Patent Description:
As an electronic device has been recently popularized, the network traffic of the electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) is sharply increasing. To make the traffic better, a next-generation mobile communication technology using a signal in an ultra-high-frequency band, for example, a 5th-generation (<NUM>) mobile communication technology is being actively developed. The available bandwidth may become wider by using the <NUM> mobile communication technology, and thus, a significant amount of information may be transmitted and/or received. <CIT> discloses an electronic device with millimetre wave antennas comprising phase arrays comprising multiple antenna elements that can be used to direct a beam in a desired direction. <CIT> describes antennas for a wireless electronic device including an array of dual radiating elements suitable for use at millimetre band radio frequencies. <CIT> discloses integration approaches for mm-wave array type architectures using multilayer substrate technologies. For instance, an apparatus may include a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer, and a third substrate layer. The first substrate layer has a first plurality of array elements, and the second substrate layer has a second plurality of array elements. The third substrate layer has an integrated circuit to exchange one or more radio frequency (RF) signals with the first and second pluralities of array elements. The first and second substrate layers are separated by approximately a half wavelength (λ/<NUM>) corresponding to the one or more RF signals.

An electronic device may include an antenna array to use the <NUM> mobile communication technology. Because an antenna array has an effective isotropically radiated power (EIRP) greater than a single antenna, the antenna array may transmit and/or receive various kinds of data more effectively.

However, in the case of the antenna array, the signal transmission and/or reception rate in a specific direction may be significantly low. For example, when a patch antenna array faces a back cover of the electronic device, the signal transmission and/or reception rate in the direction of a side surface of the electronic device may be significantly low. For another example, when a dipole antenna array faces the side surface of the electronic device, the signal transmission and/or reception rate in the direction of the back cover of the electronic device may be significantly low.

Embodiments disclosed in the specification are to provide an electronic device for improving the signal transmission and/or reception rates in various directions by adjusting a phase of an antenna array.

According to the present invention, an antenna module is provided as set forth in claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are set forth in dependent claims.

According to an embodiment disclosed in the specification, there is no separate antenna array for each direction, and thus the mounting space of an electronic device may be utilized efficiently.

Furthermore, according to the embodiments disclosed in this specification, a beam may be steered in various directions by adjusting the phase of an antenna array. Accordingly, the signal transmission/reception rate may be improved because the beam coverage is widened.

Besides, a variety of effects directly or indirectly understood through the specification may be provided.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include housing <NUM> and at least one of first to fourth antenna modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may protect various parts (e.g., a display or a battery) included in the electronic device <NUM> from external shocks, by forming the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may include a back cover <NUM> (or a second plate) and a side member <NUM>. The back cover <NUM> may be formed of tempered glass, plastic, and/or metal. The back cover <NUM> may be integrally implemented with the side member <NUM> or may be implemented to be removable by a user.

According to an embodiment, the first to fourth antenna modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>. The first to fourth antenna modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be opposed to the back cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first to fourth antenna modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed in an area adjacent to each corner of the electronic device <NUM>.

The antenna module (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>) according to an embodiment of the disclosure may change a direction, in which a signal is transmitted and/or received, depending on situations. For example, when it is determined that a nearest external device <NUM> (e.g., a base station) is positioned in the y direction of the electronic device <NUM> while the electronic device <NUM> transmits and/or receives a signal in the z direction, the electronic device <NUM> may change the phase of the current applied to an antenna module (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>). When the phase is changed, the antenna module (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>) may transmit and/or receive a signal in the y direction.

In this specification, the details described in <FIG> may be identically applied to configurations having the same reference numerals (or marks) as the electronic device <NUM> and the first to fourth antenna modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Besides, the details about the first antenna module <NUM> may be applied to the second antenna module <NUM>, the third antenna module <NUM>, and the fourth antenna module <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a first antenna module according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view associated with an antenna module including a feeding structure of a dipole antenna and a micro strip <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a first antenna module according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the first antenna module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> taken along line A-A'. <FIG> is a diagram associated with an antenna module including the feeding structure of a dipole antenna and a probe <NUM>. The feeding structure or feeding method illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is only an embodiment, and various embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to illustration of <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first antenna module <NUM> includes a printed circuit board <NUM>, a first antenna array <NUM>, a second antenna array <NUM>, and/or a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM> mounts the first antenna array <NUM>, the second antenna array <NUM>, and/or the RFIC <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first antenna array <NUM> is disposed on one surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the first antenna array <NUM> includes a plurality of dipole antennas 121a-<NUM>, 121a-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121d-<NUM>, and 121d-<NUM>. The dipole antennas 121a-<NUM>, 121a-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121d-<NUM>, and 121d-<NUM> may be aligned in the x direction on one surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The dipole antennas 121a-<NUM>, 121a-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121d-<NUM>, and 121d-<NUM> may be electrically connected to the RFIC <NUM>. In this specification, the "dipole antenna" may be referred to as an "antenna element".

