Patent Description:
In an electronic device transmitting data using wireless communication, a signal in a high frequency band of <NUM> or higher may be used to transmit or receive a large amount of data such as a high-definition image, a high-quality sound, a high-definition video, or the like.

The electronic device may use a component formed of a conductive material as an antenna radiator for the purpose of transmitting or receiving a signal in a low frequency band, but may use an antenna module separately configured to transmit or receive a signal in a high frequency band. The antenna module may be implemented in such a way that a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) for transmitting/receiving a signal is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB).

In the case where an antenna array for transmitting or receiving a signal in a specified frequency band is implemented with an antenna PCB including a plurality of layers, it may be difficult to place a component for controlling a transmit or receive signal at the antenna PCB. As such, a separate component for controlling the transmit signal or the receive signal may be positioned at a main PCB <NUM> (refer to <FIG>), thereby causing an inefficient use of a limited space of the main PCB <NUM>. <CIT> discloses an electronic component module with a device-side module and an antenna-side module. <CIT> discloses embodiments of an embedded mm-wave radio integrated circuit into an substrate of a phased array module. <CIT> discloses a wireless communication device including a millimeter wave antenna comprising a plurality of antenna elements, a radio frequency integrated circuit and a power feeding line. <CIT> discloses an electromagnetic coupler including a first transmission line connecting an input port to an output port, and a second transmission line connecting a coupled port and an isolation port.

The present disclosure addresses at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and provides at least the advantages described below. Accordingl y, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device which filters a si gnal in a specified frequency band using a feed line and a conductive line in an antenna PCB or changes a signal in a frequency band to be transmitted or received.

Further aspects of the present invention are outlined in the appended dependent claims.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device for transmitting/receiving a millimeter wave signal may efficiently use a space of a printed circuit board (PCB) without a separate component(s) for controlling a transmit and/or receive signal, by making feed lines positioned in layers of the PCB coupled to each other such that a power is supplied to an antenna element through feed and conductive lines, and by filtering the transmit and/or receive signal.

Also, as an open stub may be formed at a conductive line connected to an antenna element or a variable capacitor is installed at the conductive line, the communication device may easily control a transmit signal or a receive signal.

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Hereinafter, various example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to accompanying drawings. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various modifications of the various example embodiments described herein may be variously made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating components of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a rear cover <NUM> (e.g., a second plate), a cover glass <NUM> (e.g., a first plate), a display <NUM>, a main printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>, a communication device (e.g., including communication circuitry) <NUM>, and a battery <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the rear cover <NUM> may form the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the rear cover <NUM> may, for example, be formed of tempered glass, plastic, and/or metal and may protect various parts (e.g., the display <NUM> and the main PCB <NUM>) mounted within the electronic device <NUM> from external impact. According to an embodiment, the rear cover <NUM> may be integrally implemented with the cover glass <NUM> or may be implemented to be removable.

According to an embodiment, the cover glass <NUM> may transmit a light generated by the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a user may touch a portion (e.g., a finger) of his/her body on the cover glass <NUM> to perform a touch input (including a contact using an electronic pen). According to an embodiment, the cover glass <NUM> may be formed of tempered glass, reinforced plastic, a flexible polymer material, or the like.

According to an embodiment, the rear cover <NUM> and the cover glass <NUM> facing away from (e.g., a direction opposite) the rear cover <NUM> may form a housing of the electronic device <NUM>. Components (e.g., the display <NUM>, the main PCB <NUM>, the communication device <NUM>, and the battery <NUM>) included in the electronic device <NUM> may be positioned within the housing and may be protected from external impact.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be interposed between the cover glass <NUM> and the main PCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be electrically connected with the main PCB <NUM> to output content (e.g., a text, an image, a video image, or the like). According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a touch panel, and may receive a touch input (e.g., a touch, a gesture, a hovering, or the like) from the user through the touch panel.

According to an embodiment, various electronic parts, various elements, various integrated circuits, or the like of the electronic device <NUM> may be mounted on the main PCB <NUM>. For example, an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), a memory, or the like may be mounted on the main PCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the main PCB <NUM> may transmit/receive a specified signal through the communication device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the main PCB <NUM> may display an image included in the received signal through the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may include various communication circuitry and communicate with an external device. For example, the communication device <NUM> may transmit data to an electronic device of any other user, may receive data from an electronic device of any other user, or the like. According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may be connected with the main PCB <NUM> and may transmit/receive a signal in a specified frequency band. For example, and without limitation, the communication device <NUM> may transmit and/or receive a signal in a millimeter frequency band of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or the like.

