WO2021107606A1

WO2021107606A1 - Device and method for controlling plurality of antennas on basis of status of electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2021107606A1
Application number: PCT/KR2020/016848
Authority: WO
Inventors: 송병렬; 김규섭
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2019-11-29
Filing date: 2020-11-25
Publication date: 2021-06-03
Also published as: KR20210067675A

Abstract

An electronic device according to various embodiments comprises: a housing including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion which is movable so that the second portion can be folded with respect to the first portion; a first antenna module arranged on the first portion; a second antenna module arranged on the second portion so as to be respectively aligned on a parallel line with the first antenna module while the second portion of the housing is folded with respect to the first portion by using the third portion; a communication circuit electrically connected to the first antenna module and the second antenna module; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor can be configured to confirm whether the second portion is unfolded or folded with respect to the first portion by the third portion, form a beam by respectively and independently controlling the first antenna module and the second antenna module if the second portion is unfolded with respect to the first portion, and form a beam by controlling the first antenna module and the second antenna module as one antenna module if the second portion is folded with respect to the first portion.

Description

Apparatus and method for controlling a plurality of antennas based on a state of an electronic device

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and method for controlling a plurality of antennas based on a status of an electronic device.

Efforts are being made to develop an improved 5G (5th generation) communication system or a pre-5G communication system in order to meet the increasing demand for wireless data traffic after commercialization of the 4G (4th generation) communication system. For this reason, the 5G communication system or the pre-5G communication system is called a 4G network beyond (Beyond 4G Network) communication system or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system after (Post LTE) system.

In order to achieve a high data rate, the 5G communication system is being considered for implementation in a high-frequency band (eg, a 60 gigabyte (60 GHz) band). In order to alleviate the path loss of radio waves and increase the propagation distance of radio waves in the high frequency band, in the 5G communication system, beamforming, massive MIMO, and Full Dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO) are used. ), antenna array (array antenna), analog beam-forming, and large scale antenna technologies are being discussed.

With the development of display material technology, for example, an electronic device capable of being deformed in appearance by folding or unfolding a display has been developed. Such an electronic device may include an antenna to perform wireless communication. The antenna may be disposed at a fixed position inside the electronic device and configured to transmit/receive signals. When the electronic device is folded, performance of an antenna disposed in a fixed position may be deteriorated. Accordingly, a solution may be required to prevent deterioration of antenna performance and perform communication despite the deformation of the appearance of the electronic device.

The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. There will be.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third movable portion such that the second portion can be folded with respect to the first portion. a housing including a third portion, a first antenna module disposed on the first portion, and a state in which the second portion of the housing is folded with respect to the first portion using the third portion a second antenna module disposed in the second portion, a communication circuit electrically connected to the first antenna module and the second antenna module, and at least to be aligned on a parallel line with the first antenna module It may include one processor.

The at least one processor according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is configured to determine whether the second part is in an unfolded state or a folded state of the third part with respect to the first part, and the second part is the When the first part is in the unfolded state, the first antenna module and the second antenna module are each independently controlled to form a beam, and when the second part is in the folded state with respect to the first part, It may be configured to control the first antenna module and the second antenna module as one antenna module to form a beam.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third movable portion such that the second portion can be folded with respect to the first portion. a housing including a third portion, a first antenna module disposed on the first portion, and a state in which the second portion of the housing is folded with respect to the first portion using the third portion In, a second antenna module disposed in the second portion so as to be aligned on a parallel line with the first antenna module, respectively, a communication circuit electrically connected to the first antenna module and the second antenna module, the and a switch for switching signal transmission/reception between the first antenna module and the second antenna module and the communication circuit, and at least one processor.

The at least one processor according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is configured to determine whether the second part is in an unfolded state or a folded state of the third part with respect to the first part, and the second part is the When the first part is in the unfolded state, separate transmission and reception signals are respectively transmitted to the first antenna module and the second antenna module through the switch to form separate beams, and the second part is the second part Set to form one beam with the first antenna module and the second antenna module by transmitting the same signal to the first antenna module and the second antenna module through the switch when the first part is in the folded state can be

The electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may efficiently perform communication in a folding state of the electronic device by operating the side antenna module as one antenna according to the state of the electronic device.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may obtain improved beam coverage in the folded state of the electronic device by operating the plurality of antenna modules disposed on the side surface as one antenna in the folded state.

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

2A and 2B illustrate an outspread state or a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

3 illustrates a functional configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

4A to 4C illustrate configurations of a multi-switch, a communication module, and a communication circuit according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

5 illustrates an operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

6 illustrates an operation of an electronic device for generating a beam through a first antenna module and a second antenna module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

7 illustrates an operation of an electronic device for generating a beam through a first antenna module and a second antenna module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

8 illustrates various examples of forming a beam in a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

9 illustrates various examples of forming a beam in a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

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 may 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 , a sound 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 . ) may 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 execute at least one other component (eg, a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120. It can control and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or operation, the processor 120 converts commands or data received from other components (eg, the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190 ) to the volatile memory 132 . may be loaded into the volatile memory 132 , process commands or data stored in the volatile memory 132 , and store the resulting 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 a secondary processor 123 (eg, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor) that can be operated independently or together with the main processor 121 . , a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 123 may be configured to use less power than the main processor 121 or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from or as a part of the main processor 121 .

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

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 . The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (eg, the program 140 ) and instructions related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a 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 an application 146 .

The input device 150 may receive a command or data to be used in a component (eg, the processor 120 ) of the electronic device 101 from the 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 a 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 one 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 (eg, a user) of the electronic device 101 . The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the corresponding device. According to an embodiment, the display device 160 may include a touch circuitry configured to sense a touch or a sensor circuit (eg, a pressure sensor) configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch. have.

The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electric signal or, conversely, convert an electric signal into a sound. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 acquires a sound through the input device 150 , or an external electronic device (eg, a sound output device 155 ) connected directly or wirelessly with the electronic device 101 . The sound may be output through the electronic device 102 (eg, a speaker or a headphone).

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 sensed state. can do. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, It may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more designated protocols that may be used for the electronic device 101 to directly or wirelessly connect with 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 the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sense. 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 still images and moving images. 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 one 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, the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108). It can support establishment and communication through the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor 120 (eg, an application processor) and support direct (eg, wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 190 may be a communication circuit. According to one 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, : It may include a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module may be a first network 198 (eg, a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi direct or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network 199 (eg, a cellular network, the Internet, or It may communicate with an external electronic device via a computer network (eg, 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 components (eg, multiple chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 uses the subscriber information (eg, International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196 within a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 . The electronic device 101 may be identified and authenticated.

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to the outside (eg, an external electronic device). 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 connected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190 . can be selected. A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device through the selected at least one 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 between peripheral devices (eg, a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and a signal ( e.g. commands or data) can be exchanged with each other.

According to an embodiment, the 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 the same or a different type of the electronic device 101 . According to an embodiment, all or part of the operations performed 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 other device, the electronic device 101 may perform the function or service itself instead of executing the function or service itself. Alternatively or additionally, one or more external electronic devices may be requested to perform at least a part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit a result of the execution to the electronic device 101 . The electronic device 101 may process the result as it is or additionally and provide it as at least a part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used.

The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may have various types of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (eg, a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. The electronic device according to the embodiment of the present document is not limited to the above-described devices.

