WO2020162707A1

WO2020162707A1 - Electronic device including antenna module and antenna impedance matching method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2020162707A1
Application number: PCT/KR2020/001756
Authority: WO
Inventors: 박종호; 윤용빈; 김윤석; 박선아; 오승현
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2019-02-08
Filing date: 2020-02-07
Publication date: 2020-08-13
Also published as: KR20200097475A

Abstract

Disclosed is an electronic device comprising: an antenna for transmitting and receiving a communication signal; an antenna tuner for determining a matching value corresponding to the impedance of the antenna; and a processor operatively connected to the antenna tuner. The processor may be configured to be matched one-to-one with antenna codes corresponding to the change in impedance of the antenna; store load indices corresponding to impedance values; calculate a current antenna load by bypassing the antenna tuner; determine first and second candidate indices in order of lower impedance difference value from the current antenna load among the load indices; and determine an antenna code to be applied to the antenna tuner on the basis of the impedance difference value between the first or second candidate index and the current antenna load. Various other embodiments inferred from the present specification are also possible.

Description

Electronic device including antenna module and method for matching antenna impedance thereof

Embodiments disclosed in this document relate to antenna impedance matching technology.

With the development of mobile communication technology, electronic devices having an antenna, such as a smartphone or a wearable device, have been widely spread. Such an electronic device may transmit and/or receive various data (eg, messages, photos, videos, music files, and/or games) through an antenna.

The impedance of the antenna varies depending on the use event of the electronic device (eg, insertion of an ear jack or a user's grip). For smooth communication, it is necessary to match the impedance of such an antenna to an optimum impedance.

In the conventional antenna impedance matching method, one load index closest to the current antenna load is selected on the impedance graph, and the antenna impedance is adjusted by applying the antenna code of the selected load index. Therefore, there has been a situation in which optimal antenna impedance matching cannot be achieved according to the internal configuration of the electronic device.

Various embodiments of the present invention, in an antenna impedance matching operation, determine at least two candidate indices among load indices, select an optimal load index among the candidate indices, and perform antenna impedance matching adaptively in various situations. It is intended to provide an electronic device.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, in an antenna impedance matching operation, a candidate index table is generated based on a result of antenna impedance matching already performed, and when identical candidate indexes are determined later, the candidate index table is used to determine the candidate index. It is intended to provide an electronic device that can shorten the time for determining the suitability of users.

An electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document includes an antenna for transmitting and receiving a communication signal, an antenna tuner for determining a matching value corresponding to an impedance of the antenna, and a processor operatively connected to the antenna tuner. Can include. The processor is matched one-to-one with antenna codes corresponding to the impedance change of the antenna, stores load indices corresponding to impedance values, bypasses the antenna tuner to calculate a current antenna load, and the Among the load indices, first and second candidate indexes are determined in an order in which the current antenna load and the impedance difference value are smaller, and when the impedance difference value between the first candidate index and the current antenna load is less than a threshold value, the first When the antenna code of the first candidate index is applied to the antenna tuner, and the impedance difference value between the first candidate index and the current antenna load is greater than or equal to the threshold value, a first calculated by applying the antenna code of the first candidate index The first candidate index based on a second impedance difference value between the reference impedance and the second candidate impedance calculated by applying a first impedance difference value between the candidate impedance and the reference impedance and the antenna code of the second candidate index, and It may be set to apply one antenna code selected from among the second candidate indexes to the antenna tuner.

In addition, the antenna impedance matching method of an electronic device for transmitting and receiving a communication signal according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document is to apply an antenna code of a reference index to an antenna tuner of the electronic device to provide a current antenna load corresponding to the communication signal. Calculating the load, calculating the load distance between each of the load indices and the current antenna load on an impedance graph displaying load indices corresponding to the impedance values as magnitude and phase, the load distance is the first smallest Determining a first candidate index and a second candidate index having a second smallest load distance, and when the current antenna load is included within a confidence range of the first candidate index on the impedance graph, the first candidate It may include an operation of applying the antenna code of the index to the antenna tuner.

According to embodiments disclosed in this document, antenna impedance matching may be adaptively performed in various situations by determining at least two candidate indexes among load indices and selecting an optimal load index among the candidate indices.

According to embodiments disclosed in this document, in an antenna impedance matching operation, a candidate index table is generated based on a result of antenna impedance matching already performed, and when identical candidate indexes are determined later, the candidate index table is used. It is possible to shorten the time for determining suitability of candidate indexes.

In addition to this, various effects that are directly or indirectly identified through this document can be provided.

1 illustrates an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a communication module and an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an antenna tuner and a ground controller of FIG. 2.

4A is a diagram illustrating an antenna impedance matching method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a view showing detail A of FIG. 4A.

5A is a flowchart illustrating an antenna impedance matching method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of determining an antenna code applied to an antenna tuner in FIG. 5A.