According to an embodiment, the second antenna array <NUM> is disposed on the other surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the second antenna array <NUM> includes a plurality of dipole antennas 122a-<NUM>, 122a-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122d-<NUM>, and 122d-<NUM>. The dipole antennas 122a-<NUM>, 122a-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122d-<NUM>, and 122d-<NUM> may be aligned in the x direction on the other surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The dipole antennas 122a-<NUM>, 122a-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122d-<NUM>, and 122d-<NUM> may be electrically connected to the RFIC <NUM>. In this specification, the description given with regard to the first antenna array <NUM> may also be applied to the second antenna array <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM> may include a first region <NUM> and a second region <NUM>. The first region <NUM> may refer to a region including the plurality of dipole antennas 121a-<NUM>, 121a-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121d-<NUM>, and 121d-<NUM> formed on the one surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The second region <NUM> may refer to a region including the plurality of dipole antennas 122a-<NUM>, 122a-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122d-<NUM>, and 122d-<NUM> formed on the other surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when viewed from above the printed circuit board <NUM>, the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> may at least partially overlap with each other.

According to an embodiment, the RFIC <NUM> is attached to the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the RFIC <NUM> may be attached in the -z direction of the printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the RFIC <NUM> is electrically connected to the first antenna array <NUM> and e RFIC <NUM> transmits and/or receives a signal in a specified frequency band (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>) by feeding the first antenna array <NUM> and/or the second antenna array <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the RFIC <NUM> may change the beam radiation direction of the first antenna module <NUM> by changing the phase of the current fed to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>. The RFIC <NUM> may transmit and/or receive a signal in the changed beam radiation direction. For example, when the external device <NUM> (e.g., a base station) is positioned in the y direction of the electronic device <NUM>, the RFIC <NUM> may form a beam in the y direction by applying the current having substantially the same phase to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> and then may transmit and/or receive a signal. For another example, when the external device <NUM> (e.g., a base station) is positioned in the z direction of the electronic device <NUM>, the RFIC <NUM> may form a beam in the z direction by applying currents having different phases (e.g., <NUM>°) from each other to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> and then may transmit and/or receive a signal. The embodiments are exemplary, and the electronic device may transmit and/or receive a signal by forming a beam in a direction (e.g., between the y direction and the z direction or the x direction) other than the y and z directions.

According to an embodiment, the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> may be connected to electrodes having different polarities from each other. For example, the first radiator 121a-<NUM> among the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> may be connected to a positive electrode, and the second radiator 121a-<NUM> thereof may be connected to a negative electrode. In another embodiment, the first radiator 121a-<NUM> among the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> may be connected to a positive electrode, and the second radiator 121a-<NUM> among the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> may be connected to a ground layer. In this specification, the descriptions about the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> may also be applied to the second dipole antennas 121b-<NUM> and 121b-<NUM>, the third dipole antennas 121c-<NUM> and 121c-<NUM>, and the fourth dipole antennas 121d-<NUM> and 121d-<NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> may be connected to electrodes having different polarities from each other. For example, the 'a' radiator 122a-<NUM> among the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> may be connected to a positive electrode, and the 'b' radiator 122a-<NUM> thereof may be connected to a negative electrode. For another example, the 'a' radiator 122a-<NUM> among the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> may be connected to a positive electrode, and the 'b' radiator 122a-<NUM> among the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> may be connected to a ground layer. In this specification, the description about the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> may also be applied to the 'b' dipole antennas 122b-<NUM> and 122b-<NUM>, the 'c' dipole antennas 122c-<NUM> and 122c-<NUM>, and the 'd' dipole antennas 122d-<NUM> and 122d-<NUM>.

In this specification, the description given with reference to <FIG>, and <FIG> may be identically applied to configurations that have the same reference numerals (or marks) as the first antenna module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>. Also, the structure of the first antenna module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is exemplary, and embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to the structure of the first antenna module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. In examples not forming part of the claimed invention but nonetheless useful for the understanding of the invention, a monopole antenna or a slot antenna other than a dipole antenna may be mounted on the first antenna module <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a first antenna module according to another example not forming part of the claimed invention but nonetheless useful for the understanding of the invention.

<FIG> to be described later are diagrams associated with various types of the first antenna modules capable of being included in the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a first antenna module <NUM> may include the first antenna array <NUM>, the second antenna array <NUM>, the RFIC <NUM>, a first printed circuit board <NUM>, and/or a second printed circuit board <NUM>. The first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> may be disposed on the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>, respectively. The RFIC <NUM> may be interposed between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to an example, the RFIC <NUM> may change the direction of the transmitted and/or received signal by changing the phase of the current fed to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>. For example, the RFIC <NUM> may form a beam in the direction of a base station by changing the phase of the current fed to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> and then may transmit and/or receive a signal.

According to an example, the signal transmission and/or reception rate of the first antenna module <NUM> may be changed depending on a distance d1 between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, when the distance d1 between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> is not less than a specified value, the signal transmission and/or reception rate of the first antenna module <NUM> may not be less than a predetermined level.

