Patent ID: 12212063

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces

FIG.1illustrates an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.1, an electronic device101in a network environment100may communicate with an electronic device102via a first network198(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device104or a server108via a second network199(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). The electronic device101may communicate with the electronic device104via the server108. The electronic device101includes a processor120, memory130, an input device150, an audio output device155, a display device160, an audio module170, a sensor module176, an interface177, a haptic module179, a camera module180, a power management module188, a battery189, a communication module190, a subscriber identification module (SIM)196, or an antenna module197. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device160or the camera module180) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device101. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as single integrated circuitry. For example, the sensor module176(e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device160(e.g., a display).

The processor120may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device101coupled with the processor120, and may perform various data processing or computation. As at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor120may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module176or the communication module190) in volatile memory132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory134. The processor120may include a main processor121(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor123may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor121, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor123may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor121.

The auxiliary processor123may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device160, the sensor module176, or the communication module190) among the components of the electronic device101, instead of the main processor121while the main processor121is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor121while the main processor121is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). The auxiliary processor123(e.g., an ISP or a CP) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module180or the communication module190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor123.

The memory130may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor120or the sensor module176) of the electronic device101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program140) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory130may include the volatile memory132or the non-volatile memory134.

The program140may be stored in the memory130as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)142, middleware144, or an application146.

The input device150may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The input device150may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The audio output device155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device101. The audio output device155may include, for example, 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 an incoming call. The receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display device160may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The display device160may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. The display device160may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module170may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. The audio module170may obtain the sound via the input device150, or output the sound via the audio output device155or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device101.

The sensor module176may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device101or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. The sensor module176may include, for example, 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 interface177may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device101to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. The interface177may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connection terminal178may include a connector via which the electronic device101may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102). The connection terminal178may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module179may 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. The haptic module179may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module180may capture an image or moving images. The camera module180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. The power management module188may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery189may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device101. The battery189may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module190may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device101and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102, the electronic device104, or the server108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module190may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor120(e.g., the AP) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. The communication module190may include a wireless communication module192(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 module194(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 network198(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network199(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module192may identify and authenticate the electronic device101in a communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the SIM196.

The antenna module197may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device101. The antenna module197may 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 printed circuit board (PCB)). The antenna module197may 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 network198or the second network199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module190(e.g., the wireless communication module192) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module190and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. Another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module197.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

Commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device101and the external electronic device104via the server108coupled with the second network199. Each of the electronic devices102and104may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device101. All or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device101may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices102,104, or108. For example, if the electronic device101should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used, for example.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. However, the electronic device is not limited to any of those described above.

Various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used herein 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.

With regard to 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, 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 “Ist” 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). 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.

The term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry.” A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, 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 (e.g., the program140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory136or external memory138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device101). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor120) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device101) 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 the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term “non-transitory” simply means 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 stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

A method according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product 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. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

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. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may 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 carried out 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.

FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment including a plurality of cellular networks according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.2, the electronic device101may include a first communication processor212, second communication processor214, first RFIC222, second RFIC224, third RFIC226, fourth RFIC228, first radio frequency front end (RFFE)232, second RFFE234, first antenna module242, second antenna module244, and antenna248. The electronic device101may include a processor120and a memory130. A second network199may include a first cellular network292and a second cellular network294. According to another embodiment, the electronic device101may further include at least one of the components described with reference toFIG.1, and the second network199may further include at least one other network. According to one embodiment, the first communication processor212, second communication processor214, first RFIC222, second RFIC224, fourth RFIC228, first RFFE232, and second RFFE234may form at least part of the wireless communication module192. According to another embodiment, the fourth RFIC228may be omitted or included as part of the third RFIC226.

The first communication processor212may establish a communication channel of a band to be used for wireless communication with the first cellular network292and support legacy network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the first cellular network may be a legacy network including a second generation (2G), 3G, 4G, or long term evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor214may establish a communication channel corresponding to a designated band (e.g., about 6 GHz to about 60 GHZ) of bands to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network294, and support 5G network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the second cellular network294may be a 5G network defined in 3GPP. Additionally, according to an embodiment, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214may establish a communication channel corresponding to another designated band (e.g., about 6 GHz or less) of bands to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network294and support 5G network communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. According to various embodiments, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214may be formed in a single chip or a single package with the processor120, the auxiliary processor123, or the communication module190.

Upon transmission, the first RFIC222may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor212to a radio frequency (RF) signal of about 700 MHz to about 3 GHz used in the first cellular network292(e.g., legacy network). Upon reception, an RF signal may be obtained from the first cellular network292(e.g., legacy network) through an antenna (e.g., the first antenna module242) and be preprocessed through an RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE232). The first RFIC222may convert the preprocessed RF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by the first communication processor212.

Upon transmission, the second RFIC224may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214to an RF signal (hereinafter, 5G Sub6 RF signal) of a Sub6 band (e.g., 6 GHz or less) to be used in the second cellular network294(e.g., 5G network). Upon reception, a 5G Sub6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network294(e.g., 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module244) and be pretreated through an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE234). The second RFIC224may convert the preprocessed 5G Sub6 RF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by a corresponding communication processor of the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214.

The third RFIC226may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor214to an RF signal (hereinafter, 5G Above6 RF signal) of a 5G Above6 band (e.g., about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) to be used in the second cellular network294(e.g., 5G network). Upon reception, a 5G Above6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network294(e.g., 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna248) and be preprocessed through the third RFFE236. The third RFIC226may convert the preprocessed 5G Above6 RF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by the second communication processor214. According to one embodiment, the third RFFE236may be formed as part of the third RFIC226.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a fourth RFIC228separately from the third RFIC226or as at least part of the third RFIC226. In this case, the fourth RFIC228may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor214to an RF signal (hereinafter, an intermediate frequency (IF) signal) of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., about 9 GHz to about 11 GHz) and transfer the IF signal to the third RFIC226. The third RFIC226may convert the IF signal to a 5G Above 6RF signal. Upon reception, the 5G Above 6RF signal may be received from the second cellular network294(e.g., a 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna248) and be converted to an IF signal by the third RFIC226. The fourth RFIC228may convert an IF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by the second communication processor214.

According to one embodiment, the first RFIC222and the second RFIC224may be implemented into at least part of a single package or a single chip. According to one embodiment, the first RFFE232and the second RFFE234may be implemented into at least part of a single package or a single chip. According to one embodiment, at least one of the first antenna module242or the second antenna module244may be omitted or may be combined with another antenna module to process RF signals of a corresponding plurality of bands.

According to one embodiment, the third RFIC226and the antenna248may be disposed at the same substrate to form a third antenna module246. For example, the wireless communication module192or the processor120may be disposed at a first substrate (e.g., main PCB). In this case, the third RFIC226is disposed in a partial area (e.g., lower surface) of the first substrate and a separate second substrate (e.g., sub PCB), and the antenna248is disposed in another partial area (e.g., upper surface) thereof; thus, the third antenna module246may be formed. By disposing the third RFIC226and the antenna248in the same substrate, a length of a transmission line therebetween can be reduced. This may reduce, for example, a loss (e.g., attenuation) of a signal of a high frequency band (e.g., about 6 GHz to about 60 GHZ) to be used in 5G network communication by a transmission line. Therefore, the electronic device101may improve a quality or speed of communication with the second cellular network294(e.g., 5G network).