It should be understood that the various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or more of the item, unless the relevant context clearly dictates 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 , B, or C" each may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first”, “second”, or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish the component from other such components, and refer to those components in other aspects (eg, importance or order) is not limited. that one (e.g. first) component is "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g. second) component with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively" When referenced, it means that one component can be connected to the other component directly (eg by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as, for example, logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integrally formed part or a minimum unit or a part of the part that performs one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present document include one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (eg, internal memory 136 or external memory 138) readable by a machine (eg, electronic device 101). may be implemented as software (eg, the program 140) including For example, the processor (eg, the processor 120 ) of the device (eg, the electronic device 101 ) may call at least one of one or more instructions stored from a storage medium and execute it. This makes it possible for the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one command called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The device-readable storage medium 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 include a signal (eg, electromagnetic wave), and this term is used in cases where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and It does not distinguish between temporary storage cases.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. The computer program product is distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (eg compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or via an application store (eg Play Store ^TM ) or on two user devices ( It can be distributed (eg downloaded or uploaded) directly, online between smartphones (eg: smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium such as a memory of a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (eg, a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a singular or a plurality of entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations among the above-described corresponding components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (eg, a module or a program) may be integrated into one 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 among the plurality of components prior to the integration. . According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component are executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations are executed in a different order. , may be omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

2A and 2B illustrate an outspread state or a folded state of the electronic device 101 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

2A and 2B , the electronic device 101 according to various embodiments includes a housing (not shown), a first antenna module 211 , a second antenna module 221 , and a third antenna module 213 . and a fourth antenna module 223 .

According to various embodiments, the housing (not shown) may form an exterior of the electronic device 101 . The housing (not shown) may include a first portion 210 , a second portion 220 , and a third portion 230 .

According to various embodiments, the first portion 210 may include a portion of the housing. For example, the first part 210 may correspond to a left part of the housing (not shown). According to various embodiments, the first part 210 may be functionally connected to another part of the housing (not shown) through the third part 230 . According to various embodiments, the first part 210 includes a first surface on which a display is disposed, a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and a side connecting the first surface and the second surface. may include According to various embodiments, the first part 210 may include a first antenna module 211 and a third antenna module 213 . According to various embodiments, the first part 210 may further include an additional antenna module (not shown). For example, the first antenna module 211 may be mounted on the side surface of the first part 210 , and the third antenna module 213 may be mounted under the second surface. According to various embodiments, the first antenna module 211 may be mounted on the left side opposite to the side connected to the third part 230 among the side surfaces connecting the first surface and the second surface. can

According to various embodiments, the second part 220 may include another part distinct from the part of the housing (not shown). For example, the second part 220 may correspond to a right part of the housing (not shown). According to various embodiments, the second part 220 may be functionally connected to the first part 210 through the third part 230 . According to various embodiments, the second part 220 may include a third surface on which a display (not shown) is disposed, a fourth surface facing in a direction opposite to the third surface, and the second surface and the fourth surface. It may include a connecting side. According to various embodiments, the second part 220 may include a second antenna module 221 and a fourth antenna module 223 . For example, the second antenna module 221 may be mounted on the side surface of the second part 220 , and the fourth antenna module 223 may be mounted under the fourth surface. According to various embodiments, the first antenna module 211 may be mounted on a right side opposite to a side connected to the third part 230 among the side surfaces connecting the first surface and the second surface. can

According to various embodiments, the third part 230 may connect the first part 210 and the second part 220 . For example, the third portion 230 may be formed by joining the side surface of the first portion 210 and the side surface of the second portion 220 facing the side surface of the first portion, respectively, thereby forming the first portion 210 and the second portion 230 . It may be configured to rotatably connect at least one of the portions 220 . According to an embodiment, the third part 230 may be referred to by various terms including a hinge, a swivel, a folding part, and a rotating part.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 may be folded based on the third portion 230 . For example, the third part 230 may be disposed between the first part 210 and the second part 220 of the electronic device 101 to fold or unfold the electronic device 101 . In various embodiments, the first portion 210 or the second portion 220 may rotate about the third portion 230 . For example, the first part 210 and the second part 220 may rotate to face each other with the third part as an axis. A state in which the first part 210 and the second part 220 face each other may be referred to as a folded state of the electronic device 101 . In the folded state, the second surface of the first portion 210 and the fourth surface of the second portion 220 may contact each other. In the folded state, the first surface of the first portion 210 and the third surface of the second portion 220 may face opposite directions. For example, in the folded state, a front view of the electronic device 101 may correspond to a display disposed on the first surface of the first part 210 . In the folded state, a rear view of the electronic device 101 may correspond to a display disposed on the third surface of the second part 220 . In various embodiments, the first portion 210 and the second portion 220 may substantially overlap or overlap each other.

According to various embodiments, the first surface of the first portion 210 and the third surface of the second portion 220 may form a single surface. For example, when the electronic device 101 is in the unfolded state, the first surface and the third surface may form a surface on which a display (not shown) is disposed. The surface on which the display is disposed may be referred to as a front surface of the electronic device 101 . According to various embodiments, the second surface of the first portion 210 and the fourth surface of the second portion 220 may form another surface. For example, when the electronic device 101 is in the unfolded state, the second surface and the fourth surface may form another surface facing a direction opposite to a surface on which the display (not shown) is disposed. . The other surface may be referred to as a rear surface of the electronic device 101 . When the electronic device 101 corresponds to the unfolding, the other surface may include both the third antenna module 213 and the fourth antenna module 223 . The third antenna module 213 and the fourth antenna module 223 may be configured to form a beam toward the rear direction.

According to various embodiments, the third part 230 may include at least one sensor. The at least one sensor may be configured to detect a state of the electronic device 101 . For example, the at least one sensor may include a sensor that may include a switch and may be disposed on a hinge. The switch may be configured to be opened when the electronic device 101 is unfolded and to be shorted when the electronic device 101 is folded. The at least one sensor may transmit a control signal to the processor 120 in response to the switch being short-circuited. When the control signal is transmitted, the processor 120 may identify that the electronic device 101 is in a folded state.

As another example, the at least one sensor may include a magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor may be disposed in the first part 210 and the second part 220 , respectively. The magnetic sensor may be disposed on the first part 210 and the second part 220 to face each other when the electronic device 101 is folded with respect to the third part 230 . The magnetic sensor detects a magnetic force generated between the magnetic sensor disposed in the first part 210 and a magnet disposed in the second part 220 when the electronic device 101 is folded, and information on the magnetic force may be transmitted to the processor 120 . The processor 120 may identify a folded state or an unfolded state of the electronic device 101 based on sensor data related to the magnetic force obtained from the magnetic sensor.

In the above-described embodiments, the at least one sensor includes the switch, and has been described as including a sensor and a magnetic sensor that may be disposed on the hinge, but is not limited thereto. The at least one sensor may include a plurality of sensors for detecting a change in the appearance of the electronic device 101 . For example, the at least one sensor may include a six-axis (six component) sensor.

In various embodiments, the first portion 210 may include a first side and a second side facing away from the first side. The first part 210 may include a first antenna module 211 and a third antenna module 213 . According to the above-described embodiment, the first antenna module 211 and the third antenna module 213 are illustrated as corresponding to each independent antenna module, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first antenna module 211 and the third antenna module 213 may be arranged to be integrated into one antenna module.

In various embodiments, the first antenna module 211 of the first portion 210 and the second antenna module 221 of the second portion 220 are configured to form a beam toward the side of the electronic device 101 . can be An antenna module configured to form a beam toward the side may be referred to as a side antenna. According to various embodiments, the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 may include a plurality of antenna elements. Each of the plurality of antenna elements may correspond to a dipole antenna. Each of the plurality of antenna elements may include a dipole antenna and a patch antenna, respectively. For example, each of the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 may correspond to a 1x4 antenna module. The 1x4 antenna module may include four dipole antenna elements arranged in line along a side surface of the housing of the electronic device 101 . The 1x4 antenna module may include four antenna elements in which a dipole antenna and a patch antenna are combined.

