Patent ID: 12218439

The same reference numerals are used to represent the same elements throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

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

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device101in a network environment100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The sound output device155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device101. The sound output device155may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receiver may be used for an incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

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

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

The sensor module176may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device101or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module176may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface177may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device101to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface177may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

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

The haptic module179may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module179may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module180may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

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

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

The communication module190may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device101and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102, the electronic device104, or the server108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module190may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor120(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module190may include a wireless communication module192(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module194(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network198(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™ wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network199(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module192may identify and authenticate the electronic device101in a communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module196.

The antenna module197may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., PCB). According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include a plurality of antennas. In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module190(e.g., the wireless communication module192) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module190and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module197.

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

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

FIG.2is a diagram200illustrating an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The electronic device101according to an embodiment may include a housing210, a conductive member211, a feeding point211_1, and a ground point211_2. The electronic device101according to an embodiment may include a feeding part220, a ground member230, a communication circuit240, and/or the processor120.

In one embodiment, the electronic device101may include the housing210that forms an exterior. For example, at least a portion of the housing210may be formed of the conductive member211. For example, the conductive member211may be a metal frame extending in the +X-axis direction. For example, the conductive member211may form the exterior of the electronic device101.

In one embodiment, the conductive member211may be a metal frame. The conductive member211may operate as a radiator of an antenna of the electronic device101.

In one embodiment, the conductive member211may be formed in the structure of an exterior metal frame. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the conductive member211may operate as a radiator of a low-frequency band, for example, a low-band antenna. In one embodiment, the conductive member211may be formed by physically and/or electrically floating with a body formed of a metal inside the electronic device101.

In one embodiment, the feeding point211_1may be positioned on the conductive member211. A signal of a specified frequency band may be fed to the conductive member211through the feeding point211_1. In one embodiment, the feeding point211_1may feed a signal of a first frequency band. For example, the first frequency band may be a low-frequency band (LB) and/or a middle-frequency band (MB).

In one embodiment, the ground point211_2may be positioned on the conductive member211. The ground point211_2may ground the conductive member211. In one embodiment, the ground point211_2may be disposed in the −X-axis direction with respect to the feeding point211_1.

In one embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) may be disposed inside the housing210. In one embodiment, the PCB may include the feeding part220and/or the ground member230.

In one embodiment, the processor120may be disposed on the PCB. In one embodiment, at least one PCB may be disposed inside the electronic device101. For example, the processor120may be disposed on the PCB on which at least one feeding part and a ground member are disposed. As another example, the processor120may be disposed on a separate PCB from the PCB on which at least one feeding part and a ground member are disposed. The processor120may be electrically connected to the feeding part220or the communication circuit240.

In one embodiment, the feeding point211_1and the ground point211_2may be positioned on the conductive member211. For example, the feeding point211_1and the ground point211_2may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. The feeding point211_1may be connected to the feeding part220through a feeding path225.

In one embodiment, the ground member230may be connected to the ground point211_2through a plurality of ground paths231and232. Each of the plurality of ground paths231and232may connect the ground point211_2and the ground member230in parallel. For example, the ground member230may be connected to the ground point211_2through the first ground path231and the second ground path232. The ground member230may have a voltage of substantially the same level electrically. For example, the ground member230may have a voltage of 0V, which is a ground voltage of substantially the same level.

In one embodiment, the ground point211_2and the ground member230may be connected using the plurality of ground paths231and232. Although it is illustrated inFIG.2that two ground paths231and232are connected in parallel, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and two or more ground paths are disposed in parallel to connect the ground point211_2and the ground member230.

In one embodiment, the plurality of ground paths231and232may be formed in parallel. The plurality of ground paths231and232may form parallel current paths between the conductive member211and the ground member230.

