KR20240043632A - Electronic apparatus with antenna and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device having an efficient current consumption operation by a PA and a control method thereof are provided. According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a first PA module including a first power amplifier (PA) that amplifies a signal in the first frequency band using averaging power tracking (APT). . The electronic device may include a second PA module including a second PA that amplifies a signal in the second frequency band using envelope tracking (ET). The electronic device may include an antenna tuner that includes a variable impedance circuit. The electronic device determines a current tuning mode from the first tuning mode and the second tuning mode based on the operating states of the first PA and the second PA, and controls the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner based on the determined current tuning mode. It may include a processor (communication processor, CP). In the first tuning mode, the entire range of candidate tune codes, each corresponding to a different state of the variable impedance circuit, can be used. In the second tuning mode, a first partial range of candidate tune codes selected from the full range of candidate tune codes based on power efficiency may be used.

Description

Electronic device including an antenna and a control method thereof {ELECTRONIC APPARATUS WITH ANTENNA AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME}

The following embodiments relate to an electronic device including an antenna and a method of controlling the same.

Power consumption by a power amplifier (PA) may account for a high proportion of the total power consumption for communication functions. Envelope tracking (ET)-based PA uses an ET modulator (envelope tracking modulator) and digital predistortion (DPD) to achieve higher efficiency and lower consumption compared to averaging power tracking (APT)-based PA. It can operate with electric current. APT PA consumes higher power than ET PA, and high power consumption may result in heat generation. However, ET PA may be more complex and require higher costs than APT PA.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a first PA module including a first power amplifier (PA) that amplifies a signal in the first frequency band using averaging power tracking (APT). . The electronic device may include a second PA module including a second PA that amplifies a signal in the second frequency band using envelope tracking (ET). The electronic device may include an antenna tuner that includes a variable impedance circuit. The electronic device determines a current tuning mode from the first tuning mode and the second tuning mode based on the operating states of the first PA and the second PA, and controls the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner based on the determined current tuning mode. It may include a processor (communication processor, CP). In the first tuning mode, the entire range of candidate tune codes, each corresponding to a different state of the variable impedance circuit, can be used. In the second tuning mode, a first partial range included in the entire range of candidate tune codes may be used.

According to one embodiment, the control method includes a first power amplifier (PA) that amplifies the signal in the first frequency band using averaging power tracking (APT) and envelope tracking (ET). It may include determining a current tuning mode from the first tuning mode and the second tuning mode based on the operating state of the second PA that amplifies the signal in the second frequency band using . According to one embodiment, the control method may include controlling the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner based on the determined current tuning mode. In the first tuning mode, the entire range of candidate tune codes, each corresponding to a different state of the variable impedance circuit, can be used. In the second tuning mode, a first partial range of candidate tune codes selected from the full range of candidate tune codes based on power efficiency may be used.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device includes a first power amplifier (PA) that amplifies the signal in the first frequency band using averaging power tracking (APT) and envelope tracking (ET). It may include at least one PA module including a second PA that amplifies a signal in the second frequency band using . The electronic device may include an antenna tuner that includes a variable impedance circuit. The electronic device may include an antenna coupled to an antenna tuner. The electronic device determines a current tuning mode from the first tuning mode and the second tuning mode based on the operating states of the first PA and the second PA, and controls the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner based on the determined current tuning mode. It may include a processor (communication processor, CP). In the first tuning mode, the entire range of candidate tune codes, each corresponding to a different state of the variable impedance circuit, can be used. In the second tuning mode, a first partial range of candidate tune codes selected from the entire range of candidate tune codes based on test results of an antenna tuner through control of a variable impedance circuit using candidate tune codes may be used.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device in a network environment, according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a communication module and an antenna module, according to one embodiment.
Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a PA module, according to one embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an antenna tuner and an antenna implemented in an electronic device, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test environment for a PA and an antenna tuner, according to an embodiment.
Figures 6a and 6b are diagrams showing the results of a load pull test of a PA, according to an embodiment.
Figure 7 is a diagram showing OSL test results of an antenna tuner, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection result of tune codes based on selection conditions, according to an embodiment.
Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a VSWR condition according to one embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a final selection result derived from an intermediate selection result using a current region, according to an embodiment.
Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating a tuning mode setting operation in a communication situation in which APT PA is used exclusively, according to an embodiment.
12A to 12C are diagrams illustrating a tune code selection operation in a communication situation in which APT PA and ET PA are used together, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a control operation of an antenna tuner in various communication situations, according to an embodiment.
14 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a control operation, according to one embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device in a network environment, according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment 100, the electronic device 101 communicates with the electronic device 102 through a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or a second network 199. It is possible to communicate with at least one of the electronic device 104 or the server 108 through (e.g., a long-distance wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 through the server 108. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 includes a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, an audio output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, and a sensor module ( 176), interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, subscriber identification module 196 , or may include an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of these components (eg, the connection terminal 178) may be omitted or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) are integrated into one component (e.g., display module 160). It can be.

The processor 120, for example, executes software (e.g., program 140) to operate at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120. It can be controlled and various data processing or calculations can be performed. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or computation, the processor 120 stores instructions or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132. The commands or data stored in the volatile memory 132 can be processed, and the resulting data can be stored in the non-volatile memory 134. According to one embodiment, the processor 120 includes the main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor 123 that can operate independently or together (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural network processing unit ( It may include a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and a secondary processor 123, the secondary processor 123 may be set to use lower power than the main processor 121 or be specialized for a designated function. You can. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 or as part of it.

The auxiliary processor 123 may, for example, act on behalf of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or while the main processor 121 is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. ), together with the main processor 121, at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) At least some of the functions or states related to can be controlled. According to one embodiment, co-processor 123 (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190). there is. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (eg, neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. Artificial intelligence models can be created through machine learning. For example, such learning may be performed in the electronic device 101 itself on which the artificial intelligence model is performed, or may be performed through a separate server (e.g., server 108). Learning algorithms may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but It is not limited. An artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. Artificial neural networks include deep neural network (DNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), belief deep network (DBN), bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), It may be one of deep Q-networks or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to hardware structures, artificial intelligence models may additionally or alternatively include software structures.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component (eg, the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronic device 101. Data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program 140) and instructions related thereto. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 and may include, for example, an operating system 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 includes a first PA module (e.g., a power amplifier) that amplifies a signal in the first frequency band using average power tracking (APT). : May include the first PA module 231 in FIG. 2 and the PA module 310 in FIG. 3. The electronic device 101 includes a second PA module (e.g., the second PA module 232 in FIG. 2) including a second PA that amplifies a signal in the second frequency band using envelope tracking (ET). It may include the PA module 310 of FIG. 3). The electronic device 101 may include an antenna tuner including a variable impedance circuit (e.g., the antenna tuner 250 in FIG. 2, the impedance tuner 430 in FIG. 4, and the antenna tuner 540 in FIG. 5). The electronic device 101 determines the current tuning mode from the first tuning mode and the second tuning mode based on the operating states of the first PA and the second PA, and configures the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner based on the determined current tuning mode. It may include a controlling communication processor (CP) (e.g., communication module 190, CP 210 in FIG. 2).

