Patent ID: 12225149

With regard to description of drawings, the same or similar components may be marked by the same or similar reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modification, equivalent, and/or alternative on the various embodiments described herein can be variously made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, radiation performance of an antenna may be improved even though the antenna is disposed in a lower end bezel area of an electronic device.

According to embodiments of the disclosure, even though the antenna is disposed in a lower end bezel area of an electronic device, the frequency band of signals that are transmitted and received by the antenna may still have relatively wide bandwidth.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device101in a network environment100according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG.1, the electronic device101in the 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). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may communicate with the electronic device104via the server108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a processor120, memory130, an input device150, a sound 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. According to one embodiment, 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. According to an embodiment, 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). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) 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 other 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 sound output device155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device101. The sound 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 incoming calls. According to an embodiment, 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. According to an embodiment, 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. According to an embodiment, the audio module170may obtain the sound via the input device150, or output the sound via the sound 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. According to an embodiment, 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. According to an embodiment, 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 connecting terminal178may include a connector via which the electronic device101may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102). According to an embodiment, the connecting 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. According to an embodiment, the haptic module179may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module180may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, 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. According to one embodiment, 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. According to an embodiment, 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 application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, 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 subscriber identification module196.

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. According to an embodiment, 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., PCB). According to an embodiment, 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. According to an embodiment, 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)).

According to an embodiment, 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. According to an embodiment, 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.

FIG.2is an exploded perspective view illustrating the electronic device101according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.3is a view illustrating a rear structure240of the electronic device101according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.3is a view of the rear structure240, viewed from the second surface S2.

Referring toFIG.2, in an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a window210, a display panel220, a support member230, the rear structure240, and an antenna structure270(e.g., the antenna module197ofFIG.1) and/or a second plate250. The housing of the electronic device101may include a first plate211, the second plate250, and a side member241. The first plate211may include a first surface S1. The second plate250may face a direction opposite to the first plate211. The second plate250may include the second surface S2. The side member241may surround the space between the first plate211and the second plate250. The window210may define at least a portion of the first plate211.

The electronic device101, for example, may be a smartphone, a tablet, a wearable device, a home appliance, or a digital camera.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first plate211may include the transparent window210. The first plate211, for example, may be the front surface of the electronic device101. The display panel220of the electronic device101, for example, may be disposed through the first plate211. The second plate250, for example, may be the rear surface of the electronic device101. A rear camera of the electronic device101, for example, may be disposed in the second plate250.

According to an embodiment, the window210may define at least a portion of the first plate211. The window210, for example, may be implemented by a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers.

According to an embodiment, the display panel220may be disposed between the window210and the second plate250. At least a portion of the display panel220may be exposed through the window210. In an embodiment, the shape of the corners of the display panel220may be substantially the same as that of the adjacent outer edge of the window210. In an embodiment, to maximize the exposed area of the display panel220, the interval between the outskirt of the display panel220and the outskirt of the window210may be substantially the same. The display panel220may be connected to a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) of the electronic device101. The display panel220may receive image data from the processor and may display images corresponding to the image data from the processor.

According to an embodiment, the support member230may be disposed between the display panel220and the second plate250. At least a portion of the support member230, for example, may be made of a metallic material and/or a polymer material. The support member230may define at least a portion of the mounting structure for components included in the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB)231may be disposed on the support member230. The PCB231, for example, may be disposed between the display panel220and the support member230.

According to an embodiment, the processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may be disposed on the PCB231. The processor, for example, may be a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, and/or a communication processor, etc.

According to an embodiment, a wireless communication circuit may be disposed on the PCB231. The wireless communication circuit, for example, may perform communication with an external device (e.g., the electronic device104ofFIG.1).

According to an embodiment, the PCB231may include a ground. The ground of the PCB231may function as the ground of the antenna structure270that is implemented by using the wireless communication circuit.

According to an embodiment, the rear structure240may be disposed between the support member230and the second plate250. In an embodiment, the rear structure240may include the side member241and the internal member242. The side member241may implement at least a portion of the side surface of the electronic device101. The internal member242may be interposed between the second plate250and the support member230. The side member241and the internal member242may be connected to each other. The rear structure240may be coupled to or integrated with the side member241. Referring toFIGS.2and3, the side member241may include a first edge241_1, a second edge241_2, a third edge241_3, and/or a fourth edge241_4.