<FIG> illustrates a first antenna module according to still another example not forming part of the claimed invention but nonetheless useful for the understanding of the invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a first antenna module <NUM> may include the first antenna array <NUM>, the second antenna array <NUM>, the RFIC <NUM>, a sub PCB <NUM>, and/or a main PCB <NUM>. The first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> may be disposed on the sub PCB <NUM> and the main PCB <NUM>, respectively. The RFIC <NUM> may be disposed on the main PCB <NUM>.

According to an example, the sub PCB <NUM> may be disposed in the z direction of the main PCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sub PCB <NUM> may be smaller than the main PCB <NUM>, and may be electrically connected to the RFIC <NUM> disposed on the main PCB <NUM> through wires. For example, the sub PCB <NUM> may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

The RFIC <NUM> may change the direction of a beam by changing the phase of the current fed to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>. For example, the RFIC <NUM> may form a beam in the direction of the external device <NUM> (e.g., a base station) by changing the phase of the current fed to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> and then may transmit and/or receive a signal.

According to an example, the sub PCB <NUM> and the main PCB <NUM> may be connected through a connection member <NUM>. The connection member <NUM> may be a coaxial cable or a flexible-printed circuit board (F-PCB). According to an embodiment, the first antenna array <NUM> on the sub PCB <NUM> may be electrically connected to the RFIC <NUM> on the main PCB <NUM> through the connection member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a first antenna module according to yet another embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a first antenna module <NUM> may include a first printed circuit board <NUM>, a second printed circuit board <NUM>, a third printed circuit board <NUM>, the first antenna array <NUM>, the second antenna array <NUM>, a third antenna array 232a, a fourth antenna array 232b, a fifth antenna array 233a, and a sixth antenna array 233b.

According to an embodiment, the first printed circuit board <NUM>, the second printed circuit board <NUM>, and the third printed circuit board <NUM> may be spaced from one another by a specified distance. For example, the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be spaced from each other by the specified distance, and the second printed circuit board <NUM> and the third printed circuit board <NUM> may also be spaced from each other by the specified distance.

The antenna arrays <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>; the antenna arrays 232a and 232b may be disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>; the antenna arrays 233a and 233b may be disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the first antenna array <NUM> is disposed on one surface of the first printed circuit board <NUM>; the second antenna array <NUM> may be disposed on the other surface of the first printed circuit board <NUM>. The third antenna array 232a may be disposed on one surface of the second printed circuit board <NUM>; the fourth antenna array 232b may be disposed on the other surface of the second printed circuit board <NUM>. The fifth antenna array 233a may be disposed on one surface of the third printed circuit board <NUM>; the sixth antenna array 233b may be disposed on the other surface of the third printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may change the beam radiation direction of the first antenna module <NUM> by changing the phase of the current fed to the first to sixth antenna arrays <NUM>, <NUM>, 232a, 232b, 233a, and 233b. The RFIC <NUM> may transmit and/or receive a signal in the changed beam radiation direction. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may form a beam in the direction of the external device <NUM> (e.g., a base station) by changing the phase of the current fed to the first to sixth antenna arrays <NUM>, <NUM>, 232a, 232b, 233a, and 233b and then may transmit and/or receive a signal.

According to an embodiment, the signal transmission and/or reception rate of the first antenna module <NUM> may be changed depending on a distance d2 between antenna arrays. For example, when the distance d2 between the second antenna array <NUM> and the third antenna array 232a is not less than a specified value, the signal transmission and/or reception rate of the first antenna module <NUM> may not be less than a predetermined level.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may receive a first signal from the external device <NUM> (e.g., a base station). The electronic device <NUM> may set an optimal direction among directions capable of transmitting and/or receiving a signal based on the first signal. For example, when the external device <NUM> (e.g., a base station) is positioned in the y direction of the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may set the y direction as the optimal direction capable of transmitting and/or receiving a signal.

The above-described direction setting method is exemplary, and embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to the above-described setting method. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may set the optimal direction capable of transmitting and/or receiving a signal regardless of the location of the external device <NUM> (e.g., a base station).

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may change the phase of at least part of the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>. For example, when the y direction is set as the optimal direction, the electronic device <NUM> may apply the current having substantially the same phase to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>. For another example, when the z direction is set as the optimal direction, the electronic device <NUM> may apply currents having different phases (e.g., <NUM>°) to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>, respectively.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may transmit and/or receive a second signal in a beam direction formed by the changed phase. For example, when the current having substantially the same phase is applied to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>, a beam may be formed in the y direction. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may transmit and/or receive a signal in a specified frequency band (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>) in the y direction.

For another example, when the currents having different phases (e.g., <NUM>°) are applied to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>, a beam may be formed in the z direction. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may transmit and/or receive a signal in a specified frequency band (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>) in the z direction.

