of the first transceiver and the second transceiver are shown inFIG. 10, the first transceiver and the second transceiver may further include a filter, an oscillator, a mixer, an ADC, and the like.

The first signal received through the first antenna1002-1is provided to an amplifier1010-1in the first transceiver via a first duplexer1006-1. The first duplexer1006-1allows bidirectional communication over a single path for a TX signal and an RX signal, provides a signal received via the first antenna1002-1to the amplifier1010-1, and provides a TX signal provided from the first transceiver to the first antenna1002-1. A signal amplified by the amplifier1010-1is provided to a first RX baseband front-end module1014-1in a baseband processor. The second signal received through the second antenna1002-2is provided to an amplifier1010-2in the second transceiver via a second duplexer1006-2. A signal amplified by the amplifier1010-2is provided to a second RX baseband front-end module1014-2in the baseband processor.

The first signal output from the diplexer1004is provided to an amplifier1012-1of the first transceiver via a band-pass filter1008. A signal amplified by the amplifier1012-1is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module1014-1in the baseband processor. Thereafter, the first RX front-end module1014-1provides a signal to a first RX baseband processing module1016-1. The second signal output from the diplexer1004is provided to an amplifier1012-2in the second transceiver. A signal amplified by the amplifier1012-2is provided to the second RX baseband front-end module1014-2in the baseband processor. Thereafter, the second RX front-end module1014-2provides a signal to a second RX baseband processing module1016-2.

The baseband processor includes a first TX baseband processing module1022-1and a first TX baseband front-end module1024-1to process a TX signal of the high band, and includes a second TX baseband processing module1022-2and a second TX baseband front-end module1024-2to process a signal of the low band. The first TX baseband processing module1022-1provides a baseband signal to be transmitted through the high band to the first TX baseband front-end module1024-1. The first TX baseband processing module1022-1and the first TX baseband front-end module1024-1may be separate modules in a modem chip or integrated circuit, or may be one integrated module. The first TX baseband front-end module1024-1provides a TX signal to an amplifier1026-1in the first transceiver. A signal amplified in the amplifier1026-1is transmitted through the first antenna1002-1via an amplifier1028-1and the first duplexer1006-1. The second TX baseband processing module1022-2provides the second TX baseband front-end module1024-2with a baseband signal to be transmitted through the low band. The second TX baseband processing module1022-2and the second TX baseband front-end module1024-2may be separate modules in a modem chip, or may be one integrated module. The second TX baseband front-end module1024-2provides a TX signal to an amplifier1026-2in the second transceiver. A signal amplified in the amplifier1026-2is transmitted through the second antenna1002-2via an amplifier1028-2and the second duplexer1006-2. InFIG. 10, the TX signal provided to the first transceiver is amplified by the two amplifiers1026-1and1028-1, and the two amplifiers1026-1and1028-1may amplify signals of different bands. For example, the amplifier1026-1of a first stage may amplify an intermediary band of the TX signal, and the amplifier1028-1of a next stage may amplify a low band of the TX signal.

The baseband process ofFIG. 10may include the first RX baseband processing module1016-1, the second RX baseband processing module1016-2, the first TX baseband processing module1022-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1022-2. In this case, the first RX baseband processing module1016-1, the second RX baseband processing module1016-2, the first TX baseband processing module1022-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1022-2may be included in at least one modem chip or integrated circuit. For example, the first RX baseband processing module1016-1, the second RX baseband processing module1016-2, the first TX baseband processing module1022-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1022-2may be included in one modem chip or integrated circuit, or may be included separately in a plurality of modem.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the first antenna1002-1and the second antenna1002-2may be used as an additional reception path. InFIG. 10, the second antenna1002-2may be used as an additional reception path. For this, the second antenna1002-2is connected with the second transceiver via an antenna switch1064.

For example, if the first transceiver is currently processing the first signal, the antenna switch1064may output the first signal received through the second antenna1002-2to the second transceiver. In this case, the first signal output from the antenna switch1064is provided via a band-pass filter1066, which passes a signal of a frequency in the low band, to the second transceiver to be amplified by an amplifier1068, and thereafter is provided to the second RX baseband front-end module1014-2. The second RX baseband front-end module1014-2provides the first signal to the first RX baseband processing module1016-1. In addition, the first transceiver provides the first RX baseband front-end module1014-1with at least one first signal received through at least one of the first antenna1002-1and the third antenna1002-3, and the first RX baseband front-end module1014-1provides the at least one first signal to the first RX baseband processing module1016-1. Accordingly, the electronic device further ensures one path for diversity reception. The first RX baseband processing module1016-1combines the first signal received through at least one of the first antenna1002-1, the third antenna1002-3, and the second antenna1002-2to perform diversity reception.

Although only one path for signal routing between the first RX baseband front-end module1014-1and the second RX baseband processing module1016-2is illustrated inFIG. 10, two or more paths may exist for the signal routing according to the present disclosure. In addition, although only one path for signal routing between the second RX baseband front-end module1014-2and the first RX baseband processing module1016-1is illustrated inFIG. 10, two or more paths may exist for the signal routing according to the present disclosure.

According toFIG. 10, for additional diversity reception concerning the first signal, signal processing may be performed as shown inFIG. 11.FIG. 11illustrates a signal processing path of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 11, a signal processing path and activated blocks are indicated by a bold line.

Referring toFIG. 11, if the first signal (e.g., a high-band signal) is received, the first transceiver for the first signal, the first RX baseband front-end module1014-1in the baseband processor, and the first RX baseband processing module1016-1process the first signal. In addition, the second transceiver for the second signal, the second RX baseband front-end module1014-2in the baseband processor, and the second RX baseband processing module1016-2may not be provided with the second signal. Instead, according to the present disclosure, the second transceiver and second RX baseband front-end module1014-2in the baseband processor may process the first signal received through the second antenna1002-2. For example, the second transceiver and the second RX baseband front-end module1014-2may process the first signal received through the second antenna1002-2and may provide the first signal to the first RX baseband processing module1016-1.

As described above, a plurality of first signals are provided to the first RX baseband processing module1016-1. The plurality of first signals to be provided to the first RX baseband processing module1016-1is input to the baseband processor. In this case, an input for the second signal and an input for the first signal are used, and the first signals are collected at the first RX baseband processing module1016-1through routing in the baseband processor. The input is a medium for delivering a signal from an external element of the baseband processor to an internal element of the baseband processor, and connects the baseband processor to a path for delivering a signal to the baseband processor. The input may be referred to as a pin or a node, and is constructed of an electrically conductive material.

Accordingly, the first RX baseband processing module1016-1acquires a diversity reception gain by combining three first signals received through the first antenna1002-1, the second antenna1002-2, and the third antenna1002-3. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first RX baseband processing module1016-1combines the three RX signals or may selectively combine only two signals. For example, the first RX baseband processing module1016-1may combine only two signals having excellent signal quality. Herein, the signal quality may be determined on the basis of at least one of RX signal strength, SNR, SINR, antenna correlation, RX signal strength, RX signal's arrival delay time, and the like.

FIG. 12illustrates an electronic device for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 12, some of the antennas for communicating with a BS may be utilized.