According to an embodiment, the first edge241_1may extend in a first direction D1, and may define the lower end of the electronic device101. The second edge241_2may face the first edge241_1, and may extend in the first direction D1. The second edge241_2may define the upper end of the electronic device101. The third edge241_3may extend in a second direction D2perpendicular the first direction D1, and may connect the first edge241_1and the second edge241_2. The fourth edge241_4may face the third edge241_3, and may extend in the second direction D2. The fourth edge241_4may connect the first edge241_1and the second edge241_2.

In an embodiment, a hole that may accommodate a connector245(e.g., USB connector) for transmitting and receiving electric power and/or data to and from an external device may be formed in the first edge241_1. In an embodiment, the hole that may accommodate a connector246(e.g., audio connector) for transmitting and receiving audio signals to and from an external device may be formed in the first edge241_1. In an embodiment, a key input device that may be pressed by a user may be disposed in the third edge241_3and the fourth edge241_4(not shown).

According to an embodiment, the first edge241_1, the second edge241_2, the third edge241_3, and/or the fourth edge241_4may include a nonconductive material.

In an embodiment, the internal member242may include at least one opening (not illustrated). Due to the opening of the internal member242, some of the components mounted on the support member230may be exposed.

According to an embodiment, the antenna structure270may be disposed on the rear structure240. For example, the antenna structure270may be interposed between the rear structure240and the second plate250. As another example, the antenna structure270may be coupled to the rear structure240. In an embodiment, the antenna structure270may be disposed to be closer to the first edge241_1than to the second edge241_2. As another example, the antenna structure270may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first edge241_1.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the antenna structure270may be made of a flexible material. For example, at least a portion of the antenna structure270may be implemented by a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The antenna structure270may radiate a first signal of a first frequency range and a second signal of a second frequency range.

In an embodiment, the second plate250may cover the rear structure240and the antenna structure270coupled to the rear structure240, but at least a portion of the side member241may be exposed.

FIG.4is a view illustrating the antenna structure270included in the electronic device101according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and is an enlarged view of area “j” ofFIG.3.FIG.4is a view illustrating that the antenna structure270is coupled to the rear structure240.

Referring toFIG.4, the antenna structure270according to the embodiment of the disclosure may include a conductive pattern including a first point P1, a second point P2, and a third point P3. The conductive pattern may include a first conductive pattern271, a second conductive pattern272, and/or a third conductive pattern273. According to an embodiment, the first conductive pattern271, the second conductive pattern272, and/or the third conductive pattern273may extend from the first point P1. The third conductive pattern273may be disposed in a first area R1, and the first conductive pattern271and the second conductive pattern272may be disposed in a second area R2. The first area R1and the second area R2may be areas included on a surface of the rear structure240, which faces the second surface S2.

In an embodiment, the first length of the conductive pattern271may be larger than the second length of the second conductive pattern272and the third length of the third conductive pattern273.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first conductive pattern271may extend from the first point P1in the first direction D1. The first direction D1, for example, may be parallel to the first edge241_1. The first point P1may be the point at which the first conductive pattern271starts, when the antenna structure270coupled to the rear structure240is viewed from the second surface S2of the electronic device101. The first conductive pattern271may include a first distal end E1. The first distal end E1may be the point at which the first conductive pattern271ends. In an embodiment, the first distal end E1may be located closer to the third edge241_3than to the fourth edge241_4. The first distal end E1may be located to be spaced apart from the side member241. For example, the first distal end E1may not directly contact the side member241. For example, the first distal end E1may be located to be spaced apart from the first edge241_1and the third edge241_3.

According to an embodiment, the first conductive pattern271may surround at least a portion of the first area R1. According to an embodiment, the first conductive pattern271may include a first part271aand a second part271b. The first part271amay be a part of the first conductive pattern271that is spaced apart from the first edge241_1by a first interval H1in the second direction D2. The second part271bmay be a part of the first conductive pattern271that is spaced apart from the first edge241_1by a second interval H2in the second direction D2. The first interval H1may be larger than the second interval H2. For example, the first area R1may be an area between the first edge241_1and the first part271a.

According to an embodiment, the second point P2may be a point on the first conductive pattern271that is different from the first point P1and is spaced apart from the first point P1. The second point P2may be a point that is located at the border between the first part271aand the second part271b. For example, the first part271amay be a part of the first conductive pattern271between the first point P1and the second point P2.