<FIG> illustrates a flow of a radiation current applied to a first dipole antenna and an 'a' dipole antenna according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a beam formed by a first antenna module according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the disclosure will be described by using the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a beam of the first antenna module <NUM> formed by the feeding method illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the RFIC <NUM> may apply a current having substantially the same phase to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>. For example, <FIG> may be associated with an embodiment in which the phase difference between the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> is <NUM>° or an embodiment in which a current having the same phase is applied to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>. The phase difference of the current applied to the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> may be <NUM>°; the phase difference of the current applied to the second dipole antennas 121b-<NUM> and 121b-<NUM> and the 'b' dipole antennas 122b-<NUM> and 122b- <NUM> may be <NUM>°; the phase difference of the current applied to the third dipole antennas 121c-<NUM> and 121c-<NUM> and the 'c' dipole antennas 122c-<NUM> and 122c-<NUM> may be <NUM>°; the phase difference of the current applied to the fourth dipole antennas 121d-<NUM> and 121d-<NUM> and the 'd' dipole antennas 122d-<NUM> and 122d-<NUM> may be <NUM>°.

In the case of the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM>, the RFIC <NUM> may apply a current having the phase of <NUM>° to the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM>. Accordingly, a current may flow into the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> in the first direction ①; a current may flow to the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> in the second direction ②.

In this specification, the description about the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> may also be applied to the second dipole antennas 121b-<NUM> and 121b-<NUM>, the third dipole antennas 121c-<NUM> and 121c-<NUM>, and the fourth dipole antennas 121d-<NUM> and 121d-<NUM>. In this specification, the description about the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> may also be applied to the 'b' dipole antennas 122b-<NUM> and 122b-<NUM>, the 'c' dipole antennas 122c-<NUM> and 122c-<NUM>, and the 'd' dipole antennas 122d-<NUM> and 122d-<NUM>. In addition, the first direction ① and the second direction ② may be substantially the same direction. The RFIC <NUM> may feed the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> in the same phase such that the radiation current flows in substantially the same direction.

Referring to <FIG>, a beam <NUM> having a convex shape in the y direction may be formed by the current flowing in the first direction ① and the second direction ②. For example, the beam having a convex shape in the y direction may be formed by the current flowing in the first direction ①; the beam having a convex shape in the y direction may be formed by the current flowing in the second direction ②. In the case of the embodiment shown in <FIG>, because a current flows into the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> in the same direction, the beam having a more convex shape may be formed in the y direction than the beam in the case where a current flows into one of the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM>. According to an embodiment, the beam <NUM> having a more convex shape in the y direction may be formed by the current flowing in the first direction ① and the second direction ②. For example, a ground layer (not illustrated) of the printed circuit board <NUM> may be positioned in the -y direction. Accordingly, the beam <NUM> having a more convex shape in the y direction may be formed. The ground layer of the printed circuit board <NUM> may mean some regions of the printed circuit board <NUM> for forming a transmission line <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates that a beam is adjusted in an x-axis, according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an x-y cross-sectional view according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an x-y cross-sectional view of a beam <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the beam <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be a beam in the case where a current is applied to the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM>; the beam <NUM> to be described later with reference to <FIG> may be a beam in the case where a current is applied to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a current having substantially the same phase may be applied to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>. For example, the current having the phase described in Table <NUM> below may be applied to the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM>, the second dipole antennas 121b-<NUM> and 121b-<NUM>, the third dipole antennas 121c-<NUM> and 121c-<NUM>, the fourth dipole antennas 121d-<NUM> and 121d-<NUM>, the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM>, the 'b' dipole antennas 122b-<NUM> and 122b-<NUM>, the 'c' dipole antennas 122c-<NUM> and 122c-<NUM>, and the 'd' dipole antennas 122d-<NUM> and 122d-<NUM>. The beam <NUM> may be formed by the current having the phase described in Table <NUM> below.

In the case of the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, because there is a phase difference between the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the second dipole antennas 121b-<NUM> and 121b-<NUM>, between the second dipole antennas 121b-<NUM> and 121b-<NUM> and the third dipole antennas 121c-<NUM> and 121c-<NUM>, or between the third dipole antennas 121c-<NUM> and 121c-<NUM> and the fourth dipole antennas 121d-<NUM> and 121d-<NUM> (or between the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> and the 'b' dipole antennas 122b-<NUM> and 122b-<NUM>, between the 'b' dipole antennas 122b-<NUM> and 122b-<NUM> and the 'c' dipole antennas 122c-<NUM> and 122c-<NUM>, or between the 'c' dipole antennas 122c-<NUM> and 122c-<NUM> and the 'd' dipole antennas 122d-<NUM> and 122d-<NUM>), the rate of signal transmission and/or reception in the x-axis direction and/or the -x-axis direction may be slightly higher than the rate of signal transmission and/or reception in the case where there is no phase difference. On the other hand, the rate of signal transmission and/or reception in the y-axis direction and/or the -y-axis direction may be slightly lower than the rate of signal transmission and/or reception in the case where there is no phase difference.

