Patent Description:
Electronic devices such as smartphones and tablet personal computers are widely used. An electronic device may transmit and receive various data to and from another electronic device through wireless communication.

Electronic devices may provide services related to, for example, global positioning system (GPS), Wi-Fi, long-term evolution (LTE), near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, and/or magnetic stripe transmission (MST) communication.

Such an electronic device may include at least one antenna to perform long-distance communication and short-range communication.

<CIT>: discusses an example of an electronic device capable of improved efficiency of a plurality of antennas included in the electronic device.

<CIT> discloses a so-called coupled feeding antenna that connects a metal housing and a feeder with a capacitive element.

<CIT> aims to provide an antenna device and an electronic device including the antenna device which is capable of contributing to the improvement of a sensing function and the optimization of a leakage current, as well as contributing to the improvement of an antenna radiation performance.

<CIT> provides an antenna device and/or an electronic device with such antenna devices that are utilized to secure a resonance frequency in multiple different frequency bands even in a small space.

<CIT> aims to provide an antenna that includes an open stub in a conductive pattern formed on a carrier to lower a transmission coefficient between antennas.

At least some of the housing constituting the external appearance of an electronic device may be made of a conductive material (e.g., metal).

The electronic device may use at least a portion of the housing as a radiator of an antenna for wireless communication. The housing may be segmented by a cut-off portion into multiple parts, which may be used as plural antennas. The plural antennas may cover various frequency bands.

The number of cut-off portions formed in the housing of the electronic device may be restricted in order to maintain the design and strength of the electronic device.

When an electronic device includes a plurality of antennas, radiation performance may be degraded due to interference between adjacent antennas. Further it may be difficult to achieve resonance in a desired frequency band. Additionally, in the electronic device, noise generated from components mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) may be transmitted to at least a part of the housing, affecting antenna performance.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device that maintains mechanical strength and secures antenna performance by using at least one connection member disposed close to the cut-off portion.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided according to claim <NUM>. The electronic device includes: a housing constituting an external appearance of the electronic device; a support member including a first bridge; a printed circuit board coupled to one surface of the support member; a first antenna constituting a first part of the housing and connected to the support member through the first bridge; a second antenna constituting a second part of the housing; a cut-off portion separating the first antenna and the second antenna; and a first connection member and a second connection member coupled to the first bridge, wherein the first connection member may be connected to a ground of the printed circuit board through a first capacitor and may be disposed closer to the cut-off portion than the second connection member connected to the ground of the printed circuit board through a second capacitor.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided according to claim <NUM>. The electronic device includes: a housing constituting an external appearance of the electronic device; a support member including a first bridge and a second bridge; a printed circuit board coupled to one surface of the support member; a display coupled to the other side of the support member; a first antenna constituting a first part of the housing and connected to the support member through the first bridge; a second antenna constituting a second part of the housing and connected to the support member through the second bridge; a cut-off portion separating the first antenna and the second antenna; a first connection member and a second connection member coupled to the first bridge; a switch circuit connected to the first connection member; and a processor operatively connected to the display and the switch circuit, wherein the processor may be configured to adjust a capacitance value of the first connection member by controlling the switch circuit.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide an electronic device with excellent antenna performance and improved mechanical strength by blocking transmission of noise generated from the printed circuit board to the antenna by using at least one connection member disposed close to the cut-off portion.