In the first tuning mode, the entire range of candidate tune codes, each corresponding to a different state of the variable impedance circuit, can be used. In the second tuning mode, the first partial range included in the entire range of candidate tune codes can be used.

The first subrange may be selected from the full range of candidate tune codes based on power efficiency.

The first partial range may be selected based on test results of an antenna tuner through control of a variable impedance circuit using candidate tune codes.

The test result may include at least a portion of the maximum transmission gain of the first PA according to the candidate tune codes and a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) according to each of the candidate tune codes.

According to the test results, the difference of the transmission gain according to the first candidate tune code from the maximum transmission gain is less than the threshold difference, the VSWR according to the first candidate tune code falls within the threshold range, and the VSWR according to the first candidate tune code is within the threshold range. If the selection condition that the impedance includes at least part of the minimum current region according to the load pull data of the first PA is satisfied, the first candidate tune code may be classified into the first partial range.

The threshold difference may be 0.5dB. The critical range may be 3:1.

When the second PA is used alone, the CP may determine the first tuning mode as the current tuning mode. When the first PA is used alone, and when the first PA and the second PA are used together, the CP may determine the second tuning mode as the current tuning mode depending on whether the communication condition is satisfied.

The communication conditions are that the transmission power of the first PA is higher than the first threshold power, the maintenance time of the state in which the transmission power of the first PA is higher than the first threshold power is longer than the threshold time, and the signal reception state is approximately in the electric field. It may include at least some of those that are not applicable.

The first threshold power may be 15dBm. The critical time may be 60s.

When the first PA and the second PA are used together, the transmission power of the second PA according to the control of the variable impedance circuit in the second tuning mode is higher than the second threshold power, and the variable impedance in the second tuning mode If the additional condition is satisfied, including at least some of the change in the transmit power of the second PA under the control of the circuit being greater than the threshold change, then a first set of candidate tune codes selected from the entire range of candidate tune codes instead of the first partial range. 2 Subranges may be used.

The selection conditions of the second subrange may include higher VSWR conditions compared to the selection conditions of the first subrange.

The selection conditions of the second subrange may include a VSWR condition of 2:1. The selection conditions of the first subrange may include a VSWR condition of 3:1.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 includes a first power amplifier (PA) that amplifies the signal in the first frequency band using averaging power tracking (APT) and envelope tracking. , ET) at least one PA module (the first PA module 231 in FIG. 2, the second PA module 232 in FIG. 2, FIG. It may include 3 PA modules 310). The electronic device 101 may include an antenna tuner including a variable impedance circuit (e.g., the antenna tuner 250 in FIG. 2, the impedance tuner 430 in FIG. 4, and the antenna tuner 540 in FIG. 5). The electronic device 101 may include an antenna (antenna module 197, antenna 260 of FIG. 2, antenna 410 of FIG. 2, and antenna 560 of FIG. 2) connected to an antenna tuner.

The electronic device 101 determines the current tuning mode from the first tuning mode and the second tuning mode based on the operating states of the first PA and the second PA, and configures the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner based on the determined current tuning mode. It may include a controlling communication processor (CP) (e.g., communication module 190, CP 210 in FIG. 2).

In the first tuning mode, the entire range of candidate tune codes, each corresponding to a different state of the variable impedance circuit, can be used. In the second tuning mode, a first partial range of candidate tune codes selected from the entire range of candidate tune codes based on test results of an antenna tuner through control of a variable impedance circuit using candidate tune codes may be used.

The test result may include at least a portion of the maximum transmission gain of the first PA according to the candidate tune codes and a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) according to each of the candidate tune codes.

When the second PA is used alone, the CP may determine the first tuning mode as the current tuning mode. When the first PA is used alone, and when the first PA and the second PA are used together, the CP may determine the second tuning mode as the current tuning mode depending on whether the communication condition is satisfied.

The input module 150 may receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120) from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (eg, buttons), or digital pen (eg, stylus pen).

The sound output module 155 may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. Speakers can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of it.

The display module 160 can visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (eg, a user). The display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of force generated by the touch.

The audio module 170 can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module 170 acquires sound through the input module 150, the sound output module 155, or an external electronic device (e.g., directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101). Sound may be output through the electronic device 102 (e.g., speaker or headphone).

The sensor module 176 detects the operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. can do. According to one embodiment, the sensor module 176 includes, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, It may include a fingerprint sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, or interference sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more designated protocols that can be used to connect the electronic device 101 directly or wirelessly with an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102). According to one embodiment, the interface 177 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 178 may include a connector through which the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimulation (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimulation that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module 180 can capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 188 can manage power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least a part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

Communication module 190 is configured to provide a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108). It can support establishment and communication through established communication channels. Communication module 190 operates independently of processor 120 (e.g., an application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 190 may be a wireless communication module 192 (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 module 194 (e.g., : LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module) may be included. Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module is a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., legacy It may communicate with an external electronic device 104 through a telecommunication network such as a cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip) or may be implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 uses subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196 to communicate within a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199. The electronic device 101 can be confirmed or authenticated.

The wireless communication module 192 may support 5G networks after 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies, for example, NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology provides high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and access to multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low latency). -latency communications)) can be supported. The wireless communication module 192 may support high frequency bands (eg, mmWave bands), for example, to achieve high data rates. The wireless communication module 192 uses various technologies to secure performance in high frequency bands, for example, beamforming, massive array multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), and full-dimensional multiplexing. It can support technologies such as input/output (FD-MIMO: full dimensional MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module 192 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., second network 199). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 supports Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mmTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing URLLC. Example: Downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each of 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) can be supported.

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside (eg, an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (eg, PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (eg, an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for the communication method used in the communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, is connected to the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190. can be selected. Signals or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device through the at least one selected antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (eg, radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, a mmWave antenna module includes a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first side (e.g., bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band); And a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to the second side (e.g., top or side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band. can do.

At least some of the components are connected to each other through a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and signal ( (e.g. commands or data) can be exchanged with each other.