According to one embodiment, the antenna248may be formed in an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements that may be used for beamforming. In this case, the third RFIC226may include a plurality of phase shifters238corresponding to a plurality of antenna elements, for example, as part of the third RFFE236. Upon transmission, each of the plurality of phase shifters238may convert a phase of a 5G Above6 RF signal to be transmitted to the outside (e.g., a base station of a 5G network) of the electronic device101through a corresponding antenna element. Upon reception, each of the plurality of phase shifters238may convert a phase of the 5G Above6 RF signal received from the outside to the same phase or substantially the same phase through a corresponding antenna element. This enables transmission or reception through beamforming between the electronic device101and the outside.

The second cellular network294(e.g., 5G network) may operate (e.g., stand-alone (SA)) independently of the first cellular network292(e.g., legacy network) or may be operated (e.g., non-stand alone (NSA)) in connection with the first cellular network292. For example, the 5G network may have only an access network (e.g., 5G radio access network (RAN) or a next generation (NG) RAN and have no core network (e.g., next generation core (NGC)). In this case, after accessing to the access network of the 5G network, the electronic device101may access to an external network (e.g., Internet) under the 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 a legacy network or protocol information (e.g., new radio (NR) protocol information) for communication with a 5G network may be stored in the memory130to be accessed by other components (e.g., the processor120, the first communication processor212, or the second communication processor214).

FIG.3Aillustrates a perspective view showing a front surface of a mobile electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, andFIG.3Billustrates a perspective view showing a rear surface of the mobile electronic device shown inFIG.3Aaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.3A and3B, a mobile electronic device300may include a housing310that includes a first surface (or front surface)310A, a second surface (or rear surface)310B, and a lateral surface310C that surrounds a space between the first surface310A and the second surface310B. The housing310may refer to a structure that forms a part of the first surface310A, the second surface310B, and the lateral surface310C. The first surface310A may be formed of a front plate302(e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate coated with a variety of coating layers) at least a part of which is substantially transparent. The second surface310B may be formed of a rear plate311which is substantially opaque. The rear plate311may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or any combination thereof. The lateral surface310C may be formed of a lateral bezel structure (or “lateral member”)318which is combined with the front plate302and the rear plate311and includes a metal and/or polymer. The rear plate311and the lateral bezel structure318may be integrally formed and may be of the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

The front plate302may include two first regions310D disposed at long edges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the first surface310A toward the rear plate311. Similarly, the rear plate311may include two second regions310E disposed at long edges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the second surface310B toward the front plate302. The front plate302(or the rear plate311) may include only one of the first regions310D (or of the second regions310E). The first regions310D or the second regions310E may be omitted in part. When viewed from a lateral side of the mobile electronic device300, the lateral bezel structure318may have a first thickness (or width) on a lateral side where the first region310D or the second region310E is not included, and may have a second thickness, being less than the first thickness, on another lateral side where the first region310D or the second region310E is included.

The mobile electronic device300may include at least one of a display301, audio modules303,307and314, sensor modules304and319, camera modules305,312and313, a key input device317, a light emitting device, and connector holes308and309. The mobile electronic device300may omit at least one (e.g., the key input device317or the light emitting device) of the above components, or may further include other components.

The display301may be exposed through a substantial portion of the front plate302, for example. At least a part of the display301may be exposed through the front plate302that forms the first surface310A and the first region310D of the lateral surface310C. Outlines (i.e., edges and corners) of the display301may have substantially the same form as those of the front plate302. The spacing between the outline of the display301and the outline of the front plate302may be substantially unchanged in order to enlarge the exposed area of the display301.

A recess or opening may be formed in a portion of a display area of the display301to accommodate at least one of the audio module314, the sensor module304, the camera module305, and the light emitting device. At least one of the audio module314, the sensor module304, the camera module305, a fingerprint sensor (not shown), and the light emitting element may be disposed on the back of the display area of the display301. The display301may be combined with, or adjacent to, a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the touch strength (pressure), and/or a digitizer for detecting a stylus pen. At least a part of the sensor modules304and319and/or at least a part of the key input device317may be disposed in the first region310D and/or the second region310E.

The audio modules303,307and314may correspond to a microphone hole303and speaker holes307and314, respectively. The microphone hole303may contain a microphone disposed therein for acquiring external sounds and, in a case, contain a plurality of microphones to sense a sound direction. The speaker holes307and314may be classified into an external speaker hole307and a call receiver hole314. The microphone hole303and the speaker holes307and314may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be provided without the speaker holes307and314.

The sensor modules304and319may generate electrical signals or data corresponding to an internal operating state of the mobile electronic device300or to an external environmental condition. The sensor modules304and319may include a first sensor module304(e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the first surface310A of the housing310, and/or a third sensor module319(e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the second surface310B of the housing310. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface310B as well as the first surface310A (e.g., the display301) of the housing310. The electronic device300may further include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The camera modules305,312and313may include a first camera device305disposed on the first surface310A of the electronic device300, and a second camera module312and/or a flash313disposed on the second surface310B. The camera module305or the camera module312may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash313may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. Two or more lenses (infrared cameras, wide angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one side of the electronic device300.

The key input device317may be disposed on the lateral surface310C of the housing310. The mobile electronic device300may not include some or all of the key input device317described above, and the key input device317which is not included may be implemented in another form such as a soft key on the display301. The key input device317may include the sensor module disposed on the second surface310B of the housing310.

The light emitting device may be disposed on the first surface310A of the housing310. For example, the light emitting device may provide status information of the electronic device300in an optical form. The light emitting device may provide a light source associated with the operation of the camera module305. The light emitting device may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), an IR LED, or a xenon lamp.

The connector holes308and309may include a first connector hole308adapted for a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device, and/or a second connector hole309adapted for a connector (e.g., an earphone jack) for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device.

Some modules305of camera modules305and312, some sensor modules304of sensor modules304and319, or an indicator may be arranged to be exposed through a display301. For example, the camera module305, the sensor module304, or the indicator may be arranged in the internal space of an electronic device300so as to be brought into contact with an external environment through an opening of the display301, which is perforated up to a front plate302. In another embodiment, some sensor modules304may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the front plate302in the internal space of the electronic device. For example, in this case, an area of the display301facing the sensor module may not require a perforated opening.

FIG.3Aillustrates an exploded perspective view showing a mobile electronic device shown inFIG.3Aaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3Ca mobile electronic device300may include a lateral bezel structure320, a first support member3211(e.g., a bracket), a front plate302, a display301, an electromagnetic induction panel (not shown), a printed circuit board (PCB)340, a battery350, a second support member360(e.g., a rear case), an antenna370, and a rear plate311. The mobile electronic device300may omit at least one (e.g., the first support member3211or the second support member360) of the above components or may further include another component. Some components of the electronic device300may be the same as or similar to those of the mobile electronic device101shown inFIG.1orFIG.2, thus, descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The first support member3211is disposed inside the mobile electronic device300and may be connected to, or integrated with, the lateral bezel structure320. The first support member3211may be formed of, for example, a metallic material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. The first support member3211may be combined with the display301at one side thereof and also combined with the printed circuit board (PCB)340at the other side thereof. On the PCB340, a processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communications processor (CP).

The memory may include, for example, one or more of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory.

The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a USB interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the mobile electronic device300with an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card/multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

The battery350is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the mobile electronic device300, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a part of the battery350may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the PCB340. The battery350may be integrally disposed within the mobile electronic device300, and may be detachably disposed from the mobile electronic device300.

The antenna370may be disposed between the rear plate311and the battery350. The antenna370may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna370may perform short-range communication with an external device, or transmit and receive power required for charging wirelessly. An antenna structure may be formed by a part or combination of the lateral bezel structure320and/or the first support member3211.