According to an embodiment, the beam <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be the beam measured without considering a ground layer (not illustrated) of the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the ground layer (not illustrated) of the printed circuit board <NUM> may be positioned in the -y direction, but the beam <NUM> may be measured without considering the fact that the ground layer of the printed circuit board <NUM> is positioned in the -y direction.

<FIG> illustrates a flow of a radiation current applied to a first dipole antenna and an 'a' dipole antenna according to another embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a beam formed by a first antenna module according to another embodiment. <FIG> illustrates the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the disclosure will be described by using the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a beam of the first antenna module formed by the feeding method illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the RFIC <NUM> may apply the current to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> such that currents applied to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> have an opposite phase. For example, <FIG> may be associated with an embodiment in which the phase difference between the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> is <NUM>° or an embodiment in which currents having opposite phases are applied to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>. The phase difference of the current applied to the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> may be <NUM>°; the phase difference of the current applied to the second dipole antennas 121b-<NUM> and 121b-<NUM> and the 'b' dipole antennas 122b-<NUM> and 122b-<NUM> may be <NUM>°; the phase difference of the current applied to the third dipole antennas 121c-<NUM> and 121c-<NUM> and the 'c' dipole antennas 122c-<NUM> and 122c-<NUM> may be <NUM>°; the phase difference of the current applied to the fourth dipole antennas 121d-<NUM> and 121d-<NUM> and the 'd' dipole antennas 122d-<NUM> and 122d-<NUM> may be <NUM>°.

In the case of the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM>, the RFIC <NUM> may apply a current having the phase of <NUM>° to the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM>. Accordingly, currents may flow to the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> in the 'a' direction ⓐ and the 'b' direction ⓑ, respectively.

In this specification, the descriptions about the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> may also be applied to the second dipole antennas 121b-<NUM> and 121b-<NUM>, the third dipole antennas 121c-<NUM> and 121c-<NUM>, and the fourth dipole antennas 121d-<NUM> and 121d-<NUM>. In this specification, the description about the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> may also be applied to the 'b' dipole antennas 122b-<NUM> and 122b-<NUM>, the 'c' dipole antennas 122c-<NUM> and 122c-<NUM>, and the 'd' dipole antennas 122d-<NUM> and 122d-<NUM>. For another example, the 'a' direction ⓐ and the 'b' direction ⓑ may be opposite directions to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, a beam having a convex shape in the +z/-z direction may be formed by the current flowing in the 'a' direction ⓐ; a beam having a convex shape in the +z/-z direction may be formed by the current flowing in the 'b' direction ⓑ. The currents flow into the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM>, which are one configuration of the first antenna array <NUM>, and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM>, which are one configuration of the second antenna array <NUM>, in both the 'a' direction ⓐ and the 'b' direction ⓑ. Accordingly, a beam <NUM> having the shape illustrated in <FIG> may be formed. For example, when the RFIC <NUM> applies currents having opposite phases to the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM>, the RFIC <NUM> may transmit and/or receive signals in the z direction and -z direction.

<FIG> illustrates that a beam is adjusted in an x-axis, according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an x-z cross-sectional view according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an x-z cross-sectional view of the beam illustrated in <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the beam <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be a beam in the case where a current is applied to the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM>; a beam <NUM> to be described later with reference to <FIG> may be a beam in the case where a current is applied to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the current may be applied to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> such that the current applied to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> have opposite phases. For example, the current having the phase described in Table <NUM> below may be applied to the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM>, the second dipole antennas 121b-<NUM> and 121b-<NUM>, the third dipole antennas 121c-<NUM> and 121c-<NUM>, the fourth dipole antennas 121d-<NUM> and 121d-<NUM>, the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM>, the 'b' dipole antennas 122b-<NUM> and 122b-<NUM>, the 'c' dipole antennas 122c-<NUM> and 122c-<NUM>, and the 'd' dipole antennas 122d-<NUM> and 122d-<NUM>. The beam <NUM> may be formed by the current having the phase described in Table <NUM> below.

In the case of the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, because there is a phase difference between the first dipole antennas 121a-<NUM> and 121a-<NUM> and the second dipole antennas 121b-<NUM> and 121b-<NUM>, between the second dipole antennas 121b-<NUM> and 121b-<NUM> and the third dipole antennas 121c-<NUM> and 121c-<NUM>, or between the third dipole antennas 121c-<NUM> and 121c-<NUM> and the fourth dipole antennas 121d-<NUM> and 121d-<NUM> (or between the 'a' dipole antennas 122a-<NUM> and 122a-<NUM> and the 'b' dipole antennas 122b-<NUM> and 122b-<NUM>, between the 'b' dipole antennas 122b-<NUM> and 122b-<NUM> and the 'c' dipole antennas 122c-<NUM> and 122c-<NUM>, or between the 'c' dipole antennas 122c-<NUM> and 122c-<NUM> and the 'd' dipole antennas 122d-<NUM> and 122d-<NUM>), the rate of signal transmission and/or reception in the x-axis direction and/or the -x-axis direction may be slightly higher than the rate of signal transmission and/or reception in the case where there is no phase difference. On the other hand, the rate of signal transmission and/or reception in the z-axis direction and/or the -z-axis direction may be slightly lower than the rate of signal transmission and/or reception in the case where there is no phase difference.

