Patent Description:
In order to satisfy demands for wireless data traffic increasing since commercialization of <NUM>th-generation (<NUM>) communication systems, there have recently been efforts to commercialize next-generation (for example, <NUM>th-generation or pre-<NUM>) communication systems. Furthermore, to this end, electronic devices including multiple antennas for transmitting/receiving various signals have been provided.

In addition, displays having large areas are preferred to effectively provide various functions in line with rapid improvement of the processing performance of electronic devices (for example, smartphones). At the same time, there are still demands for compactness of electronic devices in order to improve portability. In order to satisfy such demands, electronic devices may include foldable electronic devices. Foldable electronic devices can be folded or unfolded around connectors, thereby providing users with portability and availability.

Such a foldable electronic device may have an antenna disposed to perform wireless communication, and may include multiple antennas for supporting wireless communication in respective states according to folding or unfolding operations.

Document <CIT> relates to a technique for processing a transmit (Tx) signal or a receive (Rx) signal in a wireless communication system.

Document <CIT>pertains to a device and a method for improving radiation performance of an antenna using impedance tuning in an electronic device.

In order to calibrate signals transmitted or received through multiple antennas, parameters (for example, reflection coefficient, voltage standing wave ratio, return loss) regarding signals transmitted or received through respective antennas need to be measured. If parameters are sensed through a single coupler, however, a tuner for signal calibration may fail to operate normally.

If the tuner function is limited in this manner, the antenna radiation performance may be degraded by the hand-grip effect, universal serial bus (USB) effect, free space loss, and the like.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, antenna radiation performance may be secured based on a single structure and a single algorithm with regard to multiple antennas.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an antenna structure includes a first antenna, a second antenna, at least one processor, a power distribution circuit configured to equally supply power supplied from the at least one processor to the first antenna and the second antenna, and a coupler disposed between the at least one processor and the power distribution circuit, wherein the at least one processor is configured to obtain a first parameter for a first signal received by the first antenna and a second parameter for a second signal received by the second antenna through a coupler, detect a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal, obtain matching parameters for calibration for the first parameter and the second parameter, based on the first parameter, the second parameter and the detected phase difference corresponding to cases in which the phase difference satisfies a specified condition among the first parameter and the second parameter, and obtain a third parameter for allowing reflection coefficients of the first signal and the second signal flowing from the power distribution circuit to the coupler to exist within a specified range among the matching parameters to correct the matching parameters.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a correction method for optimizing antenna performance includes obtaining a first parameter for a first signal received by a first antenna and a second parameter for a second signal received by a second antenna, detecting a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal according to the obtained first parameter and the second parameter, obtaining matching parameters for calibration for the first parameter and the second parameter, based on the first parameter, the second parameter and the detected phase difference corresponding to cases in which the phase difference satisfies a specified condition among the first parameter and the second parameter, and obtaining a third parameter for allowing reflection coefficients of the first signal and the second signal to exist within a specified range among the matching parameters to correct the matching parameters.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may include a housing including a first part, a second part coupled to the connecting part so as to be rotatable with respect to the first part, and a connecting part disposed between the first part and the second part, a first antenna including a first portion of the first part, a second antenna including a second portion of the second part, a first point of the first antenna corresponding to a second point of the second antenna when the housing is folded, at least one processor, a power distribution circuit configured to equally supply power supplied from the at least one processor to the first antenna and the second antenna, and a coupler disposed between the at least one processor and the power distribution circuit, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to obtain a first parameter for a first signal received by the first antenna and a second parameter for a second signal received by the second antenna, detect a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal, obtain matching parameters, based on parameters corresponding to cases in which the phase difference satisfies a specified condition among the first parameter and the second parameter, and obtain a third parameter for allowing a reflection coefficient of a signal flowing from the power distribution circuit to the coupler to exist within a specified range among the matching parameters.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, with regard to multiple antennas disposed on various paths, a single structure and a single algorithm may be used to maintain the phase difference between signals transmitted or received through respective antennas at a predetermined level or lower.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a substantially identical parameter may be measured with regard to multiple antennas through a single structure, and signals may be calibrated accordingly, thereby preventing antenna radiation performance degradation.

<FIG>, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in the network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module(SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>).

According to an embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound via the input module <NUM>, or output the sound via the sound output module <NUM> or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device <NUM>) directly (e.g., via wire) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device <NUM>.

The interface <NUM> may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device <NUM> to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) directly (e.g., via wire) or wirelessly.

It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively", as "coupled with," "coupled to," "connected with," or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., via wire), wirelessly, or via a third element.

Alternatively, or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device including a first antenna and a second antenna according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment includes a first antenna <NUM> and a second antenna <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may have a substantially rectangular shape in an unfolded state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be folded or unfolded about a folding axis B-B' or a connector <NUM> substantially parallel to the short edge of the rectangle.