According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may include an antenna printed circuit board (PCB). For example, the communication device <NUM> may include an antenna PCB which includes a communication IC for transmitting/receiving a signal, an antenna element, and/or a feed line electrically connecting the communication IC and the antenna element. For example, the antenna PCB may include one layer or may include of a plurality of layers. In the case where the antenna PCB includes a plurality of layers, at least a portion of the feed line may be formed between the plurality of layers. According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may include a plurality of antenna elements for transmitting and/or receiving a specified signal. For example, the communication device <NUM> may include one antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements. According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may transmit and/or receive a signal in a specified direction. For example, the communication device <NUM> may transmit/receive a signal toward the rear cover <NUM> (or in a z direction). For example, the communication device <NUM> may transmit and/or receive a signal for 5th generation (<NUM>) communication (e.g., a signal in a frequency band ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>, a signal in a frequency band of <NUM>, or the like).

According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may be interposed between the rear cover <NUM> and the cover glass <NUM>. For example, the communication device <NUM> may be positioned at a corner portion of the rear cover <NUM>. For example, a plurality of communication devices <NUM> (e.g., four communication devices <NUM>) may be positioned at respective corners. Each of the plurality of communication devices <NUM> may include, for example, an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements.

According to an embodiment, the battery <NUM> may be interposed between the rear cover <NUM> and the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the battery <NUM> may supply electrical energy to the display <NUM> and the main PCB <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> may convert chemical energy to electrical energy and may supply the converted electrical energy to the display <NUM> and the main PCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the battery <NUM> may convert and store electrical energy supplied from the outside to chemical energy. For example, the battery <NUM> may be a secondary cell which may be rechargeable.

A millimeter wave communication device according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure may filter a signal in a specified frequency band using a feed line and a conductive line in a PCB or may change a signal in a frequency band to be transmitted or received.

In the present disclosure, the description given with reference to <FIG> may be applied to components having the same reference numerals/marks as the components of the electronic device <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a sectional view illustrating a communication device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the communication device <NUM> for receiving a signal in a specified frequency band. The communication device <NUM> may include an antenna array.

According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may include an antenna PCB <NUM>, a communication IC <NUM>, a radio frequency (RF) interface <NUM>, a first feed line <NUM>, a second feed line <NUM>, an antenna element <NUM> (e.g., an antenna patch), and a parasitic antenna element <NUM> (e.g., a parasitic antenna patch).

According to an embodiment, the antenna PCB <NUM> may include a plurality of layers M0 to M10. Components included in the communication device <NUM> may be positioned in the plurality of layers M0 to M10. According to an embodiment, the antenna PCB <NUM> may be electrically connected with the main PCB <NUM>. For example, the antenna PCB <NUM> may be electrically connected with the main PCB <NUM> through a ball grid array (BGA) 141a. For another example, the antenna PCB <NUM> may be electrically connected with the main PCB <NUM> through a board to board (BtoB) connector.

According to an embodiment, the communication IC <NUM> may be positioned on a first surface of the antenna PCB <NUM>, which faces the main PCB <NUM>. For example, the communication IC <NUM> may be positioned on the first surface of the antenna PCB <NUM> using a solder ball 142a. For another example, the communication IC <NUM> may be positioned on the first surface of the antenna PCB <NUM> through flip chip bonding or wire bonding. According to an embodiment, the communication IC <NUM> may be interposed between the antenna PCB <NUM> and the main PCB <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the communication IC <NUM> may transmit and/or receive a signal in a specified frequency band. For example, the communication IC <NUM> may transmit and/or receive a signal in a frequency band ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the communication IC <NUM> may be supplied with a power from the main PCB <NUM>. For example, the communication IC <NUM> may be supplied with the power for operation from the main PCB <NUM> through the BGA 141a, the solder ball 142a, and a power line PWR. For example, the power line PWR may be formed in the second layer M1 of the antenna PCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the communication IC <NUM> may supply the communication device <NUM> with a current for transmitting and/or receiving a signal in a specified frequency band using the supplied power.