According to an embodiment, the second conductive pattern272may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first conductive pattern271when the rear structure240is viewed from the second surface S2. The first conductive pattern271and the second conductive pattern272may be connected to each other when the rear structure240is viewed from the first surface S1. That is, the connecting portion connecting the first conductive pattern271and the second conductive pattern272may not be visible when viewed from the second surface S2. The first conductive pattern271and the second conductive pattern272may be electrically connected to each other. The second conductive pattern272may be disposed to be closer to the fourth edge241_4than to the first conductive pattern271.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the second conductive pattern272may extend from the first point P1in a direction opposite to the first direction D1. The second conductive pattern272may include the third point P3that is electrically connected to the ground of the PCB231. The second conductive pattern272may include a second distal end E2. The second distal end E2may be the point at which the second conductive pattern272ends. In an embodiment, the second distal end E2may be located closer to the fourth edge241_4than to the third edge241_3. The second distal end E2may be located to be spaced apart from the side member241. For example, the second distal end E2may not directly contact the side member241. For example, the second distal end E2may be located to be spaced apart from the first edge241_1and the fourth edge241_4.

According to an embodiment, the third conductive pattern273may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first conductive pattern271and the second conductive pattern272when the rear structure240is viewed from the second surface S2. The first conductive pattern271, the second conductive pattern272, and the third conductive pattern273may be connected to each other when the rear structure240is viewed from the first surface S1. The first conductive pattern271, the second conductive pattern272, and the third conductive pattern273may be electrically connected to each other. The third conductive pattern273may be disposed between the first point P1and the second point P2of the first conductive pattern271. The third conductive pattern273may be disposed in the first area R1between the first part271aof the first conductive pattern271and the first edge241_1.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the third conductive pattern273may extend from the first point P1. The third conductive pattern273may include a third distal end E3. The third distal end E3may be the point at which the third conductive pattern273ends. The third distal end E3may be located to be spaced apart from the side member241. For example, the third distal end E3may not directly contact the side member241. For example, the third distal end E3may be located to be spaced apart from the first edge241_1, the third edge241_3, and the fourth edge241_4.

According to an embodiment, a part273aof the third conductive pattern273may be disposed to generate coupling (e.g. capacitive coupling) with at least a portion of the first conductive pattern271. For example, the part273aof the third conductive pattern273may be disposed to generate coupling with the first part271aof the first conductive pattern271.

The first distal end E1, the second distal end E2, and the third distal end E3of the antenna structure270, which is disposed adjacent to the first edge241_1and coupled to the rear structure240, may be spaced apart from the first edge241_1, the third edge241_3, and the fourth edge241_4for the stable arrangement of the antenna structure, which is required because the antenna structure is implemented with the FPCB and is flexible.

According to an embodiment, portions of the first conductive pattern271, the second conductive pattern272, and the third conductive pattern273may merge into a common portion274. The common portion274, for example, may be a part that extends from the first point P1in the second direction D2.

In an embodiment, the electronic device101may be implemented to radiate electromagnetic waves for wireless communication by using the antenna structure270. The first conductive pattern271may operate in a frequency band that is different from the frequency bands of the second conductive pattern272and the third conductive pattern273.

FIG.5is a circuit diagram corresponding to the antenna structure270according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.6is a view of the rear structure240ofFIG.2, viewed from the first surface S1.FIG.7is an enlarged view of area “k” ofFIG.2.FIG.8is a graph depicting signals transmitted and received by a wireless communication circuit by using the antenna structure270of the electronic device101according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.9is a graph depicting signals transmitted and received by a wireless communication circuit by using the antenna structure270of the electronic device101according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.2,4, and5, the first conductive pattern271, the second conductive pattern272, and/or the third conductive pattern273of the antenna structure270may be connected to the ground of the PCB231. Furthermore, the first conductive pattern271, the second conductive pattern272, and/or the third conductive pattern273may be connected to the wireless communication circuit through a feeding point FP.

According to an embodiment, a first switching circuit281may be connected to the second point P2. The first switching circuit281may be connected to the second point P2and the ground of the PCB231through a plurality of elements291,292,293, and294. In an embodiment, the first switching circuit281may connect the second point P2of the first conductive pattern271to the ground of the PCB231through any one of the four elements291,292,293, and294. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, but the first switching circuit281may connect the second point P2of the first conductive pattern271to the ground of the PCB231through an arbitrary number of elements.