According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 through the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the external electronic devices 102 or 104 may be of the same or different type as the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices 102, 104, or 108. For example, when the electronic device 101 needs to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may perform the function or service instead of executing the function or service on its own. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more external electronic devices may be requested to perform at least part of the function or service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology can be used. The electronic device 101 may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a communication module and an antenna module, according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2 , a communication module (eg, the communication module 190 of FIG. 1 and/or the wireless communication module 192 of FIG. 1 ) may include a communication processor (CP) 210 . CP 210 may support establishment of a communication channel in a band to be used for wireless communication, and network communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the CP 210 may support various networks such as second generation (2G), 3G, 4G, long term evolution (LTE), and 5G. The CP 210 is shown as a single configuration in FIG. 2, but may be implemented as a single configuration or multiple configurations.

The communication module may include an RFIC block 220. The RFIC block 220 may include a transceiver. During transmission, the RFIC block 220 may convert the baseband signal generated by the CP 210 into a radio frequency (RF) signal. Upon reception, the RF signal may be acquired through the antenna 260 (e.g., the antenna module 197 in FIG. 1) and preprocessed through a radio frequency front end (RFFE). The RFIC block 220 may convert the pre-processed RF signal into a baseband signal to be processed by the CP 210. The RFIC block 220 is shown as a single configuration in FIG. 2, but may be implemented as a single configuration or multiple configurations.

The communication module may include a first power amplifier (PA) module 231. The first PA module 231 may include a first PA that amplifies a signal in the first frequency band using averaging power tracking (APT). The communication module may include a second PA module 232. The second PA module 232 may include a second PA that amplifies a signal in the second frequency band using envelope tracking (ET). The second PA may include an envelope tracking modulator (ET modulator) and a digital predistortion (DPD). The second PA can use an ET modulator and DPD to perform an amplification operation with higher efficiency and lower current consumption than the first PA. The first PA module 231 and/or the second PA module 232 may correspond to a power amplifier module with integrated duplexer (PAMID).

The first frequency band and the second frequency band may include different frequencies. For example, low band may include 0.6 GHz to 1.0 GHz. The mid band may include 1.7GHz to 2.2GHz. High band may include 2.3GHz to 3.7GHz. According to one embodiment, the first frequency band includes one specific frequency band among the low band, mid-band, and high band, and the second frequency band includes another specific frequency band among the low band, mid-band, and high band. may include. According to one embodiment, the first frequency band includes one specific frequency band among the low band, mid-band, and high band, and the second frequency band includes another frequency band among the low band, mid-band, and high band. may include. However, these examples are for ease of understanding, and various frequency bands different from these examples may exist.

The communication module may include a duplexer (duplexer) 240. The duplexer may form a path between the first PA module 231 and the antenna tuner 250, or a path between the second PA module 232 and the antenna tuner 250, depending on the transmission frequency band. . The communication module may include an antenna tuner 250. An antenna module (eg, antenna module 197 in FIG. 1) may include an antenna 260. The antenna may be connected to the antenna tuner 250.

The antenna tuner 250 may include a variable impedance circuit. The CP 210 may perform impedance matching using the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner 250. CP 210 can control the variable impedance circuit using a tune code. Tune codes can represent different states of a variable impedance circuit. For example, tune codes according to various tuning scenarios may exist, and the CP 210 may control the variable impedance circuit with a tune code suitable for the current communication situation to adjust the impedance of the antenna tuner 250.

As communication technologies such as 4G and 5G develop, the peak to average power ratio (PAPR) required by electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 101) increases, and the efficiency of PA (e.g., power added efficiency (PAE)) increases. It may fall. As the frequency band widens, the coverage of the available band expands, PA efficiency decreases, and the proportion of current consumed by the RF PA in the electronic device 101 may increase. APT PA does not use an ET modulator, so it can be cheaper than ET PA. Material costs can be reduced if APT PA is used instead of ET PA. However, because APT PA uses a fixed DC (direct current) supply, its efficiency is lower than that of ET PA, and heat generation and current consumption may increase due to reduced efficiency.

According to one embodiment, in a structure in which the first PA of the APT method and the second PA of the ET method share the same antenna 260, the efficiency of the first PA and the second PA is improved through the impedance matching operation of the antenna tuner 250. This can be optimized. Tuning modes of the antenna tuner 250 may include a performance priority mode and a balanced mode. In the performance priority mode, the variable impedance circuit can be controlled to maximize transmission performance or reception performance through the antenna 260. In balanced mode, the variable impedance circuit can be controlled to optimize the transmission performance and current consumption of the first PA and the second PA. For example, the variable impedance circuit may be controlled to lower the current consumption of the first PA in a range where the transmission performance of the first PA and the second PA is not significantly reduced.

In performance priority mode, the CP 210 can control the variable impedance circuit using the entire range of candidate tune codes. In the balanced mode, the CP 210 may control the variable impedance circuit using a partial range of candidate tune codes selected from the entire range of candidate tune codes. A partial range of candidate tune codes may be selected from the full range of candidate tune codes based on power efficiency (eg, current consumption). A test of the antenna tuner 250 may be performed through test scenarios corresponding to different tune codes, and a partial range may be set according to the test results. The subrange may include restrictive tune codes that control the antenna tuner 250 to lower current consumption and increase power efficiency. By performing a tuning operation with these limited tune codes in balanced mode, a reduction in current consumption and an increase in power efficiency can be achieved.

For example, the test result may include at least a portion of the maximum transmission gain of the first PA according to the candidate tune codes and the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) according to each of the candidate tune codes. The partial range may be determined based on selection conditions regarding at least some of the difference from the maximum transmission gain, VSWR, and minimum current region according to load pull data of the first PA. For example, depending on the test results, the difference of the transmission gain according to a certain candidate tune code from the maximum transmission gain is less than a threshold difference, the VSWR according to that candidate tune code falls within the threshold range, and If the selection condition that the corresponding impedance includes at least part of the minimum current region according to the load pull data of the first PA is satisfied, the corresponding candidate tune code may be classified into a partial range.

The current tuning mode may be determined based on the operating states of the first PA and the second PA. The operating states of the first PA and the second PA may include when the first PA is used alone, when the second PA is used alone, and when the first PA and the second PA are used together. there is. Standalone use may correspond to SA (standalone). If the second PA is used alone, the performance priority mode may be determined as the current tuning mode. Since the second PA operates with high power efficiency based on ET, the required power efficiency can be achieved through the performance priority mode.

When the first PA is used alone, and when the first PA and the second PA are used together, the balanced mode may be determined as the current tuning mode depending on whether the communication condition is satisfied. The communication conditions are that the transmission power of the first PA is higher than a certain threshold power, the transmission power of the first PA is higher than the corresponding threshold power, the maintenance time is longer than the certain threshold time, and the signal reception state corresponds to an electric field of approximately It can include at least some of the things it doesn't do. If high power is used continuously, power usage needs to be managed. Power management in a weak electric field situation may further worsen communication quality, so communication performance may be given priority.