<FIG> illustrates a beam formed by a first antenna module according to still another embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a first antenna module <NUM> may include a printed circuit board <NUM>, a first slot antenna <NUM>, and/or a second slot antenna <NUM>. The first slot antenna <NUM> may be disposed on one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The second slot antenna <NUM> may be disposed on the other surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. Accordingly, the first slot antenna <NUM> and the second slot antenna <NUM> may be opposite to each other through the printed circuit board <NUM>.

Although not illustrated in <FIG>, the first antenna module <NUM> may include the RFIC <NUM>. The RFIC <NUM> may feed the first slot antenna <NUM> and the second slot antenna <NUM>. When the RFIC <NUM> feeds the first slot antenna <NUM> and the second slot antenna <NUM>, a beam <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be formed.

According to an embodiment, when the current of substantially the same phase is applied to the first slot antenna <NUM> and the second slot antenna <NUM>, the beam <NUM> in the y-axis direction may be formed. As illustrated in <FIG>, even when another type of an antenna (e.g., a slot antenna or a monopole antenna) other than a dipole antenna is disposed in the first antenna module <NUM>, the beam <NUM> in the y-axis direction may be formed. Besides, as illustrated in <FIG>, the signal transmission and/or reception rate for the x, y, and z directions of the first antenna module <NUM> may be slightly high. However, the signal transmission and/or reception rate for the -y direction may be slightly low.

According to an embodiment, the RFIC <NUM> may change the direction of the transmitted and/or received signal by changing the phase of the current fed to the first slot antenna <NUM> and the second slot antenna <NUM>. For example, the RFIC <NUM> may form a beam in the direction of the external device <NUM> (e.g., a base station) by changing the phase of the current fed to the first slot antenna <NUM> and the second slot antenna <NUM> and then may transmit and/or receive a signal.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include housing <NUM> and the antenna module <NUM> disposed on one surface of the housing <NUM>. The antenna module <NUM> may include the printed circuit board <NUM>, the first antenna array <NUM> disposed one surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>, the second antenna array <NUM> disposed on the other surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> and at least partially overlapping with the first antenna array <NUM> when viewed from one surface of the housing <NUM> and the radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) <NUM> electrically connected to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> and for feeding the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>. The RFIC <NUM> may be configured to receive a first signal from the external device <NUM> through at least one of the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>, to change a phase of at least part of the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> based on the first signal, and to transmit and/or receive a second signal in a direction of a beam formed by the changed phase.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the RFIC <NUM> may feed the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> such that a phase difference between the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> has a specified value.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the RFIC <NUM> may change a phase of at least part of the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> such that the beam is formed in a direction of the external device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first antenna array <NUM> may be spaced from the second antenna array <NUM> by a specified distance.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna module <NUM> may be disposed in a region adjacent to a first edge of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include an additional antenna module <NUM> disposed in a region adjacent to a second edge opposite to the first edge.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna module <NUM> may further include the feeding line <NUM> for connecting the RFIC <NUM> to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first antenna array <NUM> may include a plurality of dipole antennas 121a-<NUM>, 121a-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121d-<NUM>, and 121d-<NUM>. The second antenna array <NUM> may include a plurality of dipole antennas 122a-<NUM>, 122a-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122d-<NUM>, and 122d-<NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the RFIC <NUM> may feed each of the plurality of dipole antennas 121a-<NUM>, 121a-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121d-<NUM>, and 121d-<NUM>, 122a-<NUM>, 122a-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122d-<NUM>, and 122d-<NUM> such that a phase difference between the plurality of dipole antennas 121a-<NUM>, 121a-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121d-<NUM>, and 121d-<NUM>, 122a-<NUM>, 122a-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122d-<NUM>, and 122d-<NUM> occurs.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of dipole antennas 121a-<NUM>, 121a-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121d-<NUM>, and 121d-<NUM>, 122a-<NUM>, 122a-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122d-<NUM>, and 122d-<NUM> may be spaced from one another by a specified distance.

According to an example not forming part of the claimed invention but nonetheless useful for the understanding of the invention, the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> may include at least one of a dipole antenna, a monopole antenna, and a slot antenna.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna module <NUM> may include the printed circuit board <NUM>, the first antenna array <NUM> disposed one surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>, the second antenna array <NUM> disposed on the other surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> and at least partially overlapping with the first antenna array <NUM> when viewed from above the printed circuit board <NUM>, and the RFIC <NUM> electrically connected to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> and for feeding the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>. The RFIC <NUM> may be configured to receive a first signal from the external device <NUM> through at least one of the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>, to change a phase of at least part of the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> based on the first signal, and to transmit and/or receive a second signal in a direction of a beam formed by the changed phase.

