Patent Description:
Wireless traffic has recently increased with the development of new technologies relating to high-quality multimedia service. Accordingly, studies have been conducted on fifth generation (<NUM>) mobile communication capable of efficiently handling the increase in wireless traffic. For example, a method has been proposed for processing rapidly increasing wireless traffic, by securing a broader frequency band (e.g. around <NUM> gigahertz (GHz), <NUM>, or <NUM>), using a high-frequency band (e.g. from about <NUM> to about <NUM>) such as a millimeter-wave (mmWave) band.

Meanwhile, elements included in an electronic device to perform wireless communication may include an antenna, an element (e.g. a communication module, hereinafter, a first element) connected to the antenna and configured to process a high-frequency signal, and an element (e.g. a main board, hereinafter, a second element) configured to convert the high-frequency signal into a low-frequency signal and process an intermediate frequency (IF) signal obtained by demodulating the low-frequency signal in a preconfigured demodulation manner. Various signals may be transmitted or received between the first element and the second element. A path or channel through which the signals are transmitted may be formed through a connector (e.g. an RF coaxial cable) between the first element and the second element. For example, an uplink (UL) signal, a downlink (DL) signal, a control signal, and a clock signal may be transmitted or received through a cable.

In order to use a millimeter-wave-band frequency, the electronic device may include related communication modules (e.g. mmWave modules for supporting mmWave, such as an antenna array or a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC). The communication modules included in the electronic device may be configured to have various structures in view of the miniaturization and the heat-radiating structure of the modules.

The conventional electronic device suffers from the inability to efficiently dissipate heat, which can prematurely damage such devices. As such, there is a need in the art for a structure of an electronic device that rectifies this problem in the conventional art.

<CIT> relates to a process for fabricating an origami formed antenna radiating structure.

<CIT> relates to millimeter wave technology, apparatuses, and methods that relate to transceivers, receivers, and antenna structures for wireless communications.

<CIT> relates to systems, methods and/or devices used to dissipate heat generated by electronic components in an electronic system.

An antenna module according to the invention is defined in the appended independent claim.

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of known functions and/or configurations will be omitted for the sake of clarity and conciseness.

It should be appreciated that the terms used in embodiments are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, such terms as "1st" and "2nd," or "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish a corresponding component from another, and do not limit the components in another aspect, such as importance or order. It is to be understood that if an element, such as 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, such as a second element, it indicates that the first element may be coupled with the second element directly (e.g., over wires), wirelessly, or via a third element.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> according to an embodiment useful to understand, but not necessarily covered by the claimed invention.

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), with an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network), or with the electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM>, and may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a sound output device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <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) card <NUM>, and an antenna module <NUM>. At least one (e.g., the display device <NUM> or the camera module <NUM>) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. Some of the components may be implemented as single integrated circuitry.

The processor <NUM> may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) in the volatile memory <NUM>, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory <NUM>, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor <NUM> may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor <NUM>, or to be specific to a function.

The memory <NUM> may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device <NUM> and may include software (e.g., the program <NUM>) and input data or output data for a command related thereto.

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

The input device <NUM> may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device <NUM>, and may include a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output device <NUM> may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> and may include a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receiver may be used for incoming calls and may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display device <NUM> may visually provide information to a user of the electronic device <NUM> and may include a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector.

The audio module <NUM> may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa, and may obtain the sound via the input device <NUM>, or output the sound via the sound output device <NUM> or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device <NUM>) directly (e.g., over wires) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device <NUM> or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device <NUM>, and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state, and may include a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

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., over wires) or wirelessly, and may include a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal <NUM> may include a connector via which the electronic device <NUM> may be physically connected with the external electronic device <NUM>, and may include a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module <NUM> may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation, and may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module <NUM> may capture a still image or moving images and may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module <NUM> may manage power supplied to the electronic device <NUM>, and may be implemented as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery <NUM> may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM>, and may include a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module <NUM> may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>, and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module <NUM> may include a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module <NUM> (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)).

The antenna module <NUM> may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device <NUM> and may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). The antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antennas. In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, may be selected by the communication module <NUM> (e.g., the wireless communication module <NUM>) from the plurality of antennas. Another component (e.g., an RFIC) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may provide the outcome, with or without further processing, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud, distributed, or client-server computing technology may be used, for example.

The electronic device <NUM> according to embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices, such as a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. However, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device <NUM> for supporting legacy network communication and <NUM> network communication according to an embodiment useful to understand, but not necessarily covered by the claimed invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a first communication processor <NUM>, a second communication processor <NUM>, a first RFIC <NUM>, a second RFIC <NUM>, a third RFIC <NUM>, a fourth RFIC <NUM>, a first radio frequency front end (RFFE) <NUM>, a second RFFE <NUM>, a first antenna module <NUM>, a second antenna module <NUM>, and an antenna <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>.

The network <NUM> may include a first network <NUM> and a second network <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of the components shown in <FIG>, and the network <NUM> may further include at least another network. The first communication processor <NUM>, the second communication processor <NUM>, the first RFIC <NUM>, the second RFIC <NUM>, the fourth RFIC <NUM>, the first RFFE <NUM>, and the second RFFE <NUM> may constitute at least a part of the wireless communication module <NUM>. The fourth RFIC <NUM> may be omitted, or may be included as a part of the third RFIC <NUM>.

The first communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel in a band to be used for wireless communication with a first network <NUM>, and may support legacy network communication through the established communication channel. The first network may be a legacy network including a second generation (<NUM>), third generation (<NUM>), fourth generation (<NUM>), or long-term evolution (LTE) network.

The second communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel corresponding to a designated band (e.g. from about <NUM> to about <NUM>) among bands to be used for wireless communication with a second network <NUM>, and may support <NUM> network communication through the established communication channel. The second network <NUM> may be a <NUM> network defined in the third generation partnership project (3GPP).

Additionally, the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel corresponding to another designated band (e.g. about <NUM> or less) among bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network <NUM>, and may support <NUM> network communication through the established communication channel. The first communication processor <NUM> and the second communication processor <NUM> may be implemented in a single chip or a single package together with the processor <NUM>, the auxiliary processor <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>.

At the time of signal transmission, the first RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor <NUM> into a radio-frequency (RF) signal of about <NUM> megahertz (MHz) to about <NUM> used for the first network <NUM> (e.g. a legacy network). At the time of signal reception, the RF signal may be acquired from the first network <NUM> through an antenna (e.g. the first antenna module <NUM>), and may be preprocessed through the first RFFE <NUM>. The first RFIC <NUM> may convert the preprocessed RF signal into a baseband signal which can be processed by the first communication processor <NUM>.

At the time of signal transmission, the second RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal (hereinafter, a <NUM> Sub6 RF signal) of a Sub6 band (e.g. about <NUM> or less) used for the second network <NUM>. At the time of signal reception, the <NUM> Sub6 RF signal may be acquired from the second network <NUM> through the second antenna module <NUM>, and may be preprocessed through the second RFFE <NUM>. The second RFIC <NUM> may convert the preprocessed <NUM> Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal which can be processed by a corresponding communication processor among the first communication processor <NUM> and the second communication processor <NUM>.