According to an embodiment, a first portion <NUM> of a first side member <NUM> may embody a portion of one edge of the first side member <NUM>. For example, the first portion <NUM> may be positioned at an edge farthest from the connector <NUM> among edges of the first side member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first portion <NUM> may be disposed substantially parallel to the connector <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first portion <NUM> may be fed from a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) <NUM> at the first point P1 through the first path <NUM> and may operate as the first antenna <NUM> for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals of a designated band. In an embodiment, the first portion <NUM> may include a conductive material.

In an embodiment, a first segmented portion <NUM> may be configured at one end of the first portion <NUM>, and a second segmented portion <NUM> may be configured at the other end of the first portion <NUM>. The first segmented portion <NUM> and the second segmented portion <NUM> may separate the first portion <NUM> from other portions of the first side member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first segmented portion <NUM> and/or the second segmented portion <NUM> may include a material having a specified dielectric constant or a non-conductive material (e.g., air or resin).

According to an embodiment, a second portion <NUM> of a second side member <NUM> may configure a portion of one edge of the second side member <NUM>. For example, the second portion <NUM> may be positioned at an edge farthest from the connector <NUM> among edges of the second side member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the second portion <NUM> may be fed from the radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) <NUM> at the second point P2 through the second path <NUM> and may operate as the second antenna <NUM> for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals of a designated band. In an embodiment, the second portion <NUM> may include a conductive material. The second path <NUM> may include a flexible printed circuit board RF cable (FRC) 20a crossing the connector <NUM>. In an embodiment, the FRC 20a may be configured as a separate flexible printed circuit board (F-PCB) and disposed between the PCBs.

In an embodiment, a third segmented portion <NUM> may be configured at one end of the second portion <NUM>, and a fourth segmented portion <NUM> may be configured at the other end of the second portion <NUM>. The third segmented portion <NUM> and the fourth segmented portion <NUM> may separate the second portion <NUM> from other portions of the second side member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the third segmented portion <NUM> and/or the fourth segmented portion <NUM> may include a material having a specified dielectric constant or a non-conductive material (e.g., air or resin).

The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include power amplifier modules (PAMs) <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and a duplexer <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first PAM <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed in an electrical path between a power distribution circuit <NUM> and the RFIC <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second PAM <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed in an electrical path between the duplexer <NUM> and the RFIC <NUM>. In an embodiment, the PAMs <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may amplify a signal provided from the RFIC <NUM>. In an embodiment, the duplexer <NUM> may include a filter circuit for selectively passing a signal provided from the first PAM <NUM>-<NUM> or a signal provided from the second PAM <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may correspond to each other. For example, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be respectively disposed at edges facing each other among edges of the electronic device <NUM> in an unfolded state. For another example, when viewed from above the rear surface of the first part <NUM>, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may overlap each other with the electronic device <NUM> in a folded state.

In an embodiment, the first point P1 of the first portion <NUM> and the second point P2 of the second portion <NUM> may correspond to each other. For example, when viewed from above the rear surface of the first part <NUM> in a folded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the first point P1 of the first portion <NUM> may overlap the second point P2 of the second portion <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the power distribution circuit <NUM> may equally provide power supplied from the RFIC <NUM> to the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the power distribution circuit <NUM> may provide power to the first portion <NUM> through the first path <NUM> and provide power to the second portion <NUM> through the second path <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may adjust the first signal provided to the first portion <NUM> and the second signal provided to the second portion <NUM> to have the same phase when the electronic device <NUM> is folded around the folding axis B. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

<FIG> illustrates an antenna structure according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the antenna structure <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a coupler <NUM>, a first switch <NUM>, a second switch <NUM>, a power distribution circuit <NUM> (e.g., the power distribution circuit <NUM> of <FIG>), a first tuner <NUM>, a second tuner <NUM>, a first antenna <NUM>, and a second antenna <NUM>. According to another embodiment (not illustrated), some of the above-described components (e.g., the second tuner <NUM>) may be omitted and other components may be added.

According to an embodiment, the coupler <NUM>, the first switch <NUM>, the second switch <NUM>, the power distribution circuit <NUM>, the first tuner <NUM>, and the second tuner <NUM> may be disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB).