According to an embodiment, the RF interface <NUM> may be formed in the first layer M0 of the antenna PCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the communication IC <NUM> may be coupled with the RF interface <NUM>. The communication IC <NUM> may supply a current to the communication device <NUM> through the RF interface <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first feed line <NUM> may be electrically connected with the communication IC <NUM>. For example, the first feed line <NUM> may be electrically connected with the communication IC <NUM> through the RF interface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first feed line <NUM> may extend to a specified layer through one or more of the layers of the antenna PCB <NUM>, and a first portion 144a of the first feed line <NUM> may be positioned in the specified layer and have a first length. For example, the first feed line <NUM> may be extended to the fifth layer M4 through the first layer M0 to the fourth layer M3, and the first portion 144a of the first feed line <NUM> may be formed in the fifth layer M4 with the first length.

According to an embodiment, the second feed line <NUM> may be positioned in an upper layer with respect to the layer, in which the first portion 144a of the first feed line <NUM> is positioned, of the antenna PCB <NUM>, and be coupled with the first portion 144a of the first feed line <NUM>. For example, a second portion 145a of the second feed line <NUM> may be positioned in the sixth layer M5 with a second length and be coupled with the first portion 144a of the first feed line <NUM>. The second length may be identical to the first length of the first portion 144a of the first feed line <NUM> positioned in the fifth layer M4. The second feed line <NUM> may be positioned to be physically spaced from the first feed line <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the first portion 144a of the first feed line <NUM> and the second portion 145a of the second feed line <NUM> are coupled, the current supplied from the communication IC <NUM> may be transferred to the antenna element <NUM>. For another example, the first portion 144a of the first feed line <NUM> and the second portion 145a of the second feed line <NUM> thus coupled may filter a transmit signal or a receive signal in a specified frequency band.

According to an embodiment, the second feed line <NUM> may be electrically connected with the antenna element <NUM>. For example, the second feed line <NUM> may be electrically connected with the antenna element <NUM> through one or more layers (e.g., M5 to M7). As such, the second feed line <NUM> may transmit a signal output from the communication IC <NUM> or may transmit a signal received through the antenna element <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the antenna element <NUM> may be positioned on an upper layer of the antenna PCB <NUM> with respect to the layer in which the second feed line <NUM> is positioned. For example, the antenna element <NUM> may be positioned in the ninth layer M8. According to an embodiment, the antenna element <NUM> may include an electrical path for transmitting and/or receiving a signal in a specified frequency band. The antenna element <NUM> may form an electrical path by a current supplied from the communication IC <NUM> to the second feed line <NUM> through the electrical path.

According to an embodiment, the parasitic antenna element <NUM> may be positioned in a layer above the layer in which the antenna element <NUM> is positioned. According to an embodiment, the parasitic antenna element <NUM> may form a directivity of a signal which is transmitted and/or received through the electrical path formed in the antenna element <NUM>. For example, the parasitic antenna element <NUM> may form an electric field by the electrical path in the positioned direction. According to another embodiment, in the case where the parasitic antenna element <NUM> is not included in the communication device <NUM>, the antenna element <NUM> may be positioned in the uppermost layer.

According to an embodiment, the antenna PCB <NUM> may include one or more ground layers. For example, a ground GND may be formed in one or more layers among the layers included in the antenna PCB <NUM>. For example, the ground GND may be formed in each of the third layer M2, the seventh layer M6, and the ninth layer M8 of the antenna PCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plurality of grounds GND formed in the antenna PCB <NUM> may be electrically connected to each other through a via(s) <NUM>. The via <NUM> may be formed to penetrate one or more of the layers of the antenna PCB <NUM>, for example. According to an embodiment, the via <NUM> formed to penetrate the one or more layers may block interference of a signal which is transmitted and/or received through any other antenna included in the communication device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the communication IC <NUM> of the communication device <NUM> may transmit and/or receive a millimeter wave (mm-wave) signal in a specified frequency band through the first feed line <NUM>, the second feed line <NUM>, and the antenna element <NUM>.

According to another embodiment, a first end of a first electrical path formed by the first feed line <NUM> positioned in the antenna PCB <NUM> may be electrically connected with the communication IC <NUM>, and a second end thereof may be floated. The first electrical path may include the first portion 144a between the first end and the second end. The first electrical path may include a third portion 144b which penetrates a part of a plurality of layers of the antenna PCB <NUM> and electrically connects the communication IC <NUM> and the first portion 144a. The third portion 144b may be implemented with, for example, a first conductive via formed to penetrate a part of the plurality of layers. The first conductive via may electrically connect the communication IC <NUM> and the first portion 144a.