When the first PA and the second PA are used together, the partial range of candidate tune codes may be changed if certain additional conditions are satisfied. The partial range before the change can be called a first partial range, and the partial range after the change can be called a second partial range. For example, additional conditions include that the transmit power of the second PA under control of the variable impedance circuit in balanced mode is higher than a certain threshold power, and the transmit power of the second PA under control of the variable impedance circuit in balanced mode The change in may include at least some of which are greater than the critical change. The second PA can operate with high efficiency even without balanced mode control. Through additional conditions, it can be checked whether the second PA is negatively affected by control of the variable impedance considering power efficiency in balanced mode. The selection conditions of the second sub-range used when the additional conditions are satisfied may have a more stringent level than the selection conditions of the first sub-range. For example, the selection conditions of the second subrange may include higher VSWR conditions compared to the selection conditions of the first subrange. When the partial range is changed from the first partial range to the second partial range, the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner may be controlled through the candidate tune codes of the second partial range.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a PA module, according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3 , the PA module 310 (e.g., the first PA module 231 in FIG. 2 and the second PA module 232 in FIG. 2 ) may include the PA (311). The PA 311 may amplify the input signal of the PA module 310. The input signal may be provided by a transceiver. PA 311 may be APT PA or ET PA. When the PA 311 is an APT PA, the PA module 310 may correspond to the first PA module (eg, the first PA module 231 in FIG. 2). When the PA 311 is an ET PA, the PA module 310 may correspond to a second PA module (eg, the second PA module 232 in FIG. 2).

PA module 310 may include a matching network 312. The matching network 312 may perform impedance matching on the output of the PA (311). The impedance of the matching network 312 may be moved according to the adjustment of the impedance of the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner 250. The current consumption of the power amplifier 311 can be reduced by guiding the impedance movement of the matching network 312 to a current optimization point.

PA module 310 may include extractor module 313. The extractor module 313 can extract signals in a specific frequency band using a filter. The extractor module 313 may include a filter module and a band switch module. The filter module may provide a plurality of filters, and the band switch module may select a filter of a required frequency band among the plurality of filters.

The PA module 310 may include an antenna switch module 314. Although FIG. 3 shows an example in which the PA module 310 includes one PA 311, the PA module 310 may include a plurality of PAs. A plurality of PAs can each amplify signals in different frequency bands. The antenna switch module 314 may connect a PA suitable for the currently used band among a plurality of PAs to an antenna (e.g., the antenna module 197 in FIG. 1 and the antenna 260 in FIG. 2).

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an antenna tuner and an antenna implemented in an electronic device, according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, an antenna 410 (e.g., antenna module 197 in FIG. 1, antenna 260 in FIG. 2) is configured on the outside of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101 in FIG. 1). You can. A USB 420 (e.g., interface 177 of FIG. 1) may be placed at the bottom of the electronic device. An impedance tuner 430 may be connected to the antenna 410. The impedance tuner 430 may include a variable impedance circuit. For example, a variable impedance circuit may include a variable capacitor and a shunt switch. Depending on the control of the variable capacitor and/or shunt switch, the variable impedance circuit may have various impedance values. The variable impedance circuit can be controlled through a tune code. An aperture tuner 440 may be connected to the antenna 410. The impedance tuner 430 and the aperture tuner 440 may form an antenna tuner (eg, the antenna tuner 250 in FIG. 2).

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test environment for a PA and an antenna tuner, according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the communication module (e.g., the communication module 190 in FIG. 1 and/or the wireless communication module 192 in FIG. 1) includes a PA 510 (e.g., the PA 311 in FIG. 3). can do. The PA 510 may amplify a signal input by the RFIC block 570 (e.g., the RFIC block 220 in FIG. 2). PA 510 may be APT PA. The communication module may include a coupler 520. The communication module may include an antenna switch 530. The antenna switch 530 can select the path of the currently used band through the coupler 520. The PA 510, the coupler 520, and the antenna switch 530 may form a PA module (e.g., the first PA module 231 in FIG. 2 and the PA module 310 in FIG. 3).

The communication module may include an antenna tuner 540. The antenna tuner 540 (e.g., the antenna tuner 250 in FIG. 2 and the impedance tuner 430 in FIG. 4) may perform impedance matching using a variable impedance circuit. An antenna module (e.g., antenna module 197 in FIG. 1) may include an antenna 560. The aperture tuner 550 may belong to a communication module and/or an antenna module.

Tests of the antenna tuner 540 may be performed through test scenarios corresponding to different tune codes. Testing may include open/short/load characterization of the antenna tuner 540. While the OSL characterization work is performed, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101 in FIG. 1) is closed loop based on OSL characterization data through a feedback receiver (FBRX) in real time in various user interface (UI) environments. ) During operation, the antenna 560 can be matched to a characteristic impedance (eg, 50 ohm).

Depending on the test results, a partial range of candidate tune codes to be used in the balanced mode may be set. The variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner 540 may have different impedance values depending on the tune code for each test scenario. CP (e.g., CP 210 in FIG. 2) may control the impedance value of the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner 540 using a tune code. Test according to at least a portion of the impedance value that can be implemented through the variable impedance circuit Scenarios can be used. For example, tests can be performed for all impedance values that can be implemented through a variable impedance circuit. These tests can be performed for each frequency band.

Depending on the test, measurement results such as reflection coefficient (502), S22 parameter (503), and S21 parameter (504) may be obtained. The load pull data 501 may correspond to an S parameter (eg, S22) regarding the output port of the PA 510. The reflection coefficient 502 may correspond to an S parameter (eg, S11) regarding the input port of the antenna tuner 540. Since the load pull data 501 and the reflection coefficient 502 correspond to each other, the load pull data 501 can be used for impedance matching of the antenna tuner 540. The S22 parameter 503 and S21 parameter 405 may correspond to the S parameter regarding the output port 505 of the antenna tuner 540.

From the measurement results, a test result including at least a portion of the maximum transmission gain of the PA 510 according to the candidate tune codes and the VSWR according to each of the candidate tune codes may be determined. Certain selection conditions can be applied to the test results to set the partial range to be used in balanced mode. The selection conditions may be set for at least some of the following: difference from maximum transmission gain according to S21 parameter 504, VSWR according to reflection coefficient 502, and minimum current region according to load pull data of PA 510.

