Electronic device for determining failure of signal path and component, and method for operating same

Provided are an electronic device for determining failure of a signal path and a component, and a method for operating the electronic device according to various embodiments. The electronic device comprises: at least one connection part for connection to an external device; a first signal path including an amplifier for amplifying a signal transmitted to the outside of the electronic device; a second signal path for obtaining another signal from the outside of the electronic device; an antenna port electrically connected to the first signal path and the second signal path through a filter circuit; and a communication module, wherein the communication module may be configured to transmit a transmission signal through the first signal path to the antenna port, obtain at least a part of the transmission signal through the second signal path, and determine whether the electronic device is defective on the basis of the transmission signal and information associated with at least a part of the transmission signal. Various other embodiments are possible.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to an electronic device for determining failure of a signal path and a component and a method for operating the electronic device.

BACKGROUND ART

Currently, a variety of electronic devices including smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop personal computers (PCs), and wearable devices have become prevalent.

These various electronic devices require communication circuits to carry out communication, and when an electronic device is produced, it is necessary to detect any failure in the communication circuit before shipping the product.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

Detection of failure or not of a communication circuit included in an electronic device may be carried out in a process to finish assembling of the electronic device. In order to detect any failure of the communication circuit, separate external measuring equipment may be used.

An electronic device whose assembling is finished is connected to external measuring equipment, and according to control of the external measuring equipment, the electronic device may test transmission/reception of a signal and determine failure of the communication circuit based on the test result.

However, where the communication circuit is defective, this may cause a problem such that the communication circuit should be separated from the electronic device whose assembling has been finished, for repair of the communication circuit. As separation of the communication circuit may require assembling and disassembling, a problem of lowering efficiency in the manufacturing process may arise.

After assembling and shipment of the electronic device, in order to detect failure of the communication circuit of the electronic device used by a user, there may be a problem that a repair center for the electronic device requires external measuring equipment. Further, the external measuring equipment is expensive and a problem of increasing production cost in the manufacturing process may be caused.

Solution to Problem

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device may include: at least one connector configured to be connected to an external device; a first signal path including an amplifier configured to amplify a signal to be transmitted to the outside of the electronic device; a second signal path configured to obtain another signal from the outside of the electronic device; an antenna port electrically connected to the first signal path and the second signal path via a filter circuit; and a communication module, wherein the communication module is configured to: transmit a transmission signal to the antenna port via the first signal path; obtain at least part of the transmission signal via the second signal path; and determine failure of the electronic device based on the transmission signal and information associated with the at least part of the transmission signal.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device may include: at least one input terminal configured to be connected to an external device; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: transmit a control signal to the external device; receive information associated with at least part of the control signal transmitted to the input terminal from the external device; and detect failure of the external device based on the control signal and information associated with at least of the control signal.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device may include: at least one connector configured to be connected to an external device; a first signal path including an amplifier configured to amplify a signal to be transmitted to the outside of the electronic device; a second signal path configured to obtain another signal from the outside of the electronic device; a first antenna port electrically connected to the first signal path via a filter circuit; a second antenna port electrically connected to the second signal path; and a communication module, wherein the communication module is configured to: receive a control signal from an external device; transmit a transmission signal corresponding to the control signal to the first antenna port via the first path signal; emit the transmission signal using a first antenna connected to the first antenna port; receive the emitted signal using a second antenna connected to the second antenna port; obtain at least part of the transmission signal via the second signal path; and determine failure of the electronic device based on the transmission signal and information associated with the at least part of the transmission signal.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device may include: at least one connector configured to be connected to an external device; a first signal path including an amplifier configured to amplify a signal to be transmitted to the outside of the electronic device; a second signal path configured to obtain another signal from the outside of the electronic device; an antenna port electrically connected to the first signal path and the second signal path via a filter circuit; an antenna connected to the antenna port; a coupler connected to the antenna, generating a first signal coupled with a transmission signal transmitted to the antenna and a second signal coupled with a signal reflected from the antenna; and a communication module, wherein the communication module is configured to: receive a control signal from the external device; transmit a transmission signal corresponding to the control signal to the antenna port via the first signal path; control the antenna so as to emit the transmission signal; obtain the first signal and the second signal via the second signal path; and determine failure of the electronic device based on information associated with the first signal and information associated with the second signal.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

An electronic device for determining failure of a signal path and a component and a method for operating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure enable failure of a communication circuit to be detected without separate external measuring equipment, thereby serving to reduce the expense required for failure detection.

An electronic device for determining failure of signal path and component and a method for operating the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure enable failure of a communication circuit to be detected before the communication circuit is assembled in the electronic device, thereby increasing production efficiency of the electronic device.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

The audio module170may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module170may obtain the sound through the input device150, or output the sound through the sound output device155or a speaker or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102) directly or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device101.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. According to one embodiment, the power management module388may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

FIG. 2is a view illustrating an electronic device and an inspection device configured to inspect failure of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 2, an electronic device200and an inspection device300configured to inspect failure of the electronic device200are illustrated therein.

The electronic device200may be a printed circuit board (PCB) embedding therein communication related parts included in various electronic devices (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) performing communication, such as portable terminals. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device200may be connected to the inspection device300in a state (an opened state) that no antenna is connected to an antenna port included in the PCB and inspect failure of the electronic device200based on control signals of the inspection device (300). According to various embodiments of the disclosure, failure of various components (e.g., an amplifier, a signal path, etc. used in transmission of RF signals) used in communication of the electronic device200may be detected.