5C is a diagram illustrating another example of a method of determining an antenna code applied to an antenna tuner in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D is a diagram illustrating another example of a method of determining an antenna code applied to an antenna tuner in FIG. 5A.

6A is a flow chart illustrating an antenna impedance matching method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

6B is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of determining an antenna code applied to an antenna tuner in FIG. 6A.

6C is a diagram illustrating another example of a method of determining an antenna code applied to an antenna tuner in FIG. 6A.

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, it should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

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

The processor 120, for example, executes software (eg, a program 140) to implement at least one other component (eg, a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120. It can be controlled and can perform various data processing or operations. According to an embodiment, as at least part of data processing or operation, the processor 120 may transfer commands or data received from other components (eg, the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190) to the volatile memory 132 It is loaded into, processes a command or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and stores result data in the nonvolatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 includes a main processor 121 (eg, a central processing unit or an application processor), and an auxiliary processor 123 (eg, a graphic processing unit, an image signal processor) that can be operated independently or together with the main processor 121 (eg, a central processing unit or an application processor). , A sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). Additionally or alternatively, the coprocessor 123 may be set to use lower power than the main processor 121 or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 or as a part thereof.

The coprocessor 123 is, for example, on behalf of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (eg, sleep) state, or the main processor 121 is active (eg, an application is executed). ) While in the state, together with the main processor 121, at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (for example, the display device 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) It is possible to control at least some of the functions or states associated with it. According to an embodiment, the coprocessor 123 (eg, an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of other functionally related components (eg, the camera module 180 or the communication module 190). have.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (for example, the processor 120 or the sensor module 176 ). The data may include, for example, software (eg, the program 140) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a nonvolatile 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 an application 146.

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

The sound output device 155 may output an sound signal to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output device 155 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 incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from or as part of the speaker.

The display device 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (eg, a user). The display device 160 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 160 may include a touch circuitry set to sense a touch, or a sensor circuit (eg, a pressure sensor) set to measure the strength of a force generated by the touch. have.

The audio module 170 may convert sound into an electric signal or, conversely, convert an electric signal into sound. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 acquires sound through the input device 150, the sound output device 155, or an external electronic device (for example: Sound may be output through the electronic device 102) (for example, a speaker or headphones).

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

The interface 177 may support one or more specified protocols that may be used to connect the electronic device 101 directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102 ). According to an 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 an 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 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (eg, vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that a user can perceive through tactile or motor sensations. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

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

The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 388 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

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

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

The antenna module 197 may transmit a signal or power to the outside (eg, an external electronic device) or receive from the outside. According to an embodiment, the antenna module may include one antenna including a conductor formed on a substrate (eg, a PCB) or a radiator formed of a conductive pattern. According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 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 198 or the second network 199 is, for example, provided by the communication module 190 from the plurality of antennas. Can be chosen. The signal 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, other components (eg, RFIC) other than the radiator may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 197.

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

According to an embodiment, a command 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 electronic devices 102 and 104 may be a device of the same or different type as the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or part of the operations executed by the electronic device 101 may be executed by one or more of the external

electronic devices

102, 104, or 108. For example, when the electronic device 101 needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 does not execute the function or service by itself. In addition or in addition, it is possible to request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least part of the service. One or more external electronic devices receiving 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 101. The electronic device 101 may process the result as it is or additionally and provide it as at least part of a response to the request. For this, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a communication module and an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an antenna tuner and a ground controller of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic device (eg, an electronic device 101) includes a communication module 290 (eg, a communication module 190) and an antenna module 297 (eg, an antenna module 197). I can. The communication module 290 may include a communication processor 291, a code memory 293, a power amplifier 295, and a coupler 2911. The antenna module 297 may include an antenna tuner 2971, a ground controller (XGND) 2972, and an antenna 2973.

