Patent Description:
An electronic device (e.g., a smartphone or a wearable device) that supports wireless communication transmits/receives a radio frequency (RF) signal. The electronic device transfers an RF signal received through an antenna patch to a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) by using a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The RFIC transfers the RF signal to a processor.

The PCB or FPCB have a layered structure in which a wiring layer and an insulating layer are alternately positioned. In the layered structure, an insulating layer is interposed between wiring layers and separates different wiring layers from each other. The insulating layer prevents a short circuit between different wiring layers.

A dielectric material forming an insulating layer has a loss tangent (tanδ) value. The loss tangent value is a value that is obtained by inputting a ratio of a real part to an imaginary part of a complex dielectric constant to a tangent function. As a loss tangent value of a dielectric material forming an insulating layer decreases, costs for the insulating layer increase. A loss tangent value of a general dielectric material forming an insulating layer is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

Patent document <CIT> discloses an electronic device capable of suppressing degradation of characteristics of a circuit and deterioration of reliability even when a mounted electronic element generates heat. In this prior art document, the substrate material of the antenna circuit board is formed of a material having a lower dielectric loss than the transmission/ reception circuit board.

<CIT> discloses a package for compact radio frequency signal systems where the RFIC is embedded in a multi-layered board of low-performance material substrates. On the other hand, the antenna is disposed on a multi-layered board of high performance substrates which extends entirely over the RFIC and the low-performance multilayered-board. The package is optimized in terms of its electrical and EM shielding performance whilst reducing cost.

<CIT> discloses a small-form-factor (SFF), system-on-package (SOP) for mobile platforms. The RFIC is also embedded in a multi-layered board of low- and high- performance material substrates which allow high frequency signal routing. The antenna component is disposed over the high performance substrates which extend entirely over the RFIC. The RF-signals from the RFIC are routed using the layers of high-performance materials whereas digital signals are routed using the layers of low-performance materials through metal lines.

In <CIT>, packaging structures comprising an antenna and a semiconductor RFIC chip that provide high performance operation for applications with operating frequencies in the <NUM> band and higher. The RFID chip being positioned on an outer surface layer of a multilayered board and the antenna on the opposite surface layer. The multilayered board being composed of a central core layer tipically lossier than the build-up substrates.

An antenna patch may transmit/receive an RF signal by using a specified frequency band. A PCB or FPCB that is connected with the antenna patch may form an antenna structure transferring an RF signal. In detail, the PCB may form a general board or may form an antenna structure. Also, in the case where there are a PCB forming a general board and a PCB forming an antenna structure, an FPCB connecting the antenna structure and the PCB may be provided. An insulating layer may be included in the PCB or the FPCB. A loss of an RF signal according to a loss tangent value of the insulating layer may occur in the PCB or FPCB. In the case where a frequency of an RF signal increases, the loss of the RF signal occurring in the insulating layer may increase.

In the case where an insulating layer that is formed of a dielectric material having a loss tangent value of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less is applied to the PCB or FPCB, there is an issue that a line loss of an RF signal increases in an electronic device using a high frequency band.

According to the invention there is provided an electronic device as disclosed in claim <NUM>.

An antenna structure of the electronic device may include a communication circuit, and a circuit board. The circuit board may include a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer that is positioned below the first conductive layer, a first insulating layer that is between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer and includes a first dielectric having a first dielectric loss, wherein at least one antenna and the communication circuit electrically connected with the antenna through at least one wiring are positioned in a specified area, a third conductive layer that is positioned below the second conductive layer, and a second insulating layer that is between the second conductive layer and the third conductive layer and in the specified area. A second dielectric having a second dielectric loss smaller than the first dielectric loss may be formed in the second insulating layer.

The electronic device may include an antenna structure, and an IFIC that is connected with the antenna structure through a connection wiring. The antenna structure may include a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that is connected with one side of the PCB, and at least one radio frequency (RF) wiring that is positioned on a surface of the FPCB. The FPCB may include at least one wiring layer, a first flexible layer that is positioned between the at least one wiring layer, and a second flexible layer that is positioned between the at least one wiring layer. The first flexible layer may have a first loss tangent value, and the second flexible layer may be a second loss tangent value smaller than the first loss tangent value.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the case of decreasing a loss tangent value of an insulating layer, a loss of an RF signal occurring in the insulating layer may decrease. As such, the loss of the RF signal may decrease in an antenna structure, and thus making it possible to transmit the RF signal efficiently.

Also, in the case of applying a dielectric having a low loss tangent value to an antenna structure, a PCB, or an FPCB, the attenuation of signal in the antenna structure, the PCB, or the FPCB may be minimized. In particular, as a frequency band used in an antenna structure of an electronic device increases, a ratio in which a loss characteristic of an RF signal is improved may increase. As such, the antenna structure may be used in a high frequency band, and the width of the frequency band of the antenna structure may increase.

<FIG>, discussed below, and the various embodiments are used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> according to various embodiments.

The processor 120may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program <NUM>) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device <NUM> coupled with the processor <NUM>, and may perform various data processing or computation.

According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal <NUM> may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector),.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of the electronic device <NUM> supporting <NUM> communication, according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) of <FIG> may include a cover <NUM>, the processor <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>), circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM>, communication circuits <NUM> to <NUM> (e.g., the communication module <NUM> of <FIG>) respectively corresponding to the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the cover <NUM> may protect any other components of the electronic device <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may form a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the cover <NUM> may include a front plate, a back plate facing away from the front plate, and a side member (or a metal frame) surrounding a space between the front plate and the back plate. The side member may be attached to the back plate or may be integrally formed with the back plate. The cover <NUM> may be positioned parallel to an XY plane being a plane defined by an X-axis and a Y-axis.