The inspection device300may inspect failure of the electronic device200. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the inspection device300may have at least one connector, for connection to the electronic device200. The inspection device300may be connected to the electronic device200using at least one wiring and may detect failure of various components (e.g., an amplifier, a signal path, etc. used in transmission of RF signals) used in communication of the electronic device200.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device200may detect failure of various components used in communication, without using the inspection device300. Specific contents of the above embodiments will be described in connection withFIGS. 9A and 9B.

FIG. 3is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 3, the electronic device200according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a communication module210, a first signal path220, an amplifier230, a filter circuit240, an antenna port250, a second signal path260, and at least one connector270.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device200may have at least one connector270, for connection to an external device (e.g., the inspection device300ofFIG. 2). The external device300may transmit control signals to detect failure of various components included in the electronic device200via at least one connector270.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first signal path220may connect the communication module210and the filter circuit240and may be a path via which the signal transmitted by the communication module220is transmitted to the filter circuit240. The first signal path220may include the amplifier230configured to amplify the signal transmitted by the communication module210. Various forms of the amplifier230may be used, and the amplifier230may be implemented as a power amplifier, but there is no limitation thereto.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the second signal path220may connect the communication module210and the filter circuitry240and may be a path via which a signal received by an antenna (not shown) connected to the antenna port250is transmitted to the communication module210. Referring toFIG. 3, the antenna is in a state (an opened state) of being not connected to the antenna port250. The signal transmitted by the communication module210may be transmitted to the filter circuit240. A leaked signal partially leaked out from a signal transmitted by the communication module210may be transmitted to the communication module210via the second signal path260.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, where the antenna is in a state of being connected to the antenna port250, the leaked signal partially leaked out from a signal transmitted by the communication module210may be transmitted to the communication module210via the second signal path260.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the filter circuit240may filter and transmit a signal transmitted from the communication module210to the antenna port250, and the filter circuit240may filter and transmit the signal received by an antenna (not shown) connectable to the antenna port250to the communication module210via the second signal path260.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the filter circuit240may be implemented differently according to the communication scheme. Where the electronic device200supports communication using frequency division duplex (FDD) in which a transmission frequency and a reception frequency are different from each other (e.g., the communication may include all the various communication schemes such as LTE-FDD, etc.), the filter circuit240may be implemented by use of a duplexer. The duplexer may filter a signal corresponding to the transmission frequency and a signal corresponding to the reception frequency. Where the electronic device200supports communication using time division duplex (TDD) (e.g., the communication may include all the various communication schemes such as LTE-TDD), the filter circuit240may be implemented in addition of at least two switch circuits. In this case, a switch circuit may connect the first signal path220and the filter circuit240, and another switch circuit may connect the second signal path260and the filter circuit240. The switch circuit may perform switching using a time corresponding to transmission and a time corresponding to reception. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, where the electronic device200supports communication in multiple frequency bands, the filter circuit240may be implemented as a plurality of duplexers or switches according to the frequency bands that may be supported.

According to various embodiments, where the electronic device200supports a plurality of frequency bands or a variety of technologies such as multi input multi output (MIMO), diversity, or beamforming, etc., which are available for using a plurality of antennas, the electronic device200may have a plurality of antenna ports250therein.FIG. 3is described below under the assumption that there is one antenna port250, for the convenience of description.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the communication module210may perform various controls for communication of the electronic device200. For example, the communication module210may receive data or a control signal for data transmission from the processor120of a portable terminal (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) and perform data transmission/reception. Where an antenna is connected to the electronic device200, a signal may be emitted using the antenna.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the communication module210may receive a control signal from an external device (e.g., the inspection device300ofFIG. 2). The control signal may be a control signal to inspect failure of various components or paths included in the electronic device200. The communication module210may receive the control signal from the external device300and transmit a transmission signal corresponding to the control signal to the antenna port250via the first signal path220.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, part of the transmission signal may be leaked to the second signal path260. The communication module210may obtain at least part of the transmission signal which is partially leaked out via the second signal path260. The communication module210may transmit the transmission signal and information associated with at least part of the transmission signal to the external device300via at least one wiring270.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, where the electronic device200supports communication using frequency division duplex (FDD) in which a transmission frequency and a reception frequency are different from each other (e.g., the communication may include all the various communication schemes such as LTE-FDD, etc.), the communication module210may use a transmission signal having a same frequency as the transmission frequency. As another example, the communication module210may use a transmission signal having a same frequency as the reception frequency.

The external device300may determine failure of the components or signal paths included in the electronic device200, using the transmission signal transmitted by the electronic device200and information associated with at least part of the transmission signal.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the information associated with at least part of the transmission signal may include information for attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal while the transmission signal is transmitted via the first signal path220and the second signal path260.

The attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal corresponding to a case where the components or signal paths included in the electronic device200are defective, may be large compared to the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal corresponding to a case where the components or signal paths included in the electronic device200are normal. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, failure of the electronic device200may be determined based on the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal.

For example, where an amplifier included in the electronic device200is defective, the amplification degree of the transmission signal may be low or the transmission signal may not be amplified. In this case, the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal may be larger compared to the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal corresponding to a case where the amplifier is normal.

As another example, where a signal path (the first signal path220or the second signal path260) included in the electronic device200is defective, the transmission signal may not be transmitted, or the amplitude of the transmission may be low. In this case, the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal may be larger compared to the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal corresponding to a case where the signal path is normal.

Besides, a variety of defective cases may be detected, which will be described below in connection withFIG. 5toFIG. 9B.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in the production process of the electronic device101, failure of the components or signal paths included in the electronic device200may be determined before the electronic device202is installed, or in a state that an antenna (not shown) is not mounted in the antenna port250of the electronic device200, thereby increasing the production efficiency.