According to an embodiment, the communication module 290 may control the antenna module 297 to communicate with an external electronic device (for example, the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108). have. For example, the communication processor 291 may control overall operations of the communication module 290 and the antenna module 297. The power amplifier 295 may amplify a communication signal transmitted/received during communication under the control of the communication processor 291.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor 291 may control the ground controller 2972 according to the communication frequency. For example, the communication processor 291 may control the ground controller 2972 to adjust the length of the antenna 2973.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor 291 may control the antenna tuner 2971 to match the impedance for each communication frequency. For example, the communication processor 291 may receive a feedback signal (eg, a forward coupling signal or a reverse coupling signal) from the coupler 2911 to calculate a current antenna load (or antenna impedance). The coupler 2911 may be coupled to an RF line between the power amplifier 295 and the antenna tuner 2971 to output a feedback signal corresponding to the communication signal. The communication processor 291 may calculate the magnitude and phase of the communication signal through the feedback signal. The communication processor 291 may calculate the current antenna load based on the magnitude and phase of the communication signal. The communication processor 291 applies an antenna code of a reference index (eg, a load index corresponding to an optimal impedance (eg, about 50 Ω) among load indices set for antenna impedance matching) to the antenna tuner 2971 You can calculate the antenna load.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor 291 sets a specific number (eg, 25) of load indices, and adjusts the current antenna load to an optimum impedance for communication (eg, about 50Ω) using the load indices. I can. For example, each of the load indices may correspond to a specific impedance (or impedance value) having a unique size and phase. Each of the load indices may correspond to a specific event (eg, ear jack insertion, hand grip). The code memory 293 may store antenna codes respectively corresponding to the load indices. The antenna code may correspond to an operation of changing the impedance of the corresponding load index to the impedance of the reference index (eg, optimal impedance or about 50Ω). When a specific antenna code is input to the antenna tuner, the impedance of the load index corresponding to the specific antenna code may be changed to an optimum impedance for communication (eg, about 50Ω).

According to an embodiment, the communication processor 291 may select a load index closest to the current antenna load. The communication processor 291 may change the current antenna load by applying the antenna code of the selected load index. Since the current antenna load is changed to a path similar to the impedance corresponding to the load index, it can be changed to a size similar to the optimal impedance (eg, about 50Ω).

According to an embodiment, the communication processor 291 may express load indices as an impedance graph (eg, Smith chart). The impedance graph may be stored in the form of a lookup table. For example, the communication processor 291 determines two candidate indices adjacent to the current antenna load among the load indices on the impedance graph, and selects a load index that substantially changes the current antenna load to an optimal impedance among the candidate indices. Thus, the current antenna load can be changed. This antenna impedance matching method will be described in detail in FIGS. 5A to 5D.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor 291 may store information on the identified candidate indexes in a table format (eg, a candidate index table). For example, when the load index included in the candidate index table is later determined as a candidate index, the communication processor 291 may shorten a time for determining suitability of candidate indexes by using the candidate index table. The antenna impedance matching method will be described in detail in FIGS. 6A to 6C.

According to an embodiment, the power amplifier 290 may amplify a communication signal to be transmitted under the control of the communication processor 291 and transmit it to the antenna tuner 2971.

According to an embodiment, the antenna tuner 2971 may transmit and receive communication signals through the antenna 2973. The antenna tuner 2971 may receive an antenna code from the communication processor 291 and determine the impedance of the antenna 2973. For example, the antenna tuner 2971 may include an impedance control circuit 2971a. The impedance control circuit 2971a may include at least one switch (eg, S1, S2, S3) and at least one passive element (eg, a capacitor or an inductor). The antenna tuner 2971 may include a tuner register 2971b. The tuner register 2971b may output a switch control signal corresponding to each of the antenna codes. At least one switch of the impedance control circuit 2971a may be operated (eg, turned on or off) based on a switch control signal. When an antenna code is received from the communication processor 291, at least one switch is operated by the tuner register 2971b, and the impedance of the antenna 2973 may be determined according to a connection state of at least one passive element.

According to an embodiment, the ground controller 2972 may adjust the length of the antenna 2973. For example, the ground controller 2972 may include a ground control circuit 2972a. The ground control circuit 2972a may include at least one switch (eg, S4) and at least one passive element (eg, a capacitor, an inductor). The ground controller 2972 may receive a ground control signal from the communication processor 291. The ground controller 2972 controls at least one switch based on the ground control signal, and the length of the antenna 2973 may be changed according to a connection state of the at least one switch.

4A is a graph showing an antenna impedance matching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a view showing detail A of FIG. 4A.

4A and 4B, the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101) sets a specific number of load indices, and based on the load indices, the impedance of the current antenna load CAL is optimal for communication. It can be adjusted by impedance (eg about 50Ω). For example, the electronic device may set 25 load indexes I1 to I25. 4A and 4B are impedance graphs (eg, Smith chart) showing load indices I1 to I25. Each of the load indices I1 to I25 may correspond to a unique antenna code. When the current antenna load (CAL) matches one of the load indices (I1 to I25), when the matching load index is input to the antenna tuner, the impedance of the antenna is changed to the optimum impedance for communication (e.g., about 50Ω). Can be.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device applies an antenna code (eg, a default antenna code) of a reference index (eg, first load index (I1)) to an antenna tuner (eg, antenna tuner 2971) to obtain a current antenna load. (CAL) can be calculated. The electronic device may calculate a load distance between each of the load indices I1 to I25 and the current antenna load CAL (eg, a distance between the point of the load index and the point of the current antenna load on the impedance graph). The electronic device may select a load index having the smallest load distance. The electronic device may match the current antenna load (eg, input the antenna code of the selected load index into the antenna tuner) by using the antenna code of the selected load index. When the antenna code of the selected load index is input to the antenna tuner, the impedance of the antenna may be moved to the target impedance zone TIZ. The target impedance zone TIZ means a specific area on the impedance graph corresponding to an optimal impedance value for smooth communication.