In one embodiment, the ground point211_2may be connected to a first matching element251and/or a second matching element252. The first matching element251and/or the second matching element252may control a frequency band. For example, when the first matching element251and/or the second matching element252includes a switching circuit, the first matching element251and/or the second matching element252may ground a signal having a frequency in a band of about 600 MHz to about 900 MHz or change the frequency band. When the first matching element251and/or the second matching element252are connected, the frequency band may be changed. In one embodiment, the first matching element251and/or the second matching element252may include a switch and/or a lumped element for impedance matching. As another example, the first matching element251and/or the second matching element252may include an element such as a varistor to prevent electric shock. The varistor may be a nonlinear semiconductor resistance element whose resistance value is changed by a voltage applied to both ends thereof. The first matching element251and/or the second matching element252are connected to the plurality of ground paths231and232by a shunt.

In one embodiment, the communication circuit240may feed power to the feeding point211_1through the feeding part220. For example, the communication circuit240may be configured such that the conductive member211transmits and/or receives a signal in a first frequency band. In one embodiment, the first frequency band may be a low frequency band or a low band. For example, the first frequency band may be a band of about 600 MHz to about 900 MHz.

FIG.3Ais a circuit diagram300illustrating an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to a first circuit diagram310ofFIG.3A, a ground connection part311may be connected to a switch316through a first capacitor312and/or a second capacitor313. The ground connection part311may connect a ground point (e.g., the ground point211_2ofFIG.2) to a plurality of ground paths (e.g., the plurality of ground paths231and232ofFIG.2). For example, the ground connection part311may be a conductive pad and/or a conductive pattern.

According to an embodiment, the switch316may selectively connect the ground connection part311and first to fourth ground members230_1,230_2,230_3, and230_4.

In one embodiment, a first ground path315including a third element314may be disposed between the first element312and/or the second element313. Although it is illustrated as an example inFIGS.3A and3Bthat the first element312and the second element313are capacitors and the third element314is an inductor, the disclosure is not limited thereto and the first to third element312,313, and314may include a capacitor or an inductor. The first ground path315may be connected to a fifth ground member230_5.

In one embodiment, the ground connection part311may be connected to a sixth ground member230_6through a second ground path513. The second ground path513may include a fifth lumped element511and/or a sixth lumped element512. Although it is illustrated as an example inFIGS.3A and3Bthat the fifth lumped element511is a capacitor and the sixth lumped element512is an inductor, the disclosure is not limited thereto and the fifth lumped element511and the sixth lumped element512may include a capacitor or an inductor.

According to an embodiment, the first to fourth ground members230_1,230_2,230_3, and230_4selectively connected to the ground connection part311through the switch316, the fifth ground member230_5connected to the ground connection part311through the first ground path315, and the sixth ground member230_6connected to the ground connection part311through the second ground path513may be substantially the same as the ground member230ofFIG.2.

According to an embodiment, the first to sixth ground members230_1to230_6may be one ground member. For example, the ground member230may include first to sixth ground members230_1to230_6. As another example, some of the first to sixth ground members230_1to230_6may be one ground member. For example, connection points of the first to sixth ground members230_1to230_6connected to the switch316may be different. According to an embodiment, the ground member230may include a ground layer included in a PCB, a ground included in a display, or a ground included in a support member.

Referring to the first circuit diagram310ofFIG.3A, the switch316may include a first terminal316_1, a second terminal316_2, a third terminal316_3, or a fourth terminal316_4. The first terminal316_1may be connected to the first ground member230_1. The second terminal316_2may be connected to the second ground member230_2. The third terminal316_3may be connected to the third ground member230_3. The fourth terminal316_4may be connected to the fourth ground member230_4.

In one embodiment, the first terminal316_1and the first ground member230_1may be connected through a first path318including a first lumped element317. The second terminal316_2and the second ground member230_2may be connected through a second path320including a second lumped element319. The third terminal316_3and the third ground member230_3may be connected through a third path322including a third lumped element321. The fourth terminal316_4and the fourth ground member230_4may be connected through a fourth path324including a fourth lumped element323. Although it is illustrated as an example inFIGS.3A and3Bthat the first lumped element317, the second lumped element319, and the fourth lumped element323are capacitors and the third lumped element321is an inductor, the disclosure is not limited thereto and the first to fourth lumped elements317,319,321, and323may include a capacitor or an inductor.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first to fourth lumped elements317,319,321, and323may be subjected to impedance matching for a specified frequency band between the ground connection part311and the first to fourth ground members230_1,230_2,230_3, and230_4. For example, at least one of the first to fourth lumped elements317,319,321, and323may have a capacitance and/or an inductance which are specified for impedance matching. For example, the capacitance of the first lumped element317may be about 0.001 nF. The inductance of the second lumped element319may be about 4.7 nH. The capacitance of the third lumped element321may be about 0.001 nF. The capacitance of the fourth lumped element323may be about 100 pF.