According to an embodiment disclosed in this specification, an electronic device <NUM> may include housing <NUM> including a first plate, a second plate <NUM> facing away from the first plate, and the side member <NUM> surrounding a space between the first plate and the second plate <NUM> and coupled with the second plate <NUM> or integrally formed with the second plate <NUM>, a display viewable through at least part of the first plate, an antenna structure <NUM> disposed inside the housing <NUM>, and at least one RFIC <NUM> electrically connected to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM> and for transmitting and/or receiving a signal having a frequency between <NUM> and <NUM>. The antenna structure <NUM> may include the printed circuit board <NUM> including a first surface facing in a first direction and a second surface facing in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the first region <NUM> including a first antenna array <NUM> including a plurality of first antenna elements 121a-<NUM>, 121a-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121d-<NUM>, and 121d-<NUM> formed inside the printed circuit board <NUM> or on the first surface, the second region <NUM> including the second antenna array <NUM> including a plurality of second antenna elements 122a-<NUM>, 122a-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122d-<NUM>, and 122d-<NUM>, which are closer to the second surface than the plurality of first antenna elements 121a-<NUM>, 121a-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121d-<NUM>, and 121d-<NUM> inside the printed circuit board or which are formed on the second surface, and at least partially overlapping with the first region <NUM> when viewed from above the first surface, and at least one ground layer disposed in the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the first antenna array <NUM> and the second antenna array <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the RFIC <NUM> may be disposed at least one of the first surface or the second surface.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of first antenna elements 121a-<NUM>, 121a-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121d-<NUM>, and 121d-<NUM> and the plurality of second antenna elements 122a-<NUM>, 122a-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122d-<NUM>, and 122d-<NUM> may be formed in the same form.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of first antenna elements 121a-<NUM>, 121a-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121b-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121c-<NUM>, 121d-<NUM>, and 121d-<NUM> and the plurality of second antenna elements 122a-<NUM>, 122a-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122b-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122c-<NUM>, 122d-<NUM>, and 122d-<NUM> may include a dipole antenna, or in examples not forming part of the claimed invention but nonetheless useful for the understanding of the invention a monopole antenna, and/or a slot antenna.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> of an electronic device <NUM> for supporting legacy network communication and <NUM> network communication, according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first communication processor <NUM>, a second communication processor <NUM>, a first radio frequency integrated circuit (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 the processor <NUM> and the memory <NUM>. The network <NUM> may include a first network <NUM> and a second network <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one component of the components illustrated in <FIG>, and the network <NUM> may further include at least another network. According to an embodiment, 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 form at least part of the wireless communication module <NUM>. According to another embodiment, 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 for a band to be used for wireless communication with the first network <NUM> and may support legacy network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the first network may be a legacy network including a 2nd generation (<NUM>), <NUM>, <NUM>, or long term evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor <NUM> may support the establishment of a communication channel corresponding to a specified band (e.g., about <NUM> ~ about <NUM>) among bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network <NUM> and <NUM> network communication via the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the second network <NUM> may be a <NUM> network defined in 3GPP. Additionally, according to an embodiment, the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel corresponding to another specified band (e.g., approximately <NUM> or lower) of the bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network <NUM> and may support <NUM> network communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor <NUM> and the second communication processor <NUM> may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. According to various embodiments, the first communication processor <NUM> or 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>.

In the case of transmitting a signal, the first RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor <NUM> into a radio frequency (RF) signal of approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM> that is used in the first network <NUM> (e.g., a legacy network). In the case of receiving a signal, an RF signal may be obtained from the first network <NUM> (e.g., a legacy network) through an antenna (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM>) and may be preprocessed through an RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE <NUM>). The first RFIC <NUM> may convert the preprocessed RF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by the first communication processor <NUM>.

In the case of transmitting a signal, 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 referred to as a "<NUM> Sub6 RF signal") in a Sub6 band (e.g., approximately <NUM> or lower) used in the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network). In the case of receiving a signal, the <NUM> Sub6 RF signal may be obtained from the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module <NUM>) and may be preprocessed through an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE <NUM>). The second RFIC <NUM> may convert the preprocessed <NUM> Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal so as to be processed by a corresponding communication processor of the first communication processor <NUM> or 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 referred to as a "<NUM> Above6 RF signal") in a <NUM> Above6 band (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) to be used in the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network). In the case of receiving a signal, the <NUM> Above6 RF signal may be obtained from the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna <NUM>) and may be preprocessed through a third RFFE <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the preprocessed <NUM> Above <NUM> RF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by the second communication processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third RFFE <NUM> may be implemented as a part of the third RFIC <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include the fourth RFIC <NUM> independently of the third RFIC <NUM> or as at least a part of the third RFIC <NUM>. In this case, the fourth RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as an "IF signal") in an intermediate frequency band (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM> GHz) and may provide the IF signal to the third RFIC <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the IF signal into the <NUM> Above6 RF signal. In the case of receiving a signal, the <NUM> Above6 RF signal may be received from the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., 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 to be processed by the second communication processor <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first RFIC <NUM> and the second RFIC <NUM> may be implemented with a part of a single package or a single chip. According to an embodiment, the first RFFE <NUM> and the second RFFE <NUM> may be implemented with a part of a single package or a single chip. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first antenna module <NUM> or the second antenna module <NUM> may be omitted or may be combined with any other antenna module to process RF signals in a plurality of bands.