According to an embodiment, in FIG. 4B, the current antenna load CAL may be adjacent to the fifth load index I5, the sixth load index I6, and the thirteenth load index I13. In this case, the electronic device may select a fifth load index I5 having the smallest load distance from the current antenna load CAL. The electronic device may move the impedance of the current antenna rod CAL to the target impedance zone TIZ by applying the antenna code of the selected fifth load index I5.

5A is a flowchart illustrating an antenna impedance matching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of determining an antenna code applied to an antenna tuner in FIG. 5A. 5C is a diagram illustrating another example of a method of determining an antenna code applied to an antenna tuner in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5D is a diagram illustrating another example of a method of determining an antenna code applied to an antenna tuner in FIG. 5A.

According to an embodiment, in operation 501, the electronic device (for example, the electronic device 101) may perform a call connection. For example, the electronic device may transmit and receive communication signals through an antenna (eg, 2973).

According to an embodiment, in operation 503, the electronic device may calculate the current antenna load CAL by applying the antenna code of the reference index REF (eg, the first load index I1). For example, a communication processor (e.g., communication processor 291) is a power amplifier (e.g., power amplifier 295) and an antenna tuner (e.g., antenna tuner 2971) through a coupler (e.g., coupler 2911). It is possible to receive feedback communication signals between. The communication processor may calculate the size and phase of the current antenna load (CAL) based on a feedback signal (for example, a forward coupling signal or a reverse coupling signal) of the communication signal.

According to an embodiment, in operation 505, the electronic device may calculate a load distance between the current antenna load CAL and each load index (eg, I1 to I25 of FIG. 4A ). For example, the communication processor may display the current antenna load (CAL) and load indices as coordinates on the impedance graph (or store coordinates on the impedance graph in a table format). The communication processor may calculate a current antenna load (CAL) and a load distance between each load index by obtaining a distance between two coordinates on the impedance graph.

According to an embodiment, in operation 507, the electronic device may select two candidate indexes that are close to the current antenna load CAL based on the load distance. For example, the communication processor may determine a first candidate index M having a first small load distance and a second candidate index N having a second small load distance. Alternatively, the communication processor may determine a first candidate index (M) having the first smallest impedance difference from the current antenna load (CAL) and a second candidate index (N) having the second smallest impedance difference from the current antenna load (CAL). have.

According to an embodiment, in operation 509, the electronic device includes a first candidate load distance cd1 between a current antenna load CAL and a first candidate index M and a first confidence distance of the first candidate index M (trd1) can be compared. For example, the electronic device may set a confidence range (eg, tra1, tra2) for each load index (eg, M, N). The confidence range (eg, tra1, tra2) can be set to a concentric circle with a confidence distance (eg, trd1, trd2) having a radius. The confidence distances (eg, trd1 and trd2) of the load indices may be set equal to or different from each other. When the first candidate load distance cd1 is smaller than the first confidence distance trd1 (e.g., when the current antenna load CAL is within the confidence range tra1 of the first candidate index M or the current antenna load (When the difference in impedance between CAL and the first candidate index M is less than the threshold value), the electronic device may perform operation 511. When the first candidate load distance (cd1) is greater than the first confidence distance (trd1) (e.g., when the current antenna load (CAL) is not within the confidence range (tra1) of the first candidate index (M) or the current antenna When the impedance difference between the load CAL and the first candidate index M is greater than or equal to the threshold value), the electronic device may perform operation 513.

According to an embodiment, in operation 511, when the first candidate load distance cd1 is smaller than the first confidence distance trd1 (e.g., the current antenna load CAL is the confidence range of the first candidate index M ( tra1), or when the impedance difference between the current antenna load (CAL) and the first candidate index (M) is less than the threshold value), the electronic device uses the antenna code of the first candidate index (M) to the antenna tuner and ground It can be applied to a controller (eg, the ground controller 2972). For example, referring to FIGS. 4B and 5B, when the first candidate load distance cd1 is less than the first confidence distance trd1 (eg, the current antenna load CAL) is the reliability of the first candidate index M When included in the range tra1 or when the impedance difference between the current antenna load CAL and the first candidate index M is less than the threshold value) When the antenna code of the first candidate index M is input to the antenna tuner, The communication processor may determine that there is a high probability that the impedance of the antenna is included in the target impedance zone TIZ.