Referring toFIG. 12, the electronic device includes a first antenna1202-1, a second antenna1202-2, and a third antenna1202-3. The first antenna1202-1is an antenna capable of receiving a first signal (e.g., a high-band signal). The second antenna1202-2is an antenna capable of receiving a second signal (e.g., a low-band signal). The third antenna1202-3is an antenna capable of receiving both the first signal and the second signal. The third antenna1202-3is connected to a diplexer1204. The diplexer1204separates a TX signal into the first signal and the second signal, and outputs the first signal towards a first transceiver and the second signal towards a second transceiver.

The first transceiver and the second transceiver convert a provided RF signal to a baseband signal. Although only amplifiers of the first transceiver and the second transceiver are shown inFIG. 12, the first transceiver and the second transceiver may further include a filter, an oscillator, a mixer, an ADC, and the like.

The first signal received through the first antenna1202-1is provided to an amplifier1210-1in the first transceiver via a first duplexer1206-1. The first duplexer1206-1allows bidirectional communication over a single path for a TX signal and an RX signal, provides a signal received via the first antenna1202-1to the amplifier1210-1, and provides a TX signal provided from the first transceiver to the first antenna1202-1. A signal amplified by the amplifier1210-1is provided to a first RX baseband front-end module1214-1in a baseband processor. The second signal received through the second antenna1202-2is provided to an amplifier1210-2in the second transceiver via a second duplexer1206-2. A signal amplified by the amplifier1210-2is provided to a second RX baseband front-end module1214-2in the baseband processor.

The first signal output from the diplexer1204is provided to an amplifier1212-1of the first transceiver via a band-pass filter1208. A signal amplified by the amplifier1212-1is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module1214-1in the baseband processor. Thereafter, the first RX front-end module1214-1provides a signal to a first RX baseband processing module1216-1. The second signal output from the diplexer1204is provided to an amplifier1212-2in the second transceiver. A signal amplified by the amplifier1212-2is provided to the second RX baseband front-end module1214-2in the baseband processor. Thereafter, the second RX front-end module1214-2provides a signal to a second RX baseband processing module1216-2.

The baseband processor includes a first TX baseband processing module1222-1and a first TX baseband front-end module1224-1to process a TX signal of the high band, and include a second TX baseband processing module1222-2and a second TX baseband front-end module1224-2to process a signal of the low band. The first TX baseband processing module1222-1provides a baseband signal to be transmitted through the high band to the first TX baseband front-end module1224-1. The first TX baseband front-end module1224-1provides a TX signal to an amplifier1226-1in the first transceiver. A signal amplified in the amplifier1226-1is transmitted through the first antenna1202-1via an amplifier1228-1and the first duplexer1206-1. The second TX baseband processing module1222-2provides the second TX baseband front-end module1224-2with a baseband signal to be transmitted through the low band. The second TX baseband front-end module1224-2provides a TX signal to an amplifier1226-2in the second transceiver. A signal amplified in the amplifier1226-2is transmitted through the second antenna1202-2via an amplifier1228-2and the second duplexer1206-2. InFIG. 12, the TX signal provided to the first transceiver is amplified by the two amplifiers1226-1and1228-1, and the two amplifiers1226-1and1228-1may amplify signals of different bands. For example, the amplifier1226-1of a first stage may amplify an intermediary band of the TX signal, and the amplifier1228-1of a next stage may amplify a low band of the TX signal.

The baseband process ofFIG. 12includes the first RX baseband processing module1216-1, the second RX baseband processing module1216-2, the first TX baseband processing module1222-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1222-2. In this case, the first RX baseband processing module1216-1, the second RX baseband processing module1216-2, the first TX baseband processing module1222-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1222-2may be included in at least one modem chip or integrated circuit. For example, the first RX baseband processing module1216-1, the second RX baseband processing module1216-2, the first TX baseband processing module1222-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1222-2may be included in one modem chip, or may be included separately in a plurality of modem chips.

If diversity reception is performed using an unused RX module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the first antenna1202-1and the second antenna1202-2may be used as an additional reception path. The example ofFIG. 12shows a structure in which one of the first antenna1201-1and the second antenna1202-2may be selectively used as an additional reception path. For this, the first antenna1202-1may be connected with the first transceiver via a first antenna switch1264-1, and the second antenna1202-2may be connected with the second transceiver via a second antenna switch1264-2.

For example, if the second transceiver is currently processing the second signal, the first antenna switch1264-1may be used to receive the second signal through the first antenna1202-1and to output it to the first transceiver. In this case, the second signal output from the first antenna switch1264-1is provided via a band-pass filter1266-1, which passes a signal of a frequency is the low band, is provided to the first transceiver so as to be amplified by an amplifier1268-1, and thereafter is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module1214-1. The first RX baseband front-end module1214-1provides the second signal to the second RX baseband processing module1216-2. In addition, the second transceiver provides the second RX baseband front-end module1214-2with at least one second signal received through at least one of the second antenna1202-2and the third antenna1202-3, and the second RX baseband front-end module1214-2provides the at least one second signal to the second RX baseband processing module1216-2. Accordingly, the electronic device further ensures one path for diversity reception. The second RX baseband processing module1216-2combines the second signal received through at least one of the second antenna1202-2, the third antenna1202-3, and the first antenna1202-1.

In another example, if the first transceiver is currently processing the first signal, the second antenna switch1264-2may output the first signal received through the second antenna1202-2to the second transceiver. In this case, the first signal output from the second antenna switch1264-2is provided via a band-pass filter1266-2, which passes a signal of a frequency in the low band, to the second transceiver so as to be amplified by an amplifier1268-2, and thereafter is provided to the second RX baseband front-end module1214-2. The second RX baseband front-end module1214-2provides the first signal to the first RX baseband processing module1216-1. In addition, the first transceiver may provide the first RX baseband front-end module1214-1with at least one first signal received through at least one of the first antenna1202-1and the third antenna1202-3, and the first RX baseband front-end module1214-1provides the at least one first signal to the first RX baseband processing module1216-1. Accordingly, the electronic device further ensures one path for diversity reception. The first RX baseband processing module1216-1combines the first signal received through at least one of the first antenna1202-1, the third antenna1202-3, and the second antenna1202-2.

Although only one path for signal routing between the first RX baseband front-end module1214-1and the second RX baseband processing module1216-2is illustrated in the example ofFIG. 12, two or more paths may exist for the signal routing according to the present disclosure. In addition, although only one path for signal routing between the second RX baseband front-end module1214-2and the first RX baseband processing module1216-1is illustrated in the example ofFIG. 12, two or more paths may exist for the signal routing according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13illustrates an electronic device for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 13, a plurality of additional antennas may be utilized for a different communication means other than communicating with a BS.

Referring toFIG. 13, the electronic device includes a first antenna1302-1and a second antenna1302-2. The first antenna1302-1is connected with a first diplexer1304-1. The first diplexer1304-1separates a TX signal into a first signal (e.g., a high-band signal) and a second signal (e.g., a low-band signal), and outputs the first signal towards a first transceiver and the second signal towards a second transceiver. The second antenna1302-2is connected with a second diplexer1304-2. The second diplexer1304-2separates a TX signal into a first signal and a second signal, and outputs the first signal towards the first transceiver and the second signal towards the second transceiver.

The first transceiver and the second transceiver convert a provided RF signal to a baseband signal. Although only amplifiers of the first transceiver and the second transceiver are shown inFIG. 13, the first transceiver and the second transceiver may further include a filter, an oscillator, a mixer, an ADC, and the like.