The phrase "computer readable medium" includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory(ROM), random access memory(RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc(CD), a digital video disc(DVD), or any other type of memory.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the front surface of a mobile electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the rear surface of the electronic device of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> including a first surface (or front surface) 110A, a second surface (or rear surface) 110B, and a side surface 110C surrounding the space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the housing may denote a structure that forms a part of the first surface 110A, the second surface 110B, and the side surface 110C illustrated in <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the first surface 110A may be formed by a front plate <NUM>, at least a part of which is substantially transparent (for example, a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate). The second surface 110B may be formed by a rear plate <NUM> that is substantially opaque. The rear plate <NUM> may be made of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (for example, aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above-mentioned materials. The side surface 110C may be formed by a side bezel structure (or "side member") <NUM> which is coupled to the front plate <NUM> and to the rear plate <NUM>, and which includes metal and/or polymer. In some embodiments, the rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> may be formed integrally and may include the same material (for example, a metal material such as aluminum).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate <NUM> may include two first areas 110D on both ends of the long edge of the front plate <NUM> such that the two first areas 110D bend from the first surface 110A toward the rear plate <NUM> and extend seamlessly. In the illustrated embodiment (see <FIG>), the rear plate <NUM> may include two second areas 110E on both ends of the long edge such that the two second areas 110E bend from the second surface 110B toward the front plate <NUM> and extend seamlessly. In some embodiments, the front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) may include only one of the first areas 110D (or the second areas 110E). In another embodiment, a part of the first areas 110D or the second areas 110E may not be included. In the above embodiments, when seen from the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>, the side bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width) on a part of the side surface, which does not include the first areas 110D or the second areas 110E as described above, and may have a second thickness that is smaller than the first thickness on a part of the side surface, which includes the first areas 110D or the second areas 110E.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, a light-emitting element <NUM>, and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the constituent elements (for example, the key input device <NUM> or the light-emitting element <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> may be omitted, or the electronic device <NUM> may additionally include another constituent element.

The display <NUM> may be exposed through a corresponding part of the front plate <NUM>, for example. In some embodiments, at least a part of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> that forms the first areas 110D of the side surface 110C and the first surface 110A. In some embodiments, the display <NUM> may have a corner formed in substantially the same shape as that of the adjacent outer periphery of the front plate <NUM>. In another embodiment (not illustrated), in order to increase the area of exposure of the display <NUM>, the interval between the outer periphery of the display <NUM> and the outer periphery of the front plate <NUM> may be formed to be substantially identical.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), a recess or an opening may be formed in a part of the screen display area of the display <NUM>, and at least one of an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, and a light-emitting element <NUM> may be included and aligned with the recess or the opening. In another embodiment (not illustrated), on the back surface of the screen display area of the display <NUM>, at least one of an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a fingerprint sensor <NUM>, and a light-emitting element <NUM> may be included. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the display <NUM> may be coupled to or arranged adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field-type stylus pen. In some embodiments, at least a part of the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> and/or at least a part of the key input device <NUM> may be arranged in the first areas 110D and/or the second areas 110E.

The audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>. A microphone for acquiring an external sound may be arranged in the microphone hole <NUM>, and a plurality of microphones may be arranged therein such that the direction of a sound can be sensed in some embodiments. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include an outer speaker hole <NUM> and a speech receiver hole <NUM>. In some embodiments, the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included (for example, a piezoelectric speaker) without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may generate an electric signal or a data value corresponding to the internal operating condition of the electronic device <NUM> or the external environment condition thereof. The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include, for example, a first sensor module <NUM> (for example, a proximity sensor) arranged on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>, and/or a second sensor module (not illustrated) (for example, a fingerprint sensor), and/or a third sensor module <NUM> (for example, an HRM sensor) arranged on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>, and/or a fourth sensor module <NUM> (for example, a fingerprint sensor). The fingerprint sensor may be arranged not only on the first surface 110A (for example, the display <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>, but also on the second surface 110B thereof. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a sensor module not illustrated, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a luminance sensor <NUM>.

The camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM> arranged on the first surface 110A of the electronic device <NUM>, a second camera device <NUM> arranged on the second surface 110B thereof, and/or a flash <NUM>. The camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a single lens or a plurality of lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (an infrared camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be arranged on a single surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input device <NUM> may be arranged on the side surface 110C of the housing <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include a part of the above-mentioned key input device <NUM> or the entire key input device <NUM>, and the key input device <NUM> (not included) may be implemented in another type, such as a soft key, on the display <NUM>. In some embodiments, the key input device may include a sensor module <NUM> arranged on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>.

