Patent ID: 12256486

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various example embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details, such as detailed constructions and components, will be presented merely to aid a general understanding of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device101in a network environment100according to various embodiments. 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 at least one of 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 module150, a sound output module155, a display module160, an audio module170, a sensor module176, an interface177, a connecting terminal178, 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 various embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal178) may be omitted from the electronic device101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device101. In various embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module176, the camera module180, or the antenna module197) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module160).

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 an embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor120may store 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)), or an auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), 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. For example, when the electronic device101includes the main processor121and the auxiliary processor123, 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 module160, 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. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic device101where the artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server108). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

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 module150may 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 module150may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output module155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device101. The sound output module155may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display module160may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The display module160may 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 module160may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or 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 module150, or output the sound via the sound output module155or 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 an 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 legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication 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 wireless communication module192may support a 5G network, after a 4G network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication module192may support a high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module192may support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module192may support various requirements specified in the electronic device101, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device104), or a network system (e.g., the second network199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module192may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1 ms or less) for implementing URLLC.

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 including a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array 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.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module197may form a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band.

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 devices102or104may 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, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device101may provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In an embodiment, the external electronic device104may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server108may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device104or the server108may be included in the second network199. The electronic device101may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, a home appliance, or the like. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

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), the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, or any combination thereof, 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 “non-transitory” storage medium is a tangible device, and may 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, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. 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 cone sponding 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.

FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an example package for shielding internal components in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) and an arrangement structure of the package according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.2, the electronic device101of an embodiment may include one or a plurality of packages (e.g., a first package230, a second package240, and a third package250) for protecting at least one component232disposed therein using a shield.

According to an embodiment, the at least one component232may be integrated at high density in a predetermined space inside the package. For example, the at least one component232may include components such as a power amplifier (PA) and/or a low noise amplifier (LNA).

According to an embodiment, the shield may be included in the package, to block or reduce that a noise provided inside the package goes out or that a noise provided outside comes inside the package. In an embodiment, the one or plurality of packages230,240, and250may be disposed on one surface of a PCB210. In an embodiment, the one or plurality of packages230,240, and250disposed on the PCB210may be covered by a shield can220.

According to an embodiment, the one or plurality of packages230,240, and250may include a structure (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘laminated structure’) in which ground layers237comprising a conductor and insulating layers235comprising an insulator between the ground layers237are laminated.

According to an embodiment, the ground layers237laminated in the laminated structure may be electrically connected to a ground pad (GND pad)238by a layer connection via239. The ground pad238may be soldered to one surface of the PCB210, thereby being grounded with the ground of the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the shield233may be configured to cover components disposed on one surface of the laminated structure so as not to be exposed to the outside. For example, the shield233may have a hexahedral box model without a bottom surface, and may be formed to cover components disposed in the first package230. For example, the shield233may be formed to surround the first package230excluding the ground pad (GND PAD)238. The shield233may be electrically connected to at least one ground layer237exposed to the outside among the ground layers237of the laminated structure. In an embodiment, a space231existing between the shield233and one surface of the laminated structure on which the internal components of the first package230are disposed may be filled with a predetermined (e.g., specified) material. The predetermined material may include, for example, an insulating member.

According to an embodiment, the shield233may be a hexahedral box model as an example, but is not limited thereto. For example, the shield233may be formed in a hemispherical box shape.

According to an embodiment, the ground layers237are electrically connected to the ground pad238by the layer connection via239, whereby the shield233may be strongly connected to the ground pad238of the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the shield233may include a conductive material such as metal.

According to an embodiment, the shield233may play a role of absorbing a noise provided due to the components included in the first package230and forwarding the same to the ground, thereby reducing a radiation or leakage of the noise provided inside.

In the above disclosure, the structure of the first package230has been described, but the second package240and the third package250, which are the remaining packages disposed within the shield can220, may also have the same or similar structure.

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating an example noise path resulting from radiation within a shield can included in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.3, a component (hereinafter, referred to as an “aggressor component”)330radiating a signal capable of becoming a noise with respect to other components (hereinafter, referred to as a “victim component”)340may be included within the shield can320(e.g., the shield can220ofFIG.2).

According to an embodiment, the aggressor component330may be a component that provides a noise, and the victim component340may be a component that is undesirably affected by the noise provided by the aggressor component. In an example, the victim component340may be a component not protected by the shield among the components existing within the shield can320.

According to an embodiment, the victim component340may be a component used as a single unit such as an LC (inductor, capacitor), a band pass filter (BPF), or a PA.

According to an embodiment, the component used as the single unit may not be easy to cover (or shield) in structure. In this case, according to an embodiment, the noise provided by the aggressor component330may be forwarded to a component disposed next to it as a single unit, or be forwarded even to a distant component in that a space between a package and the shield can320forms a noise propagation path350like a waveguide.

According to an embodiment, this forwarded noise may have an unwanted influence on the victim component340.

As a way to address the above-described problem, a distance between the aggressor component330and the victim component340may be spaced enough not to affect, or a shield wall may be erected between the aggressor component330and the victim component340. However, according to an embodiment, this may cause a loss in an internal space of the electronic device101.

FIG.4is a cross-sectional view of a package structure in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.4, one package of an embodiment may include a ground pad410, a shield pad420, a laminated structure in which a plurality of layers are laminated, at least one component (or device) disposed on one surface of the laminated structure, a shield switch440and/or a shield430.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of layers may have a structure in which a plurality of ground layers (represented by dots in the drawing) and insulating layers460made of an insulator between the ground layers are laminated.

According to an embodiment, the ground layers may be electrically connected to the ground pad410through a via.

According to an embodiment, the at least one component (e.g., a switch, an LC, a BPF, or a PA) may be electrically connected to the ground layers through a via. Accordingly, in an example, the at least one component may be electrically connected to the ground pad410through a via.

According to an embodiment, the ground pad410and/or the shield pad420may be disposed to be soldered to a PCB (e.g., the PCB210ofFIG.2or the PCB310ofFIG.3). For example, the shield pad420may be electrically connected to the ground layer of the PCB.

According to an embodiment, the shield switch440may include four terminals (or ports). In the following description, the shield switch440is described as including four terminals, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may include fewer or more than four terminals.

According to an embodiment, a first terminal442among the four terminals included in the shield switch440may be electrically connected to the shield430through a first conductor wiring470. According to an embodiment, a third terminal446among the four terminals included in the shield switch440may be electrically connected to the ground layer through a second conductor wiring480. According to an embodiment, a second terminal444among the four terminals included in the shield switch440may be electrically connected to the shield pad420through a third conductor wiring490. According to an embodiment, a fourth terminal448among the four terminals included in the shield switch440may be electrically directly connected to the ground layer.

According to an embodiment, the first terminal442may perform a role of enabling a component to operate in a shielded state by connecting the shield430to the first conductor wiring470. According to an embodiment, the second terminal444may enable the shield430to be connected to the shield pad420through the third conductor wiring490. According to an embodiment, the fourth terminal448may perform a role of a ground connection port for an operation of at least one component.