In an embodiment, the four elements291,292,293, and294may be capacitors and/or inductors.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, the rear structure240may include a front surface that faces the first surface S1, and a rear surface, to which the antenna structure270is coupled, and that faces the second surface S2.FIG.6is a view illustrating the front surface of the rear structure240. Area “k” ofFIG.7may face the rear surface of the rear structure240.

The antenna structure270may include a first pad301, a second pad303, or a third pad307. In an embodiment, the first pad301, the second pad303, and the third pad307may be connected to a portion of the antenna structure270, and are exposed to the front side of the rear structure240after passing through the rear structure240. To allow the portion of the antenna structure270to pass through the rear structure240, the rear structure240may include one or more openings (not illustrated). The portion of the antenna structure270may pass through the rear structure240to contact the rear structure240.

According to an embodiment, the PCB231may include a fourth pad401, a fifth pad403, and/or a sixth pad405. The fourth pad401may be connected to the wireless communication circuit disposed in the PCB231. The fifth pad403may be connected to the ground of the PCB231. The sixth pad405may be connected to the first switching circuit281disposed in the PCB231. In an embodiment, the fourth pad401, the fifth pad403, and the sixth pad405may be electrically connected to the first pad301, the second pad303, and the third pad307, respectively, by a connection member (e.g., a C-clip).

According to an embodiment, the feeding point FP may be connected to the first pad301. The first pad301may be connected to the fourth pad401of the PCB231. For example, the feeding point FP may be electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit of the PCB231through the first pad301and the fourth pad401.

According to an embodiment, the third point P3of the antenna structure270may be connected to the second pad303. The second pad303may be connected to the fifth pad403of the PCB231. For example, the third point P3may be electrically connected to the ground of the PCB231through the second pad303and the fifth pad403.

According to an embodiment, the second point P2of the antenna structure270may be connected to the third pad307. The third pad307may be connected to the sixth pad405of the PCB231. For example, the second point P2may be electrically connected to the first switching circuit281of the PCB231through the third pad307and the sixth pad405.

Referring toFIG.5, the wireless communication circuit may feed electric power to the first conductive pattern271, the second conductive pattern272, and the third conductive pattern273, through the feeding point FP.

Referring toFIGS.5and8, the “x” axis ofFIG.8may represent frequency (unit: MHz), and the “y” axis may represent reflectivity S11(unit: dB). The graph ofFIG.8represents signals that may be transmitted and/or received by the antenna structure270when electric power is fed to the antenna structure270by the wireless communication circuit.

According to an embodiment, the first frequency range FB1may include a first resonance frequency f1. The second frequency range FB2may include a second resonance frequency f2and a third resonance frequency D. A second frequency range FB2may be higher than the first frequency range FB1.

According to an embodiment, when the wireless communication circuit feeds electric power to the first conductive pattern271, the second conductive pattern272, and the third conductive pattern273through the feeding point FP, a first electrical path for transmitting and/or receiving a first signal of the first frequency range FB1may include the first conductive pattern271. The wireless communication circuit may transmit and/or receive the first signal of the first frequency range FB1, based on the first electrical path. The first signal having the first resonance frequency f1may be transmitted and/or received by using the first conductive pattern271.

According to an embodiment, when the wireless communication circuit feeds electric power to the first conductive pattern271, the second conductive pattern272, and the third conductive pattern273through the feeding point FP, a second electrical path for transmitting and/or receiving a second signal of the second frequency range FB2may include the second conductive pattern272and the third conductive pattern273. The wireless communication circuit may transmit and/or receive the second signal of the second frequency range FB2, based on the second electrical path. The second signal of the second frequency range FB2may include a signal having the second resonance frequency f2and a signal having the third resonance frequency f3. The signal having the second resonance frequency f2in the second frequency range FB2may be transmitted and/or received by using the second conductive pattern272. The signal having the third resonance frequency f3in the second frequency range FB2may be transmitted and/or received by using the third conductive pattern273.