According to another embodiment, a first end of a second electrical path formed by the second feed line <NUM> positioned in the antenna PCB <NUM> may be electrically connected with the antenna element <NUM>, and a second end thereof may be floated. The second electrical path may include the second portion 145a between the first end and the second end. The second electrical path may include a fourth portion 145b which penetrates a part of the plurality of layers of the antenna PCB <NUM> and electrically connects the antenna element <NUM> and the second portion 145a. The fourth portion 145b may be implemented with, for example, a second conductive via formed to penetrate a part of the plurality of layers. The second conductive via may electrically connect the antenna element <NUM> and the second portion 145a.

According to an embodiment, the first portion 144a and the second portion 145a may extend in parallel with each other, and may provide electrical coupling between the first portion 144a and the second portion 145a. For example, the first portion 144a and the second portion 145a thus coupled may filter a portion of a signal which is transmitted and/or received through the antenna element <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the antenna element <NUM> (or a conductive plate) may be positioned in a first plane between the rear cover <NUM> (or a second plate) and the cover glass <NUM> (or a first plate), and may be parallel to the rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the communication IC <NUM> may be parallel to the rear cover <NUM> and may be positioned in a second plane between the first plane and the cover glass <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the antenna PCB <NUM> may include a first surface (e.g., the first layer M0) facing the cover glass <NUM>, a second surface (e.g., the eleventh layer M10) facing the rear cover <NUM>, and a plurality of insulating layers between the first surface and the second surface.

According to an embodiment, the communication IC <NUM> may be mounted on the first surface.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of layers may include, for example, a first layer (e.g., the sixth layer M5), a second layer (e.g., one of the second to fifth layers M1 to M4) between the first layer and the first surface, and a third layer (e.g., one of the seventh to tenth layers M6 to M9) between the first layer and the second surface. According to an embodiment, the first portion 144a of the first feed line <NUM> may be inserted between the first layer and the second layer (e.g., in the fifth layer M4), and the second portion 145a of the second feed line <NUM> may be inserted between the first layer and the third layer (e.g., in the sixth layer M5). According to an embodiment, the antenna element <NUM> may be inserted between the third layer and the second surface (e.g., in the ninth layer M8).

<FIG> and <FIG> are perspective views illustrating a millimeter wave communication device including a plurality of antenna elements according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the communication device <NUM> may include a plurality of antenna elements. For example, the communication device <NUM> may include a plurality of ports which may transfer a signal output from the communication IC <NUM> or a signal received through the plurality of antenna elements.

According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may include a first antenna element <NUM>-<NUM>, a second antenna element <NUM>-<NUM>, a third antenna element <NUM>-<NUM>, and a fourth antenna element <NUM>-<NUM>. The first to fourth antenna elements <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be identical or similar to the antenna element <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, the first to fourth antenna elements <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> of the communication device <NUM> may be positioned in the same layer. According to an embodiment, the first to fourth antenna elements <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned with respect to the communication IC <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first to fourth antenna elements <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned to be physically separated from each other. For example, the first to fourth antenna elements <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned to be separated from each other by a specified interval (or distance) with respect to the communication IC <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may include the antenna PCB <NUM> and the communication IC <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may include a first port P1, a second port P2, a third port P3, and a fourth port P4, which are used to transfer a signal output from the communication IC <NUM> and/or a signal received through the first to fourth antenna elements <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the communication device <NUM> may include the first to fourth ports P1 to P4 each including a first feed line and a second feed line. For example, the communication device <NUM> may include four first feed lines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> and four second feed lines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>. To transmit a signal output from the communication IC <NUM> and/or a signal received through the first to fourth antenna elements <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>, the four first feed lines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned to be similar to the first feed line <NUM> of <FIG>, and the four second feed lines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned to be similar to the second feed line <NUM> of <FIG>. As such, a portion (or a signal filtering portion) where the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, or <NUM>-<NUM> and the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, or <NUM>-<NUM> are coupled may be formed at the port P1, P2, P3, or P4 of the communication device <NUM>. The communication device <NUM> may transmit/receive a signal in a specified frequency band through the first to fourth antenna elements <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> using the first feed lines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> and the second feed lines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>.

According to another embodiment, at least one of a plurality of ports respectively connected with a plurality of antenna elements of the communication device <NUM> may not be electrically connected with an antenna element. For example, a second feed line of the communication device <NUM> may not be connected with an antenna element, and thus, a port may not be connected with the antenna element. The port which is not connected with the antenna element may be maintained, for example, at an open state. For another example, the port which is not connected with the antenna element may be connected to a ground. As such, a frequency band of a signal which the communication device <NUM> transmits and/or receives may be changed.