According to an embodiment, the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> may be disposed at the same substrate to form a third antenna module <NUM>. For example, the wireless communication module <NUM> or the processor <NUM> may be disposed at a first substrate (e.g., a main PCB). In this case, the third RFIC <NUM> may be disposed in a partial region (e.g., a bottom surface) of a second substrate (e.g., sub PCB) separately of the first substrate; the antenna <NUM> may be disposed in another partial region (e.g., an upper surface), and thus the third antenna module <NUM> may be formed. According to an embodiment, the antenna <NUM> may include, for example, an antenna array to be used for beamforming. As the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> are disposed on the same substrate, it may be possible to decrease a length of a transmission line between the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM>. For example, the decrease in the transmission line may make it possible to prevent a signal in a high-frequency band (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) used for the <NUM> network communication from being lost (or attenuated) due to the transmission line. As such, the electronic device <NUM> may improve the quality or speed of communication with the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network).

The second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) may be used independently of the first network <NUM> (e.g., a legacy network) (e.g., stand-alone (SA)) or may be used in conjunction with the first network <NUM> (e.g., non-stand alone (NSA)). For example, only an access network (e.g., a <NUM> radio access network (RAN) or a next generation RAN (NG RAN)) may be present in the <NUM> network, and a core network (e.g., a next generation core (NGC)) may be absent from the <NUM> network. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may access the access network of the <NUM> network and may then access an external network (e.g., Internet) under control of a core network (e.g., an evolved packed core (EPC)) of the 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 may be stored in the memory <NUM> so as to be accessed by any other component (e.g., the processor <NUM>, the first communication processor <NUM>, or the second communication processor <NUM>).

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a third antenna module according to an example not forming part of the claimed invention but nonetheless useful for the understanding of the invention.

An antenna layer <NUM> may include at least one dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM>, and an antenna element <NUM> and/or a feeding part <NUM> formed on an outer surface of the dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> or therein. The feeding part <NUM> may include a feeding point <NUM> and/or a feeding line <NUM>.

A network layer <NUM> may include at least one dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM>; and at least one ground layer <NUM>, at least one conductive via <NUM>, a transmission line <NUM>, and/or a signal line <NUM> formed on an outer surface of the dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> or therein.

In addition, in the example illustrated, the third RFIC <NUM> may be electrically connected with the network layer <NUM>, for example, through first and second connection parts (e.g., solder bumps) <NUM>-<NUM> and a40-<NUM>. In other embodiments, various connection structures (e.g., soldering or a ball grid array (BGA)) may be utilized instead of the connection part. The third RFIC <NUM> may be electrically connected with the antenna element <NUM> through the first connection part <NUM>-<NUM>, the transmission line <NUM>, and the feeding part <NUM>. Also, the third RFIC <NUM> may be electrically connected with the ground layer <NUM> through the second connection part <NUM>-<NUM> and the conductive via <NUM>. Although not illustrated, the third RFIC <NUM> may also be electrically connected with the above module interface through the signal line <NUM>.

As used herein, each of such phrases as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as "1st" and "2nd", or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively", as "coupled with", "coupled to", "connected with", or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

Claim 1:
An antenna module (<NUM>) comprising:
a printed circuit board (<NUM>);
a first antenna array (<NUM>) disposed on one surface of the printed circuit board (<NUM>);
a second antenna array (<NUM>) disposed on another surface of the printed circuit board (<NUM>) and at least partially overlapping with the first antenna array when viewed from above the printed circuit board (<NUM>), wherein each of the first antenna array (<NUM>) and the second antenna array (<NUM>) includes a plurality of dipole antennas; and
a radio frequency integrated circuit, RFIC, (<NUM>) electrically connected to the first antenna array (<NUM>) and the second antenna array (<NUM>),
wherein the RFIC (<NUM>) is configured to:
feed the first antenna array (<NUM>) and the second antenna array (<NUM>) such that a phase difference between the first antenna array (<NUM>) and the second antenna array (<NUM>) has a specified value, and
transmit and/or receive a second signal in a direction of a beam via the first antenna array (<NUM>) and the second antenna array (<NUM>), wherein the direction of the beam is dependent on the specified value; and
wherein the direction of the beam includes:
a first direction parallel to the one surface; and
a second direction perpendicular to the one surface.