FIG.4Ais a diagram illustrating a structure of, for example, a third antenna module described with reference toFIG.2according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.4A(a) is a perspective view illustrating the third antenna module246viewed from one side, andFIG.4A(b) is a perspective view illustrating the third antenna module246viewed from the other side.FIG.4A(c) is a cross-sectional view illustrating the third antenna module246taken along line X-X′ ofFIG.4A.

With reference toFIG.4A, in one embodiment, the third antenna module246may include a printed circuit board410, an antenna array430, a RFIC452, and a PMIC454. Alternatively, the third antenna module246may further include a shield member490. In other embodiments, at least one of the above-described components may be omitted or at least two of the components may be integrally formed.

The printed circuit board410may include a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of non-conductive layers stacked alternately with the conductive layers. The printed circuit board410may provide electrical connections between the printed circuit board410and/or various electronic components disposed outside using wirings and conductive vias formed in the conductive layer.

The antenna array430(e.g.,248ofFIG.2) may include a plurality of antenna elements432,434,436, or438disposed to form a directional beam. As illustrated, the antenna elements432,434,436, or438may be formed at a first surface of the printed circuit board410. According to another embodiment, the antenna array430may be formed inside the printed circuit board410. According to the embodiment, the antenna array430may include the same or a different shape or kind of a plurality of antenna arrays (e.g., dipole antenna array and/or patch antenna array).

The RFIC452(e.g., the third RFIC226ofFIG.2) may be disposed at another area (e.g., a second surface opposite to the first surface) of the printed circuit board410spaced apart from the antenna array. The RFIC452is configured to process signals of a selected frequency band transmitted/received through the antenna array430. According to one embodiment, upon transmission, the RFIC452may convert a baseband signal obtained from a communication processor (not shown) to an RF signal of a designated band. Upon reception, the RFIC452may convert an RF signal received through the antenna array430to a baseband signal and transfer the baseband signal to the communication processor.

According to another embodiment, upon transmission, the RFIC452may up-convert an IF signal (e.g., about 9 GHz to about 11 GHZ) obtained from an intermediate frequency integrate circuit (IFIC) (e.g.,228ofFIG.2) to an RF signal of a selected band. Upon reception, the RFIC452may down-convert the RF signal obtained through the antenna array430, convert the RF signal to an IF signal, and transfer the IF signal to the IFIC.

The PMIC454may be disposed in another partial area (e.g., the second surface) of the printed circuit board410spaced apart from the antenna array430. The PMIC454may receive a voltage from a main PCB (not illustrated) to provide power necessary for various components (e.g., the RFIC452) on the antenna module.

The shielding member490may be disposed at a portion (e.g., the second surface) of the printed circuit board410so as to electromagnetically shield at least one of the RFIC452or the PMIC454. According to one embodiment, the shield member490may include a shield can.

Although not shown, in various embodiments, the third antenna module246may be electrically connected to another printed circuit board (e.g., main circuit board) through a module interface. The module interface may include a connecting member, for example, a coaxial cable connector, board to board connector, interposer, or flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The RFIC452and/or the PMIC454of the antenna module may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board through the connection member.

FIG.4Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating the third antenna module246taken along line Y-Y′ ofFIG.4A(a) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The printed circuit board410of the illustrated embodiment may include an antenna layer411and a network layer413.

Referring toFIG.4B, the antenna layer411may include at least one dielectric layer437-1, and an antenna element436and/or a power feeding portion425formed on or inside an outer surface of a dielectric layer. The power feeding portion425may include a power feeding point427and/or a power feeding line429.

The network layer413may include at least one dielectric layer437-2, at least one ground layer433, at least one conductive via435, a transmission line423, and/or a power feeding line429formed on or inside an outer surface of the dielectric layer.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the RFIC452(e.g., the third RFIC226ofFIG.2) ofFIG.4A(c) may be electrically connected to the network layer413through, for example, first and second solder bumps440-1and440-2. In other embodiments, various connection structures (e.g., solder or ball grid array (BGA)) instead of the solder bumps may be used. The RFIC452may be electrically connected to the antenna element436through the first solder bump440-1, the transmission line423, and the power feeding portion425. The RFIC452may also be electrically connected to the ground layer433through the second solder bump440-2and the conductive via435. Although not illustrated, the RFIC452may also be electrically connected to the above-described module interface through the power feeding line429.

FIG.5Ais a perspective view illustrating an antenna module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.5Bis a plan view illustrating an antenna module500according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The antenna module500ofFIGS.5A and5Bmay be at least partially similar to the third antenna module246ofFIG.2or may further include other components of the antenna module.

Referring toFIGS.5A and5B, the antenna module500may include a printed circuit board590, a first antenna array AR1including a plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540disposed at the printed circuit board590, a second antenna array AR2including a plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580, and/or a wireless communication circuit595disposed at the printed circuit board590and electrically connected to the first antenna array AR1and the second antenna array AR2.

The printed circuit board590may include a first surface591facing a first direction ({circle around (1)} direction) and a second surface592facing a direction {circle around (2)} direction) opposite to that of the first surface591. The first antenna array AR1and the second antenna array AR2may be disposed to form a beam pattern in the first direction {circle around (1)} direction). The wireless communication circuit595may be disposed at the second surface592of the printed circuit board590. In another embodiment, the wireless communication circuit595may be disposed in an internal space of the electronic device spaced apart from the printed circuit board590and be electrically connected to the printed circuit board590through an electrical connection member. The plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540and the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580may be electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit595. The wireless communication circuit595may be configured to transmit and/or receive radio frequencies in the range of about 3 GHz to 100 GHz through the first antenna array AR1and/or the second antenna array AR2. The wireless communication circuit595may be configured to transmit and/or receive a signal of a first frequency band (e.g., 39 GHz band) through the first antenna array AR1. The wireless communication circuit595may be configured to transmit and/or receive a signal in a second frequency band (e.g., 28 GHz band) lower than the first frequency band through the second antenna array AR2.

The plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540may include a first conductive patch510, second conductive patch520, third conductive patch530, or fourth conductive patch540disposed at regular intervals at the first surface591of the printed circuit board590or in an area close to the first surface591inside the printed circuit board590. The plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580may include a fifth conductive patch550, sixth conductive patch560, seventh conductive patch570, or eighth conductive patch580at least partially overlapped with the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540, respectively, having the same center, and disposed under corresponding conductive patches, when viewed from above the first surface591. According to one embodiment, the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540and the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580may be disposed in different insulation layers of the printed circuit board590. The plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580may be disposed between the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540and the second surface592of the printed circuit board590. The plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540may be formed to have a smaller size than that of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580.

The plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540may have substantially the same configuration. The plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580may have substantially the same configuration. Each of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540and each of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580corresponding thereto may have the same disposition structure. An embodiment of the disclosure illustrates and describes an antenna module500including a second antenna array AR2including four second conductive patches550,560,570, and580paired with a first antenna array AR1including four first conductive patches510,520,530, and540, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the antenna module500may include one, two, three, or five or more first conductive patches as the first antenna array AR1and include one, two, three or five or more second conductive patches paired with the plurality of first conductive patches as the second antenna array AR2.

The antenna module500may operate as a dual polarized antenna in a first frequency band through feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542disposed in each of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540. The antenna module500may operate as a dual polarized antenna in a second frequency band through feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582disposed in each of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580. The plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540and the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580may be formed in a shape having a vertical and lateral symmetrical structure in order to form a dual polarized antenna. For example, the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540and the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580may be formed in a square, circular, or octagonal shape.