Below, the communication IC <NUM> will be described with reference to the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> connected to the first antenna element <NUM>-<NUM>. A description which will be given with reference to the first antenna element <NUM>-<NUM> may be identically or similarly applied to the second antenna element <NUM>-<NUM>, the third antenna element <NUM>-<NUM>, and the fourth antenna element <NUM>-<NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be coupled.

According to an embodiment, the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to the communication IC <NUM>. The second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to the first antenna element <NUM>-<NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned in a first layer (e.g., the fifth layer M4) of the antenna PCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned in a second layer (e.g., the sixth layer M5) being an upper layer of the first layer. According to an embodiment, the first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned parallel to each other. For example, the first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may at least partially overlap each other when viewed from above the antenna PCB <NUM>. As such, the first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be coupled.

According to an embodiment, a power supplied from the communication IC <NUM> may be transmitted to the first antenna element <NUM>-<NUM> through the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> physically separated from the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM>. According to an embodiment, the coupled portions of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM>, that is, the first portion <NUM>-1a and the second portion <NUM>-1a may filter a signal in a specified frequency band. For example, the first portion <NUM>-1a and the second portion <NUM>-1a thus coupled may filter at least a portion of a signal which is transmitted and/or received through the first antenna element <NUM>-<NUM>. According to an embodiment, a frequency band to be filtered may be determined according to a length of the first portion <NUM>-1a and the second portion <NUM>-1a thus coupled.

<FIG> and <FIG> are graphs illustrating a filtering characteristic of a millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the communication device <NUM>, at least one of a plurality of ports connected to a plurality of antenna elements may not be connected with an antenna element.

Referring to <FIG>, the at least one port which is not connected at the communication device <NUM> may be connected to a ground.

According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may have a filtering characteristic "A" in which a signal in a frequency band ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> with regard to the <NUM> band for <NUM> communication is rejected. For example, the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> thus coupled may have the filtering characteristic "A" in which a signal in a frequency band ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> is rejected. According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may have a filtering characteristic "B" in which a signal in a sub-<NUM> band is rejected.

Referring to <FIG>, the at least one port which is not connected at the communication device <NUM> may be maintained at an open state.

According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may have a filtering characteristic A' in which a signal in a frequency band ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> with regard to the <NUM> band for <NUM> communication is rejected. For example, the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> thus coupled may have the filtering characteristic A' in which a signal in a frequency band ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> is rejected. According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may have a filtering characteristic B' in which a signal in the sub-<NUM> band is passed.

According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may change a frequency band for transmission or reception by changing a state of at least one unused port (or a port not connected with an antenna element).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an open stub formed at a conductive line of a millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, an open stub may be formed at a specified location of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> of the communication device <NUM> or at a specified location of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> of the communication device <NUM>. For example, the open stub may be formed at one end of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> connected with the communication IC <NUM>. For another example, the open stub may be formed at one end of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> connected with the first antenna element <NUM>-<NUM>.

According to an embodiment, in the case where the open stub <NUM> is formed at one end of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> or the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> of the communication device <NUM>, a characteristic of a signal which is transmitted and/or received through the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> thus coupled may be changed. According to an embodiment, in the case where the open stub <NUM> is formed at one end of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> or the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> of the communication device <NUM>, a length of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> necessary to transmit and/or receive a signal in a similar frequency band may be reduced. For example, to reduce a length of a first portion (e.g., the first portion <NUM>-1a) or a second portion (e.g., the second portion <NUM>-1a), the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> or the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> must be positioned in a specified layer for the coupling between the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM>. The reduced length may be, for example, greater than a length of the open stub <NUM> formed at the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a filtering characteristic in the case where an open stub is formed at a conductive line of a millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, a rejection characteristic and a filtering bandwidth of the coupled first and second feed lines <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> in a state <NUM> where an open stub is formed at the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> or the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> of the communication device <NUM> may be improved compared with a state <NUM> before an open stub is formed.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a first feed line and a second feed line of a millimeter wave communication device coupled through sides formed with a specified width according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and a second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be coupled to each other.