In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphic processing unit (GPU), and an image signal processor (ISP) of a camera. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be implemented with a system on chip (SoC) or a system in package (SiP).

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM>. The circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> may be positioned within the cover <NUM>. For example, the first circuit board <NUM>, the second circuit board <NUM>, the third circuit board <NUM>, and the fourth circuit board <NUM> may be positioned within the cover <NUM>. The circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> may be a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> may include an antenna transmitting/receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal.

In an embodiment, positions of the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> of <FIG> and the number of the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> of <FIG> may be exemplary. Each of the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> may be positioned in an edge area of one side of the electronic device <NUM>. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> may be positioned within the electronic device <NUM>. Also, the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> may include four or more circuit boards or three or less circuit boards.

In an embodiment, the communication circuits <NUM> to <NUM> respectively corresponding to the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> may be positioned on first surfaces of the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM>. The communication circuits <NUM> to <NUM> may be positioned on the first surface of the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> in a <NUM>:<NUM> correspondence. The communication circuits <NUM> to <NUM> may be a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC). The first surface may be one surface of each of the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM>, which are provided in a Z-axis direction. For example, the first surface may be a lower (or back) surface of each of the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> with respect to the Z-axis direction. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the communication circuits <NUM> to <NUM> may be respectively connected with the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> through wirings.

In an embodiment, an antenna included in each of the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> may be positioned on a second surface of each of the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM>. The antenna may be formed on at least a partial area of each of the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may further include a band processor (BP). The BP may form one module with the processor <NUM>. For example, the BP may be integrally formed with the processor <NUM>. For another example, the BP may be positioned within one chip or may be implemented in the form of an independent chip. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> and at least one BP (e.g., a first BP) may be integrally formed within one chip (e.g., a SoC), and any other BP (e.g., a second BP) may be implemented in the form of an independent chip.

In an embodiment, each of the communication circuits <NUM> to <NUM> may further include the BP. The electronic device <NUM> may further include one or more interfaces for supporting inter-chip communication between the BP and the processor <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> and the BP may transmit/receive data by using an inter-chip interface (e.g., an inter processor communication channel).

In an embodiment, the first BP or the second BP may provide an interface for performing communication with any other entities. The first BP may support, for example, wireless communication with regard to a first network (e.g., the first network <NUM> of <FIG>). The second BP may support, for example, wireless communication with regard to a second network (e.g., the second network <NUM> of <FIG>).

In an embodiment, the first network may include a <NUM>th generation (<NUM>) network. The second network may include a <NUM>th generation (<NUM>) network. The <NUM> network may support, for example, a long term evolution (LTE) protocol defined in the 3GPP. The <NUM> network may support a frequency band ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and may support a frequency band ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The <NUM> network may support, for example, a new radio (NR) protocol defined in the 3GPP. The <NUM> network may support a frequency band ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and may support a frequency band ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of an antenna structure 300a and an RFIC <NUM> according to the present invention. <FIG> illustrates a diagram of an antenna structure 300b and an RFIC <NUM> according to another embodiment. The antenna structures 300a and 300b of <FIG> may perform substantially the same function and role as any one of the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) each including an antenna. The RFIC <NUM> of <FIG> may perform substantially the same function and role as any one of the communication circuits <NUM> to <NUM> of <FIG>. Each of the antenna structures 300a and 300b according to various embodiments may include a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>.

In each of the antenna structures 300a and 300b, the first portion <NUM> have a first layered structure <NUM> in which wiring layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are alternately positioned between a first surface and a second surface of each of the antenna structures 300a and 300b, and the second surface face away from (or may be opposite to) the first surface. The first surface may be a lower surface of each of the antenna structures 300a and 300b with respect to the Z-axis direction. The second surface may be an upper surface of each of the antenna structures 300a and 300b with respect to the Z-axis direction.

The wiring layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are alternately stacked in the first layered structure <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the five first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the four wiring layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are alternately stacked. The first layered structure <NUM>, the number of the wiring layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the number of the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be variously changed.

Each of the wiring layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> includes at least one conductive line. The at least one conductive line may be formed on an XY plane along a surface of each of the wiring layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The at least one conductive line may be formed in each of the wiring layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The at least one conductive line may transfer various signals and voltages generated in a wiring layer <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> to any other wiring layer <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. The at least one conductive line may be formed of metal (e.g., copper or silver).

According to the present invention, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second portion <NUM> includes a second layered structure <NUM>, a second insulating layer <NUM>, at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM>, and conductive lines <NUM> and <NUM>. In another embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second portion <NUM> may include the second layered structure <NUM>, the second insulating layer <NUM>, at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> to <NUM>, and conductive lines <NUM> and <NUM>.

The wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are alternately positioned in the second layered structure <NUM> from the first surface (e.g., a lower surface of an antenna structure 300a or 300b with respect to the Z-axis direction) to a first layer. The second layered structure <NUM> is formed in the same stacked structure as a lower portion of a first layer <NUM> of the first layered structure <NUM>. The first layer is a layer between the first surface and the second surface (e.g., an upper surface of the antenna structure 300a or 300b with respect to the Z-axis direction). For example, in <FIG>, the first layer may be the first insulating layer <NUM> positioned in an intermediate layer with respect to a Z-axis.

A structure from the first surface of the first layered structure <NUM> to the first layer <NUM> and the second layered structure <NUM> has the same stacked structure. The first layered structure <NUM> and the second layered structure <NUM> from the first surface to the first layer <NUM> has the same structure in which the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are positioned. As such, the first layered structure <NUM> and the second layered structure <NUM> may be simultaneously formed from the first surface to the first layer <NUM>.