The first conductive patch510may include a first feeding point511and/or a second feeding point512. The second conductive patch520may include a third feeding point521and/or a fourth feeding point522. The third conductive patch530may include a fifth feeding point531and/or a sixth feeding point532. The fourth conductive patch540may include a seventh feeding point541and/or an eighth feeding point542. The wireless communication circuit595may be configured to transmit and/or receive a first signal having first polarization through the first feeding point511, the third feeding point521, the fifth feeding point531, and/or the seventh feeding point541in a first frequency band. The wireless communication circuit595may be configured to transmit and/or receive a second signal having second polarization through the second feeding point512, the fourth feeding point522, the sixth feeding point532, and/or the eighth feeding point542in the first frequency band. The wireless communication circuit595may transmit and/or receive a first signal and/or a second signal that are/is the same as or different from each other in the first frequency band.

The fifth conductive patch550may include a ninth feeding point551and/or a tenth feeding point552. The sixth conductive patch560may include an eleventh feeding point561and/or a twelfth feeding point562. The seventh conductive patch570may include a thirteenth feeding point571and/or a fourteenth feeding point572. The eighth conductive patch580may include a fifteenth feeding point581and/or a sixteenth feeding point582. The wireless communication circuit595may be configured to transmit and/or receive a third signal having third polarization equal to first polarization through the ninth feeding point551, the eleventh feeding point561, the thirteenth feeding point571, and/or the fifteenth feeding point581in a second frequency band. The wireless communication circuit595may be configured to transmit and/or receive a fourth signal having fourth polarization equal to second polarization through the tenth feeding point552, the twelfth feeding point562, the fourteenth feeding point572, and/or the sixteenth feeding point582in a second frequency band. The wireless communication circuit595may transmit and/or receive a third signal and/or a fourth signal that are/is the same as or different from each other in the second frequency band.

When describing with reference toFIG.5B, the antenna module500operating with dual band dual polarization based on the disposition relationship of the first conductive patch510having the first feeding point511and/or the second feeding point512and the fifth conductive patch550having the ninth feeding point551and/or the tenth feeding point552is described, but the disposition relationship of the remaining plurality of first conductive patches520,530, and540and the remaining plurality of second conductive patches560,570, and580may also have substantially the same configuration.

Referring toFIG.5B, the antenna module500may include a printed circuit board590, a plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540disposed at a first surface591of the printed circuit board590or inside the printed circuit board590close to the first surface591, and having the same center as that of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540, when viewed from above the first surface591, and a plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580disposed inside the printed circuit board590farther from the first surface591than the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540. The printed circuit board590may include a first side593The first side593may include a side disposed closer to a conductive portion (e.g., the conductive portion821ofFIG.8) of a side member (e.g., the side member820ofFIG.8) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device800ofFIG.8) to be described later among the relatively long sides of the rectangular printed circuit board590.

The first conductive patch510may include a first feeding point511for transmitting and/or receiving a first signal and/or a second feeding point512for transmitting and/or receiving a second signal. The first feeding point511and/or the second feeding point512may be disposed to exhibit substantially different polarization characteristics in the first frequency band. The first feeding point511may be disposed on a first imaginary line L1passing through the center of the first conductive patch510. The second feeding point512may pass through the center of the first conductive patch510and be rotated by substantially 90° with respect to the first imaginary line L1to be disposed on a second imaginary line L2vertically intersecting the first imaginary line L1.

The fifth conductive patch550may include a ninth feeding point551for transmitting and/or receiving a third signal and/or a tenth feeding point552for transmitting and/or receiving a fourth signal. The ninth feeding point551and the tenth feeding point552may be disposed to exhibit substantially different polarization characteristics in the second frequency band. The ninth feeding point551may exhibit the same polarization characteristic as that of the first feeding point511. The tenth feeding point552may exhibit the same polarization characteristic as that of the second feeding point512. The ninth feeding point551may be disposed on the first imaginary line L1. The tenth feeding point552may be disposed on the second imaginary line L2.

When a conductive portion (e.g., the conductive portion821ofFIG.8) is disposed around the antenna module, radiation efficiency in the first frequency band and/or the second frequency band may be reduced according to a disposition position of the feeding points511,512,551, and552. Accordingly, when two conductive patches510and550are overlapped at least partially and are used as a dual band dual polarized antenna, in order to secure a radiation performance, the feeding points511,512,551, and552may be disposed in consideration of the conductive portion.

The printed circuit board590may include a first side593(e.g., first long side) positioned parallel with a disposition direction of the conductive patches510,520,530,540,550,560,570, and580, and disposed close to a conductive member (e.g., a conductive portion821ofFIG.8). The first feeding point511and/or the second feeding point512disposed at the first conductive patch510may be disposed to have substantially the same first vertical distance d1from the first side593of the printed circuit board590. The ninth feeding point551and/or the tenth feeding point552disposed at the fifth conductive patch550may be disposed to have substantially the same second vertical distance d2from the first side593of the printed circuit board590. The first vertical distance d1between two feeding points511and512of the first conductive patch510operating in the first frequency band and the first side593may be smaller than the second vertical distance d2between two feeding points551and552and the first side593of the fifth conductive patch550operating in the second frequency band lower than the first frequency band. Therefore, even if the feeding points511and512of the conductive patch510operating in a relatively higher frequency band (e.g., first frequency band) are close to the conductive portions (e.g., the conductive portion821ofFIG.8) of the electronic device, the change in radiation performance may be small.

FIG.6is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna module500taken along line A-A′ ofFIG.5Baccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.6, a disposition configuration of the first conductive patch510disposed at the printed circuit board590of the antenna module500and the fifth conductive patch550corresponding thereto is illustrated and described, but a second conductive patch (e.g., the second conductive patch520ofFIG.5A) and a sixth conductive patch (e.g., the sixth conductive patch560ofFIG.5A) corresponding thereto, a third conductive patch (e.g., the third conductive patch530ofFIG.5A) and a seventh conductive patch (e.g., the seventh conductive patch570ofFIG.5A) corresponding thereto, and/or a fourth conductive patch (e.g., the fourth conductive patch540ofFIG.5A) and an eighth conductive patch (e.g., the eighth conductive patch580ofFIG.5A) corresponding thereto may have substantially the same configuration.

Referring toFIG.6, the antenna module500may include an antenna structure including a printed circuit board590and a first conductive patch510and a fifth conductive patch550having the same center in the printed circuit board590and disposed at different insulating layers. The printed circuit board590may include a first surface591facing a first direction (1) direction) and a second surface592facing a direction ((2) direction) opposite to that of the first surface591. The printed circuit board590may include a plurality of insulating layers. The printed circuit board590may include a first layer area5901including at least one insulating layer and/or a second layer area5902adjacent to the first layer area5901and including another at least one insulating layer. The antenna module500may include a first conductive patch510disposed in a first insulating layer5901aof the first layer area5901. The antenna module500may include a fifth conductive patch550disposed in a second insulating layer5901bfarther than the first insulating layer5901afrom the first surface591of the first layer area5901. The antenna module500may include at least one ground layer5903disposed in at least one third insulating layer5402aof the second layer area5902. At least one ground layer5903may be electrically connected to each other through at least one conductive via5904in the second layer area5902. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna module500may include another ground layer disposed to be insulated from the first conductive patch510and the fifth conductive patch550in the first layer area5901.