According to an embodiment, in operations 513 to 517, when the first candidate load distance cd1 is greater than the first confidence distance trd1 (e.g., the current antenna load CAL is the first candidate index M). When not included in the confidence range (tra1) or when the impedance difference between the current antenna load (CAL) and the first candidate index (M) is greater than or equal to the threshold value), the electronic device includes a first candidate index (M) and a second candidate index (N) is applied to calculate the impedance of the antenna, and by selecting a more appropriate candidate index, the antenna code of the selected candidate index may be input to the antenna tuner.

According to an embodiment, in operation 513, the electronic device may calculate the first candidate impedance IC1 by applying the antenna code of the first candidate index M. The electronic device may calculate a first impedance difference cid1 between the first candidate impedance IC1 and the reference impedance of the reference index REF. For example, the communication processor may calculate a first candidate impedance IC1 and a first impedance difference cid1.

According to an embodiment, in operation 515, the electronic device may calculate the second candidate impedance IC2 by applying the antenna code of the second candidate index N. The electronic device may calculate a second impedance difference cid2 between the second candidate impedance IC2 and the reference impedance of the reference index REF. For example, the communication processor may calculate the second candidate impedance IC2 and the second impedance difference cid2.

According to an embodiment, in operation 517, the electronic device may apply an antenna code of a candidate index corresponding to a smaller one of the first impedance difference cid1 and the second impedance difference cid2 to the antenna tuner. For example, the communication processor may compare the first impedance difference cid1 and the second impedance difference cid2. When the first impedance difference (cid1) is less than the second impedance difference (cid2), the communication processor selects the first candidate index (M), and selects the antenna code of the selected first candidate index (M) into the antenna tuner and the ground controller. Can be entered in (see Fig. 5c). Alternatively, when the first impedance difference (cid1) is greater than the second impedance difference (cid2), the communication processor selects the second candidate index (N), and the antenna code of the selected second candidate index (N) is connected to the antenna tuner and ground. It can be entered into the controller (see Fig. 5d).

According to an embodiment, in operation 519, the electronic device may create a candidate index table for a current antenna load. For example, referring to FIGS. 5C and 5D, the candidate index table is for a first candidate index (M), a second candidate index (N), a selection index (M or N), and a selection index distance (cd1 or cd2). May contain items. The electronic device may store the candidate index table and use it to determine suitability of the first candidate index M and the second candidate index N later. An antenna impedance matching method using a candidate index table will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C. The electronic device may selectively perform operation 519.

Referring to FIG. 5C according to an embodiment, when the first impedance difference cid1 is smaller than the second impedance difference cid2, the communication processor may select the first candidate index M. The communication processor may store the first candidate index M in the selection index item. The communication processor may store the first candidate load distance cd1 in the selection index distance item.

Referring to FIG. 5D according to an embodiment, when the first impedance difference cid1 is greater than the second impedance difference cid2, the communication processor may select the second candidate index N. The communication processor may store the second candidate index N in the selection index item. The communication processor may store the second candidate load distance cd2 in the selection index distance item.

As described above, according to various embodiments, when the current antenna load is located within the confidence range of a specific candidate index among the confidence ranges of a plurality of candidate indices, the electronic device converts the antenna code of the specific candidate index into the antenna tuner and the ground controller. Can be applied to. When the antenna code of a specific candidate index is applied to the antenna tuner and the ground controller, the impedance of the current antenna load may be changed to an optimum impedance for communication.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when a current antenna load is not located in the confidence ranges of a plurality of candidate indices, the electronic device may select a candidate index by comparing a load distance between the plurality of candidate indices and the current antenna load.

6A is a flow chart illustrating an antenna impedance matching method according to another embodiment of the present invention. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of determining an antenna code applied to an antenna tuner in FIG. 6A. 6C is a diagram illustrating another example of a method of determining an antenna code applied to an antenna tuner in FIG. 6A.

According to an embodiment, in operation 601, the electronic device (for example, the electronic device 101) may perform a call connection. For example, the electronic device may transmit and receive communication signals through an antenna (eg, 2973).

According to an embodiment, in operation 603, the electronic device may calculate the current antenna load CAL by applying the antenna code of the reference index REF. For example, a communication processor (e.g., communication processor 291) is a power amplifier (e.g., power amplifier 295) and an antenna tuner (e.g., antenna tuner 2971) through a coupler (e.g., coupler 2911). It is possible to receive feedback communication signals between. The communication processor may calculate the size and phase of the current antenna load CAL based on the feedback signal of the communication signal.

According to an embodiment, in operation 605, the electronic device may calculate a load distance between the current antenna load CAL and each load index (eg, I1 to I25 of FIG. 4A ). For example, the communication processor may display the current antenna load (CAL) and load indices as coordinates on the impedance graph (or store coordinates on the impedance graph in a table format). The communication processor may calculate a current antenna load (CAL) and a load distance between each load index by obtaining between two coordinates on the impedance graph.