The third RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal (hereinafter, a <NUM> Above6 RF signal) of a <NUM> Above6 band (e.g. from about <NUM> to about <NUM>) to be used in the second network <NUM>. At the time of signal reception, the <NUM> Above6 RF signal may be acquired from the second network <NUM> through an antenna <NUM>, and may be preprocessed through the third RFFE <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the preprocessed <NUM> Above6 RF signal into a baseband signal that can be processed by the second communication processor <NUM>. The third RFFE <NUM> may be configured as a part of the third RFIC <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include the fourth RFIC <NUM> separately from the third RFIC <NUM> or as at least a part thereof. In this instance, the fourth RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal (hereinafter, an intermediate-frequency (IF) signal) of an intermediate frequency band (e.g. from about <NUM> to about <NUM>) and may then transmit the IF signal to the third RFIC <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the IF signal into a <NUM> Above6 RF signal. At the time of signal reception, the <NUM> Above6 RF signal may be received from the second network <NUM> through the antenna <NUM> and may be converted into an IF signal by the third RFIC <NUM>. The fourth RFIC <NUM> may convert the IF signal into a baseband signal that can be processed by the second communication processor <NUM>.

The first RFIC <NUM> and second RFIC <NUM> may be implemented as at least a part of a single package or a single chip. The first RFFE <NUM> and the second RFFE <NUM> may be implemented as at least a part of a single package or a single chip. At least one antenna module of the first antenna module <NUM> or the second antenna module <NUM> may be omitted, or may be combined with the other antenna module to process RF signals of multiple bands corresponding thereto.

The third RFIC <NUM> and antenna <NUM> may be arranged on the same substrate to constitute a third antenna module <NUM>. For example, the wireless communication module <NUM> or the processor <NUM> may be arranged on a first substrate (e.g. a main PCB). In this instance, the third antenna module <NUM> may be configured by arranging the third RFIC <NUM> in a partial area (e.g. a lower surface) of a second substrate (e.g. a sub PCB) independent of the first substrate and arranging the antenna <NUM> in another partial area (e.g. an upper surface) thereof. Arranging the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> on the same substrate can reduce the length of a transmission line therebetween, and may reduce the attenuation of a signal in a high-frequency band (e.g. about 6GH ? about <NUM>), used for <NUM> network communication, by a transmission line. Therefore, the electronic device <NUM> may exhibit an enhanced quality or speed of communication with the second network <NUM>.

The antenna <NUM> may be configured as an antenna array including multiple antenna elements which can be used for beamforming. In this instance, the third RFIC <NUM> may include, as a part of the third RFFE <NUM>, multiple phase shifters <NUM> corresponding to the multiple antenna elements. At the time of signal transmission, the multiple phase shifters <NUM> may shift the phases of <NUM> Above6 RF signals to be transmitted from the electronic device <NUM> to an external device (e.g. a base station of a <NUM> network) through antenna elements corresponding thereto. At the time of signal reception, the multiple phase shifters <NUM> may shift the phases of <NUM> Above6 RF signals received from the outside through antenna elements corresponding thereto into an identical or substantially identical phase, thus enabling the transmission or reception through beamforming between the electronic device <NUM> and the outside.

The second network <NUM> may be operated independently of the first network <NUM> (e.g. stand-alone (SA)) or may be operated while being connected to the first network (e.g. non-standalone (NSA)). For example, the <NUM> network may include only a <NUM> radio access network (RAN or next-generation RAN (NG RAN) and may not include a core network (e.g. a next-generation core (NGC). In this instance, the electronic device <NUM> may access an access network of a <NUM> network and may then access an external network (e.g. Internet) under the control of a core network (e.g. an evolved packed core (EPC) network) of a legacy network. Protocol information (e.g. LTE protocol information) for communication with the legacy network or protocol information (e.g. new radio (NR) protocol information) for communication with the <NUM> network are stored in a memory <NUM>, and may be accessed by the processor <NUM>, the first communication processor <NUM>, or the second communication processor <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the structure of an antenna module according to an embodiment useful to understand, but not necessarily covered by the claimed invention.

For example, <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the structure of the third antenna module <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Example (a) of <FIG> is a perspective view of the third antenna module <NUM>, seen from an upper side at elements <NUM>, example (b) of <FIG> is a perspective view of the third antenna module <NUM>, seen from a lower side at elements <NUM> and <NUM>, and example (c) of <FIG> is a cross sectional view perspective view taken along A-A' of the third antenna module <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the third antenna module <NUM> may include a PCB <NUM>, an antenna array <NUM>, an RFIC <NUM>, a PMIC <NUM>, and a module interface. The third antenna module <NUM> may further include a shielding member <NUM>. At least one among the above-described components may be omitted, or at least two of the components may be integrally formed.

The PCB <NUM> may include multiple conductive layers and multiple non-conductive layers alternately laminated with the conductive layers. The PCB <NUM> may provide an electrical connection between various electronic components arranged on and/or outside the PCB <NUM> by using conductive vias and wires formed on the conductive layers.

The antenna array <NUM> may include multiple antenna elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged on a first surface of the PCB <NUM> so as to form a directional beam. The antenna array <NUM> may be disposed inside the PCB <NUM>, and may include antenna arrays of the same or different shapes or types (e.g. a dipole antenna array and/or a patch antenna array).

The RFIC <NUM> may be disposed in another area of the PCB <NUM> (a second surface opposite the first surface), spaced apart from the antenna array. The RFIC <NUM> is configured to be able to process a signal in a selected frequency band, transmitted/ received through the antenna array <NUM>. At the time of signal transmission, the RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal acquired from a communication processor into an RF signal in a designated band. At the time of signal reception, the RFIC <NUM> may convert an RF signal received through the antenna array <NUM> into a baseband signal and transmit the baseband signal to the communication processor.

According to another embodiment, at the time of signal transmission, the RFIC <NUM> may up-convert an IF signal (e.g. from about <NUM> to about <NUM>) acquired from an intermediate frequency integrated circuit (IFIC) (e.g. the fourth RFIC <NUM> in <FIG>) into an RF signal in a selected band. Upon the signal reception, the RFIC <NUM> may down-convert an RF signal acquired through the antenna array <NUM> into an IF signal and transmit the IF signal to the IFIC.

The PMIC <NUM> may be disposed in another partial area (e.g. the second surface) of the PCB <NUM>, spaced apart from the antenna array <NUM>, may receive a voltage from a main substrate (main PCB), and may provide power necessary for various components on the antenna module.

The shielding member <NUM>, which may include a shield can, may be disposed on a part (e.g. the second surface surface) of the PCB <NUM> so as to electromagnetically shield at least one of the RFIC <NUM> or the PMIC <NUM>. The third antenna module <NUM> may be electrically connected to the main circuit board through a module interface that may include a connection member (for example, a coaxial cable connector, a board-to-board (B2B) connector, an interposer, or an FPCB). The RFIC <NUM> and/or the PMIC <NUM> of the antenna module <NUM> may be electrically connected to the PCB <NUM> through the connection member.

<FIG> schematically illustrates the structure of a circuit board assembly in an electronic device according to an embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of the third antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. A circuit board assembly <NUM> (e.g. the third antenna module <NUM> in <FIG>), which includes a first circuit board <NUM> and a second circuit board <NUM>, may be disposed in an inner space of a housing. The circuit board assembly <NUM> may include the first circuit board <NUM> (e.g. a sub PCB), which provides spaces for mounting various communication circuits (e.g. electronic elements (e.g. a communication chipset (e.g. RFIC), a power management chipset (e.g. PMIC), or a connector); the second circuit board <NUM> (e.g. an interposer), and a third circuit board <NUM> (e.g. an FPCB). The circuit board assembly <NUM> may have a structure in which the first circuit board <NUM> is a main circuit board and is implemented as the third antenna module <NUM> in <FIG>, and in which the remaining at least the second circuit board <NUM> is laminated on the first circuit board <NUM>.