According to an embodiment, the shield switch440may electrically connect the first terminal442to the third terminal446, or electrically connect the first terminal442to the second terminal444.

According to an embodiment, when the shield switch440electrically connects the first terminal442to the third terminal446, the shield430may be electrically connected to the ground layer through the second conductor wiring480. According to an embodiment, when the shield switch440connects the first terminal442to the second terminal444, the shield430may be electrically connected to the shield pad420through the third conductor wiring490.

According to an embodiment, the shield switch440may, for example, include one or a plurality of switch devices (e.g., switches).

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating a package structure in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.5, the at least one component232and the shield switch440surrounded by the shield430may be disposed in one package of an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the at least one component232may include a first component, a second component, a third component, and/or a fourth component. In an example, the first component, the second component, the third component, or the fourth component may be a switch, an LC, a BPF or a PA.

In the following description, one package is described as including four components, but an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may include more or fewer than four components.

According to an embodiment, the shield switch440may be electrically connected to the shield430by the first conductor wiring470hatched inFIG.5, and may be electrically connected to the ground pad410by the second conductor wiring480indicated by dots inFIG.5, and may be electrically connected to the shield pad420by the third conductor wiring490indicated by cross-hatching inFIG.5.

In an embodiment, the third conductor wiring490may be formed to surround at least one component and/or at least a part of the shield switch440, when viewed from above one surface of the package. For another example, the third conductor wiring490may be electrically connected to the shield430using a plurality of contacts. For further example, the third conductor wiring490may be formed so as not to overlap with the ground layer, when viewed from above one surface of the package.

InFIG.4andFIG.5, the package structure in the electronic device101may include the shield switch440operating to selectively electrically connect the shield430to the ground pad410or the shield pad420. In an embodiment, in a first operation state of the shield switch440through which the shield430and the ground pad410are connected, the shield430may operate for noise attenuation. For another example, in a second operation state of the shield switch440through which the shield430and the shield pad420are connected, the shield430may operate for other purposes.

FIG.6is a cross-sectional view of a package structure in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.6, one package of an embodiment may include a ground pad610, a shield pad620, a laminated structure, at least one component (or device) (e.g., a switch, an LC, a BPF or a PA) disposed on one surface of the laminated structure, a first shield switch641, a second shield switch643and/or a shield630.

According to an embodiment, each of the first or second shield switch641or643may include four terminals (or ports).

In the following description, each of the first or second shield switch641or643has been described as including four terminals, but this is only an example, and each of the first or second shield switch641or643may include more or fewer than four terminals.

According to an embodiment, first terminals642-1and642-2among the four terminals included in the first or second shield switch641or643may be electrically connected to a shield630through a first conductor wiring670. According to an embodiment, third terminals646-1and646-2among the four terminals included in the first or second shield switch641or643may be electrically connected to a ground layer through second conductor wirings680-1and680-2. According to an embodiment, second terminals644-1and644-2among the four terminals included in the first or second shield switch641or643may be electrically connected to the shield pad620through a third conductor wiring690.

For this, according to an embodiment, the second terminal644-1included in the first shield switch641and the second terminal644-2included in the second shield switch643may be electrically connected by the third conductor wiring690.

According to an embodiment, fourth terminals648-1and648-2among the four terminals included in the first or second shield switch641or643may be electrically directly connected to the ground layer. In an embodiment, a layer of the ground layer to which the third terminals646-1and646-2are connected through the second conductor wirings680-1and680-2and a layer of the ground layer to which the fourth terminals648-1and648-2are connected may be different.

In an embodiment, the first shield switch641and the second shield switch643each may be connected to a separate shield pad (e.g., the shield pad620).

According to an embodiment, the first or second shield switch641or643may electrically connect the first terminal642-1or642-2to the third terminal646-1or646-2, or may electrically connect the first terminal642-1or642-2to the second terminal644-1or644-2. In an embodiment, when the first or second shield switch641or643electrically connects the first terminal642-1or642-2to the third terminal646-1or646-2, the shield630may be electrically connected to the ground layer through the second conductor wiring680-1or680-2. For another example, when the first or second shield switch641or643electrically connects the first terminal642-1or642-2to the second terminal644-1or644-2, the shield630may be electrically connected to the shield pad620through the third conductor wiring690.

The first or second shield switch641or643may, for example, include one or a plurality of switch devices.

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating a package structure in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.7, a plurality of components and first and second shield switches741and743surrounded by a shield730may be disposed in one package of an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the first and second shield switches741and743may be electrically connected to the shield730by a first conductor wiring770hatched inFIG.7, and may be electrically connected to a ground layer710by a second conductor wiring780indicated by dots inFIG.7, and may be electrically connected to a shield pad720by a third conductor wiring790indicated by cross-hatching inFIG.7.

InFIG.6andFIG.7, the package structure of the electronic device101may include the plurality of shield switches641and643or741and743. In an example, the plurality of shield switches641and643or741and743may operate to selectively electrically connect the shield630or730to the ground pad610or710or the shield pad620or720.

In an embodiment, an operation state of the plurality of shield switches641and643or741and743through which the shield630or730and the ground pad610or710are connected may refer, for example, to a first operation state. In the first operation state, the shields630and730may be operated for noise attenuation. For another example, an operation state of the plurality of shield switches641and643or741and743through which the shield630or730and the shield pad620or720are connected may refer, for example, to a second operation state. In the second operation state, the shields630and730may be operated for other purposes.

FIG.8is a cross-sectional view of a package structure in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.8, one package of an embodiment may include a ground pad810, a shield pad820, a laminated structure, a plurality of components (or devices) disposed on one surface of the laminated structure, and a shield switch840and/or a shield830. The laminated structure may be a structure in which a plurality of ground layers (represented by dots in the drawing) and insulating layers860made of an insulator between the ground layers are laminated.

According to an embodiment, the ground layers may be electrically connected to the ground pad810through a via. In an example, the plurality of components (e.g., a switch, an LC, a BPF, and a PA) may be electrically connected to the ground layers through a via. According to an embodiment, the ground pad810and/or the shield pad820may be disposed to be electrically connected to a PCB (e.g., the PCB210ofFIG.2or the PCB310ofFIG.3).

According to an embodiment, the shield switch840may include four terminals (or ports). A first terminal842among the four terminals included in the shield switch840may be electrically connected to the shield830through a first conductor layer870.

According to an embodiment, since the first terminal842included in the shield switch840is connected to the shield830through at least one of the ground layers that are not conductor wirings, relatively strong connection may be presented compared to being connected through the conductor wiring. According to an embodiment, the components and the shield are connected through a plurality of shield switches instead of a single shield switch, connection between the shield and the ground may be strengthened. For another example, when connection is made through a conductor layer, the first terminal842included in the shield switch840may penetrate the laminated structure and be electrically connected to at least two surfaces included in the shield830.