According to an embodiment, in operation 607, the electronic device may select two candidate indexes that are close to the current antenna load CAL based on the load distance. For example, the communication processor may determine a first candidate index M that is first close to the current antenna load CAL and a second candidate index N that is second close to the current antenna load CAL.

According to an embodiment, in operation 609, the electronic device includes a first candidate load distance cd1 between a current antenna load CAL and a first candidate index M and a first confidence distance of the first candidate index M (trd1) can be compared. For example, the electronic device may set a confidence range (eg, tra1, tra2) for each load index (eg, M, N). The confidence range (eg, tra1, tra2) can be set to a concentric circle with a confidence distance (eg, trd1, trd2) having a radius. The confidence distances (eg, trd1 and trd2) of the load indices may be set equal to or different from each other. When the first candidate load distance cd1 is smaller than the first confidence distance trd1 (e.g., when the current antenna load CAL is within the confidence range tra1 of the first candidate index M or the current antenna load (When the difference in impedance between CAL and the first candidate index M is less than the threshold value), the electronic device may perform operation 611. When the first candidate load distance (cd1) is greater than the first confidence distance (trd1) (e.g., when the current antenna load (CAL) is not within the confidence range (tra1) of the first candidate index (M) or the current antenna When the impedance difference between the load CAL and the first candidate index M is greater than or equal to the threshold value), the electronic device may perform operation 613.

According to an embodiment, in operation 611, when the first candidate load distance cd1 is smaller than the first confidence distance trd1 (e.g., the current antenna load CAL is the confidence range of the first candidate index M ( tra1), or when the impedance difference between the current antenna load (CAL) and the first candidate index (M) is less than the threshold value), the electronic device uses the antenna code of the first candidate index (M) to the antenna tuner and ground It can be applied to a controller (eg, the ground controller 2972). For example, referring to FIGS. 4B and 5B, when the first candidate load distance cd1 is less than the first confidence distance trd1 (eg, the current antenna load CAL) is the reliability of the first candidate index M When included in the range tra1 or when the impedance difference between the current antenna load CAL and the first candidate index M is less than the threshold value) When the antenna code of the first candidate index M is input to the antenna tuner, The communication processor may determine that there is a high probability that the impedance of the antenna is included in the target impedance zone TIZ.

According to an embodiment, in operations 613 to 617, when the first candidate load distance cd1 is greater than the first confidence distance trd1 (e.g., the current antenna load CAL is the first candidate index M). When not included in the confidence range tra1 or when the impedance difference between the current antenna load CAL and the first candidate index M is greater than or equal to the threshold value), the electronic device uses the candidate index table to determine the first candidate index M ) Or a second candidate index (N). If the candidate index table is used, the electronic device can shorten the time for selecting the candidate index.

According to an embodiment, in operation 613, the electronic device may check whether there is a candidate index table in which the first candidate index M and the second candidate index N match. For example, the communication processor may store a candidate index table for candidate indexes identified through operation 519 of FIG. 5A. The communication processor may search for a list in which the first candidate index M and the second candidate index N match in the candidate index table. If there is a candidate index table in which the first candidate index M and the second candidate index N match, the communication processor may perform operation 615. If there is no candidate index table in which the first candidate index M and the second candidate index N match, the communication processor may perform operation 619.

According to an embodiment, in operation 615, the electronic device may compare the candidate load distance (cd1 or cd2) between the current antenna load (CAL) and the selection index (M or N) and the selection index distance (K1 or K2). . For example, when the candidate load distance of the selection index is smaller than the selection index distance (e.g., when the selection index is a first candidate index (M) and the first candidate load distance (cd1) is less than the selection index distance (K1), or When the selection index is the second candidate index N and the second candidate load distance cd2 is smaller than the selection index distance K2), the communication processor may perform operation 617. Meanwhile, when the candidate load distance of the selection index (eg, cd1 or cd2) is greater than the selection index distance (eg, K1 or K2), the communication processor may perform operations 619 to 623.

According to an embodiment, in operation 617, when the candidate load distance of the selection index is less than the selection index distance, the electronic device may select a candidate index corresponding to the selection index. For example, when the selection index is the first candidate index M and the first candidate load distance cd1 is less than the selection index distance K1, the communication processor may select the first candidate index M (Fig. 6b). Alternatively, when the selection index is the second candidate index N and the second candidate load distance cd2 is less than the selection index distance K2, the communication processor may select the second candidate index N (see FIG. 6C). . The communication processor may input the antenna code of the selection index (eg, the first candidate index (M) or the second candidate index (N)) to the antenna tuner and the ground controller.

According to an embodiment, in operations 619 to 623, when the candidate index table cannot be used (eg, when there is no candidate index table information matching the first candidate index and the second candidate index, or a current antenna load and a selection index) When the load distance between them is greater than the selection index distance), the electronic device calculates the impedance of the antenna by applying the first candidate index M and the second candidate index N, and selects a more appropriate candidate index The antenna code of the index can be input to the antenna tuner and ground controller.