The second circuit board <NUM> (or a connection circuit board) (e.g. an interposer) may be a functional package substrate, and may include an interposer substrate, a redistribution layer (RDL), at least one through-silicon via, or at least one metal layer. The second circuit board <NUM> may have a conductor therein, and may realize an electrical connection between electronic elements or between an electronic element and the first circuit board <NUM> through the conductor.

The second circuit board <NUM> may have a structure in which the third circuit board <NUM> is disposed integrally therewith. For example, the second circuit board <NUM> may include the third circuit board <NUM> extending from the second circuit board <NUM>, one or more signal wires electrically connected to at least one electronic element and extending to the third circuit board <NUM>, and a ground wire electrically connected to the first circuit board <NUM> and extending to the third circuit board <NUM>.

At least one of the first circuit board <NUM>, the second circuit board <NUM>, or the third circuit board <NUM> may include an insulation substrate and a circuit pattern. The insulation substrate has an insulating property, and may have circuit patterns formed on one surface thereof and constituting a circuit for an electrical connection between electronic elements.

Various electronic elements may be arranged (or fixedly mounted) on the first circuit board <NUM>. The electronic elements may be arranged (or formed) on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM> as well as on the other surface thereof, and may include a first electronic element <NUM> and a second electronic element <NUM>. The first electronic element <NUM> may include a communication chipset (or a communication module) (e.g. RFIC) and/or a power management chipset (e.g. PMIC) for managing power supplied to an electronic device. The second electronic element <NUM> may include a typical passive element or chip. The first circuit board <NUM> may have various chips placed or mounted thereon, and may further include other components (e.g. at least one connector element (or terminal) for an electrical connection between circuits). The second electronic element <NUM> may be excluded from the first circuit board <NUM> according to design preference, and a description of the second electronic element <NUM> will be omitted for the sake of conciseness.

The second circuit board <NUM> may be configured as an interposer (or an interposer PCB), includes an opening that is at least partly covered by a shield can (or another circuit board), and may be disposed on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM> such that the electronic element <NUM> is disposed in an inner space formed by the opening and the shield can (or another circuit board).

The second circuit board <NUM> may be disposed to face the first circuit board <NUM> (e.g. may be disposed to have a structure surrounding (or mounting) an electronic element (e.g. the first electronic element <NUM> or the second electronic element <NUM>) arranged on the first circuit board <NUM>). The second circuit board <NUM> may be configured to shield an electronic element disposed therein.

The second circuit board <NUM> may be configured such that at least one surface thereof is in contact with the first circuit board <NUM> to form a space in which at least one electronic element <NUM> is disposed. The second circuit board <NUM> may be configured to receive at least a part of the third circuit board <NUM>. The third circuit board <NUM> may be configured to extend to the outside through a surface opposite a side surface forming the space of the second circuit board <NUM>. The second circuit board <NUM> (e.g. an interposer) may be a silicon interposer or a glass interposer, may include multiple metal layers, and may be configured to receive a part of the third circuit board <NUM> between (or in a space between) at least some of the multiple metal layers.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second circuit board <NUM> may be configured as a square or rectangular shaped (□-shaped) interposer or as a <FIG>-shaped (or ∞-shaped) interposer which surrounds the outer periphery of each of multiple electronic elements. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second circuit board <NUM> may be configured to have a □-shape with reference to the inner surface thereof, and the inside of the second circuit board <NUM> may form a □-shaped opening. The inside of the second circuit board <NUM> may be bored (or may have a hole) in a □-shape. The second circuit board <NUM> may have a structure with no bored hole (e.g. a structure replaced by a thermal via), and an example thereof will be described below in <FIG>. The second circuit board <NUM> may have a single substrate structure or a structure in which multiple substrates are laminated.

The third circuit board <NUM> may be configured as an FPCB, such that one end thereof is received between at least some of the multiple metal layers. The other end of the third circuit board <NUM> protrudes out of the second circuit board <NUM>, and a connector <NUM> (e.g. a B2B connector or an IF connector) for a B2B connection may be disposed at one side (or the tip) of the other end of the third circuit board. The connector <NUM> may include an IF connector (or a B2B connector) configured to electrically connect the third circuit board <NUM> to an element (e.g. main circuit board) for processing an intermediate-frequency signal.

The circuit board assembly may include a metallic substrate for heat radiation. The metallic substrate may include a shield can (e.g. a copper can) <NUM> (or a shielding structure, a shielding member). The shield can <NUM> may be disposed to be in contact with the second circuit board <NUM> in a specific manner using a piece of conductive tape (or film) or a surface mount device (SMD). The shield can <NUM> may be configured to have a c-shape (<IMG>-shape) or a flat-plate shape so as to be able to shield a □-shaped interposer (e.g. an inner bored part (e.g. an opening) of the second circuit board <NUM>). For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second circuit board <NUM> may have a □-shaped opening formed with reference to the inside (or the inner surface) thereof. The inside of the second circuit board <NUM> may be bored (or may have a hole or an empty space) in a □-shape. The shield can <NUM> may be electrically connected to a ground wire of the first circuit board <NUM>.

For example, the second circuit board <NUM> may include the third circuit board <NUM> (e.g. a flexible substrate) extending from the second circuit board <NUM>, one or more signal wires electrically connected to at least one electronic element and extending to the third circuit board <NUM>, and a ground wire electrically connected to the first circuit board <NUM> and extending to the third circuit board <NUM>.

The opening in the second circuit board <NUM> may be used to radiate heat generated in the at least one electronic element <NUM>, and the third circuit board <NUM> may be configured to be installed integrally with the second circuit board <NUM>.

The size (installation space) of the circuit board assembly may be reduced through the connection structure between the second circuit board <NUM> and the third circuit board <NUM>. For example, the connector <NUM> for a B2B connection may be disposed on the flexible third circuit board <NUM>, and the third circuit board <NUM> may be configured to have at least a part received in the second circuit board <NUM>. One end of the third circuit board <NUM> may be received (or laminated) between at least some of the multiple layers (e.g. the metal layers) of the second circuit board <NUM>. For example, the third circuit board <NUM> may be shaped to extend from some layers of the second circuit board <NUM>. This design structure does not require allocation of an additional space for disposing the connector <NUM> for a B2B connection on the first circuit board <NUM>, and thus enables a reduction in the size of the circuit board assembly.

An electronic device as disclosed herein may include antennas (or an antenna array, antenna elements), an element (e.g. RFIC) connected to the antennas so as to process a high-frequency signal, and an element (e.g. a main board) configured to convert the high-frequency signal into a low-frequency signal and process an IF signal obtained by demodulating the low-frequency signal in a predetermined demodulation manner. Various signals may be transmitted and received between the first element and the second element. A path (or channel), through which the signals are transmitted, may be formed through the flexible third circuit board <NUM> between the first element and the second element.

<FIG> illustrates the cross-sectional structure of an assembled circuit board assembly according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the circuit board assembly may include a first circuit board <NUM>, a second circuit board <NUM>, and a third circuit board <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view seen from direction A in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, various electronic elements (e.g. an RFIC <NUM>, a PMIC <NUM>, a connector, a control wire, and a circuit pattern) may be arranged on the first circuit board <NUM>. The electronic elements may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM> as well as on the other surface thereof.