In various embodiments, the third antenna module 213 and the fourth antenna module 223 may be configured to form beams toward a rear surface of the electronic device 101 . The rear surface may refer to a surface facing in a direction opposite to the front surface to which the display is exposed in the unfolded state of the electronic device 101 . The antenna module configured to form a beam toward the rear surface may be referred to as a rear surface antenna. According to various embodiments, the third antenna module 213 and the fourth antenna module 223 may include a plurality of antenna elements. Each of the plurality of antenna elements may correspond to a patch antenna. For example, each of the third antenna module 213 and the fourth antenna module 223 may correspond to a 4x4 antenna module. The 4x4 antenna module may be disposed in a predetermined area of a housing (not shown) of the electronic device 101 to face the rear surface of the electronic device 101 . For example, the predetermined area may correspond to a corner area of the electronic device 101 .

In the above-described embodiments, the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 correspond to an antenna module including a plurality of dipole antenna elements, and the third antenna module 213 and the fourth antenna module ( 223) has been described as corresponding to an antenna module including a plurality of patch antenna elements, but is not limited thereto. The first antenna module 211 to the fourth antenna module 223 may include a plurality of antenna elements. In various embodiments, the first antenna module 211 to the fourth antenna module 223 may each correspond to an MxN antenna module (where M and N may be positive numbers). For example, each of the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 configured to form a beam toward the side of the electronic device 101 may correspond to one of a 1x4 antenna module and a 1x8 antenna module. have. As another example, each of the third antenna module 213 and the fourth antenna module 223 configured to form a beam toward the rear of the electronic device 101 is a 2x2 antenna module, a 2x4 antenna module, a 4x4 antenna module, It may correspond to one of the 8x8 antenna modules.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the electronic device 101 may include a first antenna module 310 , a second antenna module 320 , a communication module 330 , a processor 340 , and a multi-switch 350 . . According to various embodiments, the communication module 330 may be a communication circuit.

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module 310 may include a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RF IC) 313 . The first antenna module 310 may include a plurality of antenna elements as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B .

According to various embodiments, the second antenna module 320 may include a second RF IC 323 . The second antenna module 320 may include a plurality of antenna elements as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B .

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module 310 may receive an external signal and convert a frequency band. According to various embodiments, the first antenna module 310 may receive the external signal using a plurality of antenna elements. The first antenna module 310 may form a reception beam for receiving an external signal. According to various embodiments, the first RF IC 313 may convert the frequency band of the received external signal. For example, the first RF IC 313 may receive the external signal of a high frequency band and convert the high frequency band into an intermediate frequency (IF) band. The first RF IC 313 may transmit the external signal converted to the intermediate frequency band to the communication module 330 .

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module 310 may be disposed on a separate PCB (not shown) different from the main PCB (not shown) on which the processor 340 and the communication module 330 are disposed. The separate PCB may be referred to as a first PCB. The first PCB on which the first antenna module 310 is disposed and the main PCB may be electrically connected to each other through a connection member. The connection member may include a coaxial cable or a flexible PCB (FPCB).

According to various embodiments, the second antenna module 320 may receive an external signal and convert a frequency band. According to various embodiments, the second antenna module 320 may receive the external signal using a plurality of antenna elements. The second antenna module 320 may form a reception beam for receiving an external signal. According to various embodiments, the second RF IC 323 may convert the frequency band of the received external signal. For example, the second RF IC 323 may receive the external signal of the high frequency band and convert the frequency of the high frequency band into an intermediate frequency band. The second RF IC 323 may transmit the external signal converted to the intermediate frequency band to the communication module 330 .

According to various embodiments, the second antenna module 320 may be disposed on a separate PCB (not shown) different from the main PCB (not shown). The separate PCB may be referred to as a second PCB. The second PCB on which the second antenna module 320 is disposed and the main PCB may be electrically connected to each other through the coaxial cable or a connection member including the FPCB.

According to various embodiments, the communication module 330 may include a wireless modem 331 and an IF IC 333 . The wireless modem 331 may transmit/receive data to and from the IF IC 333 . The wireless modem 331 may be referred to by various terms including a 5G modem and a communication processor (CP). According to an embodiment, the wireless modem 331 may transmit a digital to analog conversion (DAC) signal to the IF IC 333 . The DAC signal may correspond to a signal converted from a digital signal transmitted from the processor 340 to the wireless modem 331 into an analog signal. The converted analog signal may correspond to a signal of a baseband frequency. According to an embodiment, the wireless modem 331 may transmit an analog to digital conversion (ADC) signal to the processor 340 . The ADC signal is a signal obtained by down-converting the frequency of an analog signal received from an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102 ) from the IF IC 333 , and converting the received analog signal into a digital signal. It may correspond to a signal.

According to various embodiments, the IF IC 333 may convert a frequency band and transmit/receive a signal to/from the wireless modem 331 . For example, the IF IC 333 may receive a signal down-converted to an intermediate frequency band from the first RF IC 313 or the second RF IC 323 and down-convert the received signal to a baseband frequency. can As another example, the IF IC 333 may receive a baseband signal from the wireless modem 331 and up-convert a frequency band of the received baseband signal to the intermediate frequency band. According to various embodiments, the wireless modem 331 and the IF IC 333 may be integrated into one module. For example, the wireless modem 331 and the IF IC 333 may be disposed on a main PCB (not shown).

Although it has been described that the electronic device 101 includes only the first antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 in the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 may further include a third antenna module 360 . Referring to FIG. 3 , the third antenna module may correspond to a configuration indicated by a dotted line. For example, the third antenna module may include the third antenna module 213 or the fourth antenna module 223 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B . In various embodiments, the first antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 may be disposed on a side surface of the electronic device 101 , and each of the third antenna module and the fourth antenna module is an electronic device. It may be disposed on the back of the device 101 .

According to various embodiments, the communication module 330 may transmit a signal to the first antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 through the multi-switch 350 . For example, the IF IC 333 up-converts the baseband signal received from the wireless modem 331 into an intermediate frequency band, and converts the intermediate frequency band signal to the first antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 . can be sent to

According to various embodiments, the processor 340 (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) controls the multi-switch 350 according to a change in the state of the electronic device so that the first Signal lines transmitted to the antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 may be controlled. On the other hand, the multi-switch 350 is shown as a separate configuration from the communication module 330, but is not limited thereto. For example, the multi-switch 350 is the communication module 330 (eg, the communication module ( 190)) can be integrated and implemented.

4A to 4C illustrate configurations of a multi-switch, a communication module, and an antenna module according to various embodiments of the present invention.

According to various embodiments, the wireless modem 331 may transmit a transmission signal to the IF IC 333 . The transmission signal may correspond to a DAC signal. The DAC signal may correspond to a signal obtained by converting a digital signal received from the processor 340 by the wireless modem 331 into an analog signal.

According to various embodiments, the IF IC 333 may receive a DAC signal from the wireless modem 331 and up-convert a frequency band of the received signal. The IF IC 333 may receive a control signal from the wireless modem 331 , adjust a gain of the DAC signal, and perform frequency conversion. The DAC signal may be up-converted from a baseband frequency to an intermediate frequency band, and the first antenna module 310 , the second antenna module 320 , and the third antenna module 360 may adjust the gain of the up-converted signal. ) may be selected from among a plurality of RF ICs including, and an output signal may be transmitted to the selected RF IC.