According to an embodiment, referring to a second circuit diagram330ofFIG.3A, at least one of the first to fourth lumped elements317,319,321, and323may have a resistance component. For example, the first lumped element317may have a first resistance value R1. The second lumped element319may have a second resistance value R2. The third lumped element321may have a third resistance value R3. The fourth lumped element323may have a fourth resistance value R4. For example, the first resistance value R1to the fourth resistance value R4may be greater than or equal to about 0.1Ω and less than or equal to about 1.0Ω.

In one embodiment, the first element312, the second element313, and/or the third element314may have a resistance component. For example, the first element312may have a fifth resistance value R5. The second element313may have a sixth resistance value R6. The third element314may have a seventh resistance value R7. For example, the fifth resistance value R5to the seventh resistance value R7may be greater than or equal to about 0.1Ω and less than or equal to about 1.0Ω.

Referring to the second circuit diagram330and a third circuit diagram350ofFIG.3A, a combined resistance between the ground connection part311and the ground member230may be calculated based on the resistance values. For example, based on the resistance values of the first to fourth lumped elements317,319,321, and323, the first element312, the second element313, and the third element314, the second circuit diagram330may be converted into a third circuit diagram350that is a Thevenin equivalent circuit of the second circuit diagram330. When considering the first to fourth lumped elements317,319,321, and323, the first capacitor312, the second capacitor313, and the first inductor314as resistors, and applying the Thevenin equivalent circuit, as shown in the third circuit diagram350, it may be substantially the same as the ground connection part311and the ground member230being connected to a path352including a first resistor351. The first resistor351may have an eighth resistance value R8. For example, the resistance values of the first to fourth lumped elements317,319,321, and323, the first element312, the second element313, and the third element314may be substantially the same as the first resistor351.

Referring to the first circuit diagram310, the second circuit diagram330, and the third circuit diagram350ofFIG.3A, at least two paths through which a current may flow may be formed in the ground connection part311which connects a conductive member that is an antenna radiator for a low frequency band (e.g., the conductive member211inFIG.2) and the ground member230. For example, a path through which a current flows may include the first ground path315in which the third element314is disposed and the second ground path513in which the sixth lumped element512is disposed.

FIG.3Bis a circuit diagram360illustrating an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3B, the circuit diagram360may have a structure in which the first ground path315is connected to the ground connection part311in the circuit diagram300ofFIG.3A. The circuit diagram360ofFIG.3Bmay operate substantially equally to the circuit diagram300ofFIG.3A.

In one embodiment, the first ground path315may be connected to the ground connection part311. Referring to a 1-1-th circuit diagram370ofFIG.3B, the first ground path315may connect the ground connection part311and the fifth ground member230_5. The first ground path315may include the third element314and/or a 3-1-th element314_1. For example, the third element314and/or the 3-1-th element314_1may be an inductor or a capacitor.

In one embodiment, the first ground path315may have a specified resistance value. Referring to a 2-1-th circuit diagram380ofFIG.3B, the third element314may have a seventh resistance value R7, and a 3-1-th element314_1may have a fourteenth resistance value R14.