The second insulating layer <NUM> is positioned on the first layer <NUM> and extends to the second surface, and forming a portion of the second surface. A height of an upper surface of the second insulating layer <NUM> may be lower than a height of an upper surface of the first layered structure <NUM>. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the height of the upper surface of the second insulating layer <NUM> may be the same as or higher than the height of the upper surface of the first layered structure <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM> is positioned on the second insulating layer <NUM>. For example, the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned on a second surface of the second insulating layer <NUM>. In this case, the second insulating layer <NUM> may be formed with a single layer from the upper surface of the second insulating layer <NUM> to lower surfaces of the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM>. The number of the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM> may be more or less than <NUM>. The at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM> may be in the form of a rectangle or a circle. The at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM> is electrically connected with the RFIC <NUM> and transmits/receives an RF signal.

In an embodiment, the height of the upper surface of the second insulating layer <NUM> may be equal to or lower than the height of the upper surface of the first layered structure <NUM>. As such, even though the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned on the second insulating layer <NUM>, an upper surface of the cover <NUM> may be prevented from protruding due to the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> to <NUM> is positioned on at least a portion of a surface of the second insulating layer <NUM> and within the second insulating layer <NUM>. For example, the first antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM> of the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> to <NUM> may be positioned on the second surface being the upper surface of the second insulating layer <NUM> and may transmit/receive an RF signal. Also, the second antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM> of the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> to <NUM> may be positioned within the second insulating layer <NUM> and may be electrically connected with the RFIC <NUM>. The coupling may occur between the first antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM> and the second antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> to <NUM> may be replaced with various kinds of antennas. For example, the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> to <NUM> may be replaced with a patch antenna, a shorted patch antenna, a dipole antenna, a loop antenna, or a slot antenna.

In the present invention, conductive lines <NUM> to <NUM> penetrate at least a portion of the second layered structure <NUM>. The conductive lines <NUM> to <NUM> penetrate the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the second layered structure <NUM>. The conductive lines <NUM> to <NUM> are connected with the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> of the second layered structure <NUM>. The conductive lines <NUM> to <NUM> are connected with the RFIC <NUM> in a state where at least a partial area of the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> of the second layered structure <NUM> is isolated. For another example, the conductive lines <NUM> to <NUM> may be connected with at least one or more conductive lines included in the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the conductive lines <NUM> and <NUM> may completely penetrate the second insulating layer <NUM>. In the case where the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned on the second insulating layer <NUM>, the conductive lines <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected with lower surfaces of the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM>. The conductive lines <NUM> and <NUM> formed in the second insulating layer <NUM> may be extended from the lower surfaces of the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM> to the first layer <NUM>. The conductive lines <NUM> and <NUM> may penetrate the second insulating layer <NUM> from the first layer <NUM> to the second surface.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the conductive lines <NUM> and <NUM> penetrate a portion of the second insulating layer <NUM>. In the case where the second antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned within the second insulating layer <NUM>, the conductive lines <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected with lower surfaces of the second antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM>. The conductive lines <NUM> and <NUM> formed in the second insulating layer <NUM> may be extended from the lower surfaces of the second antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM> to the first layer <NUM>. The conductive lines <NUM> and <NUM> may penetrate the second insulating layer <NUM> from the first layer <NUM> to the second antenna patches <NUM> and <NUM>.

The conductive lines <NUM> to <NUM> electrically connect the at least one antenna patch <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> with the RFIC <NUM>. The conductive lines <NUM> to <NUM> connect the at least one or more antenna patch <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> with the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> of the second layered structure <NUM>. The conductive lines <NUM> to <NUM> connect the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> of the second layered structure <NUM>. The conductive lines <NUM> to <NUM> connect the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> of the second layered structure <NUM> with the RFIC <NUM>. For example, the conductive lines <NUM> to <NUM> may connect an area isolated from among the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> with the RFIC <NUM>.

In the present invention, the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> have a first loss tangent (tanδ) value.

The second insulating layer <NUM> have a second loss tangent value smaller than the first loss tangent value. In the case where the second insulating layer <NUM> is formed of a low loss tangent (low Df) material, a loss tangent value of which is smaller than that of the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a loss of an RF signal of a high frequency due to the second insulating layer decreases. As such, there may be improved a loss characteristic of the second insulating layer <NUM> when an RF signal is transferred from the at least one antenna patches <NUM> to <NUM> to the RFIC <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a communication circuit (e.g., the RFIC <NUM>) and a circuit board (e.g., the antenna structure 300a or 300b). The circuit board may include a first conductive layer in which at least one antenna (e.g., the antenna patch <NUM> or <NUM>) is formed in a first area (e.g., a second surface), wherein the communication circuit electrically connected with the at least one antenna through a via hole (e.g., the conductive line <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) is disposed in a second area (e.g., a first surface) facing away from the first area, a second conductive layer disposed below the first conductive layer, and an insulating layer between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer and including a first dielectric (e.g., the first insulating layer <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) having a first dielectric loss and a second dielectric (e.g., the second insulating layer <NUM>) having a second dielectric loss smaller than the first dielectric loss, and the second dielectric may be interposed between the first area and the second area.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of a process of manufacturing the antenna structure 300a or 300b and the RFIC <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Process <NUM> may be an operation of forming the second layered structure <NUM> in the second portion <NUM> while forming the first layered structure <NUM> up to the first layer <NUM> in the first portion <NUM> of the antenna structure 300a or 300b according to an embodiment. As such, at least a portion of the first layered structure <NUM> and the second layered structure <NUM> may be formed in process <NUM>. In process <NUM>, a lower portion of the first layer <NUM> of the first layered structure <NUM> may be formed in the first portion <NUM>. In process <NUM>, the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> constituting the second layered structure <NUM> may be formed in the second portion <NUM>. In process <NUM>, the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be alternately stacked.