According to various embodiments, the multi-switch 350 may perform switching for signal transmission/reception. For example, in the case of a time division multiple access (TDMA) scheme, since transmission and reception of signals cannot be performed simultaneously, it may be necessary to switch between a path for a transmission signal and a path for a reception signal.

According to various embodiments, the multi switch 350 uses the first antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 as one antenna module or as separate antennas according to the state of the electronic device 101 . In order to operate as a module, switching between paths for a transmission/reception signal between the communication module 330 and each antenna module may be performed.

According to various embodiments, the multi switch 350 includes a first signal line 411 and a third signal line 413 connected to the IF IC 333 and a first antenna module 310 and a second antenna module 320 therefrom. ), the first signal terminal 411-1 and the fifth signal terminal 421 for mutually shorting or opening the fifth signal line 421 and the seventh signal line 423 for a signal transmitted to 1) and a third signal terminal 413 - 1 and a seventh signal terminal 423 - 1 may be included.

According to various embodiments, the multi-switch 350 includes a second signal line 412 and a fourth signal line 414 connected to the IF IC 333 , and a first antenna module 310 and a second antenna module 320 therefrom. ), the second signal terminal 412-1, the sixth signal terminal 422-1, and the fourth signal for shorting or conducting the sixth signal line 422 and the eighth signal line 424 for a signal transmitted to It may include a stage 414-1 and an eighth signal stage 424-1.

4B illustrates an operation of a multi-switch according to a folded state of the electronic device 101 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments, the processor 340 includes a plurality of first antenna modules 310 , second antenna modules 320 , and third antenna modules 360 according to the folded state of the electronic device 101 . An output signal of the IF IC 333 of the communication module 330 may be transmitted by selecting at least one RF IC from among the RF ICs. For example, when it is recognized that the electronic device 101 is in a folded state, the processor 340 controls the multi-switch 350 to provide the same to the first antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 . The output signal of the IF IC 333 may be transmitted. In this case, the processor 340 performs the same code book information loaded from the memory 130 so that the first antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 can operate as one antenna module. An output signal generated based on , and up-converted to an intermediate frequency band by the communication module 330 may be transmitted in common to the first antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 . For example, the multi-switch 350 closes the switch between the first signal terminal 411-1 and the fifth signal terminal 421-1, and the fifth signal terminal 421-1 and the seventh signal terminal ( 423-1), the signal output from the IF IC 333 through the first signal line 411 passes through the first signal terminal 411-1 to the fifth signal terminal 421 1) and the seventh signal terminal 423-1, respectively, to the first antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 through a fifth signal line 421 and a seventh signal line 423. can be transmitted. In this case, the switch between the third signal terminal 413 - 1 and the seventh signal terminal 423 - 1 is opened to prevent a signal from flowing through the third signal line 413 and the seventh signal line 423 . For example, the multi-switch 350 closes the switch between the second signal terminal 412-1 and the sixth signal terminal 422-1, and the sixth signal terminal 422-1 and the eighth signal terminal (422-1). 424-1), the signal output from the IF IC 333 through the second signal line 412 passes through the second signal terminal 412-1 to the sixth signal terminal 422- 1) and the eighth signal terminal 424-1, respectively, to the first antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 through the sixth signal line 422 and the eighth signal line 424. can be transmitted. In this case, the switch between the fourth signal terminal 414 - 1 and the eighth signal terminal 424 - 1 may be opened to prevent a signal from flowing through the fourth signal line 414 and the eighth signal line 424 .

According to various embodiments, operating as one antenna module may mean transmitting the same signal from a plurality of antenna elements. For example, it may mean transmitting the same signal to each antenna element located in each antenna module that is physically separated by changing the phase.

4C illustrates an operation of a multi-switch according to an unfolded state of the electronic device 101 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments, the processor 340 may include a plurality of first antenna modules 310 , second antenna modules 320 , and third antenna modules 360 according to the unfolded state of the electronic device 101 . An output signal of the IF IC 333 of the communication module 3330 may be transmitted by selecting at least one RF IC from among the RF ICs. For example, when the electronic device 101 is recognized in the unfolded state, the processor 340 controls the multi-switch 350 to send the first antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 respectively. The output signal of the separate IF IC 333 may be transmitted. In this case, the processor 340 generates a separate output signal generated based on separate code book information loaded from the memory 130 and up-converted to an intermediate frequency band by the communication module 330 to the first It may be transmitted to the antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 , respectively. For example, the multi-switch 350 closes the switch between the first signal terminal 411-1 and the fifth signal terminal 421-1, and the fifth signal terminal 421-1 and the seventh signal terminal ( 423-1), the signal output from the IF IC 333 through the first signal line 411 passes through the first signal terminal 411-1 to the fifth signal terminal 421 1) and may be transmitted to the first antenna module 310 through the fifth signal line 421 . In this case, for example, the multi-switch 350 closes the switch between the third signal terminal 413-1 and the seventh signal terminal 423-1, and the third signal line 413 from the IF IC 333 ) passes through the third signal terminal 413-1, the seventh signal terminal 423-1, and is transmitted to the second antenna module 320 through a sixth signal line 423. can make it happen For example, the multi-switch 350 closes the switch between the second signal terminal 412-1 and the sixth signal terminal 422-1, and the sixth signal terminal 422-1 and the eighth signal terminal (422-1). 424-1), the signal output from the IF IC 333 through the second signal line 412 is transmitted between the second signal terminal 412-1 and the sixth signal terminal 422-1. ) and may be transmitted to the first antenna module 310 through the sixth signal line 422 . In this case, for example, the multi-switch 350 closes the switch between the fourth signal terminal 414-1 and the eighth signal terminal 424-1, and the fourth signal line 414 from the IF IC 333 is ), passes through the fourth signal terminal 414-1, passes through the eighth signal terminal 424-1, and is transmitted to the second antenna module 320 through an eighth signal line 424. can make it happen

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module 310 , the second antenna module 320 , and the third antenna module 360 receiving the output signal from the communication module 330 processes the signal and is included in the antenna module Inputs corresponding to the number of antenna elements may be multiplexed, and the multiplexed signals may have different phase delay values by adjusting the gain and adjusting the phase, respectively.

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 that have received the same output signal from the communication module 330 according to the state (eg, folded state) of the electronic device 101 are After processing the signal, the number of total antenna elements included in the first antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320, for example, the first antenna module 310 and the second antenna module 320 is 4 When an antenna element is included, it can be multiplexed to inputs corresponding to the number of 8 total antenna elements, and the multiplexed signals are gain-controlled and phase-controlled, respectively, so that they can have different phase delay values.

5 illustrates an operation of the electronic device 101 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5 , in operation 501 , the electronic device 101 according to various embodiments may determine whether the electronic device 101 is in a folded state.

According to various embodiments, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 may obtain sensor data indicating a state of the electronic device from at least one sensor. The state of the electronic device 101 may correspond to one of a folded state and an unfolded state. The at least one sensor may acquire sensor data for identifying the unfolded state or the folded state. The at least one sensor may be disposed in at least a partial area of the third part 230 , referring to FIG. 2 . According to various embodiments, the at least one sensor may include a switch, and may include a sensor that may be disposed on a hinge, a magnetic sensor, or a 6-axis sensor.