In one embodiment, referring to the 2-1-th circuit diagram380and a third circuit diagram390ofFIG.3B, a combined resistance between the ground connection part311and the ground member230may be calculated based on the resistance values. For example, based on the resistance values of the first to fourth lumped elements317,319,321, and323, the first element312, the second element313, the third element314, or the 3-1-th element314_1may be converted into the 3-1-th circuit diagram390that is a Thevenin equivalent circuit of the 2-1-th circuit diagram380. When considering the first to fourth lumped elements317,319,321, and323, the first capacitor312, the second capacitor313, the inductor314, or the 3-1-th element314_1, as resistors, and applying the Thevenin equivalent circuit, as shown in the third circuit diagram390, it may be substantially the same as the ground connection part311and the ground member230being connected to a path392including one resistor391. When the first ground path315and the second ground path513are modeled as one path392, the resistance value of one resistor391included in one path392is calculated as a combined resistance value. The combined resistance may be defined as a resistance value between the ground connection part311and the ground member230. Referring to the 3-1-th circuit diagram390ofFIG.3B, a resistance value between the ground connection part311and the ground member230may be a fifteenth resistance value R15. The fifteenth resistance value R15may be smaller than a resistance value between the ground connection part311and the ground member230when the ground connection part311and the ground member230are connected using only the first ground path315or the second ground path513.

FIG.4is a diagram400illustrating a ground point411, a ground member412, ground paths430and460, and a first switching circuit440of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the PCB of the electronic device101may include a first layer410and a second layer450. For example, the first layer410may include the first ground path430. As another example, the second layer450may include the second ground path460.

In one embodiment, a ground connection part401and a feeding connection part402may be disposed on the first layer410. For example, the ground connection part401may be a conductive pad and/or a conductive pattern for connecting a conductive member (e.g., the conductive member211ofFIG.2) to the ground member412. The feeding connection part402may be a conductive pad and/or a conductive pattern for connecting a conductive member (e.g., the conductive member211ofFIG.2) to a feeding part (e.g., the feeding part220ofFIG.2).

In one embodiment, the ground point411may be located on the ground part401. As a current flows from the ground point411to the ground member412(e.g., the ground member230ofFIG.2), the conductive member211may be grounded.

In one embodiment, the ground point411(e.g., the ground point211_2ofFIG.2) and the ground member412may be connected through the first ground path430(e.g., the first ground path231and the second ground path232ofFIG.2). The first ground path430may ground a signal in a specified frequency band.

According to an embodiment, the specified frequency band may be adjusted through the first switching circuit440(e.g., the switch316ofFIGS.3A and3B). The first switching circuit440may be connected to the ground connection part401(e.g., the ground connection part311ofFIGS.3A and3B). The first switching circuit440may change a frequency band grounded by the first ground path430. For example, the first switching circuit440may change the impedance of a first matching circuit431and/or a second matching circuit435when the first switching circuit440is connected to the ground connection part401to change a frequency band which is grounded by a first ground line433.

In one embodiment, the first ground path430may be disposed in the first layer410that is a top layer of the PCB. The first ground path430may include the first ground line433disposed in the first layer410of the PCB and a first matching circuit431and/or a second matching circuit435which the first ground line433passes through.

In one embodiment, the first ground line433may extend to the ground member412.

In one embodiment, the first matching circuit431and the second matching circuit435may include at least one switching element. In one embodiment, the first matching circuit431and the second matching circuit435may include at least one lumped element. For example, the first matching circuit431may include a lumped element disposed on the first ground line433or disposed as a shunt with the first ground line433. For example, the at least one lumped element may be an inductor and/or a capacitor.

In one embodiment, the second ground path460connected to a ground point451may be disposed in the second layer450of the PCB. The second ground path460may include a second ground line461, a third matching circuit463, and/or a fourth matching circuit465. The second ground line461, the third matching circuit463, and/or the fourth matching circuit465may form the second ground path460disposed separately from the first ground path430in the PCB.

In one embodiment, the plurality of ground paths (e.g., the plurality of ground paths231and232ofFIG.2) may include the first ground path430and the second ground path460.

In one embodiment, when the plurality of ground paths (e.g., the first ground path430and the second ground path460) are formed, the bottleneck of currents in the ground connection part401of the conductive member211may be reduced. For example, when a plurality of ground paths430and460are formed, a bottleneck caused when currents induced in the conductive member211share one path may be reduced. When the plurality of ground paths430and460are formed, the amount of current flowing from the ground connection part401to the ground member412may be increased.