The first conductive patch510may be disposed at the first insulating layer5901acloser to the first surface591than the second surface592in the first layer area5901. The first conductive patch510may be disposed to be exposed to the first surface591inside the first layer area5901. The fifth conductive patch550may be disposed at the second insulating layer5901bfarther than the first conductive patch510from the first surface591in the first layer area5901. The fifth conductive patch550may be disposed in the second insulating layer5901bof the first layer area5901. When viewed from above the first surface591, the first conductive patch510may be disposed to have the same center as that of the fifth conductive patch550and to at least partially overlap with the first conductive patch510. When viewed from above the first surface591, the first conductive patch510may be disposed to have a smaller size than that of the fifth conductive patch550and/or the same shape as that of the fifth conductive patch550. The first conductive patch510may include a first feeding point511disposed through a first feeding portion5111disposed to penetrate at least a first layer area5901in a vertical direction and/or a second feeding point512disposed through a second feeding portion5121. The first feeding portion5111and the second feeding portion5121may include conductive vias for penetrating the first layer area5101and physically contacting the first conductive patch510to form the feeding points511and512. The first feeding portion5111may be electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit595through a first feeding line5905disposed in the second layer area5902. The second feeding point512may be electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit595through a second feeding line5906disposed in the second layer area5902. The first feeding line5905and/or the second feeding line5906may be disposed to be electrically disconnected from at least one ground layer5903disposed in a third insulating layer5902aof the second layer area5902.

The fifth conductive patch550may include a ninth feeding point551disposed through a ninth feeding portion5511disposed to penetrate at least a first layer area5901in a vertical direction and/or a tenth feeding point552disposed through a tenth feeding portion5521. The ninth feeding portion5511and/or the tenth feeding portion5501may include conductive vias for penetrating the first layer area5901and physically contacting the fifth conductive patch550to form the feeding points551and552. The ninth feeding portion5511may be electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit595through a third feeding line5907disposed in the second layer area5902. The tenth feeding portion5251may be electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit595through a fourth feeding line5908disposed in the second layer area5902. The third feeding line5907and/or the fourth feeding line5908may be disposed to be electrically disconnected from at least one ground layer5903disposed in the third insulating layer5902aof the second layer area5902.

FIGS.7A to7Care partial cross-sectional views illustrating an antenna module500according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Reference toFIGS.7A to7C, the same reference numerals are used to substantially the same elements as those ofFIG.6, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

As described above, a direct feeding structure of the first feeding point511, the second feeding point512, the ninth feeding point551, and/or the tenth feeding point552through the first feeding portion5111, the second feeding portion5121, the ninth feeding portion5511, and the tenth feeding portion5521in physical contact with the first conductive patch510and/or the fifth conductive patches550was described, but according to embodiments of the disclosure, at least one feeding point of the first feeding point511, the second feeding point512, the ninth feeding point551, or the tenth feeding point552may be electrically connected to the conductive patch in a capacitively coupled manner through the feeding portion.

Referring toFIG.7A, the first conductive patch510may be electrically connected to the first feeding point511through the first feeding portion5111disposed to be capacitively coupled to the first conductive patch510in the first layer area5901. The first conductive patch510may be electrically connected to the second feeding point512through the second feeding portion5121disposed to be capacitively coupled to the first conductive patch510in the first layer area5901.

Referring toFIG.7B, the fifth conductive patch550may be electrically connected to the ninth feeding point551through the ninth feeding portion5511disposed to be capacitively coupled with the fifth conductive patch550in the first layer area5901. The fifth conductive patch550may be electrically connected to the tenth feeding point552through the tenth feeding portion5521disposed to be capacitively coupled with the fifth conductive patch550in the first layer area5901.

Referring toFIG.7C, each of the first feeding point511and the second feeding point512of the first conductive patch510, and the ninth feeding point551and the tenth feeding point552of the fifth conductive patch550may be electrically connected to be capacitively coupled to each of the conductive patches510and550through the first feeding portion5111, the second feeding portion5121, the ninth feeding portion5511, and the tenth feeding portion5521.

Conductive pads connected to each of the feeding portion5111,5121,5511, and5521and disposed to be capacitively coupled to each of the conductive patches510and520and having a predetermined coupling area may be further disposed between each of the feeding points511,512,551, and552and each of the conductive patches510and550.

FIG.8is a diagram illustrating a state in which an antenna module500is mounted in an electronic device800according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The electronic device800ofFIG.8may be at least partially similar to the electronic device101ofFIG.1or the electronic device300ofFIG.3Aor may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

Referring toFIG.8, the electronic device800may include a housing810including a front plate (e.g., a front plate830ofFIG.9A) facing a first direction (e.g., −Z direction ofFIG.9A), a rear plate (e.g., a rear plate840ofFIG.9A) facing a direction (e.g., Z direction ofFIG.9A) opposite to that of the front plate830, and a side member820enclosing a space8001between the front plate830and the rear plate840. The side member820may include a conductive portion821at least partially disposed and a polymer portion822(e.g., non-conductive portion) insert injected into the conductive portion821. The polymer portion822may be replaced with space or other dielectric material. The polymer portion822may be structurally coupled to the conductive portion821.

The antenna module500may be mounted in the internal space8001of the electronic device800so that conductive patches (e.g., conductive patches510,520,530,540,550,560,570, and580ofFIG.9B) face the side member820. For example, the antenna module500may be mounted in a module mounting portion8201provided in the side member820such that the first surface591of the printed circuit board590faces the side member820. In at least a partial area of the side member820facing the antenna module500, the polymer portion822may be disposed to form a beam pattern in a direction (X axis direction) facing the first surface591of the printed circuit board590.

FIG.9Ais a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device taken along line B-B′ ofFIG.8according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.9Bis a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device800taken along line C-C′ ofFIG.8according to embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.9Billustrates the antenna module500disposed visibly from the outside of the side member820with the polymer portion822omitted according to embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.9A and9B, the printed circuit board590of the antenna module500may be mounted in the module mounting portion8201of the side member820so as to include an area at least partially overlapped with the conductive portion821when the side member820is viewed from the outside. Through a mounting structure using the module mounting portion8201, a thickness of the electronic device800according to mounting of the printed circuit board590can be reduced, and the printed circuit board590can be firmly mounted in the side member820.

When the side member820is viewed from the outside, at least some areas of the printed circuit board590may be disposed to overlap the conductive portion821. The first side593of the printed circuit board590may be disposed closest to the conductive portion821of the side member820. When the side member820is viewed from the outside, the conductive patches510,520,530,540,550,560,570, and580of the antenna module500may be disposed not to overlap with the conductive portion821. In another embodiment of the disclosure, when the side member820is viewed from the outside, the conductive patches510,520,530,540,550,560,570, and580of the antenna module500may be disposed to at least partially overlap the conductive portion821. In this case, when the side member820is viewed from the outside, the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541,542,551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582may be disposed at a position not overlapping with the conductive portion821.

The printed circuit board590may include a first side593(e.g., first long side) positioned parallel to a disposition direction of the conductive patches510,520,530,540,550,560,570, and580and disposed adjacent to the conductive portion (e.g., the conductive member821ofFIG.8). The feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542disposed in the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540may be disposed to have the same first vertical distance d1from the first side593of the printed circuit board590disposed closest to the conductive portion821. The feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582disposed in the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580may be disposed to have the same second vertical distance d2from the first side593of the printed circuit board590disposed closest to the conductive portion821. A first vertical distance d1between the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the first conductive patches510,520,530, and540operating in the first frequency band and the first side593may be smaller than a second vertical distance d2between the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580operating in a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band and the first side593.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542disposed at the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540may be disposed to have substantially the same third vertical distance d3from the conductive portion821. The feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582disposed at the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580may be disposed to have substantially the same fourth vertical distance d4from the conductive portion821. The third vertical distance d3may be smaller or larger than the first vertical distance d1. The fourth vertical distance d4may be smaller or larger than the second vertical distance d2. The third vertical distance d3between the conductive portion821and the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the first conductive patches510,520,530, and540operating in the first frequency band and the conductive portion821may be smaller than the fourth vertical distance d4between the conductive portion821and the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580operating in the second frequency band lower than the first frequency band. This is because the conductive patches510,520,530, and540operating in a relatively higher frequency band (e.g., first frequency band) respond insensitive to changes in radiation performance even when the conductive patches510,520,530, and540are close to the conductive portion821of the electronic device800.