The light-emitting element <NUM> may be arranged on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>, for example. The light-emitting element <NUM> may provide information regarding the condition of the electronic device <NUM> in a light type, for example. In another embodiment, the light-emitting element <NUM> may provide a light source that interworks with operation of the camera module <NUM>, for example. The light-emitting element <NUM> may include, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED), an infrared light-emitting diode (IR LED), and a xenon lamp.

The connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first connector hole <NUM> capable of containing a connector (for example, a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting/receiving power and/or data to/from an external electronic device, and/or a second connector hole (for example, an earphone jack) <NUM> capable of containing a connector for transmitting/receiving an audio signal to/from the external electronic device.

<FIG> is a developed perspective view of an electronic device of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a side bezel structure <NUM>, a first support member <NUM> (for example, a bracket), a front plate <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a second support member <NUM> (for example, a rear case), an antenna <NUM>, and a rear plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the constituent elements (for example, the first support member <NUM> or the second support member <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> may be omitted, or the electronic device <NUM> may further include another constituent element. At least one of the constituent elements of the electronic device <NUM> may be identical or similar to at least one of the constituent elements of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted herein.

The first support member <NUM> may be arranged inside the electronic device <NUM> and connected to the side bezel structure <NUM>, or may be formed integrally with the side bezel structure <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> may be made of a metal material and/or a nonmetal (for example, polymer) material, for example. The display <NUM> may be coupled to one surface of the first support member <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be coupled to the other surface thereof. A processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing device, an application processor, a graphic processing device, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

The memory may include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, for example.

The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may connect the electronic device <NUM> with an external electronic device electrically or physically, for example, and may include a USB connector, an SD card/ multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

The battery <NUM> is a device for supplying power to at least one constituent element of the electronic device <NUM>, and may include a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell, for example. At least a part of the battery <NUM> may be arranged on substantially the same plane with the printed circuit board <NUM>, for example. The battery <NUM> may be arranged integrally inside the electronic device <NUM>, or may be arranged such that the same can be attached to/detached from the electronic device <NUM>.

The antenna <NUM> may be arranged between the rear plate <NUM> and the battery <NUM>. The antenna <NUM> may conduct near-field communication with an external device or may wirelessly transmit/receive power necessary for charging, for example. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by a part or a combination of the side bezel structure <NUM> and/or the first support member <NUM>.

The electronic devices may further include at least one of parts of furniture or buildings/structures, electronic boards, electronic signature receiving devices, projectors, or various measuring instruments (such as water meters, electricity meters, gas meters, or wave meters, and the like). The electronic devices may be one or more combinations of the above-mentioned devices. The electronic devices may be flexible electronic devices. Also, the electronic devices are not limited to the above-mentioned devices, and are limited only by the attached claims.

Embodiments of the disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The terms "A or B," "at least one of A or/and B," or "one or more of A or/and B" as used herein include all possible combinations of items enumerated with them. For example, "A or B," "at least one of A and B," or "at least one of A or B" means (<NUM>) including at least one A, (<NUM>) including at least one B, or (<NUM>) including both at least one A and at least one B.

The terms such as "first" and "second" as used herein may modify various elements regardless of an order and/or importance of the corresponding elements, and do not limit the corresponding elements. These terms may be used for the purpose of distinguishing one element from another element. For example, a first user device and a second user device may indicate different user devices regardless of the order or importance. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the scope the disclosure, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

It will be understood that, when an element (for example, a first element) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to" or "connected to" another element (for example, a second element), the element may be directly coupled with/to another element, and there may be an intervening element (for example, a third element) between the element and another element. To the contrary, it will be understood that, when an element (for example, a first element) is "directly coupled with/to" or "directly connected to" another element (for example, a second element), there is no intervening element (for example, a third element) between the element and another element.

The term "module" as used herein may be defined as, for example, a unit including one of hardware, software, and firmware or two or more combinations thereof. The term "module" may be interchangeably used with, for example, the terms "unit", "logic", "logical block", "component", or "circuit", and the like. The "module" may be a minimum unit of an integrated component or a part thereof. The "module" may be a minimum unit performing one or more functions or a part thereof.