According to an embodiment, a third terminal846among the four terminals included in the shield switch840may be electrically connected to the ground layer through a second conductor wiring880. According to an embodiment, a second terminal844among the four terminals included in the shield switch840may be electrically connected to the shield pad820through a third conductor wiring890. According to an embodiment, a fourth terminal848among the four terminals included in the shield switch840may be electrically directly connected to the ground layer.

According to an embodiment, the shield switch840may electrically connect the first terminal842to the third terminal846, or electrically connect the first terminal842to the second terminal844. According to an embodiment, when the shield switch840electrically connects the first terminal842to the third terminal846, the shield830may be electrically connected to the ground layer through the second conductor wiring880. According to an embodiment, when the shield switch840electrically connects the first terminal842to the second terminal844, the shield830may be electrically connected to the shield pad820through the third conductor wiring890. The shield switch840may, for example, include one or a plurality of switch devices.

FIG.9is a diagram illustrating a package structure in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.9, a plurality of components and a shield switch940surrounded by a shield930may be disposed in one package of an embodiment. The shield switch940may be electrically connected to at least two surfaces included in the shield930by a first conductor layer970hatched inFIG.9, and may be electrically connected to a ground layer910by a second conductor wiring980indicated by dots inFIG.9, and may be electrically connected to a shield pad920by a third conductor wiring990indicated by cross-hatching inFIG.9.

InFIG.8andFIG.9, the package structures of the electronic device101may include the shield switches840and940. In an example, the shield switches840and940may operate to selectively connect the shields830and930to the ground pads810and910or the shield pads820and920.

In an embodiment, in a first operation state of the shield switches840and940through which the shields830and930and the ground pads810and910are connected, the shields830and930may be operated for noise attenuation, and in a second operation state of the shield switches840and940through which the shields830and930and the shield pads820and920are connected, the shields830and930may be operated for other purposes.

FIG.10is a diagram illustrating a circuit for controlling a shield path in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.10, the electronic device101of an embodiment may include a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry)1010(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1), a transceiver (TRCV)1020, a PA1030, a transmit/receive switch1040, a BPF1050, a shield1060(e.g., the shield430ofFIG.4or the shield830ofFIG.8), a shield switch1080(e.g., the shield switch440ofFIG.4or the shield switch840ofFIG.8), a ground layer (GND layer)1070(e.g., the ground pad410ofFIG.4or the ground pad810ofFIG.8) and/or a shield pad1090(e.g., the shield pad420ofFIG.4or the shield pad820ofFIG.8).

The processor1010may include various processing circuitry and perform a general control for transmitting and/or receiving signals. The processor1010may include, for example, a communication processor (CP). The processor1010may present a transmission signal of a baseband to be transmitted, to the transceiver1020, or may receive a reception signal of a baseband from the transceiver1020.

The transceiver1020may perform a general operation for processing a signal to be transmitted or received. The transceiver1020may, for example, up-convert a transmission signal of a baseband presented from the processor1010into a transmission signal of a radio frequency band, and output. The transceiver1020may down-convert a reception signal of a radio frequency band into a reception signal of a baseband, and present to the processor1010.

The PA1030may amplify and output a transmission signal of a radio frequency band outputted from the transceiver1020.

The transmit/receive switch1040may form a transmission path to forward a transmission signal of a radio frequency band to the antenna (ANT) side, based on the control of the processor1010, or may form a reception path to forward a reception signal of a radio frequency band forwarded from the antenna ANT side, to the transceiver1020side, based on the control of the processor1010.

According to an embodiment, at transmission operation, the transmit/receive switch1040may form a transmission path by establishing electrical connection between a connection terminal with the PA1030and a connection terminal with the BPF1050. According to an embodiment, at reception operation, the transmit/receive switch1040may form a reception path by establishing electrical connection between the connection terminal with the BPF1050and a connection terminal with the transceiver1020.

According to an embodiment, the transmission path may be a passage for amplifying, by the PA1030, a transmission signal of a radio frequency band up-converted by the transceiver1020and then forwarding to the antenna ANT. According to an embodiment, the reception path may be a passage for forwarding, to the transceiver1020, a reception signal of a radio frequency band received by the antenna ANT.

According to an embodiment, the BPF1050may filter a transmission signal of a radio frequency band presented through the transmit/receive switch1040and transmit to the antenna ANT, or may filter a reception signal of a radio frequency band from the antenna ANT and forward to the transceiver1020through the transmit/receive switch1040.

According to an embodiment, the PA1030, the transmit/receive switch1040, or the BPF1050may be electrically connected to a ground layer1070.

According to an embodiment, a package1000may include components such as the PA1030, the transmit/receive switch1040, the BPF1050, the ground layer1070, the shield1060, the shield switch1080, or the shield pad1090.

According to an embodiment, the shield1060may be formed to surround the component in the package including at least one of the PA1030, the transmit/receive switch1040, and the BPF1050. According to an embodiment, the shield1060may block or reduce a noise provided by the component goes out or a noise provided from the outside comes inside.

According to an embodiment, the shield switch1080may include one input terminal (a) or two output terminals (b, c). According to an embodiment, the input terminal (a) included in the shield switch1080may be electrically connected to the shield1060. According to an embodiment, the first output terminal (b) included in the shield switch1080may be electrically connected to the ground layer1070, and the second output terminal (c) included in the shield switch1080may be electrically connected to the shield pad1090.

According to an embodiment, the shield pad1090may be, for example, electrically connected to at least one component (e.g., the CP1010) disposed outside the shield1060.

According to an embodiment, the shield switch1080may switch the input terminal (a) to the first output terminal (b) in a first operation state. The first operation state may be, for example, a state in which the shield1060is used for noise attenuation in the electronic device. In the first operation state, the shield switch1080may electrically connect the input terminal (a) electrically connected to the shield1060and the first output terminal (b) electrically connected to the ground layer1070.

According to an embodiment, the shield switch1080may electrically connect the input terminal (a) to the second output terminal (c) in a second operation state. The second operation state may be, for example, a state in which the shield1060is used for a purpose other than noise attenuation in the electronic device. In the second operation state, the shield switch1080may electrically connect the input terminal (a) electrically connected to the shield1060and the second output terminal (c) electrically connected to the shield pad1090. For example, the shield1060may be connected to the shield pad1090through the shield switch1080, to operate as a passage for connecting an external component.

FIG.11is a diagram illustrating an example of controlling a shield path in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.11, the electronic device101of an embodiment may include a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry)1010(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1), a transceiver (TRCV)1020, a PA1030, a transmit/receive switch1040, a BPF1050, a shield1060(e.g., the shield430ofFIG.4or the shield830ofFIG.8), a shield switch1080(e.g., the shield switch440ofFIG.4or the shield switch840ofFIG.8), a GND layer1070(e.g., the ground pad410ofFIG.4or the ground pad810ofFIG.8) and/or a shield pad1090(e.g., the shield pad420ofFIG.4or the shield pad820ofFIG.8).