In an embodiment, via holes capable of connecting the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> positioned in different layers may be formed in the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the second layered structure <NUM>. For example, a via hole may be formed to penetrate (or by etching) specified portions of the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the Z-axis direction.

In an embodiment, a conductive line (e.g., the conductive line <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> or the conductive line <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG>) may be formed in the via hole. For example, the conductive line may be formed by plating an inner wall of the via hole with metal. The conductive line may electrically connect the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> positioned in different layers.

Process <NUM> may be an operation of masking the second portion <NUM> of the antenna structure 300a or 300b and forming the first layered structure <NUM> in the first portion <NUM>. In process <NUM>, the rest of the first layered structure <NUM> may be stacked in a state where the second portion <NUM> is masked. In process <NUM>, the first insulating layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> formed on the first layer <NUM> may be alternately stacked in the first portion <NUM>. In process <NUM>, the first layered structure <NUM> may be formed up to the second surface. In process <NUM>, a layered structure of the first insulating layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> may not be formed in the second portion <NUM> covered by the mask for performing the masking.

Process <NUM> may be an operation of stacking the second insulating layer <NUM> in the second portion <NUM> after removing the mask of the antenna structure 300a or 300b according to an embodiment. In process <NUM>, the second insulating layer <NUM> may be formed in the second portion <NUM>. In process <NUM>, the second insulating layer <NUM> may be formed up to the second surface.

Process <NUM> may be an operation of forming a via hole in the second insulating layer <NUM> of the antenna structure 300a or 300b according to an embodiment and then forming the conductive line <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> along the via hole. In process <NUM>, a via hole that may be connected with the second insulating layer <NUM> may be formed in the second insulating layer <NUM>. For example, the via hole may be formed to penetrate (or by etching) a specified portion of the second insulating layer <NUM> in the Z-axis direction.

Process <NUM> may be an operation of forming the at least one antenna patch <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of the antenna patch 300a or 300b according to an embodiment and attaching the RFIC <NUM> manufactured separately. In process <NUM>, the RFIC <NUM> may be attached to the first surface of the antenna structure 300a or 300b. In process <NUM>, the at least one antenna patch <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> may be formed on the second surface of the antenna structure 300a or 300b. The at least one antenna patch <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> and the RFIC <NUM> may be formed with a surface mount device (SMD). The at least one antenna patch <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> and the RFIC <NUM> may be electrically connected by using the conductive line <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate diagrams of printed circuit boards of antenna structures 500a to 500d according to an embodiment. The antenna structures 500a to 500d of <FIG> may perform substantially the same function as any one circuit board of the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> of <FIG>. A PCB may have a first layered structure <NUM> that is formed in a multi-layer stack-up structure. The first layered structure <NUM> may include wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> and first insulating layers <NUM> and <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the PCB may transfer an input RF signal to a communication module (e.g., the communication module <NUM> of <FIG>) by using at least one RF wiring. The PCB may be provided with an RF signal from at least one antenna (e.g., the antenna patch <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> or the antenna patch <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of <FIG>). The PCB may transfer the RF signal to an RFIC (e.g., the RFIC <NUM> of <FIG>).

In an embodiment, the at least one antenna may be positioned on one surface of the PCB, and the RFIC may be positioned on an opposite surface of the PCB. For example, the at least one antenna may be positioned on an upper surface of the PCB, and the RFIC may be positioned on a lower surface of the PCB. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the PCB may be connected with the RFIC by using a transmission line. The transmission line may transfer an intermediate frequency (IF) signal or transmit and receive RF signals (e.g., a millimeter wave (mmWave) signal).

The embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, is solely presented for illustration purposes and it is not part of the claimed invention. Here, a second insulating layer <NUM> may be formed with a single layer on the whole area of the PCB forming the antenna structure 500a. The second insulating layer <NUM> may be positioned within the first layered structure <NUM> or may be positioned on one surface of the first layered structure <NUM>. For example, the second insulating layer <NUM> may be positioned on the first layered structure <NUM>.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the antenna structure 500b may include a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. The first layered structure <NUM> in the first portion <NUM> may be a structure in which first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> are alternately positioned. A second insulating layer <NUM> may be positioned in the second portion <NUM>. The second insulating layer <NUM> may be positioned in the same layer as the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the first layered structure <NUM>. For example, the second insulating layer <NUM> may be positioned in the same layer as the first insulating layer <NUM> positioned on the upper side of the first layered structure <NUM> from among the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, second insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the antenna structure 500c may be formed in a multi-layer structure in the second portion <NUM>. The first layered structure <NUM> may be a structure in which the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> are alternately positioned. The second insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be positioned in the second portion <NUM>. The second insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be positioned in the same layers as the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the first layered structure <NUM>, in a multi-layer structure. For example, all the second insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be positioned in the same layers as the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the first layered structure <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first loss tangent value that is a loss tangent value of a dielectric material forming the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. For example, the first loss tangent value may be about "<NUM>". The second loss tangent value that is a loss tangent value of a dielectric material forming the second insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. For example, the second loss tangent value may be about <NUM>.

In an embodiment, because a tangent function outputs substantially the same value as an input value when a value of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less is input, a ratio of a real part to an imaginary part of a complex dielectric constant of each of the dielectric materials forming the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the second insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be easily calculated by using the first loss tangent value and the second loss tangent value. As the real part of the complex dielectric constant of each of the dielectric materials forming the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the second insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> decreases, the first loss tangent value and the second loss tangent value may increase. In particular, in the case of decreasing a real part of a complex dielectric constant of a dielectric material, a loss of an electrical signal that is transferred through a conductive line adjacent to a dielectric material may decrease.