The first signal output from the first diplexer1304-1is provided to an amplifier1310-1in the first transceiver via a first duplexer1306-1. The first duplexer1306-1allows bidirectional communication over a single path for a TX signal and an RX signal. The first duplexer1306-1provides a signal received via the first antenna1302-1to the amplifier1310-1, and provides a TX signal provided from the first transceiver to the first antenna1302-1. A signal amplified by the amplifier1310-1is provided to a first RX baseband front-end module1314-1in a baseband processor. The first signal output from the second diplexer1304-2is provided to an amplifier1312-1of the first transceiver via a band-pass filter1308. A signal amplified by the amplifier1312-1is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module1314-1in the baseband processor. Thereafter, the first RX front-end module1314-1provides a signal to a first RX baseband processing module1316-1.

The second signal output from the first diplexer1304-1is provided to an amplifier1310-2in the second transceiver via a second duplexer1306-2. A signal amplified by the amplifier1310-2is provided to a second RX baseband front-end module1314-2in the baseband processor. The second signal output from the second diplexer1304-2is provided to an amplifier1312-2of the second transceiver. A signal amplified by the amplifier1312-2is provided to the second RX baseband front-end module1314-2in the baseband processor. Thereafter, the second RX baseband front-end module1314-2provides a signal to a second RX baseband processing module1316-2.

The baseband processor includes a first TX baseband processing module1322-1and a first TX baseband front-end module1324-1to process a TX signal of the high band, and includes a second TX baseband processing module1322-2and a second TX baseband front-end module1324-2to process a signal of the low band. The first TX baseband processing module1322-1provides a baseband signal to be transmitted through the high band to the first TX baseband front-end module1324-1. The first TX baseband front-end module1324-1provides a TX signal to an amplifier1326-1in the first transceiver. A signal amplified in the amplifier1326-1is transmitted through the first antenna1302-1via the first duplexer1306-1, and the first diplexer1304-1. The second TX baseband processing module1322-2provides the second TX baseband front-end module1324-2with a baseband signal to be transmitted through the low band. The second TX baseband front-end module1324-2provides a TX signal to an amplifier1326-2in the second transceiver. A signal amplified in the amplifier1326-2is transmitted through the first antenna1302-1via an amplifier1328-2, the second duplexer1306-2, and the first diplexer1304-1. InFIG. 13, the TX signal provided to the first transceiver is amplified by the two amplifiers1326-1and1328-1, and the two amplifiers1326-1and1328-1may amplify signals of different bands. For example, the amplifier1326-1of a first stage may amplify an intermediary band of the TX signal, and the amplifier1328-1of a next stage may amplify a low band of the TX signal.

A first additional antenna1362-1and a second additional antenna1362-2are TX/RX antennas that may be connected with a different communication unit1360other than the first transceiver, the second transceiver, and the baseband processor. Although two different additional antennas1362-1and1362-2are illustrated in case ofFIG. 13, three or more additional antennas may be included according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the different communication unit may include one of a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, a GPS module, a DMB module, and an NFC module. Although one different communication unit1360is illustrated in case ofFIG. 13, a plurality of other communication units may be included. In this case, the first additional antenna1362-1and the second additional antenna1362-2may be connected to respective different communication units. Although not shown inFIG. 13, the different communication unit1360may include a third transceiver.

The baseband process ofFIG. 13includes the first RX baseband processing module1316-1, the second RX baseband processing module1316-2, the first TX baseband processing module1322-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1322-2. In this case, the first RX baseband processing module1316-1, the second RX baseband processing module1316-2, the first TX baseband processing module1322-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1322-2may be included in at least one modem chip or integrated circuit. For example, all of the first RX baseband processing module1316-1, the second RX baseband processing module1316-2, the first TX baseband processing module1322-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1322-2may be included in one modem chip, or may be included separately in a plurality of modem chips.

If diversity reception is performed by using an unused RX module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the first additional antenna1362-1and the second additional antenna1362-2is used as an additional reception path. For this, one of the first additional antenna1362-1and the second additional antenna1362-2is connected with the first transceiver through an antenna switch1364.

For example, if the second transceiver is currently processing the second signal, the antenna switch1364may be used to receive the second signal through one of the first additional antenna1362-1and the second additional antenna1362-2and to output it to the first transceiver. In this case, a signal output from the antenna switch1364is provided to the first transceiver via a band-pass filter1366which passes a signal of a frequency in the low band, is amplified by an amplifier1368in the first transceiver, and thereafter is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module1314-1. The first RX baseband front-end module1314-1provides the second signal to the second RX baseband processing module1316-2. In addition, the second transceiver provides the second RX baseband front-end module1314-2with at least one second signal received through at least one of the first antenna1302-1and the second antenna1302-2, and the second RX baseband front-end module1314-2provides the at least one second signal to the second RX baseband processing module1316-2. Accordingly, the electronic device further ensures one path for diversity reception. The second RX baseband processing module1316-2combines the second signal received through at least one of the first antenna1302-1and the second antenna1302-2and the second signal received through one of the first additional antenna1362-1and the second additional antenna1362-2.

Although only one path for signal routing between the first RX baseband front-end module1314-1and the second RX baseband processing module1316-2is illustrated inFIG. 13, two or more paths may exist for the signal routing according to the present disclosure. In addition, although only one path for signal routing between the second RX baseband front-end module1314-2and the first RX baseband processing module1316-1is illustrated in the example ofFIG. 13, two or more paths may exist for the signal routing according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

According toFIG. 13, for additional diversity reception concerning the second signal, signal processing may be performed as shown inFIG. 14.FIG. 14illustrates a signal processing path of an electronic device according to the present disclosure. InFIG. 14, a signal processing path and activated blocks are indicated by a bold line.

Referring toFIG. 14, if the second signal (e.g., a low-band signal) is received, the second transceiver for the second signal, the second RX baseband front-end module1314-2in the baseband processor, and the second RX baseband processing module1316-2process the second signal. Since the first signal (e.g., a high-band signal) is not received, the first transceiver for the first signal, the first RX baseband front-end module1314-1in the baseband processor, and the first RX baseband processing module1316-1may not be provided with the first signal. If diversity reception using an unused module is not performed, the first transceiver, the first RX baseband front-end module1314-1in the baseband processor, and the first RX baseband processing module1316-1may be deactivated.

According to the present disclosure, the first transceiver and first RX baseband front-end module1314-1in the baseband processor process the second signal received through one of the first additional antenna1362-1and the second additional antenna1362-2. The first transceiver and the first RX baseband front-end module1314-1in the baseband processor may process the second signal received through the first additional antenna1362-1and provides the second signal to the second RX baseband processing module1316-2.

As described above, a plurality of second signals are provided to the second RX baseband processing module1316-2. The plurality of second signals to be provided to the second RX baseband processing module1316-2is input to the baseband processor. In this case, both of an input for the first signal and an input for the second signal are used, and the second signals are collected at the second RX baseband processing module1316-2through routing in the baseband processor. The input is a medium for delivering a signal from an external element of the baseband processor to an internal element of the baseband processor, and connects the baseband processor to a path for delivering a signal to the baseband processor. The input may be referred to as a pin or a node, and is constructed of an electrically conductive material.