According to an embodiment, when the wireless communication circuit feeds electric power to the first conductive pattern271, the second conductive pattern272, and the third conductive pattern273through the feeding point FP to transmit and receive the first signal and the second signal, the resonance frequency in the first frequency range FB1may be adjusted by the first switching circuit281.

Referring toFIGS.5and9, the “x” axis ofFIG.9may represent frequency (unit: MHz), and the “y” axis may represent reflectivity S11(unit: dB). The first to fifth graphs G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5ofFIG.9represent signals that may be transmitted and/or received through the antenna structure270by the wireless communication circuit when electric power is fed to the antenna structure270by the wireless communication circuit.

For example, when the first switching circuit281is electrically connected the second point P2and to the ground of the PCB231through at least one of the first to fourth elements291,292,293, and294, the wireless communication circuit may transmit and/or receive a signal having any one of fourth to seventh resonance frequencies f4, f5, f6, and f7in the first frequency range FB1. In this case, the first signal may be a signal having any one of the fourth to seventh resonance frequencies f4, f5, f6, and f7. For example, the first resonance frequency f1ofFIG.8may be any one of the fourth to seventh resonance frequencies f4, f5, f6, and f7.

For example, when the first switching circuit281does not connect the second point P2to the ground of the PCB231(e.g., the first graph G1and the second graph G2), the first signal may have the fourth resonance frequency f4.

In an embodiment, when the first switching circuit281electrically connects the second point P2to the ground of the PCB231through an inductor and a capacitor implementing one of the first to fourth elements291,292,293, and294(e.g., the third graph G3), the wireless communication circuit may transmit and/or receive a signal having the fifth resonance frequency f5that is higher than the first resonance frequency f1by using the first conductive pattern271.

In an embodiment, when the first switching circuit281electrically connects the second point P2to the ground of the PCB231through an inductor implementing one of the first to fourth elements291,292,293, and294(e.g., the fourth graph G4and the fifth graph G5), the wireless communication circuit may transmit and/or receive a signal having resonance frequencies (e.g., f6and f7) that are higher than the fifth resonance frequency f5by using the first conductive pattern271.

According to an embodiment, the resonance frequency of the first signal that may be transmitted and/or received by the wireless communication circuit by using the first conductive pattern271may be adjusted according to inductances of the inductors included in the first to fourth elements291,292,293, and294connected to the first switching circuit281. In this case, the first switching circuit281, for example, may be used as a matching circuit. For example, when the wireless communication circuit transmits and/or receives the first signal having the sixth resonance frequency f6by using the first conductive pattern271, this may be the case in which an inductor having lower inductance is connected to the first conductive pattern271by the first switching circuit281as compared with the case in which the first signal having the seventh resonance frequency f7is transmitted and/or received by using the first conductive pattern271. For example, as inductance values of the inductors included in the first to fourth elements291,292,293, and294connected by the first switching circuit281increases, resonance frequencies may become lower.

The antenna structure270of the electronic device101according to the embodiment of the disclosure may adjust the resonance frequency by connecting the second point P2to a suitable element through the first switching circuit281.

According to an embodiment, to obtain a plurality of resonance frequencies (e.g., the second resonance frequency f2and the third resonance frequency f3) in the second frequency range FB2while obtaining high radiation efficiency of the first frequency range FB1, the third conductive pattern273may be disposed between the first part271aand the first edge241_1(e.g., in the first area R1). The radiation efficiency when the third conductive pattern273is disposed between the first part271aand the first edge241_1may be higher than the radiation efficiency when the third conductive pattern273is spaced apart from the first edge241_1at an interval that is larger than the first interval H1. This is because interferences with other components may occur to hinder radiation when the third conductive pattern273is spaced apart from the first edge241_1at an interval that is larger than the first interval H1.

FIG.10is an enlarged view of area “k” ofFIG.2.FIG.11is a circuit diagram corresponding to the antenna structure270according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.12is a circuit diagram corresponding to the antenna structure270according to an embodiment of the disclosure. For clarity of description, duplicative descriptions will not be repeated.