According to various embodiments, the

processor

120 or 340 of the electronic device 101 may determine whether the electronic device 101 corresponds to the unfolded state or the folded state based on the acquired sensor data. . According to an embodiment, the at least one sensor may include the switch. The switch may be shorted when the electronic device 101 is in a folded state, and may be opened when the electronic device 101 is in an unfolded state. When receiving a signal from a sensor including the switch, the

processor

120 or 340 may identify that the switch is shorted. The

processor

120 or 340 may identify that the electronic device 101 corresponds to the folded state based on the identification. As another example, if the

processor

120 or 340 does not receive the signal from the switch, it may identify that the switch is in an open state, and based on the identification, the electronic device 101 enters the unfolded state. Correspondence can be identified.

According to various embodiments, when the

processor

120 or 340 identifies that the electronic device 101 corresponds to the folded state, operation 503 may be performed. When the

processor

120 or 340 identifies that the electronic device 101 corresponds to the unfolded state, the

processor

120 or 340 may perform operation 505 .

According to various embodiments, in operation 503 , the electronic device 101 controls the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 as one antenna module to form a beam. According to various embodiments, the

processor

120 or 340 provides the communication module 330 with the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 as one antenna module based on the identified folded state. It is possible to transmit control information instructing to control to form a beam.

According to various embodiments, the control information may include code book information. The codebook information may be defined as information on a predefined set of quantized channel vectors. The codebook information may be referred to by various terms including a beam book and a precoding matrix.

According to various embodiments, the

processor

120 or 340 may request information about the codebook corresponding to the folded state from a memory (eg, the memory 130 of FIG. 1 ). The memory 130 may store codebooks corresponding to the folded state or the unfolded state in advance. For example, when the memory 130 performs communication in an unfolded state (eg, the unfolded state) of the electronic device 101 , the

first antenna module

211 or 310 , the second antenna module 221 or 320), a codebook for instructing operations of the third antenna module 221 and the fourth antenna module 223 may be stored. For another example, when the electronic device 101 performs communication in a folded state (eg, the folded state), the memory 130 may include the

first antenna module

211 or 310 to the fourth antenna module 223 . ) can store a codebook for instructing the operation.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 controls the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 as one antenna module to form a beam based on the codebook corresponding to the folded state. can do. For example, the codebook corresponding to the folded state may include information instructing to deactivate the third antenna module 213 and the fourth antenna module 223 . This may be because, when the electronic device 101 corresponds to the folded state, the third antenna module 213 and the fourth antenna module 223 cannot form a beam or have low efficiency. For example, in the folded state, the second surface of the first portion 210 may face a fourth surface of the second portion 220 . The third antenna module 213 disposed on the second surface may correspond to a patch antenna that forms a beam in a direction perpendicular to the second surface. Since the direction perpendicular to the second surface in the folded state is blocked by the fourth surface, the third antenna module 213 may not be able to form a beam. For another example, in the folded state, the fourth surface of the second part may face the second surface of the first part 210 . The fourth antenna module 223 disposed on the fourth surface may correspond to a patch antenna that is perpendicular to the fourth surface and forms a beam in a direction opposite to the third surface. In the folded state, a direction perpendicular to the fourth surface and opposite to the third surface is blocked by the second surface, so that the fourth antenna module 223 cannot form a beam. can

According to various embodiments, the codebook corresponding to the folded state includes the first antenna module 211 disposed in the first part 210 and the second antenna module 221 disposed in the second part 220 . It may include information instructing to control a single antenna module to form a beam. The electronic device 101 may form a beam by controlling the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 as one antenna module based on the codebook corresponding to the folded state.

In operation 505 , the electronic device 101 according to various embodiments may independently control the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 to form a beam. According to various embodiments, the

processor

120 or 340 independently controls the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 to the communication module 330 based on the identified unfolded state. Control information instructing to form a beam may be transmitted.

6 illustrates an operation of the electronic device 101 for generating a beam through the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The operations of the electronic device 101 performed by FIG. 6 may correspond to the operations of the electronic device 101 for performing

operations

501 and 503 illustrated in FIG. 5 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , in operation 601 , the electronic device 101 according to various embodiments may identify that the electronic device 101 is in a folded state based on sensor data obtained from at least one sensor. The

processor

120 or 340 of the electronic device 101 may acquire the sensor data from the at least one sensor. The at least one sensor may include a switch, and may include at least one of a sensor, a magnetic sensor, and a 6-axis sensor that may be disposed on the hinge of the third part 230 . The sensor data may include data indicating a short circuit of the switch corresponding to the folded state, data indicating attachment of a magnet included in each of the first portion 210 and the second portion 220, or the It may include at least one of sensor data obtained by the 6-axis sensor.

In operation 603, the electronic device 101 according to various embodiments may acquire codebook data corresponding to a folded state. The memory 130 operatively coupled to the

processor

120 or 340 may store a plurality of codebooks. The plurality of codebooks may include a codebook corresponding to the folded state and a codebook corresponding to the unfolded state. The

processor

120 or 340 may identify a folded state based on the sensor data obtained from the at least one sensor, and based on the identification, to the memory 130 , to the codebook corresponding to the folded state You can request information about The memory 130 may transmit information about the codebook corresponding to the folded state to the

processor

120 or 340 in response to the request.

In operation 605 , the electronic device 101 according to various embodiments activates at least one antenna element respectively included in the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 based on the obtained codebook data. can do.

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 may include at least one antenna element. For example, each of the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 may correspond to a 1x4 antenna module in which four antenna elements are arranged in a row. The four antenna elements may each correspond to a dipole antenna or an antenna combining a dipole antenna and a patch antenna.

According to various embodiments, the obtained codebook data may include codebook data for performing beamforming in the folded state of the electronic device 101 . In order to use the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 as one antenna array, the codebook data corresponding to the folded state includes the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 . may include information indicating a phase change value of the at least one antenna element respectively included in .

The electronic device 101 according to various embodiments controls the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 , and at the same time, the third antenna module 213 and the fourth antenna module 223 . can be deactivated. The

processor

120 or 340 may store an instruction configured to transmit control information instructing deactivation of the third antenna module 213 and the fourth antenna module 223 in response to identifying the folded state. . When the electronic device 101 corresponds to the folded state, the third antenna module 213 and the fourth antenna module 223 may face each other, and the third antenna module 213 and the fourth antenna module 223 may be facing each other. ) because each corresponds to a patch antenna that forms a beam in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which it is arranged.

7 illustrates an operation of the electronic device 101 for generating a beam through the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7 , in operation 701 , the electronic device 101 according to various embodiments may identify that the electronic device 101 is in a folded state based on sensor data obtained from at least one sensor. . The

processor

120 or 340 of the electronic device 101 may acquire the sensor data from the at least one sensor.

According to various embodiments, in operation 703 , the electronic device 101 may identify whether it is a strong electric field by referring to, for example, the RSSI of a signal received through the antenna modules. When it is identified that the signal is not a strong strong electric field, the

processor

120 or 340 may perform operation 705 . When the

processor

120 or 340 identifies that the signal is a strong strong electric field, operation 707 may be performed.

According to various embodiments, in operation 705 , the electronic device 101 controls the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 as one antenna module to form a beam. According to various embodiments, the

processor

120 or 340 provides the communication module 330 with the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 as one antenna module based on the identified folded state. It is possible to transmit control information instructing to control to form a beam. According to various embodiments, the control information may include code book information. According to various embodiments, the

processor

120 or 340 may request information about the codebook corresponding to the folded state from a memory (eg, the memory 130 of FIG. 1 ). Meanwhile, the codebook corresponding to the folded state may include information instructing to deactivate the third antenna module 213 and the fourth antenna module 223 .

In operation 707, the electronic device 101 according to various embodiments performs the first antenna module 211 and A beam may be formed by independently controlling the second antenna module 221 . According to various embodiments, the

processor

120 or 340 transmits the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 to the communication module 330 based on the codebook information based on the identified unfolded state. Control information instructing to independently control and form a beam may be transmitted.