FIG.5is a circuit diagram500illustrating an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.5illustrates a structure in which a third ground path516is additionally disposed in the circuit diagram300ofFIG.3A.

Referring to a fourth circuit diagram510ofFIG.5, the ground connection part311may be connected to the ground members230_5,230_6, and230_7through the first ground path315, the second ground path513, and/or the third ground path516. In one embodiment, the second ground path513may include the fifth lumped element511and/or the sixth lumped element512. In one embodiment, the third ground path516may include a seventh lumped element514and/or an eighth lumped element515.

According to an embodiment, the ground connection part311may be connected to the switch316through the first capacitor312and/or the second capacitor313. For example, the switch316may be an RF switch selectively connected to the first to fourth paths318,320,322, and324to change a frequency.

Referring to the fourth circuit diagram510ofFIG.5, the switch316may include first to fourth terminals316_1,316_2,316_3, and316_4. The first terminal316_1may be connected to the first ground member230_1. The second terminal316_2may be connected to the second ground member230_2. The third terminal316_3may be connected to the third ground member230_3. The fourth terminal316_4may be connected to the fourth ground member230_4.

Referring to a fifth circuit diagram530ofFIG.5, the fifth lumped element511, the sixth lumped element512, a seventh lumped element514, and the eighth lumped element515according to an embodiment may have resistance components. The fifth lumped element511may have a ninth resistance value R9. For example, the ninth resistance value R9may be greater than or equal to about 0.1Ω and less than or equal to about 1.0Ω. The sixth lumped element512may have a tenth resistance value R10. For example, the tenth resistance value R10may be greater than or equal to about 0.1Ω and less than or equal to about 1.0Ω. The seventh lumped element514may have an eleventh resistance value R11. For example, the eleventh resistance value R11may be greater than or equal to about 0.1Ω and less than or equal to about 1.0Ω. The eighth lumped element515may have a twelfth resistance value R12. For example, the twelfth resistance value R12may be greater than or equal to about 0.1Ω and less than or equal to about 1.0Ω.

In one embodiment, the fourth circuit diagram510ofFIG.5may have a switching width of a frequency band substantially the same as that of the first circuit diagram310ofFIGS.3A and3B. For example, the first ground path315, the second ground path513, and the third ground path516of the fourth circuit diagram510may have substantially the same electrical length as the first ground path315including the first inductor314ofFIGS.3A and3B. For example, the combined inductance components of the first ground path315, the second ground path513, and the third ground path516of the fourth circuit diagram510may be substantially equal to the inductance of the first ground path315.

In one embodiment, referring to the fourth circuit diagram510ofFIG.5, the fifth circuit diagram530, and a sixth circuit diagram550, a thirteenth resistor551having a resistance R13that is a combined resistance value of a path552between the ground connection part311and the ground member230may be smaller than the eighth resistor R8that is a combined resistance between the ground connection part311and the ground member230of the third circuit diagram350. When a plurality of ground paths (e.g., the first ground path315, the second ground path513, and the third ground path516) are formed to reduce the combined resistance value between the ground connection part311and the ground member230, the radiation performance of the conductive member (e.g., the conductive member211ofFIG.2) in a low frequency band may be improved.

FIG.6is a diagram600illustrating ground paths641and642of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The electronic device101according to an embodiment may include a conductive member610(e.g., the conductive member211ofFIG.2), a PCB620, and/or a support member630.

In one embodiment, the conductive member610may be at least a portion of a housing (e.g., the housing210ofFIG.2) of the electronic device101. For example, the conductive member610may form at least a portion of a side member of the electronic device101.

In one embodiment, the PCB620may include the ground member230. For example, the ground member230may be a ground layer included in the PCB620.

In one embodiment, the support member630may be disposed substantially parallel to the PCB620in the +Z-axis direction from the PCB620. In one embodiment, the support member630may be formed of a conductive material. As another example, the support member630may be formed of a non-conductive injection molding material. The support member630may support the PCB620inside the electronic device101.