FIG. 4is a block diagram illustrating an inspection device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 4, an inspection device (e.g., the inspection device300ofFIG. 2) may include at least one connector320, a processor310, and a memory330.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, at least one connector320is connected to an external device (e.g., the electronic device200ofFIG. 2) and may receive various information transmitted by the external device.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor310may transmit a control signal to the external device200. The control signal may be a signal to control an operation to detect failure of the various components or signal paths included in the external device200.

The processor310may receive information associated with at least part of the control signal transmitted from the external device200via the connector320.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the inspection device300may include the memory330storing therein information to determine failure of the external device200transitorily or non-transitorily.

As described above in connection withFIG. 3, in a state that an antenna terminal (e.g., the antenna terminal250ofFIG. 3) of the external device200is opened, the external device300may transmit a transmission signal corresponding to the control signal to the antenna terminal250via a first signal path (e.g., the first signal path220ofFIG. 2). The transmission signal transmitted to the antenna terminal250may be partially leaked out and the leaked signal may be transmitted to a communication module (e.g., the communication module210ofFIG. 3) of the external device200. The external device200may transmit to the inspection device300information associated with at least part of the control signal including therein information associated with part of the transmission signal transmitted to the communication module.

The processor310may determine failure of the external device200based on the information associated with at least part of the control signal. The processor310may determine failure of the signal paths or various components included in the external device200.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the information associated with at least part of the control signal may include a degree of amplitude attenuation of the transmission signal transmitted via a signal path included in the external device200, and the processor310may determine failure of the external device200based on the degree of amplitude attenuation of the signal.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the memory330may store therein information (e.g., may be implemented as a table in which the degree of amplitude attenuation of the signal is mapped with failure of the external device200, but no limitation is applied to the table form) used in determining failure of the electronic device200according to the degree of amplitude attenuation of the signal. The processor310may identify the degree of amplitude attenuation of the signal and determine failure of the external device200according to the degree of amplitude attenuation of the signal, using the table stored in the memory330. For example, a table in which the external device200is determined to be defective where the degree of amplitude attenuation of the signal is equal to or larger than (or exceeds) the predetermined value may be stored in the memory330.

The attenuated amplitude of a transmission signal corresponding to a case where the components or signal paths included in the external device200are defective may be large compared to the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal corresponding to a case where the components or signal paths included in the electronic device200are normal. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor310may determine failure of the external device200based on the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal.

For example, where an amplifier included in the external device200is defective, the amplification degree of the transmission signal may be low or the transmission signal may not be amplified. In this case, the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal may be larger than the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal corresponding to a case where the amplifier is normal. The processor310may determine that the amplifier included in the external device200is defective if the attenuation degree of the transmission signal exceeds the predetermined value (or at least part of the transmission signal has an amplitude equal to or less than the predetermined value).

As another example, when a signal path (the first signal path220or the second signal path260) included in the external device200is defective, the transmission signal may not be transmitted, or the amplitude of the transmission may be low. In this case, the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal may be larger compared to the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal corresponding to a case where the signal path is normal. The processor310may determine that a signal path (the first signal path220or the second signal path260) included in the external device200is defective if the attenuation degree of the transmission signal exceeds the predetermined value (or at least part of the transmission signal has an amplitude equal to or less than the predetermined value).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the information associated with at least part of a control signal may include amplitudes of the signals measured respectively by a plurality of paths included in the communication module210of the external device200. The processor310may determine whether there is any defective signal path among the plurality of signal paths, based on the amplitudes of the signals measured respectively by the plurality of paths. Where the amplitude of a signal measured in one or more signal paths, among the amplitudes of the signals measured respectively by the plurality of paths, is lower than the predetermined value, the processor310may determine that the signal path corresponding to the amplitude of the signal lower than the predetermined value is defective. The processor310may identify the amplitudes of the signals measured respectively by the plurality of paths and determine that a component (e.g., an amplifier) connected to the plurality of signal paths in common is defective where the number of signal paths corresponding to the amplitude of the signal lower than the predetermined value is equal to or larger than the predetermined value. This content will be described below in detail in connection withFIGS. 6A and 6B.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the predetermined values may be stored in the memory330. After reading a predetermined value in the memory330, the processor310may compare the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal with the predetermined value. Based on the comparison result, the processor310may determine failure of the electronic device200.

In the production process of an electronic device101, the inspection device300according to various embodiments of the disclosure may determine failure of the components or signal paths included in the electronic device200before the electronic device200is installed in the electronic device101or in a state that an antenna (not shown) is not mounted in an antenna port250of the electronic device200, thereby increasing the production efficiency. Also, where the electronic device200is defective, it may be determined which component or which signal path of the electronic device200is defective.

FIGS. 5 to 9Bare views showing various embodiments to determine failure of the electronic device illustrated inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5shows the block diagram of an electronic device illustrated inFIG. 3(e.g., the electronic device200ofFIG. 3).

The electronic device200according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include the communication module210, the first signal path220, the amplifier230, the filter circuit240, the antenna port250, and the second signal path260. Description of configurations duplicate with those of the electronic device illustrated inFIG. 3will be omitted below.

Referring toFIG. 5, the communication module210may receive a control signal of an external device (e.g., the inspection device300ofFIG. 2) and transmit a transmission signal520corresponding to the control signal to the antenna port250via the first signal path220.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the transmission signal520transmitted to the antenna part250may be partially leaked out. Referring toFIG. 5, a part530of the leaked transmission signal which is partially leaked out from the transmission signal520is illustrated therein.

According to various components of the disclosure, the communication module210may obtain a part530of the transmission signal via the second signal path260and transmit the part530of the transmission signal to the external device300. As described above in connection withFIG. 4, the external device300may determine failure of the electronic device200based on information for the part530of the transmission signal received from the electronic device200.