Figures 6a and 6b are diagrams showing the results of a load pull test of a PA, according to an embodiment. According to the load pull test, the load of the PA (e.g., PA 311 in FIG. 3 and PA 510 in FIG. 5) is changed and target values (e.g., power, current) according to the current load are measured. , final target values (e.g., maximum power, minimum current) can be derived. 6A and 6B, load pull test results are shown on a Smith chart. In the first load pull test result 610 of FIG. 6A, each contour line may represent impedance values at which the same power is measured. The maximum power point 611 in FIG. 6A may represent the impedance value at which the maximum power was measured. The contour closest to the maximum power point 611 may be referred to as the maximum power area. In the second load pull test result 620 of FIG. 6B, each contour line may represent impedance values at which the same current is measured. The maximum power point 611 in FIG. 6A may represent the impedance value at which the minimum current was measured. The contour closest to the minimum current point 621 may be referred to as the minimum current region.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing OSL test results of an antenna tuner, according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the test result 710 includes measurement results (e.g., reflection coefficient (Γ), S21) according to a plurality of scenarios (e.g., scenario 0 to scenario 10) of the test frequency (e.g., 704 MHz). can do. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the test may be performed at various test frequencies, and a plurality of scenarios may be performed using an antenna tuner (e.g., the antenna tuner 250 of FIG. 2, the impedance tuner 430 of FIG. 4, and the antenna tuner (e.g., It can correspond to all impedance values that the variable impedance circuit of 540)) can have. For example, there may be 144 scenarios for each frequency. Through testing, other data (eg, S22) not shown in FIG. 7 may be further measured. Different scenarios of the same frequency may have different tune codes. Depending on each tune code, the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner may have different impedance.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection result of tune codes based on selection conditions, according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, the test result 810 may include measurement results (eg, S11, S22, and S21) according to a plurality of scenarios of test frequencies. S11 in FIG. 8 can be converted from the reflection coefficient (Γ) in FIG. 7. S21 may correspond to a transmission coefficient. Test data 811 may indicate peak performance. Test data 812 may represent selection results. In FIG. 8, S11 and S22 are expressed as two columns of data. The left side can represent the real part, and the right side can represent the imaginary part. Since S21 may correspond to gain, it is expressed as data of one column. The smaller the parameter value of S21, the higher the gain. Test data 811 with the smallest S21 parameter value may correspond to the highest performance. S21 in FIG. 8 may correspond to the dB100 scale.

Each scenario in the test result 810 may have a tune code such as 96-42, 95-42, and 83-41. The tune codes of the test result 810 may be called candidate tune codes, meaning that they can be used for antenna tuning. In performance priority mode, the full range of candidate tune codes can be used to derive the best performance. In balanced mode, a partial range of candidate tune codes selected from the entire range of candidate tune codes may be used to optimize transmission performance and current consumption. Certain selection conditions can be used to select candidate tune codes.

According to one embodiment, the selection conditions are a first condition regarding the difference from the maximum transmission gain, a second condition regarding the VSWR, and a third condition regarding the minimum current region according to the load pull data of the first PA. At least some of the conditions may be set. The first selection condition may include that the difference between the transmission gain of the candidate tune code and the maximum transmission gain is less than a threshold difference. For example, the threshold difference may be 50 (0.5 dB). 0.5dB may be the result of applying a dB100 scale. The second selection condition may include that the VSWR of the candidate tune code falls within a critical range. For example, the critical range may be 3:1. The third selection condition may include that the impedance of the candidate tune code falls within the minimum current region according to the load pull data of the first PA (eg, APT PA, PA of the first PA module 231 in FIG. 2). The selection conditions may include at least some of these three conditions. For example, the selection condition may include all three of these conditions. In this case, if the first candidate tune code of the entire range of candidate tune codes satisfies all three conditions, it may be classified as a partial range.

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a VSWR condition according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, VSWR data 910 may be expressed as a VSWR circle of 1:1 to 20:1 on a Smith chart. Each VSWR circle can connect impedance values representing a certain loss. For example, a VSWR circle of 1:1 would result in a loss of 0 dB, a VSWR circle of 2:1 would result in a loss of 0.51 dB, a VSWR circle of 3:1 would result in a loss of 1.25 dB, and a VSWR circle of 6:1 would result in a loss of 3.1 dB. For a loss in dB, a VSWR circle of 10:1 can represent a loss of 4.81 dB, and a VSWR circle of 20:1 can represent a loss of 7.41 dB. According to one embodiment, a VSWR circle of 2:1 or 3:1 may be used as a selection condition. According to one embodiment, compared to the first subrange used when APT PT is used alone and certain communication conditions are satisfied, the second subrange is used when APT PT and ET PA are used together and additional conditions are satisfied. More stringent conditions may be set. For example, a VSWR circle of 3:1 may be used in the selection condition for the first subrange, and a VSWR circle of 2:1 may be used in the selection condition for the second subrange.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection operation using a minimum current region, according to an embodiment. Referring to Figure 10, selection results 1010 corresponding to certain test scenarios are shown on a Smith chart. The selection result 1010 may correspond to an intermediate selection result selected through certain selection conditions among all test scenarios. For example, conditions regarding the difference from the maximum transmission gain and conditions regarding the VSWR may be used to derive the intermediate selection result. The final selection result may be derived by additionally applying a condition regarding the minimum current area 1012 to these certain selection conditions.

Points belonging to the minimum current area 1012 may correspond to the final selection result. Minimum current region 1012 may correspond to the minimum current region in FIG. 6B. The S11 parameter value of the final selection result can be used as the origin of closed-loop tuning of the antenna tuner (e.g., the antenna tuner 250 in FIG. 2, the impedance tuner 430 in FIG. 4, and the antenna tuner 540 in FIG. 4). there is. When the final selection result in the minimum current region 1012 includes a plurality of scenarios, the S11 parameter value of one scenario with the highest S21 parameter value may be used as the origin.

The final selection result may be far from the best performing point (1011). The balanced mode according to the final selection result can be used to reduce current consumption while minimizing the decline in transmission performance. There may be a performance decrease due to the difference between the final selection result and the first point 1011, but the trade-off relationship between performance degradation and current consumption reduction can be optimized by the final selection result. For example, the final selection result can achieve a current consumption reduction of about 30 to 50 mA with a total radiated power (TRP) drop of about 0.2 dB compared to the highest performance point (1011).

Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating a tuning mode setting operation in a communication situation in which APT PA is used exclusively, according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, a communication connection may be established in operation 1101. Communication connections may include call connections and/or data connections. In operation 1102 communication status may be checked. In operation 1102, the currently used frequency and currently used PA may be confirmed. In operation 1103, it may be checked whether an APT PA (eg, the PA of the first PA module 231 in FIG. 2) is used.

If APT PA is used, the transmit power may be checked in operation 1104. In operation 1105 the transmit power and the threshold power may be compared. For example, the threshold power may be 15 dBm. If the transmission power exceeds the threshold power, the transmission power may be checked at regular intervals in operation 1106. For example, the constant period may be 10ms. In operation 1107 the power hold time and the threshold time may be compared. For example, the threshold time may be 60s. The power maintenance time may refer to the time during which the transmission power exceeds the threshold power. If the power maintenance time exceeds the threshold time, it may be checked in operation 1108 whether the current signal reception state corresponds to a weak electric field. If the signal reception state does not correspond to a weak electric field, the current tuning mode may be set to balanced mode. The antenna tuner may be controlled in balanced mode in operation 1109.