Accordingly, the second RX baseband processing module1316-2acquires a diversity reception gain by combining three second signals, that is, two second signals received through the first antenna1302-1and the second antenna1302-2and one second signal received through one of the first additional antenna1362-1and the second additional antenna1362-2. According to the present disclosure, the second RX baseband processing module1316-2may combine the three RX signals or may selectively combine only two signals. For example, the second RX baseband processing module1316-2may combine only two signals having excellent signal quality. Herein, the signal quality may be determined on the basis of at least one of RX signal strength, SNR, SINK, antenna correlation, RX signal strength, RX signal's arrival delay time, and the like.

FIG. 15illustrates an electronic device for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 15, a plurality of additional antennas may be utilized for some of the antennas for a communication with a BS or a different communication unit other than for communicating with the BS.

Referring toFIG. 15, the electronic device includes a first antenna1502-1, a second antenna1502-2, and a third antenna1502-3. The first antenna1502-1is an antenna capable of receiving a first signal (e.g., a high-band signal). The second antenna1502-2is an antenna capable of receiving a second signal (e.g., a low-band signal). The third antenna1502-3is an antenna capable of receiving both the first signal and the second signal. The third antenna1502-3is connected to a diplexer1504. The diplexer1504separates a TX signal into the first signal and the second signal, and outputs the first signal towards a first transceiver and the second signal towards a second transceiver.

The first transceiver and the second transceiver convert a provided RF signal to a baseband signal. Although only amplifiers of the first transceiver and the second transceiver are shown inFIG. 15, the first transceiver and the second transceiver may further include a filter, an oscillator, a mixer, an ADC, and the like.

The first signal received through the first antenna1502-1is provided to an amplifier1510-1in the first transceiver via a first duplexer1506-1. The first duplexer1506-1allows bidirectional communication over a single path for a TX signal and an RX signal. The first duplexer1506-1provides a signal received via the first antenna1502-1to the amplifier1510-1, and provides a TX signal provided from the first transceiver to the first antenna1502-1. A signal amplified by the amplifier1510-1is provided to a first RX baseband front-end module1514-1in a baseband processor. The second signal received through the second antenna1502-2is provided to an amplifier1510-2in the second transceiver via a second duplexer1506-2. A signal amplified by the amplifier1510-2is provided to a second RX baseband front-end module1514-2in the baseband processor.

The first signal output from the diplexer1504may be provided to an amplifier1512-1of the first transceiver via a band-pass filter1508. A signal amplified by the amplifier1512-1is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module1514-1in the baseband processor. Thereafter, the first RX front-end module1514-1may provide a signal to a first RX baseband processing module1516-1. The second signal output from the diplexer1504may be provided to an amplifier1512-2in the second transceiver. A signal amplified by the amplifier1512-2is provided to the second RX baseband front-end module1514-2in the baseband processor. Thereafter, the second RX front-end module1514-2may provide a signal to a second RX baseband processing module1516-2.

The baseband processor includes a first TX baseband processing module1522-1and a first TX baseband front-end module1524-1to process a TX signal of the high band, and include a second TX baseband processing module1522-2and a second TX baseband front-end module1524-2to process a signal of the low band. The first TX baseband processing module1522-1provides a baseband signal to be transmitted through the high band to the first TX baseband front-end module1524-1. The first TX baseband front-end module1524-1provides a TX signal to an amplifier1526-1in the first transceiver. A signal amplified in the amplifier1526-1is transmitted through the first antenna1502-1via an amplifier1528-1and the first duplexer1506-1. The second TX baseband processing module1522-2provides the second TX baseband front-end module1524-2with a baseband signal to be transmitted through the low band. The second TX baseband front-end module1524-2provides a TX signal to an amplifier1526-2in the second transceiver. A signal amplified in the amplifier1526-2is transmitted through the second antenna1502-2via an amplifier1528-2and the second duplexer1506-2. InFIG. 15, the TX signal provided to the first transceiver is amplified by the two amplifiers1526-1and1528-1, and the two amplifiers1526-1and1528-1may amplify signals of different bands. For example, the amplifier1526-1of a first stage may amplify an intermediary band of the TX signal, and the amplifier1528-1of a next stage may amplify a low band of the TX signal.

An additional antenna1562is a TX/RX antenna that may be connected with the first transceiver, the second transceiver, or a different communication unit1560through a switch1564-1. For example, the different communication unit1560may include one of a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, a GPS module, a DMB module, and an NFC module. Although one different communication unit1560is illustrated inFIG. 15, a plurality of other communication units maybe included, and thus a plurality of additional antennas maybe included. Although not shown inFIG. 15, the different communication unit1560may include a third transceiver.

The baseband process ofFIG. 15includes the first RX baseband processing module1516-1, the second RX baseband processing module1516-2, the first TX baseband processing module1522-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1522-2. In this case, the first RX baseband processing module1516-1, the second RX baseband processing module1516-2, the first TX baseband processing module1522-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1522-2may be included in at least one modem chip or integrated circuit. For example, the first RX baseband processing module1516-1, the second RX baseband processing module1516-2, the first TX baseband processing module1522-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1522-2may be included in one modem chip, or may be included separately in a plurality of modem chips.

If a diversity reception is performed using an unused RX module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the additional antenna1562is used as an additional reception path. For this, the additional antenna1562is connected to the first transceiver and the second transceiver through the first antenna switch1564-1. If the second transceiver is currently processing the second signal, the first antenna switch1564-1is used to receive the second signal through the additional antenna1562and to output it to the first transceiver. In this case, a signal output from the first antenna switch1564-1is provided to the first transceiver via a first band-pass filter1566-1, which passes a signal of a frequency in the low band, is amplified by an amplifier1568-1in the first transceiver, and thereafter is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module1514-1. The first RX baseband front-end module1514-1provides the second signal to the second RX baseband processing module1516-2. In addition, the second transceiver provides the second RX baseband front-end module1514-2with at least one second signal received through at least one of the second antenna1502-2and the third antenna1502-3, and the second RX baseband front-end module1514-2provides the at least one second signal to the second RX baseband processing module1516-2. Accordingly, the electronic device further ensures one path for the diversity reception. The second RX baseband processing module1516-2combines the second signal received through at least one of the second antenna1502-2, the third antenna1502-3, and the additional antenna1562.

In addition, if the first transceiver is currently processing the first signal, the first antenna switch1564-1is used to receive the signal through the additional antenna1562and to output it to the second transceiver. In this case, a signal output from the first antenna switch1564-1is provided to the second transceiver via a second band-pass filter1566-2which passes a signal of a frequency in the high band. The second RX baseband front-end module1514-2provides the first signal to the first RX baseband processing module1516-1. In addition, the first transceiver provides the first RX baseband front-end module1514-1with at least one first signal received through at least one of the first antenna1502-1and the third antenna1502-3, and the first RX baseband front-end module1514-1provides the at least one first signal to the first RX baseband processing module1516-1. Accordingly, the electronic device further ensures one path for diversity reception. The first RX baseband processing module1516-1combines the first signal received through at least one of the first antenna1502-1, the third antenna1502-3, and the additional antenna1562.

If diversity reception is performed using an unused RX module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the first antenna1502-1and the second antenna1502-2is used as an additional reception path.FIG. 15shows an apparatus in which one of the first antenna1501-1and the second antenna1502-2may be selectively used as an additional reception path. For this, the first antenna1502-1is connected to the first transceiver via a second antenna switch1564-2, and the second antenna1502-2is connected to the second transceiver via the second antenna switch1564-2.