FIGS.10A and10Bare graphs illustrating a peak gain performance of dual polarization in a first frequency band according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.9B to10B, when describing a peak gain of dual polarization vertically exhibited in the first frequency band (e.g., 37 GHz to 40 GHZ) of the antenna module500, it can be seen that peak gains (LB_feed_up±45)1001and1004of a case in which the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540are disposed closer to the conductive portion821than the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580is superior to peak gains (HB_feed_up±45)1002and1005of a case in which the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540are disposed farther from the conductive portion821than the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580or peak gains (Default±45)1003and1006of a case in which the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540are mixed with the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580to be disposed close to the conductive portion821.

FIGS.11A and11Bare graphs illustrating a peak gain performance of dual polarization in a second frequency band according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.9B,11A, and11B, when describing a peak gain of dual polarization vertically exhibited in a second frequency band (e.g., 24.5 GHz to 29.5 GHz) of the antenna module500, it can be seen that peak gains (LB_feed_up±45)1101and1104of a case in which feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540are disposed closer to the conductive portion821than the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580is superior to peak gains (HB_feed_up±45)1102and1105of a case in which the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540are disposed farther from the conductive portion821than the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580or peak gains (Default±45)1103and1106of a case in which the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540are mixed with the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580to be disposed close to the conductive portion821.

FIGS.12A and12Bare graphs illustrating a boresight gain performance in a first frequency band according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Reference toFIGS.9B,12A, and12B, when describing a boresight gain performance of dual polarization exhibited perpendicular to each other in a first frequency band (e.g., 39 GHz) of the antenna module500, it can be seen that boresight gain performances (LB_feed_up±45)1201and1204of a case in which the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540are disposed closer to the conductive portion821than the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580is superior to boresight gain performances (HB_feed_up±45)1202and1205of a case in which the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540are disposed farther from the conductive portion821than the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580or boresight gain performances (Default±45)1203and1206of a case in which the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540are mixed with the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580to be disposed close to the conductive portion821.

FIGS.13A and13Bare graphs illustrating a boresight gain performance in a second frequency band according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.9B,13A, and13B, when describing a boresight gain performance of dual polarization exhibited perpendicular to each other in a second frequency band (e.g., 39 GHZ) of the antenna module500, it can be seen that boresight gain performances (LB_feed_up±45)1301and1304of a case in which the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540are disposed closer to the conductive portion821than the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580is exhibited similarly to boresight gain performances (HB_feed_up±45)1302and1305of a case in which the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540are disposed farther from the conductive portion821than the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580and is superior to the boresight gain performances (Default±45)1303and1306of a case in which the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540are mixed with the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580to be disposed close to the conductive portion821.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, with reference to the above-described graphs, when describing at a gain performance of dual polarization exhibited perpendicular to each other in a first frequency band of the antenna module500and/or a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band, it can be seen that a gain performance of a case in which the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540operating in the first frequency band are disposed closer to the conductive portion821than the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580operating in the second frequency band is the most superior. For example, by spacing feeding points disposed in conductive patches operating in a relatively low frequency band to be farthest away from the conductive portion, the antenna module may assist in exhibiting a maximum radiation performance.

FIG.14is a rear view illustrating an electronic device in which an antenna module is disposed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Because the antenna module500ofFIG.14is substantially the same as the antenna module500illustrated inFIGS.5A and5B, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

An electronic device1400ofFIG.14may be at least partially similar to the electronic device101ofFIG.1or the electronic device300ofFIGS.3A to3Cor may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

Referring toFIG.14, the electronic device1400may include an antenna module500disposed in an internal space. The antenna module500may be disposed to form a beam pattern in a direction (e.g., −Z axis direction) toward a rear plate311in the internal space of the electronic device. For example, a plurality of first conductive patches (e.g., the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540ofFIG.5B) operating in a first frequency band of the antenna module500and a plurality of second conductive patches (e.g., the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580ofFIG.5B) operating in a second frequency band may be disposed in parallel with the rear plate311. As illustrated, the disposition relationship of the fourth conductive patch540and the eighth conductive patch580is described, but the remaining plurality of first conductive patches (e.g., the remaining conductive patches510,520, and530ofFIG.5B) and the plurality of second conductive patches (e.g., the remaining conductive patches550,560, and570ofFIG.5B) may also have substantially the same configuration.

The rear plate311may include a conductive area311a(e.g., metal member area) and a non-conductive area311b(e.g., polymer area). The conductive area311amay include an area in which the conductive portion disposed in an internal space of the electronic device1400overlaps at least a partial area of the rear plate311when viewed from above the rear plate311. The antenna module500may be disposed in an area overlapped with the non-conductive area311bwhen viewed from above the rear plate311. The seventh feeding point541and the eighth feeding point542of the fourth conductive patch540may be disposed to have the same first vertical distance d1from the first side593of a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board590ofFIG.5B) adjacent to the conductive area311a. A fifteenth feeding point581and a sixteenth feeding point582of the eighth conductive patch580may be disposed to have a second vertical distance d2longer than the first vertical distance d1from the first side593.

In the antenna module500according to embodiments of the disclosure, by disposing the feeding points (e.g., the feeding points511,512,521,522,531,532,541, and542ofFIG.5B) of a plurality of first conductive patches (e.g., the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540ofFIG.5B) operating in a high frequency band (e.g., first frequency band) to be closer than feeding points (e.g., the feeding points551,552,561,562,571,572,581, and582ofFIG.5B) of the plurality of second conductive patches (e.g., the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580ofFIG.5B) operating in a relatively low frequency band (e.g., second frequency band), deterioration in radiation performance by conductive portions (e.g., the conductive area311a) disposed around the antenna module can be reduced.

FIG.15Ais a plan view illustrating an antenna module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.15Bis a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna module1500taken along line D-D′ ofFIG.15Aaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The antenna module1500ofFIG.15Amay be at least partially similar to the third antenna module246ofFIG.2or may further include other components of the antenna module.

Elements ofFIGS.15A and15Bmay be substantially the same as those ofFIGS.5A and5B, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.15A and15B, the antenna module1500is an antenna structure and may include a first antenna array AR1including a first conductive patch510, a second conductive patch520, a third conductive patch530, and/or a fourth conductive patch540disposed at the first surface591of the printed circuit board590or disposed close to the first surface591inside the printed circuit board590and a second antenna array AR2including a fifth conductive patch550, a sixth conductive patch560, a seventh conductive patch570, and/or an eighth conductive patch580. The antenna module1500may include a wireless communication circuit595disposed at the second surface592of the printed circuit board590. The wireless communication circuit595may be configured to transmit and/or receive a first signal of a first frequency band through the first antenna array AR1and to transmit and/or receive a second signal of a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band through the second antenna array AR2.