The second circuit board <NUM> may be formed as an interposer, such as a □-shaped interposer as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the second circuit board <NUM> may be disposed to surround at least one electronic element on the first circuit board <NUM>. The second circuit board <NUM> may be also formed as an <NUM>-shaped (or a ∞-shaped) interposer which surrounds the outer periphery of each of multiple electronic elements on the first circuit board <NUM>.

The second circuit board <NUM> may include, therein, a via <NUM> (or a through-hole) (e.g. a through silicon via (TSV)), or a through silicon hole and a signal pad <NUM>. The via <NUM> and the signal pad <NUM> may form a path (or a channel) for exchanging an electrical signal, and may be configured to include (or be charged with) conductive materials so as to provide a direct electrical connection path therein. The RFIC <NUM> stably placed on the first circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to an antenna array at least based on the via <NUM> and the signal pad <NUM> of the second circuit board <NUM>. Antennas configured to transmit or receive an RF for wireless communication may be arranged on a part of the first circuit board <NUM>. For example, the antennas may be electrically connected to the RFIC <NUM>, and may be arranged on at least a part of the first circuit board <NUM>.

According to the invention, the second circuit board <NUM> has a coating <NUM> disposed (or formed) on an inner surface (or an inner side surface) thereof. For example, the coating <NUM> may be formed on the inner surface of the second circuit board <NUM> that faces an electronic element, thereby increasing the effectiveness of shielding of the second circuit board from electromagnetic interference (EMI) originating from the electronic element.

The second circuit board <NUM> may be configured to receive a part of the flexible third circuit board <NUM> at one side thereof. The second circuit board <NUM> may be configured to include multiple metal layers, and such that a part of the third circuit board <NUM> is received (or laminated) between at least some of the multiple metal layers (or in a space between the layers).

The third circuit board <NUM> may include an FPCB (e.g. an IF FPCB including an electronic element for processing an IF). One end of the third circuit board <NUM> may be received (or laminated) between at least some of the multiple metal layers of the second circuit board <NUM>, the other end of third circuit board <NUM> may protrude out of the second circuit board <NUM>, and a connector <NUM> (e.g. a B2B connector) for a B2B connection may be disposed at one side (or the tip) of the other end of the third circuit board. The second circuit board <NUM> and the third circuit board <NUM> (or the connector <NUM> disposed on the third circuit board <NUM>) may be electrically connected to at least one electronic element on the first circuit board <NUM> through the via <NUM> and signal pad <NUM> in the second circuit board <NUM>.

According to the invention, the circuit board assembly includes a thermal interface material (TIM) <NUM> and a shield can <NUM>, which is a heat-radiating pad.

The thermal interface material <NUM> may have: one surface attached to the electronic element <NUM> (e.g. an RFIC, a communication chipset, or a main chipset) to cover the electronic element, and the other surface attached to one surface of the shield can <NUM>. For example, the thermal interface material <NUM> may serve as a bridge configured to connect a heat-generating part (e.g. a main chipset or a communication chipset) and a heat-removing structure (e.g. the shield can <NUM>). The type of the thermal interface material <NUM> may be a liquid type, a sheet type, or a pad type. For example, the thermal interface material <NUM> may be a thermal pad, a thermal tape, or a thermal compound (e.g. ceramics, metal, carbon, or a fusible alloy-based thermal compound).

The thermal interface material <NUM> can prevent efficiency degradation which may be caused by insufficient thermal conduction to the shield can <NUM> due to a space (e.g. an air gap) formed by incomplete contact between the shield can <NUM> and the electronic element <NUM> (e.g. a main chipset or a communication chipset). For example, the thermal interface material <NUM> may be disposed in order to improve the conduction of heat to the shield can <NUM>.

The shield can <NUM> may be configured to have a <IMG>-shape (or an inverted u-shape (∩-shape) which includes both side walls having a predetermined height and a shielding surface connecting the both side walls, or to have a flat-plate shape (-shape) which includes only a shielding surface without both side walls. In <FIG>, the shield can <NUM> has a <IMG>-shape (or a ∩-shape) and may be fixedly disposed on the second circuit boards <NUM> to shield the electronic element <NUM>. Surfaces of both side walls of the shield can <NUM> at one side thereof (the lower surfaces of both side walls of the shield can <NUM>) may be fixedly placed on at the upper surface of each of the second circuit boards <NUM>. The shield can <NUM> may be made of a metal material (e.g. copper or aluminum), and both ends for stably placing the shield can <NUM> may be fixed by metal pads or adhesive parts.

The circuit board assembly may have an SMD pad <NUM> arranged between the first circuit board <NUM> and the second circuit board <NUM> or between a the first circuit board <NUM> and an electronic element <NUM>. The SMD pad may be disposed for the wiring efficiency and the flow of a signal and/or heat between components. A signal wire may be electrically connected to the SMD pad <NUM> at least based on the via <NUM> and the signal pad <NUM> of the second circuit board <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another example of implementing a shield can in a circuit board assembly according to an embodiment.

In <FIG>, except for design (or arrangement) structures of the shield can <NUM> and <NUM>, other elements correspond to the elements in <FIG>, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In <FIG>, the shield can <NUM> has a flat-plate shape (or a - (straight) shape) and is fixedly disposed on a second circuit board <NUM> to shield an electronic element <NUM>. At least a part of one shielding surface of the shield can <NUM> (e.g. a part of the lower surface of the shield can <NUM>) may be fixedly placed on at least two upper surfaces of the second circuit board <NUM>. According to the invention, a thermal interface material <NUM> is disposed between the shield can <NUM> and the electronic element <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a shield can <NUM> includes a fixing member <NUM> formed at a part thereof to fix the shield can <NUM>. A part of the lower end of each of both side walls of the shield can <NUM> may be formed as a hook-shaped fixing member <NUM> for fixing the shield can <NUM>. The fixing member <NUM> may be formed in a hook shape in which each of lower ends of both side walls (or support parts) of the shield can <NUM> is bent and extends inward (e.g. toward an inner space with reference to the shield can <NUM>), and may be fixedly coupled to one of multiple layers of a second circuit board <NUM>. The shielding surface of the shield can <NUM> may be formed to extend from a part covering an electronic element <NUM> so as to cover the second circuit board <NUM>.

The structure of the shield can <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> may also include an additional fixing member for fixing the shield can <NUM>. The fixing member may include a clip-shaped member for fixing the shield can <NUM>, one surface of the fixing member may be attached to one surface of the second circuit board <NUM>, and the side wall of the shield can <NUM> may be fitted through the inner surface of the fixing member between a pair of elastic pieces, thereby fixing the shield can <NUM>. For example, each of the pair of elastic pieces may include two contact parts formed at the inner side thereof in opposite directions to be inserted into the side wall of the shield can <NUM>, and the fixing member may be formed in a <IMG>-shape (or a U- shape).

<FIG> illustrates an example of a structure in which a circuit board assembly is implemented, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a circuit board assembly may include a first circuit board <NUM>, a second circuit board <NUM>, and a third circuit board <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example of a cross-section seen from direction A in <FIG>, described below.

Various electronic elements may be arranged on the first circuit board <NUM>, such as a first electronic element <NUM> and a second electronic element <NUM>. The electronic elements may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM> as well as on the other surface thereof.