<FIG> illustrates a partial schematic view showing a configuration of an electronic device including an antenna module, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

In various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may include the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> may be a transparent perspective view of an upper portion of the electronic device <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is placed vertically.

With reference to <FIG>, in various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> includes a support member <NUM>, a first antenna <NUM>, a first connection member <NUM>, a second connection member <NUM>, a cut-off portion <NUM>, and a second antenna <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the support member <NUM> may be disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be connected to the first antenna <NUM> through a first bridge <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM> by using the first bridge <NUM> and the second bridge <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the support member <NUM> may include the first support member <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The support member <NUM> may be made of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal material (e.g., polymer). The support member <NUM> may include a first surface coupled with the display (e.g., display <NUM> in <FIG>), and a second surface coupled with the printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>). The first bridge <NUM> and the second bridge <NUM> may include a conductive member.

In one embodiment, the first antenna <NUM> is connected to the support member <NUM> through the first bridge <NUM>. The first antenna <NUM> may include a first ground part <NUM> and a first feeding part <NUM>. The first ground part <NUM> and the first feeding part <NUM> may be disposed on the inner side of the first antenna <NUM>. The first ground part <NUM> may ground the first antenna <NUM>. The first feeding part <NUM> may transmit and receive signals through the first antenna <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the first antenna <NUM> may be used to transmit and receive signals in a first frequency band (e.g., low or mid frequencies). For example, the first antenna <NUM> may transmit and receive signals of about <NUM> to <NUM>.

The first frequency band is an example, and signals of other frequency bands may be transmitted and received, according to various embodiments in accordance with this disclosure. For example, the first antenna <NUM> is not limited to the first frequency band, and may be used to transmit and receive signals in a second frequency band (e.g., mid or high frequencies).

In various embodiments, the first feeding part <NUM> may be disposed closer to the first bridge <NUM> or the cut-off portion <NUM> rather than the first ground part <NUM>. The positions of the first ground part <NUM> and the first feeding part <NUM> may be changed. The first ground part <NUM> may be omitted.

In one embodiment, the first connection member <NUM> may be formed on a part (e.g., upper part) of the first bridge <NUM> and may be disposed close to the cut-off portion <NUM>. The first connection member <NUM> may be connected to a first capacitor (e.g., variable capacitor). The first capacitor connected to the first connection member <NUM> may have a variable capacitance value. The first connection member <NUM> may serve as a ground of the first antenna <NUM>. The first connection member <NUM> may be connected to the printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) through a contact component (e.g., C clip). The first connection member <NUM> is connected to the ground of the printed circuit board through the first capacitor.

In one embodiment, the second connection member <NUM> may be formed on another part (e.g., lower part) of the first bridge <NUM>. The second connection member <NUM> may be disposed under the first connection member <NUM>. The second connection member <NUM> may be formed on the first bridge <NUM> at a position farther from the cut-off portion <NUM> than the first connection member <NUM>. The second connection member <NUM> may be connected to a second capacitor (e.g., fixed capacitor). The second capacitor connected to the second connection member <NUM> may have a fixed capacitance value. The second connection member <NUM> may be connected to a contact component (e.g., C clip) provided on the printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>). The second connection member <NUM> is connected to the ground of the printed circuit board through the second capacitor. The second connection member <NUM> may serve as a noise stopper that blocks noise generated from electronic components and/or elements mounted on the printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) from being transmitted to the first antenna <NUM> or the second antenna <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the first connection member <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM> may be disposed close to the cut-off portion <NUM> to form a parasitic antenna.

In one embodiment, the cut-off portion <NUM> may be formed between the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM>. The cut-off portion <NUM> may physically separate the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM>. The cut-off portion <NUM> may be filled with a non-conductive material.

In various embodiments, the non-conductive material may be an insulator (or, dielectric) including at least one of polyimide, plastic, polymer, or ceramic. The cut-off portion <NUM> may prevent foreign substances from entering the electronic device <NUM> from the outside.