According to an embodiment, the first switch <NUM> may be connected to the coupler <NUM>, the power distribution circuit <NUM>, and the second switch <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first switch <NUM> may be set such that the coupler <NUM> is selectively connected to the power distribution circuit <NUM> or the second switch <NUM>. The first switch <NUM> is configured to selectively connect the coupler <NUM> to the power distribution circuit <NUM> or the second switch <NUM>. For example, the first switch <NUM> may include a single pole double throw (SPDT) switch, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the second switch <NUM> may be connected to the first switch <NUM>, the first tuner <NUM>, and the power distribution circuit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second switch <NUM> may be set such that the first antenna <NUM> is selectively connected to the first switch <NUM> or the power distribution circuit <NUM>. The second switch <NUM> is configured to selectively connect the first antenna <NUM> to the power distribution circuit <NUM> or the first switch <NUM>. For example, the second switch <NUM> may include a double pole single throw (DPST) switch, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the coupler <NUM> may be electrically connected to the power distribution circuit <NUM> and the second switch <NUM> through the first switch <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> may be electrically connected to at least one processor (e.g., a processor <NUM> of <FIG>) or a communication module (e.g., a communication module <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the coupler <NUM> may provide a transmission signal received from at least one processor to the power distribution circuit <NUM> or the second switch <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the coupler <NUM> may detect parameters for the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM>. For example, the coupler <NUM> may detect a reflection coefficient of a signal input from the power distribution circuit <NUM>. A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

According to an embodiment, the power distribution circuit <NUM> may equally distribute power of a signal provided through at least one processor to the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the power distribution circuit <NUM> may branch the signal provided through the first switch <NUM> into two signals having output power <NUM>/<NUM> times the input power of the provided signal. The power distribution circuit <NUM> may provide the branched signal to the second switch <NUM> and the second tuner <NUM> or the second antenna <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM> may include an antenna radiator for transmitting and receiving the first signal and the second signal, respectively.

According to an embodiment, the antenna structure <NUM> may include the first tuner <NUM> disposed between the first antenna <NUM> and the power distribution circuit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the antenna structure <NUM> may include the second tuner <NUM> disposed between the second antenna <NUM> and the power distribution circuit <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first tuner <NUM> may include an inductor having a specified inductance value, a capacitor having a specified capacitance value, and/or a variable capacitor. According to an embodiment, the first tuner <NUM> may include a lumped element (e.g., an RLC element) for tuning the first antenna <NUM> (e.g., impedance matching and/or resonant frequency adjustment). According to an embodiment, the second tuner <NUM> may include an inductor having a specified inductance value, a capacitor having a specified capacitance value, and/or a variable capacitor. According to an embodiment, the second tuner <NUM> may include a lumped element (e.g., an RLC element) for tuning the second antenna <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, at least one processor may control the phases of the first signal transmitted to the first antenna <NUM> and the second signal transmitted to the second antenna <NUM> through the first tuner <NUM> and/or the second tuner <NUM>. At least one processor according to an embodiment may control the first signal and the second signal to have a phase difference within a specified range through the first tuner <NUM> and/or the second tuner <NUM>. For example, the first signal and the second signal may be controlled to have a phase difference of substantially -<NUM>° to substantially +<NUM>°. For another example, at least one processor may control the first signal and the second signal to be in-phase through the first tuner <NUM> and/or the second tuner <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment is in an unfolded state, the antenna structure <NUM> may operate in a closed loop structure. For example, at least one processor may control the first signal and/or the second signal through the first tuner <NUM> and/or the second tuner <NUM> based on the feedback signal received from the first antenna <NUM> or the second antenna <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state with respect to the folding axis B-B', the antenna structure <NUM> may operate in an open loop structure. For example, at least one processor may control the first signal and/or the second signal through the first tuner <NUM> and/or the second tuner <NUM> based on a pre-stored instruction. For example, at least one processor may control the first signal and/or the second signal through the first tuner <NUM> and/or the second tuner <NUM> based on a code according to the combination of carrier aggregation (CA).

<FIG> illustrates an antenna structure including a first parameter and a second parameter according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an antenna structure including a third parameter according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an antenna structure including a third parameter and a third antenna according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, at least one processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment obtains a first parameter <NUM> for the first signal transmitted or received by the first antenna <NUM> and a second parameter <NUM> for the second signal transmitted or received by the second antenna <NUM>. The first parameter <NUM> and the second parameter <NUM> may be referred to as a first matching network and a second matching network, respectively.

According to an embodiment, the first parameter <NUM> and the second parameter <NUM> may include s parameters (e.g., S<NUM>, S<NUM>). According to an embodiment, the first parameter <NUM> and the second parameter <NUM> may include at least one of a reflection coefficient, a return loss, and a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). For example, the first parameter <NUM> may include a first reflection coefficient for the first antenna <NUM>, and the second parameter <NUM> may include a second reflection coefficient for the second antenna <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the first parameter <NUM> and the second parameter <NUM> may include a state of the first tuner <NUM> (e.g., switch <NUM> on) and a state of the second tuner <NUM>, respectively, but are not limited thereto.