For example, if the second transceiver is currently processing the second signal, the second antenna switch1564-2is used to receive the second signal through the first antenna1502-1and to output it to the first transceiver. In this case, the second signal output from the second antenna switch1564-2is provided via the band-pass filter1566-1, which passes a signal of frequency in the low band, is provided to the first transceiver to be amplified by the amplifier1568-1in the first transceiver, and thereafter is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module1514-1. The first RX baseband front-end module1514-1provides the second signal to the second RX baseband processing module1516-2. In addition, the second transceiver provides the second RX baseband front-end module1514-2with at least one second signal received through at least one of the second antenna1502-2and the third antenna1502-3, and the second RX baseband front-end module1514-2provides the at least one second signal to the second RX baseband processing module1516-2. Accordingly, the electronic device further ensures one path for the diversity reception. The second RX baseband processing module1516-2combines the second signal received through at least one of the second antenna1502-2, the third antenna1502-3, and the first antenna1502-1.

In another example, if the first transceiver is currently processing the first signal, a third antenna switch1564-3outputs the first signal received through the second antenna1502-2to the second transceiver. In this case, the first signal output from the third antenna switch1564-3is provided via the band-pass filter1566-2, which passes a signal of a frequency in the low band, to the second transceiver to be amplified by the amplifier1568-2in the second transceiver, and thereafter is provided to the second RX baseband front-end module1514-2. The second RX baseband front-end module1514-2provides the first signal to the first RX baseband processing module1516-1. In addition, the first transceiver provides the first RX baseband front-end module1514-1with at least one first signal received through at least one of the first antenna1502-1and the third antenna1502-3, and the first RX baseband front-end module1514-1provides the at least one first signal to the first RX baseband processing module1516-1. Accordingly, the electronic device further ensures one path for diversity reception. The first RX baseband processing module1516-1combines the first signal received through at least one of the first antenna1502-1, the third antenna1502-3, and the second antenna1502-2.

Although only one path for signal routing between the first RX baseband front-end module1514-1and the second RX baseband processing module1516-2is illustrated inFIG. 15, two or more paths may exist for the signal routing according to the present disclosure. In addition, although only one path for signal routing between the second RX baseband front-end module1514-2and the first RX baseband processing module1516-1is illustrated inFIG. 15, two or more paths may exist for the signal routing according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 16illustrates an electronic device for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 16, an additional antenna may be utilized for a different communication other than a communication with a BS.

Referring toFIG. 16, the electronic device includes a first antenna1602-1and a second antenna1602-2. The first antenna1602-1is connected to a first diplexer1604-1. The first diplexer1604-1separates a TX signal into a first signal (e.g., a high-band signal) and a second signal (e.g., a low-band signal), and outputs the first signal towards a first transceiver and the second signal towards a second transceiver. The second antenna1602-2is connected to a second diplexer1604-2. The second diplexer1604-2separates a TX signal into a first signal and a second signal, and outputs the first signal towards the first transceiver and the second signal towards the second transceiver.

The first transceiver and the second transceiver convert a provided RF signal to a baseband signal. Although only amplifiers of the first transceiver and the second transceiver are shown inFIG. 16, the first transceiver and the second transceiver may further include a filter, an oscillator, a mixer, an ADC, and the like.

The first signal output from the first diplexer1604-1is provided to an amplifier1610-1in the first transceiver via a first duplexer1606-1. The first duplexer1606-1allows bidirectional communication over a single path for a TX signal and an RX signal, provides a signal received via the first antenna1602-1to the amplifier1610-1, and provides a TX signal provided from the first transceiver to the first antenna1602-1. A signal amplified by the amplifier1610-1is provided to a first RX baseband front-end module1614-1in a baseband processor. The first signal output from the second diplexer1604-2is provided to an amplifier1612-1of the first transceiver via a band-pass filter1608. A signal amplified by the amplifier1612-1is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module1614-1in the baseband processor. Thereafter, the first RX baseband front-end module1614-1provides a signal to a first RX baseband processing module1616-1. The first RX baseband front-end module1614-1and the first RX baseband processing module1616-1may be separate modules in a modem chip or integrated circuit, or may be one integrated module.

The second signal output from the first diplexer1604-1is provided to an amplifier1610-2in the second transceiver via a second duplexer1606-2. A signal amplified by the amplifier1610-2is provided to a second RX baseband front-end module1614-2in the baseband processor. The second signal output from the second diplexer1604-2is provided to an amplifier1612-2of the second transceiver. A signal amplified by the amplifier1612-2is provided to the second RX baseband front-end module1614-2in the baseband processor. Thereafter, the second RX baseband front-end module1614-2provides a signal to a second RX baseband processing module1616-2. The second RX baseband front-end module1614-2and the second RX baseband processing module1616-2may be separate modules in a modem chip or integrated circuit, or may be one integrated module.

The baseband processor includes a first TX baseband processing module1622-1and a first TX baseband front-end module1624-1to process a TX signal of the high band, and includes a second TX baseband processing module1622-2and a second TX baseband front-end module1624-2to process a signal of the low band. The first TX baseband processing module1622-1provides a baseband signal to be transmitted through the high band to the first TX baseband front-end module1624-1. The first TX baseband processing module1622-1and the first TX baseband front-end module1624-1may be separate modules in a modem chip or integrated circuit, or may be one integrated module. The first TX baseband front-end module1624-1provides a TX signal to an amplifier1626-1in the first transceiver. A signal amplified in the amplifier1626-1is transmitted through the first antenna1602-1via an amplifier1628-1, the first duplexer1606-1, and the first diplexer1604-1. The second TX baseband processing module1622-2provides the second TX baseband front-end module1624-2with a baseband signal to be transmitted through the low band. The second TX baseband processing module1622-2and the second TX baseband front-end module1624-2may be separate modules in a modem chip or integrated circuit, or may be one integrated module. The second TX baseband front-end module1624-2provides a TX signal to an amplifier1626-2in the second transceiver. A signal amplified in the amplifier1626-2is transmitted through the first antenna1602-1via an amplifier1628-2, the second duplexer1606-2, and the first diplexer1604-1. InFIG. 16, the TX signal provided to the first transceiver is amplified by the two amplifiers1626-1and1628-1, and the two amplifiers1626-1and1628-1may amplify signals of different bands. For example, the amplifier1626-1of a first stage may amplify an intermediary band of the TX signal, and the amplifier1628-1of a next stage may amplify a low band of the TX signal.

An additional antenna1662may be connected with the first transceiver, the second transceiver, or a different communication means1660through a switch1664. For example, the different communication unit1660may include one of a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, a GPS module, a DMB module, and an NFC module. Although one different communication unit1660is illustrated inFIG. 16, a plurality of other communication units maybe included, and thus a plurality of additional antennas maybe included. Although not shown inFIG. 16, the different communication units1660may include a third transceiver.