According to an embodiment, the processor1010may include various processing circuitry and control the shield switch1080in consideration of an operation mode of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, in a first operation state, the processor1010may output a control signal of controlling the shield switch1080, in order to electrically connect an input terminal (a) electrically connected to the shield1060and a first output terminal (b) electrically connected to the ground layer1070. In a second operation state, the processor1010may output a control signal of controlling the shield switch1080, in order to electrically connect the input terminal (a) electrically connected to the shield1060and a second output terminal (c) electrically connected to the shield pad1090.

In an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a path electrically connecting the processor1010and the shield switch1080.

FIG.12is a diagram illustrating an example of connection of a shield pad in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.12, the electronic device101of an embodiment may include a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry)1010(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1), a transceiver (TRCV)1020, a PA1030, a transmit/receive switch1040, a BPF1050, a shield1060(e.g., the shield430ofFIG.4or the shield830ofFIG.8), a shield switch1080(e.g., the shield switch440ofFIG.4or the shield switch840ofFIG.8) and/or a GND layer1070(e.g., the ground pad410ofFIG.4or the ground pad810ofFIG.8).

According to an embodiment, the shield switch1080may include one input terminal (a) and two output terminals (b, c). The input terminal (a) included in the shield switch1080may be electrically connected to the shield1060. The first output terminal (b) included in the shield switch1080may be electrically connected to the ground layer107. The second output terminal (c) included in the shield switch1080may be electrically connected to the processor1010through a shield pad.

According to an embodiment, when the shield1060is in a first operation state used for noise attenuation, the shield switch1080may electrically connect the input terminal (a) electrically connected to the shield1060and the first output terminal (b) electrically connected to the ground layer1070.

According to an embodiment, when the shield1060is in a second operation state used for a purpose other than noise attenuation, the shield switch1080may electrically connect the input terminal (a) electrically connected to the shield1060and the second output terminal (c) electrically connected to the processor1010through the shield pad. In an embodiment, when the input terminal (a) electrically connected to the shield1060is electrically connected to the second output terminal (c) electrically connected to the processor1010through the shield pad, the processor1010may check whether a short circuit has happened between the shield1060and another construction.

FIG.13is a diagram illustrating an example of controlling a shield path in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.13, the electronic device101of an embodiment may include a processor1010(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1), a transceiver (TRCV)1020, a PA1030, a transmit/receive switch1040, a BPF1050, a shield1380(e.g., the shield630ofFIG.6), a plurality of shield switches1381,1383, and1385(e.g., the shield switches641and643ofFIG.6) and/or a ground layer (GND layer)1070(e.g., the ground pad610ofFIG.6).

According to an embodiment, the plurality of shield switches1381,1383, and1385may include one input terminal a′, a″, and a′″, first output terminals b′, b″, and b′″ and second output terminals c′, c″, and c′″. The input terminals a′, a″, and a′″ included in the shield switches1381,1383, and1385may be electrically connected to the shield1380. The first output terminals b′, b″, and b′″ included in the shield switches1381,1383, and1385may be electrically connected to the ground layer1070. The second output terminals c′, c″, and c′″ included in the shield switches1381,1383, and1385may be electrically connected to the processor1010through a shield pad.

According to an embodiment, the processor1010may control the shield switches1381,1383, and1385or each of the shield switches1381,1383, and1385in consideration of an operation mode of the electronic device101. The processor1010may output a control signal of controlling all or some of the shield switches1381,1383, and1385, in order to electrically connect the input terminals a′, a″, and a′″ electrically connected to the shield1380and the first output terminals b′, b″, b′″ electrically connected to the ground layer1070, in a first operation state in which the shield1380is used for noise attenuation. The processor1010may output a control signal of controlling all or some of the shield switches1381,1383, and1385, in order to electrically connect the input terminals a′, a″, and a′″ electrically connected to the shield1380and the second output terminals c′, c″, and c′″ electrically connected to the processor1010through a shield pad, in a second operation state in which the shield1080is used for a purpose other than noise attenuation. The processor1010may control to differently connect the terminals of the shield switches1381,1383, and1385.

FIG.14is a cross-sectional view of a package structure in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.14, one package of an embodiment may include a ground pad1410, a plurality of shield pads1420and1430, a laminated structure, a plurality of components (or devices) disposed on one surface of the laminated structure, a shield1440and/or a mold1450.

According to an embodiment, the laminated structure may be a structure in which a plurality of ground layers (represented by dots in the drawing) and insulating layers1460made of an insulator between the ground layers are laminated.

According to an embodiment, the ground layers may be electrically connected to the ground pad1410through a via. For example, the plurality of components (e.g., a switch, an LC, a BPF, or a PA) may be electrically connected to the ground layers through a via.

In an embodiment, the plurality of components may be electrically connected to the ground pad1410through a via. According to an embodiment, the ground pad1410and/or the plurality of shield pads1420and1430may be arranged to be soldered to a PCB (e.g., the PCB210ofFIG.2or the PCB310ofFIG.3).

According to an embodiment, the shield1440may be formed to be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of ground layers while covering wherein the components (or devices) disposed on one surface of the laminated structure are not exposed to the outside.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of shield pads1420and1430may be configured to be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of ground layers, by penetrating the plurality of ground layers in a vertical direction and filling a conductive material.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of shield pads1420and1430may penetrate the shield1440, or may be covered by the shield1440. According to an embodiment, the plurality of shield pads1420and1430may not be directly connected to the shield1440. In this case, the plurality of shield pads1420and1430may be electrically connected to the plurality of ground layers vertically penetrated.

According to an embodiment, the first shield pad1420may be formed adjacent to one side of the package so as to vertically penetrate the plurality of ground layers included in the package, and the second shield pad1430may be formed adjacent to the other side of the package so as to vertically penetrate the plurality of ground layers included in the package. According to an embodiment, the first shield pad1420and the second shield pad1430may be made of a conductive material and thus be electrically connected to one or a plurality of ground layers included in the plurality of ground layers.

FIG.15is a cross-sectional view of a package structure in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.15, a package of an embodiment may include a ground pad1510, one or a plurality of lower shield pads1521and1525, one or a plurality of upper shield pads1523and1527, one or a plurality of vertical via holes1580-1and1580-2, one or a plurality of pillars1550-1and1550-2, a laminated structure in which a plurality of layers are laminated, and a plurality of components (or devices) disposed on one surface of the laminated structure, a shield1530and/or a mold1540. The laminated structure may be a structure in which a plurality of ground layers1570(represented by dots in the drawing) and insulating layers1560made of an insulator between the ground layers1570are laminated. The ground layers1570may be electrically connected to the ground pad1510through a via. The plurality of components (e.g., a switch, an LC, a BPF, or a PA) may be electrically connected to the ground layers1570through a via. Accordingly, the plurality of components may be electrically connected to the ground pad1510through a via. The ground pad1510may be disposed to be soldered to a PCB (e.g., the PCB210ofFIG.2or the PCB310ofFIG.3).