Referring toFIG.10, the electronic device101according to the embodiment of the disclosure may further include a second switching circuit282. The second switching circuit282may be disposed in the PCB231. The second switching circuit282may be electrically connected to at least one of the fourth pad401or the fifth pad403. Description of the first switching circuit281, other than the following description of the connection relationship between the second switching circuit282and the antenna structure270, may be applied to the second switching circuit282.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG.11, the second switching circuit282may connect the first conductive pattern271, the second conductive pattern272, and/or the third conductive pattern273to the ground of the PCB231. In another embodiment, the second switching circuit282may connect the first conductive pattern271, the second conductive pattern272, and/or the third conductive pattern273to the ground of the PCB231through a plurality of elements295,296,297, and298.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG.12, the second switching circuit282may connect the feeding point FP and the ground of the PCB231. The second switching circuit282may connect the feeding point FP to the ground of the PCB231through the plurality of elements295,296,297, and298.

According to an embodiment, the four elements295,296,297, and298may include a capacitor and/or an inductor.

When the wireless communication circuit feeds electric power to the first conductive pattern271, the second conductive pattern272, and the third conductive pattern273through the feeding point FP to transmit and/or receive the first signal and the second signal, the resonance frequency in the second frequency range FB2may be adjusted by the second switching circuit282.

For example, when the second switching circuit282does not electrically connect the feeding point FP to the ground of the PCB through any one of the plurality of elements295,296,297, and298, the wireless communication circuit may transmit and/or receive the second signal having a reference resonance frequency by using the second conductive pattern272and the third conductive pattern273.

For example, when the second switching circuit282electrically connects the feeding point FP to the ground of the PCB through a capacitor implementing one of the plurality of elements295,296,297, and298, the wireless communication circuit may transmit and/or receive the second signal having a resonance frequency that is lower than the reference resonance frequency by using the second conductive pattern272and the third conductive pattern273.

For example, when the second switching circuit282electrically connects the feeding point FP to the ground of the PCB through inductor implementing one of the plurality of elements295,296,297, and298, the wireless communication circuit may transmit and/or receive the second signal having a resonance frequency that is higher than the reference resonance frequency by using the second conductive pattern272and the third conductive pattern273.

In an embodiment, the resonance frequency in the first frequency range FB1may be adjusted by the first switching circuit281, and the resonance frequency in the second frequency range FB2may be adjusted by the second switching circuit282.

For example, when the first switching circuit281electrically connects the second point P2to the ground of the PCB231through an inductor implementing one of the plurality of elements291,292,293, and294and when the second switching circuit282is in an open state, the resonance frequency of the first frequency range FB1is an eighth resonance frequency and the resonance frequencies of the second frequency range FB2may be ninth and tenth resonance frequencies. As another example, when the first switching circuit281is an open state and the second switching circuit282electrically connects the feeding point FP to the ground of the PCB through an inductor implementing one of the plurality of elements295,296,297, and298, the resonance frequency of the first frequency range FB1may be lower than the eighth resonance frequency and the resonance frequencies of the second frequency range FB2may be higher than at least one of the ninth and tenth resonance frequencies.

According to certain embodiments, through a combination of the elements that may be connected to each other through the first switching circuit281and a combination of the elements that may be connected to each other through the second switching circuit282, signal having various resonance frequencies in the first frequency range FB1and the second frequency range FB2may be transmitted and/or received.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a housing including a first plate, a second plate facing in a direction opposite to the first plate, and a side member surrounding a space between the first plate and the second plate and including a first edge, a window disposed in at least a portion of the first plate, a display panel, at least a portion of which is viewable through the window, a PCB disposed between the display panel and the second plate, a rear structure disposed between the PCB and the second plate, coupled to or integrated with the side member, and including a first area and a second area that are adjacent to the first edge, an antenna structure disposed on the rear structure, wherein the antenna includes a conductive pattern including a first point, a second point, and a third point, wherein the conductive layer includes a first conductive pattern extending in a first direction that is parallel to the first edge while having a first length from the first point, disposed to surround at least a portion of the first area, and including the second point, a second conductive pattern extending in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction while having a second length that is smaller than the first length from the first point, and including the third point electrically connected to a ground of the PCB, and a third conductive pattern disposed in the first area, having a third length that is smaller than the first length from the first point, and disposed to generate coupling with at least a portion of the first conductive pattern, a first switching circuit disposed on a path between the second point and the ground, and a wireless communication circuit electrically connected to the conductive pattern, and that transmits and/or receives a first signal of a first frequency range and a second signal of a second frequency range that is higher than the first frequency range,

In an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may transmit and/or receive a signal having a first resonance frequency in the second frequency range by using the second conductive pattern, and transmit and/or receive a signal having a second resonance frequency that is different from the first resonance frequency in the second frequency range by using the third conductive pattern.