A third antenna1672is connected with a diplexer1674. The diplexer1674outputs the first signal (e.g., a high-band signal) received through the third antenna1672towards the second transceiver, and outputs the second signal (e.g., a low-band signal) towards the first transceiver. The second signal output from the diplexer1674is amplified by an amplifier1678-1in the first transceiver, and thereafter is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module1614-1. The first signal output from the diplexer1674is amplified by an amplifier1678-2in the second transceiver via a band-pass filter1676, and thereafter is provided to the second RX baseband front-end module1614-2. Alternatively, according to the present disclosure, the band-pass filter1676may be omitted. In this case, the first signal output from the diplexer1674may be amplified by the amplifier1678-2in the second transceiver, and thereafter may be provided to the second RX baseband front-end module1614-2.

InFIG. 16, the baseband processor include the first RX baseband processing module1616-1, the second RX baseband processing module1616-2, the first TX baseband processing module1622-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1622-2. In this case, the first RX baseband processing module1616-1, the second RX baseband processing module1616-2, the first TX baseband processing module1622-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1622-2may be included in at least one modem chip or integrated circuit. For example, the first RX baseband processing module1616-1, the second RX baseband processing module1616-2, the first TX baseband processing module1622-1, and the second TX baseband processing module1622-2may be included in one modem chip, or may be separately included in a plurality of modem chips.

If diversity reception is performed using an unused RX module according to the present disclosure, the additional antenna1662is used as an additional reception path. For this, the additional antenna1662is connected to the first transceiver or the second transceiver via an antenna switch1664.

For example, if the second transceiver is currently processing the second signal, the antenna switch1664is used to receive the second signal through the additional antenna1662and to output it to the first transceiver. A signal output from the antenna switch1664is provided to the first transceiver via a first band-pass filter1666-1, which passes a signal of a frequency in the low band, is amplified by an amplifier1668-1in the first transceiver, and thereafter is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module1614-1. The first RX baseband front-end module1614-1provides the second signal to the second RX baseband processing module1616-2. Accordingly, the electronic device further ensures one path for diversity reception. Further, the diplexer1674outputs the second signal received via the third antenna1672to the first transceiver. The second signal output from the diplexer1674is provided to the first transceiver, is amplified by the amplifier1678-1in the first transceiver, and thereafter is provided to the first RX baseband front-end module1614-1. The first RX baseband front-end module1614-1provides the second signal to the second RX baseband processing module1616-2. Accordingly, the electronic device further ensures another path for diversity reception. In addition, the second transceiver provides at least one second signal received through at least one of the first antenna1602-1and the second antenna1602-2to the second RX baseband front-end module1614-2, and the second RX baseband front-end module1614-2provides the at least one second signal to the second RX baseband processing module1616-2. As a result, the second RX baseband processing module1616-2combines the second signal received via at least one of the first antenna1602-1, the second antenna1602-2, and the third antenna1672.

In addition, if the first transceiver is currently processing the first signal, the antenna switch1664is used to receive the first signal through the additional antenna1662and to output it to the second transceiver. In this case, a signal output from the antenna switch1664is provided to the second transceiver via a second band-pass filter1666-2, which passes a signal of a frequency in the high band, is amplified by an amplifier1668-2in the second transceiver, and thereafter is provided to the second RX baseband front-end module1614-2. The second RX baseband front-end module1614-2provides the first signal to the first RX baseband processing module1616-1. Accordingly, the electronic device further ensures one path for diversity reception. Further, the diplexer1674outputs the first signal received via the third antenna1672to the second transceiver. The first signal output from the diplexer1674is provided to the second transceiver via the band-pass filter1676, is amplified by an amplifier1678-2in the second transceiver, and thereafter is provided to the second RX baseband front-end module1614-2. The second RX baseband front-end module1614-2provides the first signal to the first RX baseband processing module1616-1. Accordingly, the electronic device further ensures another path for diversity reception. In addition, the first transceiver provides at least one first signal received through at least one of the first antenna1602-1and the second antenna1602-2to the first RX baseband front-end module1614-1, and the first RX baseband front-end module1614-1provides the at least one first signal to the first RX baseband processing module1616-1. As a result, the first RX baseband processing module1616-1combines the first signal received via at least one of the first antenna1602-1, the second antenna1602-2, and the third antenna1672.

According toFIG. 16, for additional diversity reception concerning the first signal, signal processing is performed as shown inFIG. 17.FIG. 17illustrates a signal processing path of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 17, a signal processing path and activated blocks are indicated by a bold line.

Referring toFIG. 17, if the first signal (e.g., a high-band signal) is received, the first transceiver for the first signal, the first RX baseband front-end module1614-1in the baseband processor, and the first RX baseband processing module1616-1processes the first signal. In addition, the second transceiver for the second signal, the second RX baseband front-end module1614-2in the baseband processor, and the second RX baseband processing module1616-2may not be provided with the second signal. Instead, according to the present disclosure, the second transceiver and second RX baseband front-end module1614-2in the baseband processor receive the first signal through the additional antenna1662and the third antenna1672. For example, the second transceiver and the second RX baseband front-end module1614-2receive the first signal through the additional antenna1662and the third antenna1672and provide the signals to the first RX baseband processing module1616-1.

As described above, a plurality of first signals are provided to the first RX baseband processing module1616-1. The plurality of first signals to be provided to the first RX baseband processing module1616-1is input to the baseband processor. In this case, an input for the first signal and an input for the second signal are used, and the first signals are collected at the first RX baseband processing module1616-1through routing in the baseband processor. The input is a medium for delivering a signal from an external element of the baseband processor to an internal element of the baseband processor, and connects the baseband processor to a path for delivering a signal to the baseband processor. The input may be referred to as a pin or a node, and is constructed of an electrically conductive material.

Accordingly, the first RX baseband processing module1616-1acquires a diversity reception gain by combining four first signals received through the first RX baseband processing module1616-1, the first antenna1602-1, a second antenna1602-2, the additional antenna1662, and the third antenna1672. According to the present disclosure, the first RX baseband processing module1616-1combines the four RX signals or may selectively combine only some signals, that is, may use a diversity reception scheme such as MRC, in-phase combination, constant gain combination, simple selection or antenna selection switching, and the like. In addition to these schemes, other diversity reception schemes may also be applied. For example, the first RX baseband processing module1616-1may combine only two or three signals having excellent signal quality. Herein, the signal quality may be determined on the basis of at least one of RX signal strength, SNR, SINR, antenna correlation, RX signal strength, RX signal's arrival delay time, and the like.

Unlike a signal processing path illustrated inFIG. 17, the first signal received via the third antenna1672may be provided to the first transceiver along a path connected to the first transceiver. In this case, a collision may occur with a signal received via the second antenna1602-2. However, by turning off the amplifier1678-1on a path on which the first signal received via the third antenna1672is delivered, the electronic device may avoid a transmission of the first signal received via the third antenna1672in the first transceiver. Herein, turning off the amplifier1678-1may include one of blocking power supplied to the amplifier1678-1and applying an inactive signal to an enable node of the amplifier1678-1.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, unlike the turning off the amplifier1678-1, a switch may be included between the amplifier1678-1and the diplexer1674, or the diplexer1674may be replaced with a switch similar to the antenna switch1664.