In one embodiment, the second antenna <NUM> may be connected to the support member <NUM> through the second bridge <NUM>. The second antenna <NUM> may include a second feeding part <NUM> and a second ground part <NUM>. The second feeding part <NUM> and the second ground part <NUM> may be disposed on the inner side of the second antenna <NUM>. The second feeding part <NUM> may transmit and receive signals through the second antenna <NUM>. The second ground part <NUM> may ground the second antenna <NUM>. The second feeding part <NUM> may be disposed closer to the cut-off portion <NUM> than the second ground part <NUM>. The second ground part <NUM> may be omitted.

In various embodiments, the second antenna <NUM> may be used to transmit and receive signals in a second frequency band (e.g., mid or high frequencies). For example, the second antenna <NUM> may transmit and receive signals of about <NUM> to <NUM> or about <NUM> to <NUM>.

The second frequency band is an example, and signals of other frequency bands may be transmitted and received, according to various embodiments in accordance with this disclosure. The frequency bands of the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM> may be different. The second antenna <NUM> is not limited to the second frequency band (e.g., mid or high frequencies) and may be used to transmit and receive signals in the above-described first frequency band (e.g., low or mid frequencies).

In various embodiments, at least a portion of the first antenna <NUM>, the cut-off portion <NUM>, at least a portion of the second antenna <NUM>, the second feeding part <NUM>, and the first connection member <NUM> and second connection member <NUM> formed in the first bridge <NUM> may form a coupling zone <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the first antenna <NUM>, the first ground part <NUM>, the first feeding part <NUM>, the first connection member <NUM>, the second connection member <NUM>, the cut-off portion <NUM>, the second antenna <NUM>, the second feeding part <NUM> and/or the second ground part <NUM> may constitute an antenna module.

<FIG> illustrates a partial side view showing a configuration of the electronic device including an antenna module according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

In the following description of <FIG>, repeated descriptions of the same configuration and function as those in the embodiment of <FIG> may be omitted.

In various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may include the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The embodiment in relation to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may be applied to the embodiment in relation to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> described above.

With reference to <FIG>, in various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include a display <NUM> and a printed circuit board <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the display <NUM> may be coupled to a first surface of the support member <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be coupled to at least a portion of the support member <NUM> including the first bridge <NUM> or second bridge <NUM> by using an elastic member <NUM> (e.g., sponge). The elastic member <NUM> may absorb an external shock to prevent damage to the display <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the display <NUM> may include the display <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The display <NUM> may display information input by the user on the electronic device <NUM> or display information to be provided to the user. The display <NUM> may perform an input function and a display function.

In one embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be coupled to a second surface of the support member <NUM>. Various electronic elements <NUM> may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the electronic elements <NUM> mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM> may include at least one of a processor, a memory, a radio frequency IC (RFIC), a power management IC (PMIC), a charger IC, a modem IC, or an interface. The printed circuit board <NUM> may include contact components (e.g., C-clip, boss hole, screw or rib, conductive pillow foam) for contacting the support member <NUM>, the first connection member <NUM> and/or the second connection member <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the processor may perform overall operations and process data of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the processor may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

In various embodiments, the memory stores programs for processing and controlling the processor equipped in the electronic device <NUM>, an operating system (OS), various applications, and input/output data, and may store a program that controls the overall operation of the electronic device <NUM>. The memory may store a user interface provided by the electronic device <NUM> and various configuration information required for processing in the electronic device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first connection member <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM> may be disposed between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the support member <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first connection member <NUM> may form a path <NUM> for inducing a current of the second antenna <NUM> between the second feeding part <NUM> close to the cut-off portion <NUM> and the support member <NUM> (or, first bridge <NUM>). For example, the first connection member <NUM> may be a C clip mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM> and may be grounded through a capacitor mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>, forming the path <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the second connection member <NUM> may be disposed closer to the electronic elements <NUM> than the first connection member <NUM>. The second connection member <NUM> may block noise generated from the electronic elements <NUM> mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM> from being transmitted to the second antenna <NUM> (or, first antenna <NUM>). The second connection member <NUM> may serve as a trap for preventing noise generated from the electronic elements <NUM> from being transmitted to the second antenna <NUM> (or, first antenna <NUM>). For example, the second connection member <NUM> may be a C clip mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM> and may be grounded through a capacitor mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>, serving as a noise trap.