Antennas <NUM> configured to transmit or receive an RF signal for wireless communication are arranged in at least a part of the first circuit board <NUM>. The antennas <NUM> may include one or more first antennas (or a first antenna array) and one or more second antennas (or a second antenna array), wherein the first antennas may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM>, and the second antennas may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM>. and on another surface thereof (e.g. a side surface of the first circuit board <NUM>). The first antennas may include a patch antenna array including patch antennas, and may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM>. The second antennas may include a dipole antenna array including dipole antennas and may be arranged on one surface and another surface of the first circuit board <NUM>.

The second circuit board <NUM> may be configured as an interposer. <FIG> shows an example in which the second circuit board <NUM> is configured as an <NUM>-shaped (or ∞-shaped) interposer. For example, the second circuit board <NUM> may be arranged in a structure in which the same surrounds each of the first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM> on the first circuit board <NUM>. The second circuit board <NUM> may be configured to have a higher height than those of the first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM>. For example, the height of the second circuit board <NUM> may configured to be higher (or to have a larger value) than the heights (or thicknesses) of electronic elements <NUM> and <NUM>.

The second circuit board <NUM> may include a via (or a through-hole) and a signal pad therein. The first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM> stably placed on the first circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to the antenna array <NUM> through the via and the signal pad of the second circuit board <NUM>.

The second circuit board <NUM> may be configured to receive a part of the flexible third circuit board <NUM> in one side thereof, and a part of the third circuit board <NUM> between at least some of multiple metal layers (or in a space between the layers).

The third circuit board <NUM> may be configured as an FPCB. One end of the third circuit board <NUM> may be received between at least some of the multiple metal layers of the second circuit board <NUM>, the other end thereof may protrude out of the second circuit board <NUM>, and a connector <NUM> (e.g. a B2B connector) for a B2B connection may be disposed at one side (or the tip) of the other end of the third circuit board.

A first thermal interface material <NUM> (hereinafter, a first TIM <NUM>) and a second thermal interface material <NUM> (hereinafter, a second TIM <NUM>) may serve as a bridge configured to connect a heat-generating part (e.g. the first electronic element <NUM> or the second electronic element <NUM>) and a heat-removing structure (e.g. the shield can <NUM>). One surface of the first TIM <NUM> may be attached to the first electronic element <NUM> so as to cover the first electronic element <NUM>, and the other surface thereof may be attached to a part of one surface of the shield can <NUM>. One surface of the second TIM <NUM> may be attached to the second electronic element <NUM>, and the other surface thereof may be attached to another part of the one surface of the shield can <NUM>.

The shield can <NUM> may be fixedly disposed on the second circuit board <NUM> to shield the first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM>. The first TIM <NUM> or the second TIM <NUM> in <FIG> may be disposed between the shield can <NUM> and the first electronic element <NUM> and between the shield can <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM>, respectively.

Some elements (e.g. the shield can <NUM>) illustrated in <FIG> are omitted in <FIG> for schematization purposes. The circuit board assembly may include a first circuit board <NUM> which provides a space for mounting the first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM>,; a second circuit board <NUM> configured as an <NUM>-shaped (or ∞-shaped) interposer which surrounds each of the first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM> on the first circuit board <NUM>, and an FPCB <NUM> configured to have a connector <NUM> for a B2B connection disposed at one end thereof and to be received in the second circuit board <NUM> at the other end thereof.

As illustrated in 8B, the second circuit board <NUM> has an <NUM>-shape with reference to the inside (or inner surface) thereof, and the inside of the second circuit board <NUM> may be bored in an <NUM>-shape (e.g. may be configured to have two square-shaped holes in <FIG>). The first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM> are stably placed on the first circuit board <NUM>, and are respectively arranged in the two square-shaped holes so that four surfaces of each of the first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM> are surrounded.

The third circuit board <NUM> may be configured such that one end thereof is received between at least some of the multiple metal layers of the second circuit board <NUM>. The other end of the third circuit board <NUM> may protrude out of the second circuit board <NUM> and the connector <NUM> for a B2B connection may be disposed at one side (or the tip) of the other end of the third circuit board.

In <FIG>, the shield can <NUM> may be configured to cover at least a part of an opening in the second circuit board <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another example of a circuit board assembly structure according to an embodiment, and <FIG> illustrates another example of a circuit board assembly structure according to an embodiment.

<FIG> and <FIG> show other examples in which the second circuit board <NUM> is formed in the circuit board assembly as described with reference to <FIG>. The elements in <FIG> and <FIG>, other than a second circuit board <NUM> and some elements related to the second circuit board <NUM>, correspond to the elements in <FIG>, and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. <FIG> shows an example in which the second circuit board <NUM> is configured as one substrate, and an antenna module is configured in a structure in which two substrates, such as the first circuit board <NUM> and the second circuit board <NUM>, are laminated. <FIG> and <FIG> show examples in which the second circuit board <NUM> includes a first sub circuit board <NUM> and a second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM>, and an antenna module is configured in a structure in which three substrates, such as a first circuit board <NUM>, the first sub circuit board <NUM>, and the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM>, are laminated.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the circuit board assembly may include the first circuit board <NUM>, the second circuit board <NUM> (e.g. the first sub circuit board <NUM> and the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM>) and a third circuit board <NUM>.

Various electronic elements (e.g. an RFIC, a PMIC, a connector, a control wire, or a circuit pattern) may be arranged on one or two surfaces of the first circuit board <NUM>.

The second circuit board <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> may include the first sub circuit board <NUM> and the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM>. The first sub circuit board <NUM> may be configured as an interposer, as described with reference to <FIG>, and the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> may be configured as an interposer (e.g. for a jig) for fixedly attaching the first sub circuit board <NUM> or mounting a component (e.g. a connector element).

The first sub circuit board <NUM> may be disposed to surround at least one electronic element <NUM> on the first circuit board <NUM>. The first sub circuit board <NUM> may be disposed to surround the outer periphery of each electronic element between multiple electronic elements on the first circuit board <NUM> and may thus shield each electronic element.

The second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> fix at least one element of the first sub circuit board <NUM>, a thermal interface material <NUM> or <NUM>, or a shield can <NUM>, and thus, prevent the at least one element from being displaced from the position thereof. The second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> receive and fix the flexible third circuit board <NUM> that has one end at which a connector <NUM> for a B2B connection is disposed.

The third circuit board <NUM> may be shaped to extend from the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM>. For example, the third circuit board <NUM> may be configured to have a structure in which one end thereof is received (or laminated) and extends between at least some of the multiple layers (e.g. metal layers) of the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM>. The third circuit board <NUM> may not extend from the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM>. For example, the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> may be configured such that a substrate connector connectable to the third circuit board <NUM> (e.g. an FPCB) is installed therein. The second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> may include a structure in which the connector installed in the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> and a separate third circuit board <NUM> are electrically connected, and thus, an antenna module and a main circuit board are electrically connected.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> may be configured in a shape corresponding to the shape of the first sub circuit board <NUM>. For example, the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> may be configured to have the □-shape or <NUM>-shape (or ∞-shape) of the first sub circuit board <NUM>. The second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> may have a □-shaped opening forming a □-shape with reference to the inner surface thereof. The second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> may be variously configured in an O-shape, a rhombus (◇) shape, or the like.