According to an embodiment, in operation 619, the electronic device may calculate the first candidate impedance IC1 by applying the antenna code of the first candidate index M. The electronic device may calculate a first impedance difference cid1 between the first candidate impedance IC1 and the reference impedance of the reference index REF. For example, the communication processor may calculate a first candidate impedance IC1 and a first impedance difference cid1 (see FIGS. 5C and 5D ).

According to an embodiment, in operation 621, the electronic device may calculate the second candidate impedance IC2 by applying the antenna code of the second candidate index N. The electronic device may calculate a second impedance difference cid2 between the second candidate impedance IC2 and the reference impedance of the reference index REF. For example, the communication processor may calculate the second candidate impedance IC2 and the second impedance difference cid2 (see FIGS. 5C and 5D ).

According to an embodiment, in operation 623, the electronic device may apply an antenna code of a candidate index corresponding to a small one of the first impedance difference cid1 and the second impedance difference cid2 to the antenna tuner and the ground controller. . For example, the communication processor may compare the first impedance difference cid1 and the second impedance difference cid2. When the first impedance difference (cid1) is smaller than the second impedance difference (cid2), the communication processor selects the first candidate index (M) and inputs the antenna code of the selected first candidate index (M) to the antenna tuner. Can (see Figure 5c). Alternatively, when the first impedance difference (cid1) is greater than the second impedance difference (cid2), the communication processor selects the second candidate index (N), and the antenna code of the selected second candidate index (N) is connected to the antenna tuner and ground. It can be entered into the controller (see Fig. 5D).

According to an embodiment, in operation 625, the electronic device may update the candidate index table. For example, the communication processor may update the selection index distance K1 or K2 with the first candidate load distance cd1 or the second candidate load distance cd2 newly acquired in operations 619 to 623. The electronic device may selectively perform operation 625.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may store a candidate index table for previously identified candidate indexes. When the current antenna load is not located in the confidence ranges of the plurality of candidate indices, the electronic device shortens the time to select a candidate index using the candidate index table without comparing the load distance between the plurality of candidate indices and the current antenna load. I can.

Various embodiments of the present document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technology described in this document to a specific embodiment, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or substitutes of the corresponding embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar elements. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A and/or B", "A, B or C" or "at least one of A, B and/or C" are all of the items listed together. It may include possible combinations. Expressions such as "first", "second", "first" or "second" can modify the corresponding components, regardless of order or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from other components The components are not limited. When any (eg, first) component is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) connected” or “connected” to another (eg, second) component, the component is It may be directly connected to the component, or may be connected through another component (eg, a third component).

In this document, "adapted to or configured to" may be "suitable for", "having the ability to," or "modified to" depending on the situation, for example, in hardware or software. , Can be used interchangeably with "made to", "can do" or "designed to do". In some situations, the expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device "can" along with other devices or parts. For example, the phrase “a processor configured (or configured) to perform A, B, and C” means a dedicated processor (eg, an embedded processor), or a memory device (eg, memory 130) for performing the corresponding operations. By executing one or more stored programs, it may mean a general-purpose processor (eg, CPU or AP) capable of performing corresponding operations.

The term "module" used in this document includes a unit composed of hardware, software, or firmware, and is used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic blocks, parts, or circuits. I can. The "module" may be an integrally configured part or a minimum unit that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. "Modules" can be implemented mechanically or electronically, for example, known or future development, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or It may include a programmable logic device.

At least a part of a device (eg, modules or their functions) or a method (eg, operations) according to various embodiments is a command stored in a computer-readable storage medium (eg, memory 130) in the form of a program module Can be implemented as When the command is executed by a processor (eg, the processor 120), the processor may perform a function corresponding to the command. Computer-readable recording media include hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic media (eg, magnetic tape), optical recording media (eg, CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic-optical media (eg, floppy disks)), internal memory, etc. The instruction may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter.

Each of the constituent elements (eg, a module or a program module) according to various embodiments may be composed of a singular or a plurality of entities, and some sub-elements of the aforementioned sub-elements are omitted, or other sub-elements are omitted. It may contain more. Alternatively or additionally, some constituent elements (eg, a module or a program module) may be integrated into a single entity, and functions performed by the respective constituent elements prior to the consolidation may be performed identically or similarly. Operations performed by modules, program modules, or other components according to various embodiments may be sequentially, parallel, repetitively or heuristically executed, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations. Can be added.