FIG. 5illustrates a state in which a part510of the second signal path260is defective (an opened state in which the part510is cut). Where the part510of the second signal path260is defective, the part530of the transmission signal may not be transmitted or may be transmitted to the communication module210in a state that the amplitude thereof is small compared to the normal state.

The inspection device300according to various embodiments of the disclosure may identify that the amplitude of the part530of the transmission signal is lower than the predetermined value and determine that the electronic device200is defective.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bshow block diagrams of the electronic device shown inFIG. 3(e.g., the electronic device200ofFIG. 3).

The electronic device200according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include the communication module210, the first signal path220, the amplifier230, the filter circuit240, the antenna port250, and the second signal path260. Description of configurations duplicate with those of the electronic device illustrated inFIG. 3will be omitted below.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the communication module210may include a first amplifier630connected to the first signal path220, a second amplifier640connected to the second signal path260, a plurality of mixers641,642,643,644and645, and a plurality of signal paths651,652,653,654and655connecting each of the plurality of mixers and the amplifier640.

The first amplifier630may amplify a signal based on a control signal and transmit a transmission signal to the first signal path220.

The second amplifier640may amplify the transmission signal transmitted via the second signal path260.

The plurality of mixers641,642,643,644and645may perform frequency transmission for the transmission signal amplified by the amplifier640. The plurality of mixers641,642,643,644and645may perform frequency transmission (e.g., down-conversion to lower a frequency band or up-conversion to enhance a frequency band) for the transmission signal.

FIG. 6Aillustrates a state in which the communication module210is defective. In particular,FIG. 6Aillustrates that among the plurality of signal paths651,652,653,654and655included in the communication module210, one signal path653is defective.

The inspection device300according to various embodiments of the disclosure may identify amplitudes of transmission signals measured by the mixers641,642,643,644and645respectively connected to the plurality of signal paths651,652,653,654and655. The inspection device300may identify the amplitudes of the signals measured by the respective mixers and identify the signal path653corresponding to the mixer643having a transmission signal whose amplitude is lower than the predetermined value. The inspection device300may determine that the signal path653is defective.

FIG. 6Billustrates a state in which the communication module210is defective. In particular,FIG. 6Billustrates a state in which the amplifier640included in the communication module210is defective.

The inspection device300according to various embodiments of the disclosure may identify amplitudes of the transmission signals measured by the mixers641,642,643,644and645respectively connected to the plurality of signal paths651,652,653,654and655. The inspection device300may identify the amplitudes of the transmission signals measured by the respective mixers and identify the signal paths651,652,653,653and655corresponding to the mixers641,641,643,644and645in which the amplitude of the transmission signal is smaller than the predetermined value. In this case, as the amplitudes of the signals measured by all the signal paths651,652,653,654and655are lower than the predetermined value, the inspection device300may determine that the amplifier640connected to all the signal paths651,652,653,654and655in common is defective.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the amplifier640may support various modes (a high gain mode, a middle gain mode and a low gain mode). The inspection device300may identify the amplitude of a transmission signal corresponding to each of the various modes that the amplifier640can support and, by use thereof, determine failure of the amplifier640.

FIG. 7is a view illustrating an amplifier included in the electronic device200according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

The amplifier710connected to the communication module210may support an amplification mode in which a signal input via an input terminal is amplified and transmitted to an output terminal. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the amplifier710may support a bypass mode. The bypass mode may be a mode in which a signal input to the amplifier710is transmitted, without being amplified, to the output terminal as it is.

FIG. 7shows a flow711of the signal in a bypass mode state and a flow712of the signal in an amplification mode state.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, where the amplifier710normally supports amplification of a signal, the amplitude of the signal corresponding to the amplification mode state and the amplitude of the signal corresponding to the bypass mode state may be different, and the difference may be higher than or as much as the predetermined value (e.g., a value multiplied by a gain value of the amplifier in the amplitude of the input signal, which is then multiplied by a constant). Where the amplifier710is defective, the amplitude of the signal corresponding to the amplification mode state and the amplitude of the signal corresponding to the bypass mode state may be equal to or less than the predetermined value.

The inspection device300according to various embodiments of the disclosure may receive from the electronic device200information associated with at least part of a transmission signal. The information associated with at least part of the transmission signal may include the amplitude of at least part of the transmission signal in a state that the amplifier710is controlled to be operated in the amplification mode and the amplitude of at least part of the transmission signal in a state that the amplifier710is controlled to be operated in the bypass mode.

The inspection device300according to various embodiments of the disclosure may identify any difference between the amplitude of at least part of the transmission signal in a state that the amplifier710is controlled to be operated in the amplification mode and the amplitude of at least part of the transmission signal in a state that the amplifier710is controlled to be operated in the bypass mode. Where the difference is equal to or less than (or less than) the predetermined value, the inspection device300may determine that the amplifier710is defective.

FIG. 8is a view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosures, showing a communication module220available for diversity reception.

Referring toFIG. 8, an electronic device800may include an antenna850for diversity reception and an amplifier210connecting a diversity antenna850, and the communication module220.

Diversity reception is directed to enhancing reception sensitivity and may support only a reception function.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, it may be determined whether the electronic device800is defective or not, using white noise existing in the natural world.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the diversity antenna850may receive white noise and transmit the white noise to the communication module220via a plurality of signal paths810,820and830.

The communication module220may transmit to the external device300information associated with the amplitude of the signal of the received white noise.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the external device300may determine failure of the electronic device800based on the amplitude of the signal of the white noise.

Referring toFIG. 8, a signal path810to which white noise is transmitted when the electronic device800is normal, a signal path820to which white noise is transmitted when the amplifier210is defective, and a signal path to which white noise is transmitted when the transmission module220is defective are illustrated therein.