The second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> may be configured such that a part of the lower surface in <FIG> and <FIG> thereof is disposed on the upper surface in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the first sub circuit board <NUM> in a an attachment or SMD manner, and thus, is in contact with the first sub circuit board <NUM>.

The second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> may be configured to have a length (or a width) extending further inward than the first sub circuit board <NUM>. For example, the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> may be configured to have an opening having a different size from that of the first sub circuit board <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second sub circuit board <NUM> may be configured to extend further inward by a first length than the first sub circuit board <NUM> and to have an opening smaller than the opening in the first sub circuit board <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second sub circuit board <NUM> may be configured to extend further inward by a second length (e.g. longer than the first length) than the first sub circuit board <NUM> and to have an opening smaller than the opening in the first sub circuit board <NUM>. An opening in the second sub circuit board <NUM> in <FIG> may be configured to be smaller than the opening in the second sub circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>.

The second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> may enable the thermal interface material <NUM> or <NUM> to be accurately fixed and disposed at a predetermined position, and the shape of the thermal interface material <NUM> or <NUM> may depend on the design structure of the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the second sub circuit board <NUM> may be configured to have a protruding part which protrudes toward the thermal interface material <NUM> disposed inside the inner surface of the first sub circuit board <NUM>. The protruding surface of the second sub circuit board <NUM> and the thermal interface material <NUM> may be configured to be in contact with each other on at least two surfaces among outer surfaces of the thermal interface material <NUM> and at least two surfaces among inner surfaces of the second sub circuit board <NUM>, which are in contact with each other. The thermal interface material <NUM> may be configured to correspond to the opening in the second sub circuit board <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the second sub circuit board <NUM> may be configured to protrude toward the thermal interface material <NUM> disposed inside the inner surface of the first sub circuit board <NUM>. The second sub circuit board <NUM> may be configured such that the protruding part thereof extends further than that of the example in <FIG> so as to press against the thermal interface material <NUM>. The second sub circuit board <NUM> may be disposed (or fixed) to press against at least two surfaces of both sides of the upper part of the thermal interface material <NUM>. The thermal interface material <NUM> may be configured such that the upper and lower parts of the body thereof have different widths according to the pressing of the second sub circuit board <NUM>. The thermal interface material <NUM> may be configured to have a concave or convex (<IMG>) shape.

The second circuit board <NUM> (e.g. the first sub circuit board <NUM> and the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM>) may include a via and a signal pad for exchanging an electrical signal therein. The first sub circuit board <NUM> and the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> may be configured to be electrically connected through the via and the signal pad included therein.

The second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> may be configured to receive a part of the flexible third circuit board <NUM> in one side thereof. The second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> may include multiple metal layers, and may be configured to receive a part of the third circuit board <NUM> between at least some of the multiple metal layers (or in a space between the layers).

The shield can <NUM> may be configured to have a <IMG>-shape (or a ∩-shape) which includes both side walls having a predetermined height, and a shielding surface connecting both side walls, or may be configured to have a flat-plate shape (or a - (straight) shape which includes only a shielding surface without both side walls.

The circuit board assembly may have an SMD pad <NUM> disposed between circuit boards (e.g. between the first circuit board <NUM> and the first sub circuit board <NUM>, between the first sub circuit board <NUM> and the second sub circuit board <NUM>, or between a circuit board (e.g. the first circuit board <NUM>) and an electronic element <NUM>). The SMD pad may be disposed for wiring efficiency and signal flow and/or heat dissipation between components. A signal wire may be electrically connected to the SMD pad <NUM> at least based on the via and the signal pad in the first sub circuit board <NUM> and in the second sub circuit board <NUM> or <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a structure in which a circuit board assembly is implemented, according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, a circuit board assembly may include a first circuit board <NUM>, a second circuit board <NUM> (e.g. a first sub circuit board <NUM> and a second sub circuit board <NUM>), and a third circuit board <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cross-section seen from direction A in <FIG>, which will be described below.

Various electronic elements may be arranged on the first circuit board <NUM>. In <FIG>, the electronic elements may include a first electronic element <NUM> and a second electronic element <NUM>, which may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM> as well as on the other surface thereof.

Antennas <NUM> configured to transmit or receive an RF signal for wireless communication are arranged in at least a part of the first circuit board <NUM>. The antennas <NUM> may include a first antenna array and a second antenna array, wherein the first antennas may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM>, and the second antennas may be arranged on the one surface of the first circuit board <NUM> and on another surface thereof (e.g. a side surface of the first circuit board <NUM>). The first antennas may include a patch antenna array including patch antennas, and may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM>. The second antennas may include a dipole antenna array including dipole antennas, and may be arranged on one surface and another surface of the first circuit board <NUM>.

The second circuit board <NUM> (e.g. the first sub circuit board <NUM> and the second sub circuit board <NUM>) may be configured as an interposer. <FIG> shows an example in which the first sub circuit board <NUM> is implemented as an <NUM>-shaped (or ∞-shaped) interposer and the second sub circuit board <NUM> is implemented as a □-shaped interposer. The first sub circuit board <NUM> may be disposed to have a structure surrounding each of the first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM> on the first circuit board <NUM>. The second sub circuit board <NUM> may be disposed to have a structure surrounding a thermal interface material <NUM> and shielding the second electronic element <NUM>.

The second sub circuit board <NUM> may be configured to be in contact with at least one surface of the first sub circuit board <NUM> and to have an opening positioned to correspond to at least one of the openings in the first sub circuit board <NUM>. In <FIG>, the second sub circuit board <NUM> may be configured to have an asymmetrical □-shape in which one flat side thereof is longer than the other flat side thereof. The opening in the second sub circuit board <NUM> may be positioned to correspond to the position of the first electronic element <NUM> that generates a substantial amount of heat among the electronic elements on the first circuit board <NUM>, thereby increasing the effect of additional heat generation by the thermal interface material <NUM>. For example, in a structure in which an interposer serving as the first sub circuit board <NUM> and an interposer for a jig, serving as the second sub circuit board <NUM>, are laminated, an opening may be formed through the interposer for a jig to prevent heat from being trapped between the interposer and the interposer for a jig, thereby improving heat-radiation performance.

The opening in the second sub circuit board <NUM> may be also configured to include an <NUM>-shaped (or ∞-shaped) opening (e.g. two openings) so as to correspond to the shape of the first sub circuit board <NUM>.

Each of the first sub circuit board <NUM> and the second sub circuit board <NUM> may include a via and a signal pad therein. The first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM> stably placed on the first circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to the antennas <NUM> through the via and the signal pad included in each of the first sub circuit board <NUM> and the second sub circuit board <NUM>.

The second circuit board <NUM> may be configured to receive a part of the flexible third circuit board <NUM> in one side of the first sub circuit board <NUM> or the second sub circuit board <NUM>. The first sub circuit board <NUM> may be configured to receive a part of the third circuit board <NUM> between at least some of multiple metal layers thereof (or in a space of the layers).

The third circuit board <NUM> may be configured as an FPCB. One end of the third circuit board <NUM> may be received between at least some of the multiple metal layers of the first sub circuit board <NUM> (or the second sub circuit board <NUM>), the other end of the third circuit board may protrude out of the first sub circuit board <NUM> (or the second sub circuit board <NUM>), and a connector <NUM> (e.g. a B2B connector) for a B2B connection may be disposed at one side (or the tip) of the other end of the third circuit board.