If the transmit power is not greater than the threshold power in operation 1105, the power holding time is shorter than the threshold time in operation 1107, or the signal reception state corresponds to a weak electric field in operation 1108, the current tuning mode may be set to the performance priority mode. there is. In operation 1110, the antenna tuner may be controlled in a performance priority mode. If the transmission power exceeds the critical power for a long time, not only communication performance but also power efficiency needs to be considered. However, in a weak electric field situation, communication performance may be prioritized to provide a stable communication state to the user.

In performance priority mode, the full range of candidate tune codes can be used. For example, the antenna tuner can initially be controlled through a tune code corresponding to an impedance of 50 ohm, and a full range of tune codes can be freely used depending on the communication status. In balanced mode, a partial range of candidate tune codes can be used. For example, the antenna tuner may initially be controlled via a tune code that represents the highest gain in the final selection of test results. When different tune codes are used depending on the communication status, partial range tune codes may be used in a limited manner.

12A to 12C are diagrams illustrating a tune code selection operation in a communication situation in which APT PA and ET PA are used together, according to an embodiment. When the APT PA (e.g., the PA of the first PA module 231 in FIG. 2) is used alone, current consumption can be significantly reduced with little deterioration in transmission performance through the balanced mode. ET PA (e.g., PA of the second PA module 232 in FIG. 2) can operate with high efficiency even without balanced mode control. Through additional conditions, it can be checked whether there is a negative effect on the ET PA due to control of the variable impedance considering power efficiency in balanced mode. The selection conditions of the second sub-range used when the additional conditions are satisfied may have a more stringent level than the selection conditions of the first sub-range. For example, the selection conditions of the second subrange may include higher VSWR conditions compared to the selection conditions of the first subrange. When the partial range changes from the first partial range to the second partial range, the antenna tuner (e.g., the antenna tuner 250 in FIG. 2, the impedance tuner 430 in FIG. 4, and the antenna tuner) through the candidate tune codes of the second partial range. The variable impedance circuit of the tuner 540 may be controlled.

Figure 12a shows a situation in which the antenna tuner is controlled according to the performance priority mode because the communication conditions for invoking the balanced mode are not satisfied in a communication situation in which APT PA and ET PA are used together. In the situation shown in FIG. 12A, the antenna tuner can be controlled through the tune code of the scenario set 1211 according to the highest performance. For example, scenario set 1211 may correspond to a peak performance point of 50 ohms. If the communication situation changes without the communication conditions being satisfied, the antenna tuner can be controlled by freely using the entire range of candidate tune codes.

Figure 12b shows a situation in which the communication conditions for invoking the balanced mode are satisfied and the antenna tuner is controlled according to the balanced mode. For example, the communication conditions are that the transmission power of the APT PA is higher than a certain threshold power, the maintenance time of the state where the transmission power of the APT PA is higher than the corresponding threshold power is longer than the certain threshold time, and the signal reception state is about an electric field It may include at least some of those that do not fall under. In the situation shown in FIG. 12B, the antenna tuner may be controlled based on the scenario set 1221 selected according to the first selection condition.

The scenario set 1221 may include a first partial range of tune codes selected from the entire range of candidate tune codes according to a first selection condition. The first selection condition may be set with respect to at least some of the first condition regarding the difference from the maximum transmission gain, the second condition regarding VSWR, and the third condition regarding the minimum current region according to the load pool data of the APT PA. . In the balanced mode, if there is a change in the communication situation, the antenna tuner can be controlled using limited candidate tune codes in the first partial range.

Figure 12c shows a situation in which additional conditions are satisfied according to control of the antenna tuner according to the balanced mode. Additional conditions allow it to be detected whether a negative effect on the ET PA occurs due to control of the antenna tuner in balanced mode. For example, an additional condition is that the transmission power of the ET PA under the control of the antenna tuner in balanced mode is higher than a certain threshold power, and the change in the transmission power of the ET PA under the control of the antenna tuner in the balanced mode is above the threshold power. It can include at least some of the larger changes. For example, the threshold power may be 15 dBm and the threshold change may be 3 dB. In the situation shown in FIG. 12C, the antenna tuner may be controlled based on the scenario set 1231 selected according to the second selection condition.

Scenario set 1231 may include a second partial range of tune codes selected from the entire range of candidate tune codes according to a second selection condition. The second selection condition may be more stringent than the first selection condition. According to one embodiment, the second screening condition may include a higher VSWR condition compared to the first screening condition. For example, the second screening condition relates to at least some of the first condition regarding the difference from the maximum transmission gain, the second condition regarding the VSWR, and the third condition regarding the minimum current region according to the load pull data of the APT PA. can be set. At this time, the second condition of the first selection condition may be set in the range of 3:1, and the second condition of the second selection condition may be set in the range of 2:1. If there is a change in the communication situation while the additional condition is satisfied, the antenna tuner may be controlled using limited candidate tune codes in the second partial range.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a control operation of an antenna tuner in various communication situations, according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, a communication connection may be established in operation 1301. Communication connections may include call connections and/or data connections. In operation 1302, communication status may be checked. In operation 1302, the currently used frequency and currently used PA may be confirmed.

In operation 1311, it may be checked whether the APT PA (eg, the PA of the first PA module 231 in FIG. 2) is used alone. If APT PA is used alone, the transmit power may be checked in operation 1312. In operation 1312 the transmit power and the threshold power may be compared. For example, the threshold power may be 15dBm. If the transmission power exceeds the threshold power, the transmission power may be checked at a certain period in operation 1313. For example, the constant period may be 10ms. In operation 1315, the power hold time and the threshold time may be compared. For example, the threshold time may be 60s. The power maintenance time may refer to the time during which the transmission power exceeds the threshold power. If the power maintenance time exceeds the threshold time, it may be checked in operation 1316 whether the current signal reception state corresponds to a weak electric field. If the signal reception state does not correspond to a weak electric field, the current tuning mode may be set to balanced mode. The antenna tuner may be controlled in balanced mode in operation 1317. If the transmission power is not greater than the threshold power, the power maintenance time is shorter than the threshold time, or the signal reception state corresponds to a weak electric field, the current tuning mode may be set to the performance priority mode. In operation 1318, the antenna tuner may be controlled in a performance priority mode.