Where the electronic device800is normal, the white noise821may be amplified by the amplifier210(831) and transmitted to the communication module220(841).

Where the amplifier210of the electronic device800is defective, the white noise822may not be amplified by the amplifier210(832) and may be transmitted to the communication module220(842).

Where the communication module220of the electronic device800is defective, the white noise823is amplified by the amplifier (833), but may not be amplified by the communication module220although the white noise823is transmitted to the communication module220(843).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device800may have a memory therein storing information associated with the amplified amplitude (841) of the white noise when the electronic device800is normal. The electronic device800may identify the amplified amplitude of the white noise, and using the information stored in the memory, if the amplified amplitude of the white noise is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, it may be determined that the electronic device800is normal. Conversely, if the amplified amplitude of the white noise is equal to or less than the predetermined value, it may be determined that the electronic device800is defective.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bare views illustrating an electronic device according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

The illustrations ofFIGS. 9A and 9Bare to determine whether an antenna for diversity reception, a signal path connected to the antenna, and various components connected to the signal path are defective or not.

Referring toFIGS. 9A and 9B, an electronic device900may include a first antenna910, a second antenna920, a filter circuit930, a first amplifier950, a second amplifier940, a third amplifier960, a first signal path941, a second signal path951, a third signal path961, and a communication module970. Description of configurations duplicate with those of the electronic device illustrated inFIG. 3will be omitted below.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first antenna910may perform transmission/reception of a signal and the second antenna920may perform reception of a signal as an antenna for diversity reception.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the communication module970may receive a control signal from an external device (e.g., the inspection device300ofFIG. 3) connected to the electronic device900and transmit a transmission signal corresponding to the control signal to the filter circuit930via the first signal path951. The transmission signal may pass through the filter circuit930and may be emitted by the first antenna910.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the second antenna920may receive the transmission signal emitted by the first antenna910. The communication module970may obtain at least part of the transmission signal received by the second antenna920via the third signal path961. The communication module970may transmit to the external device300information associated with at least part of the transmission signal received by the second antenna920.

FIG. 9Bis a view illustrating a forward direction of the signal illustrated inFIG. 9A. Referring toFIG. 9B, the communication module970may transmit a transmission signal to the first antenna via the first signal path951(971), and the first antenna910may emit the transmission signal. At least part of the emitted transmission signal may be received by the second antenna920(973). The at least part of the transmission signal received by the second antenna920may be transmitted to the communication module970(975).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the external device300may determine whether the second antenna920, the third signal path961, the third amplifier960, and the communication module970are defective, based on the information associated with the at least part of the transmission signal.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the information associated with at least part of the transmission signal may include information on the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal while the transmission signal is being transmitted via the first signal path951and the second signal path961.

The attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal corresponding to a case where the components (e.g., the second antenna920and the third amplifier960or the signal paths (e.g., the third signal path961)) included in the electronic device900are defective may be large compared to the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal corresponding to a case where the components or the signal paths included in the electronic device900are normal. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, it may be determined whether the electronic device900is defective, based on the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal.

For example, where the third amplifier960is defective, the amplification degree of the transmission signal may be low, or the transmission signal may not be amplified. In this case, the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal may be larger than the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal corresponding to a case where the third amplifier960is normal. The external device300may determine that the third amplifier960is defective where the attenuation degree of the transmission signal exceeds the predetermined value (or the amplitude of at least part of the transmission signal is equal to or less than the predetermined value).

As another example, where the signal path (the third signal path961) included in the electronic device900is defective, the transmission signal may not be transmitted, or the amplitude of the transmission signal may be low. In this case, the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal may be larger than the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal corresponding to a case where the signal path is normal. Where the attenuation degree of the transmission signal exceeds the predetermined value (or the amplitude of at least part of the transmission signal is equal to or less than the predetermined value), the external device300may determine that the signal path (the third signal path961) included in the external device200is defective.

As still another example, where the second antenna920of the electronic device900is in a defective state such that the second antenna920is not well coupled with an antenna port, the transmission signal may not be transmitted, or the amplitude of the transmission signal may be low. In this case, the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal may be larger than the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal corresponding to a case where the signal path is normal. Where the attenuation degree of the transmission signal exceeds the predetermined value (or the amplitude of at least part of the transmission signal is equal to or less than the predetermined value), the external device300may determine that the second antenna920is defective.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the inspection device300may determine failure of the electronic device200, using information associated with at least part of the transmission signal transmitted by the electronic device200. However, failure of the electronic device200may be detected by means of a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG. 1) of the electronic device200other than the inspection device300.

FIGS. 10 and 11are views illustrating a communication circuit of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

The embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11are those embodiments to determine failure of a coaxial cable used for connection of a communication circuit1000and an antenna, failure of a circuit board used for connection of the communication circuit1000and an antenna1011, failure of the antenna1011, etc. In particular, the antenna1011that emits a transmission signal may fail to emit the whole transmission signal and part of the transmission signal may be transmitted. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the communication circuit1000does not use any separate measuring device, compares the amplitude of a signal coupled with the transmission signal with the amplitude of a signal coupled with the reflection signal, and based on the comparison result, failure of the communication circuit1000may be determined. Where the antenna1011is defective, the amplitude of the transmission signal may be larger than in the antenna when the amplitude of the reflected signal is normal, and by use thereof, failure of the communication circuit1000may be determined.

Specific examples described above will be described in connection with the embodiments ofFIGS. 10 and 11.

Referring toFIG. 10, the communication circuit1100included in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a communication module1031, a modem1033, a first amplifier1041, a filter circuit1043, a switch1027, a bi-directional coupler1021, and an antenna1011, etc. Some of the components described above may be omitted according to the various embodiments.