Referring to <FIG>, at least one processor obtains a third parameter <NUM> based on the first parameter <NUM> and the second parameter <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least one processor may obtain the third parameter <NUM> from the sum of respective admittances for the first parameter <NUM> and the second parameter <NUM>. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

According to an embodiment, the third parameter <NUM> may be applied substantially equally to the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM>. For example, at least one processor may control the first signal transmitted or received through the first antenna <NUM> and the second signal transmitted or received through the second antenna <NUM> by controlling the third parameter <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, at least one processor may implement a third antenna <NUM> substantially equivalent to the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM> by controlling the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal within a specified range (e.g., substantially -<NUM>° to substantially +<NUM>°). According to an embodiment, the third parameter <NUM> may be applied to the third antenna <NUM> substantially equivalent to the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM>. For example, at least one processor may adjust the third parameter <NUM> to control a third signal transmitted or received through the third antenna <NUM>. The first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM> may operate with optimum efficiency by adjusting (performed by the at least one processor) the third parameter <NUM>. The optimum efficiency may refer to the fact that a reflection coefficient of a signal flowing into the coupler <NUM> is minimized.

According to an embodiment, at least one processor detects parameters for the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM> through the coupler <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least one processor may detect a reflection coefficient for the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM> flowing into the coupler <NUM> from the power distribution circuit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least one processor may detect substantially the same reflection coefficient (Γinput) with respect to the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM> from the third parameter <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least one processor may detect, from the third parameter <NUM>, a reflection coefficient (Γinput) for the third antenna <NUM> that is substantially equivalent to the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least one processor may control the third parameter <NUM> to minimize the reflection coefficient (Γinput) for the third antenna <NUM>. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

<FIG> is a flowchart of obtaining a third parameter based on the first parameter and the second parameter according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, at least one processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment obtains a first parameter (e.g., the first parameter <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second parameter (e.g., the second parameter <NUM> of <FIG>), and obtains a matching parameter and a third parameter based thereon. The overlapping description of the same or substantially the same components as the above-described components will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, at least one processor obtains the first parameter and the second parameter in operation <NUM>. At least one processor according to an embodiment obtains the first parameter for the first signal transmitted or received through the first antenna (e.g., the first antenna <NUM> of <FIG>) and the second parameter for the second signal transmitted or received through the second antenna (e.g., the second antenna <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, at least one processor detects a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal in operation <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least one processor may detect a phase of the first signal transmitted or received through the first antenna and the second signal transmitted or received through the second antenna, and may detect a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal based thereon. According to another embodiment, at least one processor may obtain a table including the detected phase difference, but a detailed description thereof will be provided later.

According to an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, at least one processor obtains a matching parameter based on the first parameter, the second parameter, and the detected phase difference. According to an embodiment, when the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal among the first parameter and the second parameter satisfies a specified condition, at least one processor obtains parameters corresponding to the matching parameters. According to an embodiment, when the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal among the first parameter and the second parameter is equal to or less than a reference value, at least one processor may obtain parameters corresponding to the matching parameters. For example, when the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal among the first parameter and the second parameter is substantially <NUM>° or less, corresponding parameters may be obtained as matching parameters. The operation of obtaining the matching parameter through the above-described operation <NUM> is referred to for calibration for the first parameter and the second parameter.

According to an embodiment, at least one processor, in operation <NUM>, obtains the third parameter such that reflection coefficients (Γinput) of the first signal and the second signal among the matching parameters are within a specified range. According to an embodiment, at least one processor may obtain, as the third parameter, parameters corresponding to the case where the reflection coefficient (Γinput) sensed through the coupler (e.g., the coupler <NUM> of <FIG>) is equal to or less than a reference value. For example, from among the matching parameters, at least one processor may obtain, as the third parameter, parameters such that the reflection coefficient (Γinput) detected through the coupler is minimized. The operation of the at least one processor obtaining the third parameter in operation <NUM> is referred to as correction of the matching parameter obtained in operation <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, at least one processor may obtain a chart (e.g., smith chart) or a look-up table (LUT) including the relationship between the third antenna (e.g., the third antenna <NUM> of <FIG>) and the third parameter through operations <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of controlling a tuner based on a stored third parameter according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment may include a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM> of <FIG>) electrically connected to at least one processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, at least one processor, in operation <NUM>, may store the third parameter (e.g., the third parameter <NUM> of <FIG>) obtained in operation <NUM> in the memory. According to another embodiment (not illustrated), at least one processor may store information (e.g., look up table (LUT)) including the relationship between the third antenna (e.g., the third antenna <NUM> of <FIG>) and the third parameter in the memory.