8 and 9 illustrate various examples of forming a beam in a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8 , state (a) shows one of the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 when the electronic device 101 corresponds to the unfolded state. Hereinafter, state (a) may be described as showing the first antenna module 211 .

Referring to state (a), the first antenna module 211 may correspond to a side antenna module. For example, the first antenna module 211 may be configured to form a beam toward the side. In the side surface, the front surface to which the first surface of the first part 210 is exposed in the folded state of the electronic device 101 and the third surface of the second part 220 in the folded state of the electronic device 101 are The surface other than the exposed rear surface may be included.

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module 211 may include a plurality of elements. The plurality of elements may include a first element 801 to a fourth element 807 . The plurality of elements may correspond to a dipole antenna for generating a beam toward the side, or an antenna combining a dipole antenna and a patch antenna. Referring to FIG. 8 , the first antenna module 211 may correspond to a 1x4 antenna module.

According to various embodiments, the first element 801 to the fourth element 807 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined length. The predetermined length may be determined based on a frequency of a signal to be transmitted and received. For example, the predetermined length may correspond to half the length of the wavelength of the frequency.

According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of elements may include a phase shifter (PS). Each of the first element 801 to the fourth element 807 may include a first PS to a fourth PS. The first to fourth PSs may adjust the direction of the beam by delaying the signal output time. According to an embodiment, when the first antenna module 211 forms a beam in the lateral direction (the direction that penetrates from the ground in the state (a) of FIG. 8 ), the first PS to the fourth PS have the same phase delay can be set to have . For example, the first PS to the fourth PS may be set to have a phase delay of 0 degrees. As another example, all of the first PS to the fourth PS may be set to have a phase delay of 180 degrees. According to another embodiment, when the first antenna module 211 forms a beam rotated by 30 degrees in the left direction, each of the first PS to the fourth PS has a phase delay value that increases by 30 degrees in the left direction. can be set to have. For example, the first PS may have a phase delay value of 90 degrees, the second PS may have a phase delay value of 60 degrees, the third PS may have a phase delay value of 30 degrees, and the fourth PS may have a phase delay value of 0 degrees. According to another embodiment, when the first antenna module 211 forms a beam rotated by 30 degrees in the right direction, each of the first PS to the fourth PS is a phase delay that increases by 30 degrees in the right direction It can be set to have a value. For example, the first PS may have a phase delay value of 0 degrees, the second PS may have a phase delay value of 30 degrees, the third PS may have a phase delay value of 60 degrees, and the fourth PS may have a phase delay value of 90 degrees.

According to various embodiments, a direction in which the first antenna module 211 rotates a beam may be limited to a long axis direction. The major axis direction may correspond to a direction in which the first to fourth elements 801 to 807 are arranged in line. For example, referring to state (a), the long axis may correspond to a left-right direction. Since the rotation of the beam is determined based on the phase delay values of the plurality of antenna elements, the first antenna module 211 may not be able to rotate the beam in the short axis direction. For example, referring to state (a), the first antenna module 211 may not be able to rotate a beam in an upward direction or a downward direction.

According to various embodiments, state (b) shows the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 when the electronic device 101 corresponds to the folded state. Referring to state (b), the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 may be disposed such that some antenna elements are adjacent to each other in parallel. For example, when the electronic device 101 is in a folded state, the second surface of the first part 210 and the fourth surface of the second part 220 may contact each other.

According to various embodiments, the second antenna module 221 may include a plurality of elements. The plurality of elements may include a fifth element 811 to an eighth element 817 . The fifth element 811 to the eighth element 817 may correspond to a dipole antenna for generating a beam toward the side. Referring to FIG. 8 , the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 may each correspond to a 1x4 antenna module.

According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of elements may include a phase shifter (PS). Each of the fifth elements 811 to 817 may include a fifth PS to an eighth PS. The fifth to eighth PSs may adjust the direction of the beam generated by the second antenna module 221 by delaying the signal output time.

According to various embodiments, the fifth element 811 to the eighth element 817 may be arranged to be spaced apart by a predetermined length. The predetermined length may be determined based on a frequency of a signal to be transmitted and received. For example, the predetermined length may correspond to half the length of the wavelength of the frequency.

According to various embodiments, in the folded state of the electronic device 101 , the first element 801 to the fourth element 807 included in the first antenna module 211 are connected to the second antenna module 221 . The fifth element 811 to the eighth element 817 included may be aligned. For example, in the folded state of the electronic device 101 , for example, the third element 805 and the fourth element 807 of the first antenna module 211 are each formed by the second antenna module 221 . ) may be disposed adjacent to the fifth element 811 and the sixth element 813 . That is, the third element 805 may be disposed adjacent to the fifth element 811 . For another example, the fourth element 807 may be disposed adjacent to the sixth element 813 . Meanwhile, the first element 801 and the second element 803 may be disposed not to be adjacent to the elements of the second antenna module 221 . In addition, the seventh element 815 and the eighth element 817 may be disposed not to be adjacent to the second antenna module 211 .

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module 211 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the second antenna module 221 by the predetermined length. For example, the adjacent third element 805 and the fifth element 811 may be disposed to be spaced apart by the predetermined length. For example, the fourth element 807 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the adjacent sixth element 813 by the same length, for example, the predetermined length.

According to various embodiments, as the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 are spaced apart by the predetermined length, the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 are one It can operate as an antenna module of That is, the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 may operate as a 1x6 antenna module in which two rows are overlapped by arranging some elements adjacent to each other.

According to various embodiments, based on the codebook loaded from the memory 130 , the

processor

120 or 340 is configured to form a beam through the first to fourth antenna elements and the fifth to eighth antenna elements. can do. For example, when the electronic device 101 is in a folded state based on the loaded codebook, the

processor

120 or 340 may be configured to determine the first element, the second element, the third element, and the fifth element. element, the fourth element and the sixth element, the seventh element and the eighth element may form six different beams to operate as six antenna elements.

Referring to FIG. 9 , state (a) shows one of the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 when the electronic device 101 corresponds to the unfolded state. Hereinafter, state (a) may be described as showing the first antenna module 211 .

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module 211 may include a plurality of elements. The plurality of elements may include a first element 801 to a fourth element 807 . The plurality of elements may correspond to a dipole antenna for generating a beam toward the side, or an antenna combining a dipole antenna and a patch antenna. Referring to FIG. 9 , the first antenna module 211 may correspond to a 1x4 antenna module.

According to various embodiments, the first element 901 to the fourth element 907 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined length. The predetermined length may be determined based on a frequency of a signal to be transmitted and received. For example, the predetermined length may correspond to half the length of the wavelength of the frequency.

According to various embodiments, a direction in which the first antenna module 211 rotates a beam may be limited to a long axis direction. The major axis direction may correspond to a direction in which the first to fourth elements 901 to 907 are arranged in line.

According to various embodiments, state (b) shows the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 when the electronic device 101 corresponds to the folded state. Referring to state (b), the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 may be respectively disposed so that the antenna elements are not spaced apart from each other by a predetermined length or more on parallel lines so as not to be adjacent to each other. For example, when the electronic device 101 is in a folded state, the second surface of the first part 210 and the fourth surface of the second part 220 may contact each other.

According to various embodiments, the second antenna module 221 may include a plurality of elements. The plurality of elements may include a fifth element 911 to an eighth element 917 . The fifth element 811 to the eighth element 817 may correspond to a dipole antenna for generating a beam toward the side, or an antenna combining a dipole antenna and a patch antenna. Referring to FIG. 9 , the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 may correspond to a 1x4 antenna module.