As described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may include a first transceiver for processing a first carrier, a second transceiver for processing a second carrier, a switch, a baseband processor for processing a first baseband signal and a second baseband signal, which are processed respectively by the first transceiver and the second transceiver, an antenna connected through the switch in association with some of a plurality of reception paths with respect to the first carrier, and a reception path for providing the second transceiver with the first carrier received via the antenna connected through the switch to the second transceiver.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may include a first transceiver for processing an RX signal of a first carrier when operating in a CA mode, a second transceiver for processing an RX signal of a second carrier when operating in the CA mode, and a baseband processor for demodulating and decoding a signal processed by the first transceiver and the second transceiver. The second transceiver may convert an RX signal of the first carrier to a baseband signal when operating in a non-CA mode. The baseband processor may be provided with a baseband signal of the first carrier from the first transceiver via an input means corresponding to the first transceiver and may be provided with a baseband signal of the first carrier from the second transceiver via an input means corresponding to the second transceiver, and thereafter may provide the baseband signals to one processing module through internal routing to combine the baseband signals.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may include a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna, and first and second transceivers for receiving at least one of a first signal and a second signal via the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna. If the first signal is not received, the first transceiver may receive the second signal via the first antenna and the second antenna, and the second transceiver may be configured to receive the second signal via the third antenna.

FIG. 18is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 18, in step1801, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) processes a signal of a first carrier via a first transceiver for the first carrier. For example, the electronic device may perform a process of filtering, amplifying, down-converting to a baseband signal, quantizing, and the like, on the signal of the first carrier. The signal of the first carrier may be a signal transmitted from a TX side (e.g., a BS) via the first carrier. The electronic device may be in a state of being scheduled for the first carrier. In this case, a plurality of signals received respectively via a plurality of antennas may be processed in the first transceiver.

In step1803, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) processes the signal of the first carrier via a second transceiver for a second carrier. For example, the electronic device may perform a process of filtering, amplifying, down-converting to a baseband signal, quantizing, and the like, on the signal of the first carrier. In this case, the electronic device is in a state of not being scheduled for the second carrier. For example, the TX side (e.g., the BS) may not support the second carrier, or the electronic device may operate in a single-carrier mode, or a resource may not be allocated to the electronic device in a data channel of the second carrier, or the electronic device may belong to a non-reception duration in a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode in the second carrier.

In step1805, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) combines an RX signal processed in the first transceiver and an RX signal processed in the second transceiver. If a plurality of signals received respectively via a plurality of antennas is processed in the first transceiver, the electronic device combines three or more RX signals such as signals processed in the first transceiver and RX signals processed in the second transceiver. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device selectively combines some of the three or more RX signals provided from the first transceiver and the second transceiver.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 18, the steps1801,1803, and1805are performed sequentially. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the order illustrated inFIG. 18. Therefore, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the steps1801,1803, and1805may be performed in different orders or may be performed concurrently. It is apparent that all of the steps1801,1803, and1805may be performed concurrently, or only some of them may be performed concurrently.

FIG. 19is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 19, in step1901, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) inputs an RX signal processed in a first transceiver to a baseband modem via an input corresponding to a first carrier. The input is a medium for delivering a signal from an external element of the baseband processor to an internal element of the baseband processor, and connects the baseband processor to a path for delivering a signal to the baseband processor. The input may be referred to as a pin or a node, and is constructed of an electrically conductive material. The baseband modem has a plurality of inputs for receiving a signal input. The plurality of pins may be divided into inputs corresponding to a first carrier and a second carrier. Herein, a process in the first transceiver may include at least one of filtering, amplifying, down-converting to a baseband signal, quantizing, and the like.

In step1903, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) inputs an RX signal processed in a second transceiver to the baseband modem via an input corresponding to the second carrier. In this case, according to the present disclosure, an RX signal processed in the second transceiver includes the signal of the first carrier. The electronic device may be in a state of not being scheduled for the second carrier. For example, a TX side (e.g., a BS) may not support the second carrier, or the electronic device may operate in a single-carrier mode, or a resource may not be allocated to the electronic device in a data channel of the second carrier, or the electronic device may belong to a non-reception duration in a DRX mode in the second carrier.

In step1905, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) performs routing on RX signals, provided from the first transceiver and the second transceiver, in the baseband modem, and combines the RX signals. The RX signals processed respectively by the first transceiver and the second transceiver are input via inputs corresponding to the respective transceivers when the signals are input to the baseband modem, but are collected at one baseband signal processing module through internal routing in the baseband modem. Accordingly, the electronic device combines the RX signals. If a plurality of signals received respectively via a plurality of antennas is processed in the first transceiver, the electronic device combines three or more RX signals such as signals processed in the first transceiver and RX signals processed in the second transceiver. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device selectively combines some of the three or more RX signals provided from the first transceiver and the second transceiver.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 19, steps1901,1903, and1905are performed sequentially. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the order illustrated inFIG. 19. Therefore, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, steps1901,1903, and1905may be performed in different orders or may be performed concurrently. It is apparent that all of the steps1901,1903, and1905may be performed concurrently, or only some of them may be performed concurrently.

FIG. 20is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 20, in step2001, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) activates a signal path between an antenna for a different communication other than a communication with a BS and a transceiver for an unscheduled carrier. The electronic device has a communication unit for the different communication other than the communication with the BS and at least one antenna. For example, the communication unit may include a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, a GPS module, a DMB module, and an NFC module. In addition, the electronic device has a plurality of transceivers which correspond to respective carriers. In this case, the antenna for the different communication has a structure capable of connecting with the transceiver for the communication with the BS. For example, the antenna for the different communication and the transceiver for the communication with the BS may be connected via an antenna switch, a band-pass filter, and the like. In this case, the electronic device activates the signal path by controlling the antenna switch and the band-pass filter. Herein, the unscheduled case may include one of a case where a TX side (e.g., the BS) does not support the second carrier or the electronic device operates in a single-carrier mode, a case where a resource is not allocated to the electronic device in a data channel of the second carrier, and a case where the electronic device belongs to a non-reception duration in a DRX mode in the second carrier.

In step2003, the electronic device (i.e., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) processes a signal of a carrier scheduled via the transceiver for the unscheduled carrier. For example, the electronic device may perform a process of filtering, amplifying, down-converting to a baseband signal, quantizing, and the like, on the signal of the scheduled carrier.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 20, steps2001and2003are performed sequentially. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the order illustrated inFIG. 20. Therefore, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the steps2001and2003may be performed in different orders or may be performed concurrently.

Although not shown inFIG. 20, the electronic device may combine an RX signal processed via the transceiver for the unscheduled carrier and at least one RX signal processed via the transceiver for the scheduled carrier. The electronic device may include the transceiver for the scheduled carrier, and can obtain a diversity reception gain by combining the RX signals.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device includes a plurality of antennas for a different communication other than a communication with the BS. In this case, by activating one of the plurality of antennas, the electronic device provides an RX signal to the transceiver for the unscheduled carrier. Further, the electronic device changes the activated antenna according to whether a reception capability is improved, how much the reception capability is improved, and the like. For example, although diversity reception is performed by activating a signal path between the transceiver and one of the plurality of antennas for the different communications, if a reception capability improvement level is less than a threshold, the electronic device activates the signal path between the transceiver and another antenna among the plurality of antennas for the different communications.