The thermal interface material <NUM> may serve as a bridge for connecting a heat-generating part, such as the first electronic element <NUM>, and a heat-removing structure, such as a shield can <NUM>. One surface of the thermal interface material <NUM> may be attached to the first electronic element <NUM> so as to cover the first electronic element <NUM>, and the other surface thereof may be attached to a part of one surface of the shield can <NUM>. <FIG> show examples in which the thermal interface material <NUM> is disposed at the first electronic element <NUM>. However, the thermal interface material <NUM> may also be disposed at the second electronic element <NUM>.

The shield can <NUM> may be fixedly disposed in an area of one surface of the second sub circuit board <NUM> (e.g. a position corresponding to an opening) so as to shield the first electronic element <NUM>. The second electronic element <NUM> may be shielded by the second sub circuit board <NUM>, and thus, the shield can <NUM> may be configured to cover only the first electronic element <NUM> without extending up to the second electronic element <NUM>. The shield can <NUM> may be disposed to be attached to one surface of the second sub circuit board <NUM> in a specific manner using a piece of conductive tape (or film) or an SMD. The shield can <NUM> may be fixed mounted on the second sub circuit board <NUM> so as to cover the first electronic element <NUM>, and may conduct heat generated in the first electronic element <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, some elements (e.g. the shield can <NUM>) illustrated in <FIG> are omitted for schematization purposes. The circuit board assembly may include a first circuit board <NUM>, which provides a space for mounting the first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM>, a first sub circuit board <NUM>, configured as an <NUM>-shaped interposer which surrounds each of the first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM> on the first circuit board <NUM>, a second sub circuit board <NUM> (e.g. an interposer for a jig) disposed on the first sub circuit board <NUM> so as to correspond to the shape of the first sub circuit board <NUM> and having at least one opening formed to correspond to the position of the first electronic element <NUM> that generates a lot of heat, and an FPCB board <NUM> configured to have a connector <NUM> for a B2B connection disposed at one end thereof and to be received in the second sub circuit board <NUM> at the other end thereof.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first sub circuit board <NUM> has an <NUM>-shape with reference to the inside (or inner surface) thereof, and the inside of the first sub circuit board <NUM> may be bored in an <NUM>-shape (e.g. may have a first hole <NUM> and a second hole (e.g. a space corresponding to the thermal interface material <NUM>)). The second sub circuit board <NUM> may have a shape including a □-shaped opening (e.g. a square-shaped hole of <FIG> (e.g. a third hole corresponding to the thermal interface material <NUM>)) formed at one flat side thereof. The first sub circuit board <NUM> may have two holes (an <NUM>-shape), such as the first hole <NUM> and the second hole, formed to correspond to spaces in which the first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM> are positioned, and the second sub circuit board <NUM> may have one hole (e.g. a □-shape), such as the third hole, formed to correspond to a space in which the thermal interface material <NUM> to be laminated on the first electronic element <NUM> is positioned.

The third circuit board <NUM> may be configured such that one end thereof is received between at least some of the multiple metal layers of the second sub circuit board <NUM>. The other end of the third circuit board <NUM> may protrude out of the second sub circuit board <NUM>, and the connector <NUM> for a B2B connection may be disposed at one side (or the tip) of the other end of the third circuit board.

The shield can <NUM> may be configured to cover at least a part of the opening in the second sub circuit board <NUM>.

According to the invention, the thermal interface material <NUM> is disposed between the shield can <NUM> and the first electronic element <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a structure in which a circuit board assembly is implemented according to an embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates a structure in which, in the structures in <FIG>, a heat-radiating member <NUM> is laminated on and brought into contact with the second circuit board <NUM> (e.g. one surface (e.g. the upper surface in <FIG>) of the second sub circuit board <NUM>).

The heat-radiating member <NUM> may be in direct contact with the thermal interface material <NUM>. In <FIG>, the shield can <NUM> may be omitted, and thus one surface of the thermal interface material <NUM> exposed through the opening in the second sub circuit board <NUM> may be in direct contact with the heat-radiating member <NUM>. The heat-radiating member <NUM> enables even dissipation (e.g. efficient transfer) of heat generated in the first electronic element <NUM>, and may include a heat pipe or a vapor chamber.

<FIG> illustrates another example of a circuit board assembly structure according to an embodiment useful to understand, but not necessarily covered by the claimed invention. In <FIG>, as well as in <FIG>, <FIG>, described later herein, a structure is illustrated in which, in the circuit board assembly as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the function (or role) of the second sub circuit board <NUM> which is an interposer in the second circuit board <NUM> is performed by a main circuit board in place of the second sub circuit board <NUM>. For example, <FIG>, <FIG> show examples of a structure in which an antenna module is coupled to a main circuit board.

Referring to <FIG>, a circuit board assembly may include a first circuit board <NUM>, a second circuit board <NUM> (e.g. an interposer), and a third circuit board <NUM> (e.g. a main circuit board). <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate a structure in which signal wires are included in the second circuit board <NUM>. For example, the signal wires may be transferred through the second circuit board <NUM>, and thus, a separate connection part (e.g. an FPCB) extending from the second circuit board <NUM>) for transferring the signal wires may be omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, antennas <NUM> configured to transmit or receive an RF for wireless communication may be arranged in at least a part of the first circuit board <NUM>. The antennas <NUM> may include a first antenna array and a second antenna array, the first antennas may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM>, and the second antennas may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM> and on a side surface of the first circuit board <NUM>. The first antennas include a patch antenna array including patch antennas and may be arranged in the first circuit board <NUM>. The second antennas include a dipole antenna array including dipole antennas and may be arranged in one surface and another surface of the first circuit board <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the third circuit board <NUM> may have a bored hole (or opening) formed at a position corresponding to a □-shaped opening in the second circuit board <NUM>. The third circuit board <NUM> may be configured to have an opening <NUM> (or a hole) having a size identical to or different from that of the opening in the second circuit board <NUM> on the electronic element <NUM> and a thermal interface material <NUM> laminated on the electronic element <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the third circuit board <NUM> may be configured to extend by a predetermined length (or a length that reaches the thermal interface material <NUM>) further inward than the second circuit board <NUM>, and to have an opening smaller than the opening in the second circuit board <NUM>.

The second circuit board <NUM> may include a module interface (e.g. a via or a signal pad) for exchanging an electrical signal therein, and may be electrically connected to the third circuit board <NUM> through the module interface.

<FIG> illustrates another example of a circuit board assembly structure according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is an example of a structure in which a shield can <NUM> is mounted in the structure of <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the shield can <NUM> may be configured to have a <IMG>-shape (or a ∩-shape) which includes both side walls having a predetermined height, and a shielding surface connecting the both side walls, or may be configured to have a flat-plate shape (or a - (straight) shape) which includes only a shielding surface without both side walls.

The shape of the thermal interface material <NUM> may depend on the design structure of the third circuit board <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another example of a circuit board assembly structure according to an embodiment useful to understand, but not necessarily covered by the claimed invention. Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is an example of a structure in which a heat-radiating member <NUM> is mounted in the structure of <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the thermal interface material <NUM> exposed through the opening in the third circuit board <NUM> is in contact with the heat-radiating member <NUM> laminated on one surface of the third circuit board <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the heat-radiating member <NUM> may be laminated on and in direct contact with one surface of the thermal interface material <NUM> exposed from the third circuit board <NUM>. The heat-radiating member <NUM> enables even dissipation (e.g. efficient transfer) of heat generated in the electronic element <NUM>, and may include a heat pipe or a vapor chamber.