In an embodiment, the first conductive pattern may include a part between the first point and the second point, and the first area may be located between the part of the first conductive pattern and the first edge.

In an embodiment, the first switching circuit may electrically connect the second point to the ground through a plurality of elements including a first element and a second element.

In an embodiment, when the first switching circuit electrically connects the second point to the ground through the first element, the wireless communication circuit may transmit and/or receive signals of a first resonance frequency in the first frequency range, and when the first switching circuit electrically connects the second point to the ground through the second element, the wireless communication circuit may transmit and/or receive signals of a second resonance frequency that is different from the first resonance frequency in the first frequency range.

In an embodiment, a first distal end of the first conductive pattern, a second distal end of the second conductive pattern, and a third distal end of the third conductive pattern may be located to be spaced apart from the first edge.

In an embodiment, the first conductive pattern may include a first part spaced apart from the first edge by a first interval and includes the first point, and a second part spaced apart from the first edge by a second interval that is smaller than the first interval, and includes the first distal end, and the third conductive pattern may be disposed between the first edge and the first part.

In an embodiment, at least portions of the first conductive pattern, the second conductive pattern, and the third conductive pattern may be merged into a common portion.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a second switching circuit connecting the third point and the ground.

In an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may further include a second switching circuit that feeds electric power through the first point and connects the first point and the ground of the PCB.

In an embodiment, the conductive pattern may be made of an FPCB.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a housing including a first plate, a second plate facing in a direction opposite to the first plate, and a side member surrounding a space between the first plate and the second plate and including a first edge, a window disposed in at least a portion of the first plate, a display panel, at least a portion of which is viewable through the window, a PCB disposed between the display panel and the second plate, a rear structure disposed between the PCB and the second plate, coupled to or integrated with the side member, and including a first area and a second area that are adjacent to the first edge, an antenna structure disposed on the rear structure, wherein the antenna structure includes a conductive pattern including a first point, a second point, and a third point, wherein the conductive layer includes a first conductive pattern having a first length from the first point, extending in a first direction, and including the second point, a second conductive pattern having a second length that is smaller than the first length from the first point, extending in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and including the third point electrically connected to a ground of the PCB, and a third conductive pattern extending from the first point to have a third length that is shorter than the first length, and a wireless communication circuit electrically connected to the first point, and that transmits and/or receives a first signal of a first frequency range and a second signal of a second frequency range that is higher than the first frequency range, a first distal end of the first conductive pattern, a second distal end of the second conductive pattern, and a third distal end of the third conductive pattern may be spaced apart from the first edge, and the first conductive pattern may include a first part spaced apart from the first edge by a first interval, and a second part spaced apart from the first edge by a second interval that is smaller than the first interval, and the third conductive pattern may be disposed in the first area between the first edge and the first part of the first conductive pattern.

In an embodiment, the first edge may include a nonconductive material.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a first switching circuit disposed on a path between the second point that is different from the first point and the ground.

In an embodiment, the third conductive pattern may be disposed between the first point and the second point.

In an embodiment, when the first switching circuit electrically connects the second point to the ground of the PCB through a plurality of elements including a first element and a second element and the first switching circuit electrically connects the second point to the ground through the first element, the electronic device may transmit and/or receive a signal having a first resonance frequency in the first frequency range, and when the first switching circuit electrically connects the second point to the ground through the second element, the electronic device may transmit and/or receive a signal having a second resonance frequency that is different from the first resonance frequency in the first frequency range.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a second switching circuit connecting the third point and the ground.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may transmit and/or receive the first signal by using the first conductive pattern, and may transmit and/or receive the second signal by using the third conductive pattern.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may transmit and/or receive a signal having a first resonance frequency in the second frequency range by using the second conductive pattern, and transmit and/or receive a signal having a second resonance frequency that is different from the first resonance frequency in the second frequency range by using the third conductive pattern.

In an embodiment, the conductive pattern may be made of an FPCB.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein 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. It is to be understood that 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 “1st” and “2nd”, or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with”, “coupled to”, “connected with”, or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used herein, 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 compiler 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.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments 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.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, 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, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, 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.

While the present disclosure has been shown and 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 present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.