According to an embodiment, the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to a communication IC <NUM>. The second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to a first antenna element <NUM>-<NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned at an antenna PCB <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned in a first layer. The first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed in the first layer with a first width. According to an embodiment, a second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned in a second layer, and a distance from the second layer to the first antenna element <NUM>-<NUM> may be smaller than a distance from the first layer to the first antenna element <NUM>-<NUM>. The second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed in the second layer with a second width. The second width may be, for example, identical to the first width. According to an embodiment, the first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned parallel to each other. According to an embodiment, a side formed with the first width of the first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned to face a side formed with the second width of the second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM>. As such, the first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be coupled through the sides thus formed.

According to an embodiment, compared with a line shape, the side formed with the first width of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the side formed with the second width of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may correspond to a structure which may make placement in a specified layer easy, may reduce the fraction defective on a process, and may make it possible to use a vertical space of an antenna PCB efficiently.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating an example where a portion of a first feed line and a second feed line of a millimeter wave communication device are positioned in the same layer according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to a communication IC <NUM>. The second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to a first antenna element <NUM>-<NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned in a first layer. According to an embodiment, a second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may also be positioned in the first layer. For example, the second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned in the same layer (e.g., the first layer) as the first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM>. According to an embodiment, when viewed from above an antenna PCB <NUM>, the first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be spaced from each other by a specified interval (or distance) and may be positioned parallel to each other.

According to an embodiment, the first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed in the first layer with a first height (or thickness). For another example, the second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed in the first layer with a second height (or thickness). The second height may be, for example, identical to the first height. According to an embodiment, a side formed to have the first height (or thickness) of the first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned to face a side formed to have the second height (or thickness) of the second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM>. As such, the first portion <NUM>-1a of the first feed line <NUM>-<NUM> and the second portion <NUM>-1a of the second feed line <NUM>-<NUM> may be coupled through the sides thus formed.

<FIG> is a sectional view illustrating how to adjust a coupling location of a millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in a communication device <NUM>, a layer in which a second portion 1045a of a second feed line <NUM> is positioned may be changed.

According to an embodiment, the first feed line <NUM> may be electrically connected with the communication IC <NUM> and may be extended to penetrate the first layer M0 to the fourth layer M3, and the first portion 144a of the first feed line <NUM> may be positioned in the fifth layer M4 with a first length. According to an embodiment, the second portion 1045a of the second feed line <NUM> may be positioned in the sixth layer M5 (or one of the sixth layer M5 to the eleventh layer M10), which is an upper layer of the fifth layer M4, with a second length so as to be coupled with the first portion 144a of the first feed line <NUM>. The second length may be, for example, identical to the first length. According to an embodiment, a frequency band to be filtered may be changed by a distance between the first portion 144a of the first feed line <NUM> and the second portion 1045a of the second feed line <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may change a frequency band targeted for transmission and/or reception by changing an interval between the first portion 144a of the first feed line <NUM> and the second portion 1045a of the second feed line <NUM>.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating a filtering characteristic upon adjusting a distance between a first feed line and a second feed line of a millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in the case where a layer in which the second portion 1045a of the second feed line <NUM> is changed, a filtering bandwidth and a rejection characteristic of an operating frequency (or a frequency to be filtered) <NUM> of the communication device <NUM> may be changed (1110a).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating components of a millimeter wave communication device for respective functions, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a communication device <NUM> may include an amplifier <NUM>, a first feed line <NUM>, and a second feed line <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the amplifier <NUM> may amplify a transmit signal by a specified magnitude. For example, the amplifier <NUM> may be included in the communication IC <NUM> of the communication device <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, the first feed line <NUM> may be connected to an output of the amplifier <NUM>. For example, the first feed line <NUM> may correspond to the first feed line <NUM> connected to the communication IC <NUM> of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the second feed line <NUM> may be connected to an antenna element. For example, the second feed line <NUM> may correspond to the second feed line <NUM> connected to the antenna element <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, a first portion 1220a of the first feed line <NUM> and a second portion 1230a of the second feed line <NUM> may be coupled to each other. The first portion 1220a and the second portion 1230a thus coupled may filter a signal in a specified frequency band. For example, the first portion 1220a of the first feed line <NUM> may correspond to the first portion 144a of the first feed line <NUM> of <FIG>, and the second portion 1230a of the second feed line <NUM> may correspond to the second portion 145a of the second feed line <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, the first portion 1220a and the second portion 1230a thus coupled may filter a direct current component included in a transmit signal amplified by the amplifier <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first portion 1220a of the first feed line <NUM> may return a portion of a signal transmitted to an antenna as a feedback. For example, the returned or feedback portion of the signal may be used to determine whether a transmit signal is normally output. As such, the communication device <NUM> (e.g., the communication device <NUM>) may not include a filter for removing a direct current component of a transmit signal and a coupler for feeding back a portion of the transmit signal.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example where a variable capacitor is installed at a millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a communication device <NUM> may include an amplifier <NUM>, a first feed line <NUM>, a second feed line <NUM>, and at least one variable capacitor <NUM>. For example, the communication device <NUM> may be similar to the communication device <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, the amplifier <NUM>, the first feed line <NUM>, or the second feed line <NUM> may be similar to the amplifier <NUM>, the first feed line <NUM>, or the second feed line <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a first portion 1320a of the first feed line <NUM> and a second portion 1330a of the second feed line <NUM> may be coupled. The first portion 1320a and the second portion 1330a thus coupled may filter a signal in a specified frequency band.