The antenna module1500according to an embodiment of the disclosure may operate as a dual band single polarized antenna module. The plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540may include feeding points511,521,531, and541having a third vertical distance d3from the conductive portion821. The plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580may include feeding points551,561,571, and581having a fourth vertical distance d4greater than a third vertical distance d3from the conductive portion821. In this case, as the feeding points511,521,531, and541disposed in each of the plurality of first conductive patches510,520,530, and540operating in a high frequency band (e.g., first frequency band) are disposed closer to the conductive portion821than the feeding points551,561,571, and581disposed in each of the plurality of second conductive patches550,560,570, and580operating in a relatively low frequency band (e.g., second frequency band), degradation in a radiation performance of the antenna module1500by the conductive portion821disposed around the antenna module can be reduced.

FIGS.16A to16Fare plan views illustrating antenna modules according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Antenna modules1600-1,1600-2,1600-3,1600-4,1600-5, and1600-6ofFIGS.16A to16Fmay be at least partially similar to the third antenna module246ofFIG.2or may further include other components of the antenna module.

Referring toFIG.16A, the antenna module1600-1is an antenna structure and may include a first antenna array AR3including a first conductive patch610, a second conductive patch620, a third conductive patch630, and/or a fourth conductive patch640disposed at the first surface591of the printed circuit board590or disposed close to the first surface591inside the printed circuit board590and a second antenna array AR4including a fifth conductive patch650, a sixth conductive patch660, a seventh conductive patch670, and/or an eighth conductive patch680. The antenna module1600-1may include a wireless communication circuit595disposed at the second surface592of the printed circuit board590. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the wireless communication circuit595may be disposed in an internal space of the electronic device spaced apart from the printed circuit board590, and be electrically connected to the printed circuit board590through an electrical connection member. The wireless communication circuit595may be configured to transmit and/or receive a first signal of a first frequency band through the first antenna array AR3and to transmit and/or receive a second signal of a second frequency band lower than the frequency band through the second antenna array AR4.

The antenna module1600-1according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include feeding points611,621,631, and641disposed at the edge closest to the conductive portion821in each of the plurality of first square conductive patches610,620,630, and640and feed points612,622,632, and642disposed on an imaginary line perpendicular to an imaginary straight line passing through the feeding points611,621,631, and641and center points of each of the plurality of first conductive patches610,620,630, and640. The antenna module1600-1may include feeding points651,661,671, and681disposed at the edge furthest from the conductive portion821and feed points652,662,672, and682disposed on an imaginary line perpendicular to an imaginary straight line passing through the feeding points651,661,671, and681and center points of each of the plurality of second conductive patches650,660,670, and680, at each of the plurality of second square conductive patches650,660,670, and680. In this case, the feeding points651,652,661,662,671,672,681, and682of the plurality of second conductive patches650,660,670, and680operating in the second frequency band may be disposed to have a distance farther from the conductive portion821than the feeding points611,621,631, and641of the plurality of first conductive patches610,620,630, and640operating in a first frequency band higher than the second frequency band.

Referring toFIG.16B, an antenna module1600-2may include a state in which only the plurality of first conductive patches610,620,630, and640are rotated by 90° counterclockwise (illustrated arrow direction) together with feeding points611,612,621,622,631,632,641, and642in the configuration of the antenna module1600-1substantially the same as that ofFIG.16A. In this case, the feeding points611,621,631, and641of the plurality of first conductive patches610,620,630, and640operating in the first frequency band may be disposed to have a closer distance to the conductive portion821than the feeding points651,652,661,662,671,672,681, and682of the plurality of second conductive patches650,660,670, and680operating in a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band.

Referring toFIG.16C, an antenna module1600-3may include a state in which only the plurality of second conductive patches650,660,670, and680are rotated by 90° clockwise (illustrated arrow direction) together with the feeding points651,652,661,662,671,672,681, and682in the configuration of the antenna module1600-1substantially the same as that ofFIG.16A. In this case, all feeding points651,652,661,662,671,672,681, and682of the plurality of second conductive patches650,660,670, and680operating in the second frequency band may be disposed to have a distance farther from the conductive portion821than all feeding points611,612,621,622,631,632,641, and642of the plurality of first conductive patches610,620,630, and640operating in the first frequency band higher than the second frequency band.

Referring toFIG.16D, an antenna module1600-4is an antenna structure and may include a first antenna array AR5including a first conductive patch710, a second conductive patch720, a third conductive patch730, and/or a fourth conductive patch740disposed at the first surface591of the printed circuit board590or disposed close to the first surface591inside the printed circuit board590, and a second antenna array AR6including a fifth conductive patch750, a sixth conductive patch760, a seventh conductive patch770, and/or an eighth conductive patch780. According to an embodiment, the antenna module1600-4may include a wireless communication circuit595disposed at the second surface592of the printed circuit board590. In another embodiment, the wireless communication circuit595may be disposed in an internal space of the electronic device spaced apart from the printed circuit board590and be electrically connected to the printed circuit board590through an electrical connection member. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit595may be configured to transmit and/or receive a first signal of a first frequency band through the first antenna array AR5and to transmit and/or receive a second signal of a second frequency band lower than the frequency band through the second antenna array AR6.

The antenna module1600-4according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be disposed to have the same shape as that of the first antenna array AR1and the second antenna array AR2ofFIG.5A, and positions of the feeding points may be changed. For example, the antenna module1600-4may include feeding points711,721,731, and741disposed at a corner closest to the conductive portion821in each of the plurality of first conductive patches710,720,730, and740and feeding points712,722,732, and742disposed on an imaginary straight line perpendicular to an imaginary straight line passing through the feeding points711,721,731, and741and the center of the plurality of first conductive patches710,720,730, and740. The antenna module1600-4may include feeding points751,761,771, and781disposed at the corner furthest from the conductive portion821and feeding points752,762,772, and782disposed on an imaginary straight line perpendicular to an imaginary straight line passing through the feeding points751,761,771, and781and the center of the plurality of second conductive patches750,760,770, and780at each of the plurality of second conductive patches750,760,770, and780. In this case, the feeding points751,752,761,762,771,772,781, and782of the plurality of second conductive patches750,760,770, and780operating in the second frequency band may be disposed to have a distance farther from the conductive portion821than the feeding points711,721,731, and741of the plurality of first conductive patches710,720,730, and740operating in the first frequency band higher than the second frequency band.

Referring toFIG.16E, an antenna module1600-5may include new feeding points713,714,723,724,733,734,743, and744formed when feeding points711,712,721,722,731,732,741, and742of the plurality of first conductive patches710,720,730, and740move from each corner to the center of an adjacent side (e.g., a side positioned in a right direction from the corner) in the configuration of substantially the same antenna arrays AR5and AR6as those ofFIG.16D. In this case, the feeding points751,752,761,762,771,772,781, and782of the plurality of second conductive patches750,760,770, and780operating in the second frequency band may be disposed to have a distance farther from the conductive portion821than the feeding points713,723,733, and743of the plurality of first conductive patches710,720,730, and740operating in a first frequency band higher than a second frequency band.

Referring toFIG.16F, an antenna module1600-6may include new feeding points753,754,763,764,773,774,783, and784formed when the feeding points751,752,761,762,771,772,781, and782of the plurality of second conductive patches750,760,770, and780move from each corner to the center of the adjacent side (e.g., a side positioned to a right direction from the corner) in the configuration of substantially the same the antenna arrays AR5and AR6as that ofFIG.16D. In this case, all changed feeding points753,754,763,764,773,774,783, and784of the plurality of second conductive patches750,760,770, and780operating in the second frequency band may be disposed to have a distance farther from the conductive portion821than all feeding points711,712,721,722,731,732,741, and742of the plurality of first conductive patches710,720,730, and740operating in a first frequency band higher than the second frequency band.