According to an embodiment, the shield1530may be formed to be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of ground layers1570while covering wherein the components (or devices) disposed on one surface of the laminated structure are not exposed to the outside.

According to an embodiment, the one or plurality of lower shield pads1521and1525may be disposed to be electrically connected to one of the one or plurality of vertical via holes1580-1and1580-2on the other surface of the laminated structure. The one or plurality of lower shield pads1521and1525may be, for example, electrically connected to a lower surface, which is one side of one vertical via hole1580-1or1580-2among the one or plurality of vertical via holes1580-1and1580-2. The one or plurality of lower shield pads1521and1525may be disposed to be soldered to a PCB (e.g., the PCB210ofFIG.2or the PCB310ofFIG.3).

According to an embodiment, the one or plurality of upper shield pads1523and1527may be disposed to form the first pillar1550-1or the second pillar1550-2in at least a part of the shield1530, and space the first pillar1550-1or the second pillar1550-2apart from the shield1530. The one or plurality of upper shield pads1523and1527may be, for example, disposed to be in parallel to the shield1530. The one or plurality of upper shield pads1523and1527may be connected to be electrically connected to, or be connected to be electrically insulated from, the shield1530.

According to an embodiment, the one or plurality of upper shield pads1523and1527may be disposed to face the one or plurality of lower shield pads1521and1525in a vertical direction (−y direction). For example, the first upper shield pad1523may be disposed to face the first lower shield pad1521in the vertical direction, and the second upper shield pad1527may be disposed to face the second lower shield pad1525in the vertical direction.

According to an embodiment, the pillars1550-1and1550-2and the vertical via holes1580-1and1580-2may be disposed between the upper shield pads1523and1527and the lower shield pads1521and1525that are disposed to face each other. The vertical via holes1580-1and1580-2may be configured to be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of ground layers1570, by penetrating the plurality of ground layers1570in a vertical direction from the lower shield pads1521and1525and filling a conductive material.

The pillars1550-1and1550-2may be configured to connect between the vertical via holes1580-1and1580-2exposed on uppermost surfaces of the plurality of ground layers1570, and the upper shield pads1523and1527. For example, the first upper shield pad1523may be connected to the first lower shield pad1521by means of the pillar1550-1and the vertical via hole1580-1penetrating the package in the vertical direction. Also, for example, the second upper shield pad1527may be connected to the second lower shield pad1525by means of the pillar1550-2and the vertical via hole1580-2penetrating the package in the vertical direction.

According to an embodiment, a first structure penetrating vertically the plurality of ground layers1570included in the package may be formed adjacent to one side of the package, and a second structure penetrating vertically the plurality of ground layers1570included in the package may be formed adjacent to the other side of the package. In an example, the first and second structures may be structures connecting the upper shield pads1523and1527and the lower shield pads1521and1525by means of the pillars1550-1and1550-2and the vertical via holes1580-1and1580-2penetrating the package in the vertical direction.

FIG.16is a cross-sectional view of a package structure in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.16, a package of an embodiment may include a ground pad1510, one or a plurality of lower shield pads1521and1525, one or a plurality of upper shield pads1523and1527, one or a plurality of vertical via holes1681-1and1683, one or a plurality of wire bonds1651and1653, a laminated structure, a plurality of components (or devices) disposed on one surface of the laminated structure, a shield1530and/or a mold1540.

The laminated structure may be a structure in which a plurality of ground layers1570(represented by dots in the drawing) and insulating layers1560made of an insulator between the ground layers1570are laminated. The ground layers1570may be electrically connected to the ground pad1510through a via. The plurality of components (e.g., a switch, an LC, a BPF, or a PA) may be electrically connected to the ground layers1570through a via. Accordingly, the plurality of components may be electrically connected to the ground pad1510through a via. The ground pad1510may be disposed to be soldered to a PCB (e.g., the PCB210ofFIG.2or the PCB310ofFIG.3).

According to an embodiment, the shield1530may be formed to be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of ground layers while covering wherein components (or devices) disposed on one surface of the laminated structure are not exposed to the outside.

According to an embodiment, the one or plurality of lower shield pads1521and1525may be disposed to be electrically connected to one of the one or plurality of vertical via holes1681-1and1683on a lowermost surface on which the plurality of ground layers1570are laminated. The one or plurality of lower shield pads1521and1525may be, for example, connected to be electrically connected to a lower surface that is one side of one of the one or plurality of vertical via holes1681-1and1683. The one or plurality of lower shield pads1521and1525may be disposed to be soldered to a PCB (e.g., the PCB210ofFIG.2or the PCB310ofFIG.3).

According to an embodiment, the one or plurality of upper shield pads1523and1527may be disposed to form the first wire bond1651or the second wire bond1653in at least a part of the shield1530, and space the first wire bond1651and the second wire bond1653apart from the shield1530. The one or plurality of upper shield pads1523and1527may be, for example, disposed to be in parallel to the shield1530. The one or plurality of upper shield pads1523and1527may be connected to be electrically connected to, or electrically insulated from, the shield1530.

According to an embodiment, the one or plurality of upper shield pads1523and1527may be disposed to face the one or plurality of lower shield pads1521and1525in a vertical direction. For example, the first upper shield pad1523may be disposed to face the first lower shield pad1521in the vertical direction, and the second upper shield pad1527may be disposed to face the second lower shield pad1525in the vertical direction.

According to an embodiment, the wire bonds1651and1653and the vertical via holes1681-1and1683may be disposed between the upper shield pads1523and1527and the lower shield pads1521and1525arranged to face each other. The vertical via holes1681-1and1683may be configured to be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of ground layers1570, by penetrating the plurality of ground layers1570in the vertical direction from the lower shield pads1521and1525and filling a conductive material.

The wire bonds1651and1653may be configured to connect between the vertical via holes1681-1and1683and the upper shield pads1523and1527exposed on one surface of the laminated structure. Accordingly, the upper shield pads1523and1527may be connected to the lower shield pads1521and1525by means of the wire bonds1651and1653and the vertical via holes1681-1and1683penetrating the package in the vertical direction.

According to an embodiment, the first wire bond1651and the second wire bond1653may be different in thickness. In an embodiment, only the second wire bond1653may be used instead of the first wire bond1651, or only the first wire bond1651may be used instead of the second wire bond1653, or the positions of the first wire bond1651and the second wire bond1653may be changed.

According to an embodiment, a first structure penetrating vertically the plurality of ground layers included in the package may be formed adjacent to one side of the package, and a second structure vertically penetrating the plurality of ground layers included in the package may be formed adjacent to the other side of the package. The first and second structures may be structures connecting the upper shield pads1523and1527and the lower shield pads1521and1525by means of the wire bonds1651and1653and the vertical via holes1681-1and1683penetrating the package in the vertical direction.