The modem1033may perform modulation and demodulation of a signal for transmitting information of the electronic device200. The modem1033according to various embodiments of the disclosure generates a transmission signal to determine failure of the communication circuit1100and transmit the transmission signal to the communication module1031.

The communication module1031may transmit the transmission signal transmitted from the modem1033to the first amplifier1041. The first amplifier1041may amplify the transmission signal and transmit the amplified transmission signal to the filter circuit1043.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the filter circuit1043may be implemented differently according to the communication scheme. Where the electronic device100supports communication using frequency division duplex (FDD) in which a transmission frequency and a reception frequency are different from each other (e.g., the communication may include all the various communication schemes such as LTE-FDD, etc.), the filter circuit1043may be implemented by use of a duplexer. The duplexer may filter a signal corresponding to the transmission frequency and a signal corresponding to the reception frequency. Where the electronic device100supports communication using time division duplex (TDD) (e.g., the communication may include all the various communication schemes such as LTE-TDD), the filter circuit1043may be implemented in addition of at least two switch circuits. In this case, a switch circuit may connect the first signal path220and the filter circuit240, and another switch circuit may connect the second signal path260and the filter circuit240. The switch circuit may filter the signal in a manner of performing switching using a time corresponding to transmission and a time corresponding to reception. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, where the electronic device100supports communication in multiple frequency bands, the filter circuit1043may be implemented as a plurality of duplexers or switches according to the frequency bands that may be supported.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the transmission signal transmitted to the filter circuit1043may be transmitted to the antenna1011via a duplexer1045. The antenna1011may emit the transmission signal.

The duplexer1045is in a combined form of a low pass filter and a high pass filter, functioning to separate signals corresponding to each of a plurality of bands. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the diplexer1045may be omitted.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the antenna1011may be connected to the bi-directional coupler1021. The bi-directional coupler1021may generate a first signal1053coupled with a transmission signal transmitted to the antenna1011for emission and a second signal1055coupled with a reflection signal reflected from the antenna1011. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first signal1053may be transmitted to the communication module1031via the first path1023and the second signal1055may be transmitted to the communication module1031via the second path1025.

The switch1027performs a function to connect any one of the first path1023and the second path1025to the communication module1031. Operations by the switch1027may be controlled by the modem1033connected to the switch1027. The switch1027may be controlled by the modem1033by use of various communication schemes such as mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), inter-integrated circuit (I2C), general-purpose input/output (GPIO), etc. Where the communication module1031has multiple ports rather than a single port, the switch1027may be omitted.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the communication circuit1000is connected to an external device (e.g., the inspection device200ofFIG. 2) and may transmit to the electronic device200information for the first signal1053including a strength for the first signal and information for the second signal1055including a strength for the second signal. The external device300may determine failure of the communication circuit1000by use of the information for the first signal and the information for the second signal.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the external device300may compare the amplitude of the signal coupled with the first signal with the amplitude of the signal coupled with the second signal, and based on the comparison result, determine failure of the communication circuit1000. For example, if the comparison result (a comparison value in the amplitude of the signal) falls in a predetermined specific range, it may be determined that the communication circuit1000is normal, and if the comparison result is out of the predetermined specific range, it may be determined that the communication circuit1000is defective.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the external device300may additionally have a memory in which values of the predetermined specific range are stored. The external device300may determine whether the communication circuit1000is defective, using the values of the predetermined specific range and the comparison value (a comparison value in the amplitude of the signal).

Referring toFIG. 11, the communication circuit1000included in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a communication module1155, a modem1157, a first amplifier1153, a second amplifier1181, a filter circuit1151, a switch1139, a first bi-directional coupler1121, a second bi-directional coupler1123, a first antenna1111, and a second antenna1113, etc.

Among the components illustrated inFIG. 11, description of the components duplicate with those ofFIG. 10will be omitted.

The communication circuit1100illustrated inFIG. 11may include the first antenna1111and the second antenna1113, constituting a plurality of antennas, different from the communication circuit1000illustrated inFIG. 10.FIG. 11is described below under the assumption that there are two antennas, but no limitation will be applied to the number of antennas.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the modem1157may generate a transmission signal to determine failure of the communication circuit1100and thereafter transmit the transmission signal to the communication module1155. The communication module1155may transmit the transmission signal to the first amplifier1153and the first amplifier1153may amplify the transmission signal. The amplified transmission signal may be emitted via the first antenna1111. The transmission signal may not be entirely emitted in the first antenna1111and a part thereof may be reflected. The bi-directional coupler1121may generate a first signal1173coupled with a transmission signal1171and a second signal1175coupled with a reception signal and transmit the first signal and the second signal to the communication module1155via the first path1131and the second path1133.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the modem1157may generate a transmission single to determine failure of the communication circuit1100and thereafter may transmit the transmission signal to the communication module1155. The communication module1155transmits the transmission module to the second amplifier1181and the second amplifier1181may amplify the transmission signal. The amplified transmission signal may be emitted via the second antenna1113. The transmission signal may not be entirely emitted in the second antenna1113and a part thereof may be reflected. The second bi-directional coupler1123may generate a third signal1163coupled with the transmission signal1161transmitted to the second antenna1113and a fourth signal1165coupled with the reflection signal reflected from the second antenna1113and transmit the third signal and the fourth signal to the communication module1155via the third path1135and the fourth path1137.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the communication circuit1100may be connected to an external device (e.g., the inspection device200ofFIG. 2) and transmit to the inspection device200information for the first signal1173including the amplitude of the first signal, information for the second signal1175including the amplitude of the second signal, information for the third signal1163including the amplitude of the third signal, and information for the fourth signal1165including the amplitude of the fourth signal.