In operation 1321, it may be checked whether APT PA and ET PA (eg, PA of the second PA module 232 in FIG. 2) are used together. If APT PA and ET PA are used together, the transmit power of APT PA may be checked in operation 1322. In operation 1323, the transmit power of the APT PA and the first threshold power may be compared. For example, the first threshold power may be 15 dBm. If the transmission power of the APT PA exceeds the first threshold power, the transmission power may be checked at a certain period in operation 1324. For example, the constant period may be 10ms. In operation 1325, the power hold time and the threshold time may be compared. For example, the threshold time may be 60s. The power maintenance time may refer to the time during which the transmission power exceeds the threshold power. If the power maintenance time exceeds the threshold time, it may be checked in operation 1326 whether the current signal reception state corresponds to a weak electric field. If the signal reception state does not correspond to a weak electric field, the current tuning mode may be set to balanced mode. The antenna tuner may be controlled in balanced mode in operation 1327. If the transmission power of the APT PA is not greater than the first threshold power, the power maintenance time is shorter than the threshold time, or the signal reception state corresponds to a weak electric field, the current tuning mode may be set to the performance priority mode. In operation 1318, the antenna tuner may be controlled in a performance priority mode.

While the antenna tuner is controlled in balanced mode, it can be checked whether additional conditions are satisfied through operations 1331, 1332, and 1333. In operation 1331 the transmit power of the ET PA may be checked. In operation 1332, the transmit power of the ET PA and the second threshold power may be compared. For example, the second threshold power may be 15 dBm. Here, an example in which the first threshold power and the second threshold power are set to the same value has been described, but it is also possible for the first threshold power and the second threshold power to be set to different values. In operation 1333, the change in transmission power of the ET PA and the threshold change may be compared. A change in the transmission power of the ET PA may mean a change in the transmission power of the ET PA according to the balanced mode. For example, the threshold change may be 3 dB. If the transmit power of the ET PA is greater than the second threshold power and the amount of change in the transmit power of the ET PA is greater than the threshold change, the threshold range of the VSWR may be adjusted in operation 1334. For example, the threshold range can be adjusted from 3:1 to 2:1.

In performance priority mode, the full range of candidate tune codes can be used. For example, the antenna tuner can initially be controlled through a tune code corresponding to an impedance of 50 ohm, and a full range of tune codes can be freely used depending on the communication status. In balanced mode, a partial range of candidate tune codes can be used. For example, the antenna tuner may initially be controlled via a tune code that represents the highest gain in the final selection of test results. When different tune codes are used depending on the communication status, partial range tune codes may be used in a limited manner.

The partial range may include a first partial range according to the first selection condition and a second partial range according to the second selection condition. In operation 1317, the first subrange may be utilized. In operation 1327, either the first subrange or the second subrange may be used. The first selection condition may be changed to the second selection condition according to the critical range adjustment of the VSWR in operation 1334. The second selection condition may be more stringent than the first selection condition. For example, the VSWR range of the first screening condition may be 3:1, and the VSWR range of the second screening condition may be 2:1.

In operation 1341 it may be checked whether ET PA is used exclusively. If ET PA is used alone, the antenna tuner may be controlled in a performance priority mode in operation 1342.

14 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a control operation, according to one embodiment. Operations 1410 and 1420 of FIG. 14 may be performed sequentially or non-sequentially. For example, the order of operations 1410 and 1420 may be changed, and/or at least two of operations 1410 and 1420 may be performed in parallel. Operations 1410 and 1420 may be performed on at least one component (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 1, communication module 190 of FIG. 1, etc.) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101 of FIG. 1). It can be performed by the wireless communication module 192 of (CP 210 of FIG. 2).

Referring to FIG. 14, in operation 1410, a first PA (e.g., the first PA of the first PA module 231 in FIG. 2) amplifies the signal in the first frequency band using average power tracking and envelope tracking. Current tuning mode from the first tuning mode and the second tuning mode based on the operating state of the second PA (e.g., the second PA of the second PA module 232 in FIG. 2) that amplifies the signal in the second frequency band. is decided. In operation 1420, the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner (e.g., antenna tuner 250 in FIG. 2, impedance tuner 430, and antenna tuner 540 in FIG. 4) is controlled based on the current tuning mode.

In the first tuning mode, the entire range of candidate tune codes, each corresponding to a different state of the variable impedance circuit, can be used. In the second tuning mode, a first partial range of candidate tune codes selected from the full range of candidate tune codes based on power efficiency may be used.

The first partial range may be selected based on test results of an antenna tuner through control of a variable impedance circuit using candidate tune codes.

The test result may include at least a portion of the maximum transmission gain of the first PA according to the candidate tune codes and a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) according to each of the candidate tune codes. According to the test results, the difference of the transmission gain of the first candidate tune code from the maximum transmission gain is less than the threshold difference, the VSWR of the first candidate tune code falls within the threshold range, and the impedance of the first candidate tune code is less than the threshold difference. If the selection condition including at least some of those belonging to the minimum current region according to load pull data of 1 PA is satisfied, the first candidate tune code may be classified into the first partial range.

Operation 1410 may include determining the first tuning mode as the current tuning mode when the second PA is used alone. Operation 1410 includes determining the second tuning mode as the current tuning mode depending on whether the communication condition is satisfied when the first PA is used alone, and when the first PA and the second PA are used together. can do.

The communication conditions are that the transmission power of the first PA is higher than the first threshold power, the maintenance time of the state in which the transmission power of the first PA is higher than the first threshold power is longer than the threshold time, and the signal reception state is approximately in the electric field. It may include at least some of those that are not applicable.

When the first PA and the second PA are used together, the transmission power of the second PA is higher than the second threshold power according to the control of the variable impedance circuit in the second tuning mode, and the variable impedance in the second tuning mode If the additional condition is satisfied, including at least some of the change in the transmit power of the second PA under the control of the circuit being greater than the threshold change, then a first set of candidate tune codes selected from the entire range of candidate tune codes instead of the first partial range. 2 Subranges may be used.

Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various types. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to embodiments of this document are not limited to the above-described devices.

The various embodiments of this document and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various changes, equivalents, or replacements of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numbers may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the above items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, “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 “A Each of phrases such as “at least one of , B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one element from another, and may be used to distinguish such elements in other respects, such as importance or order) is not limited. One (e.g. first) component is said to be "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g. second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively". Where mentioned, it means that any of the components can be connected to the other components directly (e.g. wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term “module” used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and is interchangeable with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. It can be used as A module may be an integrated part or a minimum unit of the parts or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present document are one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., built-in memory 136 or external memory 138) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). It may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including these. For example, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of a device (e.g., electronic device 101) may call at least one command among one or more commands stored from a storage medium and execute it. This allows the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. A storage medium that can be read by a device may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves), and this term refers to cases where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium. There is no distinction between temporary storage cases.