The shield can <NUM> may be further included between the heat-radiating member <NUM> and the thermal interface material <NUM>. For example, the heat-radiating member <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be configured to be in contact with the shield can <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates another example of a circuit board assembly structure according to an embodiment useful to understand, but not necessarily covered by the claimed invention.

In <FIG>, an electronic element <NUM> (e.g. an RFIC) may be disposed on one surface of a first circuit board <NUM>, and a thermal interface material <NUM> may be attached to one surface of the electronic element <NUM>. A second circuit board <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM> in a specific manner. The second circuit board <NUM> may be disposed to have a structure surrounding the electronic element <NUM>. A third circuit board <NUM> may be attached through one surface of the second circuit board <NUM>.

Antennas <NUM>, configured to transmit or receive an RF for wireless communication may be arranged in at least a part of the first circuit board <NUM>. The antennas <NUM> may include a first antenna array and a second antenna array, the first antennas may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM>, and the second antennas may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM> and on another surface thereof (e.g. a side surface of the first circuit board <NUM>).

In <FIG>, a structure in which a thermal via (or thermal via hole) <NUM> is used to radiate heat is shown. The third circuit board <NUM> may have the thermal via <NUM> formed through a predetermined part at which the thermal interface material <NUM> is positioned (e.g. the position at which the opening is formed in <FIG>, and <FIG>). The third circuit board <NUM> may have a structure in which the thermal via <NUM> is processed at a position at which heat discharge is required, such that heat from the electronic element <NUM> generated at the corresponding position is discharged therethrough. For example, the third circuit board <NUM> has the thermal via <NUM> for a heat discharge passage between the thermal interface material <NUM> and the outside (or a shield can or a heat-radiating member), and thus, is capable of increasing heat-radiation efficiency. The structure of <FIG> may include a structure in which the heat-radiating member is laminated on the upper side of the third circuit board <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another example of a structure in which a circuit board assembly is implemented according to an embodiment useful to understand, but not necessarily covered by the claimed invention. Referring to <FIG>, a circuit board assembly may include a first circuit board <NUM>, a second circuit board <NUM> (e.g. a first sub circuit board <NUM> and a second sub circuit board <NUM>), and a third circuit board <NUM>.

Various electronic elements may be arranged on the first circuit board <NUM>. In <FIG>, the electronic elements may include a first electronic element <NUM> and a second electronic element <NUM>. The electronic elements may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM> as well as on the other surface thereof.

Antennas <NUM> configured to transmit or receive an RF for wireless communication may be arranged in at least a part of the first circuit board <NUM>. The antennas <NUM> may include a first antenna array and a second antenna array, the first antennas may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM>, and the second antennas may be arranged on one surface of the first circuit board <NUM> and on another surface thereof (e.g. a side surface of the first circuit board <NUM>).

The second circuit board <NUM> may be configured as an interposer. The first sub circuit board <NUM> may be disposed to have a structure surrounding each of the first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM> on the first circuit board <NUM>, and the second sub circuit board <NUM> may have a structure in which the same is laminated on the first sub circuit board <NUM> so as to shield the first electronic element <NUM> and the second electronic element <NUM>. Thermal interface materials (<NUM> and/or <NUM>) may be included between the first electronic element <NUM> and/or the second electronic element <NUM> and the second sub circuit board <NUM>.

The third circuit board <NUM> (e.g. an FPCB) may not extend from the first sub circuit board <NUM> (e.g. an interposer) and may be implemented to have a structure in which a connector <NUM> is disposed on one surface of another circuit board (e.g. the first circuit board <NUM> or the second sub circuit board <NUM>) and in which the third circuit board <NUM> is connected to the connector <NUM> of the corresponding circuit board. <FIG> shows an example of a structure in which the connector <NUM> is mounted on the second sub circuit board <NUM> and is connected to the third circuit board <NUM>.

As <FIG> is described as an example, the second sub circuit board <NUM> may be configured to have a structure in which one end thereof extends longer than the first circuit board <NUM>, and the connector <NUM> may be mounted on one surface (e.g. the upper side or the lower side) of the extended part. <FIG> shows a structure in which the connector <NUM> is disposed on the lower side of the second sub circuit board <NUM>. One end of the third circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to the connector <NUM>, and the other end of the third circuit board <NUM> may be connected to a main circuit board. The connector <NUM> may be mounted on one side (the upper or lower side) of the second sub circuit board <NUM>, and a part of the flexible third circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to the connector <NUM>.

Embodiments are not limited to the example of <FIG> and may include a structure in which the connector <NUM> is disposed on the first circuit board <NUM>. The first circuit board <NUM> may be configured to have a structure in which one end thereof is extended and the connector <NUM> is mounted on the upper side or lower side of the extended part.

Each of the first sub circuit board <NUM> and the second sub circuit board <NUM> may include a via and a signal pad. The first electronic element <NUM> or the second electronic element <NUM> stably placed on the first circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to the antennas <NUM> through the via and the signal pad of each of the first sub circuit board <NUM> and the second sub circuit board <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another example of a structure in which a circuit board assembly is implemented according to an embodiment useful to understand, but not necessarily covered by the claimed invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a structure is shown in which, in the structure illustrated in <FIG>, the second circuit board <NUM> (e.g. the second sub circuit board <NUM>) may have a specific-shaped opening (or hole) formed therein, as illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, or may have a thermal via formed in the second circuit board <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a structure in which a heat-radiating member <NUM> is laminated on and is in contact with one surface of the thermal interface material <NUM> exposed through the opening (or the thermal via) in the second sub circuit board <NUM> (or on one surface (e.g. the upper surface in <FIG>) of the second sub circuit board <NUM>. For example, <FIG> shows a structure in which the thermal interface material <NUM> is in direct contact with the heat-radiating member <NUM> disposed on the second sub circuit board <NUM>. The heat-radiating member <NUM> enables even dissipation (e.g. efficient transfer) of heat generated in the first electronic element <NUM>, and may include a heat pipe or a vapor chamber.

Embodiments disclosed in the specification and the drawings are only particular examples for ease of description of understanding of the disclosure, and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it should be construed that all modifications or modified forms capable of being derived from the technical idea of the disclosure in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein are included in the scope of the disclosure, and the invention is defined in the appended claims.

As used herein, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuitry". For example, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium that is readable by a machine. For example, a processor of the machine may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to at least one of invoked instructions which may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter.

The term "non-transitory" indicates that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently or temporarily stored in a storage medium.

A method according to embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product which may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore ™), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly.

Each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. One or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. In such a case, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. Operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claim 1:
An antenna module (<NUM>) comprising:
a circuit board (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a communication circuit (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed on one surface of the circuit board;
one or more antenna elements electrically connected to the communication circuit and arranged in at least a part of the circuit board;
a connection circuit board (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including an at least partially covered opening and being disposed on the one surface of the circuit board such that the communication circuit is disposed in an inner space formed by the opening of the connection circuit board and a shield can; the shield can (<NUM>, <NUM>)
disposed to be in contact with one surface of the connection circuit board so as to cover the communication circuit; and
a thermal interface material (<NUM>) configured to radiate heat generated in the communication circuit and disposed between the communication circuit and the shield can (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the connection circuit board (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises one or more signal wires electrically connected to the communication circuit;
wherein a coating (<NUM>) is formed on a side surface of the connection circuit board.