In one embodiment, the conductive member610may be connected to the ground member230through a plurality of connection members631,632, and633and a plurality of ground paths641and642(e.g., the second ground path513and the third ground path513ofFIG.5). The plurality of connection members631,632, and633may include the first connection member631, the second connection member632, and the third connection member633. For example, the first connection member631, the second connection member632, and/or the third connection member633may be a C-clip. As another example, the first connection member631, the second connection member632, and/or the third connection member633may be a metal pad. The plurality of ground paths641and642may include the first ground path641(e.g., the second ground path513inFIG.5) and the second ground path642(e.g., the third ground path516inFIG.5).

In one embodiment, the first ground path641may be a conductive pattern. For example, the first ground path641may be a laser direct structuring (LDS) pattern. For example, the first ground path641may be formed in an LDS pattern to have the effect of disposing a first inductor (e.g., the first inductor314inFIGS.3A and3B) without disposing a separate lumped element.

In one embodiment, the ground member230may be connected to the first ground path641through the first connection member631. For example, the first connection member631may be disposed on the ground member230.

In one embodiment, the second connection member632and the third connection member633may be electrically connected through a connection path643. The third connection member633may be connected to the conductive member610.

In one embodiment, the second ground path642may be connected to the ground member230. For example, the second ground path642may be connected to the third connection member633to be connected to the conductive member610.

In one embodiment, the first and second ground paths641and642may connect the conductive member610and the ground member230in parallel. The first ground path641may be formed in an LDS pattern to be connected to the ground member230. The second ground path642may be connected to the ground member230via at least a portion of the PCB620.

FIG.7is a diagram700illustrating the ground point411, the ground member412, the ground paths430and460, and switching circuits440and710of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The electronic device101ofFIG.7is substantially identical to the electronic device ofFIG.4, except that the second switching circuit710is additionally disposed on a second layer750of the electronic device101ofFIG.4, so that a description overlapping withFIG.4will be omitted.

In one embodiment, the second switching circuit710may be disposed on the second ground path460. The second ground path460may include the second ground line461disposed along the second layer750of a PCB (e.g., the PCB620ofFIG.6) and the second switching circuit710which the second ground line461pass through.

In one embodiment, the second switching circuit710may be disposed on the PCB620. The second switching circuit710may control a frequency band grounded by the second ground path460.

In one embodiment, by connecting the first ground path430(e.g., first ground path231ofFIG.2and/or the first ground path315ofFIGS.3A and3B) and the second ground path460(e.g., the second ground path232ofFIG.2and/or the second ground path513ofFIGS.3A and3B) in parallel between a conductive member (e.g., the conductive member610inFIG.6) and a ground member (e.g., a ground member621inFIG.6), the combined inductance between the conductive member610and the ground member621may be reduced. When the combined inductance between the conductive member610and the ground member621is reduced, the performance of the antenna may be reduced during an in-band process. When the second switching circuit710is added to the second ground path460and the switch of the second switching circuit710is opened (turned off), the resonance length of the antenna may be maintained. When the switch of the second switching circuit710is selectively short-circuited (turned-on), the first ground path430and/or the second ground path460may be used selectively in a frequency band, such as a low frequency band in which the radiation performance of the antenna is to be improved. For example, the second switching circuit710may be applied to an antenna structure in which performance degradation of the antenna occurs when the resonance length is decreased. For example, when the electronic device101supports a first frequency band of about 600 MHz or more and about 700 MHz or less and a second frequency band of about 800 MHz or more and about 900 MHz or less, transmission/reception performance in the first frequency band and transmission/reception performance in the second frequency band may have a trade-off relationship with each other. When the first ground path430and/or the second ground path460is selectively used using the second switching circuit710, both the transmission/reception performance in the first frequency band and the transmission/reception performance in the second frequency band are improved.

FIG.8is a graph800showing radiation efficiency according to a combined resistor of ground paths (e.g., the plurality of ground paths231and232ofFIG.2) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the combined resistor of the ground paths231and232may be a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, and/or a third resistor R3. For example, the second resistor R2may be greater than the first resistor R1. The third resistor R3may be greater than the second resistor R2.