According to an embodiment, the variable capacitor <NUM> may be connected between the first portion 1320a of the first feed line <NUM> and a ground. For another example, the variable capacitor <NUM> may be connected between the second portion 1330a of the second feed line <NUM> and the ground. According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may change a frequency band of a transmit signal or a receive signal by adjusting a capacitance of the variable capacitor <NUM>. The variable capacitor <NUM> may be, for example, a varactor.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating a filtering characteristic of a millimeter wave communication device where a variable capacitor is installed, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in the case where the variable capacitor <NUM> is connected to the communication device <NUM>, an operating frequency (or a filtering frequency) <NUM> of the communication device <NUM> may vary with a capacitance of the variable capacitor <NUM> (refer to 1410a). As such, even though an operating frequency is changed due to a process variation and a process error, the operating frequency may be corrected by adjusting the capacitance of the variable capacitor <NUM> installed at the communication device <NUM>.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing that includes a first plate and a second plate facing a direction opposite the first plate, a conductive plate disposed in a first plane between the first plate and the second plate, and parallel to the second plate, a wireless communication circuit disposed within the housing and configured to transmit and/or receive a signal having a frequency ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>, a first electrical path having a first end electrically connected with the wireless communication circuit and a second end floated, the first electrical path including a first portion between the first end and the second end, a second electrical path having a third end electrically connected with the conductive plate and a fourth end floated, the second electrical path including a second portion between the third end and the fourth end. The first portion and the second portion may extend in parallel with each other and may provide electrical coupling between the first portion and the second portion.

The wireless communication circuit of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed in a second plane parallel to the second plate and may be disposed between the first plane and the first plate.

The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an antenna printed circuit board (PCB) including a first surface facing the first plate, a second surface facing the second plate, and a plurality of layers between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the wireless communication circuit may be mounted on the first surface.

The plurality of layers of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first layer, a second layer between the first layer and the first surface, and a third layer between the first layer and the second surface, the first portion may be disposed between the first layer and the second layer, and the second portion may be disposed between the first layer and the third layer.

The conductive plate of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be inserted between the third layer and the second surface.

The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a first conductive via formed to penetrate a part of the plurality of layers, which is between the first layer and the first surface, and the first conductive via may electrically connects the wireless communication circuit and the first portion.

The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a second conductive via formed to penetrate another part of the plurality of layers, which is between the first layer and the second surface, and the second conductive via may electrically connect the conductive plate and the second portion.

A millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an antenna printed circuit board (PCB) including a plurality of layers, an integrated circuit (IC) that is positioned under the antenna PCB, a first feed line that is electrically connected with the IC and is extended to a first layer through one or more of the plurality of layers of the antenna PCB, a first portion of the first feed line being positioned in the first layer with a first length, a second feed line that is physically spaced from the first portion of the first feed line and is positioned in a second layer of the antenna PCB, which is an upper layer of the first layer, so as to be electrically coupled with the first portion of the first feed line, and a first antenna element that is electrically connected with the second feed line in a third layer of the antenna PCB, which is an upper layer of the second layer. The IC may transmit and/or receive a millimeter wave (mm-wave) signal using the first feed line, the second feed line, and the first antenna element.

The third layer of the millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be an uppermost layer of the antenna PCB.

The millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a parasitic antenna element in an uppermost layer above the third layer.

The parasitic antenna element of the millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be positioned at the same location as the first antenna element when viewed from above the antenna PCB.

The millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a third feed line that is electrically connected with the IC and is extended to the first layer, a third portion of the third feed line being positioned in the first layer, a fourth feed line that is positioned to be coupled with the third portion, which is positioned in the first layer, of the third feed line in the second layer, and a second antenna element that is electrically connected with the fourth feed line in the third layer.

In the case where the fourth feed line of the millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not electrically connected with the second antenna element, the fourth feed line may be opened or may be connected to a ground area.

In the case where the fourth feed line of the millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not electrically connected with the second antenna element, the fourth feed line may be electrically connected with a variable capacitor.

The variable capacitor of the millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a varactor.

The second feed line of the millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be electrically connected with the first antenna element and may be extended to the second layer through one or more of the plurality of layers of the antenna PCB, and a second portion of the second feed line may be positioned in the second layer with a second length.

The second length of the millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be identical to the first length.

The millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a stub that is extended and formed from opposite ends of the second portion, which is positioned in the second layer, of the second feed line.

The first portion, which is positioned in the first layer, of the first feed line of the millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed in the first layer with a first width, and the second portion, which is positioned in the second layer, of the second feed line may be formed in the second layer with a second width.

The first width of the millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be identical to the second width.

The millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a plurality of grounds formed in a plurality of layers of the antenna PCB, and the plurality of grounds formed in the plurality of layers may be electrically connected to a via.

A millimeter wave communication device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include an antenna printed circuit board (PCB) including a plurality of layers, an integrated circuit (IC) positioned under the antenna PCB, and a first feed line electrically connected with the IC and extending to a first layer through one or more of the plurality of layers of the antenna PCB, a first portion of the first feed line being disposed in the first layer and having a first length, a second feed line disposed to be coupled with the first portion disposed in the first layer, of the first feed line in the first layer, and an antenna element electrically connected with the second feed line in a second layer of the antenna PCB, the second layer being an upper layer of the first layer. The IC may transmit and/or receive a millimeter wave (mm-wave) signal using the first feed line, the second feed line, and the antenna element.

The millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a parasitic antenna element in an uppermost layer above the second layer.

The first portion of the first feed line of the millimeter wave communication device, which is positioned in the first layer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed to be spaced from a second portion of the second feed line, which is disposed in the first layer, by a specified interval.

The first portion of the first feed line of the millimeter wave communication device, which is disposed in the first layer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed in the first layer having a first height, and the second portion of the second feed line, which is positioned in the first layer, may be formed in the first layer having a second height.

The first height of the millimeter wave communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be identical to the second height.

The program 1540may be stored in the memory <NUM> as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) <NUM>, middleware <NUM>, or an application <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, one or more other components may be added.

Claim 1:
A millimeter wave communication device (<NUM>) of an electronic device, comprising:
an antenna printed circuit board, PCB, (<NUM>) including a plurality of layers;
an integrated circuit, IC, (<NUM>) positioned under the antenna PCB (<NUM>);
a first feed line (<NUM>-<NUM>) electrically connected with the IC (<NUM>) and extending to a first layer through one or more of the plurality of layers of the antenna PCB, wherein a first portion of the first feed line is disposed in the first layer;
a second feed line (<NUM>-<NUM>) spaced from the first portion of the first feed line and disposed in a second layer of the antenna PCB (<NUM>), the second layer being an upper layer of the first layer; and
a first antenna element (<NUM>-<NUM>) electrically connected with the second feed line in a third layer of the antenna PCB, the third layer being an upper layer of the second layer,
wherein the IC (<NUM>) is configured to transmit and/or receive a millimeter wave (mm-wave) signal using the first feed line (<NUM>-<NUM>), the second feed line (<NUM>-<NUM>), and the first antenna element (<NUM>-<NUM>),
wherein the second feed line (<NUM>-<NUM>) extends to the second layer through one or more of the plurality of layers of the antenna PCB (<NUM>),
wherein a second portion of the second feed line (<NUM>-<NUM>) is disposed in the second layer,
wherein the first portion and the second portion are disposed in parallel with each other so as to provide electrical coupling between the first portion and the second portion, and
characterized in that the millimeter wave communication device further comprising:
a plurality of ground layers disposed in a first group of layers among the plurality of layers of the antenna PCB; and
a plurality of vias disposed to penetrate a second group of layers among the plurality of layers of the antenna PCB to electrically connect the plurality of ground layers.