KR20210156404A - Method and electronic device for controlling antenna characteristics - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is to control antenna characteristics in an electronic device. An operating method of the electronic device comprises the following operations of: checking a communication state of a first radio accesstechnology (RAT) and a second RAT; determining a mode of a tuner for adjusting characteristics of an antenna for the second RAT based on the communication state; and controlling the tuner according to the mode.

Description

Method and electronic device for controlling antenna characteristics

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for controlling antenna characteristics and an electronic device thereof.

With the advancement of technology, the performance of an electronic device such as a smart phone is improved, and the structure thereof is gradually becoming more complex. In addition, as various communication systems are developed, electronic devices are also developing to support two or more radio access technologies (RATs). In general, since different RATs are used using separate antennas, a plurality of antennas are disposed in the electronic device.

Due to the arrangement of the plurality of antennas, performance degradation may occur due to lack of isolation between the antennas due to a distance between the antennas. Interference between antennas degrades the performance of a communication circuit operating using the antenna. Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and an electronic device for improving communication performance by controlling characteristics of an antenna.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device includes checking a communication state related to a first radio access technology (RAT) and a second RAT, and based on the communication state, an antenna for a second RAT It may include an operation of determining a mode of a tuner for adjusting characteristics of , and an operation of controlling the tuner according to the mode. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a first communication circuit for a first radio access technology (RAT), a second communication circuit for a second RAT, a first antenna for the first RAT, and the first a second antenna for 2 RATs, a tuner for adjusting characteristics of the second antenna, and a processor operatively connected to the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit. The processor determines a communication state related to the first RAT and the second RAT, and determines a mode of a tuner that adjusts characteristics of an antenna for the second RAT, based on the communication state, and the mode can control the tuner according to the