The second connection member <NUM> may form a noise return path <NUM> so that noise generated from the electronic elements <NUM> is not transmitted to the second antenna <NUM> (or, first antenna <NUM>), and may serve to extend the electrical length of the antenna. For example, a portion of the first bridge <NUM> between the first connection member <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM> may operate as a part of the antenna.

<FIG> illustrate an operating principle based on the capacitance value of the first connection member in the electronic device including an antenna module according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

In the following description of <FIG>, repeated descriptions of the same configuration and function as those in the embodiments of <FIG> or <FIG> may be omitted.

In various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may include the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The embodiment in relation to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may be applied to the embodiment in relation to the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> described above.

With reference to <FIG>, in various embodiments of the disclosure, the resonant length of the second antenna <NUM> may be varied in the electronic device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the capacitance value of the first connection member <NUM> may be variable. The capacitance value of the second connection member <NUM> may be fixed.

In various embodiments, the second connection member <NUM> may be disposed closer to the electronic elements <NUM> than the first connection member <NUM>. The second connection member <NUM> may serve to prevent noise generated from the electronic elements <NUM> from being transmitted to the second antenna <NUM> (or, first antenna <NUM>). Noise generated from the electronic elements <NUM> mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM> may be returned to the printed circuit board <NUM> through, for example, a C clip being the second connection member <NUM>.

For example, the second connection member <NUM> may be a C clip mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM> and may be grounded through a second capacitor mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>, serving as a noise trap.

In one embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may adjust the electrical length of the antenna by varying the capacitance value of the first connection member <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, when the first connection member <NUM> has a low capacitance value, the resonant length of the second antenna <NUM> may extend through the cut-off portion <NUM> and the first connection member <NUM> to the second connection member <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, when the first connection member <NUM> has a high capacitance value, the resonant length of the second antenna <NUM> may be shortened to the cut-off portion <NUM> and the first connection member <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, when the first connection member <NUM> has a low capacitance value or a high capacitance value, the cut-off portion <NUM> may form a coupling path between the second antenna <NUM> and the first connection member <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the second ground part <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be connected or opened for efficiency of the second antenna <NUM>.

In various embodiments, when the capacitance value of the first connection member <NUM> increases, the performance of the second antenna <NUM> may be improved in a band of mid or high frequencies. When the capacitance value of the first connection member <NUM> decreases, the performance of the second antenna <NUM> may be improved in a band of low or mid frequencies.

In various embodiments, the first connection member <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM> may serve as a reinforcement part that reinforces the mechanical strength of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a principle in which the first connection member and the second connection member serve as a reinforcement part in the electronic device including an antenna module according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

In the following description of <FIG>, repeated descriptions of the same configuration and function as those in the embodiments of <FIG> may be omitted.

In various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may include the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The embodiment in relation to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may be applied to the embodiment in relation to the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> described above.

With reference to <FIG>, in various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include electronic components <NUM> and a second support member <NUM> (e.g., rear case).

In one embodiment, the electronic components <NUM> may be mounted on one surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the electronic components <NUM> may be mounted on a surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> different from that on which the electronic elements <NUM> are mounted. The electronic components <NUM> may include at least one of, for example, a processor, a memory, a radio frequency IC (RFIC), a power management IC (PMIC), a charging IC, a modem IC, or an interface.

In one embodiment, the second support member <NUM> may cover one surface (e.g., rear surface) of the electronic device <NUM>. The second support member <NUM> may be coupled to at least a portion of the printed circuit board <NUM> by using at least one rib <NUM> and <NUM>. The second support member <NUM> may include the second support member <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In various embodiments, when pressure such as an impact is applied from the outside of the electronic device <NUM>, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be bent or damaged. In one embodiment, the first connection member <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM> disposed between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the support member <NUM> may serve as a reinforcement part that prevents the printed circuit board <NUM> from being bent or damaged due to an external impact.