In an embodiment, a loss tangent value of the second insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be smaller than a loss tangent value of the first insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> as much as <NUM>/<NUM> times or more and <NUM>/<NUM> times or less. As such, a loss of an RF signal due to the second insulating layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may decrease as much as <NUM>/<NUM> times or more and <NUM>/<NUM> times or less.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, a PCB of the antenna structure 500d may further include a reinforcement member <NUM> positioned on a boundary line between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the second surface (e.g., the second surface of <FIG>). The reinforcement member <NUM> may at least partially overlap the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>. The reinforcement member <NUM> may be attached to the second surface.

For example, the reinforcement member <NUM> may be implemented with an SMD and may be attached on the boundary line between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>. A separate uppermost layer <NUM> may be formed on the PCB for the purpose of attaching a reinforcement member implemented with an SMD. A pad formed of a conductive layer may be provided in the uppermost layer <NUM> of the PCB.

For another example, the reinforcement member <NUM> may be attached directly on the PCB. The reinforcement member <NUM> may be pressed such that the reinforcement member <NUM> is attached to the second surface of the PCB. In this case, the reinforcement member <NUM> may include a separate adhesive component for the purpose of fixing the reinforcement member <NUM> to the second surface of the PCB.

In an embodiment, in the case where the reinforcement member <NUM> is positioned, a crack of the second surface may be prevented from occurring at the boundary line between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> Also, in the case where the reinforcement member <NUM> is positioned, the antenna structure 500d may be prevented from being separated along the boundary line between the first insulating layer <NUM> and the second insulating layer <NUM>, which are adjacent to the second surface.

According to various embodiments, a first conductive layer (e.g., the wiring layer <NUM>), a second wiring layer (e.g., the wiring layer <NUM>) positioned below the first conductive layer, and an insulating layer between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer and including a first dielectric (e.g., the first insulating layer <NUM>) having a first dielectric loss and a second dielectric (e.g., the second insulating layer <NUM>) having a second dielectric loss smaller than the first dielectric loss may be formed in a circuit board (e.g., the PCB of the antenna structure 500c or 500d).

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate diagrams of a PCB <NUM> and an FPCB <NUM> of each of antenna structures 600a and 600b according to another embodiment. The antenna structures 600a and 600b of <FIG> and <FIG> may perform substantially the same function as any one circuit board of the circuit boards <NUM> to <NUM> of <FIG>.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the PCB <NUM> of the antenna structure 600a may include first insulating layers <NUM> and <NUM> and a second insulating layer <NUM> that are formed in a multi-layer stack-up structure. The PCB <NUM> may include wiring layers <NUM> to <NUM> and flexible layers <NUM> and <NUM> formed between the first insulating layers <NUM> and <NUM> or between the first insulating layer <NUM> and the second insulating layer <NUM>. The FPCB <NUM> may include the wiring layers <NUM> to <NUM> and the flexible layers <NUM> and <NUM>.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the PCB <NUM> of the antenna structure 600b may include first insulating layers <NUM> to <NUM> and second insulating layers <NUM> to <NUM> that are formed in a multi-layer stack-up structure. The PCB <NUM> may include the wiring layers <NUM> to <NUM> and the flexible layers <NUM> to <NUM> formed between the first insulating layers <NUM> to <NUM> or between the second insulating layers <NUM> to <NUM>. The FPCB <NUM> may include the wiring layers <NUM> to <NUM> and the flexible layers <NUM> to <NUM>.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the PCB <NUM>, the first insulating layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned in lower layers with respect to the Z-axis, and the second insulating layer <NUM> may be positioned in an upper layer with respect to the Z-axis. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the PCB <NUM>, the first insulating layers <NUM> to <NUM> may be positioned in a first portion <NUM> (e.g., the first portion <NUM> of <FIG>), and the second insulating layers <NUM> to <NUM> may be positioned in a second portion <NUM> (e.g., the second portion <NUM> of <FIG>). The PCB <NUM> may maintain a specified shape by the first insulating layers <NUM> to <NUM> and the second insulating layers <NUM> to <NUM>.