The external device300may determine failure of the communication circuit1100, using the information for the first signal, the information for the second signal, the information for the third signal, and the information for the fourth signal.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the external device300may compare the amplitude of a signal coupled with the transmission signal and the amplitude of a signal coupled with the reflection signal, and based on the comparison result, determine failure of the communication circuit1100. For example, if the comparison result (a comparison between the amplitude of the first signal and the amplitude of the second signal and a comparison between the amplitude of the third signal and the amplitude of the fourth signal) falls in the predetermined specific range, it may be determined that the communication circuit1100is normal, but if the comparison result is out of the predetermined specific range, it may be determined that the communication unit1100is defective. Further, where the comparison result is out of the predetermined specific range, the external device300may determine failure of the communication circuit1100due to failure in coupling of the first antenna1111, failure in coupling between the first antenna1111and the communication circuit1100(e.g., failures in the cable, circuit board, etc. of connecting the first antenna1111and the communication circuit1100), and failure of the first antenna1111.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the external device300may additionally have a memory in which values of predetermined specific range are stored. The external device300may determine whether the communication circuit1100is defective, using the values of the specific range stored in the memory and the comparison value (a comparison value in amplitudes of the signals).

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include at least one connector configured to be connected to an external device; a first signal path including an amplifier configured to amplify a signal transmitted to the outside of the electronic device; a second signal path configured to obtain another signal from the outside of the electronic device; an antenna port electrically connected to the first signal path and the second signal path via a filter circuit; and a communication module. The communication module may be configured to transmit a transmission signal to the antenna port via the first signal path, obtain at least part of the transmission signal via the second signal path, and determine failure of the electronic device based on information associated with the at least part of the transmission signal.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may further include a second antenna port configured to receive a diversity signal, and the communication module may be configured to emit a transmission signal corresponding to the control signal by use of the first antenna connected to the antenna port, obtain at least part of the emitted transmission signal via the third signal path connected to the second antenna port, and determine failure of the electronic device based on the transmission signal and information associated with the at least part of the transmission signal.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the communication module may be configured to transmit the transmission signal to the antenna port when the antenna port is in an opened state.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the information associated with at least part of the transmission signal may include the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal while the transmission signal is being transmitted through the first signal path and the second signal path.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the communication module may include a plurality of paths connected to the second signal path, and the information associated with the at least part of the transmission signal may include signal information of the transmission signal transmitted through each of the plurality of paths.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the communication module may include an amplifier connected to the plurality of paths, and the information associated with at least part of the transmission signal may include signal information of the transmission signal amplified via the amplifier.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the transmission signal may be a signal having a same frequency as the reception frequency of the electronic device.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may include an amplifier supporting a first signal path bypass mode, and the information associated with the at least part of the transmission signal may include signal information of the transmission signal amplified via the amplifier and information of the transmission signal when the amplifier is operated in the bypass mode.

An electronic device according to various embodiments may include at least one input terminal configured to be connected to an external device; and a processor. The processor may be configured to transmit a control signal to the external device, receive information associated with at least part of the control signal transmitted from the external device to the input terminal, and detect failure of the external device based on the control signal and the information associated with at least part of the control signal.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the information associated with at least part of the control signal may include the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the control signal transmitted via a signal path included in the external device. The processor may be configured to detect failure of the external device based on the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the control signal.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the information associated with the at least part of the control signal may include a signal path included in the external device and information for a component connected to the signal path. The processor may be configured to determine failure of the external device based on information for the signal path, information for the component, and the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the control signal.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor may identify the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the control signal corresponding to each of the plurality of signal paths, and determine whether any defective signal path is present among the plurality of signal paths based on the identification result.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to determine that a signal path corresponding to a result that the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the control signal is equal to or larger than the predetermined value is defective.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to determine that a component connected to the plurality of signal paths in common is defective where the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the control signal in all the plurality of signal paths is equal to or larger than the predetermined value.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the component connected to the signal path may include an amplifier, and the processor may be configured to determine failure of the external device based on signal information of the transmission signal amplified via the amplifier, included in the information associated with the at least of the transmission signal.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to identify whether the amplifier supports the bypass mode, in response to the identification that the amplifier supports the bypass mode, control the external device so as to allow the amplifier to be operated in the bypass mode, and determine failure of the external device based on signal information of the transmission signal amplified via the amplifier, which is included in the information associated with at least part of the transmission signal, and information of the transmission signal when the amplifier is operated in the bypass mode.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the information associated with the at least part of the control signal may include the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the control signal transmitted via a signal path included in the external device in a state that the antenna port of the external device is opened.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include at least one connector configured to be connected to an external device; a first signal path including an amplifier configured to amplify a signal transmitted to the outside of the electronic device; a second signal path configured to obtain another signal from the outside of the electronic device; a first antenna port electrically connected to the first signal path via a filter circuit; a second antenna port electrically connected to the second signal path; and a communication module. The communication module may be configured to: receive a control signal from the external device; transmit a transmission signal corresponding to the control signal to the first antenna port via the first signal path; emit the transmission signal using a first antenna connected to the first antenna port; receive the emitted signal using a second antenna connected to the second antenna port; obtain at least part of the transmission signal via the second signal path; and determine failure of the electronic device based on the transmission signal and information associated with at least part of the transmission signal.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the information associated with at least part of the transmission signal may include attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal while the transmission signal is being transmitted via the first signal path and the second signal path.