According to various embodiments, the fifth element 911 to the eighth element 917 may be disposed to be spaced apart by a predetermined length. The predetermined length may be determined based on a frequency of a signal to be transmitted and received. For example, the predetermined length may correspond to half the length of the wavelength of the frequency.

According to various embodiments, in the folded state of the electronic device 101 , the first element 801 to the fourth element 807 included in the first antenna module 211 are connected to the second antenna module 221 . The fifth element 811 to the eighth element 817 included may be aligned. For example, in the folded state of the electronic device 101 , for example, the distal end of the fourth element 907 of the first antenna module 211 is the fifth element ( 911) may be disposed adjacent to the end. That is, the fifth element 911 is spaced apart from the fourth element 907 so that the second antenna module 221 is not adjacent to the first antenna module 211 , so that the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 211 are spaced apart from each other. The antenna module 221 may be disposed along parallel lines.

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 are disposed along parallel lines so that they are not adjacent to each other, so that the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 are one It can operate as an antenna module of That is, the first antenna module 211 and the second antenna module 221 may operate as a 1x8 antenna module without overlap.

According to various embodiments, the

processor

120 or 340 may load a codebook corresponding to the folded state from the memory 130 . The

processor

120 or 340 may form a beam through the first to fourth antenna elements and the fifth to eighth antenna elements based on the loaded codebook. For example, the

processor

120 or 340 may be configured to, based on the loaded codebook, when the electronic device 101 is in a folded state, the first to fourth antenna elements and the fifth to eighth antenna elements. 8 different beams can be formed through .

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 ) includes a first portion (eg, the first portion 210 of FIGS. 2A and 2B ), a second a second portion (eg second portion 220 of FIGS. 2A and 2B ) and a third portion movable such that the second portion can be folded relative to the first portion (eg, a third portion) : a housing comprising the third part 230 of FIGS. 2A and 2B ); a first antenna module (eg, the first antenna module 211 of FIGS. 2A and 2B) disposed on the first part; disposed in the second part so that the second part of the housing is aligned on a parallel line with the first antenna module, respectively, in a folded state with respect to the first part using the third part a second antenna module (eg, the second antenna module 221 of FIGS. 2A and 2B ); A communication circuit electrically connected to the first antenna module and the second antenna module (eg, the communication module 330 of FIG. 3 ; and at least one processor (eg, the

processor

120 or 340 of FIG. 1 or 3 )) including, wherein the at least one processor determines whether the second part is in an unfolded state or a folded state of the third part with respect to the first part, and the second part is configured with respect to the first part. In the unfolded state, the first antenna module and the second antenna module are each independently controlled to form a beam, and when the second part is in the folded state with respect to the first part, the first antenna It may be set to form a beam by controlling the module and the second antenna module as one antenna module.

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module includes first to fourth antenna elements (eg, first to

fourth antenna elements

801 , 803 , 805 and 807 of FIG. 8 ), and the second The antenna module may include fifth to eighth antenna elements (eg, fifth to

eighth antenna elements

811 , 813 , 815 and 817 of FIG. 8 ).

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module and the second antenna module may include the third element and the second antenna module of the first antenna module when the second part is in the folded state with respect to the first part. Four elements may be arranged and aligned on the parallel lines so as to be adjacent to the fifth element and the sixth element of the second antenna module, respectively.

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module and the second antenna module overlap the third element and the fifth element to form a beam when the second part is in a folded state with respect to the first part. and overlapping the fourth element and the sixth element to form a beam.

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module and the second antenna module may include the first element, the second element, and the third element when the second part is in a folded state with respect to the first part. and the fifth element, the fourth element, the sixth element, the seventh element, and the eighth element may be configured to selectively form six beams, respectively, to operate as six antenna elements.

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module and the second antenna module may include the first to fourth elements of the first antenna module when the second part is in the folded state with respect to the first part. may be aligned and arranged on the parallel lines so as not to be adjacent to the fifth to eighth elements of the second antenna module.

According to various embodiments, in the first antenna module and the second antenna module, when the second part is in a folded state with respect to the first part, the first to eighth elements operate as eight antenna elements It may be set to selectively form each of the eight beams to do so.

According to various embodiments, further comprising a memory (eg, the memory 130 of FIG. 1 ) for storing a codebook corresponding to the folded state, wherein the at least one processor, based on the confirmation of the folded state, It may be further configured to load a codebook corresponding to the folded state from the memory.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to form a beam through the first to fourth antenna elements and the fifth to eighth antenna elements based on the loaded codebook.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to: When the second part is in a folded state with respect to the first part based on the loaded codebook, the first element, the second element, and the second part The three elements and the fifth element, the fourth element and the sixth element, the seventh element and the eighth element may be configured to form six different beams to operate as six antenna elements.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor, based on the loaded codebook, when the second part is in a folded state with respect to the first part, the first to fourth antenna elements and the fifth It may be set to form eight different beams through the to eighth antenna element.

According to various embodiments, a third antenna module (eg, the

third antenna module

213 or 360 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, 4B, or 4C) disposed on the first part and the second A fourth antenna module (eg, the fourth antenna module 223 of FIG. 2A or 2B or the third antenna module 360 of FIG. 4A, 4B or 4C) disposed in the portion, the first An antenna module is disposed on a side surface of the first part, and the second antenna module is disposed within a side surface of the second part disposed in a first direction toward which the side surface of the first part faces, and the third antenna The module is disposed in another side of the first part disposed in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the fourth antenna module is disposed in another side of the second part disposed in the second direction can be

According to various embodiments, the first to fourth antenna elements included in the first antenna module, and the fifth to eighth antenna elements included in the second antenna module are spaced apart by half a wavelength, respectively. can be arranged as much as possible.

According to various embodiments, a switch (eg, the multi-switch 350 of FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, or 4C) for switching signal transmission/reception between the first antenna module and the second antenna module and the communication circuit ), and the processor may control the switch based on the folded state or the unfolded state.

According to various embodiments, the processor may control the switch to transmit the same signal to the first antenna module and the second antenna module in the folded state.

According to various embodiments, the switch may include a plurality of signal terminals (eg, FIGS. 4A, 4B or 4C) for controlling a transmission/reception signal between the communication circuit and the first antenna module and the second antenna module, respectively. signal terminals 411-1, 412-1, 413-1, 414-1, 421-1, 422-1, 423-1, and 424-1 of the processor, in the folded state, By shorting or opening the plurality of signal terminals, the switch may be controlled so that the same transmission/reception signal from the communication circuit is transmitted to the first antenna module and the second antenna module, respectively.

According to various embodiments, the first part further includes a third antenna module, the second part further includes a fourth antenna module, and the third antenna module and the fourth antenna module include: It may be configured to form a beam toward a rear surface of the electronic device, and the first antenna module and the second antenna module may be configured to form a beam toward a side surface of the electronic device.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor, in response to the confirmation of the folded state, inactivates the third antenna module and the fourth antenna module, and configures the first antenna module and the second antenna module. can be used to form the beam.

According to various embodiments, the first to fourth antenna elements included in the first antenna module and the fifth to eighth antenna elements included in the second antenna module may include a dipole antenna or a patch antenna thereto, respectively. It may correspond to a combined antenna.

According to various embodiments, a plurality of antenna elements included in each of the third antenna module and the fourth antenna module may correspond to a patch antenna.