According to an embodiment, at least one processor, in operation <NUM>, may control the first tuner (e.g., the first tuner <NUM> of <FIG>) and/or the second tuner (e.g., the second tuner <NUM> of <FIG>) based on the stored third parameter. According to an embodiment, at least one processor, in operation <NUM>, may control the first signal (e.g., transmitted or received through the first antenna <NUM>) and/or the second signal (e.g., transmitted or received through the second antenna <NUM>) by controlling the first tuner and/or the second tuner based on the stored third parameter. According to an embodiment, at least one processor, in operation <NUM>, may control the phase of the first signal and/or the second signal based on the stored third parameter. For example, at least one processor may control the first tuner and/or the second tuner so that a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal is <NUM>° or less based on the stored third parameter.

According to another embodiment, at least one processor may control the first signal and/or the second signal by controlling the first tuner and/or the second tuner based on the look-up table stored in the memory.

<FIG> illustrates a table including a phase difference according to the first parameter and the second parameter, according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a phase difference and a reference value according to the first parameter and the second parameter obtained according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, at least one processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment obtains parameters corresponding to a case in which a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal satisfies a specified criterion. Description of the same or substantially the same components as the above-described components will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, at least one processor according to an embodiment obtains a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal according to the first parameter and the second parameter. For example, at least one processor may obtain the table <NUM> including the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal according to the first parameter and the second parameter. According to an embodiment, a parameter (e.g., the matching parameter of <FIG>) may be obtained when the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal in the table <NUM> satisfies a specified condition. For example, parameters corresponding to a case in which the phase difference is substantially <NUM>° or less in the table <NUM> including the phase difference may be obtained as matching parameters.

Referring to <FIG>, at least one processor according to an embodiment may set a threshold for a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal. According to an embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a pre-stored reference value <NUM> for the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal. According to an embodiment, at least one processor may obtain a matching parameter by excluding the first parameter <NUM> and the second parameter <NUM> corresponding to the case where the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal exceeds a set or pre-stored reference value <NUM>. For example, parameters corresponding to the case where the phase difference is less than or equal to substantially <NUM>° may be obtained as matching parameters, except for parameters corresponding to the case where the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal is greater than substantially <NUM>°. A method by which at least one processor obtains the matching parameter and/or the third parameter is not limited to the above-described example and may be obtained through various methods.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device in an unfolded state, according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an electronic device in a folded state, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in an embodiment, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a foldable housing <NUM> (hereinafter, abbreviated "housing" <NUM>) and a flexible or foldable display <NUM> (hereinafter, abbreviated "display" <NUM>) disposed in a space configured by the housing <NUM>. In the disclosure, the surface on which the display <NUM> is disposed is defined as the first surface or the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. In addition, the opposite surface of the front surface is defined as the second surface or the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. Also, a surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the rear surface is defined as a third surface or a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may have a substantially rectangular shape in an unfolded state of <FIG>. For example, the housing <NUM> may have a specified width W1 and a specified length L1 longer than the specified width W1. As another example, the housing <NUM> may have a specified width W1 and a specified length L1 that is substantially equal to or shorter than the specified width W1. For example, the specified width W1 may be the width of the display <NUM>. In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be folded or unfolded based on a folding axis A that is substantially parallel to the long edge (e.g., an edge in the y-axis direction among edges of the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) of the rectangle.

In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may include a first part <NUM>, a second part <NUM>, and a connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may be disposed between the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may be coupled to the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM>, and the first part <NUM> and/or the second part <NUM> may be rotated about the connector <NUM> (or folding axis A).

In an embodiment, the first part <NUM> may include a first side member <NUM> and a first rear cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second part <NUM> may include a second side member <NUM> and a second rear cover <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first side member <NUM> may extend along an edge of the first part <NUM>, and may configure at least a portion of a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The first side member <NUM> may include at least one conductive portion formed of a conductive material (e.g., metal). The conductive portion may act as an antenna radiator for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals. Similar to the first side member <NUM>, the second side member <NUM> may configure a portion of a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and at least a portion of the second side member <NUM> may be formed of a conductive material to operate as an antenna radiator.

In an embodiment, the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> may be disposed on both sides about the folding axis A, and may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis A.

In an embodiment, the angle or distance between the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> may vary depending on whether the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may define a recess to receive the display <NUM>. The recess may correspond to the shape of the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a sensor area <NUM> may be configured to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the second part <NUM>. However, the arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor area <NUM> are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in another embodiments, the sensor area <NUM> may be provided at another corner of the housing <NUM> or any area between the top and bottom corners. As another example, the sensor area <NUM> may be omitted. For example, components disposed in the sensor area <NUM> may be disposed under the display <NUM>, or may be disposed at other locations in the housing <NUM>. In an embodiment, components for performing various functions embedded in the electronic device <NUM> may be exposed on the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> through the sensor area <NUM> or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area <NUM>. In various embodiments, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensor may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, and a proximity sensor.