In an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the second signal path may include an amplifier, and the communication module may be configured to determine failure of the electronic device based on information associated with a signal in which noise received through the second antenna is amplified by the amplifier.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include at least one connector configured to be connected to an external device; a first signal path including an amplifier configured to amplify a signal transmitted to the outside of the electronic device; a second signal path configured to obtain another signal from the outside of the electronic device; an antenna port electrically connected to the first signal path and the second signal path via a filter circuit; an antenna connected to the antenna port; a coupler connected to the antenna, generating a first signal coupled with a transmission signal transmitted to the antenna and a second signal coupled with a signal reflected from the antenna; and a communication module. The communication module may be configured to: receive a control signal from the external device; transmit a transmission signal corresponding to the control signal to the antenna port via the first signal path; control the antenna to emit the transmission signal; obtain the first signal and the second signal via the second signal path; and determine failure of the electronic device based on information associated with the first signal and information associated with the second signal.

FIG. 12is an operational flow chart illustrating a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 12, in a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, a communication module (e.g., the communication module210ofFIG. 3) may receive a control signal in operation1210.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the control signal may be a control signal to inspect failure of various components or signal paths included in the electronic device200.

In operation1220, the communication module210may transmit a transmission signal corresponding to the control signal to an antenna port (e.g., the antenna port250ofFIG. 3).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the communication module210may receive a control signal from an external device300and transmit a transmission signal corresponding to the control signal to the antenna port250via the first signal path220.

In operation1230, the communication module210may obtain at least part of the transmission signal. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least part of the transmission signal may be a signal that is leaked out from the transmission signal and transmitted to the second signal path220. The communication module210may obtain at least part of the transmission signal via the second signal path (e.g., the second signal path ofFIG. 3).

In operation1240, the communication module210may transmit the transmission signal and information associated with at least part of the transmission signal to an external device (e.g., the inspection device300ofFIG. 3).

The external device300may determine failure of the electronic device200based on the information associated with the at least part of the transmission signal.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the information associated with the at least part of the transmission signal may include information for the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal while the transmission signal is being transmitted via the first signal path220and the second signal path260.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the external device300may store information used in determining failure of the electronic device200according to the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal (e.g., the information may be implemented in a table in which the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal is mapped with failure or not of the electronic device200, but no limitation is applied to the table form). The external device300may identify the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal and determine failure of the external device according to the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal using the table stored in a memory. For example, a table in which the external device200is determined to be defective where the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal is equal to or larger than (or exceeds) the predetermined value may be stored in the memory.

FIG. 13is an operational flow chart illustrating a method of operating an inspection device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 13, in a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, a control signal may be transmitted to an external device (e.g., the electronic device200ofFIG. 2) in operation1310.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the control signal may be a signal to control an operation to inspect failure of various components or signal paths included in the external device200.

In operation1320, the inspection device (e.g., the inspection device300ofFIG. 2) may receive from the external device200information associated with the control signal.

In a state that an antenna terminal (e.g., the antenna terminal250ofFIG. 3) of the external device is opened, the external device200may transmit a transmission signal corresponding to the control signal to the antenna terminal250via the first signal path (e.g., the first signal path220ofFIG. 2). Part of the signal transmitted to the antenna terminal250may be leaked out and transmitted to the communication module (e.g., the communication module210ofFIG. 3) of the external device200. The external device200may transmit to the inspection device300information associated with at least part of the control signal, including information associated with the part of the transmission signal transmitted to the communication module.

According to another embodiment of the disclosure, even in a state that an antenna is connected to the antenna terminal250of the external device200, part of the transmission signal transmitted to the antenna terminal250may be leaked and transmitted to the communication module210of the external device200. The external device200may transmit to the inspection device300information associated with at least part of the control signal, including information associated with at least part of the transmission signal transmitted to the communication module.

In operation1330, the inspection device300may determine failure of the external device based on the control signal and information associated with the control signal.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the information associated with at least part of the control signal may include the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the transmission signal transmitted via the signal path included in the external device200, and the processor310may determine failure of the external device200based on the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the external device300may store information used in determining failure of the electronic device200according to the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal (e.g., the information may be implemented in a table in which the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal is mapped with failure or not of the electronic device200, but no limitation is applied to the table form). The external device300may identify the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal and determine failure of the external device according to the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal using the table stored in a memory. For example, a table in which the external device200is determined to be defective where the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal is equal to or larger than (or exceeds) the predetermined value may be stored in the memory.

FIG. 14is an operational flow chart illustrating a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 14, in a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, a communication module (e.g., the communication module210ofFIG. 3) may receive a control signal in operation1410.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the control signal may be a control signal to inspect failure of various components or signal paths included in the electronic device200.

In operation1420, the communication module210may transmit a transmission signal corresponding to the control signal to an antenna port (e.g., the antenna port250ofFIG. 3).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the communication module210may receive a control signal from the external device300and transmit a transmission signal corresponding to the control signal to the antenna port250via the first signal path220.

In operation1430, the communication module210may obtain at least part of the transmission signal. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least part of the transmission signal may be a signal that is leaked out form the transmission signal and transmitted to the second signal path220. The communication module210may obtain the at least part of the transmission signal via the second signal path (e.g., the second signal path ofFIG. 3).

In operation1440, the communication module210may determine failure of the electronic device based on the transmission signal and information associated with the at least part of the transmission signal.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the information associated with the at least part of the transmission signal may include information for the attenuated amplitude of the transmission signal while the transmission is being transmitted through the first signal path220and the second signal path260.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device200may store information used in determining failure of the electronic device200according to the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal (e.g., the information may be implemented in a table in which the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal is mapped with failure or not of the electronic device200, but no limitation is applied to the table form). The communication module210of the electronic device200may identify the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal and determine failure of the external device according to the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal using the table stored in a memory. For example, a table in which the external device200is determined to be defective where the degree of the amplitude attenuation of the signal is equal to or larger than (or exceeds) the predetermined value may be stored in the memory.