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

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

Such programs (software modules, software) include random access memory, non-volatile memory including flash memory, read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM: electrically erasable programmable read only memory), magnetic disc storage device, compact disc ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVDs), or other types of It may be stored in an optical storage device or a magnetic cassette. Alternatively, it may be stored in a memory composed of a combination of some or all thereof. In addition, each configuration memory may be included in plurality.

In addition, the program is transmitted through a communication network consisting of a communication network such as the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide LAN (WLAN), or a storage area network (SAN), or a combination thereof. It may be stored on an attachable storage device that can be accessed. Such a storage device may be connected to a device implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure through an external port. In addition, a separate storage device on the communication network may be connected to the device implementing the embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, elements included in the disclosure are expressed in the singular or plural according to the specific embodiments presented. However, the singular or plural expression is appropriately selected for the situation presented for convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to the singular or plural component, and even if the component is expressed in plural, it is composed of the singular or singular. Even an expressed component may be composed of a plurality of components.

Meanwhile, although specific embodiments have been described in the detailed description of the present disclosure, various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments and should be defined by the claims described below as well as the claims and equivalents.

Claims

In an electronic device,

a housing comprising a first portion, a second portion and a third portion movable such that the second portion is foldable relative to the first portion ;

a first antenna module disposed on the first part;

disposed in the second part so that the second part of the housing is aligned on a parallel line with the first antenna module, respectively, in a folded state with respect to the first part using the third part a second antenna module;

a communication circuit electrically connected to the first antenna module and the second antenna module; and

at least one processor, the at least one processor comprising:

Check whether the second part is in an unfolded state or a folded state with respect to the first part of the third part,

When the second part is in the expanded state with respect to the first part, the first antenna module and the second antenna module are each independently controlled to form a beam, and

An electronic device configured to form a beam by controlling the first antenna module and the second antenna module as one antenna module when the second part is in the folded state with respect to the first part.
The method of claim 1,

The first antenna module includes first to fourth antenna elements,

The second antenna module includes fifth to eighth antenna elements.
3. The method of claim 2,

In the first antenna module and the second antenna module, when the second part is in the folded state with respect to the first part, the third element and the fourth element of the first antenna module are the second antennas. The electronic device is arranged to be aligned on the parallel lines so as to be adjacent to the fifth element and the sixth element of a module, respectively.
4. The method of claim 3,

The first antenna module and the second antenna module form a beam by overlapping the third element and the fifth element when the second part is in the folded state with respect to the first part, and the fourth element and an electronic device configured to form a beam by overlapping the sixth element.
5. The method of claim 4,

The first antenna module and the second antenna module include the first element, the second element, the third element and the fifth element when the second part is in the folded state with respect to the first part; an electronic device configured to selectively form six beams, respectively, such that the fourth element, the sixth element, the seventh element, and the eighth element operate as six antenna elements.
3. The method of claim 2,

In the first antenna module and the second antenna module, when the second part is in the folded state with respect to the first part, the first to fourth elements of the first antenna module are of the second antenna module. The electronic device is arranged to be aligned on the parallel lines so as not to be adjacent to the fifth to eighth elements.
7. The method of claim 6,

The first antenna module and the second antenna module, when the second portion is in the folded state with respect to the first portion, each of the eight beams so that the first to eighth elements operate as eight antenna elements. An electronic device set to form selectively.
3. The method of claim 2,

Further comprising a memory for storing a codebook corresponding to the folded state,

the at least one processor,

The electronic device further configured to load, from the memory, a codebook corresponding to the folded state, based on the confirmation of the folded state.
9. The method of claim 8,

the at least one processor,

An electronic device configured to form a beam through the first to fourth antenna elements and the fifth to eighth antenna elements based on the loaded codebook.
9. The method of claim 8,

the at least one processor,

Based on the loaded codebook, when the second part is in the folded state with respect to the first part, the first element, the second element, the third element and the fifth element, the fourth element and An electronic device configured to form six different beams such that the sixth element, the seventh element and the eighth element operate as six antenna elements.
9. The method of claim 8,

the at least one processor,

Based on the loaded codebook, when the second part is in the folded state with respect to the first part, eight different beams are transmitted through the first to fourth antenna elements and the fifth to eighth antenna elements. An electronic device set to form.
3. The method of claim 2,

Further comprising a third antenna module disposed on the first portion and a fourth antenna module disposed on the second portion,

The first antenna module,

disposed on the side of the first part,

The second antenna module,

disposed within a side surface of the second portion disposed in a first direction toward which the side surface of the first portion faces;

The third antenna module,

disposed within the other side of the first portion disposed in a second direction opposite to the first direction,

The fourth antenna module,

An electronic device disposed in another side surface of the second portion disposed in the second direction.
3. The method of claim 2,

The first to fourth antenna elements included in the first antenna module and the fifth to eighth antenna elements included in the second antenna module are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by half a wavelength.
3. The method of claim 2,

A switch for switching signal transmission/reception between the first antenna module and the second antenna module and the communication circuit,

The processor controls the switch based on the folded state or the unfolded state.
15. The method of claim 14,

The processor is

An electronic device for controlling the switch so that the same signal is transmitted to the first antenna module and the second antenna module in the folded state.
16. The method of claim 15,

The switch includes a plurality of signal terminals for respectively controlling transmission/reception signals between the communication circuit and the first antenna module and the second antenna module,

The processor, in the folded state, shorts or opens the plurality of signal terminals so that the same transmission/reception signal from the communication circuit is transmitted to the first antenna module and the second antenna module, respectively. An electronic device that controls a switch.
3. The method of claim 2,

The first part is

Further comprising a third antenna module,

The second part is

Further comprising a fourth antenna module,

The third antenna module and the fourth antenna module are configured to form a beam toward a rear surface of the electronic device,

The first antenna module and the second antenna module are configured to form a beam toward a side surface of the electronic device.
18. The method of claim 17,

the at least one processor,

in response to the confirmation of the folded state, deactivating the third antenna module and the fourth antenna module;

The electronic device is configured to form the beam using the first antenna module and the second antenna module.
a housing comprising a first portion, a second portion and a third portion movable such that the second portion is foldable relative to the first portion , a first antenna module disposed on the first part, and the second part of the housing using the third part, in a folded state with respect to the first part, align each on a parallel line with the first antenna module Installed in an electronic device including a second antenna module disposed on the second portion, a communication circuit electrically connected to the first antenna module and the second antenna module, and at least one processor so as to be aligned with the A method for controlling an antenna, comprising:

checking whether the second part is in an unfolded state or a folded state of the third part with respect to the first part; and

When the second part is in the unfolded state with respect to the first part, the first antenna module and the second antenna module are each independently controlled to form a beam, and the second part is formed with respect to the first part. and forming a beam by controlling the first antenna module and the second antenna module as one antenna module when in the folded state.
In an electronic device,

a housing comprising a first portion, a second portion and a third portion movable such that the second portion is foldable relative to the first portion ;

a first antenna module disposed on the first part;

disposed in the second part so that the second part of the housing is aligned on a parallel line with the first antenna module, respectively, in a folded state with respect to the first part using the third part a second antenna module;

a communication circuit electrically connected to the first antenna module and the second antenna module;

a switch for switching signal transmission/reception between the first antenna module and the second antenna module and the communication circuit; and

at least one processor, the at least one processor comprising:

Checking whether the second part is in an unfolded state or a folded state with respect to the first part,

When the second part is in the unfolded state with respect to the first part, separate transmission/reception signals are transmitted to the first antenna module and the second antenna module through the switch to form separate beams, and

When the second part is in the folded state with respect to the first part, the same signal is transmitted to the first antenna module and the second antenna module through the switch to the first antenna module and the second antenna module An electronic device configured to form a single beam.