According to one embodiment, methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided and included in a computer program product. Computer program products are commodities and can be traded between sellers and buyers. 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 via an application store (e.g. Play Store ^TM ) or on two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (e.g. downloaded or uploaded) directly between smart phones) or online. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the above-described components may include a single or plural entity, and some of the plurality of entities may be separately placed in other components. there is. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations described above may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (eg, modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component of the plurality of components prior to the integration. . According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, or omitted. Alternatively, one or more other operations may be added.

Claims (20)

In electronic devices,
A first PA module (231; 310) including a first power amplifier (PA) that amplifies a signal in a first frequency band using averaging power tracking (APT);
a second PA module (232;310) including a second PA that amplifies a signal in a second frequency band using envelope tracking (ET);
Antenna tuner (250;430;540) with variable impedance circuitry; and
Determine a current tuning mode from a first tuning mode and a second tuning mode based on the operating states of the first PA and the second PA, and control the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner based on the determined current tuning mode. communication processor (CP) (190;210)
Including,
In the first tuning mode, the entire range of candidate tune codes corresponding to different states of the variable impedance circuit are used, and in the second tuning mode, the entire range of candidate tune codes included in the entire range are used. the first subrange is used,
Electronic devices. According to paragraph 1,
The first subrange is
Selected from the entire range of candidate tune codes based on power efficiency,
Electronic devices. According to paragraph 1,
The first subrange is
Selected based on test results of the antenna tuner through control of the variable impedance circuit using the candidate tune codes,
Electronic devices. According to paragraph 3,
The test results are
Containing at least a portion of a maximum transmission gain of the first PA according to the candidate tune codes and a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) according to each of the candidate tune codes,
Electronic devices. According to clause 4,
According to the test result, the difference of the transmission gain according to the first candidate tune code from the maximum transmission gain is less than a threshold difference, the VSWR according to the first candidate tune code falls within the threshold range, and the first candidate tune code If the selection condition that the impedance according to the tune code includes at least part of the minimum current region according to the load pull data of the first PA is satisfied, the first candidate tune code is selected from the first part. classified into ranges,
Electronic devices. According to clause 5,
wherein the threshold difference is 0.5 dB and the threshold range is 3:1,
Electronic devices. According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The CP is
When the second PA is used alone, determine the first tuning mode as the current tuning mode,
When the first PA is used alone, and when the first PA and the second PA are used together, determining the second tuning mode as the current tuning mode depending on whether communication conditions are satisfied,
Electronic devices. In clause 7,
The above communication conditions are
The transmission power of the first PA is higher than the first threshold power, the maintenance time of the state in which the transmission power of the first PA is higher than the first threshold power is longer than the threshold time, and the signal reception state is in a weak electric field. Contains at least some of those that are not applicable,
Electronic devices. According to clause 8,
The first threshold power is 15dBm, and the threshold time is 60s,
Electronic devices. According to clause 8,
When the first PA and the second PA are used together, the transmission power of the second PA according to control of the variable impedance circuit in the second tuning mode is higher than the second threshold power, and the second PA If the additional condition is satisfied, including at least some of the change in the transmission power of the second PA according to control of the variable impedance circuit in tuning mode is greater than the threshold change, then the candidate tune codes instead of the first partial range a second partial range of candidate tune codes selected from the full range is used,
Electronic devices. According to clause 10,
The selection conditions of the second subrange comprise higher VSWR conditions compared to the selection conditions of the first subrange,
Electronic devices. According to clause 11,
wherein the selection conditions in the second subrange include a VSWR condition of 2:1,
wherein the selection conditions of the first subrange comprise a VSWR condition of 3:1,
Electronic devices. A first power amplifier (PA) that amplifies the signal in the first frequency band using averaging power tracking (APT) and the signal in the second frequency band using envelope tracking (ET) An operation 1410 of determining a current tuning mode from the first tuning mode and the second tuning mode based on the operating state of the second PA that amplifies . and
Operation 1420 of controlling the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner based on the determined current tuning mode.
Including,
In the first tuning mode, the entire range of candidate tune codes, each corresponding to a different state of the variable impedance circuit, is used, and in the second tuning mode, the candidate tune codes are selected based on power efficiency. A first partial range of candidate tune codes selected from the full range is used,
Control method. According to clause 13,
The first subrange is
Selected based on test results of the antenna tuner through control of the variable impedance circuit using the candidate tune codes,
Control method. According to clause 14,
The test results are
At least a portion of a maximum transmission gain of the first PA according to the candidate tune codes and a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) according to each of the candidate tune codes,
According to the test result, the difference of the transmission gain of the first candidate tune code from the maximum transmission gain is less than a threshold difference, the VSWR of the first candidate tune code falls within the threshold range, and the first candidate tune code If the selection condition that the impedance includes at least part of the minimum current region according to the load pull data of the first PA is satisfied, the first candidate tune code is classified into the first partial range. felled,
Control method. According to claim 13 or 14,
The operation of determining the current tuning mode is
When the second PA is used alone, determining the first tuning mode as the current tuning mode; and
When the first PA is used alone, and when the first PA and the second PA are used together, an operation of determining the second tuning mode as the current tuning mode depending on whether a communication condition is satisfied.
A control method comprising: According to clause 16,
The above communication conditions are
The transmission power of the first PA is higher than the first threshold power, the maintenance time of the state in which the transmission power of the first PA is higher than the first threshold power is longer than the threshold time, and the signal reception state is in a weak electric field. Contains at least some of those that are not applicable,
Control method. According to clause 17,
When the first PA and the second PA are used together, the transmission power of the second PA is higher than the second threshold power according to the control of the variable impedance circuit in the second tuning mode, and the second PA If the additional condition is satisfied, including at least some of the change in the transmission power of the second PA according to control of the variable impedance circuit in tuning mode is greater than the threshold change, then the candidate tune codes instead of the first partial range a second partial range of candidate tune codes selected from the full range is used,
Control method. A first power amplifier (PA) that amplifies the signal in the first frequency band using averaging power tracking (APT) and the signal in the second frequency band using envelope tracking (ET) At least one PA module (231;232;310) including a second PA that amplifies;
Antenna tuner (250;430;540) with variable impedance circuit;
Antennas (197;260;410;560) connected to the antenna tuner; and
Determine a current tuning mode from a first tuning mode and a second tuning mode based on the operating states of the first PA and the second PA, and control the variable impedance circuit of the antenna tuner based on the determined current tuning mode. communication processor (CP) (190;210)
Including,
In the first tuning mode, the entire range of candidate tune codes corresponding to different states of the variable impedance circuit are used, and in the second tuning mode, the entire range of candidate tune codes is used. A first partial range of candidate tune codes selected from the entire range of candidate tune codes based on test results of the antenna tuner through control is used,
Electronic devices. According to clause 19,
The test results are
Containing at least a portion of a maximum transmission gain of the first PA according to the candidate tune codes and a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) according to each of the candidate tune codes,
Electronic devices.

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