In an embodiment, by using the wiring layers <NUM> to <NUM>, the PCB <NUM> may be provided with an RF signal from the FPCB <NUM> or may transfer an RF signal thereto. The FPCB <NUM> may be electrically connected with an RFIC (e.g., the RFIC <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the FPCB <NUM> may be connected with one side of the RFIC, or the RFIC may be mounted on the FPCB <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the flexible layers <NUM> to <NUM> may be positioned between the wiring layers <NUM> to <NUM>. The flexible layers <NUM> to <NUM> may have a given elastic force. For example, the flexible layers <NUM> to <NUM> may be formed of polyimide. The flexible layers <NUM> to <NUM> may allow the FPCB <NUM> to have flexibility. The flexible layers <NUM> to <NUM> may include the first flexible layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the second flexible layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first flexible layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may have the first loss tangent value. The second flexible layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may have the second loss tangent value. The second loss tangent value may be smaller than the first loss tangent value. The second flexible layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may decrease a loss of an RF signal occurring in the wiring layers <NUM> to <NUM>, more than the first flexible layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second flexible layer <NUM> may be formed with a single layer included in the PCB <NUM> and the FPCB <NUM>. For example, in the case where the RFIC or an RF wiring transferring an RF signal is positioned in the wiring layers <NUM> and <NUM> positioned on the upper side with respect to the Z-axis, the second flexible layer <NUM> may be formed with a single layer on the upper side with respect to the Z-axis, and may be positioned adjacent to the second insulating layer <NUM>.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second flexible layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in a multi-layer structure in the second portion <NUM> of the PCB <NUM> and the FPCB <NUM>. For example, in the case where the RFIC is positioned in the FPCB <NUM>, for the purpose of improving a loss characteristic of the FPCB <NUM>, the second flexible layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed adjacent to all the wiring layers <NUM> to <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in the case where the FPCB <NUM> is connected with the RFIC, wirings for transferring various signals to the RFIC may be formed on the FPCB <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, an antenna structure 600a or 600b may include a communication circuit (e.g., the communication circuit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of <FIG>) and a circuit board (e.g., the circuit board <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of <FIG>). The circuit board may include a first conductive layer (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>), a second conductive layer (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>) positioned below the first conductive layer, a first insulating layer (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer and including a first dielectric having a first dielectric loss, wherein at least one antenna and the communication circuit electrically connected with the antenna through at least one wiring are positioned in a specified area, a third conductive layer (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>) positioned below the second conductive layer, and a second insulating layer (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>) between the second conductive layer and the third conductive layer and in the specified area and including a second dielectric having a second dielectric loss smaller than the first dielectric loss.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of the FPCB <NUM> according to an embodiment. The FPCB <NUM> may include an RF wiring <NUM>, a ground wiring <NUM>, and a base band (BB) wiring <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the RF wiring <NUM> may include one or more conductive lines <NUM> and <NUM>. The RF wiring <NUM> may be formed in a wiring layer (e.g., the wiring layer <NUM> positioned on the upper side with respect to the Z-axis of <FIG>). The RF wiring <NUM> may be connected with an RFIC (e.g., the RFIC <NUM> of <FIG>) and may transfer an RF signal.

In an embodiment, the ground wiring <NUM> may include one or more ground lines. The ground wiring <NUM> may be spaced from the RF wiring <NUM>. For example, the ground wiring <NUM> may be positioned on one side or opposite sides of the RF wiring <NUM> with respect to the X-axis. The ground wiring <NUM> may set a ground voltage of the FPCB <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the BB wiring <NUM> may include one or more conductive lines <NUM> and <NUM>. The BB wiring <NUM> may be spaced from the RF wiring <NUM> and the ground wiring <NUM>. For example, the BB wiring <NUM> may be positioned on one side of the RF wiring <NUM> and the ground wiring <NUM> with respect to the X-axis. The BB wiring <NUM> may transfer signals in a baseband.

In an embodiment, one surface of the second flexible layer <NUM> may be in contact with the RF wiring <NUM>. The second flexible layer <NUM> may be in contact with one surface of the wiring layer <NUM>. As such, the second flexible layer <NUM> may be in contact with the RF wiring <NUM> forming the wiring layer <NUM>. In the case where the second flexible layer <NUM>, the loss tangent value of which is smaller than that of the first flexible layer <NUM>, is in contact with the RF wiring <NUM>, a loss of an RF signal that is transferred in the RF wiring <NUM> may decrease.

In an embodiment, the ground wiring <NUM> and the BB wiring <NUM> may be in contact with the second flexible layer <NUM>. The ground wiring <NUM> and the BB wiring <NUM> may be positioned in the same layer as the RF wiring <NUM>. As such, the second flexible layer <NUM> may be in contact with the ground wiring <NUM> and the BB wiring <NUM> forming the wiring layer <NUM>. In the case where the second flexible layer <NUM>, the loss tangent value of which is smaller than that of the first flexible layer <NUM>, is in contact with the ground wiring <NUM> and the BB wiring <NUM>, a loss of signals in the baseband that are transferred through the BB wiring <NUM> and a loss of a ground voltage that is transferred through the ground wiring <NUM> may decrease.

<FIG> illustrates a graph of S-parameters of a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer for each frequency, according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, as a frequency increases, an S-parameter value of the first insulating layer may decrease. At a frequency of about <NUM>, the S-parameter value may be about -<NUM> dB. In the case where the S-parameter value is about -<NUM> dB, the strength of a signal input to an input part may be <NUM> times greater than the strength of a signal output to an output part. As such, in the first insulating layer, at a frequency of about <NUM> or higher, the amount of signal lost may be <NUM> times or greater of the amount of input signal. In the case where the first insulating layer is used to transmit/receive an RF signal using a frequency of about <NUM> or higher, a loss of a signal may increase, and power consumption may increase.

In an embodiment, as a frequency increases, an S-parameter value of the second insulating layer may decrease less than the first insulating layer. At a frequency of about <NUM>, the S-parameter value may be about -<NUM> dB. In the case where the S-parameter value is about -<NUM> dB, the magnitude of a voltage input to an input part may be about <NUM> times greater than the magnitude of a voltage output to an output part. In the case where the second insulating layer <NUM> is used, only about <NUM>% of an input signal may be lost at the frequency of about <NUM>. In the case where the second insulating layer <NUM> is used to transmit/receive an RF signal using a frequency of about <NUM> or higher, a loss of a signal may decrease, and power consumption may decrease.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of the electronic device <NUM> including a main board <NUM>, communication modules <NUM> and <NUM>, and FPCBs <NUM> and <NUM> according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the main board <NUM> may drive the electronic device <NUM> and may generate an RF signal that the electronic device <NUM> will output. The main board <NUM> may be formed of a PCB. The main board <NUM> may include a plurality of wiring layers and a plurality of insulating layers. The main board <NUM> may include a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>). The main board <NUM> may transfer an RF signal to the communication modules <NUM> and <NUM> by using the processor.