In an embodiment, a first rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on the first part <NUM> on the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The first rear cover <NUM> may have a substantially rectangular edge. Similar to the first rear cover <NUM>, a second rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on the second part <NUM> on the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis A. However, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> do not necessarily have symmetrical shapes, and in another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first rear cover <NUM> and/or a second rear cover <NUM> having various shapes. In another embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> may be integrally configured with the first side member <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally configured with the second side member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM>, the second rear cover <NUM>, the first side member <NUM>, and the second side member <NUM> may configure a space in which various components (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed.

In an embodiment, one or more components may be disposed or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the sub-display <NUM> may be visually exposed through at least one area of the first rear cover <NUM>. As another example, a rear camera <NUM> may be visually exposed through at least one area of the second rear cover <NUM>. As another example, the rear camera <NUM> may be disposed in an area on the rear side of the electronic device <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is not limited to the shape and combination illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, and may be implemented by a combination of other shapes or parts.

Referring to <FIG>, the connector <NUM> may be implemented such that the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> are mutually rotatable. For example, the connector <NUM> may include a hinge structure coupled to the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM>. In an embodiment, the connector <NUM> may include a hinge cover <NUM> disposed between the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> to cover an internal component (e.g., the hinge structure). In an embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> may be covered by a portion of the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> or exposed to the outside according to the state (flat state or folded state) of the electronic device <NUM>.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover <NUM> may not be exposed because it is covered by the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state, the hinge cover <NUM> may be exposed between the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> to the outside. For example, when the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> are in an intermediate state that is folded with a certain angle, a portion of the hinge cover <NUM> may be partially exposed to the outside between the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>. However, in this case, the exposed area of the hinge cover <NUM> may be smaller than the fully folded state of <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be disposed on a space formed by the housing <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> is seated on a recess formed by the housing <NUM>, and may configure most of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include a display <NUM> and a partial area of the first side member <NUM> and a partial area of the second side member <NUM> adjacent to the display <NUM>. As another example, the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include a first rear cover <NUM>, a portion of the first side member <NUM> adjacent to the first rear cover <NUM>, a second rear cover <NUM>, and a portion of the second side member <NUM> adjacent to the second rear cover <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a flexible display in which at least a partial area can be deformed into a flat surface or a curved surface. In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a folding area <NUM>, a first area <NUM>, and a second area <NUM>. The folding area <NUM> may extend along the folding axis A, and the first area <NUM> may be disposed on one side (left side of folding area <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>) of the folding area <NUM>, and a second area <NUM> may be disposed on the other side (right side of folding area <NUM> illustrates in <FIG>) of the folding area <NUM>. As another example, the first area <NUM> may be an area disposed on the first part <NUM>, and the second area <NUM> may be an area disposed on the second part <NUM>. The folding area <NUM> may be an area disposed on the connector <NUM>.

The division of regions of the display <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is exemplary, and the display <NUM> may be divided into a plurality (e.g., four or more or two) regions according to a structure or function. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the regions of the display <NUM> may be divided by the folding region <NUM> or the folding axis A, but in another embodiment, the display <NUM> may be divided into regions based on other folding regions.

In an embodiment, the first area <NUM> and the second area <NUM> may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the folding area <NUM>. However, unlike the first area <NUM> , the second area <NUM> may include a notch cut according to the presence of the sensor area <NUM>, but may have a symmetrical shape to the first area <NUM> in other areas. For example, the first area <NUM> and the second area <NUM> may include a portion having a shape symmetric to each other and a portion having a shape asymmetric to each other.

Hereinafter, operations of the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> according to states of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., an unfolded state and a folded state) and respective regions of the display <NUM> will be described.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state (e.g., <FIG>), the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> may be disposed to face the same direction while forming an angle of substantially <NUM> degrees. The surface of the first area <NUM> and the surface of the second area <NUM> of the display <NUM> may configure substantially <NUM> degrees with each other and may face substantially the same direction (e.g., the front direction of the electronic device). The folding area <NUM> may configure the same plane as the first area <NUM> and the second area <NUM>.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state (e.g., <FIG>), the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> may be disposed to face each other. The surface of the first area <NUM> and the surface of the second area <NUM> of the display <NUM> may face each other while configuring a narrow angle (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees). At least a portion of the folding area <NUM> may be configured of a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an intermediate state, the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> may be disposed at a certain angle to each other. The surface of the first area <NUM> and the surface of the second area <NUM> of the display <NUM> may configure an angle greater than that of the folded state and smaller than that of the unfolded state. At least a portion of the folding area <NUM> may be configured of a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, and the curvature may be smaller than that in a folded state.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device including an antenna structure according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> together, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a first antenna <NUM> and a second antenna <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be folded or unfolded about the connector <NUM>. The same reference numerals are used for the same or substantially the same components as those described above, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, a first portion <NUM> of the first side member <NUM> may embody a portion of one edge of the first side member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first part <NUM> may be fed from a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) <NUM> at the first point P1 through the first path <NUM> and may operate as the first antenna <NUM> for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals of a designated band. In an embodiment, the first portion <NUM> may include a conductive material.