FIG.17is a diagram illustrating an example in which a shield pad or upper shield pads are inserted into a shield instead of a shield switch in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.17, a package included in the electronic device101of an embodiment may have a structure in which three upper shield pads1720,1730, and1740are inserted through a shield upper surface1710. A portion of the shield upper surface1710of the package may be used exclusively for the three upper shield pads1720,1730, and1740. In this case, the package included in the electronic device101may have a simple structure or construction without using the shield switch.

Although not shown, in consideration of the structure shown inFIG.15and/orFIG.16, each of the three upper shield pads1720,1730, and1740may be connected to one side surface (e.g., an upper surface) of a pillar (e.g., the pillar1550-1and1550-2ofFIG.15) or a wire bond (e.g., the wire bond1651and1653ofFIG.16). Although it is illustrated in the drawing that the electronic device101includes the three upper shield pads, this is only an example, and fewer or more than the three shield pads may be included in the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the three upper shield pads1720,1730, and1740may be disposed to form a first pillar1720, a second pillar1730, or a third pillar1740on at least a part of the upper surface1710of the shield, and space the first pillar1720, the second pillar1730, or the third pillar174apart from the shield. The three shield pads1720,1730, and1740may be, for example, disposed to be substantially horizontal with the upper surface1710of the shield.

FIG.18is a diagram illustrating an example of controlling a shield path, when upper shield pads are inserted into a shield instead of a shield switch in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.18, the electronic device101of an embodiment may include a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry)1810(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1), a transceiver (TRCV)1820, a PA1830, a transmit/receive switch1840, a BPF1850, a shield1860, a plurality of upper shield pads1881,1883, and1885(e.g., the upper shield pads1523and1527ofFIG.15or the upper shield pads1523and1527ofFIG.16or the upper shield pads1720,1730, and1740ofFIG.17), a GND layer1870(e.g., the ground pad1510ofFIG.15or the ground pad1510ofFIG.16) and/or a plurality of lower shield pads1891,1893, and1895(e.g., the lower shield pads1521and1525ofFIG.15or the lower shield pads1521and1525ofFIG.16).

According to an embodiment, the package1800may include components such as the PA1830, the transmit/receive switch1840, the BPF1850, the ground layer1870, a shield1860, the upper shield pads1881,1883, and1885or the shield pads1891,1893, and1895.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of upper shield pads1881,1883, and1885may be connected to be electrically connected to the plurality of lower shield pads1891,1893, and1895in a one-to-one correspondence. According to an embodiment, the plurality of upper shield pads1881,1883, and1885may be, for example, connected to the plurality of lower shield pads1891,1893, and1895through one of the pillars1550-1and1550-2or the wire bonds1651and1653and the vertical via holes1580-1and1580-2and1681-1and1683.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of shield pads1891,1893, and1895may be configured to be electrically connected to at least one of a plurality of ground layers, by penetrating the plurality of ground layers in a vertical direction and filling a conductive material.

FIGS.19,20andFIG.21are diagrams illustrating examples in which a noise is provided in a shield structure applied to an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments. The electronic device101ofFIG.19may include packages1901,1905, and1909, and shields1903,1907, and1911included in the packages1901,1905, and1909. The electronic device disclosed inFIG.19may include the electronic device101disclosed inFIG.2and the electronic device101disclosed inFIG.3.

Referring toFIG.19, when a shield can and/or tool1960covering a PCB1910in the electronic device101is made of a metal material, the shield can and/or tool1960may be bent, not a straight line. In this case, the shield can and/or tool1960may come into contact with internal components due to an external shock or a manufacturing process, and thus burning damages1920and1930may occur. It may be confirmed that, when the shield1911is connected to a shield pad1980by a shield switch1970, the contact causing the burning damages1920and1930happens by touching a metal material such as the shield can and/or tool1960to the shield1911. It may be confirmed that, when the shield1911is connected to a ground pad1990by the shield switch1970, a short circuit happens in the shield1911.

Referring toFIG.20, a situation may occur in which, among components disposed within a shield2050of a package2000disposed on a PCB2010, a component having a great height is short-circuited2020to the shield2050due to a manufacturing process (laser marking fail) or an external factor (mold migration) in the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, when the shield2050is electrically connected to the shield pad2080by a shield switch2060, the short circuit2020may happen by touching a component to the shield2050. When the shield2050is connected to a ground pad2090by the shield switch2060, a short circuit may happen in the shield2050.

Referring toFIG.21, when a PCB package2100is soldered to a surface of a PCB2110using a surface mount technology (SMT) in a process of manufacturing the electronic device101, a short circuit2120may happen when impurities are introduced between a ground pad2130and a shield pad2180. As such, when the impurities are inserted between a port not having a detection process and the ground, the inserted impurities may be easily detected by the shield pad2180appropriately disposed.

When the short circuit described with reference toFIGS.19,20and21happens, repair may be made or defect processing may be performed, after a mechanical interference position is confirmed. However, when the short circuit does not happen, the original state may be restored by connecting the shield switch to the ground pad.

FIG.22is a diagram illustrating an example of measuring a shield effect in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.22, the electronic device101may measure a shield effect in a 3D form at all points using a near field probe device. In this case, a lot of time and money may be required for measurement and also, it may be difficult to measure all components. To address this problem, when a radio frequency signal2220reaches a shield2250made of a metal material, the shield effect may be measured using a skin effect providing a current2230. For this, a shield switch2260may electrically connect the shield2250to a shield pad2280. By electrically connecting the shield pad2280to a measuring device (not shown), the shield effect may be simply measured and also, all components may be measured in a short time and without additional cost.

FIG.23is a diagram illustrating an example in which a noise is provided in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.23, the electronic device101may have a structure in which a plurality of packages are covered with a shield can2320installed on one surface of a PCB2310. In each of the plurality of packages, internal components may be covered with shields2330and2360. According to this structure, an aggressor component and a victim component may exist. In this case, a noise provided from the aggressor component may affect an adjacent victim component, or a space between a shield component and the shield can2320may be formed like a waveguide having air between metals, to propagate a noise even to a distant victim component2340(reference number2350). The noise forwarded to the victim component may be, for example, decreased, by isolating, from the ground, the shields2330and2360of packages2301and2303between the aggressor component and the victim component and hindering the formation of the waveguide. Using this principle, it is possible to distinguish which component is the aggressor component and which is the victim component in the electronic device101.

FIG.24is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of controlling a shield path in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.24, in operation2410, the electronic device101may electrically connect a shield (e.g., the shield1960ofFIG.19, the shield2050ofFIG.20, or the shield2150ofFIG.21) to a shield pad (e.g., the shield pad1980ofFIG.19, the shield pad2080ofFIG.20, or the shield pad2180ofFIG.21). The electronic device101may, for example, control a shield switch (e.g., the shield switch1970ofFIG.19, the shield switch2060ofFIG.20, or the shield switch2160ofFIG.21) to connect the shield to the shield pad.

In operation2420, the electronic device101may monitor whether one or a plurality of short circuits (e.g., the first and second short circuits1920and1930ofFIG.19, the short circuit2020ofFIG.20or the short circuit2120ofFIG.21) happen in a package including the shield. The electronic device101may, for example, detect the short circuit happening in the package.