The method and the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may further improve communication performance by adjusting characteristics of antennas in consideration of interference between antennas.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may communicate with the electronic device through a server. According to an embodiment, the electronic device includes a processor, a memory, an input device, a sound output device, a display device, an audio module, a sensor module, an interface, a haptic module, a camera module, a power management module, a battery, a communication module, a subscriber identification module, Alternatively, it may include an antenna module. In some embodiments, at least one of these components may be omitted or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device. In some embodiments, some of these components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module may be implemented while being embedded in the display device. The processor may, for example, execute software to control at least one other component of an electronic device connected to the processor, and may process or operate various data. can be performed. According to an embodiment, as at least part of data processing or operation, the processor loads commands or data received from other components into volatile memory, processes the commands or data stored in the volatile memory, and writes the resulting data to non-volatile memory. can be stored in According to an embodiment, the processor may include a main processor and an auxiliary processor that can be operated independently or together. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor may be configured to use less power than the main processor or to specialize in a designated function. The coprocessor may be implemented separately from or as part of the main processor. The co-processor, for example, on behalf of the main processor while the main processor is in an inactive state, or together with the main processor while the main processor is in the active state, may be configured to: At least some of the related functions or states may be controlled. According to an embodiment, the coprocessor may be implemented as part of another functionally related component. The memory may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device. Data may include, for example, input data or output data for software and instructions related thereto. The memory may include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. A program may be stored as software in a memory, and may include, for example, an operating system, middleware, or an application. The input device may receive a command or data to be used in a component of the electronic device from the outside of the electronic device. The input device may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, or digital pen. The sound output device may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device. The sound output device may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback, and the receiver can be used to receive an incoming call. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from or as a part of the speaker. The display device may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device. The display device may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to an embodiment, the display device may include a touch circuitry configured to sense a touch or a sensor circuit configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch. The audio module may convert a sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into a sound. According to an embodiment, the audio module may acquire a sound through an input device or output a sound through a sound output device or an external electronic device directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device. The sensor module may sense an operating state of the electronic device or an external environmental state, and may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the sensed state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module includes, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, It may include a humidity sensor or an illuminance sensor. The interface may support one or more designated protocols that the electronic device may use to connect with an external electronic device directly or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface. The connection terminal may include a connector through which the electronic device can be physically connected to an external electronic device. According to an embodiment, the connection terminal may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector. The haptic module may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device. The camera module may capture still images and moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes. The power management module may manage power supplied to the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the power management module may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The battery may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the battery may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell. The communication module may support establishment of a direct communication channel or wireless communication channel between an electronic device and an external electronic device, an electronic device, or a server, and performing communication through the established communication channel. The communication module may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor and support direct communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module or a wired communication module. A corresponding communication module among these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device through a first network or a network. These various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component or implemented as a plurality of components separate from each other. The wireless communication module may use the subscriber information stored in the subscriber identification module to identify and authenticate the electronic device in the first network or a communication network such as the network. The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to the outside. According to an embodiment, the antenna module may include one antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate. According to an embodiment, the antenna module may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network such as the first network or the network may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, a communication module. A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module and the external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, other components other than the radiator may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module. At least some of the components may be connected to each other through a communication method between peripheral devices and exchange signals with each other. According to an embodiment, a command or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device and an external electronic device through a server connected to a network. Each of the electronic devices may be the same or a different type of electronic device. According to an embodiment, all or a part of operations executed in the electronic device may be executed in one or more external electronic devices. For example, if the electronic device is to perform a function or service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or other device, the electronic device may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, perform one or more functions or services. It may request external electronic devices to perform at least a part of the function or the service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit a result of the execution to the electronic device. The electronic device may process the result as it is or additionally and provide it as at least a part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used. For example, the communication module may support cellular communication, a wireless local area network (WLAN), and/or short-range communication. When the communication module supports a plurality of RATs, the antenna module may include a plurality of antennas. For example, at least one dedicated antenna may be included for each RAT. For example, the first RAT may be a wireless LAN, and the second RAT may be a cellular technology. Each antenna disposed in the first region, the second region, the third region, the fourth region, and the fifth region may be laser direct structuring (LDS). Some of the antennas may be available in all of LB (low band), MB (middle band), and HB (high band), and other antennas may be available in some of LB, MB, or HB. Due to the proximity of the first area and the third area, interference between the antenna disposed in the first area and the antenna disposed in the third area may occur. When a cover of the electronic device is made of a metal material, interference between