In an embodiment, a first segmented portion <NUM> may be configured at one end of the first portion <NUM>, and a second segmented portion <NUM> may be configured at the other end of the first portion <NUM>. The first segmented portion <NUM> and the second segmented portion <NUM> may separate the first portion <NUM> configured of a conductive material from other portions of the first side member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first segmented portion <NUM> and/or the second segmented portion <NUM> may include a material having a specified dielectric constant or a non-conductive material (e.g., air or resin).

According to an embodiment, a second portion <NUM> of the second side member <NUM> may configure a portion of one edge of the second side member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second part <NUM> may be fed from the radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) <NUM> at the second point P2 through the second path <NUM> and may operate as the second antenna <NUM> for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals of a designated band. In an embodiment, the second portion <NUM> may include a conductive material. In an embodiment, the second path <NUM> may include a flexible printed circuit board RF cable (FRC) 20a crossing the connector <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a third segmented portion <NUM> may be configured at one end of the second portion <NUM>, and a fourth segmented portion <NUM> may be configured at the other end of the second portion <NUM>. The third segmented portion <NUM> and the fourth segmented portion <NUM> may separate the second portion <NUM> from other portions of the second side member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the third segmented portion <NUM> and the fourth segmented portion <NUM> may include a material having a specified dielectric constant or a non-conductive material (e.g., air or resin).

The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a power amplifier module (PAM) <NUM> disposed in an electrical path between the power distribution circuit <NUM> and the RFIC <NUM>. The PAM <NUM> may include, for example, a power amplifier for amplifying a signal provided from the RFIC <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may correspond to each other. For example, the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may be positioned at the same edge when the electronic device <NUM> is unfolded. As another example, the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may overlap each other in the folded state of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, when viewed from above the rear surface of the first part <NUM> in the folded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the first part <NUM> may overlap the second part <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first point P1 of the first portion <NUM> and the second point P2 of the second portion <NUM> may correspond to each other. For example, in the folded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the first point P1 of the first part <NUM> may substantially overlap the second point P2 of the second part <NUM>. For example, the first point P1 and the second point P2 may overlap when viewed from the rear surface of the first part <NUM> in the folded state of the electronic device <NUM>.

For example, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide the first signal and the second signal having the same phase to each other to the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> using the power distribution circuit <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, an antenna structure <NUM> includes a first antenna <NUM>, a second antenna <NUM>, at least one processor, a power distribution circuit equally supplying power supplied from the at least one processor to the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM>, and a coupler <NUM> disposed between the at least one processor and the power distribution circuit <NUM>, wherein the at least one processor obtains a first parameter for a first signal received by the first antenna <NUM> and a second parameter for a second signal received by the second antenna <NUM>, detects a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal, obtains a matching parameter based on parameters corresponding to a case in which the phase difference satisfies a specified condition among the first parameter and the second parameter, and obtains a third parameter for allowing a reflection coefficient of a signal flowing from the power distribution circuit <NUM> to the coupler <NUM> to exist within a specified range among the matching parameters.

According to an embodiment, the antenna structure <NUM> may include a memory connected to the at least one processor, and the at least one processor may store the third parameter in the memory.

According to an embodiment, the antenna structure <NUM> may include a first tuner <NUM> disposed between the first antenna <NUM> and the power distribution circuit <NUM>, and the at least one processor may be configured to control the phase of the first signal through the first tuner <NUM> based on the third parameter stored in the memory.

According to an embodiment, the antenna structure <NUM> may further include a second tuner <NUM> disposed between the second antenna <NUM> and the power distribution circuit <NUM>, and the at least one processor may be configured to control the phase of the second signal through the second tuner <NUM> based on the third parameter stored in the memory.

According to an embodiment, the first tuner <NUM> and the second tuner <NUM> may include a variable capacitor and a switch.

According to an embodiment, the antenna structure may include a first switch <NUM> disposed between the coupler <NUM> and the power distribution circuit <NUM>, and a second switch <NUM> disposed between the first switch <NUM> and the power distribution circuit <NUM> and the first antenna <NUM>, wherein the first switch <NUM> may be configured such that the coupler <NUM> is selectively connected to the power distribution circuit <NUM> or the second switch <NUM>, and the second switch <NUM> may be configured such that the first antenna <NUM> is selectively connected to the power distribution circuit <NUM> or the first switch <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first parameter and the second parameter may include at least one of a reflection coefficient, a return loss, or a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the first signal and the second signal, respectively.