In one embodiment, when the combined resistor of the ground paths231and232is the first resistor R1, the radiation efficiency of the conductive member (e.g., the conductive member211ofFIG.2) of the electronic device101may be higher than the radiation efficiency in a case where the combined resistor of the ground paths231and232is the second resistor R2. When the combined resistor of the ground paths231and232is the second resistor R2, the radiation efficiency of the conductive member211may be higher than the radiation efficiency in a case where the combined resistor of the ground paths231and232is the third resistor R3.

In one embodiment, the radiation efficiency of the conductive member211may increase as the combined resistance value of the ground paths231and232decreases. For example, it can be seen that the radiation efficiency of the conductive member211increases as the combined resistance value of the ground paths231and232decreases in a low frequency band of about 600 MHz or more to about 900 MHz or less.

FIG.9is a graph800showing radiation efficiency in a low frequency band according to a combined resistor of ground paths (e.g., the plurality of ground paths231and232ofFIG.2) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the combined resistor of the ground paths231and232may be a fourth resistor R4and/or a fifth resistor R5. The fifth resistor R5may be greater than the fourth resistor R4.

In one embodiment, when the combined resistor of the ground paths231and232is the second resistor R4, the radiation efficiency of the conductive member (e.g., the conductive member211ofFIG.5) of the electronic device101may be higher than the radiation efficiency in a case where the combined resistor of the ground paths231and232is the fifth resistor R5. For example, when the combined resistor of the ground paths231and232is the fourth resistor R4at a frequency of about 860 MHz, the radiation efficiency may be about −7 dB. As another example, when the combined resistor of the ground paths231and232is the fifth resistor R5at a frequency of about 860 MHz, the radiation efficiency may be about −8.5 dB.

FIG.10is a graph1000showing radiation efficiency of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to a comparative example and an embodiment of the disclosure.

At a frequency of about 700 MHz, the radiation efficiency of the comparative example may be about −7.5 dB. In comparison, the radiation efficiency of the embodiment of the disclosure at a frequency of about 700 MHz may be about −6.5 dB.

In one embodiment, in an electronic device including an exterior metal frame in which at least a portion of a housing (e.g., the housing210ofFIG.2) is a conductive member (e.g., the conductive member211ofFIG.2), it can be seen that the radiation performance has been improved about 1 dB level in a Lowband which is a low-frequency band.

FIG.11is a graph1100showing radiation coefficient of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

At a frequency of about 700 MHz, the radiation coefficient of the comparative example may be about −13 dB. In comparison, the radiation coefficient of an embodiment of the disclosure at a frequency of about 700 MHz may be about −14 dB.

In one embodiment, in an electronic device including an exterior metal frame in which at least a portion of a housing (e.g., the housing210ofFIG.2) is a conductive member (e.g., the conductive member211ofFIG.2), it can be seen that the radiation performance has been improved about 1 dB level due to a decrease of about 1 dB in the radiation coefficient in a Lowband which is a low-frequency band.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) may include a housing including a conductive member (e.g., the conductive member211ofFIG.2) in which at least one feeding point (e.g., the feeding point211_1ofFIG.2) and a ground point (e.g., the ground point211_2ofFIG.2) are located, at least one ground member (e.g., the ground member230ofFIG.2) disposed inside the housing, a first ground path (e.g., the first ground path231ofFIG.2) connecting the ground point211_2and the ground member230; a second ground path (e.g., the second ground path232ofFIG.2) connecting the ground point211_2and the ground member230; a PCB (e.g., the PCB620ofFIG.6) disposed inside the housing210; and a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.2) disposed on the PCB, and the processor120may feed the at least one feeding point211_1such that the conductive member211transmits and/or receives a signal of a first frequency band.

In one embodiment, the first ground path231may include at least one first matching element (e.g., the first matching element251ofFIG.2).

In one embodiment, the second ground path232may include at least one second matching element (e.g., the second matching element252ofFIG.2).

In one embodiment, the first ground path231and the second ground path232may connect a ground connection part (e.g., the ground connection part311ofFIG.3A) connecting the ground point211_2and the conductive member211and the ground member230in parallel, and the first ground path231or the second ground path232may include at least one element (e.g., the first element312, the second element313, and/or the third element314ofFIG.3A).