In an embodiment, the communication modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include the first and second communication modules <NUM> and <NUM>. The first and second communication modules <NUM> and <NUM> may be spaced from the main board <NUM>. The first and second communication modules <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided with an RF signal from the main board <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the FPCBs <NUM> and <NUM> may connect the main board <NUM> and the communication modules <NUM> and <NUM>. The FPCBs <NUM> and <NUM> may include the first and second FPCBs <NUM> and <NUM>. The first FPCB <NUM> may transfer an RF signal from the main board <NUM> to the first communication module <NUM>. The second FPCB <NUM> may transfer an RF signal from the main board <NUM> to the second communication module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, each of the first and second FPCBs <NUM> and <NUM> may include at least a portion of a second flexible layer (e.g., the second insulating layer <NUM> of <FIG>) having the second loss tangent value. The first and second FPCBs <NUM> and <NUM> may have a loss tangent value that is smaller than a loss tangent value of a dielectric forming an insulating layer of the main board <NUM>. As such, the first and second FPCBs <NUM> and <NUM> may decrease a loss of an RF signal between the main board <NUM> and the communication modules <NUM> and <NUM>, thus minimizing the attenuation of the RF signal.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of the electronic device <NUM> including the main board <NUM> and communication modules <NUM> and <NUM> according to another embodiment.

In an embodiment, the first and second communication modules <NUM> and <NUM> included in the communication modules <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned within the main board <NUM>. The first and second communication modules <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided with an RF signal from the main board <NUM>.

In an embodiment, each of the first and second communication modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include at least a portion of a second insulating layer (e.g., the second insulating layer <NUM> of <FIG>) having the second loss tangent value. The first and second communication modules <NUM> and <NUM> may have a loss tangent value that is smaller than a loss tangent value of a dielectric forming an insulating layer of the main board <NUM>. As such, the first and second communication modules <NUM> and <NUM> may decrease a loss of an RF signal occurring upon receiving the RF signal from the main board <NUM>, thus minimizing the attenuation of the RF signal.

<FIG> illustrates a graph of transfer efficiency of an antenna structure, to which a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer are applied, for each frequency, according to an embodiment. The transfer efficiency may be defined as a ratio of an output signal to an input signal.

In an embodiment, an antenna structure to which the first insulating layer is applied may have the maximum transfer efficiency at a frequency of about <NUM>. In the antenna structure to which the first insulating layer is applied, as a frequency increases within a frequency range of about <NUM> or higher, the transfer efficiency may decrease. At a frequency of about <NUM>, the transfer efficiency may be about -<NUM> dB. When the transfer efficiency is about -<NUM> dB, most of a signal may be blocked. As such, the antenna structure to which the first insulating layer is applied may be inappropriate to transmit/receive a signal of about <NUM>.

In an embodiment, an antenna structure to which the second insulating layer is applied may have the maximum transfer efficiency at a frequency of about <NUM>. In the antenna structure to which the second insulating layer is applied, as a frequency increases within a frequency range of about <NUM> or higher, the transfer efficiency may decrease less than in the antenna structure to which the first insulating layer is applied. At a frequency of about <NUM>, the S-parameter value may be about -<NUM> dB. When the S-parameter value is about -<NUM>. 9dB, most of a signal may be transferred. As such, the antenna structure to which the second insulating layer is applied may be appropriate to transmit/receive a signal of about <NUM>.

In an embodiment, compared with the case where the first insulating layer is applied, it is observed the following in the case where the second insulating layer is applied: a loss of a signal decreases, and the transfer efficiency increases. As such, the disclosure is not limited to an embodiment where the second insulating layer is applied to the inside of an antenna structure of an electronic device, and the second insulating layer may be applied to the outside of the antenna structure or any component except for the antenna structure.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of an antenna clip <NUM>, an inter frequency integrated circuit (IFIC) <NUM>, and a connection wiring <NUM> of an RF wiring section <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the antenna clip <NUM> may be a portion of an area where an antenna structure is positioned. The connection wiring <NUM> of the RF wiring section <NUM> may be connected with one side of the antenna clip <NUM>. The antenna clip <NUM> may output an RF signal to the connection wiring <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the IFIC <NUM> may up-convert or down-convert a frequency. For example, the IFIC <NUM> may up-convert an intermediate frequency (IF) signal to an RF signal of a millimeter wave (mmWave). The IFIC <NUM> may transfer the up-converted RF signal to the antenna clip <NUM> through the connection wiring <NUM>. For another example, the IFIC <NUM> may down-convert an RF signal of a millimeter wave to an IF signal. The IFIC <NUM> may transfer the down-converted IF signal to a baseband modem.

In an embodiment, the RF wiring section <NUM> may be interposed between the antenna clip <NUM> and the IFIC <NUM>. The RF wiring section <NUM> may be provided at an edge of one side of the electronic device <NUM>. The RF wiring section <NUM> may include the connection wiring <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the connection wiring <NUM> may connect the antenna clip <NUM> and the IFIC <NUM>. The connection wiring <NUM> may transfer an RF signal from the antenna clip <NUM> to the IFIC <NUM>. The connection wiring <NUM> may transfer an RF signal from the IFIC <NUM> to the antenna clip <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram <NUM> of the RF wiring section <NUM> according to an embodiment. The RF wiring section <NUM> may include a first insulating layer <NUM>, RF ground wirings <NUM> and <NUM>, a second insulating layer <NUM>, and connection wirings <NUM> and <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first insulating layer <NUM> may include a plurality of layers <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the first insulating layer <NUM> may include the lower layer <NUM> and the upper layer <NUM> with respect to the RF ground wiring <NUM>. The first insulating layer <NUM> may protect the RF ground wirings <NUM> and <NUM> from a shock and may prevent the RF ground wirings <NUM> and <NUM> from being detached to the lower side with respect to the Z-axis. The first insulating layer <NUM> may have the first tangent value.