According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the short circuit has happened in operation2420, in operation2430, the electronic device101may detect a position where the short circuit has happened. The short circuit may, for example, happen at the shield or happen at a ground pad. When detecting a position where the short circuit has happened, the electronic device101may control a display and/or a speaker, etc. to display the happening of the short circuit and a position of the happening of the short circuit to a user, or guide it by a voice.

According to an embodiment, after a user confirms a notification of the electronic device101, the user may repair the short circuit so as to address a cause of the short circuit, or may process it as a defect. For example, when the short circuit happens, the user may confirm a mechanical interference position and then repair it or process it as a defect.

According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the short circuit has not happened in operation2420, in operation2440, the electronic device101may connect the shield to the ground and restore the original state. The electronic device101may, for example, control the shield switch to electrically connect the shield to a ground layer.

FIG.25is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of controlling a shield path in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.25, in operation2510, the electronic device101may electrically connect a shield (e.g., the shield1960ofFIG.19, the shield2050ofFIG.20, or the shield2150ofFIG.21) to a shield pad (e.g., the shield pad1980ofFIG.19, the shield pad2080ofFIG.20, or the shield pad2180ofFIG.21). The electronic device101may, for example, control a shield switch (e.g., the shield switch1970ofFIG.19, the shield switch2060ofFIG.20, or the shield switch2160ofFIG.21) to electrically connect the shield with the shield pad.

In operation2520, the electronic device101may provide a noise provided therein. The noise may be, for example, provided due to a signal radiated by a PA operation. The provision of the noise may be, for example, detected by measuring a shield effect of the component as shown inFIG.22.

In operation2530, the electronic device101may measure the shield effect, based on whether an amount of current to the shield pad exceeds a threshold value. For example, when the current amount provided in the shield pad is less than or equal to the threshold value, the electronic device101may determine that the shield effect is not good and thus the radiation of a radio frequency signal to the outside happens. However, when the current amount provided in the shield pad exceeds the threshold value, the electronic device101may determine that the shield effect of the shield is good.

In an example, the shield effect may be measured in consideration of a skin effect providing an electric current, when a radio frequency signal reaches a metal material.

According to an embodiment, the skin effect may refer, for example, to a phenomenon in which a current amount more flows in a peripheral portion of a high current density than in a central portion of a low current density, because a magnetic flux linkage is relatively larger in the central portion than in the peripheral portion in a conducting wire. The skin effect is increased as an effective resistance is increased or a frequency is increased. When the amount of current to the shield pad considering the skin effect is measured, it may be possible to measure a shield effect for all components at a short time and without an additional cost.

According to an embodiment, when the amount of current to the shield pad does not exceed the threshold value in operation2530, the electronic device101may, in operation2550, detect that the shield effect for the component is not normal. When detecting that the shield effect is not normal, the electronic device101may control a display and/or a speaker, etc. to display that a component shield is defective to the user or guide it by a voice. After confirming a notification of the electronic device101, the user may perform a process for a component shield defect.

According to an embodiment, when the amount of current to the shield pad exceeds the threshold value in operation2530, the electronic device101may, in operation2540, connect the shield to the ground and restore the original state. The electronic device101may, for example, control a shield switch to electrically connect the shield to a ground layer.

FIG.26is a diagram flowchart illustrating an example operation of controlling a shield path in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.26, in operation2610, the electronic device101may provide a noise resulting from an operation of one or a plurality of aggressor components (e.g., the aggressor component330ofFIG.3). The noise provided from the aggressor component may affect an adjacent component, or a space with a shield can (e.g., the shield can320inFIG.3) may serve as a waveguide in which air exists between metals and affect a spaced component.

In operation2620, the electronic device101may confirm a primary noise in a victim component (e.g., the victim component340ofFIG.3). For example, when the performance of the victim component is deteriorated, it may be determined as the influence of noise. The victim component may be a component, which is affected by a noise resulting from an operation of the aggressor component, among spaced components other than adjacent components.

In operation2630, the electronic device101may electrically connect a shield (e.g., the shield1960ofFIG.19, the shield2050ofFIG.20, or the shield2150ofFIG.21) of one of packages located between the aggressor component and the victim component, to a shield pad (e.g., the shield pad1980ofFIG.19, the shield pad2080ofFIG.20, or the shield pad2180ofFIG.21). The electronic device101may, for example, control a shield switch (e.g., the shield switch1970ofFIG.19, the shield switch2060ofFIG.20, or the shield switch2160ofFIG.21) to electrically connect the shield with the shield pad.

In operation2640, the electronic device101may confirm a secondary noise in the victim component. The victim component may be a component, which is affected by a noise resulting from an operation of the aggressor component, among spaced components other than adjacent components.

In operation2650, the electronic device101may determine whether the secondary noise (the noise confirmed in operation2640) has been decreased compared to the primary noise (the noise confirmed in operation2620). This may be achieved based on whether a current amount measured in the victim component due to the secondary noise has been decreased compared to a current amount measured in the victim component due to the primary noise.

According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the noise is not decreased in the victim component in operation2650, the electronic device101may, in operation2660, determine that the noise provided due to the operation of the aggressor component does not affect the victim component. For example, the electronic device101may confirm that the operation of the aggressor component is not related to the deterioration of the performance of the victim component.

According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the noise has been decreased in the victim component in operation2650, the electronic device101may, in operation2670, determine whether it is possible to decrease the noise in the aggressor component. When it is determined that it is possible to decrease the noise in the victim component, the electronic device101may, in operation2680of an embodiment, electrically connect the shield to a ground layer. The electronic device101may, for example, control the shield switch to electrically connect the shield to the ground layer. However, when it is determined that it is not possible to decrease the noise in the victim component, the electronic device101may, in operation2690of an embodiment, connect the shield to the shield pad under a condition of noise provision in the aggressor component. The electronic device101may, for example, connect the shield to the shield pad, and control the shield switch to detect a noise.

According to an embodiment, when a plurality of packages are located between the aggressor component and the victim component, the operation of the flowchart ofFIG.26may be repeated as many as the number of the plurality of packages, until the aggressor component and the victim component may be confirmed.