Claims

In the electronic device,

An antenna for transmitting and receiving communication signals;

An antenna tuner determining a matching value corresponding to the impedance of the antenna; And

A processor operatively connected with the antenna tuner,

The processor,

Matching antenna codes corresponding to the impedance change of the antenna on a one-to-one basis, and storing load indices corresponding to impedance values,

Bypassing the antenna tuner to calculate the current antenna load,

First and second candidate indices are determined in the order of the smallest difference between the current antenna load and the impedance among the load indices,

When the impedance difference value between the first candidate index and the current antenna load is less than a threshold value, the antenna code of the first candidate index is applied to the antenna tuner,

When the impedance difference value between the first candidate index and the current antenna load is greater than or equal to the threshold value, a first impedance difference value between a first candidate impedance and a reference impedance calculated by applying the antenna code of the first candidate index, and the Based on a second impedance difference value between the second candidate impedance and the reference impedance calculated by applying the antenna code of the second candidate index, one antenna code selected from the first candidate index and the second candidate index is selected from the antenna. An electronic device that is set to apply to a tuner.
The method according to claim 1,

The processor,

When the impedance difference value between the first candidate index and the current antenna load is greater than or equal to the threshold value,

When the first impedance difference value is less than the second impedance difference value, the electronic device is configured to apply the antenna code of the first candidate index to the antenna tuner.
The method according to claim 1,

The processor,

When the impedance difference value between the first candidate index and the current antenna load is greater than or equal to the threshold value,

When the second impedance difference value is less than the first impedance difference value, the electronic device is configured to apply the antenna code of the second candidate index to the antenna tuner.
The method according to claim 1,

The processor,

When the impedance difference value between the first candidate index and the current antenna load is greater than or equal to the threshold value,

A candidate index including the first candidate index, the second candidate index, an index selected from among the first candidate index and the second candidate index, and a selection impedance difference value between the antenna load of the selected index and the current antenna load An electronic device set up to store tables.
The method according to claim 4,

The processor,

When candidate indexes determined for the latest antenna load calculated in response to another communication signal match the first candidate index and the second candidate index, select one of the determined candidate indexes using the candidate index table Electronic device being set.
The method of claim 5,

The processor,

When the selected index is the first candidate index and an impedance difference value between the antenna load of the selected index and the latest antenna load is less than the selected impedance difference value, the antenna code of the first candidate index is applied to the antenna tuner Electronic device that is set up to do.
The method of claim 5,

The processor,

When the selected index is the second candidate index and the impedance difference value between the antenna load of the selected index and the latest antenna load is less than the selected impedance difference value, the antenna code of the second candidate index is applied to the antenna tuner Electronic device that is set up to do.
The method according to claim 1,

A power amplifier amplifying the communication signal under the control of the processor; And

Further comprising a coupler coupled to a communication line between the power amplifier and the antenna tuner to generate a feedback signal corresponding to the communication signal,

The processor is configured to calculate the current antenna load by detecting the magnitude and phase of the feedback signal.
The method according to claim 1,

The electronic device further comprises a code memory storing antenna codes respectively corresponding to the load indices.
The method according to claim 1,

The processor,

Displaying the load indices and the current antenna load on an impedance graph expressing impedance by magnitude and phase,

An electronic device configured to calculate an impedance difference value between the load indices and the current antenna load using the impedance graph.
In the antenna impedance matching method of an electronic device for transmitting and receiving a communication signal,

Calculating a current antenna load corresponding to the communication signal by applying the antenna code of the reference index to the antenna tuner of the electronic device;

Calculating a load distance between each of the load indices and the current antenna load on an impedance graph that displays load indices corresponding to the impedance values in magnitude and phase;

Determining a first candidate index having a first smallest load distance and a second candidate index having a second smallest load distance; And

And when the current antenna load is included in the confidence range of the first candidate index on the impedance graph, applying an antenna code of the first candidate index to the antenna tuner.
The method according to claim 11,

When the current antenna load is not included within the confidence range of the first candidate index,

Storing a candidate index table including the first candidate index, the second candidate index, an index selected from among the first candidate index and the second candidate index, and a selection impedance difference value between the selected index and the current antenna load Antenna impedance matching method further comprising the operation of.
The method according to claim 12,

When candidate indexes determined for a recent antenna load calculated in response to another communication signal received by the electronic device match the first candidate index and the second candidate index, the determined candidate index using the candidate index table Antenna impedance matching method further comprising the operation of selecting one of the.
The method of claim 13,

When the selected index is the first candidate index and an impedance difference value between one of the determined candidate indices and the latest antenna load is less than the selected impedance difference value, an antenna code of the first candidate index is transferred to the antenna tuner. An antenna impedance matching method further comprising an operation of applying.
The method of claim 13,

When the selected index is the second candidate index and an impedance difference value between one of the determined candidate indices and the latest antenna load is less than the selected impedance difference value, an antenna code of the second candidate index is transferred to the antenna tuner. An antenna impedance matching method further comprising an operation of applying.