In an embodiment, the RF ground wirings <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned in a boundary layer between the first insulating layer <NUM> and the second insulating layer <NUM>. The RF ground wirings <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to each other. The RF ground wirings <NUM> and <NUM> may set a ground voltage of the RF wiring section <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the second insulating layer <NUM> may be positioned on the first insulating layer <NUM>. The second insulating layer <NUM> may be interposed between the RF ground wirings <NUM> and <NUM> and the connection wirings <NUM> and <NUM>. The second insulating layer <NUM> may separate the RF ground wirings <NUM> and <NUM> from the connection wirings <NUM> and <NUM>. The second insulating layer <NUM> may have the second loss tangent value.

In an embodiment, the connection wirings <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned on one surface of the second insulating layer <NUM>. For example, the connection wirings <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned on an upper surface of the second insulating layer <NUM> with respect to the Z-axis. The connection wirings <NUM> and <NUM> may connect an antenna (e.g., the antenna clip <NUM> of <FIG>) and a communication module (e.g., the IFIC <NUM> of <FIG>).

In an embodiment, the RF ground wirings <NUM> and <NUM> that are spaced from the connection wirings <NUM> and <NUM> may be further positioned. For example, the RF ground wirings <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned on the lower side of the connection wirings <NUM> and <NUM> with respect to the Z-axis.

In an embodiment, the first insulating layer <NUM> having the first loss tangent value may be positioned under the RF ground wiring <NUM>, and the second insulating layer <NUM> having the second loss tangent value smaller than the first loss tangent value may be interposed between the connection wirings <NUM> and <NUM> and the RF ground wiring <NUM>. As such, a loss of an RF signal that is transferred by using the connection wirings <NUM> and <NUM> may decrease.

<FIG> illustrates a graph of an S-parameter value of an RF wiring section (e.g., the RF wiring section <NUM> of <FIG>), to which a first insulating layer (e.g., the first insulating layer <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second insulating layer (e.g., the second insulating layer <NUM> of <FIG>) are applied, for each frequency, according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, as a frequency increases, an S-parameter value of the first insulating layer may decrease. At a frequency of about <NUM>, the S-parameter value may be about -<NUM> dB. It is observed that a loss of an RF signal transferred in the RF wiring section is great in the case where the S-parameter value is about -<NUM> dB. As such, in the case where the first insulating layer is used to transmit/receive an RF signal using a frequency of about <NUM> or higher, power consumption may increase.

In an embodiment, as a frequency increases, an S-parameter value of the second insulating layer may decrease less than the first insulating layer. At a frequency of about <NUM>, the S-parameter value may be about -<NUM> dB. It is observed that a loss of an RF signal transferred in the RF wiring section is small in the case where the S-parameter value is about -<NUM> dB. As such, in the case where the second insulating layer is used to transmit/receive an RF signal using a frequency of about <NUM> or higher, power consumption may decrease.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of a structure in which a second insulating layer <NUM> is applied to the circuit board <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the circuit board <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to an edge of one side of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the circuit board <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to a corner of one side of the electronic device <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> may include at least one or more antenna patches <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a first insulating layer <NUM> may be applied to the remaining area of the electronic device <NUM> other than the circuit board <NUM>. For example, the first insulating layer <NUM> may be applied when a PCB and an FPCB of an area of the electronic device <NUM>, in which an antenna is not positioned, are designed. The first insulating layer <NUM> may separate wiring layers of the PCB and the FPCB.

In an embodiment, the second insulating layer <NUM> may be included in the circuit board <NUM>. For example, the second insulating layer <NUM> may respectively separate the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM> of the circuit board <NUM> and may be positioned under the at least one or more antenna patches <NUM>. The second insulating layer <NUM> has a lower loss tangent value and a lower dielectric loss than the first insulating layer <NUM>. As such, in the case where the circuit board <NUM> includes the second insulating layer <NUM>, a loss of an RF signal occurring in the circuit board <NUM> may decrease.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a communication circuit (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>); and
a circuit board (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) electrically connected with the communication circuit (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), wherein the circuit board (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) includes:
a first portion (<NUM>), wherein the first portion (<NUM>) includes a first layered structure (<NUM>) in which wiring layers (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and first insulating layers (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are alternately positioned from a first surface to a second surface facing away from the first surface;
a second portion (<NUM>), wherein the second portion (<NUM>) includes:
a second layered structure (<NUM>) in which a portion of the wiring layers (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a portion of the first insulating layers (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are alternately positioned from the first surface to a first layer provided between the first surface and the second surface, and
a second insulating layer (<NUM>) positioned on the first layer up to the second surface and forming a portion of the second surface;
at least one antenna patch (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein at least one antenna patch (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is positioned on the second insulating layer (<NUM>) or within the second insulating layer (<NUM>); and
a conductive line (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) that connects to the portion of the wiring layers (<NUM>,<NUM>) under the second insulating layer (<NUM>), penetrates the portion of the first insulating layers (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) included in the second layered structure (<NUM>) and at least a portion of the second insulating layer (<NUM>), and electrically connects the at least one antenna patch (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the communication circuit (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>),
wherein the first insulating layers (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) have a first loss tangent value,
wherein the second insulating layer (<NUM>) has a second loss tangent value smaller than the first loss tangent value, and wherein the communication circuit (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is attached to the first surface of the circuit board (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>).