While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure including the appended claims and their equivalents.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) may include: a ground pad (e.g., the ground pad410ofFIG.4) and at least one shield pad (e.g., the shield pad420ofFIG.4) connected to a first printed circuit board (PCB) (e.g., the PCB310ofFIG.3), a plurality of ground layers laminated to be electrically connected to the ground pad by at least one via hole, at least one electronic device disposed on an uppermost surface on which the plurality of ground layers are laminated, a shield (e.g., the shield430ofFIG.4) disposed to cover the at least one device wherein the at least one device is not exposed to the outside, and at least one switch device (e.g., the shield switch440ofFIG.4) comprising a switch disposed on the uppermost surface of the laminated structure and including a first terminal electrically connected to the shield through a first conductor layer (e.g., the first conductor layer470ofFIG.4), a second terminal electrically connected to one of the plurality of ground layers through a second conductor layer (e.g., the second conductor layer480ofFIG.4), and a third terminal electrically connected to the shield pad through a third conductor layer (e.g., the third conductor layer490ofFIG.4), and configured to selectively connect the first terminal to the second terminal or the third terminal wherein the shield is connected to any one of the one ground layer or the shield pad.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may further include a mold (e.g., the mold450ofFIG.4) filling an internal space of the shield covering the devices.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may further include a processor (e.g., the CP1010ofFIG.10) electrically connected to the at least one switch device and configured to control a switching operation of the switch device.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may be disposed on a second PCB.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one device may include at least one of an inductor, capacitor (LC), a band pass filter (BPF), and a power amplifier (PA).

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, insulating layers may be disposed between the plurality of ground layers.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one device may be electrically connected to the ground pad through the via hole.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) may include: a ground pad (e.g., the ground pad1410ofFIG.14) connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) (e.g., the PCB310ofFIG.3), a plurality of ground layers laminated to be electrically connected to the ground pad by at least one via hole, at least one device disposed on an uppermost surface on which the plurality of ground layers are laminated, a shield (e.g., the shield1440ofFIG.14) electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of ground layers and covering the at least one device wherein the at least one device is not exposed to the outside, and a shield pad (e.g., the shield pad1420ofFIG.14) electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of ground layers by a via penetrating the plurality of ground layers in a vertical direction and filled with a conductive material.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may further include a mold (e.g., the mold1450ofFIG.4) filling an internal space of the shield covering the devices.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one component may include at least one of an inductor, capacitor (LC), a band pass filter (BPF), and a power amplifier (PA).

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, insulating layers may be disposed between the plurality of ground layers.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one device may be electrically connected to the ground pad through the via hole.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101) may include: a ground pad (e.g., the ground pad1510ofFIG.15) and at least one shield pad (e.g., the shield pad1520ofFIG.15) connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) (e.g., the PCB310ofFIG.3), a plurality of ground layers laminated to be electrically connected to the ground pad by at least one via hole, at least one device disposed on an uppermost surface on which the plurality of ground layers are laminated, a shield (e.g., the shield1530ofFIG.15) electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of ground layers and covering the at least one device, wherein the at least one device is not exposed to the outside, a second via hole (e.g., the second via hole1580ofFIG.15) electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of ground layers by penetrating the plurality of ground layers in a vertical direction from the at least one first shield pad and filled with a conductive material, and a pillar (e.g., the pillar1550ofFIG.15) connected between the second via hole exposed on the uppermost surface and a second shield pad disposed on an upper surface of the shield.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may further include a mold (e.g., the mold1540ofFIG.15) filling an internal space of the shield covering the devices.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one component may include at least one of an inductor, capacitor (LC), a band pass filter (BPF), and a power amplifier (PA).

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, insulating layers may be disposed between the plurality of ground layers.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one device may be electrically connected to the ground pad through the via hole.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) may include: a ground pad (e.g., the ground pad1610ofFIG.16) and at least one shield pad (e.g., the shield pad1620ofFIG.16) connected a printed circuit board (PCB) (e.g., the PCB310ofFIG.3), a plurality of laminated ground layers electrically connected to the ground pad by at least one via hole, at least one device disposed on an uppermost surface on which the plurality of ground layers are laminated, a shield (e.g., the shield1630ofFIG.16) electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of ground layers and covering the at least one device, wherein the at least one device is not exposed to the outside, a second via hole (e.g., the second via hole1680ofFIG.16) electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of ground layers by penetrating the plurality of ground layers in a vertical direction from the at least one first shield pad and filled with a conductive material, and a wire bond (e.g., the wire bond1650ofFIG.16) connected between the second via hole exposed on the uppermost surface and a second shield pad disposed on an upper surface of the shield.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may further include a mold (e.g., the mold1640ofFIG.16) filling an internal space of the shield covering the devices.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one component may include at least one of an inductor, capacitor (LC), a band pass filter (BPF), and a power amplifier (PA).

Methods of embodiments described in claims or the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

When the methods are implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs (software modules) may be presented. The one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium may be configured to be executable by one or more processors in an electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions for allowing the electronic device to execute the methods of embodiments described in claims or the present disclosure.

These programs (software modules, software) may be stored in a random access memory, a non-volatile memory including a flash memory, a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a magnetic disc storage device, a compact disc ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVDs), other types of an optical storage device, or a magnetic cassette. Or, they may be stored in a memory including a combination of some or all of them. Also, each configuration memory may be included in plurality as well. The program may be stored in an attachable storage device that may be accessed through a communication network such as the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide LAN (WLAN), a storage area network (SAN), or a communication network comprising a combination thereof. This storage device may be connected to a device implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure through an external port. Also, a separate storage device on the communication network may be connected to the device implementing the embodiment of the present disclosure as well.

Additional features may be specified by the appended dependent claims. Example implementations may be realized by including one or more features taken jointly and individually from any claim, in any and all permutations.

Examples described in the present disclosure may include non-limiting example implementations of components corresponding to one or more features specified by the appended independent claims, and these features (or their corresponding components) may, individually or in combination, contribute to improving one or more technical problems that may be inferred by an ordinary technician from the present disclosure.

One or more selected components of any one example described in the present disclosure may be combined with one or more selected components of one or more other examples described in the present disclosure, or may be alternatively combined with the features of the appended independent claims, to form an additional alternative example.

Additional example implementations may be realized by including one or more components taken jointly and individually, in any and all permutations of any herein described implementation. Still other example implementations may also be realized, by combining one or more features of the appended claims with selected one or more components of any herein described example implementations.

In forming such additional example implementations, some components of any example implementation described in the present disclosure may be omitted. One or more components that may be omitted are components that an ordinary technician would directly and clearly recognize as not being so essential to a function of the present technology in light of technical problems discernible from the present disclosure. The ordinary technician would recognize the point that, although these omitted components are replaced or removed, there is no need to modify other components or features of the further alternative example in order to compensate for the change. Accordingly, in accordance with the present technology, further example implementations may be included within the present disclosure, even if a selected combination of features and/or components thereof is not specifically mentioned.

Two or more physically separate components of any described example implementation may alternatively be incorporated into a single component, where their integration is possible, and when the same function is performed by the thus formed single component, their integration is possible. Additionally, a single component of any example implementation described in the disclosure may alternatively be implemented as two or more separate components that achieve the same function, where appropriate.

In specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, component included in the disclosure have been expressed in the singular or plural form according to the presented specific embodiments. However, the singular or plural expression is appropriately selected for the context presented for description convenience's sake, and the present disclosure is not limited to the singular or plural component, and even if the component is expressed in the plural form, it may be configured in the singular form, or even if the component is expressed in the singular form, it may be configured in the plural form.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.