FIG. 21is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 21, in step2101, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) activates a signal path between an antenna for a different communication other than a communication with a BS and a transceiver for an unscheduled carrier. The electronic device has a plurality of transceivers which correspond to respective carriers. In this case, the electronic device controls the signal path to deliver not the unscheduled carrier but a signal of another scheduled carrier. For example, the electronic device activates a band-pass filter for passing a signal of a frequency of the different carrier on the signal path, and controls an antenna switch connected to an antenna for the unscheduled carrier so that a signal received via the antenna for the unscheduled carrier is delivered to the transceiver via the band-pass filter. Herein, the unscheduled case may include one of a case where a TX side (e.g., the BS) does not support the second carrier or the electronic device operates in a single-carrier mode, a case where a resource is not allocated to the electronic device in a data channel of the second carrier, and a case where the electronic device belongs to a non-reception duration in a DRX mode in the second carrier.

In step2103, the electronic device (i.e., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) processes a signal of a carrier scheduled via the transceiver for the unscheduled carrier. For example, the electronic device may perform a process of filtering, amplifying, down-converting to a baseband signal, quantizing, and the like, on the signal of the scheduled carrier.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 21, steps2101and2103are performed sequentially. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the order illustrated inFIG. 21. Therefore, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, steps2101and2103may be performed in different orders or may be performed concurrently.

Although not shown inFIG. 21, the electronic device may combine an RX signal processed via the transceiver for the unscheduled carrier and at least one RX signal processed via the transceiver for the scheduled carrier. The electronic device may include the transceiver for the scheduled carrier, and can obtain a diversity reception gain by combining the RX signals

FIG. 22is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 22, in step2201, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) processes a first carrier via a first transceiver when the first carrier is received. Herein, the first transceiver is a module for converting an RF signal to a baseband signal. For example, the first transceiver may include a filter, an amplifier, an oscillator, a mixer, an ADC, and the like.

In step2203, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) provides a second transceiver with the first carrier received via an antenna connected to the second transceiver through a switch. The second transceiver is a module for processing the second carrier when receiving the second carrier. However, in a case where the second carrier is not processed, if the electronic device does not receive the second carrier, the electronic device provides the second transceiver with the first carrier. Accordingly, the second transceiver may process the first carrier, instead of the second carrier.

In step2205, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) demodulates and decodes a baseband signal of the first carrier processed by the first transceiver and a baseband signal of the first carrier processed by the second transceiver. In this case, the electronic device combines the baseband signals processed respectively by the first transceiver and the second transceiver. The electronic device obtains a diversity reception gain by combining the baseband signals.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 22, steps2201,2203, and2205are performed sequentially. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the order illustrated inFIG. 22. Therefore, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, steps2201,2203, and2205may be performed in different orders or may be performed concurrently. It is apparent that all of the steps2201,2203, and2205may be performed concurrently, or only some of them may be performed concurrently.

FIG. 23is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device for a wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 23, in step2301, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) receives at least one of a first signal and a second signal via at least one of a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna. Herein, some of the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna are provided for a communication with a BS, and the remaining antennas may be provided for different communications. In another example, the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna may be provided for the communication with the BS.

In step2303, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device ofFIG. 1) provides the first signal or the second signal to a first transceiver or a second transceiver. In this case, if the second signal is not received, the electronic device provides the first transceiver with the first signal received via the first antenna and the second antenna, and provides the second transceiver with the first signal received via the third antenna. Otherwise, if the first signal is not received, the electronic device provides the second transceiver with the second signal received via the first antenna and the second antenna, and provides the first transceiver with the second signal received via the third antenna.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 23, steps2301and2303are performed sequentially. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the order illustrated inFIG. 23. Therefore, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the steps2301and2303may be performed in different orders or may be performed concurrently.

Although not shown inFIG. 23, the first transceiver and the second transceiver may respectively change the provided signals to baseband signals. Thereafter, the baseband signals converted respectively by the first transceiver and the second transceiver are provided to a baseband processor (e.g., a modem chip or integrated circuit), and the baseband processor combines the baseband signals. In this case, the baseband signal converted by the first transceiver is provided via an input corresponding to the first transceiver, and the baseband signal converted by the second transceiver is provided to the baseband processor via an input corresponding to the second transceiver. Thereafter, the baseband signals are collected at one processing module through internal routing in the baseband processor.

FIG. 24illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 24, an electronic device2400includes a bus2410, a processor2420, a memory2430, an input/output interface2440, a display2450, and a communication module2460.

The bus2410is a circuit for connecting the aforementioned elements and for delivering a communication (e.g., a control message) between the aforementioned elements.

For example, the processor2420receives an instruction from other elements (e.g., the memory2430, the input/output interface2440, the display2450, the communication module2460, and the like), and thus may interpret the received instruction and execute arithmetic or data processing according to the interpreted instruction.

The memory2430stores an instruction or data received from the processor2420or other elements (e.g., the input/output interface2440, the display2450, the communication module2460, and the like) or generated by the processor2420or other elements. The memory2430may include programming modules such as a kernel2431, a middleware2432, an Application Programming Interface (API)2433, an application2434, and the like. Each of the aforementioned programming modules may consist of software, firmware, or hardware entities or may consist of at least two or more combinations thereof.

The kernel2431controls or manages the remaining other programming modules, for example, system resources (e.g., the bus2410, the processor2420, the memory2430, and the like) used to execute an operation or function implemented in the middleware2432, the API2433, or the application2434. In addition, the kernel2431provides a controllable or manageable interface by accessing individual elements of the electronic device2400in the middleware2432, the API2433, or the application2434.

The middleware2432performs an intermediary role so that the API2433or the application2434communicates with the kernel2431to exchange data. In addition, regarding task requests received from the (plurality of) applications2434, the middleware2432performs load balancing for the task request by using a method of assigning a priority or the like capable of using a system resource (e.g., the bus2410, the processor2420, the memory2430, and the like) of the electronic device2400to at least one application among the (plurality of) applications2434.

The API2433includes at least one interface or function for file control, window control, video processing, or character control, and the like, as an interface capable of controlling a function provided by the application2434in the kernel2431or the middleware2432.

The input/output interface2440receives an instruction or data from a user and delivers it to the processor2420or the memory2430via the bus2410. The display2450displays video, image, data, and the like, to the user.

The communication module2460connects a communication between another electronic device2402and the electronic device2400. The communication module2460may support a specific near-field communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC) or a specific communication network2462(e.g., Internet, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), telecommunication network, cellular network, satellite network, Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), and the like). Each of the electronic devices2402and2204may be a device which is the same (e.g., the same type) as the electronic device2400or may be a different (e.g., a different type) device.

The communication module2460may be used to perform a communication with a BS. For example, for the communication with the BS, the communication module2460may include at least one transceiver and at least one baseband processor. The baseband processor may include at least one baseband module. For example, the communication module2460may include at least one of the antenna connector110, first RF processing module120-1, second RF processing module120-2, first baseband processing module130-1, and second baseband processing module130-2ofFIG. 1. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device for performing the communication with the BS includes the electronic devices ofFIG. 5,FIG. 8,FIG. 10,FIG. 12,FIG. 13,FIG. 15, andFIG. 16.

An electronic device additionally utilizes RX modules to additionally ensure a signal reception path and diversity reception is performed on a plurality of signals, thereby being able to improve reception.

In the aforementioned embodiments of the present disclosure, an element included in the disclosure is expressed in a singular or plural form according to the embodiments herein. However, the singular or plural expression is selected properly for a situation for the convenience of explanation, and thus the disclosure is not limited to a single or a plurality of elements. Therefore, an element expressed in a plural form may also be expressed in a singular form, or vice versa. While the present disclosure is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.