<FIG> illustrate an example of tuning the capacitance value of the first connection member in the electronic device including an antenna module according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

In various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> may include the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The embodiment in relation to the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> may be applied to the embodiment of <FIG> described above.

With reference to <FIG>, in various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> may include a switch circuit <NUM> and a processor <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the capacitance value of the first connection member <NUM> may be variable. The capacitance value of the second connection member <NUM> may be fixed.

With reference to <FIG>, the first connection member <NUM> may be connected to the switch circuit <NUM> configured on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may adjust the capacitance value of the first connection member <NUM> by switching the switch circuit <NUM> on and off. The processor <NUM> may adjust the capacitance value of the first connection member <NUM> so that the first antenna <NUM> or the second antenna <NUM> may have an optimum resonance value for each frequency band.

In various embodiments, the switch circuit <NUM> may be selectively connected to the first connection member <NUM> through a plurality of shunt capacitors (not shown) having different capacitance values (e.g., first capacitor, second capacitor,. , nth capacitor) to tune the frequencies of the first antenna <NUM> and/or the second antenna <NUM>. The shunt capacitors may be grounded.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may control the switch circuit <NUM> to tune the capacitance value of the first connection member <NUM> to be large or small, thereby optimizing the performance of the first antenna <NUM> and/or the second antenna <NUM> for each frequency band.

In one embodiment, when the first antenna <NUM> and/or the second antenna <NUM> operate on a specific channel, the processor <NUM> may improve performance of the frequency band corresponding to the specific channel while tuning the capacitance value of the first connection member <NUM> in units of about <NUM> pF.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the first bridge <NUM> may be separated from the first antenna <NUM> without being connected thereto. In the electronic device <NUM>, the support member <NUM> and the first antenna <NUM> may be connected by using a third bridge <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, in various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may further include an additional cut-off portion <NUM> in the side housing. The first bridge <NUM> may be formed close to the additional cut-off portion <NUM>. A third feeding part <NUM> and a fourth feeding part <NUM> may be disposed at positions close to the first bridge <NUM> and the additional cut-off portion <NUM>. The first connection member <NUM> may be disposed closer to the additional cut-off portion <NUM> than the second connection member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the first bridge <NUM> may be separated from the side housing without being connected thereto.

In various embodiments, in the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>, a bridge may be not formed at a position close to the cut-off portion <NUM> formed between the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates measurement results for radiation efficiency of the electronic device including an antenna module according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

In one embodiment, when the capacitance value of the first connection member <NUM> is adjusted in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. 9pF and the capacitance value of the second connection member <NUM> is about 100pF, it can be seen that the performance (radiation efficiency) of the second antenna <NUM> in a band of about <NUM> to <NUM> or in a band of about <NUM> to <NUM> is improved by about 2dB from G1 to G2 irrespective of the XGND logic of the first antenna <NUM>.

At least one embodiment illustrates that the performance of the first antenna <NUM> is not affected even if the capacitance value of the first connection member <NUM> is adjusted. In addition, radiation efficiency for each resonance frequency of the second antenna <NUM> is improved according to the adjustment of the capacitance value of the first connection member <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) constituting an external appearance of the electronic device;
a support member (<NUM>; <NUM>) including a first bridge (<NUM>);
a printed circuit board (<NUM>; <NUM>) coupled to one surface of the support member;
a first antenna (<NUM>) constituting a first part of the housing and connected to the support member through the first bridge;
a second antenna (<NUM>) constituting a second part of the housing;
a cut-off portion (<NUM>) separating the first antenna and the second antenna; and
characterized by:
a first connection member (<NUM>) and a second connection member (<NUM>) coupled to the first bridge,
wherein the first connection member is connected to a ground of the printed circuit board through a first capacitor and is disposed closer to the cut-off portion than the second connection member connected to the ground of the printed circuit board through a second capacitor.