the antenna disposed in the first area and the antenna disposed in the third area may be greater. Since the antenna has its own characteristics, performance may vary according to changes in the environment. Accordingly, by using at least one tuner, the characteristics of the antenna may be adjusted. It is a block diagram of a communication module and an antenna module having a transmission function and a reception function in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication module includes a modem, a transceiver, a low noise amplifier (LNA), a power amplifier (PA) and/or an antenna switch module (ASM)/duplex unit, and the antenna module includes an impedance tuner, an antenna and/or It may include an aperture tuner. The impedance tuner and the aperture tuner may be collectively referred to as an 'antenna tuner'. According to various embodiments, the modem may perform channel encoding, channel decoding, modulation, and/or demodulation on data. The transceiver can perform conversion between digital and analog signals, and convert the frequency of the signal. To this end, the transceiver may include a digital to analog converter (DAC), a mixer, and/or an oscillator. The LNA may amplify the received signal, and the PA may amplify the transmit signal. The ASM/receiver unit may activate a path to the PA when transmitting a signal, and may activate a path to the LNA when receiving a signal. According to various embodiments, the impedance tuner may adjust the impedance characteristic of the antenna. The impedance tuner may include at least one capacitor, at least one inductor and/or at least one resistor. The impedance tuner may add or subtract impedance required to minimize the reflection coefficient between the signal processing path and the antenna. The impedance tuner may form a constant impedance according to the control of other components. The impedance tuner may be referred to as an 'impedance matching circuit'. According to various embodiments, the antenna may be a conductor for emitting or detecting a signal. The antenna may be configured in a shape corresponding to a frequency of a signal to be processed, and may be disposed at a specific location of the electronic device. According to various embodiments, the aperture tuner may adjust characteristics of the antenna. The aperture tuner may include at least one capacitor, at least one inductor, at least one resistor, and/or at least one switch. In the aperture tuner, the impedance tuner is connected to the antenna in a direction other than the signal processing path, and circuit characteristics required to optimize the resonant frequency of the antenna may be increased or decreased. It is a block diagram of a communication module and an antenna module having a reception function in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication module may include a modem, a transceiver, and/or an LNA, and the antenna module may include an impedance tuner, an antenna, and/or an aperture tuner. The impedance tuner and the aperture tuner may be collectively referred to as an 'antenna tuner'. According to various embodiments, the modem may perform demodulation and/or channel decoding on received data. A transceiver may convert the frequency of a signal and convert an analog signal to a digital signal. To this end, the transceiver may include an analog to digital converter (ADC), a mixer and/or an oscillator. The LNA may amplify the received signal. According to various embodiments, the impedance tuner may adjust the impedance characteristic of the antenna. The impedance tuner may include at least one capacitor, at least one inductor and/or at least one resistor. The impedance tuner may add or subtract impedance required to minimize the reflection coefficient between the signal processing path and the antenna. The impedance tuner may form a constant impedance according to the control of other components. The impedance tuner may be referred to as an 'impedance matching circuit'. According to various embodiments, the antenna may be a conductor for emitting or detecting a signal. The antenna may be configured in a shape corresponding to a frequency of a signal to be processed, and may be disposed at a specific location of the electronic device. According to various embodiments, the aperture tuner may adjust characteristics of the antenna. The aperture tuner may include at least one capacitor, at least one inductor, at least one resistor, and/or at least one switch. In the aperture tuner, the impedance tuner is connected to the antenna in a direction other than the signal processing path, and circuit characteristics required to optimize the resonant frequency of the antenna may be increased or decreased. The impedance tuner and the aperture tuner may be collectively referred to as an 'antenna tuner'. According to various embodiments, the first RAT module may be a circuit for processing a signal using the first RAT. For example, the first RAT module may perform channel encoding/decoding, modulation/demodulation, DAC/ADC, frequency conversion and/or amplification operations. According to various embodiments, the impedance tuner may adjust the impedance characteristic of the antenna. The impedance tuner may include at least one capacitor, at least one inductor and/or at least one resistor. The impedance tuner may add or subtract impedance required to minimize the reflection coefficient between the signal processing path and the antenna. The impedance tuner may be referred to as an 'impedance matching circuit'. According to various embodiments, the antenna may be a conductor for emitting or detecting a signal. The antenna may be configured in a shape corresponding to a frequency of a signal to be processed, and may be disposed at a specific location of the electronic device. According to various embodiments, the aperture tuner may adjust characteristics of the antenna. The aperture tuner may include at least one capacitor, at least one inductor, at least one resistor, and/or at least one switch. In the aperture tuner, the impedance tuner is connected to the antenna in a direction other than the signal processing path, and circuit characteristics required to optimize the resonant frequency of the antenna may be increased or decreased. The antenna module may include an antenna tuner including an impedance tuner and/or an aperture tuner. By using an antenna tuner, the characteristics of the antenna can be controlled. The aperture tuner according to an embodiment includes a port (RFC) for connecting to an antenna, ports for connecting with different impedance circuits (RF1, RF2, RF3, RF4), switches for selectively connecting the ports, and/or a variable capacitor for adjusting antenna characteristics. Depending on the state of the switches, the aperture tuner may change the characteristics of the antenna by electrically connecting at least some of different impedance circuits and a variable capacitor to the antenna through at least some of the ports RF1, RF2, RF3, and RF4. can An aperture tuner according to another embodiment includes a port for connecting to an antenna (RFC), ports for connecting to different impedance circuits (RF1, RF2, RF3, RF4), and/or a switch for selectively connecting ports may include Depending on the state of the switches, the aperture tuner may change the characteristics of the antenna by selectively electrically connecting the ports RF1 , RF2 , RF3 , and RF4 connected with different impedances to the antenna. At this time, a state in which all of the switches are open and disconnected from the impedance circuits may be referred to as an 'isolation mode', and although not shown, only the first switch is a closed state and the first A state connected to the first impedance circuit through the port may be referred to as an 'RF1 mode'. The isolation mode may mean a state in which all switches are controlled in an open state. According to an embodiment, the aperture tuner may further include at least one other port for power supply, grounding, and/or control. This is an implementation example of an impedance tuner in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The impedance tuner according to an embodiment includes a port (OUT) for connection to an antenna, a port (IN) for connection to a signal processing path, a variable capacitor for impedance formation, and/or a plurality of switches controlling the connection. may include A variable capacitor can have 16 states. According to the state of the switches and the state of the variable capacitor, the impedance tuner may change the impedance characteristic of the antenna. According to an embodiment, the impedance tuner may further include at least one other port (eg, GND, IDSEL, VIO, CLK, DATA, TDD) for power supply, grounding, and/or control.

Claims (1)

A method of operating an electronic device, comprising: checking a communication state related to a first radio access technology (RAT) and a second RAT; determining a mode of a tuner for adjusting characteristics of an antenna for a second RAT based on the communication state; and controlling the tuner according to the mode.