In one embodiment, the ground member230may be a ground included in the PCB620, a ground included in a support member (e.g., the support member630ofFIG.6) disposed inside the housing210, and/or a ground included in a display (e.g., the display device160ofFIG.1) viewed through at least a portion of the housing210.

In one embodiment, the first ground path231and the second ground path232may be connected to each other.

In one embodiment, the first frequency band may be 600 MHz or more and 900 MHz or less.

In one embodiment, the at least one ground member230may have a ground voltage of substantially an identical level.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may include the housing210formed of the conductive member211, at least a portion of the conductive member being a radiator of a low frequency band, the support member630disposed inside the housing210, and the PCB620disposed inside the housing210and including the ground member230, wherein the ground point211_2may be located on the conductive member211, the ground point211_2and the ground member230may be connected through a plurality of ground paths (e.g., the plurality of ground paths641and642ofFIG.6), and the plurality of ground paths may include a first ground path (e.g., the first ground path641ofFIG.6), including an LDS pattern extending along the support member630and a second ground path (e.g., the second ground path642ofFIG.6) formed along the PCB620.

In one embodiment, the second ground path642may include a first ground line (e.g., the first ground line433ofFIG.4) disposed along the PCB620and a first matching circuit (e.g., the first matching circuit431ofFIG.4) which the first ground line433passes through.

In one embodiment, the ground connection part (e.g., the ground connection part311ofFIGS.3A and3B) connected to the ground point211_2may be connected to a switching circuit (e.g., the first switching circuit440ofFIG.4) which controls a frequency band, the switching circuit being grounded by the plurality of ground paths641and642.

In one embodiment, the PCB620may further include at least one feeding part (e.g., the feeding part220ofFIG.2) and the processor120, at least one feeding point211_1may be further located on the conductive member211, and the processor120may feed the at least one feeding point211_1through the at least one feeding part220such that the conductive member211transmits and/or receives a signal in the low frequency band.

In one embodiment, the low frequency band may be 600 MHz or more and 900 MHz or less.

In one embodiment, the first matching circuit431may include at least one lumped element (e.g., the first lumped element317, the second lumped element319, the third lumped element321, and/or the fourth lumped element323ofFIG.3A) and the at least one lumped element317,319,321and/or323may be an inductor and/or capacitor.

In one embodiment, the LDS pattern may extend toward the conductive member (e.g., the conductive member610ofFIG.6) along the support member630to be connected to a second connection member (e.g., the second connection member632ofFIG.6) disposed on the PCB620, and the second connection member632may be connected to a third connection member (e.g., the third connection member633ofFIG.6) connected to the conductive member610.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may include the housing210including the conductive member211in which at least one feeding point211_1and the ground point211_2are located, the PCB620disposed inside the housing210and including at least one feeding part220and the ground member230, and the processor120disposed on the PCB620, wherein the plurality of ground paths641and642connect the ground member230and the ground point211_2, the processor120may feed the at least one feeding point211_1such that the conductive member211transmits and/or receives a signal of 600 MHz or more and 900 MHz, a combined resistance of the plurality of ground paths641and642may be a first resistance value, and the first resistance value may be less than or equal to a second resistance value that is a resistance value of a resistor connecting between the ground member230and the ground point211_2through a single ground path.

In one embodiment, the combined inductance of the plurality of ground paths641and642may be identical to an inductance connecting the ground member230and the ground point211_2through a single ground path.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of ground paths231and232may include at least one lumped element317,319,321, and/or323, and the at least one lumped element317,319,321and/or323may be an inductor and/or a capacitor.

In one embodiment, the ground point211_2may be connected to at least one switching circuit440.

In one embodiment, the plurality of ground paths641and642may include the first ground path641, and the first ground path641may include the first ground line433disposed along the PCB620and the first matching circuit431through which the first ground line433passes.

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, or a home appliance. 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 disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B, or C”, “at least one of A, B, and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd”, or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with”, “coupled to”, “connected with”, or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic”, “logic block”, “part”, or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory136or external memory138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device101). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor120) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device101) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

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