According to and embodiment, the specified condition is that the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal is <NUM> degrees or less.

According to an embodiment, a correction method for optimizing antenna performance may include obtaining a first parameter for a first signal and a second parameter for a second signal, detecting a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal according to the obtained first parameter and the second parameter, obtaining a matching parameter based on parameters corresponding to a case in which the phase difference satisfies a specified condition among the first parameter and the second parameter, and obtaining a third parameter for allowing reflection coefficients of the first signal and the second signal to exist within a specified range among the matching parameters.

According to an embodiment, the obtaining of the matching parameter further includes obtaining a chart including the phase difference according to the first parameter and the second parameter.

According to an embodiment, the obtaining of the matching parameter may include obtaining at least a portion of the first parameter and the second parameter corresponding to a case in which the phase difference in the chart is <NUM> degrees or less.

According to an embodiment, the obtaining the first parameter and the second parameter may include obtaining the first parameter in a state where the second parameter is fixed as an arbitrary parameter, and obtaining the second parameter in a state where the first parameter is fixed as an arbitrary parameter.

According to an embodiment, the correction method may further include storing the third parameter in a memory, and controlling a phase of the first signal and/or the second signal based on the stored third parameter.

According to an embodiment, the correction method may include sensing the reflection coefficient, which is substantially equal for the first signal and the second signal.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device <NUM> may include a housing including a first part, a second part coupled to the connector so as to be rotatable with respect to the first part, and a connector disposed between the first part and the second part, a first antenna <NUM> including a first portion of the first part, a second antenna <NUM> including a second portion of the second part, wherein when the housing is folded, a first point of the first antenna <NUM> corresponds to a second point of the second antenna <NUM>, at least one processor, a power distribution circuit <NUM> equally supplying power supplied from the at least one processor to the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM>, and a coupler <NUM> disposed between the at least one processor and the power distribution circuit, wherein the at least one processor may obtain a first parameter for a first signal received by the first antenna <NUM> and a second parameter for a second signal received by the second antenna <NUM>, may detect a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal, may obtain a matching parameter based on parameters corresponding to a case in which the phase difference satisfies a specified condition among the first parameter and the second parameter, and may obtain a third parameter for allowing a reflection coefficient of a signal flowing from the power distribution circuit <NUM> to the coupler <NUM> to exist within a specified range among the matching parameters.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first switch <NUM> disposed between the coupler <NUM> and the power distribution circuit <NUM>, and a second switch <NUM> disposed between the first switch <NUM> and the power distribution circuit <NUM> and the first antenna <NUM>, wherein the first switch <NUM> may be configured such that the coupler <NUM> is selectively connected to the power distribution circuit <NUM> or the second switch <NUM>, and the second switch <NUM> may be configured such that the first antenna <NUM> is selectively connected to the power distribution circuit <NUM> or the first switch <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a memory coupled to the at least one processor, and the at least one processor may be configured to store the third parameter in the memory.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first tuner <NUM> disposed between the first antenna <NUM> and the power distribution circuit <NUM>, and the at least one processor may be configured to control the first tuner <NUM> based on the third parameter stored in the memory.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second tuner <NUM> disposed between the second antenna <NUM> and the power distribution circuit <NUM>, and the at least one processor may be configured to control the first tuner <NUM> and/or the second tuner <NUM> based on the third parameter stored in the memory.

Claim 1:
An antenna structure (<NUM>) comprising:
a first antenna (<NUM>);
a second antenna (<NUM>);
at least one processor (<NUM>);
a power distribution circuit (<NUM>) configured to equally supply power supplied from the at least one processor (<NUM>) to the first antenna (<NUM>) and the second antenna (<NUM>); and
a coupler (<NUM>) disposed between the at least one processor (<NUM>) and the power distribution circuit (<NUM>),
wherein the at least one processor (<NUM>) is configured to:
obtain, through the coupler (<NUM>), a first parameter (<NUM>) for a first signal received by the first antenna (<NUM>) and a second parameter (<NUM>) for a second signal received by the second antenna (<NUM>);
detect a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal;
obtain matching parameters for calibration for the first parameter and the second parameter, based on the first parameter (<NUM>), the second parameter (<NUM>) and the detected phase difference corresponding to cases in which the phase difference satisfies a specified condition among the first parameter (<NUM>) and the second parameter (<NUM>); and
obtain a third parameter (<NUM>) for allowing reflection coefficients of the first signal and the second signal flowing from the power distribution circuit (<NUM>) to the coupler (<NUM>) to exist within a specified range among the matching parameters to correct the matching parameters.