A dual band antenna module according to various embodiments of the disclosure disposes feeding points of a conductive patch operating in a low frequency band to be farther from a conductive member than feeding points of a conductive patch operating in a relatively high frequency band, thereby assisting to improve a radiating performance.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a housing (e.g., the housing810ofFIG.9A) at least partially including a conductive portion (e.g., the conductive portion821ofFIG.9A); an antenna structure disposed in an internal space of the housing, wherein the antenna structure may include a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board590ofFIG.5B) including a plurality of insulating layers; at least one first conductive patch (e.g., the first conductive patch510ofFIG.5B) disposed at a first insulating layer (e.g., the first insulating layer5901aofFIG.6) of the plurality of insulating layers, wherein at least one first conductive patch may include a first feeding point (e.g., the first feeding point511ofFIG.5B) disposed on a first imaginary line (e.g., the first imaginary line L1ofFIG.5B) passing through the center of the first conductive patch; and a second feeding point (e.g., the second feeding point512ofFIG.5B) passing through the center and disposed on a second imaginary line (e.g., the second imaginary line L2ofFIG.5B) perpendicular to the first imaginary line, wherein the first feeding point and the second feeding point have a same first vertical distance (e.g., the first vertical distance d1ofFIG.5B) from a first side (e.g., the first side593ofFIG.5B) of the printed circuit board adjacent to the conductive portion; and at least one second conductive patch (e.g., the fifth conductive patch550ofFIG.5B) overlapped at least partially to have the same center as that of the first conductive patch when viewed from above the first conductive patch in a second insulating layer (e.g., the second insulating layer5901bofFIG.6) different from the first insulating layer, wherein at least one second conductive patch may include a third feeding point (e.g., the ninth feeding point551ofFIG.5B) disposed on the first imaginary line; and a fourth feeding point (e.g., the tenth feeding point552ofFIG.5B) disposed on the second imaginary line, wherein the third feeding point and the fourth feeding point have the same second vertical distance (e.g., the second vertical distance d2ofFIG.5B) longer than the first vertical distance from the first side; and an antenna module including a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication circuit595ofFIG.5B) configured to transmit and/or receive a first signal of a first frequency band through the at least one first conductive patch and to transmit and/or receive a second signal of a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band through the at least one second conductive patch.

The wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and/or receive a signal having a frequency in the range of about 3 GHz to 100 GHz through the at least one first conductive patch and/or the at least one second conductive patch.

The wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and/or receive a signal having first polarization through the first feeding point in the first frequency band.

The wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and/or receive a signal having second polarization perpendicular to the first polarization through the second feeding point in the first frequency band.

The wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and/or receive a signal having third polarization equal to the first polarization through the third feeding point in the second frequency band.

The wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and/or receive a signal having fourth polarization equal to the second polarization through the fourth feeding point in the second frequency band.

The printed circuit board may include a first surface (e.g., the first surface591ofFIG.6) and a second surface (e.g., the second surface592ofFIG.6) facing in a direction opposite to that of the first surface, and wherein the at least one first conductive patch may be disposed closer to the first surface than the at least one second conductive patch.

The wireless communication circuit may be disposed at the second surface of the printed circuit board.

The at least one first conductive patch may be formed in a smaller size than that of the at least one second conductive patch.

The at least one first conductive patch and the at least one second conductive patch may be formed in the same shape.

The first feeding point and/or the second feeding point may be configured to be in direct contact with or capacitively coupled to the at least one first conductive patch through a first feeding portion (e.g., the first feeding portion5111ofFIG.6) and/or a second feeding portion (e.g., the second feeding portion5121ofFIG.6) vertically penetrating at least some of the plurality of insulating layers.

The third feeding point and/or the fourth feeding point may be configured to be in direct contact with or capacitively coupled to the at least one second conductive patch through a third feeding portion (e.g., the ninth feeding portion5511ofFIG.6) and/or a fourth feeding portion (e.g., the tenth feeding portion5521ofFIG.6) vertically penetrating at least some of the plurality of insulating layers.

The housing (e.g., the housing810ofFIG.9A) may include a front cover (e.g., the front plate830ofFIG.9A); a rear cover (e.g., the rear plate840ofFIG.9A) facing in a direction opposite to that of the front cover; and a side member (e.g., the side member820ofFIG.9A) enclosing the space (e.g., the space8001ofFIG.9A) between the front cover and the rear cover and at least partially including the conductive portion (e.g., the conductive portion821ofFIG.9A), wherein the antenna module may be disposed to form a beam pattern in a direction toward the side member.

The housing (e.g., the housing310ofFIG.3A) may include a front cover (e.g., the front plate302ofFIG.3C); a rear cover (e.g., the rear plate311ofFIG.3C) facing in a direction opposite to that of the front cover; and a side member (e.g., the lateral bezel structure320ofFIG.3C) enclosing the space between the front cover and the rear cover, wherein the conductive portion (e.g., the conductive area311aofFIG.14) may be disposed at a position overlapped with at least a partial area of the rear cover when viewed from above the rear cover, and the antenna module may be disposed to form a beam pattern in the direction toward the rear cover.

The rear cover may further include a non-conductive member (e.g., the non-conductive area311bofFIG.14) disposed in an area facing the at least one first conductive patch and the at least one second conductive patch of the antenna module.

The electronic device may further include a display (e.g., the display301ofFIG.3C) disposed to be at least partially visible from the outside through the front cover in an internal space thereof.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a housing (e.g., the housing810ofFIG.9A); a conductive member (e.g., the conductive portion821ofFIG.9A) included in the housing or disposed inside the housing; an antenna structure disposed in an internal space of the housing, wherein the antenna structure may include a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board590ofFIG.15A) including a plurality of insulating layers; at least one first conductive patch (e.g., the first conductive patch510ofFIG.15A) disposed at a first insulating layer (e.g., the first insulating layer5901aofFIG.15B) of the plurality of insulating layers and including a first feeding point (e.g., the first feeding point511ofFIG.15A) spaced apart from the conductive member by a first distance (e.g., the third distance d3ofFIG.15A); at least one second conductive patch at least partially overlapped to have the same center as that of the first conductive patch and including a second feeding point (e.g., the second feeding point551ofFIG.15A) spaced apart from the conductive member by a second distance (e.g., the fourth distance d4ofFIG.15A) longer than the first distance, when viewed from above the first conductive patch in a second insulating layer (e.g., the second insulating layer5901bofFIG.15B) different from the first insulating layer; and a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication circuit595ofFIG.15A) configured to be electrically connected to the first feeding point, to transmit and/or receive a first signal of a first frequency band through the first conductive patch, to be electrically connected to the second feeding point, and to transmit and/or receive a second signal of a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band through the second conductive patch.

The first feeding point may be disposed on a first imaginary line passing through the center of the first conductive patch, the first conductive patch may include a third feeding point passing through the center, disposed on a second imaginary line perpendicular to the first imaginary line, and spaced apart from the conductive member by a third distance, the second feeding point may be disposed on a third imaginary line passing through the center of the second conductive patch, the second conductive patch may include a fourth feeding point passing through the center, disposed on a fourth imaginary line perpendicular to the third imaginary line, and spaced apart from the conductive member by a fourth distance, and the wireless communication circuit may be configured to be electrically connected to the third feeding point, to transmit and/or receive a third signal of a first frequency band through the first conductive patch, to be electrically connected to the fourth feeding point, and to transmit and/or receive a fourth signal of a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band through the second conductive patch.

The first imaginary line may be the same as the third imaginary line, and the second imaginary line may be the same as the fourth imaginary line.

The first signal and the second signal may have first polarization, and the third signal and the fourth signal may have second polarization different from the first polarization.

While the disclosure has been shown described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.